So I went to this yarn store yesterday, which I will not name, and it was one of THOSE places. I was stalked by a women who had her arms crossed (an employee). It was not a big place. At all. I guess I looked shady. I don't know. There were other customers in the store. I was not greeted, just watched. Closely. And really, this women, who was not the owner, didn't really stop watching me until other customers drew her attention away. I hate when I go into places like that. I fully understand that there are people who steal things. I get that. But giving people the benefit of the doubt seems to have gotten lost in the 50's.
Anyway, given that I was stalked, would that fact alone make me not go back? No, probably not. The reason I will probably not go back is because of the yarn selection. Granted, there was Encore, and Noro, which you can get at just about any yarn store, but most of the yarn there was ribbon yarn. To each their own, but I'm probably not going to shop in a yarn store that has mostly novelty yarns. They did have some sock yarn that was dyed by a local women, and I bought a hank of that. I also got some of those diaper pin type stitch markers, and a couple of small project bags(also made by the local woman-nice fabric ones, very inexpensive).
But unless I need something that I had only seen there, I don't think I'll be going back.
The experience I had at this store made me think of the local yarn stores in this area, and which ones really stand out to me. The yarn store closest to me(about 5 min drive) is nothing special, but a good place to buy sock yarn, as that seems to be what she is most interested in. They also have the usual felting yarns, and if I didn't feel like going far, and needed Lamb's Pride, or Galway, or Encore, I would go pick some up there.
There is another store about 10-15 minutes from me, in West Reading, that I enjoy for their sale rooms. If I'm on a budget, I'll go there. The majority of the yarn I liked there seemed to be 100% wool. Lovely-but hand wash only, and therfore not a preferred yarn(by me).
However, my favorite yarn shop is about 25 minutes from me, and they have a wide range of diffrent yarns. The usual Lamb's Pride and Encore, and stuff, but also the yarns that I prefer that I haven't seen locally. Like Cascade 220 ( regular AND superwash), a bunch of diffrent Berroco yarns, Lopi, etc. And the best thing about this shop is that she just started a frequent buyer program where you earn points to have a certain percent off a future purchase. Now, a yarn store that does that AND has a lot of good yarns is one I'm going the visit often.
I guess it comes down to individual taste at the end of the day. What do YOU look for in a yarn shop? I must say that when I'm stalked, I don't feel like I've enjoyed my yarn shop experience. I don't feel like I've been allowed to peruse at my leisure. I feel pressured. Like I have to buy something to prove I didn't steal anything. When I rang out, I made a point of saying I didn't need the tissue paper at the bottom of the bags, and made a show of pulling it all out to prove that I wasn't hiding anything in the bag. I shouldn't have to feel like that.
So that was my yesterday. Today I'm up to my ass with the Christmas knitting. I have 3 and 1/2 dishcloths to go!! I've made a deal with myself that if I finish the one I'm working on, I can work on fetching for 2 hours. And then I won't start the December cloths until it actually IS December. A short break from them will be nice. Plus, I have a hat to finish, and a pair of socks that are barely started. And that's only the knitting-I haven't even started my Christmas shopping yet. Sigh......where does the time go?
Happy Knitting!!!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Mom's Socks
I don't think I had posted these. I have had them finished for some time....but I just hadn't posted them. The stripe on the left foot matches the stripe on the bottom of the right foot. Go figure.
So life has been good-just busy. New job and all....training. Yeah. But it's good.
And the Christmas knitting. Oh my word, the Christmas knitting! 6 and a half dishcloths to go!! And I'm more then half donr my brother's hat. Then it will be a mad dash with Mom's socks. If I can go into December with only 3 dishcloths and the socks to finish, I'll be grinnin'.
Meanwhile, I had a baby shower to go to today(hopefully the last for a while-us non-breeders get really tired of these things.). I didn't want to take any of the Christmas gifts, so I started Fetching in Jasper. My first experience in cables, and I chose a project that is knit in the round. Clearly I have issues. But I must say they are looking good. I love love love the yarn-it is so yummy!! And really-the patterns is not hard.
But I'm home now, so it's back to dishcloths until Thanksgiving day, when I'll be back to working on the wrist warmers. I'll need them-well, I was going to say soon, but it's more like now. When we arrived home today, it was snowing and there was a dusting already on the ground.
Anywho-this is not getting the dishcloths done. Better go!
Happy Knitting!!!
So life has been good-just busy. New job and all....training. Yeah. But it's good.
And the Christmas knitting. Oh my word, the Christmas knitting! 6 and a half dishcloths to go!! And I'm more then half donr my brother's hat. Then it will be a mad dash with Mom's socks. If I can go into December with only 3 dishcloths and the socks to finish, I'll be grinnin'.
Meanwhile, I had a baby shower to go to today(hopefully the last for a while-us non-breeders get really tired of these things.). I didn't want to take any of the Christmas gifts, so I started Fetching in Jasper. My first experience in cables, and I chose a project that is knit in the round. Clearly I have issues. But I must say they are looking good. I love love love the yarn-it is so yummy!! And really-the patterns is not hard.
But I'm home now, so it's back to dishcloths until Thanksgiving day, when I'll be back to working on the wrist warmers. I'll need them-well, I was going to say soon, but it's more like now. When we arrived home today, it was snowing and there was a dusting already on the ground.
Anywho-this is not getting the dishcloths done. Better go!
Happy Knitting!!!
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Yup......
So, I thought I would have loads to say, and maybe I do-but my mind has gone blank. I feel sad today. It was the end of something I hadn't realized I cared so much about. I don't often form attachments-one of those survival things I guess. Everything changes-it's the only thing you can count on. And this time in my life seems to once again prove that. So forming attachments means being sad at some point. And now is that point. I am sad.
I really, really thought I would be ok. I had only worked there a year and a half. And this morning was ok-got some ballons, a card, and a gift, had baked goods(made especially for me!), lunch was bought for me.......it was awesome. And somewhere in the middle of it I realized that not only did these people truly care about me, but I care very much about them, and not seeing them everyday was going to break my heart. And I got sad. And I am still sad. The only thing preventing me from have an actual breakdown is the knowledge that after next Friday-that entire situation will not exist. After the merger-everyone will scatter. Everyone. I was just one of the first to go. Next week, everyone goes.
It sooths my heart to know that. It makes me a little less sad. I didn't leave them-I didn't have a choice. No one did. And at the end of the day, they are happy for me. The balloons didn't say 'We'll Miss you" or "Good Luck". No-my friends got me balloons that say "Congratulations". They are excited for me, and that makes me appriciate them even more.
I already miss them.
I really, really thought I would be ok. I had only worked there a year and a half. And this morning was ok-got some ballons, a card, and a gift, had baked goods(made especially for me!), lunch was bought for me.......it was awesome. And somewhere in the middle of it I realized that not only did these people truly care about me, but I care very much about them, and not seeing them everyday was going to break my heart. And I got sad. And I am still sad. The only thing preventing me from have an actual breakdown is the knowledge that after next Friday-that entire situation will not exist. After the merger-everyone will scatter. Everyone. I was just one of the first to go. Next week, everyone goes.
It sooths my heart to know that. It makes me a little less sad. I didn't leave them-I didn't have a choice. No one did. And at the end of the day, they are happy for me. The balloons didn't say 'We'll Miss you" or "Good Luck". No-my friends got me balloons that say "Congratulations". They are excited for me, and that makes me appriciate them even more.
I already miss them.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Another SP Pkg!
It arrived yesterday when I was away. Thanks Secret Pal! Can't wait to break out that journal-Yay!! And how cute is the picture on the front of the card?? Love it!!
I have been away all weekend, and I have loads of stuff to catch up on. And I need to work on a dishcloth tonight. After this one-only ten more to go!!!!
Happy Knitting!!
I have been away all weekend, and I have loads of stuff to catch up on. And I need to work on a dishcloth tonight. After this one-only ten more to go!!!!
Happy Knitting!!
Mystery Theme Swap
I got my Mystery Theme Swap package from my partner Judith on Thursday. The theme she choose for me was 'Moose'. So thanks, Judith-The package is lovely!
If they ever have another swap like this-I think I'd do it again-it was really fun!!
If they ever have another swap like this-I think I'd do it again-it was really fun!!
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Change
I know this is more of an end-of-year topic, but my birthday is on Thursday, and every year around the time of my birthday, I reflect back. What has happened in the last year that may have changed who I am, or where my place is in this world? For too many years, I was in the same place as I had been the year before. And the last time I felt this way-I was determined that the next year would be diffrent. And it was. I was in a bad situation at work that I allowed to rule my life. I had a boss that manipulated me, and my job ruled who I was. Over the course of six years, I had turned into someone I am still trying to shake off. I was/am leery of people, and what they want from me. What are they planning for me behind my back? What is being said when I leave the room? How can I counter-attack when they make their move?
I never let anyone get close to me. I have problems trusting that people's intentions are true and honest. And I care only for myself too much of the time.
These are things that I had to develop in order to survive my everyday life. But a year and a half ago, the very simplest, stupidest thing became the straw that broke the camel's back.
They wanted me to wear a uniform to work.
That's what made me change my life. Clothes. The day I found out that we would be put into uniforms, I made a comment to a life-long friend, and my life was changed forever. I inquired as to a position where her sister worked. There were positions available, and I got one, and I left that place forever. When I found out in May that my job may be 'impacted', my biggest fear was that I would end up back at the place I had just left. I know that they would take me back, and I didn't burn the bridge when I left. But my fear of never breaking out of the survival-mode I am still stightly stuck in is intense. I don't want to go back there. Ever.
But I'm getting ahead of myself.
Last year on my birthday, I took the day off and treated myself to a mini shopping spree. YAY! And at the time, I was in hardcore weight loss mode. I was at a crucial time with the losing. I was at a weight that I had reached before, but hadn't been able to go below. This was the weight I always reached just before I quit. But last year-I didn't quit. I continued to lose. And that is probably the first indication that this year-my 28th-would be different.
So New Year's came along. And I'm not big on the whole resolution thing-but I had a goal. Around the holidays-I started feeling lonely. I was feeling good, and my energy was up. I wanted to go places, but had nowhere to go. So I decided that my goal of 2007 was going to be to find a hobby. Not just any hobby-but one that got me out of the house at least once a week, and had people my age, and something that I just loved to death. What would it be, I wondered. Weeks I thought about what I enjoy doing. Cards? Sure-but in this area, I'd be the youngest by at least 50 years. No, I thought, not cards. What else do I like doing. Crochet? Yeah, that's ok, but I've done alot of blankets, and I cannot find anything else I want to crochet.
And then one night-I still remember that exact moment-I was outside with the dog, still pondering, and it just popped into my head.
Knitting!
Of course. I had enjoyed it, and I know there is an SnB in Lancaster. Yes! I hurried inside and pulled out the sweater in progress that had been hiding in the back of my closet. My needles started clicking away that night, and haven't stopped since!
I started attending SnB, and made great friends-some of them have become close friends.
But most important-I had finally found my thing. I love knitting. I truly do. Right now, as I type this, I'm thinking I'd rather be knitting!
So I had found it, and life was going great. And then May happened. And we knew we had to wait until August to find out any news. I'm sure you're thinking that it had to be a long summer waiting, and maybe you're right. For my co-workers. For myself, I have a back burner that I can tune out. Ididn't worry at all. In fact-I didn't even think about it unless someone else brought it up. I just put the whole thing to the back of my mind, and didn't worry. Why worry? It wasn't going to change anything. It wasn't going to make August come any faster. We had to wait. That's all there is to it.
And then August arrived. And the worrying did start. And so did the rumors. And then it was August 16th, The Day. And I got my blue folder, just like everyone else in the building. And now the REAL worrying began. What if I couldn't find anything and I had to go back to my old job? I knew they would take me back. I knew that that place was my back-up, and it scared the crap out of me. but somewhere around the beginning of September it occured to me that I didn't have to go back. There are jobs out there, and I am a good worker and an honest person. I would find something. And I did.
But it wasn't what I wanted. It wasn't my old job, and that was good, but going back to my old job had become an impossibility in my mind by then, so I had moved on to what I wanted. The new job was farther from home, for the same amount of money, and would probably only last a year or two. So I found another job. I start in a week and a half, and it's closer to home, and more money. The people seem nice, and it's a big company that is expanding the facility. It seems as secure as it can in today's economy. I worry that my boss might be an a-hole, but it's too early judge, and his office is on a diffrent floor. Worring about it seems premature at this point. I'm going to hope for the best. Afterall, you can't tell alot about a person from just being around them for one hour.
So this catches us up. Yesterday, I won some money on a radio station. And I am very grateful because Christmas is coming in less then two months, AND I have to buy a new wardrobe for the new job. So the money is very much needed.
Call it my survival-mode thing, but now I'm in worry mode. Things are going very well, but what bad thing is around the corner? Is something bad going to happen to even out the good stuff coming my way? Paranoid? Yeah-a little. :)
So that's been my year of change. This past year has brought more change in my life then any I can recall.
Ahhh......forgot to touch on the personal life thing. I am still alone. And I cannot for the life of me figure out why. I used to think it was because I was fat. Guys don't like fat girls. But I've lost weight, and still no guy. Am I giving off vibes? Like stay-away-from-me vibes?? And where in the hell do you meet guys??? This seems to be my biggest hurdle. I don't meet guys. All my friends are married and don't have single guy friends. What's up with that?? I have got to get better friends! (Just kidding!) This is the one area in my life that has not changed. And I don't know how to change it. I swear-sometime at the bookstore, I'm gonna just walk up to someone and start a conversation or something. First checking for a ring, of course. The guys my age are ususally married. Honestly.
What will the next year bring? Who knows. Life is finally getting interesting though, and that's always a good thing!
I think my biggest worry is that next year, when I turn 30, I will still be alone. My greatest wish is to find.....not just a boyfriend, but a best friend that I am in love with and can share my life with. I want to be happy, and to a point, I am, but being in love would make me even happier.
Disclaimer:I will not settle. Never ever. It's got to be the right guy, or no dice. For real.
Ok-I'm going to go knit now. I hope you enjoyed my reflective mood and my bad spelling. Life is too short to look up every word. :)
Happy Knitting!
I never let anyone get close to me. I have problems trusting that people's intentions are true and honest. And I care only for myself too much of the time.
These are things that I had to develop in order to survive my everyday life. But a year and a half ago, the very simplest, stupidest thing became the straw that broke the camel's back.
They wanted me to wear a uniform to work.
That's what made me change my life. Clothes. The day I found out that we would be put into uniforms, I made a comment to a life-long friend, and my life was changed forever. I inquired as to a position where her sister worked. There were positions available, and I got one, and I left that place forever. When I found out in May that my job may be 'impacted', my biggest fear was that I would end up back at the place I had just left. I know that they would take me back, and I didn't burn the bridge when I left. But my fear of never breaking out of the survival-mode I am still stightly stuck in is intense. I don't want to go back there. Ever.
But I'm getting ahead of myself.
Last year on my birthday, I took the day off and treated myself to a mini shopping spree. YAY! And at the time, I was in hardcore weight loss mode. I was at a crucial time with the losing. I was at a weight that I had reached before, but hadn't been able to go below. This was the weight I always reached just before I quit. But last year-I didn't quit. I continued to lose. And that is probably the first indication that this year-my 28th-would be different.
So New Year's came along. And I'm not big on the whole resolution thing-but I had a goal. Around the holidays-I started feeling lonely. I was feeling good, and my energy was up. I wanted to go places, but had nowhere to go. So I decided that my goal of 2007 was going to be to find a hobby. Not just any hobby-but one that got me out of the house at least once a week, and had people my age, and something that I just loved to death. What would it be, I wondered. Weeks I thought about what I enjoy doing. Cards? Sure-but in this area, I'd be the youngest by at least 50 years. No, I thought, not cards. What else do I like doing. Crochet? Yeah, that's ok, but I've done alot of blankets, and I cannot find anything else I want to crochet.
And then one night-I still remember that exact moment-I was outside with the dog, still pondering, and it just popped into my head.
Knitting!
Of course. I had enjoyed it, and I know there is an SnB in Lancaster. Yes! I hurried inside and pulled out the sweater in progress that had been hiding in the back of my closet. My needles started clicking away that night, and haven't stopped since!
I started attending SnB, and made great friends-some of them have become close friends.
But most important-I had finally found my thing. I love knitting. I truly do. Right now, as I type this, I'm thinking I'd rather be knitting!
So I had found it, and life was going great. And then May happened. And we knew we had to wait until August to find out any news. I'm sure you're thinking that it had to be a long summer waiting, and maybe you're right. For my co-workers. For myself, I have a back burner that I can tune out. Ididn't worry at all. In fact-I didn't even think about it unless someone else brought it up. I just put the whole thing to the back of my mind, and didn't worry. Why worry? It wasn't going to change anything. It wasn't going to make August come any faster. We had to wait. That's all there is to it.
And then August arrived. And the worrying did start. And so did the rumors. And then it was August 16th, The Day. And I got my blue folder, just like everyone else in the building. And now the REAL worrying began. What if I couldn't find anything and I had to go back to my old job? I knew they would take me back. I knew that that place was my back-up, and it scared the crap out of me. but somewhere around the beginning of September it occured to me that I didn't have to go back. There are jobs out there, and I am a good worker and an honest person. I would find something. And I did.
But it wasn't what I wanted. It wasn't my old job, and that was good, but going back to my old job had become an impossibility in my mind by then, so I had moved on to what I wanted. The new job was farther from home, for the same amount of money, and would probably only last a year or two. So I found another job. I start in a week and a half, and it's closer to home, and more money. The people seem nice, and it's a big company that is expanding the facility. It seems as secure as it can in today's economy. I worry that my boss might be an a-hole, but it's too early judge, and his office is on a diffrent floor. Worring about it seems premature at this point. I'm going to hope for the best. Afterall, you can't tell alot about a person from just being around them for one hour.
So this catches us up. Yesterday, I won some money on a radio station. And I am very grateful because Christmas is coming in less then two months, AND I have to buy a new wardrobe for the new job. So the money is very much needed.
Call it my survival-mode thing, but now I'm in worry mode. Things are going very well, but what bad thing is around the corner? Is something bad going to happen to even out the good stuff coming my way? Paranoid? Yeah-a little. :)
So that's been my year of change. This past year has brought more change in my life then any I can recall.
Ahhh......forgot to touch on the personal life thing. I am still alone. And I cannot for the life of me figure out why. I used to think it was because I was fat. Guys don't like fat girls. But I've lost weight, and still no guy. Am I giving off vibes? Like stay-away-from-me vibes?? And where in the hell do you meet guys??? This seems to be my biggest hurdle. I don't meet guys. All my friends are married and don't have single guy friends. What's up with that?? I have got to get better friends! (Just kidding!) This is the one area in my life that has not changed. And I don't know how to change it. I swear-sometime at the bookstore, I'm gonna just walk up to someone and start a conversation or something. First checking for a ring, of course. The guys my age are ususally married. Honestly.
What will the next year bring? Who knows. Life is finally getting interesting though, and that's always a good thing!
I think my biggest worry is that next year, when I turn 30, I will still be alone. My greatest wish is to find.....not just a boyfriend, but a best friend that I am in love with and can share my life with. I want to be happy, and to a point, I am, but being in love would make me even happier.
Disclaimer:I will not settle. Never ever. It's got to be the right guy, or no dice. For real.
Ok-I'm going to go knit now. I hope you enjoyed my reflective mood and my bad spelling. Life is too short to look up every word. :)
Happy Knitting!
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Yay!!
Wooo Hooo!!! This package from my secret pal arrived yesterday!! It's awesome-Thank You Secret Pal!!!! The red thing is a slap braclet-now this had me giggling for a good five minutes as I slapped it on my wrist again and again! Good times! Thanks again, secret pal!!! (I sent you an email-did you get it??)
So I'm spending my weekend relaxing and dishcloth knitting. And also there is a Scooby-Doo movie marathon on today. I'm all over that!
I have a thing tomorrow, so I just want to take it easy today, and enjoy my time. I hope everything in my life will be settled soon. I'll be a lot less stressed out when I know my future plans.
But for now-I'm gonna chill out with Scooby and some cotton yarn(which dries my hands out :( )
Happy Knitting!!
So I'm spending my weekend relaxing and dishcloth knitting. And also there is a Scooby-Doo movie marathon on today. I'm all over that!
I have a thing tomorrow, so I just want to take it easy today, and enjoy my time. I hope everything in my life will be settled soon. I'll be a lot less stressed out when I know my future plans.
But for now-I'm gonna chill out with Scooby and some cotton yarn(which dries my hands out :( )
Happy Knitting!!
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