I have a blog?!

Wow! Almost eleven years later, I find the blog that I forgot I had!
My sweet husband gave me an iPad for Christmas (welcome to the tech age!) and somehow when I plugged it into my computer (or was it when I held it near my iPhone?) it synched with a whole bunch of internet bookmarks that I also forgot I had from who knows when (11 years ago?). In addition to websites that no longer exist, I found some blog entries that I wrote back in 2007, and miracle of miracles, since blogger is related to Google now, I was able to log and and voila! I am writing a blog entry.
I apologize if any of you have been waiting for 11 years with baited breath for my next blog entry.  It looks like I have a lot of work to do... In my introduction when I started this blog, I mentioned that I homeschool two boys. Well, those two boys are about to graduate from high school and now I also have a daughter in elementary school!
And what have my family and I been doing for the past 11 years? My husband and I have been raising two boys and a girl, we sold a karate school, I worked as an administrative assistant at a private school, we moved from Florida to North Carolina, I worked as a karate instructor at the international headquarters for a karate organization, I’ve been volunteering as a leader in Bible Study Fellowship, I volunteered as a Home Economics teacher in my kids’ high school, I’ve been working as a Computer teacher at my kids’ high school and more recently, I’ve been really missing the sun and warmth of Florida.  In between those activities, I’ve also been taking Korean language classes, I’ve knit miscellaneous winter wear and I’ve started collecting Algeria shoes.  There may be more, but those are the activities that come to mind just now...
There are many more subjects and activities on which I can expound, but I think I’ll save those and end my eleven year update here and see how long it takes before I get back here for another blog post...

To end the suspense...

I suppose I left a few cliffhangers at the end of my last blog. Well, we can all breathe a sigh of relief...

Update 1: Custom Mug Assignment... It's finished! So the new batch came out without cracks, but because of the different clay, the color was slightly lighter and they were more prone to warping (resulting in oval mugs). I was able to present the bride with 17 mugs - as ordered. And to make sure she knew I wasn't slouching on the job, I did tell her about the 13 that cracked and I gave her 8 other extra ones that were functional, but oval shaped...

Update 2: The Karate School... We spent all of Memorial Weekend painting (with my mom's help) and got new carpet the following Thursday. Then, June 1st, the first day of Hurricane Season, Tropical Storm Barry decided to test our roof at the retail space. Unfortunately, the roofers weren't thorough, so we awoke on Saturday when our neighbor called to tell us that water was leaking onto our new carpet! Not the way to start the day. But we are planning on starting classes in four days and we are praying that God sends the students! So we are going strong, but not stressed (yet!).

Update 3: Hurricane Sock Party... I got my package sent June 1 (barely) and I received mine too! I got a GREAT package (and I hope my partner feels like she did too!). I got a great peach colored sock made out of bamboo yarn! Not to mention a great yarn tote, CANDY, and some fun gadgets, knitting markers and a magazine (take a look at the pictures!). My kids confiscated the inflatable raft (missing from the photo!). I'm afraid to look through the magazine (I have too much going on right now to find more projects to knit!). But I'm really looking forward to it - I'm saving it for a rainy day - maybe even a hurricane!

So, for now, I'm writing paperwork for our karate school, reading Horatio Hornblower for fun fiction, knitting a Christmas stocking (a friend ordered 4), knitting a 2-piece outfit for my sister's Barbie and babysitting my mom's Pug while she is in Texas waiting for my sister to have a baby!
Nothing new here!

Double Aack!

So I am failing at blogging, but I feel like I have an excuse (or at least it seems that way).
I'm stressed! I am running out of time for my mug assignment - I thought I was almost finished. I was going to have 15 of 17 done last Sunday, but then the most bizarre thing happened... After a day or two of sitting on the shelf (after the final firing), all but 4 of them cracked! It started around the base and went up the side. I can't figure out what happened. In years of ceramics, I've never seen it! I'm hoping that it was a bad batch of clay. I have 21 more mugs made and drying, but even then, I'll JUST get them done by the deadline. Aack!!!
And then, this also happens to be the month when we were actively pursuing opening a karate school. So last month it was training for a black belt test and this month it's research and homework on retail leases, state and federal taxes, corporation vs. partnership, etc. Aack!!! And we did sign a lease for 3 years in a shopping plaza, so now we need to hurry and start classes so we can pay the bills! But before we can do that we have to put in carpet and paint and build an office and bring in furniture and so on...
And of course I need to get my Hurricane Sock Exchange package finalized. At least I finished the sock (after about 5 starts on the same one...). As best as I could figure out, my sock pal wanted a lace sock, so I picked out a pattern and my yarn store recommended a yarn. I started with a knit cast-on because I was told it was pretty elastic - and I knit a gauge. So I thought I was good to go. After several mishaps with the lace pattern, I started to see that the sock would be too tight. So I started again with a different cast-on (for more elasticity). That cast-on wasn't any better, so I started over again. I found a great cast-on on the web, but had to do that one twice because the first time was too loose. Finally I used the same cast-on with needles two sizes smaller and switched to a different lace pattern (I was hating the other one). So I finally got a sock with few or no (?) mistakes, but I have to say that I've lost faith in my yarn store lady. It was a variegated yarn that looks pretty neat on stockinette stitch, but to me it was pretty busy with a lace pattern. All the same, it's finished! I hope my sock pal does okay with it. If you're curious about the cast-on, you can find it here: elastic cast-on Google video. Just ignore that fact that they are speaking Spanish and watch how she does it. Like I said, I ended up using two needle sizes smaller, but I love it!
So, this week, before the June 1 deadline, I have a ridiculous amount of ceramic work to do, in addition to painting primer and color on 1750 sq. ft. of space for our karate school.
Oh, and my mom is coming for Memorial Weekend! But that's a good thing - she can help paint! :-) Then we'll go see Pirates of the Caribbean!
Till next!

Aack!

Okay, my theme for May is fast and furious. All of a sudden, with my black belt test behind me (I passed and broke all my boards!!!), I have several projects that are due by June 1!!! I finally was able to start on my Hurricane Sock Party sock, but can't devote all of my time to that because I have an order for 15 custom mega mugs for someone's wedding (June 3). So, when I'm not knitting or sleeping or homeschooling, I'm trying to throw clay on my wheel or fire glaze samples or put handles on mugs, etc. And it doesn't get easier if your kiln is acting temperamental. So, amid the end of the school year events, I'm reminding myself of how crazy I am to try to do it all! If only there weren't deadlines! :-) So, needless to say, I put several prayer requests in for my Bible study group. From now on (until the next fun thing comes along), my motto is, "Just say no!"

I'm back... and knitting

After some technical difficulties, I'm able to get back to blogging!
My hobby of the month seems to be knitting - probably in preparation for the Hurricane Sock Party exchange. I am trying to finish off a winter set (hat, scarf and mittens) for myself (which I started last winter), but now that it's warmed up, I have time to put it off. :-) I've started a pair of socks for myself (my first) after having successfully knitted a few pairs of baby socks (I hope the receivers enjoy them!). But all this comes at a time when I should be doing other things - like studying for my black belt test in 8 days! I'm taking the plunge and testing for my second degree black belt with the World Tang Soo Do Association, so I can then open a studio in our area - God willing! We're constantly praying for God's direction - we know we don't have a chance of success without his guidance and blessing. Praise God for his faithfulness! Until next, Happy Hobbies!

Questionnaire for HURRICANE SOCK PARTY 2007

1. Repeat after me "no hurricanes, no hurricanes, no hurricanes" . Okay we just had to get that one out of the way first. We needed to created a bit of "good weather karma"! GRIN
No hurricanes, no hurricanes, no hurricanes!!!
2. If your pet(s) wrote a paragraph about you to describe you to us what would they say?
She's a control freak (or maybe it's just penny pinching) - but I don't understand why won't she give me more food if my bowl isn't empty. It's a misconception that dogs will eat anything. I leave the green pieces 'cause I don't like the green pieces! And when I take those green ones out and leave them around the house, they end up back in my bowl! But I suppose she does love me - she knitted me that sweater after I had to get all of my hair shaved off
3. What is your favorite hurricane supplies snack?
Anything that stays good in the pantry - especially candy! Jelly Bellys are great because you can get a balanced meal without eating anything else! But you do need some salt to balance out a Jelly Belly meal, so serve Pringles as a side dish. And just to make sure you get some grains, Ritz Bitz Smores sandwiches work well for dessert. Now if you want an alternative to the Jelly belly diet, beef jerky (no msg) and dried fruit make great snacks as well!
4. Do sock patterns normally fit you "as written" or do you usually modify them for size in any way?
I don't know. I've never knitted a pair of socks for myself.
4a. What are your foot measurements, not just shoe size?
Shoe size: 9 1/2 in women's; Length of foot from heel to toe: 10 inches; Around the ball of the foot: 9 1/2 inches - Anything else?
5. What one city abroad would you visit and why if money was no object?
Hmmm... Just one city? How about an area? Nova Scotia/Prince Edward Island - because I read Anne of Green Gables.
6. Do you wear socks all year round or just during the winter? Do you prefer them tall or short or regular height?
I generally wear socks during the winter, but my feet get cold easily, so I do wear them in the summer if the a/c makes my toes numb. I think I generally like decorative/fun socks to be tall rather than short (short ones - under the ankle - are good for wearing with tennis shoes).
7. The last time the power was out during hurricane season (or bad weather of any kind) did you knit by lantern or were you lucky enough to knit to the humm of a generator? Or did you knit at all?
I didn't have any knitting projects going during the last hurricane (and we didn't lose power - praise God!).
8. Make a wish for your favorite sock yarn that you've already used once. What would it be? ? Dont be shy about listing an exact colorway or two if you'd like.
I'm just starting to experiment with new yarns, but I think the bamboo yarn from Berroco looks NICE (maybe in a tan/cream color?) and the Cascade Fixation yarns look really comfy (but not in super-girly colors).
9. What is it about sock knitting that keeps you wanting to knit more and more socks?
They're quick, you get a sense of accomplishment, they fit in a small bag and baby socks are SOOOO cute!
10. Make a wish for a sock yarn that you are dying to try but haven't bought for yourself yet.
I don't know enough about all of the yarn options - but I suppose it would come from hoighty toighty (is that how you spell it) yarn store as opposed to a discount craft store. :-)
11. What size needles do you knit socks for YOURSELF with the most? Are they circular or bamboo needles? What brand?
I'm starting on a pair of socks with a set of Brittany size 3 double pointed needles "made in Northern California of sustainably harvested domestic birch hardwood" (with a 5 year replacement guarantee!).
12. If you could only take 3 yarn related books and one previously knitted project that you love with you when you evacuated what would they be?
I'd grab World of Knitted Toys by Kath Dalmeny, Easy Knitted Accessories by Jeanette Trotman and Knits for Barbie Doll by Nicky Epstein (since I promised my sister I'd make some clothes for her Barbies). I can't think of any previous projects that I'm dying to make again...
13. What knitting notion do you wish you had that you just keep putting off getting for yourself?
I would like to get some kind of organizational tote that's not too big that has pockets and zippers for all kinds of tools and yarn, and if I can stand it up next to my recliner, even better! I haven't really had a chance to shop around for one...
14. What is your favorite tv show?
Survivor
15. Do you want a lacey sock or a "solid fabric" sock from your hurricane partner?
I think I'd prefer a solid fabric sock.
16. It's midnight and the power has been off for two days, its hot, and you have a craving for something sweet! What would it be?
See #3. And those Bunny Basket Eggs that Brach's makes for Easter are awesome! Oh, and how could I forget cherry sour balls?!!! And if you dabble in the chocolate category, Cadbury Fruit and Nut bars and Dove milk chocolates are great! But chocolate melts. :-(
17. Tell us a story about any of your hurricane weather related experiences.
My family was living in Boynton Beach (Palm Beach County) when Hurricane Andrew hit Homestead. I was in Indiana at college on a camping weekend and didn't even know there was a major hurricane on the edge of Florida. One of the workers at the camp happened to mention that there was a hurricane that was going to hit Florida and I about fell over. I had to drive to a convenient store to get to a pay phone to call home to see what was going on. My mom was nonchalantly filling the bathtub with water and commented, "Yeah, I was at the store and someone mentioned that there was a hurricane, so I picked up a few more batteries and some canned food." She's lived in Florida a while.
18. What was the one thing you wish you had remembered to get last year for hurricane supplies that you swore you wouldn't forget this year?
I forgot.
19. What color sock would you like to recieve from your sock partner?
No real preference, but no super-girly or super-bright colors (pink, lavendar, turquoise, etc.). I like subtle and/or neutral colors.
I guess that's it - I hope you've enjoyed reading! Happy knitting! Carole