Bad Blogger

There's been so much happening lately that I simply haven't had time to blog ... I'm sure you noticed. Sorry.

I'll try to catch you up right quick - in no particular order:

~ I'm still working on my lifestyle changes (see the ticker above?) Friend and I had a discussion and since we don't diet or exercise ("We don't jog, Christina."), yet we wanted to lose weight and just generally get in shape, we decided to make some lifestyle changes. Since I had previous success with Weight Watchers, I'm doing that again. I've also started walking for 10-15 minutes, twice a day. I'm anxious to move more, so I'm going to start taking a Zumba class. I'm down 14 pounds and one pants size!

~ The countdown I mentioned in my last post is still happening. Now I'm only 13 days away from .... seeing Eddie Izzard .... live .... in VEGAS BABY!!!!! I've been trying to go to Las Vegas for years. The closest I ever got was 8 years ago, but unfortunately, that trip ended in a fatal car accident outside of L.A. .... I never made it to Vegas.

When I found out Eddie would be performing there, I called my sis-in-law {Hi Carrie ::waving wildly::} and told her, we started crunching numbers to see if we could go. Unfortunately, I just couldn't pull it off. A couple of days later, Carrie informed me that this trip would be a gift from her and my brother! Is that not the awesomest thing ever!?!?!?! To say that they made me cry (at work, no less) is an understatement. We're also going to see O. I can't wait!!!!!

~ I've met someone! Yes, I've met a new man. We've been dating for a couple of months now. He's wonderful .... handsome .... smart .... great sense of humor .... kind and thoughtful .... and so much more. I'm so fortunate and thankful to have him in my life.

~ There's even been some knitting here at the House of Bling. I'm currently working on the newest shipment from the Socks that Rock Rockin Sock Club. And, I'm very sorry to say, there's only 1 more shipment this year ::pouting:: As is my habit, I'll get some pictures posted in the next few days.

So, as I continue counting down the days, I leave you with this:

45 Days & Counting ...

Any ideas?

Pause for Pix

I just want to share a couple of long overdue photos.

Here are the beautiful Solstice Slip socks from the STR Rockin' Sock Club.

And this is the lace on Soleil. I'm almost at the divide for the neckline. I was hoping to have this finished this weekend, but yesterday was DD#1's 16th birthday, so we were a little busy.

Ciao for now!

A Little Poem For You

I found this beautiful summer poem and thought it might help make your day. It did me, and it's very well written. ENJOY!

"Summer"

a poem by

Abigail Elizabeth McIntyre

Damn!

It's hot!

Quiet Schmiet

I know things have been kind of quiet here at the House of Bling. I've been working a fair amount of overtime (for which I don't get paid ... gotta love being exempt!), busy with the kids and just all around tired and worn out! By the time I get home most evenings, I just want to sleep. I don't even have the energy to pick up the knitting needles.

I had started WeightWatchers online a month ago and did pretty well the first couple of weeks (down 5 pounds!). I was even doing the stationary bike or treadmill a couple of times a week. But then I went on a trip to Michigan for a wedding and the whole eating right thing kinda fell to the wayside. That said, I didn't gain any of the 5 pounds back (yeah me!!!). But now I'm trying to get back on track.

I joined the local knitting guild and signed up for their upcoming Arans from the Top-Down workshop with Beth Brown Reinsel - I'm totally excited and hoping that this will help get the knitting mojo flowing again. This definitely fits right in with my desire to continue learning to techniques and stuff.

Last night I finished my Solstice Slip socks (the June installment of the Rockin' Sock Club). Today I finished a scarf that I had set aside MONTHS ago to work on socks. But it's done now and I'm proud of that. Can't wait for the weather to turn cold again so I can wear it ... Cashmerino Chunky ... yummmm!

I think I'm going to pick Soleil back up and get through it while I'm waiting on the August Rockin' Sock Club shipment. I'd REALLY like to get Soleil finished while it's still warm out so I can wear it, but we'll see.

I'll try to get some FO-tos up in the next couple of days. Until then ...