Long and Deep

I know it's been a while ... a LOOOONNNNGGGG while ... but I'm here. So much has happened since I stopped blogging. I've just needed some time to get my head around it all. I guess you could say I'm ready for re-entry into the atmosphere.

I'll try to give you the Readers Digest Abridged Version of happenings and goings on here at the House of Bling since I last chatted with you in ... OMG ... April!! I know ... bad, bad blogger!

I had my surgery on May 21st and everything went BEAUTIFULLY. The relief from pain, numbness, muscle spasms and tingling fingers was almost immediate. I've been healing well and life is good again ... physically.

I was out of work on medical leave for 2 and a half weeks. Approximately three and a half hours after my return to work, I was fired. Dude - my coffee hadn't even gotten cold yet. But you know what ... it was truly a blessing. I'd been quite unhappy ... okay, flat-out miserable at my job for quite some time (a year). Because I had no sick time left and hadn't accrued any vacation time, I couldn't even interview for a new job anywhere. Simply put, I was trapped and had no options. I felt like I couldn't make any changes or move, so the good Lord moved me. As Friend's mother said, "Sometimes when we feel like we can't move, the Lord kicks us in the ass and moves us."

Upon my arrival at home on that life-changing day, I had such a sense of relief and peace. It was amazing.

I was able to spend the summer at home with my girls. I've continued looking for a full-time job, but it just isn't happening. I'm submitting 2-5 resumes each week and barely getting calls for interviews. The problem? I'm over qualified. Companies are looking for entry-level admins (a.k.a. secretaries) and are only willing to pay entry-level salaries/wages. I'm far from entry-level. I've been an executive level admin for over 20 years. Companies want my skills and experience ... they just don't want to pay for it. I even applied for a part-time position two weeks ago. I even got an interview for said position. But in the end, they offered it to someone else. I'm even ready and willing to take a paycut for a position with benefits. In fact, I interviewed for one a few weeks ago that would have been an almost $10k paycut. They offered it to someone else because they couldn't believe I wouldn't have continued looking for higher-paying opportunity elsewhere. I can understand their concern. But at this point, I didn't consider what they were offering as a negative. Quite the opposite - it was an opportunity.

Believe it or not, I'm not stressed about this. The Lord has always provided for me and I know He'll see me through this. I have some money coming in ... I'm doing some work for an attorney and I'm working my Mary Kay business. Up until now I've just been doing the Mary Kay on a part-time, almost hobby level. But, I've been doing alot of praying about this and I know I need to work my MK biz as if it's my full-time job. It's the only thing I've got going right now and I need to make it work.

This means I have to give it serious time instead of just chatting about it or mentioning it to people in passing. Last weekend I worked a couple of events (the Dog Day Festival and the State Fair) for the sole purpose of getting leads to grow my business. Starting Monday, I'll be on the phone booking those leads as facials and/or classes.

My kids, especially DD#3, love me being here when they get off the school bus every day. And I love it too. This is also giving me the chance to volunteer at each of their schools, read to DD#3's class once a month, and even go read to Niece#2's class as a Mystery Reader once a month (my 1st time reading to her class is coming up in a couple of weeks ... I'm really excited about it and can't wait to see her precious little face when I walk into her class!). I couldn't do any of these things when I was working outside the home.

After my surgery, it took some time for my knitting mojo to return. I think a combination of the change in my knitting tension/gauge and the pain I was in before surgery took its toll on me. Knitting became a bit of a struggle and I wasn't feeling the knitting goddess's love. After losing my job, depression added to it so I still wasn't knitting much. In August I went on a road trip with my mom, my uncle, his 6 yo son and DD#3 to visit family in Decatur, Alabama. I started feeling the knitterly love on that trip. I'm sure the mini yarn crawl with my mom and finishing a pair of socks helped! Since then, I've almost completed a 2nd pair of socks (I'm on the toe decreases of sock #2) and picked Thermal back up.

On many levels (job, knitting, finances in general, spiritually, relationship-wise), the last few months have been a time of major evaluation and contemplation for me. In less than six months time, I've had some pretty major changes:

• I've finally resolved physical problems (my neck) that I've been dealing with for 9 years
• I left a job that was killing me (physically and emotionally)
• I ended a 10-month relationship that should have ended 8 months earlier
• I've grown still and quiet so I can hear God's voice and grow closer to Him
• I've learned to trust the little voice inside, which I now know to be God's voice
• I've re-evaluated my financial needs and desires
• I'm letting go of material possessions that have been weighing me down and creating chaos in my life, my head and my heart (no, this does not include yarn ... sorry!)

I'm on a new path. I have no idea where it's leading, but I know it's not about the destination ... it's about the journey. I'm not the same person I was 6 months ago. My priorities have changed. My passion and desires have changed. These changes are not the result of one moment or an epiphany, but about all the moments.

I can't wait to see where this journey takes me ...

Psst ...

I'm here but like most of my favorite TV shows, on hiatus for a little.

I'll be back ... promise.

Hello ... is this thing on?

I'm here ... I'm there ... I'm everywhere. Or at least it feels that way sometimes.

Much has been happening at the Casa de Bling. Again, in no particular order, I'll try to get you up to speed.

~ My lifestyle changes continue. I'm down a total of 20 pounds. When I started this venture, I was wearing a size 14 pants and they were getting too tight. Today, I'm wearing an 8!!!! I'm so proud of myself. I'm not fanatical about what I eat ... I eat what I want and what I like. I'm just careful. I've stopped drinking a latte every morning for breakfast. I've also cut WAY BACK on my McD's Large Sweet Tea consumption (I was drinking 1 or 2 of those each day - Yikes!). Because of scheduling issues, I haven't made it it a Zumba class yet, but I still want to go. I'm hoping to get into that after the 1st of the year.

~ My sis-in-law and I went to Vegas last month. All I can say is .... WOW!!!!! We had such a good time. For one thing, it was the 1st time she and I have gone anywhere just the two of us. We really enjoyed traveling together and spending time with each other. I promise another post soon with details about what we did and what we saw ... well ... as many details as I can share. It was Vegas ... and what happens in Vegas ... well, you know the rest.

~ I've been knitting. I have 3 WIPs on the needles right now: the Lenore Socks and 2 scarves. I know you aren't going to believe this, but ... there are no SSCPs this year! I hear the collective gasp. I know ... how can I not be a slave to the SSCP deadline? I've got to tell you, it's kind of a relief.

I know this is a short post and it's been so long since I've posted, but I've got to get back to getting ready for the holidays. Christmas is, after all, less than a week away. And even without SSCP knitting, there's still lots to do!

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:

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 ...

I got nothing ...

... so I give you PONG! Enjoy!

Hello?

I'm still here ...

Busy at work ...

Busy with the kids ...

Knitting when I can ...

Blogging even less ...

Will write more soon.

April 30th

Quick Post

I didn't manage to post over the weekened due to this:



DD#1 had a very special dance to attend ... prom! The day started bright and early ... she had a hair appointment at 8am and the day didn't end until 4am since the kids went to the after-prom party. They had a great time!

Here are a few Rockin Sock Club photos - completely loving this yarn and pattern:

Not MIA ... not really

It's been an odd couple of weeks here at the Casa de Bling. I've wanted to do nothing more than knit, yet when I sit down, I don't wan't to knit ::gasp:: I'm not sure what's up with this little funk, but it had better pass quickly.

I'm still in recovery mode ... I had to take DD#1 to the emergency room Thursday after work. She was hyperventilating and had a very rapid heart beat and we weren't sure what was going on. Long story short, after an overnight stay here (CJW Hospital) and numerous tests,
they still couldn't determine what had happened or why or if it would happen again. Ugh! I'm going to be on the phone over the next few days with the pediatrician and another neurologist to try to get to the bottom of it all.

DD#1 is fine now, but what a lengthy, exhausting experience it was for everyone.

I did actually pick the knitting up while at the hospital - 28 hours of sitting in a hospital room, waiting and worrying will do that to you. In fact, I have 2 FOs to show for it. I'll try to get photos of those and some that I owe you for other items I've been working on posted in the next day or so.

The Happenings

I can't believe it's been over a week since my last post. There has been much happening ...

The knitting of the socks:

These are the STR Rockin Sock Club "Inside Out" socks in the Monsoon colorway ... still lovin 'em. This pattern has had numerous 1sts for me ... 1st sock of the '07 Rockin Sock Club (okay sorry, that one was SO obvious), 1st toe-up, 1st using different sized needles for different parts, 1st short row toe. And did I mention how much I heart the way these socks are striping?!? Yummy!

The viewing of the art:

This is the artwork of DD#2 (purpley circular abstract) and DD#3 (bluish diamondy-triangular abstract). Their art teacher at school selected these pieces to exhibit at a local mall. Artwork from students all over the county was on display - each school was represented. We went to the opening and took lots of pictures. Daddy and Grandma came to see the exhibit too. The girls were so excited!

The meeting of the little girls:

This is Caroline and Betsy - the BEAUTIFUL daughters of friend and fellow knitter Maggi. Betsy just came into Maggi and Caroline's life in December, when they traveled to China to adopt her. She's such a happy baby - they make a beautiful family! Hi Girls!!!!

And the watching of the hoops:

This is my bracket. I'm holding my own against the guys at work. I finished the 1st round in 1st place, and halfway into the 2nd round I'm in 2nd place. Not bad for the girl that doesn't know jack about basketball! And before you ask, no, I didn't pick my teams based on the color of their uniforms. I don't even know what color any of them wear. BTW - I won the bracket last year!

But not so much of the posting lately ... sorry.

It's a Small Small World

Yesterday the kids and I journeyed to Williamsburg to meet up with Friend and do a little stash enhancement. We went to Knitting Sisters. This was my first visit there, but of course Friend is a regular since she lives down there.

I picked up some Karabella Aurora 8 in the beautiful, rich, makes-me-wanna-lick-it Chocolate Brown colorway #6. This is such an incredible shade. I'm making a mistake rib scarf to wear with my new tan suede coat. I also scored some sock yarn to do a pair for myself and a pair for DD#2.

While at Knitting Sisters, I ran into another visiting knitter ... Robin was there. I'm standing there perusing the yarn and overhear the woman at the counter talking about MaryJane at Unraveled. Well of course, that's one of my fave LYSs (and the one closest to home) so she caught my attention. Robin knows another of my knitting buds ... Mary. Just goes to show what a small knitting world we live in.

Tomorrow I hope to share a photo or two of a recent FO as well as my WIPs. There will also be work on February's UFO ... a pair of socks that have been on the needles for months.

Blogger Woes

I made the switch to the new Blogger (not Beta anymore, apparently) and I'm not sure how I'm liking it. Overall I think it's okay - too early to say pretty good - but one of the biggest headaches I'm having so far is I can't put buttons in my sidebar. I've got to work on that one.

Has anyone else made the switch? What do you think of it? Any tips, hints or secrets you can share?

Mary, I know you were thinking about it ... didja do it yet?

Check it out!

Friend has FINALLY started her own blog. Be sure to stop by and welcome her to the knitblogging world.

*ahem*

I received an interesting email yesterday morning ...

Sent: Monday, October 09, 2006 11:56 AM

To: Beth

Subject: *ahem*

dear beth,it's been so long since we've last been in touch. i believe it was september 18 when you last left me a token message. i know we're in a committed relationship and all, but lately i feel as though you have been neglecting me. is there another? have you been writing in another blog? you must tell me. i have to know. the though of you doing another blog when i'm perfectly abled to meet your needs breaks my heart. i mean, you made me custom bling buttons and everything. you even learned a little html, just so we could communicate better. please let me know what's going on.

love, your blog

And to respond:

Dear Blog -

I'm sorry you feel neglected. I've been rather busy with life and since your life is contingent upon mine, you were pushed to the backburner. I'm sure it's no consolation, but my knitting has been feeling somewhat neglected too. I'll try to do better.

~Beth

Where? When? Huh?

Oh my ... time has certainly gotten away from me.

It's late and I'm tired but can't sleep and I can't really think of a REAL post right now, so I'll get back to you in the next couple of days. Suffice it to say, I've been busy - not so much knitting progress to report - real life ... and pondering exactly what "real life" is ... seems to be getting in the way of good, solid knitting time.

Later.