Some Bunny’s Love

Too many assignments to finish, too many projects to make, too many errands to run, too many posts to write, too many yarns to play with — not enough hours in the day. So goes life for most of us, eh?

In being frank, I do need to get a better handle on my spent time. I have been trying to reorganize my bedroom (Rich gets one, I get one, and we share the master) so that I can work out and knit upstairs in peace. I have a crunch appliance/tool/gizmo that my best-friend-in-RI let me have, a medium-sized Pilates ball, yoga mat, assorted sizes of weights, and now all I need is space to use it. I may have to tackle that bedroom on Sunday during the nice lovely weather that is hitting the area. I would tidy up tomorrow, but I am going to see Carol Sulcoski at WEBS for the signing of her co-authored “Knit So Fine” book. I also need to see if I can find more of a blue cotton/wool yarn for my friend of (GASP) 21 years, Eric. We dated for a bit during and years later after college, and are smart enough to know that we are better off as pals. When I asked if he would like a knitted item, he requested a cabled v-neck pullover. I finally found the yarn and have 3 patterns to decide upon. I am hoping to finish the sweater by Christmas. He is in great shape and could get away with a women’s design. Just thinking about the whole bit gives me shivers. =:8

Shelby’s SP12 Question #3: *What would you consider the perfect amount of stash?*
Is she giving us tough ones to answer or what? Here is my short and sweet response…
*From the Ravelry Helpers Birthday Swap Questionnaire*
What is your name? What is your quest? What is your favorite color?
Some Bunny’s Love, I mean, Kimberly.
To acquire all the yarn in the world.
Ummm… Not neon?

Slowly I am gaining control of my life. It first started when I decided to cut my hair, then I made a change in my eating habits to be healthier — or at least not as gluttonous. I started knitting more conscientiously about what I am making and what each detail symbolizes. I started getting a better idea on how much I am on Ravelry — maybe too much to comprehend? As for stash-enhancement-experiences, I am guilty of over-indulging a bit much. There are too many yarns “with whispering voices calling to me” (figure out where that phrase is from?) for projects begging to be made. To counteract the weight gain of yarn, I have taken up losing body weight and clothing sizes.

When Rich and I married four years ago, I was a fat bride and hated being one. Seeing myself in the mirror grow in size since I was 30 years-old depressed me and I kept wishing myself strong and healthy again. Without any support from home and work in everything I did and wanted to do, I found myself getting worse emotionally, mentally, and physically. When I was “walked” out in March, something snapped in my head for an unknown reason and the drive grew to become the person that I knew was inside.

I realized that my choices of what I put into my body were the main culprit to how I looked. I started grazing during the course of the day, and only ate heavier types of food for breakfast and lunch. I cut down on my meat intake and doubled my dairy intake. One discovery was a flavored/enhanced water that contained 2-3 grams of fiber in each serving — roughly 5 grams per bottle. Lately I eat lighter during lunch with a salad, or a cup of soup with a side of vegetables, but I still make sure I have breakfast. I also let myself splurge on the weekend with controlled portions of sweets. I have found that completely denying oneself always leads to backward steps. So far, I have been rewarded with a drop in 2 dress sizes. The satisfaction of having clothes unable to stay on my hips without being tightly belted is quite empowering!

My next steps are going to help me drop another 2 sizes and put some definition on my physique. Adding to the change in diet, I needed a new routine. I started walking 2 flights of stairs to get to my office. This week I joined a gym that has classes in conditioning, yoga, and pilates. I will have to replace my Monday/Thursday nights of knitting groups with the classes, but I know that the trade will make me feel and look better. My next target on the fitness revamp is getting more active. I have a lot of nervous energy, and a morning walk would help. Granted I have to get up earlier than I am now, but like the trade of the classes, the final result is worth the change.

This week also brought me a wonderful package in the mail (Well, okay — several packages). The much anticipated “Favorites Swap” package by Bobbi from “(Caffeinated) Knitting Keeps me (Chemically) Balanced” brought anxious excitement. The biggest challenge of this swap was being able to abide by the $15 budget requirement yet offering a nice package. I enjoyed shopping for my assigned pal Wanda from the “Silly Sheep” blog, and am still wondering if she even liked anything I gave her. (YAY!! She DOES!!) Holding the box, I opened it to see what Bobbi had in store for me. Boy, was I in for some goodness!!

My favorite part about the package? The labels hinting at our favorites (Yes, that a purposely made pun). I love little details which show how much thought and creativity one puts into everything because I try to do the same. From the fragrant vanilla soap, to the awesome bunny-on-a-sheep figurine, Bobbi put a lot of time to incorporate both of our tastes.

There are 2 really neat items to showcase, and one was wrapped in the orange paper. The other I enjoy because one can never have enough…

So very huge ginormous bunny rabbit hugs go to Bobbi! Thanks so much for the wonderful package. I have been showing off the figurine to the rest of the Ravelry Helpers and anybunny who would listen!

Speaking of more posting, I need to answer the second question that Shelby my SP12 Hostess posted:
“In many parts of the US and abroad, school’s out. Take a walk down memory lane for Week Two’s question: As a kid, what did you look forward to most about summer vacation/break/holiday?”
I had to do a lot of thinking on that one. My sister and I never went away to camp, which may explain my uneasiness of being in the woods overnight. I remember the summer we learned to swim at the YMCA and discovered I took to the water like a fish. I could never get enough of being in the swimming pool and enjoyed our family membership. The idea of getting back into the water toys in my head occasionally, but I am not ready to slip into a swimsuit yet. In my last 2 summers of high school, I discovered surfing, and fell instantly in love. There is something organically sensuous about being in the water with only Mother Nature and a board. When I get enough money saved up for my little piece of waterside heaven, it will be near the ocean. Whew, I need to get in shape first!! =:8

The past two weeks have been a mite busy. As usual Ravelry and knitting suck up my attention, then work and the daily commute take up the rest. Since going “full-time with Ravelry” blogging had been put on hold and I have been slowly inputting back entries which cover the bigger events since April. To help with my slump, I figured that joining Secret Pal 12 would get me back on the writing saddle. But what is a blog entry without photos and side stories?

Above are the pieces of a Killer Rabbit. This little rabbit has been a challenge for me because I despise hand-sewing and knitting with 100% acrylic. I started this little guy on May 10th to kick off the anniversary celebrating Monty Python’s Holy Grail. Note how I am trying to make him look like “Seize the Bun” Caesar. I think my target is going to love him! The next time I make this pattern, I plan on embedding the ears as I knit the head, using short rows for the mouth, and knitting the hind legs like a boot. Look Ma, NO SEAMS!!

Another exchange I did was the Favorite Things Swap where I spoiled Wanda from the “Silly Sheep” blog. We had to send $15 worth of goodies that both pal and self would love. I sent over 4 skeins of a fabulous new linen/cotton/silk yarn that I bought during the WEBS Tent Sale since I have NOTHING in my crazy stash that is not “animal” fiber or a gift, a bag of Ghiradelli chocolates, a couple of stitch markers from Linda of Saratoga Llamas because my pal said she has never had any stitch markers (whoa — I am spoiled with my stash of markers), my favorite measuring cup (thanks to Alton Brown!), and a earth-friendly jigsaw puzzle that has a drawn rabbit for the artwork. Umm, how can a puzzle be earth-friendly? Because it is made of materials that can be planted into the ground. I have yet to hear from her since I sent the goodies over the past weekend, but I do know that she received it because I have tracking on the package. After realizing my little list for Wanda, I wonder what I will be getting…

My other exchange is the Ravelry Helpers Birthday Swap. Again the challenge is not to spend a lot of money — our budget is $20-25. Because I cannot show anything without divulging who my pal is, I must keep mum for now.

For those who are curious on how many I am currently making, I have 3 Clapotis on the needles, but only 2 of them have been photographed during their WIP-ing status. The orange one is a summertime “thank you” for another exchange, the little sage/black green one is a twist on the pattern to make a matching baby blanket for my cousin’s future daughter arriving in August, and the giant green/yellow one is a birthday present. After these Clapotis are done, I have to begin my sweater for Rhinebeck and the cabled v-neck pullover for my best bud in Virginia, Eric.

Now for the Secret Pal 12 “stuff” to do. First and foremost is my questionnaire which has its own dedicated page *HERE*. Next is the button that I am using. Can anyone guess what it is based on?

The final item is Shelby’s hostess question for this week:
What is your favorite summertime drink?
Hmmm… That is a tough call because what I drink depends on my mood and the social situation. I love a good mojito, dessert wine in a chilled glass, bottled water, sweet tea, lemonade, and (as of late) Coke Zero.

Many thanks for welcoming Mary into the world of Blogging. All comments are appreciated, and I do want to spread the word for her store’s work. She does a lot for charities in honor of her son. Her big heart gladly welcomes everyone into her “Yarns at Lacewings” shops.



The weekend has been full of wonderful sky photos, and I am excited at sharing both Friday and Saturday’s natural beauty. Both my walks were productive. Slowly but surely I am working my way from walking to running. Currently I mostly walk because my lungs are not used to doing more, but I am working on it!



Besides walking, I have been knitting my Clapotis present. With the beautiful lighting on Friday, I could not resist taking the Brooks Farm Clappy, Simon’s hat, and Ace’s Table Runner out for some photos after my walk. This gift Clapotis made me think of an interesting question: If the gift recipient is a knitter who loves the pattern but does not have a Clappy, should the shawl be given with undropped or dropped stitches? I always thought the best fun of the pattern was dropping the stitches. Any input here in the comments would greatly be appreciated.









Another drop last night was the surprise we gave in my surrogate family in Connecticut. Because the birthday party was pretty big for my two aunties, I am going to reserve that event with its own entry.



For now with the photo teasers, I submit my answers to the Meme I stole from Keohinani’s “Alohas and Oreos” blog.
Rules: Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following…They MUST be real places, names, things…NOTHING made up! If you cannot think of anything, skip it. Try to use different answers if the person in front of you had the same 1st initial. You CANNOT use your name for the boy/girl name question.
1. Actor: Keanu Reeves and Kiefer Sutherland
2. 4 letter word: kids (well, for my current situation)
3. Street name: Kimberly Lane (honestly, it is in Chesapeake, VA)
4. Color: Kelly green (for the Irish in me)
5. Gift/present: kitchen (dreaming of a brand new slate floor)
6. Vehicle: Katana (motorcycle)
7. Tropical Location: Kenya
8. College Major: Knitting (well, RISD has classes in it)
9. Dairy Product: Kashta (pronounced “ahshta” and is often described as Middle Eastern’s version of clotted cream)
10. Thing in a Souvenir Shop: Keychain
11. Boy Name: Kenneth
12. Girl Name: Katherine
13. Movie Title: K-9
14. Beer: Kirin
15. Occupation: Knight or King
16. Flower: Kangaroo Paw
17. Celebrity: Kim Catrall (who else besides Katharine Hepburn?!)
18. Magazine: Kitchen & Bath Design News
19. U.S. City: Kansas City, MO (Home of my Chiefs!)

First and foremost, before I discuss anything else, I must share this pair of sparkling sandals that caught my eye at Manolo’s blog a while back.

Okay, I feel better now. No idea why those little things keep screaming at me to buy them. Yes, the straps are skinny, the shanks fragile, and the heels undeniably pointy. Yet they beckon to me like the Sirens who called Ulysses. Unfortunately, the chances of them belonging to me are pretty slim to none at the moment. Must… Ignore… Blinding sparkles!! Yarn, bunnies, and books — please rescue me with your distractions!

This new year has been kicking me in the rear end. I am doing my best to make lunch for work, to walk a mile or to run two miles, to do more household “to-do” chores before knitting or reading, and not to eat out so much or not to snack on chocolate. Meanwhile, I have managed to destash some yarn, and hope to unload more fiber via projects and destashing. The new resolutions have taken me from Blogging, which I guess is a good thing. Thanks to Jocelyne, I now have an intimidating graph of my goals from the “Joe’s Goals” website.


A hidden reward is the photographing of things discovered during my walks. I have some photos to show from this past Friday and Saturday to check out.





Along with the scenic eye candy, there is fiber eye candy too. Here are two Red Scarves sent off to the Orphan Foundation of America.

The Dulaan Project also is getting a number of hats and a couple of adult-sized helmetliners.

Until next post’s discussion of the latest Bunnies up for adoption at PetSmart, please take care, and be mindful of the beauty within and around us all. =:8

With the New Year on high, I figured it was about time to put my 2007 Resolutions (I like how Mamacate used the word “intentions” instead). This year, instead of saying generic phrases like “Lose weight and get in shape” or “Use up my yarn stash” I decided a reward program was needed to keep the motivation. Now in order to get certain actions turned into habits, I tied in a schedule that can be loosely followed with the nights I am out. The goals do seem obtainable. (At least I am hoping so!)

Walking 1-2 miles a day for “100 Miles by April 1st”
“New” jeans (my barely-worn Levi’s 501s that I outgrew) and 100g of chocolate for every 5 pounds of weight lost

Run the Shamrock Marathon 8k and the Gaspee Days 5K
Throwing a party during the Gaspee Days Parade (everyone’s invited!)

Eating healthy at home — take out or fast food once a week
Dinner at a fave restaurant each quarter (Mahi Mah’s, 10 Prime, Neath’s, and not sure)

Doing my household chores before all hobbies
Blogging, reading, and “fibering”

Updating and maintaining my site and commenting more on my friends’ blogs listed in Bloglines
Catching up and meeting fellow Bloggers with FOs to show.

Crocheting and knitting from the stash
For every 500g 1000g destashed (note that does not state HOW I get rid of the yarn), 100g can be purchased

Reading 1 book per month (Edit: 50 pages per day) while working on my UFOs (see Kat with a K)
Finishing 1 crossword or Sudoko (Oops, a typo!) puzzle each night before bed

And finally, vaulting toward the lifestyle goals I yearn (new better job, better home, more bunnies, neater gadgets, etc.) and laughing gracefully if I miss the leap. =:8

I am glad a number of you participate in charity knitting. I am guilty of knitting alternately for friends, family and charities. My in-laws seem to dislike receiving handmade items because wool is itchy and knitted items too warm (sorry, mute point so we cannot go there). So I figured that I can get fibery goodness out to those who would, namely my own family members, local friends, and different charities. For the holidays, I am thinking of making a few items, then donating them to charity in memory of somebody else. Here are the two headbands that I knitted tonight after “Walk and Knit” with Helene and Lorena. We had a nice time walking around Garden City. These ladies are true friends. Both let me photograph them in the shopping center’s gazebo during the windy jaunt. As for the simple pattern, here it is. Using a US13 16-inch circular and holding a strand of worsted-weight mohair and a strand of acrylic together, cable cast-on 36 stitches, knit 7-8 rows (whatever is the preference) of K2P2 rib then bind off in knit. Voila! you have a great kid-sized headband that only took minutes to make. Also, cast on 35 stitches to make a totally different pattern. That one works too! As you can see in the photo, I can make more from that 98-yard skein of sage Filaro, which I will do as soon I get a chance.




I seem so scatter-brained as of late. Because I am scared to put away all the WIPs lest I forget to finished them, I have a number of incredibly naughty WIPs strewn across my favorite knitting spot. Each one seems to call out and beg me to work on it. Oh, and how naughty are these WIPs? I have been either standing up next to the chair or sitting on the couch to work on them. “Wicked, bad, naughty” WIPs! (Think Monty Python’s Holy Grail) Oh, and it does not help that Rich baked cookies while I was at work today. Here is what is left after our devouring them. Sorry for the dark photo, but that is what happens whenever I decide to photograph things before getting ready for bed! The milk bottle is shown for scale.

There is another thing that I can be delighted about. I won something (Gracious GOOD-ness!!) on Carole and Margene’s “Knit Unto Others” from Scout’s Swag! I received an e-mail from Carole telling me that I won a $20 gift certificate to Scout’s online store. The neatest things are over there, so it may take me a bit to decide what to choose. I do know that if I used the amount for yarn, I would probably get tanned, so I better not. There are some really cool measuring tape cases, hmmm… Meanwhile, keep on knitting (or spinning as in Robin’s case — I hope you are resting yourself young lady!), and I just may show what else I have been WIPing for some special folks. =:8

I did it! I talked Rasha into creating a blog so she can update everyone when she goes away to Nepal. This amazing woman has temporarily dropped from the engineering world and is going on a religious sabbatical. She has a choice to hike Mount Everest up to their base camp, which is 12000 feet high or go up another mountain (sorry, I forgot the name) which is 14000 feet high. Incredulous! Of course, now that she has a way to communicate with the world, come and tag her site. It is still in the process of being built, but please send her well wishes.

For those who have not noticed, I enjoy baseball, American football, rugby, and (thanks to Rich, the bugger) Nascar. Two days ago, I had the opportunity to grab a pair of Red Sox tickets. Normally a fading season combined with the expensive tickets would not interest me, but a friend at work had SRO Monster seats for last night’s game! SRO on the Monster? Am I crazy? Well, Schilling WAS the starting pitcher, and the SRO area is similar to how a restaurant bar would be set up. We had a ledge/bar that was about a foot deep for our food, drinks, and gadgets. Though the Red Sox end up losing the game, we witnessed Big Pappi’s 50th home run. By the time we left the ballpark on the Riverside T and drove back home, it was around midnight. I still had to get my interview outfit together, so my apologies for not posting last night’s adventure.

However, there is even more news! Work was as usual with the weekly morning meeting and typical testing. My interview went as expected; I survived the probing questions and now must wait for the results. While my stomach was in knots during the process, I know that I cannot control the outcome, so I might as well move on. And move on I did… If I can get Icarus blocked in time for Sunday, I just may have it for you all to see on Sunday! =:8

Today while I drove back from Yarnia to get that last hank for finishing Rasha’s Icarus, I realized that I needed to get a more stable exercise habit. Granted, there is “Walk and Knit” at Borders and yoga at FocuspointRI, but at $12 a session, yoga is expensive over my little yarn budget. I decided to take that solid first step and walk a mile when I came home this evening. Months ago I resolved to walk during lunch. It seems that only if certain factors are in place, I will go. So far, I have gone only once, and that was with Rasha after eating some sinful Chinese food. It was a beautiful day, and I was able to take some fabulous photos.

Now that I did my one mile walk at home, I actually feel better. I can see how this little bit of exercise can lead to bigger goals, and I am looking forward to them. I have to give kudos to Zarah and Kimberly for writing about their exercise regimen. What was the best part of the walk? I did not change into the Sacony shoes bought for running. Tonight I wore my work outfit — jeans, my “got chocolate?” t-shirt from the Chocolate Cafe in STL, a cardigan, and my steel-toe Doc Martens. I have worn those boots so much that they squeak. To put some amusement into the picture, my neighborhood can be a triffle stuffy (okay, the word is “snotty”). I was walking to the end of my street (1/2 mile each way) and back to my house squeaking and clunking away with arms pumping like I am power-walking. I felt a sense of accomplishment; I did something I set my mind upon. If Debbie could finish her 30 mile walk for Breast Cancer this past weekend, I can walk one measly mile and I enjoyed every second of it!

During the walk, I was able to come up with this entry’s title, and I thought of the different meaning that the words presented. The first image was from my evening walk. Another image is how I am in the mornings. I can be a morning person if I go to bed early enough and get 6-7 hours of sleep. I have always loved being up before dawn so I can see the sun come out. Unfortunately with inadequate sleep, I am about as graceful as Frankenstein.

The last image came to me from one of Femiknit Mafia’s entries. She hinted about big changes possibly coming into her life. I am in a similar situation. A few weeks ago, I took a deep breath and applied for another job, one that would dictate the rest of my working career and possibly be something to retire as. I made it through the first interview, and my second one is this Thursday. If I get the job, great; if not, at least I know I tried. For me, nothing is worse than that regretful “What if” feeling from not going for something you want. After so many “what ifs” in my past, I now would rather try and fail to see what I need to improve on myself than not try at all and wonder for the rest of my life. So I am clunking around gracefully while waiting for the work-week to end.



On that note, be sure to see me in my Doc Martens this Sunday at the Boston Knit-Out and Crochet. I will be at the Bloggers’ Table, and I will have some binders filled with the latest entries from our Blog-linkers plus goodies to hand out! =:8