Although I admit that the Christmas Holiday period is my least favorite holiday period (other than, say, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day and New Year's) I did have a reasonably good time during my trip to Denver. There were lots of family members I haven't seen for years and the weather was chilly enough to warrant gloves, a scarf, a cap and a series of expletives, none of which match.
Problem is, is the traveling part. I have forgotten how awful it is to travel during holidays and I was also cursed with many crying and screaming and kicking children on every plane I alighted. I don't know if I'm some sort of homing device for miserable children on planes, but it sure seemed so. Honestly. It was terrible. Girlfriend, luckily, is wonderful on planes and I get it that some kids have ear problems, but the parents. The parents. They just don't get it. Bring a toy for the kid to play with. Take them to the back if they insist on jumping up and down on the seats and using the one in front of them as some sort of launching pad. Airlines: Do what our pet lodge in Topanga does and interview the interested parties before they buy tickets. And if they don't pass the screaming test, put them toward the back with other like-behaved children and parents.
Other than that, I'm happy that the holidays are over (you wouldn't know it...I went to the drugstore yesterday on a last-minute booze run and noticed they were feverishly stocking up for Valentine's Day), and in the spirit of old times and new ones to come, I made a nifty list of phrases I needed to use more often, as well as a list of headlines that were too precious to forget.
Thing is, I lost my list.
But I can remember two things. Among my list of phrases I need to use more was, "I shit you not." On my list of best headlines of the year (although I cheated a bit and this one was from today's paper but it's too precious): "Cold Weather Doesn't Stop 'Flashers'."
Happy New Year. I shit you not.
BTW: The photos are of my new project, The Stash Buster Blanket from Stitch Diva. Although this blanket isn't really a stash buster because I bought the yarn with this particular blanket in mind (Elann.com by the bag; it's sort of a light worsted weight wool/acrylic blend), the Tunisian crochet technique is super simple, even simpler than crocheting a motif if you can believe it. Even first time crocheters could probably get this down pretty easily. I like how it looks like it is one of those rag rugs. Plus, it's one of those things that will probably, if I ever finish it, go to the dorms with Girlfriend, about 12 years from now.
ETA: Just checked on the yarn. Whoops! It's Lano Gato Wool Gato and it is not a wool and acrylic blend like I thought. Hmmm. I guess this sucker is going to have to be hand washed.
I think I like the original title of this post better :P
I just want you to know, dear Wendy, that you inspire more than you know and I am so glad that you are around, doing what you do.
Posted by: flutter | January 01, 2009 at 05:09 PM
Yeah, well, I rethought the "shit" part.
Posted by: Wendy | January 01, 2009 at 05:19 PM
I'm making one of these blankets, too, but on the diagonal, increasing then decreasing like with one of those Grandmother's Favorite Washcloths patterns.
Posted by: Jen in KS | January 01, 2009 at 05:50 PM
Have a very terrific 2009! Love the saying, it'll be my new one now too!
Posted by: Renee | January 01, 2009 at 05:51 PM
HAHAHA! Thanks for the phrase... do you mind if I adopt it also??? I shit you not.
You're lucky that Girlfriend is so good and doesn't have ear problems. Luckily, most of my flying was done for business and there weren't as many children flying on those flights in the middle of the week. It does seem that some parents don't understand what it's like to be a child.
Can't wait to see the finished blanket. :)
Happy 2009!
Posted by: Cindy | January 01, 2009 at 06:18 PM
That project looks gorgeous. If I weren't resolved not to buy more yarn, I'd go to Elann and start one myself!
(Happy New Year !)
Posted by: susan | January 01, 2009 at 06:44 PM
I love the blanket, I shit you not.
Posted by: Cynthia | January 01, 2009 at 06:56 PM
I say it all the time! And I love the blanket.
Posted by: sue Treiber | January 01, 2009 at 07:36 PM
Happy New Year!
The blanket looks beautiful, I also, shit you not. I was wondering if you're doing strips of Tunisian or doing the whole width at once? I love the look of tunisian crochet but need more practice with it.
Posted by: Lori | January 01, 2009 at 07:53 PM
hahaha!!! thanks for the next catch phrase. happy 09!
Posted by: darlene | January 01, 2009 at 08:09 PM
The blanket is gorgeous. I've done tunisian crochet a few times and enjoyed it. I agree with ya 100% about screaming kids. There's no reason why they should ruin it for everybody else!
Happy New Year! ^_^
Posted by: Anna | January 01, 2009 at 09:30 PM
Hi Wendy!
It is 4am here on the east coast and I can't sleep. (We are adopting a rescue dog today, anxiety and excitement have taking over) Thanks for the great laugh!!
I love the blanket! It is making me want to learn to crochet!
Posted by: Jennie | January 02, 2009 at 01:14 AM
You have to post the other phrases if you think of them. I totally am in need of more catch phrases. No! Really! I shit you not!
You are too funny! I can't wait to read what mischief you get up to this year. :)
Posted by: Stephanie | January 02, 2009 at 01:37 AM
Love the blankie and I'm sure girlfriend will in years to come! Isen't that an older phrase? Hmmmmmmm seems like I have heard it before long ago. LOL Happy New Year and wishing you and your family Health, Wealth, and Happiness always!!! Marion
Posted by: Marion | January 02, 2009 at 04:56 AM
I wouldn't shit you...you're my favorite turd! Sorry, I just couldn't resist! I really get a kick out of reading your blog. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Shawnee | January 02, 2009 at 06:09 AM
Love the colors. Is tunisian crochet hard?
Posted by: Nicol | January 02, 2009 at 07:29 AM
Happy New Year!
Love the colors of your blankie! It will be so plush and drapey in the worsted :)
Posted by: jillian | January 02, 2009 at 07:36 AM
Love the colors of the blanket. What is the name of the yarn?
Posted by: Lisette | January 02, 2009 at 09:19 AM
Love the blankie, the look and the colors, Happy New Year!
Posted by: oldcinderella | January 02, 2009 at 10:26 AM
Your blanket is lovely! That and your scarf may yet make me figure out crochet.
Meanwhile, I'll take a screaming and kicking kid ANY DAY over the eye watering body odor of the man sitting across the isle from me on my flight to Germany. My child is disabled and the stink eyes we have received on airplanes, even when his behavior is exquisite, are nothing compared to what this smelly man deserved.
Posted by: erin | January 02, 2009 at 11:00 AM
Uhm, last time I checked, expletives (unlike gloves) do NOT have to match. I shit you not. HNY to you and yours. May make it through V-day without too much distress; then we're clear through Halloween, right?
Posted by: MonkeyGurrl | January 02, 2009 at 11:31 AM
I like the colors! Its going to be really pretty! I can't wait to see the finished blanket!
Posted by: Jenni | January 02, 2009 at 02:09 PM
love the blanket! I too, would most likely set out to purchase more stash than dig through the official stash. Hee Hee.
I don't like the holidays either. I am soooo glad that it is all over and done. (I shit you not!)
oh and BTW, since you always have such wonderful music in your "in the ears" section, I have to encourage you to take a listen to a couple of my 2008 favorites....The Bowerbirds "Hymns for a Dark Horse" and Ferraby Lionheart "Catch the Brass Ring" they are both wonderful!
Happy New Year!!
Posted by: robinv | January 02, 2009 at 02:32 PM
A drugstore that stocks booze. This would catch on fast here in Massachusetts, where the snow's piled high and everyone has a cold.
I shit you not.
Posted by: thea | January 02, 2009 at 05:42 PM
What? The drugstore almost always has the best deals on booze!
Posted by: Wendy | January 02, 2009 at 06:16 PM