Verizon is on my *hitlist

I'm so bummed that I'm having problems with my DSL service through Verizon.  It began in late May and since I've moved it has only gotten worse. My phone and DSL orders have been lost, cancelled, screwed up and botched since I moved  :(  Up until last week I at least had dial up but lost access to that too.  PLUS, they have billed me for the last three months for DSL which I obviously don't have.  They say that I'll have my DSL back any day but I don't believe them.  I hate not having internet access.  It's like losing an appendage. 

So, needless to say, I have a lot catching up to do with my blog.  As far as knitting goes, I'm at a standstill on my pink cloud poncho mostly because I can't find anymore of the K1C2 yarn right now (must be in popular demand).  However, I'm not upset because I made a trip to the beach to my favorite store http://www.eweknitkits.com and found the most beautiful Lorna's Laces (Helen's Lace in Berries).  It's 50% wool and 50% silk and knits like a dream. It's a variegated fuschia so it fades in and out very subtly.  I'm making a lace poncho of my own design out of the yarn.  I'm almost finished with the first half of it.  The lace pattern was challenging at first and I admit that I was ready to chuck it out the window.  However, I'm 6 pattern repeats into the design and am much more comfortable with knitting lace.  It definitely requires a great attention to detail and its harder to fix mistakes (which I've been able to somehow keep to a minimum) but the results are worth it.  Anyway, I spent almost three hours in Ewe Knit ALL BY MYSELF.  It was so wonderful fondling all of their yarns.  They have such a wonderful selection and are so patient with me when I come in and can't decide what to buy.  I've only visited 8-10 yarn shops over the last year but this one is hands down the best :)

I'm almost finished knitting a couple of totebags and a secret pal gift.  I've actually taken three orders for felted totebags in the last couple of weeks so some of my personal projects are going on hold soon.  It's a great way for me to supplement my expensive yarn habit (I've easily spent $150 this month alone) and build my little business. 

Bought my first knitting magazine - Interweave Knits Fall 2004.  Why haven't I bought a knitting magazine before now you ask?  I'm not quite sure why. I've flipped through them in the store but never felt compelled to own them.  I guess I was very fixated on felting and didn't want to be distracted with sweaters, etc.  I also didn't feel real confident in my knitting abilities to take up working on fitted clothing. That IS changing though as I realize that its okay to ask the LYS for help, its okay to make mistakes and - gulp- its okay to frog a project if its not correct.  I LOVE this editionof IK.  I'm itching to make the hoodie on the cover but the colorwork is somewhat intimidating.  I may change my mind though.  I'm also eyeballing the Floral Felted Bag (pg. 52), the Keyhole Top (pg. 61), the Heathery Duo Skirt (pg. 80) and the Lace and Tuck Ensemble (pg 94).  So many decisions, so little time :) In the meantime, I'm very happy with my lace poncho.  If only I could hit the lottery and just stay home and knit all day.  A girl can dream...

Had a wonderful time with our best friends (a married couple) from college who came from California to visit.  We haven't seen them in 2 1/2 years.  Not only is it rare for two couples to get along but its also rare to have friends that you can reconnect with after such a long span of time and yet its as if you've only been apart for a couple of weeks.  Their kids and our kids had a blast together.  We cooked, ate, drank and hung out on the beach the entire time - could life have gotten any better?  However, with the debauchery behind me, I need to get serious about losing some weight.  I was on Atkins but I'm not sure if I should go back to that or commit to doing something like Weight Watchers.  Several of the ladies in my Suppa Club do WW and have lost a lot over the past year.  Somethings gotta give or I'm going to be a butterball by the time fall arrives.  I'll decide by the end of the week.

Well, that's all for now.  I'll get some pictures up soon.  Can't wait to catch up reading my fellow knitters' blogs :)