Firsts (a meme)

Thieved this from Sleeping Si.


Who was your first prom date?
That would be the guy I was dating at the time.
Do you still talk to your first love?
Nope, I have this nifty ability to make my exes disappear.
What was your first alcoholic drink?
I've been told that I tried some of an uncle's beer when I was little...
What was your first job?
Setting tobacco for my grandpa
What was your first car?
'87 Chevy Celebrity
Who was the first person to text you today?
Ames
Who is the first person you thought of this morning?
I don't have coherent thoughts in the morning
Who was your first grade teacher?
Uhhh..Mrs. Mahoney?
Where did you go on your first ride on an airplane?
Texas
Who was your first best friend and are you still friends?
I don't remember her name, and we're not in touch anymore.
What was your first sport played?
Whatever they made us play in P.E.
Where was your first sleepover?
Does family count?
Who was the first person you talked to this morning?
Before noon counts as morning, right? Then Ames.
Whose wedding were you first in?
One of my aunt's.
What was the first thing you did this morning?
Woke up.
What was the first concert you went to?
Bush. Then the very next night we went to see Marilyn Manson.
What was your first tattoo or piercing?
First piercing was my ears a really long time ago. First tat is a seahorse on my shoulderblade.
What was the first foreign country you went to?
Does Kentucky count? (Kidding...sort of.) Canada.
What was your first run in with the law?
A speeding ticket.
When was your first detention?
Never. I was a good girl...
What was the first state you lived in?
Indiana
Who was the first person to break your heart?
Let's not go there, ok.
Who was your first roommate?
I had three the first and second time. That was when I reinforced the fact that I don't play well with others.
Where did you go in your first limo ride?
N/A.

T-I-P Update

Here's a photo of the tank I've been working on for about a month. Long time huh. I think there's something like 50 hours in it. But, keep in mind that I've been writing the pattern as I go, and a hefty chunk of those hours were due to my attempts at complicated math, visualizing, looking up stitches, etc.

Anyway, the pattern is solid. I like it, though there are a few tweaks I'll be making to it.

Please ignore the whimpering you hear in the background. It's my conscience and pride either dueling or commiserating.

I forgot to take it out of my bag today when I went to work. That's no big deal in itself. But it let me see/feel how the yarn felt in 'normal' weather instead of just in the A/C. The consensus states that it would be insanely warm during the summer and the pattern isn't really conducive to wearing over another shirt when it gets cooler out.

So, I decided to frog it. I'll remake it with a different yarn, and possibly larger needles. Which will involve more complicated math, visualizing, you get the idea.

Yes, I'm insane.

Hand over the chocolate!

A Moment of Silence, Please

For the departure of my sense of well-being and sanity.

See, in the previous post, I listed the first, what, five attempts on the MKAL. All well and good. Consider this the logging of attempt number six. *Sigh*

I had a couple of 'AHA!' moments during this adventure. And now, I'm going back to the beginning to put them into use. The last attempt ended (I think) somewhere in Clue 1. During Clue 2, I figured out how to read a chart to make it work for my personal knitting style. When Clue 3 was posted (yesterday), I expanded on that first moment. I figured out how to make the chart work even better with my particular style. I decline to explain it right now apart from saying I have to do a little bit of work before I even pick up the sticks and string.

So, why am I having to start over yet again? Because I dropped an indeterminate number of stitches in the middle of the lace pattern. And I'm not good enough (yet) to pick them up properly. Trust me. I tried. It got worse.

I decided (after several deep breaths and many more choice words) to start completely over. For three reasons.

1. The aforementioned dropped stitches incident.
2. I had several errors that I flubbed my way through.
3. I've completely lost my mind.

I still hold no ill will toward the pattern, the designer, the yarn or the needles. Most of it was due to PEBKAC. Problem Exists Between Knitter And Chart. (Yes, I'm reassigning computer acronyms here.) And the pattern looks lovely, what I've seen of it.

Here I go. Sixth time's a charm!

p.s. Send Chocolate!!!!!

Adventures in Knitting

So. I've joined a mystery knitalong. I know we're making a shawl, I just don't have any idea what it will look like until we're done. Here's my wrap-up of how things have gone so far:

Attempt #1:

Read the clue. Goggle at the sheer number of stitches to cast on. Deep breath and attempt to cast on 800+ stitches of lace weight yarn onto 14" straight needles. Realize that this isn't going to work. Frog. Re-wrap yarn around ball. Find chocolate, caffeine and nicotine to console myself.

Attempt #2:

Buy proper needles for the project. Cast on. Knit the first 6 rows. Make an error somewhere in row 7. Attempt to tink back, lose a stitch. Frog, and re-wrap yarn. Eat more chocolate, drink more caffeine.

Attempt #3:

Cast on. Lose a stitch while knitting first row. Frog and re-wrap yarn. Think heavily about buying alcohol to replace chocolate. Realize liquor stores are closed. Set entire project aside to calm down.

Attempt #4:

Deep breath, calming tunes, cast on. Successfully knit first 2 rows. Read pattern wrong about a third through the row. Find error near end of row. Attempt to tink back, lose 2 stitches. Frog. Break yarn during frogging. Finish re-wrapping yarn. Untangle broken piece and wrap for possibility of emergency at a later date. Intake massive amounts of sugar, caffeine and nicotine to calm nerves.

Attempt #5:

Cast on slowly, using different type of cast on. Triple check number of stitches. Knit 4 rows slowly and without errors. Begin row 5 of pattern. Stop and set aside due to being tired and jittery from the sugar/caffeine crash. Cross fingers and hope that all continues to go well. Think about buying new clothes since most of my current clothes don't fit right now thanks to sugar and caffeine...

I'm not annoyed with the pattern. I still really like it so far. And I'm honor-bound to do this thing properly, dang it!

Update: I've (finally) completed Clue #1 successfully! The photo's the proof. Now, on to Clue #2....

Movie meme

Thanks to sleeping si, I have another meme to share.


One movie that made you laugh:
Shaun of the Dead
One movie that made you cry:
Stepmom
One movie that you loved as a child:
The Last Unicorn
One movie you've seen more than once:
The Crow
One movie you loved, but were embarrased to admit it:
I don't embarrass too easily anymore, so I can't think of one at the moment....
One movie you hated:
Zoolander
One movie that scared you:
When I was little, I had a nightmare about the Care Bears Movie...does that count?
One movie that bored you:
Speed Racer
One movie that made you happy:
Pirates of the Caribbean. Any of them.
One movie that made you miserable:
Where the Day Takes You
One movie that you weren't brave enough to see:
um...
One movie characted you've fallen in love with:
How about lust? Then it would be Captain Jack Sparrow.
The last movie you saw:
Get Smart
The next movie you hope to see:
Dark Knight


Consider yourselves tagged.

Look Up

See those dragons up there? See the pretty pink one? She needs a name.

And I'm fresh out of ideas. C'mon people, help me out!

50 ?s

Yeah, yeah. I'm adding 2 at the end of it. I like rounded numbers. "Borrowed" it from Ames heheh.

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Not that I know of.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
It's been a while.
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
I guess.
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Are you buying?
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
I'm allergic.
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yep. I'm awesomeness personified.
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Pshaw. I scoff at sarcasm.
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yep.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Probably not. I don't want a huge rubber band to bounce me back up if I hit.
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Cocoa Puffs
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
My shoes don't tie.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
In what sense of the word do you mean? Physical? Yes. Emotional? That too.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Banana Split Blizzard from DQ
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
How they present themselves.
15. RED OR PINK?
Green.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
Like I'm going to tell you that.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My oldest brother.
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU?
Sure.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Why do you want to know?
20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?
French fries.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The keyboard clacking.
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Steel Grey.
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Fresh cut grass, honeysuckle, etc.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My SPOH.
25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?
Well, duh! She's my friend!
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
NASCAR
27. HAIR COLOR?
Natural.
28. EYE COLOR?
Hazel.
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Can't.
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Food I don't have to prepare.
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Yes.
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Get Smart.
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Are you planning on stalking me or what?
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Spring.
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Hugs are made of white chocolate. I'm not a big fan of white chocolate.
36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Strawberry Shortcake Mousse
37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
Hell if I know.
38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND?
See #37.
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
For a Few Demons More by Kim Harrison (re-read)
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
The mouse.
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON T.V. LAST NIGHT?
Re-runs of Grey's.
42. FAVORITE SOUND?
Depends on my mood.
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Flip a coin.
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Devil's Tower. Wyoming, I think.
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
Why yes I do.
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
In a hospital.
47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK?
See #37.
48. WHAT TIME IS IT NOW?
12.43 am.
49. WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR PET PEEVES?
Stupid people.
50. WHAT PHRASE DO YOU USE EVERY DAY?
New topic!

? ? ?

Here's some questions that I stole from Ames. I'm not telling exactly where I stole it from her though.

Do you have any weird talents?
Oh probably.

When was your 1st kiss?
Before the second.


Do you have a YouTube account?
not anymore.

Last book you read for pleasure?
Aren't most books for pleasure?


What's your 4th text message?
I dunno. I delete them.

What is your birthstone?
Aquamarine

In one word, how would you define yourself?
HA!

Tell me about the last dream you had...
No.


Are your great grandparents still alive?
no

What is you favorite kind of ice cream?
Dairy Queen blizzards

What do you like to do in your free time?
many different things.


Something you really need?
I'm told that I need to get a grip...

What is the last TV program you watched?
Rerun of Firefly

What are you wearing right now?
Clothes.

What color are your underwear?
Why do you want to know?

What are you most looking forward to tomorrow?
Spending time with my SPOH.

When you think of the rainbow, what pops in your head?
Leprechauns

Something you don't have any of:
Patience with stupid people.

Have you lost contact with someone you wish you didn't?
Yes!

Are you afraid of the dark?
That would be a no.

Whats worse, roaches or spiders?
Roaches. Spiders help keep out the rest of the bugs.


How often do you redo your profile?
very seldom.

Do you ever want to get married?

Been there. Done that. Burned the bridge.

How long does it take you to get ready to go somewhere?
Depends on how spiffed out I have to be.

Would you rather be called hot, cute, or awesome?
I'd rather be called by name, thanks.

Travel by bike or walk?
To travel by bike would indicate that I own a bike...


Play any sports?
Only spectator sports.

Who knows you best?
I'm hoping that would be me.

Have you learned a new song lately?
Sure.


What would be the best gift ever?
Stability.

Do you have cancer or know someone who does?
no

What is your current mood?
blank...

Who do you admire?
Smart people. For a given value of smart.


Are you photogenic?
I prefer to be behind the camera, thanks.

Favorite food smell?
There are many, and if I start listing them, I'll have to go raid the fridge.

Why did you kiss the last person you kissed?
Why do you ask?

Would you kiss them again?
Why? Jealous?

When is the last time you smoked weed?
no, thanks.

What movie are you waiting to see in theatres?
Get Smart

Why did your last relationship fail?
He was an ass, and I was less than intelligent.

Have you played on the Wii yet?
once or twice

Do you like Paramore's music?
some of it.


What is your favorite soft drink?
Diet Cherry 7-Up

Last time you puked?
It's been a while.

What do you think of politics?
Thinking gives me a headache.

What is worse, physical or emotional pain?
Emotional.


What are your fetishes?
Need to know basis. You do not need to know.

How often do you say the F word?
Depends on how angry/annoyed I am.

Do you get what you want?
You offering?

Do you know what you want?
Mostly.

More stuff

So, I finally got some decent sleep. The interesting thing about it is that I'm up before 10 am. Not going to complain though.

The tank-in-progress is ... progressing. I had to stop for a little while due to hand cramps. Which is to be expected, I guess, when one knits over 1k of stitches a day for 3 days. But I really want to see if it looks decent and if I wrote it out properly. There's still quite a bit left to do. I haven't quite made it to under the ribs yet...

I'm hanging out with the family later today. I'll let y'all know how that goes. I've made a 'surprise' to take over there with me too. (It's a dessert, and it's not strawberry shortcake [well, not really.])

And now, on to another meme thieved from ssk.

YES/NO GAME RULES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
You can only say yes or no. You are NOT ALLOWED to explain ANYTHING unless someone messages you and asks!

Over 18?
Yes

Danced in front of your mirror naked?
yes

Ever told a lie?
Yes

Been arrested?
Yes

Kissed a picture?
Yes

Fallen asleep at work/school?
Yes

Held an actual snake?
Yes

Ever run a red light?
Yes

Ever drink and drive?
Yes

Been suspended from school?
No

Ever been fired from a job?
No

Totaled a car/motorbike in an accident?
Yes

Sang karaoke?
Yes

Done something you told yourself you wouldn't?
Yes

Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose?
Yes

Ever laughed until you wet yourself?
No

Caught a snowflake on your tongue?
Yes

Kissed in the rain?
Yes

Sang in the shower?
Yes

Sat on a rooftop?
Yes

Thought about your past with regret?
Yes

Been pushed in the pool with your clothes on?
Yes

Shaved your head?
No

Blacked out from drinking?
Yes

Had a gym membership?
Yes

Been in a band?
No

Shot a gun?
Yes

Liked someone with nobody else knowing about it?
Yes

Played strip poker?
No

Been to a strip joint?
No

Donated Blood?
Yes

Liked someone you shouldn't?
Yes

Have a tattoo?
Yes

Have or had any piercings besides ears?
Yes

Made out with a complete stranger?
No

Caught someone cheating on you?
No

Skinny dipped?
No

Regret any of your ex's?
Yes

Been to a rodeo?
No

Been to a NASCAR race?
No

Been in Love?
Yes

Don't answer/ask in comments, please.