New Beginnings, Not New Directions

New Beginnings started yesterday.  New beginnings, not New Directions.  Although, I have been known to bust out into dance and song.  When I say "have been known" I actually mean I do that, every-single-day.

Enough about my dreams for being on Glee.  What started yesterday was my Massage Therapist Training at the Institute for Massage Education at Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts.  As is traditionally done, I had my first day of school photo taken.

Yes, pitch dark out and raining but the Ogre got my photo.  It was sort of creepy.  We saw what looked to be a zombie arm pulling it's self along the street.  After the photo, we had to do a bit of, uh, stomping.

I did manage to get some knitting done at school. I really like the Hurricane Hat by Sunshine Knits-Andrea Gautier.

Here's my version of the hat, in some random Noro yarn.

[caption id="attachment_3938" align="alignleft" width="112" caption="I just thought this was funny"][/caption]

So, back to school.

I had a class called Health and Wellness in the morning.  I got a bloody nose.  Which, is better than peeing my pants, so I consider that a pretty good start.  We talked about the benefits of drinking water, and had an amusing demo.  Again, no pants peeing, this was a different demo.

In the afternoon we switched over to Basic Massage.  After getting the first day info out of the way, we worked on Reflexology and did foot massages.  I told Sarah I could currently give her an $8000 foot rub.

I have some homework to do which includes journaling, drinking water, practicing my moves (hola Pigs! Can I rub your feet?) and picking out my 3 favorite herbs.  No, not that kind.

Weekend of Fun, wait, Wonder!

The weekend was amazing!  I spent both days at the Wonder Why Alpaca Farm.  I wrangled Alpacas, hung out with friends, met new friends, saw a friend from a really long time ago and started many a chicken riot.



I know you want to know about the chicken riot.  In the shark world it would be a Feeding Frenzy.  On the farm, raisin bagels are as good as blood.



Or possibly you want to know how I tricked everyone into smooshing up plastic bags.  It's a quick project where a person takes roving (fluff) and felts it (shrinks a sweater) into a ball.  I could not get a ball.

Pig 1 chose not to...He made a shell cover for his turtle.





Big Smith was doing weaving demos.  We had people spinning.



Chickenlady was showing off her first niddy noddy of handspun yarn!

Of course the super cute and awesome animals were out for people to see and learn about. But I'm leaving that for the Wonder Why Gal to talk about!

Wanna Hang Out?

I am soooo excited for this weekend!  It's National Alpaca Farm Days this  weekend.  I'm pretty lucky, I happen to know the Wonder Why Gal, so I can see Alpaca pretty much whenever I want.

Actually, I don't think Andrea would be real hip with me skulking around the barn say, 3 am.  Unless of course I was picking up poo, or chasing zombies off the property.



Check out the Wonder at the

Wonder Why Alpaca Farm!

Saturday and Sunday, September 25-26 10am-4pm

-Farm Tours
-Farm store
-Crafts
-Visit our Alpacas, Chickens, Turkeys and Angora     Rabbits
-Spinners, Knitters, Weavers, Fiber Artists...bring your craft and sit down and enjoy spinning, knitting, weaving while watching our Alpacas graze in the pasture.  We'll have some free samples for you to enjoy.

PLUS!  Zombie Prom Date knitters!  And you will know us by the trail of the dead undead!
This was part of Fiber Arts Friday!  Thanks for stopping by.  To read more great Fiber related blogs (plus more Alpaca) head over to our host Wonder Why Gal's blog.

More than you wanted to know...

You may have already heard the squeal of joyous delight, but...yesterday was an awesome day.

While I have 3 kids, I never considered myself a true stay at home mom.  Mostly because we were never at home.  In between Pigs, I'd get a job here, or there and then back to here.  Sometimes, for fun, I'd work as seasonal help at the mall.

But, the last 2 years, I have been at home, with the Pigs.  So, I threw myself into volunteering.  I say threw, because some of it I really didn't want to do, but I did it.

Now, remember dearest, most awesome friends, I am not talking about you. I enjoyed every moment hanging out together.  I'm talking about the brain numbing boredom of being at home for 2 years.  As it turns out, I kept feeding the family either raw chicken, or burned slop.  I'm not very good at the at home part.

Light at the end of the tunnel!  All Pigs in school this year!!  I looked into transferring to Western Michigan University.  Nothing seemed like a good fit, or what I want to be when I grow up.  What's that?  What do I want to be when I grow up?  Happy.

So I signed up for massage school.  Good fit, flexible hours after graduation, options galore! But to pay back the money I borrowed, I needed a job. (I swear, this is leading down the road to "yesterday was an awesome day.")

Yesterday was my Stud Suc Workshop at school.  Yeah, I was a little surprised by the name of that one too.  It was actually Student Success Workshop.  Wow, support from the get go!  They want me to be happy!  Plus, I met a slew of great people, refound  a fellow knitter (hey Theresa!) and, and, it was totally amazing!

Then, I got a call from Forensic Fluids.  Turns out, they want me, they really want me!

Let's start with,I love reading the business section of the Kalamazoo Gazette.  There, I said it.  I like to watch up and coming companies, keep an eye on our local goings on, and if you need a job, I want to help you get one!

I'd heard about Forensic Fluids several times through the paper.  When they ran an article on what a great new company they are this last time, I said "I WANT TO GO TO THERE!"

Even though they didn't think they wanted an MLT (2 yr degree) I sent my resume anyway.  I decided they needed me, and I would prove it to them.

Turns out, it worked.  It was that whole Dare, Risk, Dream thing again!

I will be working M, W, F, from 8am-2pm.  I am going to be a lab tech, doing lab tech things.  But the difference here is, the STAFF.  I am so excited to work with these people!

Then on T and Th I will be at Massage School.

Yes, I will be busy, and I can't wait!!

Added bonus: The Ogre and I drove past my new place of employment and school last night.  There appears to be much zombie activity in both places.  I really am going to be busy.

Saturday, Ah, Saturday

Saturday was a day full of tradition.  Possibly not your traditions, but fun none the less.

It was Spin in Public Day, everywhere, but locally held at Your Local Yarn Shop.  Which technically is my local yarn shop, not yours, so please don't be confused.

Possibly I wasn't taking photos of people, but rather of spinning wheels!  It was great to see friends, but it was also great to see so many different types of spinning wheels in one place.

Also possibly, I should get out more.



I make up for the non people photo, with this people heavy one.  Here we have Kim working with her Spinsanity spindle.  Kim spins the way of the Snot...She practiced in secret until she was ready to show off her mad skills.  Now, she is a spinning FIEND!

Next for tradition, I stole Spinsanity's lovely girls away from her, and took them to...babysit the Pigs.  Awh, I feel sorry doing that to my friends...but we all took one for the Team.

What Team do you ask?  Why WMU football team.  The suckiest bunch of sucks that ever sucked!  Sorry WMU Alumni and current students.  But really, go to a game and support those suckers.  Maybe your love will make them a better team.

The tradition part?

Jello Shots.  Oh, and the knitting.



The rain, that was new.  Let's not make that part of the tradition.  I'm cool with snow, but rain.  Eh, not so much as it turns out.

Whitewashing is Fun!!

Hey Tom, whitewashing that fence sure does look fun!

[caption id="attachment_1006" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Shelly spinning on a Majacraft"][/caption]

Can I give it a try?

[caption id="attachment_3477" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Me attempting to spin"][/caption]

Now, I'll admit it, if you do something and make it look all awesome and easy...I'm there.  I fully blame Spinsanity, not Shelly,  for my desire to spin.  Spinny was drop spindling this blue fluff with sparkley stuff in it, and I finally said "OOOH!  I want to spin Dumbledore's beard too!! (But I WANT Shelly's majacraft.)

So when I saw this much fun going on, I wanted to be part of that action.

[caption id="attachment_3896" align="alignleft" width="112" caption="Hat Felting Form"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3897" align="aligncenter" width="150" caption="Pre Felted, Felted Hat"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_3895" align="alignright" width="112" caption="Still Pre Felted, Felted hat"][/caption]

It's all fun with fluff.  How difficult can it be?

Sadly, much like spinning, there are some techniques involved.  Like, the fluff needs to go to the bottom of the form.  You know, because it shrinks.  Yeah, skipped that.

Then, during the felting, the use of bubble wrap is somehow involved.  I've spent much of my adult life avoiding bubble wrap.  No, I don't enjoy popping it, and it's bad for the environment!  So, I improvised.

Turns out, improvising in hat making is not the same as improvising in baking.  Adding rum does not make it better.

I made an elf hat.

So friends, please don't do anything else fun in front of me.  I'm all up for excitement and new things, I'm just not very good at them!

Sure, technically I wrote this Thursday, but it's the most Fibery Fiber Arts Blog I've done on a Fiber Arts Friday.

So, if you'd like to read about other Fiber Artists...go to our Fiber Arts Friday Host's blog-Wonder Why Alpaca Farm.  Read more adventures, and link your adventures in Fiber!!

Sweet Charity

On Monday, Marty, aka Sir Frogs A Lot, and I delivered Kidney Kozies!

The Kidney Kozie program started in 2008.  Kidney Kozies, more commonly referred to as lap robes or shawls, are given to Dialysis units.  For full back ground info, it's all here.

[caption id="attachment_3887" align="aligncenter" width="150" caption="Zombie Prom Date Knitters Kozies"]

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28 Kidney Kozies, made by a collaboration between Home Grange 129 and Zombie Prom Date Knitters, were delivered to two Dialysis Units in Battle Creek, MI.

Both units were thankful and after this last delivery said they would be set for awhile.

YEAH!  We did something amazing!  We have improved the lives of people getting kidney dialysis.  Ok, just in Calhoun County.  But still, we started with an idea, the idea spread, and the world is a better place for it.

Now, on to those Hats for the Homeless!  Or as the Ogre said "what did the homeless people ever do to you?"

This is just a sampling of the beautiful hats  the Zombie Prom Date Knitters have made for the Haven of Rest in Battle Creek.

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Baby-Cria means Baby-Baby

Friday was Spinning Day at the Wonder Why Alpaca Farm.  I went a little early, because I like to check out the alpacas before I get all into socializing.

Well guess who else decided to show up a little early?

[caption id="attachment_3878" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Sweet Petunia of Wonder"][/caption]

Technically, she was on time.  But my birthday guess for her wasn't until like September 25th.  So, yeah, very early according to my wager.

It was really amazing to see an hours old animal trying to get the hang of walking, nursing, and the whole world all at once.  I am glad though that I missed the actual miracle of birth.  It's just messy.

Baby alpacas are called cria.  I always manage to call them baby crias.  So really, I am saying baby-baby.  But, you know, it's all love.

After the early show excitement, it was just time to hang out with the crew, knit, spin and eat.



There was also some defluffing going on.  Wait, that may be the wrong word.  All I know is fluff went in fluffy, and came out silky, shiny and ready to be spun.  Which, as you know, is what I like.

So I spun, had fun with friends, saw a baby animal, and had a completely zombie free afternoon.

11 Years, Teeth and Spinning!

11 years ago today, the Ogre and I got hitched.



Then had a kickin' party.



For our 10 year we went to Disney with the Pigs.  We promptly ditched the Pigs and went out for fancy dinner.

This year...The Ogre had his wisdom teeth removed.



There was no blue pickle this time...It was all about the mashed potatoes from KFC.  While he was in recovery I kept trying to trick him into believing that the after surgery instructions said "eggs, mashed potatoes from KFC, and applesauce."

Why KFC?  Because if you have surgery, you eat KFC mashed potatoes!  I ate them after my tonsillectomy, and after I had my wisdom teeth out.  My brother had them after his wisdom teeth were sawed out of his head, and when he donated his kidney to my Dad.  When Pig 3 had his tonsils out, he too had KFC mashed potatoes.

Last night, the Ogre finally broke down and ate mashed potatoes.  They technically weren't from KFC, but the potato tradition lives on!

So he's going to continue recovering, and I'm going to hang out with friends.  I think he'll be glad I'm gone.

What will I be doing?  Spinning!  I got a lot of really fun fluff while at Michigan Fiber Fest.

These girls were not part of the fluff obtained.  They are part of the fun.

I also might try my hand at making felted hats. Someone made it look so fun!

[caption id="attachment_3874" align="aligncenter" width="112" caption="Wonder Why? "][/caption]

This was partly part of Fiber Arts Friday.  To see more actual posts about Fiber and less about Mashed Potatoes (KFC optional) please visit Wonder Why Alpaca Farm!

It's so homey around here

You may remember this...



It's Amish Friendship Bread starter, also known as Zombie Friendship Bread.  You know, Zombie because it's sort of alive on your counter and may make you turn into an insane brain eating hunchback if you let it rot too long. At our house, we call it Mike.  He's a part of our family.



With all that finishing of knitting I've done lately, I had to start something new!  Actually, it was a started Tuscany Shawl, and it's now a Citron Shawl. Does that make it an old or new project.  It may not be a new project due to a technicality.   Either way, I get to use my Zauberball or Crazy Sock Yarn Pretty-Pretty.  You can call it either, we'll all know what you're talking about. Now I have knitting problem.  You see, I got a set of these needles for $1.99. Yes, crazy large knitting needles.  The first set I gave to my buddy Kai.  At that point, I thought my need to use giant zombie slaying needles was over.  But no!  Spinsanity was sweet enough to score me another set. Now I feel the need, the need for speed.  Ok, the need to use giant baseball bat knitting needles.  You know, because all the cool kids are doing it.

School? Good luck!

The Pigs are outta here!!



No, really.  All three, in school, at the same time.



Good luck.  I'm saying that to the school.

Back to AWESOME

Public School starts tomorrow!!  As a public school kid sending mom, I'm telling you I'm stoked.

The Pigs are tidied up with fresh hair cuts, new shoes (ok except for Pig 3-but that's a different story) and clipped nails.  They were way beyond Pigs, it was like cleaning wolf children.

Now, what will I be doing?  Dancing.  I will be dancing.  All three Pigs will be in all day school for the first time ever tomorrow.  So yes, there will be dancing.

On the knitting front...I have been knitting and purling like school was about to start for me.  Wait, it is...but I don't start until September 28th.

[gallery link="file"]

I finished a Scrunchable scarf.

Beware family, you may be getting one of these for holiday.

I also finished the hand spun, hand knit scarf.  When I say knit, it's all knit.  Like knit all rows.  For those in the know, this means "garter stitch."  For those having bitchy feelings about the lowliness of garter stitch, please remember the God Mother of Knitting-Elizabeth Zimmermann.  She rocked the house in garter stitch, and had no bad feelings about it...so stick it in your ass lace knitters!

Now, I've moved on to the newly beloved, viral knit...Citron.

Don't worry, you won't get tetanus from this.  It's just the lastest in must knit, knits.  Of course I jumped on the band wagon.  If there is a wagon, I am on it, off it, and dancing all around it.

So, to all of you starting new ventures, happy new school year, new knitting year, and Rosh Hashanah!

Home Grange Craft Day!!

Hi Friends!

Today the Home Grange Hall, 5 miles South of the Lakeview Square Mall in Battle Creek, will be hosting a Craft Day!

What kind of Craft Day?  It's up to you.  Bring your knitting, crochet, spinning, cross stitch, jewelry making, or whatever else and spend a quiet afternoon.

Bring a dish to pass and something to drink if you'd like.

If you have hats for the Haven of Rest, or Kidney Kozies bring them along and they will be donated to the appropriate place.

Hope to see you there!

Home Grange 129

corner of 9 1/2 mile and B dr S

google map

I'm moving! edited...the grass wasn't greener

Why the surprised look???

I moved.  No, I'm still at my normal house, but I've moved my blog!

It is now at knitwithsnot.wordpress.com

Hope you like the new place.

EDITED-March 18th 2011

Yeah, it didn't take.  I'm back on blogger!

Hello Word Press

I've been blogging since August of 2006.  Crazy, no?  I've been using blogger the whole glorious snot filled time.  Lately though, I've been not loving blogging, or blogger.

Then I see that Bec up and left her blog home vox and came over here to wordpress.  I decided that a change might do me good too.

Now I not only have a new blog host, but also a Sheryl Crow song stuck in my head.

Fiber Arts Friday...and Zombie Slaying

I finished knitting the Clapotis, and even wove in all the ends.

Ok, technically, I did miss one. I don't plan on taking care of it either.  It's my creative signature.

I've also been working on what I deem to be a ridiculous bit of knitting...the white baby blanket.

I think all baby items should actually be yellow.  Oh, I think you know what yellow I mean.  Barf/poo hiding mustard yellow.  But, I can not resist the power of alpaca.  Soft, fluffy and oh, so cute.

                                          Alpaca in preyarn form-Courtesy of the Wonder Why Alpaca Farm

I've been working on some spinning too.  But the Pigs have a class for Extreme Zombie Slayers this week, and I haven't been able to work on it very often

Course Description-When slaying zombies, do you often find yourself in sticky situations?  Don't become a statistic!  Improve your jumps, climbs and stealth get aways in this unique Extreme Zombie Slayers Class.  Snack provided.

Climb Kalamazoo is really working on eliminating the zombie problem.  Or, you could think of it as really improving your chances of zombie apocalypse survival.

The small amount of spinning...

Now that I've finished the Clapotis, and I have only 3-4 works in progress, I'm thinking I need to start a new project.

This was part of Fiber Arts Friday! Join in the fun and add your blog, or just read about other great Fiber Artists' Adventures!!

Fiber Arts Friday...and Zombie Slaying

I finished knitting the Clapotis, and even wove in all the ends.

Ok, technically, I did miss one. I don't plan on taking care of it either.  It's my creative signature.

I've also been working on what I deem to be a ridiculous bit of knitting...the white baby blanket.

I think all baby items should actually be yellow.  Oh, I think you know what yellow I mean.  Barf/poo hiding mustard yellow.  But, I can not resist the power of alpaca.  Soft, fluffy and oh, so cute.

                                          Alpaca in preyarn form-Courtesy of the Wonder Why Alpaca Farm

I've been working on some spinning too.  But the Pigs have a class for Extreme Zombie Slayers this week, and I haven't been able to work on it very often

Course Description-When slaying zombies, do you often find yourself in sticky situations?  Don't become a statistic!  Improve your jumps, climbs and stealth get aways in this unique Extreme Zombie Slayers Class.  Snack provided.

Climb Kalamazoo is really working on eliminating the zombie problem.  Or, you could think of it as really improving your chances of zombie apocalypse survival.

The small amount of spinning...

Now that I've finished the Clapotis, and I have only 3-4 works in progress, I'm thinking I need to start a new project.

This was part of Fiber Arts Friday! Join in the fun and add your blog, or just read about other great Fiber Artists' Adventures!!