Patriotism not politics

this will be a long rambling, but it's my blog, and sometimes you just need to say it-

i consider myself pretty patriotic, maybe not to the same extent as some, but nonetheless, i'm one who can't sing the national anthem at ball games because i start tearing up, and i want to smack the guys who refuse to remove their hats, and please don't play taps, as that really starts the water going- all that to say regardless of your politics and your voting preferences, or how you feel about "the war", when it comes to our military they deserve nothing but our support and a hearty thank you, grant it there are some "bad apples", but that can be said about any profession or group, and hey, we live in a country where we can say just about anything we want about the government, and get away with it- so this diatribe leads me to the reason for this post. . .

an email went out from a neighbor informing us of a send off celebration for a marine being deployed, and we were invited to watch-thought it would be pretty cool since the escorting was being provided by the Patriot Guard Riders (motorcycles)♥, so Thursday evening i was thinking about this, and was glad that my saturday was open so i could see this, i do love a cool motorcycle! . .

so while thinking about this marine who was heading out, i recalled a college class i took "history of the war in vietnam", and the paper i wrote- PTSD in Vietnam Nurses, this paper required us to use primary sources, and i remember being up late reading one autobiography and the nurse talked about her treatment when she returned, people spitting on her in the airport, calling her a baby killer, etc., you've heard the stories, i spent most of my time bawling while i read the book, so this recall got me all teary eyed again,

then i watched some of , Heartbreak Ridge featuring my favorite action "hero", Clint Eastwood, in this he portrays a hard core, God-Corps-Country, semper fi (always faithful), rip your head off and spit down your neck, I'll make a man out of you, gunnery sergeant- go Clint! Love this movie, he tells the men that he is supposed to train them to survive, and to make sure they come out alive! isn't that what we wish for the folks heading "over there?" so start to feel okay, a bit pumped up even, i'm sure we've got some clint types watching our boys and girls, right?

and i thought i was finally doing okay, with whole thing until friday morning on my way to work, i'm sitting at the stop light, it's still dark, and right in front of me is this huge American flag, with the spot light on it, gently blowing in the breeze, and then Tim McGraw's ,If you're Reading This -comes on the radio-- it was all i could do to keep from being a mascara mess before it get to the bus stop-wow emotions are running high now,

then saturday comes along, and it's another emotional experience. seeing the marine standing tall and proud with his wife and daughter, other folks coming out to support him, people who don't even know him! most of the Patriot Guard Riders are war vets themselves, one member had lost her son "over there", and some have family currently serving- but the biggest thing was- they were showing their support- not for the war, but for the men and women who are serving and have served- here are some scenes from Saturday's escorting Patriot Guard Riders - the motorcycles were totally cool!!! this was one of the best things i've ever been a part of- and silly me thought if i waited to do the post, the emotional part would be easier,

then i looked at the link on this email that came from a friend, and it all came back- my heart always constricts when i seem these men and women at the airport getting ready to head out-

soooo, i guess the bottom line is, like the video clip says, say a simply thank you when you see some in uniform it's the least you can do-

Fun and games . . .

fun times this week, and some productivity thrown in for good measure- always leaves me with a good feeling!

Got a much needed haircut, here's a great picture of Robin, not so great of me, but the hair looks good! Love this place de Spa on 6th street, close enough that i can get a haircut on my lunch hour, and still have time for a quick bite- how cool is that- we discussed doing some coppery highlights that are a bit more concealed than regular highlights- must consider this for the spring/summer season!

friday night: choir post-Christmas, pot luck dinner and games- total fun,

here's a glimpse, i didn't play any games,

but i knitted and finished mom's socks-

saturday- patriot guard riders- this was an awesome event more later

sunday-theatre in the square (marietta) Room Service, this was fun because it was the DBE/Lions and Eagles group, but the play was just "okay", great actors with a mediocre script.

put away all the C.mas ornaments and packed away the trees- although i didn't get the "warehouse" fully organized the way i'd like-that will be one of those things that will be done sooner or later, but at least i don't have to look at it!

nearly done with spicy sock #1-- jury is still out about using 2 circular needles. i like doing the pattern portion on 1 circular, so think next go around i'll do a combination of 2 dpn and 1 circular when it comes to the gusset shaping, don't know if all the switchero will be worth it or not, but i will definitely give a report. ♥

♥memory box and PGR post to follow:

Gratitudes:
thoughts of spring
fresh coffee

routines

personally i like a strict (fairly) routine ; not because i'm overly anal (which i can be) but because it keeps me on track and level (balanced) which provides me with a calm existence. also by sticking with a routine i can finish my "chores" as planned, and then i can reward myself with small things, like sleeping an extra 45 minutes on Friday morning, taking an hour or so at Starbucks to relax, knit, or read, or watch a TV show.
some of my routine requirements include: exercise Saturday-Thursday, getting the grocery shopping and my laundry done by Thursday, and cleaning the house on Wednesday. if i do all this then the goal is that i'll have the weekend to do some fun things.

SOOOOO . .

since i've met the above requirements the goals for this weekend include completing the WOC scrapbook, going to the theatre with Mom and the DBE/Lions & Eagles group, watching the Patriot Guard Patrol come through our neighborhood (a post on this later), and putting away the Christmas stuff, and a party Friday night-hope to finish Mom's shawl, I've run into a HUGE glitch, and can't seem to figure it out, and i really don't want to rip it out.



since i've ridden the bus for most of the week, i'm nearly done with Mom's socks- just in time for warm weather, how about that! i'm making headway on my Spicy socks, except at lunch i dropped a stitch or something, so i'm having to rip back on that, and with the 12 row pattern, not sure if i'll be able to get back on track with that- ugh!



found the clip art on http://www.friendsacrossamerica.com/

Gratitudes:

rain and the forecast of rain
getting to go to NY next month

Day with the Dude

Today was full of "must-dos", and what started out as a list of just a couple stops turned out to be tons- what else is new. Here he is at Target's (Mom you look like a tourist- like I care!),









PJ needed bedding for his new bed so that was the main goal, and since he's not too picky we found the black comforter in like no time, did some other stuff, and then had a sit down lunch at Henry's, (check out his website, cool music and photos)

PJ had two restaurant choices, and if he wanted something else, he'd have to submit a list of places that had a wine list. He made a good choice-I tried the Camelot Merlot- delish!








and his catfish po'boy, yes, that's a lot of food, and he left part of the bread and some of the fries- yummy good,
and some kind soul who saw us struggling with the long arm shot took our picture!

We enjoyed the day together, and I think PJ got a glimpse of the other kind of "work" adults have to do on the weekends, and why we often just want to veg!

Another stop was at Total Wine, a huge, I mean HUGE wine and spirits store on Barrett Parkway, I loaded up my wine fridge with a variety of new wines. I also found the Merlot I had at lunch, and was happy to see it so reasonby priced, less than $7, but it cost me $5 per glass? what's up with that Henry? I only made it through about a quarter of the store- can't wait to go back. I left PJ in the car with his MP3, and the conversation was a bit like this-

Mom- I'm leaving the key in the car with you, don't let anyone get you-
PJ- okay
Mom- if anyone tries to steal the Tahoe, let them have it, but be sure to take the Longaberger basket and rescue the knitting!
PJ- got it I think there was a salute in there somewhere as well!

I got some lovely double sided paper at Michael's and some embellishments that were on clearance. On the home front I did manage to get the Christmas decor (not the tree stuff) down into the basement to be sorted and put away, and got the drafting table cleared up so I can do some cards on Sunday. Figured I'd get the C.mas stuff in it's proper place soon enough, at least it's corralled in the "warehouse". Looking forward to some down time tomorrow before another week at work!

TTFN

Gratitude:
a short work week

heat at home- since I don't have any at work near my desk- something's gotta give
time with PJ

K1, P2, K2tog, YO, SKP

trying to make headway on the various WIPs, while trying to convince myself not to buy more sock yarn, or cast on another project. It's really difficult with the yarn thing 'cause when I read other blogs, they show their treasures, and I begin to covet them-must remain CALM, and go hug my stash! Here's some updates and few photos for now:

Jean's shawl, (the photo is old) one more row, then the lace edging, and blocking. This was supposed to be a Christmas gift, but was never able to make progress on it at work, so I brought it home to work on over the holidays, and shebang, I'm on a roll. It's not going to be as long as I'd like since I was limited to the 3 skeins of Noro that Mom brought me from England. It will keep her warm though- that's the key

Moss (Jo Sharp), haven't touched since November, will start again once the above mentioned is finished.

Swatch completed for the SOTSii, think I'm hooked on the Lacey Lamb, and will need some in a palest pink around June for a Secret Sister Christmas gift, let me know if anyone finds any, will probably need 3-4 balls.

Victorian Lace- coming along, nearly to the point where I'll have to pick up stitches from the side, and continue in another direction- egads!

"Spicy" socks on 2 circ. needles-after realizing that the design pattern I had picked out is not evenly distributed over 48 sts, have frogged back to the ribbing- details, details should've read the handy notes in the book before hand-no?!

Isabelle's socks-finished one variegated sock, and have not cast on the other yet, soon though, these are a tad big so she can't wear them now anyway!

Jean's sock- finished 1st one, and am nearly done with the leg of #2

I think that's everything, unless I unearth something I've left in another part of the house! I'll be storing and sorting Christmas decor this weekend, and tidying up my craft area so I can get to making cards.

I plan to use the "nymph" colorway from Lotus Yarns, need to wind it first, for when I teach my sock knitting class for the ladies at church in February- have 2 students so far, one is Mom.

Word for the year . . .

Calm --almost or utterly motionless, (totally not me!) not excited or agitated, composed, absence or cessation of motion; serenity, peace. Synonyms: peaceful placid serene tranquil

This will be what I strive for in 2008, and I hope Ali will continue to inspire me throughout the year. Maybe I can become a bit more creative with the paper, pens, pencils, and other crafty bits I have at home, this will certainly help me both use up some old stuff thus helping the old wallet! Also, having visuals of what it means to be calm will help ( i hope) remind and encourage me in this endeavor. Other words that were left in the comments for Ali's "word" post included breathe-focus-simplicity, all are important for a well balanced life.

Some things I've already been able to use to bring "calm" into my day- my new Diana Krall CD loaded on my computer at work, and I've had about 45 minutes at the beginning of each work day (between home and) to knit-no rushing, just taking it one stitch at a time!

I'm on my road to journaling, Mary and Katie got me a Cavallini calendar, (the NY one), I plan to jot down things either daily or weekly, no strict plans on this project, want it to be something I look forward to doing rather than an obligation.

it's all about 2008

because this will be a big year for me (I'll turn 40 in 224 days-- now I've said it-- will probably need to repeat it several times, but oh well!) so everything will be about 2008, and "do something great" rhymes, but whether I'll do anything great is probably unlikely, but maybe I can do some random things that may make someone else feel great-that's doable.

Mary asked if I had come up with a theme word for the year inspired by Ali Edwards. I'll have to think on that one- perhaps "grow", "reflect", it should probably be "slow down". I'll give myself until the weekend to decide.

Of course New Year's Day is the time to make resolutions, and I usually keep the one's I make, this year they are a bit more "categorical"

Life goals:

take delight in the joys of others (even if they don't make sense to me)
participate more in the boy's life experiences (rather than be a spectator)
notice the needs of others and take action
be more family focused

Knitting goals:

♥give 3 knitting gifts (non-birthday, and non-holiday)
♥patterned socks
♥lace knitting in it's various forms (and textures)
♥challenge myself
♥do more for charity
♥reduce my stash!

Other goals:

watch the birds (more)
learn to quilt
maintain current level of fitness-improve endurance
maintain good health
love the (seemingly) unlovable
take better pictures for the blog
skip through most of my days, rather than run
strive always to improve myself and learn
entertain in my home more often keeping in mind that a cup of coffee is just as inviting to a friend or neighbor, as a gourmet meal.
simply say "thank you" when given a compliment
get to know my neighbors better

This time of year is also a time to reflect on what the previous year has been like so. . .

learned how to knit socks, lace, and use beads
learned to blog-taught me a new way to "look at " and "listen to" what's around me
kept my resolution to speak to a certain (not family) person everyday-regardless of what grunt or response I received
maintained my weight and good health
said "no" to additional responsibilities and projects (non-work related)
finally feel really "settled" in our home

I guess that's about it, so here's to wishing you and yours a very happy, prosperous, productive and joyful New Year! Maybe YOU can do something great in 2008?!