Will it be complete before the baby arrives???

I have finished the main section of the baby blanket this morning and cast it off!!! Now I just need to knit up the four sides of the border and then I can block and mail it off! I have a feeling Mr. X's baby will be here before I finish. Oh well, I guess lucky for me baby's don't remember late gifts ;)



And this little good was in my mailbox yesterday!! I need another afghan on my "To Make" list like I need another hole in my head!! What the hell was I thinking?.... But it's sooooooooooo pretty!!

National Book Festival and SP 11!!

This weekend I made my first trip down to the National Book Festival which is held in the National Mall. My gf Lorraine and I have been trying to get down here for the past three years or so and for one reason or another we never made it. This year we finally did!! And it was a perfect day. Sunny, 75 degrees, cool breezes, just perfect. But it was damn crowded... *like the National Mall isn't normally crowded on a weekend, what was I thinking.... apparently I wasn't*


As if the day couldn't have been better I came home to find this nice little package at my door! *squeal! I love unexpected packages!*





It was a package from my Secret Pal!! And just look at all the goodies that were in there! My absolute favorite chocolate *second only to Italian chocolate torrone that you can only get from Italy* Adorable fun pen that goes perfectly with the little knitting notebook *well that notebook is in my knitting bag for corrections and what nots, so yes, it's a knitting notebook* and cute sticky notes! And of course, I just squealed like a little girl when I saw the Handmaiden SeaSilk!!




Thank you Secret Pal!!

Lead Me Not Into Temptation...

Cruelty I tell you! I made a pledge not to enhance my stash this month. *no seX this month, in more ways then one* I joined Stashalong in order to curb my uncontrollable urge to purchase soft, squishy yarn that is cuddly soft and knit things using the mounds of gorgeous fibers I already have oozing from every crevice of my home. I am on my third week of a yarn diet.

dum de dum dum dummmmmmm........

The serpent is hanging from the fruit tree tempting me to its goods....

The evil stepmother is in disguise and has come to my door with a delectable red apple to eat....
*OK, so it was really just an email from someone in my knitting group, but still - temptation strikes*

A lys is having a 25% off EVERYTHING sale. Oh the cruelty! I can close my eyes and see this nice little shop, filled with all this luscious yarn that is just begging to be touch. I can hear them now whispering in my ear... "touch me... stoke me... feel my softness... caress me..."

*the yarn shop sounds like a B rate porn movie doesn't it? Not that I know that I know what a B rate porn movie sounds like. Really, I don't. I just imagine that is sounds something like that. Right? *whistles innocently* too bad it's not quite as orgasmic*

So, what did I do you ask? I acted like an angel *polishes the little horns that hold up the halo. I never said I WAS one, sheesh. Beside, bad is just so much more fun - Not that I've had any change to be really bad lately - damn, never should have brought up pornos* I resisted that temptation! Instead, I grabbed some 40% coupons and hauled my ass over to JoAnn's to curb my need and instead bought three knitting/crochet books instead. *now I have even more ideas of how to use my stash* See what I got:

Apparently, Frisco thinks these books were for him. Either that, or this was his way of telling me I need to pay more attention to him. What do you think?

Here's an update on my July goals:
* Knit a bag for my Secret Pal - 90% complete
Before felting:

After felting:
All that's left for this tote is to add the grommets and loop through the straps and mail it off!!

Books, Books, Books

I have decided to move my book reviews and reading rambles to its own personal blog. From here on out you can find them on Diva Librarian Pheelya. It's still a work in progress, but joining the Summer Reading Challenge has jump started it :)

SRC - update

So, I have joined the Summer Reading Challenge. I think the real challenge will be for me to stick to my books on the list! I have already deviated by picking up Stephanie Pearl-McPhee Casts Off: The Yarn Harlot's Guide to the Land of Knitting, but at least I am reading right? I mean the main goal is to read.

Anyhoo, I have finished three books that were on my original list.

The Poe Shadow by Matthew Pearl.
I picked up this book because I really liked his first book The Dante Club and because I love Poe. I wasn't as impressed with this book as I was his first. The book is based on my mysteries surrounding Poe's death. The setting of the book was mainly Baltimore, but there was an extended period in France. It's set back in the 1840-1850 as if it took place literally days after Poe passed. It was a bit dry in places. I find it somewhat hard to believe this was the same author at The Dante Club *highly recommend reading if you like mystery*

Black Moon Rising by Damien Ashton.
If you like werewolf books, this is a must read! Terrifying! One of the best modern day horrors comparable to horror classics. The action in the book was intense and the descriptions are amazing. Damien is not an author for the timid, that is for sure!

The story takes place in a quiet little college town in northern California, Sherridan Heights. A string of brutal killings commence and the local PD can't seem to follow the strange clues. They thought they were dealing with a wild animal that went rogue killing. In the midst of all these brutal murders, four college friends go off for a weekend in the woods. These weekend escape quickly turns nightmarish and one of them brings home something dark and vicious growing inside - unbeknown iced to him. And to say anything more would be to give the story away. If you enjoy reading horror, read this book!

Rain Villiage by Carolyon Turgeon.
Finished this book this morning over my latte. I really enjoyed this book. My sister gave it to me as a Christmas gift and it was signed by the author.

A great coming of age tale. Tessa Riley is a tiny 12 year who's unsure of herself due to being mocked by her family and those in her town. Because of her size her family thinks she is useless to help in any way. Her mother is also embarrassed by her size and wants her to hang and stretch herself in the hopes of stretching to a normal size. Tessa feels all alone in the world. Then one day Tessa meets Mary Finn, the town librarian - sexy and alluring. Mary befriends Tessa. Mary teaches Tessa how to read, tells Tessa all about her home, Rain Village, and teaches her how to flying with the trapeze. Tessa soon becomes enthralled with the idea of the circus and that there could possibly something for her outside of her abusive father and bible thumping mother.
Then one day, when Tessa was 16, Mary committed suicide and Tessa felt all alone again. Till the Velasquez Circus comes around and Tessa takes off. Tessa finds acceptance, happiness and love when she joins the Velasquez Circus, but Mary's death leave a hole in her soul. Then one day a mysterious man comes to the circus looking for her and any information that she has on Mary, who turns out is the man's aunt. Tessa finds herself drawn to this man through the connection to Mary and soon they are heading to Ran Village where Tessa hopes to find answers once and for all about Mary, but ends up really finding herself.

1. The Poe Shadow - Matthew Pearl
2. Danse Macabre - Laurell K. Hamilton **up next
3. The Double Bind - Chris Bohjalian
4. Twilight - Stephanie Meyer
5. A Killer Stitch - Maggie Sefton
6. Mistreal's Kiss - Laurell K. Hamilton
7. Rain Village - Carolyon Turgeon
8. Black Moon Rising - Damien Ashton
9. The Demon Awakes - R.A. Salvatore
10. Disobedience - Naomi Alderman
11. Ophelia - Lisa Klein
12. Voodoo Season - Jewell Parker Rhodes
13. Wild Women's Weekend - Lynne Kaufman

Stephanie Pearl-McPhee Casts Off: The Yarn Harlot's Guide to the Land of Knitting - Stephanie Pearl-McPhee **newly added and almost finished!

Summer Reading Challenge

I decided to participate in the Summer Reading Challenge. It officially started June 1st and goes through August 1st. This soooooo reminds me of my childhood days of the Summer Reading programs at the public library. Of course back then it was all about reading as many books as you could over the summer. The summer reading program that my state currently does is so different.

Anyhoo, during the school year I am mostly reading children's book or Young Adult Literature, so over the summer is when I try to catch up on all the great adult literature that I have purchased during the year, but never found time to read.

Since I have a slew of books in my personal library *three and a half bookcases filled that is* I perused my shelves this morning and grabbed books that I have been dying to read and ones that caught my eye. Since I am a librarian, I attend several conferences a year and at these conferences are book vendors that freely give out uncorrected proofs of new books as well and fully published books. It really is in their best interest to do this. I mean think about it, a confernece full of librarians (public, private, college and education) are the main audience at these conference. The annual conference for the American Library Association alone had over 26,000 attendies. This group is probably publishers biggest purchasers.

Here is the list I have composed for myself.

The Poe Shadow - Matthew Pearl **
Danse Macabre - Laurell K. Hamilton
The Double Bind - Chris Bohjalian
Twilight - Stephanie Meyer
A Killer Stitch - Maggie Sefton
Mistreal's Kiss - Laurell K. Hamilton
Rain Villiage - Carolyon Turgeon **
Black Moon Rising - Damien Ashton **
The Demon Awakes - R.A. Salvatore
Disobedience - Naomi Alderman
Ophelia - Lisa Klein
Voodoo Season - Jewell Parker Rhodes
Wild Women's Weekend - Lynne Kaufman

** denotes currently reading

Turns out the folks didn't come in yesterday either. Apparently my father got sick! He had 102 fever with the flu. My sister and I teased him that maybe retirement doesn't agree with him. He should go back to work so that the germs know they can't infest him *laugh* He didn't agree with out line of thinking... go figure! Happy Father's Day Dad! *not like he'll be reading this or anthing* So now they weill be driving down tomorrow to make it in time for my niece's graduation from elementary school. My sister told me last night that she (my niece) wants to go to The Melting Pot for her dinner celebration. YUMMY!

What a freakin' weekend!

Let me just say right now, this was a weekend that I never want to repeat in my life! Just annoyance after annoyance with dabblings of depression, anxiety and lots of WTF!! If you read my Friday posting you pretty much know that night ended in emotional upheaval loaded with tequila. *uggg, my stomach quivers just at the word*I spent Saturday sweltering in my house because the AC went out *does her best Wicked Witch impression... I'm meeelllttttiingggg*. The depression from Friday night seems to be dragging on with every little things that reminds of me of Mr. X and has me in tears. I seem to be getting slightly worse with that instead of better. I think I know why too *I'm mean, besides the fact that he squashed my heart and it hurts the a MoF**ker*

These last few months I have engrossed myself in completed my portfolio and studying for the assessment test for National Board Certification *and the main reason why I was going for that was because I THOUGHT I was going to be moving to the Chicago area... color me stupid!* This weekend marked the ending of my over-saturation with technology, collection development and literature. Now that I have no studying to really fill up my alone time those memories are hitting me really hard. I'm usually OK when I'm at work, out with friends or family, or hanging with my knitting groups. It's those moments when I'm alone that are the toughest. It sucks! I know my therapist is probably going to suggest medication for the depression, but I don't want to go there. One reason is because I want to get through all this pain so that I can remember to be on guard and not such a trusting dumb ass in the future. Secondly, I don't want to deal with the sexual side effect *yeah, not like I'll be getting any of THAT anytime soon either* or the weight gain. I have enough problems with my weight, I certainly don't need to add to it!

Anyhoo, I spent Sunday cleaning my little house because I had invited my older sister and her family over for a grill out. Nothing spectacular, but I had a craving for lamb chops and my potato salad *I make a mean potato salad* And since I needed to be home Monday for when the AC man came out it just made sense to invite them over. So this gave me an excuse to give the house the detailed cleaning I've been neglecting because I have been putting so much energy in National Boards, and it gave me an excuse to clear off all my portfolio stuff from my dining room table and take it back! Frisco tried to help, but was easily distracted.
That is one of his favorite toys.
So Monday I grilled lamb and chicken legs *yummy* and I made my potato salad along with baked beans, corn and mandarin orange salad. Almost a good day, I put the beans on the grill to soon and by the time the chicken was done the beans were burned! *grumble-grumble* Luckily I had another can in the pantry that I was able to pop in the microwave. Had to, my niece called me earlier that day and asked for them! After dinner I tried to teach Gabriella how to knit *heaven help me* I was not easy considering every two seconds she was up and in front of the TV watching the Amanda show *apparently prime time entertainment for the kiddies*. By the time they left, I think she got the hang of knitting. We'll see what the working piece looks like next time I'm at her house.

As if that wasn't enough, this morning was the morning of the BIG test. Some higher power really did NOT want me going to testing center this morning. *Here's where the WTF factor comes into play* My alarm clock goes off, but the time isn't lit up. *You would think that would have set off alarm bells, but nooooooooooooooooooooooo* I hit the snooze button and rolled over. Thankfully, the alarm rang again and this time my brain registered the fact that the time was not flashing on the clock and that my room was unusually warm. I attempt to flip on the TV to watch the Weather Channel. No TV *brain still not fully functioning* I try to turn the fan on... nothing. Flip the light switch... nada *brain screams WTF!?* My first thought was "what the hell did the AC man do to my electricity." I stumble out of bed and into some clothes and walk around the house to try every light switch and racking my brain for where I might have a working flashlight. (my house can be like a cave, not much natural light due to lots of trees). I find a flashlight *Alleluia! It worked too!!* Nothing from the breaker box. Try looking around the neighborhood, but can tell much. Dig out the cell phone and call BGE. That's when the brain goes berserk! *Oh my god, did I pay the electric bill? I know I have been severely preoccupied, but I'm sure I paid it.... didn't I?? And of course I can't check my online banking because I have no electricity!* Turns out the whole block was out. No idea why. But when I get back from taking the test everything was working again. *yes, I paid my BGE bill, of course I checked after that panic attack*

So, after the test we all went out to lunch to celebrate. We needed it after that test. That was another WTF! for the list. I'm pretty confident that I did OK, but I was pretty confident about other things in my life and boy did they blow up in my face! Unfortunately there is nothing I can do but sit and wait. Results from the whole process don't get announced till sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas! Then I have to decide... well, I'll cross that bridge when I get there. I'm still shooting for not having to decide anything because I will have earned enough points to not have to think about that bridge!

So there we all are at the Olney Grille. All expressing our "WTF was that test" and of course drinking. *yes, amazingly after Friday I was able to down three beer at lunch - well shit, I wasn't going back to work after THAT test*

Afterwards, I was seriously drained and needed a pick me up. So I went to the local Borders and guess what section I ended up in?

*Shame on those of you that thought I would be in the sexual content area! ... I was too drained for even those stories *wink* not to mention not really in that playful state-of-mind*

Here's what I came home with:

I even went next door to JoAnne's and picked up fabric to line my Larger Than Life bag with... when I get done with crocheting and putting all the pieces together that is. I still don't know how I want the straps. And I managed to walk out without spending a dime on yarn! *definitely a miracle for me* I am looking forward to summer, knitting and mindless reading.