Thursday, December 18, 2008

Introducing Ernie-Bert Mitts

As a kid, I loved Bert and Ernie, and as a kid, I said a lot of things wrong, as kids are known to do. I called my television friends Ernie-Bert, a fact of which I was reminded by my mom recently. In fact, she reminded me of it about the same time as I began whipping up a little striped number:


The stripes are Dream in Color Smooshy in "In Vino Veritas" and "Black Parade", and the combination reminded me of the striped shirts of Ernie-Bert. Thus we have the Ernie-Bert Mitts.


They're nothing very novel, a tube with a thumb gusset, basically, but they were created out of my head without reference to any other pattern and thus qualify as my own pattern. My first, I think. And I love them!


I'm going to type up the pattern, such as it is, in case anyone wants to try out a pair. They are perfect for using up leftover sock yarn, as they don't take much of either color. And the best thing is that they fit snugly so they don't shift around under long sleeves!

Pregnant Feet



Can you see where my shoes have been? The marks are from my handknit socks.

This is what afternoon looks like on the end of pregnant legs. So pretty.

"Logs on the fire fill me with desire."

Because of their slight yet imaginary resemblance to male body parts?

Because you're a pyromaniac?

Because some hot lumberjack cut them up for you while Bridges-of-Madison-Countying you last summer?

Because you are a dendrophiliac?

Who decided that these were good lyrics?

Why do they come back every year to bother me?

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

One Worthwhile Way to Support the Economy

It's rainy or snowy, it's cold, it's the holidays, you have time off work (hopefully)-- I know you're not out doing free things like hiking or walking along the beach or swimming in your fabulous pool.

And while I know that you ARE counting your pennies, there are ways for us all to help, and I've discovered one that will benefit you too.

"Frost/Nixon"

I admit, I saw it for free, and thus did not infuse the economy with my viewing-- BUT. Seriously. It's so good that if I could bet my pinched pennies on the probability of cinema teachers at major universities holding this film up as a gold standard, I would do it! I would march right over to my local deserted ScotTrade office and lay down my cash. This movie is fantastic!

Is it the writing? Yes. Is it the performances? Good God, yes. Is it the fact that the church in which I was christened plays Nixon's California home? A little (this might not work for you, though). Is it the subject matter? Absolutely. Is it the fact that Democrats and Republicans alike can find something worthwhile to enjoy and learn here? Yes. It is not a hatchett job. It is a beautiful portrayal of flawed men facing each other with their reputations and, essentially, their lives on the line.

You must see it. It is worth the $10. I would even dare say it is worth the $12.50 seats at the luxury theaters.

And get popcorn. 'Cause it's good, too.

Monday, December 15, 2008

We All Scream for Ice Cream!!!

Just called the doctor's office. I tested negative for gestational diabetes. Yay! One less thing to worry about! It's a good thing too, because it's that time of year when the world falls in love, and we get all kinds of treats from the specialists to whom we refer our patients. Glad I won't have to worry so much about resisting. :)

So, knitting. Remember knitting? Not to worry, there has been much knitting lately. A dead battery in the camera put a delay on my showing you, but I do have a few photos now... hang on while I upload them...




The Ellen Cowl (Ravelry link), which I knit for my hairdresser, was the first cowl I've made. These things are brilliant! I know I'm telling you something you probably already know, but hello stashbusting genius! Out of one skein of Malabrigo worsted (here in Apple Cinnamon), I was able to make one man's size beanie, this cowl and STILL HAVE SOME LEFT OVER!!!

I don't think you will be that surprised that I cast on for another cowl right away with leftovers from Mark's sweater (the one I did for Ravelympics). I am testing out the Herringbone stitch, which I really like so far. But I think I'll wait until it's finished to show you, since it shouldn't be long.

I also completed the left front sleeve and front panel of my Sunrise Circle Jacket, which you have not yet seen.

As Meatwad would say, "It is highly edumacationous for my brain." I love the shape of this, but I do find instructions like "(M1R, k32) 4 times" very difficult to keep track of... I've had to do a lot of recounting of stitches. With that said, though, I am up the sleeve and halfway across the semicircle of the right front. I might even be wearing this sweater by Christmas... maybe. The back is finished and blocked already, so I'm awfully close!

The brilliant thing about this sweater, I'm hoping, is that it will leave the perfect little space for the belly to show.

Here's the belly, 26 weeks down, 14 to go!

This photo was almost precisely one month after the previous, for comparison's sake. Most everyone is saying it's small for almost 6 months... I think it's pretty big, myself, and I've earned every last inch of it! I did have a chat with Zuul to see if he or she can help stretch it out a bit bigger for everyone, but we haven't worked out our "One kick means Yes, Two kicks means No" system very well yet. I wonder what 37 kicks and a roll means...

Thursday, December 04, 2008

How my work day started:

(Phone Rings)

ME: Goodmorning, Dr. Williams' office, this is Natalie.

CALLER: Are you sure you still want to have kids?

ME: Who is this?

CALLER: This is [uncouth caller of the day].

ME: (laughing uncomfortably) Well, [uncouth caller of the day], that's not a very nice question. I'm not sure I have much of a choice at this point.

Uncouth caller continues with the subject of her call, which involves the ways in which her son is driving her crazy, and how babies are cute but teenagers are a nightmare, and what time is her son's dental appointment again. I try to conduct the business at hand while she seems determined to besmirch the reputation of all offspring ever procreated, and then proceeds to apologize 4 or 5 times, making me uncomfortable enough to say the following, though I didn't mean it:

ME: Oh, don't be silly, I was just teasing you back. It's not the first time I've heard any of this.

When what I really wanted to say was:

ME: Perhaps you should have thought about what you were saying before saying it. Then you wouldn't have to apologize so much that it makes me feel like it's my fault for being insensitive to you in response to your insensitive question. By the way, I haven't had enough coffee yet, and you have now solidified my opinion that my pregnancy is the universal kryptonite to all decent human behavior.



People, I haven't even had my belly touched by a stranger yet. I fear for the safety of the world when that happens...

I might take a week off of being pregnant next week. Who do I see about that?

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

See it. Love it.

"Lars and the Real Girl"

Don't let the life-sized love doll scare you away. This movie is all about heart and not about the other things the doll can do. Perfect for a quiet, lovely night in.