Ms. Knit Sox: Executing Stitches, One Stitch at a Time...

As jm would say, "Let's Get This"...

So, I'm finally getting around to posting what I feel is a very important blog entry.  Oh, some of it was just plain fun, but there is a part of it that is for a bigger, more important cause - something that means a great deal to me.  And, it's called Let's Get This Foundation (LGT Fdn).  

As you know, I was, am and always be a NKOTB fan.  Not everyone gets this.  And, that's okay.  I'm sure there are things that I don't "get" either.  But, I digress...

In recent months, one of the members of this group, Joey McIntyre started a foundation in order to "give back."  The hope is that we can all learn and get involved together.  Step 1:  a summer book drive - collecting childrens books.  Everyone who reads my blog will know that, while it started out as a way for my friends and family to see my knitting related projects, it has become so much more.  And, a very big part of it has been my passion for reading.  You may recall this blog entry...Reading is to the mind...  in which I discussed how reading books is a big part of who I am.  

He opened up a contest for people to enter a 100 word essay to say why they should be selected to be a volunteer at one of the concerts.  And, this is what I wrote:

Why I want to be a part of the book drive:

Reading is a big part of who I am today.  I'm thankful everyday that I learned to appreciate a good book at a young age.  A good book will take you places you never dreamed of going.  By starting to read quality books at a young age it will help develop important skills children need in order to lead future generations.  
 
A quote I have for my blog is "Never discourage anyone...who continually makes progress, no matter how slow." -Plato. 
 
I believe what the Let's Get This Foundation is doing applies here because we will make forward progress together.  
 

Thank you for time and consideration.
 

Well, a few weeks later, people were starting to get notified that they had been selected.  So, I thought, okay, maybe I'll go check my email.  Imagine the surprise and jubilation I felt when I saw this in my email in box:

We want you to volunteer in Washington, DC!‏

From:

Joe McIntyre

I felt so honored.  Out of thousands who entered, only around 10 per city were being chosen.  My passion for reading and this great cause was evident in what I had written.  Go me!  : )  However, I ended up being able to change my city to Virginia Beach (remember I did a mini tour).  I was doing the 5* meet and greet VIP experience in DC, so there was a conflict, but asked if I could do the Virginia Beach location instead and there was an opening. 

That night was a night to remember.  We met at the will call at 4:30 p.m. per the instructions, waited about an hour or so and as "Joe's guests" were escorted to meet him for the briefing.  He was so gracious and appreciative of us.  He asked each of us our names, gave us hugs and asked if we thought we could handle setting up the easels, lol.  We said, "of course!"  And, one thing that I chuckled at, but absolutely loved, was the meticulous way Joe was counting out the download cards (if you donated a book, you get a free download for his song, "Five Brothers and a Million Sisters)."  Maybe it was the accountant in me and his attention to detail that struck such a cord with me.  Hee, hee.  Then, he was like, oh, let's take a picture.  And, here is the result (they did another one - a "switch out" so different ladies could be by Joe - I was one of them in that photo):

 

And, here is a picture of me at the volunteer station:

 

And, then we were off to set up.  Well, most of you know the rain that a good portion of this country has been having this summer.  Well, the sky decided to open up in Virginia Beach that night (a "monsoon" as Jonathan Knight called it - lol, love ya Jon).  Fortunately, it was right after the venue staff provided a tent for us to stand under.  All of us were so thankful for that tent.  Otherwise, we would have been drenched.  But, of course, it would have been worth it because we were there for a bigger cause...  This group of ladies quickly bonded.  And, now we're keeping in touch via social networking on a daily basis.  We want to be able to reunite and do a show together.  Maybe go on the cruise together (yes, there will be another NKOTB cruise and you can bet I'm gonna be on that boat!  Some of my best local girls and I are already planning for it - see how many wonderful people I have in my life because of these guys?  It's kind of like that special group of knitters that I've met through Ravelry and The Loopy Ewe - friendships that warm my heart.  Priceless...)

So there you have it- my wonderful experience as a LGT Fdn volunteer.  I look forward to the things that come with this organization.  This is only the beginning and I know I want to be a part of it as it grows.  As we learn from each other - "Helping the World, Step by Step."

 

One of these days I'll get back to semi-regular blogging...

Hello all!  Just a quick one for now to let y'all know I'm still around.  It seems like I haven't been able to sit down to write out a proper blog entry in a while.  Work is starting to get busy.  In fact, I know it's going to be a crazy summer - a lot of new things going on around here.  But, as long as I pace myself, I'll be just fine.  : )

Most of you probably know I also just recently got back from what my friends and I are calling our "mini concert tour."  We hit 3 cities back to back (I also look forward to my July 3 concert - because I get to attend with one of my best high school friends and see my family this summer).  That will have to be one of my proper blog updates - what a fun time!  I also want to write up a separate entry (I do have a draft for this entry, just need to make edits) about volunteering for the Let's Get This Foundation - because that cause is something very special in and of itself - and so near & dear to my heart.  

And, pretty much zero knitting has been going on.  And, it's starting to make me sad.  I miss it, yet really haven't had the energy to devote to it like I want to.  In my "free" time (when I'm not trying to get properly rested), I've been mostly reading books - because as you all know, that is a part of me that needs to be fed on a regular basis.  I still have about 75 pages in my book club book which meets Thursday.  This book is graphic and I can only read it at certain times of the day.  I also have greatly missed reading "Anna Karenina" so I am making time for that book as well.  I really, really miss my study of Dostoevsky too.  Not to mention the hundreds of other books on my list.  I am once again realizing that I have many, many interests - and only so much time in any given day.  I have to choose what feels right in the moment and just go with it.  I will find my way back to the knitting - when the time is right.  And, I have to let go of the guilt - because that will only bring me down and I don't have room in my life for negative energy!  Focus on the positive!!

With that, I'll close for now.  Have a great day all!  : )

Counting My Blessings...

Yesterday, I got a little upset because I thought my computer had officially "died" before I had a chance to finish backing up all the data I wanted to have saved.  And, then after about an hour or two, I realized that was silly.  The calm took over and I called tech support to see if there was something that could be done.  Low and behold, they were able to walk me through some steps and everything came back up.  Someone must have been watching over me.  I now know that I must make it a priority to get an external hard drive (or maybe several thumb drives would suffice) and back up that data ASAP.  So, if the computer does fail in the near future, I'll be ready. 

But, that really isn't the point.  In the grand scheme of this thing called life, things like that seem so trivial when you get down to it.  Instead, I will focus on what I do have.  I am blessed in so many ways.  I am in good health, have a roof over my head, the security of a good job, wonderful friends and a loving family, even if most of them are in Kansas and I'm here in Virginia. 

And on the subject of friendship?  I have always commented on how fortunate I feel to be a part of a wonderful knitting community.  I have met some of the most amazing people through this hobby of mine and some of the most genuinely caring individuals I have ever known.  We can share anything and everything.  We do what we can for others.  And, that, my friends is truly special. 

Also, over the course of the last year, I have made new friendships with a great group of women who share in my love for NK.  This friendship has grown into the type of friendship I have with my knitting community.  Sure, we have a common interest, but we are also there for each other during good times and not so good times.  Laugh, cry, we do it all.  We were even talking last night about doing a one year anniversary girls weekend.  I feel fortunate that these women have come into my life.  I believe things happen for a reason.  Again, that is truly special. 

Think about all that you have and feel blessed each and every day.  I know I do...

And, as I go into a welcome long weekend due to the Memorial Day holiday, I think about the true meaning of that day.  The U.S. men and women who lost their lives serving our country in military service...

Take care, my friends... : )

"Call It What You Want..."

Well, I'm back from my whirlwind trip to NYC.  And, yes, I had a fabulous time!  My friend Juli and I drove up Thursday evening (we had a slight detour, but we won't speak of that, lol) because we planned to attend the Toyota Concert Series on TODAY on Friday morning.  Yes, some of you might have guessed it, NKOTB was performing and we wanted to attend.  We definitely weren't planning on a weeklong urban camping experience, so leaving Thursday worked well for us.  Although, I actually did stay up for over 36 hours, but that was not intentional I assure you.  Since we got there a little later than planned, I would guess we parked ourselves in line about 11 p.m.  But, we did have a hotel reservation, so I told Juli she should go rest since she drove and had been up late a lot during the week (I had rested up for this little adventure - hee, hee).  Fortunately, I did have time to go back to shower, freshen up and change into a new outfit.  : )  They moved us over from the general line to the fan pass line around 4 a.m. and we were there for a few more hours until they let us into the "pen" for soundcheck.  It was very crowded as expected, but that did not keep us from having a great time!  The guys performed three songs, which you can see here if you so choose (I know most of my loyal blog readers are not into the NKOTB thing, but it's a part of me and so I'm sharing! - hopefully those links work!):

Hangin' Tough

Dirty Dancing 

Call It What You Want 

They looked and sounded great!  I didn't take a lot of pictures - but Juli did - and we've also seen some of the others that people have posted.  Pretty cool.  : )  But, I'll post a few just for fun. 

 

 

 

(photo credit: ktsummer)

We also had several laughs about things that would probably only be funny to us and what was going on at the time, so I'll spare you the details here.  Suffice it to say, it was a fun travel experience and I look forward to more road trips in the future, lol. 

And, I can't wait until the "Full Service" Summer Tour kicks off.  You know I'm going to be there!!  I'll be doing two VIP shows (Washington, DC and Wichita, KS) and also hitting up Virginia Beach, VA and maybe Camden, NJ.  It will be very special because I'll get to share it with the great group of ladies I've met and bonded with for these concerts.  We can talk about so many other things besides our love of the guys.  It's pretty special to be able to share the memories with them... And, of course, the Wichita, KS show will be special because that is where it all started for me back in the day.  I'll be attending that show with one of my best girlfriends from high school.   We saw them together in 1990 and had seats way far away.  Now, to be able to have awesome seats and to meet the guys together, well, that's what it's all about - coming full circle.  I've been fortunate enough to have already done the meet and greets, but K has not - so I'm going to do my best to make it as special as I can for her.  Never in a million years would I have thought we would have been able to do this together, but we are and well, it's just so surreal...but pretty damn cool... : )

Spring Fling 2009...

So I realize I'm tardy in posting, but better late than never right?!  And, I'm also having computer issues, so that slows me down a lot.  I need to buy an external hard drive and start backing up my data.  And, then research new computers...fun times! 

But, speaking of fun times (and I mean that in the real sense of the word!!), I thoroughly enjoyed myself at this year's Spring Fling.  As always, Sheri put together a fabulous event!  

I arrived on Thursday around lunchtime and met up with some fabulous ladies (thanks Lori for driving - so nice to have a local show us around) to grab lunch and go to Knitty Couture.  What a lovely yarn shop!  I was, however, good and resisted buying more yarn lovlieness.  : )  Then a few doors down was Pi which we heard is a favorite of President Obama.  The pizza was delicious!  

Soon, my friends from last year started trickling in and it was wonderful to see them in person.  We chat almost daily via Plurk but it's always nice to hang out.  And, looking forward to seeing some of them again in October when we travel to Rhinebeck - which will be a first for me!  : )  We picked up our pre-ordered cupcakes (thanks Leslie for organizing this) and spent time in the lobby until it was time for dinner.  And, what did I have?  Well, more pizza of course, lol.  That's because I had not tried the toasted ravioli pizza that I heard is a must try as well.  And, it was tasty.  : )  Then, if I wasn't already full from all of that, we had the welcome dessert reception!  Yummy!  Tried a sample of a few different desserts.  Then spent some time knitting and also getting to know my spring fling swap partner, Gina - she is just as sweet in person.  So glad we got to spend time hanging out.  : )

And, on Friday, my first order of business was to go to Loopy Central and shop in person.  I was proud of myself for being really good - when I get a chance I'll upload pictures to this post.  The cutest thing was this little peacock that will display several mini socks as his feathers.  Can't wait to knit some of those up and create a new display!  So much fun!  In the afternoon, I took a beginning lace class from Anne Hanson.  She's a great instructor.  And, love her patterns.  It was mostly a refresher for me - I probably could have handled the Advanced Course, but it was already full.  Maybe next year?!  Then, more knitting in the knitting lounge with my friends - old and new.

Move along to Saturday.  I had a free day all day.  The intent was to go to the gym.  Well, we all know that didn't happen, lol.  So, I just spent time hanging out in the knitting lounge and having a lot of good laughs with friends.  Later that evening (side note:  had St. Louis style pizza that night for dinner - because again, it's a must try - andit was yummy too - the cheese is different but I liked it), the wonderful Darth Knitter lead us in a fun new song that she wrote to recap the event.  I'm not a singer by any means, but this is something I enjoyed being a part of last year and wanted to do again this year.  We've even got a youtube video to capture the moment!  It was so much fun.  Thanks again Tammy for organizing this!  

And, then before I knew it, it was Sunday and time to go home.  I didn't go to a baseball game like I did last year, so was home at a much more reasonable hour.  I took the following Monday off to relax and rejuvenate.  So many happy memories again this year.  Feel so blessed to be a part of this wonderful community...

So, until my next adventure (which starts very soon - will be heading to NYC this afternoon, more details to come...), take care all...       

So, about my love of baseball...

I've touched on this subject here and there, but I'm not sure that I've actually dedicated an entire post dedicated to more of the full story behind my love of baseball. 

As I stated in my most recent entry, it all began with my younger brother.  He's 2.5 years younger than I am, but has always had a passion for sports.  We often joke that I'm the one with all the intellect and he's the one with all the athletic talent.  Oh, and if he was the one who was left handed, not me, he'd be in the big leagues right now, lol.  But, I digress...

I was especially shy (and in a lot of ways still have social anxiety issues) when I was young and just couldn't get into participating in group sports.  I much more enjoyed reading a good book.  Yet, how I loved to go watch my brother play baseball.  Every summer I looked forward to attending every game my brother played.  As he got older, he developed a talent for pitching.  Probably why my favorite players have always been pitchers.  How intense the anxiety was for me when he was on the mound.  I just wanted the very best for him...

I'll never forget his first no-hitter and the joy it brought to his world.  I was so proud.  And, when we went to our first Kansas City Royals game (remember I'm from Kansas) and when he got that Major League baseball from one of the players (I just found out a few years ago it was actually from a Boston Red Sox player, although I have no idea who it was.  Must have been destiny that I would eventually become a Red Sox fan, but more on that later). 

He eventually got a college scholarship to play baseball.  Then it became more difficult for me to attend the games because I was attending college in another location.  But, my mom always kept me updated on the status of things because she was still able to attend his games. 

I suppose shortly after that was when I became more interested in Major League Baseball (not that we didn't watch MLB games, because we did).  Having all those special memories from going to see the Royals made me realize I needed to continue to have baseball as part of my world.  I eventually moved to the DC metro area (figured it was one step closer to a move to Boston - which is another story in and of itself - the love of New England has been with me since the 5th grade after reading poetry by Robert Frost - and only grew over time for other reasons).  I just could not get into the Orioles.  Was I supposed to adopt a new "home" team?  I couldn't do it.  The Royals were and are still are a part of me. 

I eventually met a very special friend who fully introduced me to what being a Red Sox fan was all about.  He was just as passionate about baseball (he played in a men's hardball league and I loved that I was able to go to some of the games) as I was and it was so wonderful to be able to share baseball stories.  He would always ask, "are you sure you want to become a Red Sox fan?  They'll break your heart..."  But, I was sure.  I had come to know that Red Sox fans were as passionate about the game as I was and that this is where I belonged.  They truly are students of the game and I like about them.

And, then, as part of my knitting world, I discovered Ravelry.  In addition to talking about knitting, we can talk about just about anything and everything.  TV shows?  Check.  Music?  Check.  You name it, it's probably there.  The "Sox Knitters" group has 931 as I'm writing this.  It's so wonderful to be able to talk to other women about baseball.  We "live chat" during the games, talk about stats/trades, etc. - you name it, we probably talk about it if it relates to the Red Sox.  It's pretty cool to be able to share this...  Through this I also discovered a great Red Sox blog, Center Field - I might especially be partial to it for the Beckett content (I became a fan of his, of course, thanks to my brother), but honestly, I love it all!  

And, that is where I'm at today.  Oh, there are plenty of other stories I could probably share (like the fact that I've yet to experience a game at Fenway or mini baseball helmets filled with ice cream sundaes), but I'll save that for another day...  Play ball! 

Opening Day...

Have I mentioned how much I love baseball?  Hee, hee.  Well, I'm pretty sure I have on more than one occasion.  It's been a part of my world since my younger brother started playing tee ball.  I can't seriously imagine my life without it.  It's in my blood.   

So who's ready for the home opener?  This girl is, that's for sure!!  I'm ready for one Mr. Joshua Patrick Beckett to do what he does and execute pitches!!!  (and maybe drop a few f bombs, because we all know that's how he rolls, lol)  Bring that A game, #19!!!  : )

That is all...

 

So about that knitting...

As I have been updating my blog a little more regularly, I realized I really should share some knitting content.  For a variety of reasons, I haven't been spending as much time knitting.  But, tonight, I realized how important it is to me and have been spending some quality time with the yarn and needles.  And, I also wanted to share just what has been going on in my knitting world.  About a month ago, I finished the "Feather and Fan" scarf ( a free pattern designed by the talented and lovely WendyKnits using the equally talented and lovely Wollmeise yarn dyed by Claudia in the Miss May colorway.  I absolutely love how it turned out.  Big Loopy wanted to model, even if it was too big for him.  And, of course Little Loopy didn't want to be left out:

And, I've decided where I'm headed re:  the WIPs.  I have decided to focus on the 3 single socks.  One is closer to being done than the other 3, but I'll cast on for them after I'm finished with the first.  Oh, in between that stealth project I'm working on.  The other 2 that I had barely started are going to have to go to the frog pond.  Because, I'm ready for some new sock knitting in my world.   There are so many patterns that I have and have been wanting to start, so now is the time.  Oh, and in case you need a reminder of the single socks, here they are:

 I haven't bound off for the "short" sock in the middle because I want to make sure I have enough yarn for the second sock.  The yardage I have on this sock is limited and while I did weigh it and divide evenly, I just want to make sure - because that's the way I roll, lol.  I'm really excited about this renewed energy for knitting.  I'm generally not creative by nature, but knitting allows me to find that part of my self.  And, I love the color that it brings to my world. 

So, this is what's on my mind...

I just started reading "Fahrenheit 451."  I mean the book club meets in a few weeks, so I better get going, lol.  Darn that "Anna Karenina" for sucking up all my free time. ; )  I'm a little bit embarrassed to admit that I've never once picked it up let alone knew what it was about.  But, I've come to the conclusion that now is when I'm supposed to be reading it.  I can appreciate it more.  I would so not work in that kind of future society.  Most of you know how important books are to me and I can't seriously imagine not having them in my life.  So, enter the themes of this book.  Just really struck a cord with me and how applicable these themes still are...

There are so many things competing for our attention in this world - even more than just television as was the case when the book was first written.  I confess I have a love/hate relationship with the Internet and even still television.  I actually watch very little television.  Sometimes I wonder why I watch it at all, but there are a few shows that I greatly enjoy for completely different reasons, so I feel it is acceptable.  Oh, and let's not forget TCM, because they just don't do movies like they used to either.  And, of course, there are just other times when I just want to be entertained (baseball anyone?!).  And, with the Internet?  As much as I love keeping in touch with friends, sometimes I just have to shut if off for the evening.  And, good friends understand this about me, so it's all good.  Isn't maintaining the proper balance what it's all about?  I think so...  : )

Curling up with a good book takes you places you never dreamed you'd go - gives you things to think about in ways you might not of thought of before, and so much more.  My brain needs to be challenged in that way on a daily basis, if possible.  I am a curious person by nature.  And, if I can't keep learning and expanding my knowledge, I'm just not being true to myself.  I love that I started making books a part of myself at a young age.  I still love going to the library.  Sometimes if I need to get away to clear my head at work, I walk over to the closest library or book store.  Just being surrounded by all that knowledge waiting for me to find, is instantly calming.  A beautiful thing...

Thank-you, my Loopy Spring Fling Swap Partner...

Can I just say that Gina rocks?!  Because she does!!  As part of this year's Loopy Ewe Spring Fling, I signed up to do a pre-fling swap.  A veteran flinger exchanged with a newbie flinger.  And, spoil me, Gina did - above and beyond what she needed to do!  Wanna see what she got me?  

    

My package included the following:  Fleece Artist Trail Socks in Mermaid, Claudia Hand-Painted in Boot Camp,Zauberball, two project bags by Barb Miller, a 3 AM Enchantments project bag, "Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn" sock book, a stitchsaver that says "ms sox," a cute knitting counter (I'm so gonna put that around my neck at the fling - hee, hee), a cute sheep measuring tape, a view stick so I can see patterns & charts magnified, a Mudhens baseball t-shirt and a great bag for carrying stuff in general.  And, that cute little card that says, "Do you ever think you own entirely too much yarn?"  (Me neither on the inside).  And, each gift had a little hand written note to go along with it.  Gina, I can't express enough how generous you were to me...  I can't wait until the Fling - it will be here in just a few short weeks.  It's going to be a blast!!!!!!  Catching up with old friends, making new friends - it's a truly special time for us all.  Knitters really are some of the most amazing, kind and generous people I know.  And, I feel so fortunate to be a part of this community.  They took away all the anxiety I had about going there by myself last year and made me feel welcome instantly!!  Oh, and I think I've found that lost knitting mojo - I mean, how can I not after that swap package?  Must peruse through my new book!  Happy Knitting!  : )