Knit Run, Purl Run

What a Fantastic Surprise!

Posted on March 6, 2012 by H3Dakota

What a Fantastic Surprise!

So yesterday, I checked my email to suddenly have quite a few notifications of new subscribers. I do get some new folks here & there that have made their way here one way or another, but I’ve never quite gotten such an increase in one day before. When I popped in to see what was going on, imagine my shock when I found that in one day, I had about 5x the number of daily visitors that I normally have! LOL

It was a wonderful surprise & all due to a link from a site that I wasn’t even aware existed until now, Knitting Paradise. So if you’ve found your way here from there, welcome! I’m very happy to see all of you. :) If you are like me & haven’t visited the site before, do go take a look around, they have some wonderful links & pictures of terrific projects there!

Running

*peeking out from between my fingers in shame*

Need I say more? LOL In my defense, I’ve been battling a return of my migraines lately (we really don’t need to talk about succumbing to the temptation to linger in bed on some days, now do we?). I’ve also now started a class for Ruby on Rails that is keeping me a bit busy in my hours away from work, as well…

Oh, fine. I’m full of excuses. I know. I’ll get out there, I promise. LOL

Knitting

I have been knitting, though! :) I finished my sweater – I did find a mistake here & there, but I actually decided to leave them alone instead of ripping back & fixing them. I’m not going to let them bother me because overall, I’m absolutely thrilled with it! :D

Pattern: I Heart Aran

Yarn: Cascade 220 Tweed (about 3.5 skeins for a size 36 sweater)

Needles: Size 7 & 8

Notes: I’d definitely go down in stitch number & needle size for the cuffs if I were to knit it again. I’d also go for picking up stitches & knitting on the sleeves rather than set in sleeves, I seem to stink at that. I believe that I’d knit it longer, as I like longer sweaters.

I’ve also started a new Socky Slouchy Hat for the manlet, as he has lost his other one. He actually told me “you NEED to make me a new one, I can’t find mine”. There was no asking. In this case, I do not mind one bit – I’m actually thrilled that store bought hats no longer satisfy him! :) Happily, I still have plenty of the yarn leftover from his last one to knit another. I’m getting close to having the new one finished already.

Today’s Ravelry Search

I decided to do something fun for the search today. In organizing my stash, I discovered that I have a bit of a Chroma stash, more than I thought I did. LOL So I thought I’d have fun & show you some highlights of patterns/projects of what folks have done with this gorgeous yarn from Knit Picks! None of these are mine – click the pic to go right to the Ravelry pattern page, as always. Enjoy!

Knit

Lollipop Zebras?! ZOMG, awesome! :D

Crochet

I love this hat. I really do - how can you not, it's fantastic!

Knit

* What a truly unique idea! Picking up the stitches would just be worth it when they turn out so cool looking!

Crochet

* Oh wow. This pattern has long been one of my favorites, but WOW!

Knit

Very cute scarf idea!

Crochet

* Chroma stripes up perfectly for cowls, I'd say! Just adorable.

Knit

* I actually don't know which I love more - the story behind the pattern or the pattern itself! :) It's definitely gone into my faves, though.

Crochet

SO incredibly gorgeous. So pretty & the pattern price is unbelievably reasonable!

Knit

* Cute! Colorwork is always fun & using Chroma & a solid color is a good way to get your toes wet with it before trying to tackle fair isle. :)

Crochet

This pattern is actually from the same crochet designer as the last crochet pattern. SO pretty & also incredibly reasonably priced on the pattern!

Knit

Stunning. :)

Crochet

O.M.G. I can't even begin to say how cute I think these booties are. :D I had to have the pattern.

Knit

* Lanesplitter always looks fantastic, but it looks really great with Chroma!

Crochet

* Here's another really pretty shawl that looks fantastic with the long color repeats.

Knit

* Awww, this hat is utterly adorable!!

* Free Pattern

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

Posted in Running | Tagged Chroma, Free Patterns, Knit Picks, Knitting, Knitting Paradise, Running, Today's Ravelry Search | 11 Comments

How Times Have Changed

Posted on February 26, 2012 by H3Dakota

How Times Have Changed

So in my eternal geekdom, I was utterly delighted to discover that Amazon has the entire 3 seasons of Star Trek TOS (the original series, for you non Trekkies out there) available for free on Prime instant videos. I’ve spent the past week delving into the first season, watching an episode here & there when I’ve got the spare time. It’s been years since I’ve watched this show, though I still remember pretty much every episode I’ve seen so far. LOL

I’d forgotten how good the stories generally are. I’d also forgotten just how rampantly sexist the show was! Good grief, I don’t want to see Kirk fighting/shirtless/in a ripped shirt one more time nor do I want to see another woman filmed with soft focus, FFS. Every woman so far has been limited to serving Kirk meals/coffee/kisses/love-struck limpid gazes – if not that, then she is simply screaming, singing, crying, giggling, teasing or speaking in a sexual “come hither” tone. Every single “intelligent scientist” of a woman so far has succumbed to her softer female side & the stronger man – the historian, Lt. McGivers to Khan; the psychiatrist, Dr. Dehner to Mitchell the wannabe god, the botanist, Leila Kalomi to her feelings for Spock.

How I cheered when we had glimpses of Number One in pants during The Menagerie (the 2 part episode where clips of the unseen pilot episode were used)! Now THAT was a character that I would have loved to have seen in every episode. :)

It takes going back & watching these old shows to fully appreciate just how much things have changed. Sure, there is still so much to be done yet in terms of equality for all, but we really have made some good strides towards the goal.

Running

Well, I was on the path to building back up again, but I’ve been a bit distracted & derailed of late. I haven’t really been running like I’d planned the past 2 weeks. :) I intend to change that, though! LOL

Knitting

I have been knitting, though! I found this gorgeous pattern, I Heart Aran, and I just had to knit it! It’s my celebration sweater, celebrating a couple major new changes in my life. :) I’m on the sleeves now & hope to finish them today. I’d like to be working on the collar by this evening, but we shall see. :)

Today’s Ravelry Search

LOL, what else would I search for today? ;) I know I’ve featured some of these patterns before, but some are just too fantastic not to point out multiple times! As always, these aren’t mine, click the photo to go right to the Ravelry pattern page.

Knit

* Spock's Vulcan lyre - pretty cool double knit pattern! :)

Crochet

* How about making up your very own Enterprise? :)

Knit

* You could do so much with this pattern, a scarf, cowl, wall hanging... :) Someone even turned it into a poncho!

Crochet

* Become a Vulcan for a day! :D

Knit

* Yes, this hat is actually from the 2009 Star Trek movie, but it's just too awesome not to include! :D Besides, I adore Scotty.

* Includes 3 charts for command, science & engineering/services! Very cool. You could actually use the charts for crochet/knitting/cross stitch, I should think. :)

Knit

* A definite repeat, but they are awesome! :D

Crochet

Tunisian crochet! Sweet.

Knit

* Spock mittens!! AWESOME.

* Free pattern

Live long & prosper. ;)

Posted in Running | Tagged Free Patterns, Geek Knitting, Knitting, Running, Star Trek, Today's Ravelry Search | 1 Comment

Well, Yes, It CAN Do That

Posted on January 30, 2012 by H3Dakota

One of my favorite singers, Joss Stone, came up in conversation this past weekend. She’s simply amazing. :)

Running

I didn’t get out on the trail this weekend at all, but I am going to get out there for a solid run this morning. :) My calves were actually a bit sore after the last 2 runs, where I booked it a bit more than usual, so the rest was a good thing.

Reading

I’ve actually been listening to audiobooks recently while I knit. I’m going through the How to Train Your Dragon series, written by Cressida Cowell & read by David Tennant (I know, I know, it’s shocking that I would want to listen to those, right? LOL). The series is written for children, grades 3-5 – but it’s such a fun series that I’m totally enjoying it as an adult as well. :)

How to Speak Dragonese – in this story, our hero Hiccup & his trusty Berserk BFF Fishlegs manage to board a Roman ship instead of the peaceable fishing boat they’re supposed to board as a part of his latest Viking class. Not quite as much fun as How to be a Pirate, but still a blast! Tennant was such a perfect choice to read this series, if you can overlook the Scottish accent on your Vikings (which I certainly can, given that I have such love for the accent). It sounds like he had so much fun with it! Here’s a wee sample…
How to Cheat a Dragon’s Curse – this time, Hiccup must find the imaginary vegetable that shall not be named to save Fishleg’s life, as it is the only antidote to the dreaded Vorpentitis. He has until 10:00 the next morning to find this cure – can he make it back in time?! I love the inclusion of Camicazi on his adventure – I hope we get to see more & more of her! :D

Knitting

I got a start on the youngest manlet’s Loxley yesterday. I’d better get it done now, else he won’t have any time to actually wear it. We’ll be heading into temps too high for it soon! This is my 2nd time knitting this pattern, as the oldest saw it first & had to have one. The youngest tried it out & decided he wanted one too, just like it – same yarn, same color. :)

Today’s Ravelry Search

I’m in a mushy mood, what can I say? Must have been my fantastic weekend. ;) A click of the picture will take you right to the pattern page on Ravelry. Enjoy!

Knit

Robots!! Squee! :D

Crochet

*ZOMG! Even more Squee! Aren't they awesome?!

Knit

Oooh, I love the stained glass look!

Crochet

Bright, cheery, fun!

Knit

* Hee!! I love these bibs! :D

Crochet

* Little love pillow, aw!

Knit

Wow, gorgeous, just gorgeous!

Crochet

Very cute hat with a couple ideas for variety. :)

Knit

* Roller derby seems to be making a bit of a comeback - I know of a couple ladies that are very involved that would probably love this hat! :)

Crochet

* WOW!! Mrs. Beasley!? WOW! :D

Knit

* Very pretty shawl!

Crochet

Really cute idea for a Valentine gift, if you know your Valentine's fave album! ;)

Knit

SO beautiful!

Crochet

Awww! You know how much I love owls! :D

Knit & Crochet

* Another cute idea for Valentine's Day!

Crochet

Oh my! Better get started if you want to make this one! It's adorable, though.

Knit

Awww, another cute owl!! :)

Crochet

* I really like the ripples / zigzag throws too. :)

Knit

* Too freaking adorable not to make. :D

* Free pattern

Happy Monday!

Posted in Running | Tagged Cressida Cowell, David Tennant, Free Patterns, How to Train Your Dragon, Joss Stone, Knitting, Love, Running, Today's Ravelry Search, Valentine | 1 Comment

Spreading the Joy

Posted on January 26, 2012 by H3Dakota

Spreading the Joy

My youngest came home from school one day to tell me that one of his teachers had become inspired by his handknit hats… inspired to learn how to knit! I was delighted that someone had discovered the joys of knitting & especially that she had done so from liking something that I had knit. In turn, when she wore her newly knit scarf, several of her students commented about it – and then THEY wanted to learn to knit! She has now formed the very first knitting club in our county. They already have 15 students & 3 teachers in the club! She has put up a donation page, as they are in need of yarn & needles for their projects. If you are so inclined, please stop by, donate (even $5 will be a huge help!) & leave a message of encouragement!

Running

Yesterday I snuck in a quick 2 mile run (it was my fastest run all year so far, w00t!). Today, I managed to get in another 3. Not as fast as yesterday, but still doing pretty darn good! Constant improvement, I love it!

And in the spirit of sharing the joy… several times I’ve been out for a run & have passed these 2 ladies from India walking the trail in their native dress. They catch my eye every time that I see them because they always look so beautiful in their outfits. Today, I decided to stop in my run & tell them so. They were wonderfully gracious & told me that I looked beautiful too – which was so very sweet of them, given that I was nearing the end of my 3 miles & looked far from beautiful! :)

Knitting

I finished the 2nd hat for the oldest manlet, but he didn’t care much for it either! LOL You win some, you lose some. I’ve decided to knit some throw rugs for my bedroom now that I’ve pulled out the carpet – that concrete gets very cold on my tootsies! I found this pattern & I’m getting ready to tackle it as my movie watching project. It’s a ton of i-cord to knit, but good mindless knitting for watching movies! :)

Today’s Ravelry Search

Following the theme for today! :) See one you like? Click the picture to go right to the Ravelry page to fave/queue it. :)

Knit

* Oh wow. I must knit this bag. Ode to Joy is one of my faves! :)

Crochet

* What a cute idea for a wall hanging in a child's room!

Knit

Big ball of joy! Fun!

Crochet

* I do love crocheted afghans!

Knit

* I adore this child. The sweater is fantastic, too, but I want this baby. :D

Crochet

* I have the utmost respect for anyone that pieces together this many pieces! :)

Knit

Holy Symphony, Batman! You must click this picture to read the designer's remarks about how she came up with the color pattern for this hat. LOVE it.

Crochet

* LOVE!! Ok, so I really love the bright & colorful patterns, in case you hadn't picked up on that by now. LOL

Knit

There is no one like Niebling. Seriously. SO gorgeous.

Crochet

* What a lovely scarf!

Knit

J is for Joy - cute! I love it.

Crochet

Cute lightweight cardigan for spring/summer. :)

*Free pattern

Happy Thursday, all! How have you shared your joy today?

Posted in Running | Tagged Free Patterns, Knitting, Knitting Club, Running, Share the Joy, Today's Ravelry Search | 5 Comments

Why I Went Missing Last Week

Posted on January 23, 2012 by H3Dakota

Why I Went Missing Last Week

I spent the week doing a massive redecorating of my room – removing the nasty berber carpet (so nasty that the bare concrete is tons better), painting the walls, replacing outlets & covers, painting the trim & doors. It was a ton of hard work, but totally worth it in the end! :) Yes, my camera has a mysterious smudge spot in the upper center, it’s not a bad paint job, I promise. LOL

I had to laugh because I had several friends sending me messages online, checking in to make sure I was alright. I had gone “missing” from my usual online haunts & my absence was noted. :D I was simply that busy, trying to get all the work done before the weekend.

Running

Well… I’ve actually not run for this past week. *hangs head in shame* In my defense, I HAVE been working really hard with the home improvement projects & just haven’t had the strength nor the energy for running! LOL I’ll be picking up the slack this week, I promise.

Reading

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan
This story is the latest in the series that started with The Lightening Thief, starring Percy Jackson, demi-god. It is the other half to The Lost Hero, if you will. I cheered the return of Percy, as he is our favorite character, of course… though it was a bit difficult to read Percy’s adventures without his usual partners. Hazel & Frank are awesome new companions, though, and I look forward to the next books in the series, where I’m guessing the Roman & Greek demi-gods will all work together to save the world. :) I will always have these books in a special place in my heart, as they are the stories that got at least one of my stubborn manlets to finally enjoy reading!

Knitting

I finished up the manlet’s socky slouchy hat last night & have cast on a simple ribbed beanie for the oldest. :) I do hope to make some progress on the knitting front this next week before returning to work full time.

Today’s Ravelry Search

In light of home improvements, I thought I’d just peruse the household patterns & see what goodies caught my eye for today’s search. As always, click the picture to go right to the Ravelry page for the pattern!

Crochet

* Flower Power Mug Rug! I love it.

Knit

The stitch definition on this pillow is just gorgeous.

Crochet

I think the purple might be a little overwhelming in my room, but I could easily add some pansies with lots of yellow & white to offset it... hmmm. :)

Knit

Sugar skull? Of course it caught my eye!! :D

Crochet

Ok, I admit it, the name caught my eye first. Super cute rug for a girl's room, though!

Knit

Ok, so laptop cases don't quite count as household, but this one was too pretty to resist.

Crochet

In truth, I don't know what caught my eye first, the design or the colors - but I love it!

Knit

* OMG! Cary Grant! For Free! To hang on your wall! OMG! I might be kind of happy about it. LOL

Crochet

Ok, this pattern? I could not resist. I had to buy it. :D

Knit

* Seriously BRILLIANT idea! What a fantastic way to show off a button collection! So many ideas you could play with on this one, truly!

Crochet

* What an unbelievably fun pattern!! :)

Knit

KATE!! It's gorgeous, luv! I just stumbled across this one, it caught my eye, then realized it was my friend Kate's pattern. :)

*Free pattern

Happy Monday! What’s next on YOUR home improvement agenda? Mine includes fixing a newly broken pipe in the kitchen, replacing the bathroom light fixture & fan. Fun! LOL

Posted in Running | Tagged Cary Grant, Crochet, Free Patterns, Knitting, Percy Jackson, Running, Today's Ravelry Search | 2 Comments

If It Makes You Happy

Posted on January 16, 2012 by H3Dakota

If It Makes You Happy

Yesterday I went to the Arts Festival in downtown Dunedin (one of my favorite towns in Florida). Dad & I used to go whenever he would see that it was being held, it was one of our favorite things to do. Only once before had I bought something – we always went for ideas & for the sheer enjoyment of strolling & looking at all the beautiful & creative things that people had designed. His favorite booths were always the photographers, which were one of my faves as well. :)

This time, I discovered the photography of Carol Glazer, a local photographer who is utterly fantastic. Seriously, if you ever get to see her work up close & personal, take the chance! :) She had in her booth this awesome print – and I could not resist it. I was already sold, but then she said…

“If it makes you happy, you should have it! Hang it in a spot where you will see it every day & you’ll always have a little something to make you happy.”

It does make me happy – as do the memories of the day. I’m doubly glad that I bought this one because every time I look at it, I’ll remember what a fantastic day it was. :)

Running

I had gotten a late start Saturday for my run, so I kept it to only 2 miles. In the end, I could have run much longer than that, as the cold air or something set off my allergies & I had quite the lengthy coughing spell – long enough that I had to cancel my platelet donation appointment. The last thing you want to be doing is having a coughing jag while a super large needle is stuck in your arm! LOL

Knitting

I haven’t been knitting too much, really. :) I did get a start on a new hat for the youngest manlet, though. The last beanie I’d knit for him became the victim of the puppy at his father’s house. LOL

Today’s Ravelry Search

In keeping with the theme for this post, here are some selections from Ravelry! If you see a pattern you like, click the picture to go to the Ravelry page to queue/fave/comment!

Knit

This mittens are really very cute, in spite of all that pink. ;)

Crochet

Honestly? I think the photo is more adorable than anything! :D

Knit

I'm positive I've mentioned my love for Crafty Alien before, but SO damn adorable, eh?!

Crochet

Hee! I love the way his little arms are held out to the side, like he's wanting a hug...

Knit

* I know they aren't fawns, but I really do love this sock pattern! :)

Crochet

The awesome part about Crafty Alien? Multi-craftual! :D

Knit

Very cute beanie! Of course, it could be modified to be fawns & skunks... *grin*

Crochet

Awww! Very sweet fawn pattern.

Knit

This designer is another one that always has such fantastic patterns!

Crochet

One of the few articles of clothing in the search results - and it's really quite lovely!

Knit

The style of the poncho isn't my style, but the fawn is utterly fantastic & "spot" on. (go ahead, groan - I did too!)

Crochet

Awww, how cute is this fawn?! :D

*Free pattern

Happy Monday – and I hope everyone had a memorable MLK day! :)

Posted in Running | Tagged Carol Glazer, fawn, Knitting, Photography, Running, skunk, Today's Ravelry Search | 4 Comments

Friggatriskaidekaphobia

Posted on January 13, 2012 by H3Dakota

Friggatriskaidekaphobia

Say THAT 3 times fast! What on Earth IS it, you ask? Why, it’s the fear of Friday the 13th, of course! :D Frigg is the Norse goddess for whom Friday is named; triskaidedaphobia means the fear of the number 13. Some fun facts associated with Friday the 13th…

Black Sabbath’s eponymous debut album was released in the UK on Friday, February 13, 1970.
The 13th book in A Series of Unfortunate Events was released on Friday, October 13, 2006 by Lemony Snicket, also known as novelist Daniel Handler.
Four of the twelve films in the Friday the 13th series, including the most recent (reboot of the series), were released on a Friday the 13th.
Long-running theatrical show, Supernatural Chicago, premiered on Friday, February 13, 2004.
AdventureQuest Worlds MMORPG features special in-game events featuring Voltaire (musician) and other guests for each Friday the 13th.
Ok, I’m sorry – I just HAD to link to Voltaire’s “Zombie Prostitute” – how could I resist a name like that, seriously?! For your listening pleasure, I give you the entire song…
The renowned rapper Tupac Amaru Shakur was pronounced dead on Friday, September 13, 1996.
The asteroid 99942 Apophis will make a close encounter with Earth, closer than the orbits of communication satellites, on Friday, April 13, 2029.

Apophis? *giggle* All I can think of is this guy, of course… (because I really am that much of a geek).

Running

Yes, I have been running! w00t! I’ve been sticking to 3 mile runs every other day so that I don’t start off too hard, too fast. Even that is kind of pushing it, given that I hadn’t been running very much. So far, no issues at all, though, apart from one day of sore legs when I first started back. Each run has been progressively faster than the last, with the exception of Tuesday’s run. That day, I came upon Larry just after the quarter mile marker, so I slowed down to a slow jog so we could chat. We jogged together for the next 1.25 miles & as usual, it was awesome. :)

He was very sweet & complimented me on not having actually gained any weight from my long break in running (I actually hadn’t). He made a very valid point in that many people continue to eat as if they are still running, even though they aren’t getting the same amount of exercise. The end result usually is putting on a few pounds.

Reading

Double Dexter by Jeff Lindsay – Let me first preface this review by saying that I read the books well before ever seeing the show. The first 2 books? Brilliant. This one? Not so much. Dexter has lost his edge – that keen brilliance, the sharp mind & the ability to spot the tiniest clue overlooked by everyone else? All gone. Now we get endless descriptions of Miami traffic, Dexter’s cold, Rita’s cooking, and the streets that Dexter takes to get from point A to point B. Ok, Mr. Lindsay – we get it. You know Miami.

Knitting

I finished my 3 hour sweater, though it took much longer than that, of course. I didn’t make any changes to the pattern I followed, other than to go down a size for the ribbing on the sleeves – I should have gone to size 5s on the needles, rather than 6, as they are still a bit too big. Ah well, the wool is a wee bit scratchy on my sensitive skin, so I’ll have to wear a shirt underneath it, so it’s just as well. :)

I cast on for the oldest manlet’s birthday present this week, I’ll be finishing that today. He picked out the Socky Slouchy Hat for the pattern and Knit Picks Felici in Pebble for the yarn. It’s knitting up fast & I love how it’s striping. :)

Today’s Ravelry Search

My search for today is a little different. This one is dedicated to my friend Stephie. :D The standard disclaimers apply – none of these are mine, they are all patterns published on Ravelry – simply click the picture to go right to the Rav pattern page!

Knit

OMG Ponies. The name says it all. :D

Crochet

Wee Pony! It includes patterns for a pony, a unicorn AND a pegasus! Sweet. :D

Knit

* Blink. Ah-hem. The variations that folks have come up with are quite cute, really.

Crochet

* There you go, Stephie - make your own!

Knit

* I had to include this one because it is SO totally awesome! Take a chill pill! Hee!

Crochet

The hardest part of including this pattern was deciding which picture to use - nearly all of the projects turned out so adorable! That's the mark of a really terrific pattern, I say.

Knit

* Adorable HK hat, I bet it would knit up super fast... (and would be a project you might actually finish, even with 2 of us yammering at you!).

Crochet

* Look! A hat, scarf AND a bag! Can't ask for better than that! ;)

Knit

* ZOMG, Skele-Kitty!? Perfection. :D It's a chart, so you could do ANYTHING with this one! ;)

Crochet

* Awww! Add HK to your purse, a headband, barrettes... the possibilities are endless!

Knit

* SO cute! The sweater pattern is specifically for child sizes, but the HK bit is charted - so one could easily knit an adult sweater & include the HK design. Just sayin'.

Crochet

* Toppers for your wedding cake? Ok, I'm giggling helplessly now. Seriously, though, they are quite awesome!

* Free Pattern

Check it out – I’ve added new buttons for all your social sites now! ;) Click away, I would love that. He he he

Tell me how YOU handle Friday the 13th – is it a day that bothers you? Just another day? Me personally, it’s just another day – though I am going to Happy Hour to meet up with all my geeky friends. :D

Posted in Knitting, Running | Tagged Apophis, Dexter, Free Patterns, Friday the 13th, Friggatriskaidekaphobia, Hello Kitty, Knitting, My Little Pony, OMG Ponies, Reading, Running, Stargate, Today's Ravelry Search, Voltaire, Zombie Prostitute | 4 Comments

Just Because I’m in a Mood

Posted on January 7, 2012 by H3Dakota

Just Because I’m in a Mood

I give you… dating tips for geeks, part 1!

Ok, I admit it, it made me giggle. What can I say? I did warn you that I’m in a mood. LOL Plus, baby Wil Wheaton is really funny (now) when he’s not being annoying – and I didn’t even like this series! :D

Running

I did get my feet on the trail yesterday for a nice 3 mile run. As usual, when I’d last checked the temp, it was in the 40’s, so I’d dressed for that. I was overdressed in the end, so I was a wee bit warm on the 2nd half coming back. :) Still slow as hell, but it was a bit faster than the last run, so progress – YAY!

Reading

Before I Go to Sleep by S. J. Watson
I’m not quite done with this one yet, but I plan to finish it today. Think “50 First Dates”, but without the romance & comedy – replaced with mystery & suspense instead. :D I love that the book is told from her POV so that you start to really appreciate what it would really be like to wake up every day & have the past 20 years wiped out of memory – even everything that you’d relearned about them yesterday has to learned all over again. It’s a good read that will keep you interested!

Today’s Ravelry Search

Have fun with today’s selection! Click the photo to go right to the pattern page on Ravelry. None of these are mine, of course. :)

Knit

* The name of this pattern cracks me up every time! LOL

Crochet

Awww, so cute!

Knit

* Have I mentioned my total love for vintage patterns before? I SO need to knit this one, it's awesome!

Crochet

Another pattern from crochet by faye - I really love her stuff! :)

Knit

Very pretty scarf!

Knit

* Ok, seriously, I think a post featuring all vintage patterns is around the corner now! :D

Crochet

This one is found in a Japanese book that appears to be out of print, so I'm not sure how easy it would be find the pattern - but it is really quite cute! :)

Knit

* So cute! The top is too. :) Seriously, I love this photo - you all know how I love an excellent photo for projects/patterns!

Crochet

Another one that might be difficult to find, but worth the effort!

Knit

I giggled when I saw that "Wormy Socks" were in the results for my search term, though I see it is due to the suggested yarn. LOL Still, cute pattern!

Crochet

* Hee! I know someone that would adore her pink hair & matching shoes. :D

Knit

* Hmmm, seriously cute purse. I think I might have to make one! And I'm not just saying that because I adore the extra picture on the pattern page on Ravelry that the designer included. Really, I'm not. Well, maybe.

*Free pattern

Happy Date Night, all! :D

Posted in free patterns, Knitting | Tagged Dating tips for geeks, Free Patterns, Geek, Knitting, Running, Today's Ravelry Search | 2 Comments

Be Sure to Drink Your… Water!

Posted on January 4, 2012 by H3Dakota

Be Sure to Drink Your… Water!

LOL, sorry, I’m still a bit stuck on A Christmas Story. It will wear off, I promise. :) Anyway. I decided about a month ago that I really needed to get back to drinking water more often. Why, you ask? Let me tell you! The benefits are amazing:

It hydrates your system, which your body needs. Dehydration is one of my triggers for headaches & migraines, so this reason is my #1, of course.
It increases your metabolism. Well, really #1 is responsible for that, but keeping your body hydrated helps ensure that your metabolism is at its best.
Helps you lose weight – combine #1 & 2 with the fact that water also helps flush the fat byproducts out of your body and you have a winning formula for weight loss, if you so desire. The key to keep in mind is balance, however – it’s not a question of the more water you drink, the more weight you lose!
Clear, youthful & glowing skin. This is one of my favorite benefits too! Breakouts are a real pain & water helps keep them away.
Prevents kidney stones. Not an issue in my family nor really with vegetarians, but I’ve got friends that have this issue regularly.

Now… for those of you that are like me & have a tough time getting into the water habit, here is my way of getting back into it:

I mix zero calorie flavoured sparkling water with plain water to get back into the habit. :)

Running

I admit it – my legs are sore. LOL I might have pushed them a bit too far too fast. I have to give them a bit of a rest before hitting the streets again because I’m not about to hit tendinitis again! :D So, for today’s bit of running talk, I thought I’d like this article, in which the following is stated:

What started as a fad adopted by a fringe group of new-age runners has become a worldwide phenomenon that is the hottest topic on running blogs everywhere.

Oh dear. Do I really classify as a fringe group of new-age runners?! ROFL! I’ve been running in my Vibrams since 2009 & this article states that 2012 is going to see barefoot running as the hottest topic of running blogs… hmmm. I think they are a little behind the times, but that could just be me. ;)

Knitting

I’ve been a bit busy, but I have gotten a few rows done on my sweater, anyway. :)

Today’s Ravelry Search

These aren’t my patterns, they are all someone else’s design – just click the picture to go right to the Ravelry pattern page.

Knit

* Very nice scarf, I like it!

Crochet

Gorgeous dish cloth, I quite like this pattern.

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Such a gorgeous sweater!

Crochet

* Aw, cute!!

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I so love colour work!

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ZOMG! I seriously love this water bottle cozy! The downside is that the pattern seems difficult to find.

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Gorgeous mittens! I love them.

Crochet

* Seriously clever idea! I love it.

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* I like the stitch pattern on this cozy!

Crochet

Lovely scarf/stole, really. :)

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I really, really like this pattern - and it's only $1 - can't beat that! :)

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* Gorgeous, just gorgeous.

* Free pattern

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Posted in free patterns, Knitting, Running | Tagged Free Patterns, Knitting, Running, Today's Ravelry Search | 2 Comments

Sweet Sherlock

Posted on January 2, 2012 by H3Dakota

Sweet Sherlock

Yes, I’ve seen the latest Sherlock starring Downey Jr. in the theatre. No, that’s not the Sherlock I’m referring to. I’m talking about the Benedict Cumberbatch version. The new series started in Great Britain on New Year’s Day, but will not reach the shores of the U.S. until May (a crime in this day & age, I’m telling ya!). Just watch this & tell me it doesn’t look AMAZING!? Because you know what? It totally is. :) He’s by far one of the best actors to play Sherlock, IMHO. How can you not love him?

In this episode, we are introduced to Irene Adler, which you may have guessed by now if you watched the trailer. If you’ve seen the episode, you’ll appreciate this little gift. ;)

Running

So my legs are still sore from starting the weight training back up again. Evil squats. LOL But no matter, the road still awaits! Got out for a 3 miler today, but it was the longest 3 mile run I’ve ever been on. Don’t get me wrong, it was FANTASTIC. Just filled with quite a few walk breaks, a sideline extra uncounted half mile walk with Larry when I crossed paths with him at the 1.6 mile marker, and even a couple full stop breaks to laugh at texts I happened to receive. I also had a full stop break/rest when the wind made off with my awesome running hat & I had to chase it down. Trying to catch it before it flew off my head caused the pain in my shoulder to rip down my arm & back as well, so I needed a breather to recover from the pain (I’ve apparently torn my rotator cuff or something, soon to be doctor bound for that).

During December, the Android market had a bunch of apps available for free. I came across Endomondo for free & thought I’d give it a go, just to see if I was missing out on a worthy tool. So for this run, I had my trusty Garmin Forerunner 305 as well as my mobile with Endomondo all loaded up & running. Now, I didn’t auto pause the app for the water/laughter/chase down my hat breaks. I just left it running. I also left it running for the sideline trip with Larry. When I got back home, according to the GPS in the app, I’d only run a total of 2.87 miles! O_o Ok, so I’m not very impressed with it. I’ll be uninstalling it & sticking with my Forerunner. :)

Knitting

As this year’s good luck project (2011 really wasn’t such a bad year & I’d cast on a good luck project for myself on New Year’s Day, so why not again this year?), the 3 Hour Sweater truly is not a 3 hour sweater. Not that I’ve knit much on it, maybe about 20 minutes so far. LOL So far, I’m very pleased with the yarn choice, Deluxe Worsted from Universal Yarns that I found at a Tuesday Morning for next to nothing over a year ago. :)

Today’s Ravelry Search

As usual, none of these are mine – just click the picture to go right to the Ravelry pattern page. Those marked with an asterisk are free patterns, so enjoy!

Knit