Eating, Knitting, Reading & Running

Eating: Before I start my knitting, reading and running rambles, I have some general venting to do. So, today (in the morning) I decided that I need (want) to lose 5 pounds by Christmas. I did pretty well wrt to eating all day - it went all downhill, however, after work. I met with some friends after work for a quick drink for a co-worker's 30th birthday. It was great at first - I was even nursing a tall glass of water for the majority of the evening. Then, I decided that I wanted an old fashioned (sweet of course) - a total calorie ladened choice of drinks. For some reason when I drink (even a half of glass of something alcoholic) may rational regarding eating responsibly is thrown completely out the door. After completing my old fashioned, I thought that it would be a good idea to get a dish called the "Green Bay Chili." (Just so you know, I rarely eat red meat, let alone ground beef - although I have been craving it quite a bit lately). The Green Bay Chili is a delicious meat and bean chili over spaghetti noodles. Not only did I get the Green Bay Chili (in a bowl rather than a cup) - I got it with the works (e.g. topped with cheddar cheese and sour cream). I don't know what came over me - while the food tasted very good, I feel totally disgusting now - not only is the food not agreeing with my stomach (double negative I know), I feel like a total glutton. Tomorrow is a new day - I'll start afresh with my loss weight plans in the morning.

Knitting: I'm still working on the Vintage Velvet scarf - it will most likely be completed by early next week - felting and all. After that I will begin another baby sweater - folks are having babies left and right these days - not complaining, just an observation. Knitting Night - Tomorrow, Thursday, is the start of the Fall Thursday knitting night with Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy. I can't wait to see all of you that plan on attending.

Reading: I finished Knitting Under the Influence. It was a quick enjoyable read - I totally loved it. I need to figure out what to read next. Here are some of the books that are my short list: (a) Eat, Pray and Love by Elizabeth Gilbert; (b) Anybody Out There? by Marian Keyes; (c) A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn; (d) The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison; (e) W.E.B. Du Bois: The Fight for Equality and the American Century, 1919-1963 By David Levering Lewis or (f) Giving by Bill Clinton. Any suggestions?

Running: This past Sunday I ran in the Zoo Run Run 5k. I need to sign up for another race as motivation. I'd like to do a race in October, November and December. I have not run since Sunday - I've got to go running tomorrow.

That is all for now. Later, A

Completed Project: Vintage Car Coat

Knitting: I finished the Sublime vintage car coat from the The Little Sublime hand knit book. This was a fairly easy project. I've been working on this on and off for a couple of months - if one were driven this could be completed in 1-2 weeks. This is a gift for a high school friend's newborn baby. What baby doesn't NEED a handknit merino wool sweater???

I'm very happy with the end product. I'm also happy that I used yarn from my stash for this project.



































Project Specs
Yarn: Lily Chin Signature Collection “Gramercy” (100% extra fine superwash merino wool) in Moss
Needles: Bamboo sizes 6 and 3

Reading: Knitting under the influence is total chick-lit - but I love it.

Running: I finally ended my running hiatus tonight - I went for a run albeit short. I guess I just needed inspiration to get over my inertia and actually go running. My inspiration to actually go exercise was watching my friend, Erin, complete the Ironman on Sunday - she was absolutely amazing - if she could complete a 140.6 mile race (with a smile) surely I could run for 20 min right? Anyway, watching the Ironman was fantastic and gave me the proper activation energy I needed to exercise.

That is all for now.

Later, A

Knitting Under the Influence ...

Reading: Who knew that there was such a book titled, "Knitting Under the Influence." I saw this book at the library tonight and had to pick it up. I must admit that the book sounds very cheesy. However, since I have knitted "under the influence" a few too many times I thought that it may be interesting.

Knitting: I'm finishing up a sweater right now. I'm weaving in all the ends - this is the part of knitting that totally sucks. Finishing is one of the items that takes me forever - mostly because I keep putting it off since I despise doing the finishing.

Running: I have not been on a run in two weeks - terrible I know. I'm planning to go running this weekend for sure. One of my friends is participating in the IronMan Wisconsin this weekend - I'm so excited for her.

Later, A