Reposted from another blog. Original post date 10th April 2012
So I've been planning on writing this one for a couple of years now. It is so not going to live up to the expectation, I promise you. I've been putting it off because I want to do it justice, because it's probably going to upset someone and because it's a really hard one to write. So I apologise in advance for the rambling manner of this one. I'd like to make it structured but if I put it off for any longer it's just not going to get written.
Ok let's start. I am 30 years old and childless, at least as far as most folks are concerned. I have my beautiful stepdaughter who, to me, is my daughter. But in reality she is mine by accident not by birth. It doesn't make the relationship any less real or mean any less but it is a fact. I am not her mother. I did not carry her for 9 months. Nor will I carry any child. Not because I can't, as far as I know, but because I made a choice. When I met my fiancee he told me very early on in the relationship that he had a daughter and did not want any more children. In fact he had already had a vasectomy. So if children were a plan for my future then this was probably not the relationship for me. Wow. Heck of a thing to deal with at 24 years old and 1 week into a possible something. But I thought about it and decided that I was already falling in love with this man and should give it a go. Well it worked out as you can tell and we get married this year.
It was amazing how many people told me at the beginning that I could change his mind on the children thing. Drove me up the wall I can tell you. Firstly what on earth made them think I could? He was pretty young to make that decision and clearly had good reason to plus he had told me plenty in advance where things stood. Secondly what made them think I should?
Because it is every woman's right to have children. Or that is the perception. This is why women too old to conceive naturally are given access to IVF. This is why anyone who would not be able to, or would at least struggle to conceive naturally is given access to IVF. Now this is not going to turn into a rant against IVF. My personal stance is against it, I will admit. I do feel the planet is over populated, we don't look after the people we have got well enough and almost every ecological and financial problem on the planet could be fixed by less people. I would rather see an increase in adoptions and fostering.
No this is not that rant. This is a discussion of my feelings about my lack of childbearing. Do I think I made the right decision? Totally. I could leave him tomorrow, meet someone else and even be lucky enough to fall in love as much again. But there are no guarantees of children. So why would I risk it? Do I regret the fact that I am not going to have a child of my own? Sometimes. More recently than ever, I guess that is the clock talking. I guess that is why I am finally writing this.
If I take a step back and am rational about it I'm not sure I'd be a good parent. I'm not the most patient woman on earth. I'm quite self involved. But the fact that no one is ever going to call me mother or mum or momma does bother me. I'm never going to get to pick out clothes or sit at a parents evening. I'm never going to be the one called for when they have a nightmare or a skinned knee. So yeah, for all my talk of loving borrowing other people's children because you can give them back when they leak I am going to miss not having this experience.
And it is the experience that is key to these feelings. To take a Pratchett moment I get to be Magrat and Granny Wetherwax but not Nanny Ogg. I am missing a key part of the experience of being a woman. Or am I? Who is to say that nature ever intended me to be a mother? I could be sat here writing this because I am unable to bear children not because I have chosen not to.
So most days I am content with my lot. I have a gorgeous stepdaughter who loves me unconditionally. This year I got a mother's day card that actually said mother's day, not stepmother's day. It made me smile all day. I am going to get to watch her grow up, help shape the person she becomes. I am positive that all the experiences she will gift me with are worth the lack of stretch marks and the sleepless nights and nappies that I have missed.
Honestly, I am probably gonna go cry for a bit after writing this and I'm sure I will cry over this again. But you know what? That's ok. It is not a crime to feel some regret. As long as you focus on the joy.
Thanks for listening!
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
And we shuffle round again
Hello again. Wow it's been an age. You remember when I rearranged my blogs and had a separate one for writing leaving this one open for business? Yeah that didn't work. So I'm moving it all back over here. Yay. There are only 2 blogs on the other page that need moving over here so I'll go do that then I'll be right back.
Put the kettle on would you?
Put the kettle on would you?
Monday, 25 February 2013
Friday, 9 March 2012
A change of address...........
and a few other thoughts.
I'll be re-organising my blogs over the next few weeks. I'd say days but we all know how disorganised I am :o) This is how it is gonna play:
Rainbow Book is going to be my genera blog. So if you would like to continue following me and hope to see some actual writing please head over there and follow this!
Words of Affi'enia is where you'll find my poetry. Currently it's all old stuff but I'm hoping to start that again soon as well.
BlueFrogSticks where we are right now is going to become for the business only. So here you'll see new additions to the shop etc. There will be no general posts here.
Ok so I think that covers it. Currently Rainbow Book is empty. Very empty. So I'm gonna start working on filling that now. Hopefully see you over there.
I'll be re-organising my blogs over the next few weeks. I'd say days but we all know how disorganised I am :o) This is how it is gonna play:
Rainbow Book is going to be my genera blog. So if you would like to continue following me and hope to see some actual writing please head over there and follow this!
Words of Affi'enia is where you'll find my poetry. Currently it's all old stuff but I'm hoping to start that again soon as well.
BlueFrogSticks where we are right now is going to become for the business only. So here you'll see new additions to the shop etc. There will be no general posts here.
Ok so I think that covers it. Currently Rainbow Book is empty. Very empty. So I'm gonna start working on filling that now. Hopefully see you over there.
Thursday, 1 September 2011
Buffy Swap October 2011
Right then my darling swapper, here is a list of all the questions and check ins in one nice place for you. I will also add links to any wish lists etc at the bottom. I will up date this regularly for you :o)
1) What kind of crafting do you do?
Knitting, spinning, jewellery making, sewing, soap making.
2) Fav colors/combinations
Black, jewel tones of purple/red/green/blue. Autumn shades of orange and yellow
3) Least favorite colors
pink & peach
4) Favorite fibers/yarns
Soft! I’m still pretty new to the whole fibre world and am always up for a new one. I likes soft things.
5) List some Small items you would like to have
project bags would be uber amazing. I also have a crazy love of buttons. Like obsessive crazy :o)
7) Things you don’t need or want
Figurines
8) List as many sizes as you can
UK size 5 feet, small to medium head. I’m 5 foot 3 and have pretty small wrists
9) What is something you would like to receive in this swap? (keep price limits in mind)
The more handmade the better for me. I love that someone has put their own thought/love into an item.
10) Would you like the package to be a more detailed buffy theme or random buffy?
Anything Buffy is good.
11) Where do you stand on things like make up, nail polish, jewelry, and hair items?
Make up/nail polish - no. Jewelry/hair items - yes
12) Do you have any hobbies (other then fiber ones lol ex: reading, writing, photography, drawing ect.)
Love reading, photography, soap making and cooking.
13) Do you have pets or children who like to receive little things as well?
I have a 10 year old stepdaughter who adores presents hehehe
14) List anything else you think useful (we want your partner to have as much to go on as possible in order to make your package amazing and just right for you! )
15) Do you promise to b a good partner, fulfill all obligations, and send out a package made with just as much time care and love as the one you would like to receive?
I do indeed!
What kinds of handmade items would you like to receive?
Ooh now this is a tough one. I’d like something useful rather than something ornamental. Otherwise I am happy for anything!
Would you like to get some Buffy DVD’s, books or comics? If yes, what do you have or what do you want?
I don’t have the comic books and would like to start with them so this would be a possible idea for me. (Wow I find it hard to say, yes I would like this hehehe)
1) Fav buffy character/ why
Tough one this. I adore Spike for many reasons. He’s hot, obviously. But I Think he has the best journey through the series. He has the most self discovery and I like that.
2) Fav season
Probably season 6. It’s all getting going and ready for the big showdown.
3) Fav episode
Fool for Love or Beneath You
4) Have u read or would u b interested in the comics?
I haven’t started these yet and would love to.
5) Buffy books?
There are books? How did I not know about this. Yes I’d be interested, I loves books.
6) Buffyverse Quotes u use often?
Bored now. Wiggins
7) Fav big bad?
The Mayor or The Trio.
8) Do you like the show Angel as well as Buffy?
I watched the first few seasons and thought it was ok. Not a huge fan though. I loved Lorne however, he was ace.
9) Do u like buffy with angle or spike?
Spike definitely. Her and Angel were moody teenage love, Spike was grown up painful love. Neither is happy but I think her relationship with Spike had more to it.
10) Do u have any other fav character relationships?
I loved Willow and Oz, they were sooooo cute.
Do you have any specifications for how you like you gloves, socks, hats or shawls? i.e. length, thickness, materials
Gloves I prefer mittens with fold down tops. I love mittens but I take a lot of photographs do fold down tops are genius!
Socks I have a UK size 5 narrow foot so I would love a pair that flet snug. Usually my foot is flopping around a bit inside the sock hehehe.
I like mad hats. Earflaps and pompoms are good. Though something stylish might be nice for going out.
I’ve never owned/made a shawl. I have about elevnty million in my queue/favs and will get round to one soon. I’m only 5 foot 3 so nothing too long. Soft is good.
How do you feel about blingy, sparkly, or other “novelty” yarns? Not just typical novelties like fun fur, but also those with stellina content (Blue Heron Rayon Metallic, DIC Starry, Stroll Glimmer) or other “additives.”
I like shiny/sparkly! I can think of no purpose for fun fur in my life. I’d prefer my yarn to be smooth enough to knit a standard item like a scarf but I’m all for the interesting :o)
Would you like something from your partner’s region? Example: Georgia Peach Preserves.
Yes please :o)
Do you like/will you use straight knitting needles? Are you a circ only fan? How bout DPNs?
I have come to love circulars. They make knitting so much more transportable. I plan on only buying circulars or DPNs from now on.
If you have a pattern book (or any book) on a wishlist, will you accept a gently used version?
A hearty yes from me for anything my swapper would like to give me. I adore used stuff so bring it on.
Would you like your swap partner to knit/crochet/create something out of your favorites, or should we leave that stuff to you?
I would love that. I have so much stuff in there that is WAY beyond my skill level but is there because I like it and hope to one day be able to make it. Having one to pet while I was making it would be ace. :o) Edited to add: I will be emending everything in my favs/queue to have the tag "me" if I ever plan on making it for me so you know which ones are not ideas for other people :o)
Would you mind receiving yarn that is new but already wound into a cake /ball? How about unused leftovers?
Already wound is cool as is stuff in a skein. Leftovers are also pretty cool. I have a ton of scraps that I have plans for. I guess the scraps also goes for fibre as I’m a beginning spinner :o)
Would you like to receive something by/starring a cast/crew member of Buffy? For example and SMG film, other Joss project etc?
I would quite like to hear some of James Marsters music. I’ve never seen Dr Horrible’s Singalong Blog and would love to.
1) What are your favorite snacks, treats or drinks?I adore coffee, hazelnut flavour is a particular love. Fudge is a naughty treat for me :o)
2) What types of things do you knit or crochet?
Currently I don't think I have a fav type. I've only been knitting for a couple of years and haven't knitted much in that time. I love knitting washcloths at the moment and I really like anything with a cable. I loves cables.
3) What one pattern from your faves or queue are you itching to make but you haven’t the time, skill or supplies?
the veil of Isis is one I would love to be able to knit but I think it might be a bit to much for a first lace shawl hehehe. I've been looking at the Severus socks since I learnt to knit socks and have just not got the guts to start them.
5) Do you have an anti-wish list? Like allergies, annoyances, colors/fibers and overstocked notions.
I dislike things with synthetic fragrances with a passion. I have a bizarre hatred for the colour peach. Other than that I am pretty easy going. No allergies and I've not tried enough different fibres yet to know what I like or dislike.
What do you think about this design (not necessarily on a shirt, but something similar on a handmade item)? And if you like it, on what kind of item could you imagine it?It’s “And then Buffy staked Edward - The End”
Ooh torn. Buffy would, of course, kick Edward’s ass. But I will admit to liking the first book. What can I say, I love tragic romance. Though I did want to slap Bella most of the way through. Anyhoo, back to the question, I could go for that quote on things :o)
What width/length do you prefer your scarves?
I prefer thinner scarves as I seem to have a really short neck. Long is good but I am only 5 foot 3 so not too long hehehe
Do you need coasters or pot holders?
Coaster not so much. I would love pot holders though.
Would you rather have more handknit items or more purchased goods?
I’m quite happy with whatever my spoiler wants to give me :o)
If you have indicated that you would like an item for someone else, such as child, do they have any allergies to take into consideration?
I do have a 10 year old step daughter who I am trying (and failing) to get into Buffy. She has no allergies :o)
Non-US folks, if your spoiler happens to be from the US, is there anything in particular that isn’t available in your area that you’d like them to try and include?
Nothing in particular but something specific to the state/town you are from would be fab!
Do you have anything you want a cozy for?
Not that I can think of, no.
How do you feel about cross stitch? How about decoupage?
I love cross stitch. My Momma is amazing at it and I’ve never quite got the hang of it. Decoupage can be so very awsome :o)
1)what got you interested in buffy the vampire slayer?
My general love of vampires got me started. The progression of the characters kept me hooked :o)
2)do you watch a lot of joss’ other works?
I love Firefly but that is all I have seen so far. I did see some of Angel way back when.
3)would you b interested in or do you need a new note book or journal for knitting? (or other uses as you see fit)
A diary for 2012 would actually be incredibly useful right now. The kind with a page a day would be best.
4)if you had to knit with only one type of yarn for the rest of your life what would it be?
Ooh tough one. I think it would have to be a DK weight as this seems to be the most versatile. Something superwash. Twilleys Freedom wool is a favourite as it is so darn soft!
If you said you’d like jewelry, make-up, and or hair items…. what kind would you enjoy best?
I mostly wear earrings, dangles are good. Hair items I like combs and sticks. However my hair is very fine so please keep sticks/forks to 3-4 inches long at the most :o)
If you were Spike or Buffy, what would you have written on your knucks?
Spike - Sod Off
Buffy - Dust Time
Are you a tee shirt kind of person? If so, what size? Any no-no colors?
I only wear girly fit shirts. I could wear any colour if the design was good but as a general rule I avoid pink/peach/coral.
Do you like any particular patterns, such as stripes, leopard print etc?
I have an unreasonable love of polka dots. Especially red with white spots. I go nuts for it on anything!
Amazon Wishlist
1) What kind of crafting do you do?
Knitting, spinning, jewellery making, sewing, soap making.
2) Fav colors/combinations
Black, jewel tones of purple/red/green/blue. Autumn shades of orange and yellow
3) Least favorite colors
pink & peach
4) Favorite fibers/yarns
Soft! I’m still pretty new to the whole fibre world and am always up for a new one. I likes soft things.
5) List some Small items you would like to have
project bags would be uber amazing. I also have a crazy love of buttons. Like obsessive crazy :o)
7) Things you don’t need or want
Figurines
8) List as many sizes as you can
UK size 5 feet, small to medium head. I’m 5 foot 3 and have pretty small wrists
9) What is something you would like to receive in this swap? (keep price limits in mind)
The more handmade the better for me. I love that someone has put their own thought/love into an item.
10) Would you like the package to be a more detailed buffy theme or random buffy?
Anything Buffy is good.
11) Where do you stand on things like make up, nail polish, jewelry, and hair items?
Make up/nail polish - no. Jewelry/hair items - yes
12) Do you have any hobbies (other then fiber ones lol ex: reading, writing, photography, drawing ect.)
Love reading, photography, soap making and cooking.
13) Do you have pets or children who like to receive little things as well?
I have a 10 year old stepdaughter who adores presents hehehe
14) List anything else you think useful (we want your partner to have as much to go on as possible in order to make your package amazing and just right for you! )
15) Do you promise to b a good partner, fulfill all obligations, and send out a package made with just as much time care and love as the one you would like to receive?
I do indeed!
What kinds of handmade items would you like to receive?
Ooh now this is a tough one. I’d like something useful rather than something ornamental. Otherwise I am happy for anything!
Would you like to get some Buffy DVD’s, books or comics? If yes, what do you have or what do you want?
I don’t have the comic books and would like to start with them so this would be a possible idea for me. (Wow I find it hard to say, yes I would like this hehehe)
1) Fav buffy character/ why
Tough one this. I adore Spike for many reasons. He’s hot, obviously. But I Think he has the best journey through the series. He has the most self discovery and I like that.
2) Fav season
Probably season 6. It’s all getting going and ready for the big showdown.
3) Fav episode
Fool for Love or Beneath You
4) Have u read or would u b interested in the comics?
I haven’t started these yet and would love to.
5) Buffy books?
There are books? How did I not know about this. Yes I’d be interested, I loves books.
6) Buffyverse Quotes u use often?
Bored now. Wiggins
7) Fav big bad?
The Mayor or The Trio.
8) Do you like the show Angel as well as Buffy?
I watched the first few seasons and thought it was ok. Not a huge fan though. I loved Lorne however, he was ace.
9) Do u like buffy with angle or spike?
Spike definitely. Her and Angel were moody teenage love, Spike was grown up painful love. Neither is happy but I think her relationship with Spike had more to it.
10) Do u have any other fav character relationships?
I loved Willow and Oz, they were sooooo cute.
Do you have any specifications for how you like you gloves, socks, hats or shawls? i.e. length, thickness, materials
Gloves I prefer mittens with fold down tops. I love mittens but I take a lot of photographs do fold down tops are genius!
Socks I have a UK size 5 narrow foot so I would love a pair that flet snug. Usually my foot is flopping around a bit inside the sock hehehe.
I like mad hats. Earflaps and pompoms are good. Though something stylish might be nice for going out.
I’ve never owned/made a shawl. I have about elevnty million in my queue/favs and will get round to one soon. I’m only 5 foot 3 so nothing too long. Soft is good.
How do you feel about blingy, sparkly, or other “novelty” yarns? Not just typical novelties like fun fur, but also those with stellina content (Blue Heron Rayon Metallic, DIC Starry, Stroll Glimmer) or other “additives.”
I like shiny/sparkly! I can think of no purpose for fun fur in my life. I’d prefer my yarn to be smooth enough to knit a standard item like a scarf but I’m all for the interesting :o)
Would you like something from your partner’s region? Example: Georgia Peach Preserves.
Yes please :o)
Do you like/will you use straight knitting needles? Are you a circ only fan? How bout DPNs?
I have come to love circulars. They make knitting so much more transportable. I plan on only buying circulars or DPNs from now on.
If you have a pattern book (or any book) on a wishlist, will you accept a gently used version?
A hearty yes from me for anything my swapper would like to give me. I adore used stuff so bring it on.
Would you like your swap partner to knit/crochet/create something out of your favorites, or should we leave that stuff to you?
I would love that. I have so much stuff in there that is WAY beyond my skill level but is there because I like it and hope to one day be able to make it. Having one to pet while I was making it would be ace. :o) Edited to add: I will be emending everything in my favs/queue to have the tag "me" if I ever plan on making it for me so you know which ones are not ideas for other people :o)
Would you mind receiving yarn that is new but already wound into a cake /ball? How about unused leftovers?
Already wound is cool as is stuff in a skein. Leftovers are also pretty cool. I have a ton of scraps that I have plans for. I guess the scraps also goes for fibre as I’m a beginning spinner :o)
Would you like to receive something by/starring a cast/crew member of Buffy? For example and SMG film, other Joss project etc?
I would quite like to hear some of James Marsters music. I’ve never seen Dr Horrible’s Singalong Blog and would love to.
1) What are your favorite snacks, treats or drinks?I adore coffee, hazelnut flavour is a particular love. Fudge is a naughty treat for me :o)
2) What types of things do you knit or crochet?
Currently I don't think I have a fav type. I've only been knitting for a couple of years and haven't knitted much in that time. I love knitting washcloths at the moment and I really like anything with a cable. I loves cables.
3) What one pattern from your faves or queue are you itching to make but you haven’t the time, skill or supplies?
the veil of Isis is one I would love to be able to knit but I think it might be a bit to much for a first lace shawl hehehe. I've been looking at the Severus socks since I learnt to knit socks and have just not got the guts to start them.
5) Do you have an anti-wish list? Like allergies, annoyances, colors/fibers and overstocked notions.
I dislike things with synthetic fragrances with a passion. I have a bizarre hatred for the colour peach. Other than that I am pretty easy going. No allergies and I've not tried enough different fibres yet to know what I like or dislike.
What do you think about this design (not necessarily on a shirt, but something similar on a handmade item)? And if you like it, on what kind of item could you imagine it?It’s “And then Buffy staked Edward - The End”
Ooh torn. Buffy would, of course, kick Edward’s ass. But I will admit to liking the first book. What can I say, I love tragic romance. Though I did want to slap Bella most of the way through. Anyhoo, back to the question, I could go for that quote on things :o)
What width/length do you prefer your scarves?
I prefer thinner scarves as I seem to have a really short neck. Long is good but I am only 5 foot 3 so not too long hehehe
Do you need coasters or pot holders?
Coaster not so much. I would love pot holders though.
Would you rather have more handknit items or more purchased goods?
I’m quite happy with whatever my spoiler wants to give me :o)
If you have indicated that you would like an item for someone else, such as child, do they have any allergies to take into consideration?
I do have a 10 year old step daughter who I am trying (and failing) to get into Buffy. She has no allergies :o)
Non-US folks, if your spoiler happens to be from the US, is there anything in particular that isn’t available in your area that you’d like them to try and include?
Nothing in particular but something specific to the state/town you are from would be fab!
Do you have anything you want a cozy for?
Not that I can think of, no.
How do you feel about cross stitch? How about decoupage?
I love cross stitch. My Momma is amazing at it and I’ve never quite got the hang of it. Decoupage can be so very awsome :o)
1)what got you interested in buffy the vampire slayer?
My general love of vampires got me started. The progression of the characters kept me hooked :o)
2)do you watch a lot of joss’ other works?
I love Firefly but that is all I have seen so far. I did see some of Angel way back when.
3)would you b interested in or do you need a new note book or journal for knitting? (or other uses as you see fit)
A diary for 2012 would actually be incredibly useful right now. The kind with a page a day would be best.
4)if you had to knit with only one type of yarn for the rest of your life what would it be?
Ooh tough one. I think it would have to be a DK weight as this seems to be the most versatile. Something superwash. Twilleys Freedom wool is a favourite as it is so darn soft!
If you said you’d like jewelry, make-up, and or hair items…. what kind would you enjoy best?
I mostly wear earrings, dangles are good. Hair items I like combs and sticks. However my hair is very fine so please keep sticks/forks to 3-4 inches long at the most :o)
If you were Spike or Buffy, what would you have written on your knucks?
Spike - Sod Off
Buffy - Dust Time
Are you a tee shirt kind of person? If so, what size? Any no-no colors?
I only wear girly fit shirts. I could wear any colour if the design was good but as a general rule I avoid pink/peach/coral.
Do you like any particular patterns, such as stripes, leopard print etc?
I have an unreasonable love of polka dots. Especially red with white spots. I go nuts for it on anything!
Amazon Wishlist
Monday, 8 August 2011
I'm back.......I think
Wow it has been a while since my last proper post. Trying to balance everything in my life has been impossible so something had to give and I'm afraid it was the blogging. So I'm going to give you a bit of a catch up post here and then I should be back on the wagon.
This is Willow. She is about 8 weeks old in these pictures. She's now 14 weeks. She was a surprise present from Spadger. I came back from Woolfest and he dropped this little bundle of fur in my lap. That wasn't all though. She came with a hand woven willow ring tied to her neck and a marriage proposal. Yup, I am bethrothed. Squee does not even begin to cover it. We are planning to marry September next year.
So that's the most important news I have. Everything else in my life is pretty much knitting and stress. The theatre group I'm a part of is 10 weeks away from their next performance and the actor playing the lead has decided to leave us. Stress! I'm nearly 3 weeks overdue for a holiday. I like to have 1 week off every 12 weeks and I don't go til next week. I'm on count down now :o) But it means I'm uber stressed about everything now as I just need a break.
I've been starting to get into some sort of fitness routine. The amount of people that assume it is becasue I am getting married is ridiculous. It seems that getting fit has become so synonymous with loosing weight that you can't just want to get fit. I'd like to quote the actors from 300 "appearance as a consequence of fitness". This is what I am aiming for. I aint getting any younger and have a future of sorting out a homestead to look forward to. I needs to get fit. If I happen to look better beacuse of that then woot! I've moved over to a mostly paleo diet and have been going to Zumba with my mother. I've almost completed the 200 sit ups programme and have been trying to do a bodyweight routine I found on Nerd Fitness. I go for my first crossfit session this week.
On the knitting front Nerd Wars moves on apace. So far this tournament I have submitted 6 items each round and am still just about on track to finish my dissertation. Fingers crossed! The spinning is coming along well too.
I guess that's about it. Not very exciting really but that is kinda how I like my life.
This is Willow. She is about 8 weeks old in these pictures. She's now 14 weeks. She was a surprise present from Spadger. I came back from Woolfest and he dropped this little bundle of fur in my lap. That wasn't all though. She came with a hand woven willow ring tied to her neck and a marriage proposal. Yup, I am bethrothed. Squee does not even begin to cover it. We are planning to marry September next year.
So that's the most important news I have. Everything else in my life is pretty much knitting and stress. The theatre group I'm a part of is 10 weeks away from their next performance and the actor playing the lead has decided to leave us. Stress! I'm nearly 3 weeks overdue for a holiday. I like to have 1 week off every 12 weeks and I don't go til next week. I'm on count down now :o) But it means I'm uber stressed about everything now as I just need a break.
I've been starting to get into some sort of fitness routine. The amount of people that assume it is becasue I am getting married is ridiculous. It seems that getting fit has become so synonymous with loosing weight that you can't just want to get fit. I'd like to quote the actors from 300 "appearance as a consequence of fitness". This is what I am aiming for. I aint getting any younger and have a future of sorting out a homestead to look forward to. I needs to get fit. If I happen to look better beacuse of that then woot! I've moved over to a mostly paleo diet and have been going to Zumba with my mother. I've almost completed the 200 sit ups programme and have been trying to do a bodyweight routine I found on Nerd Fitness. I go for my first crossfit session this week.
On the knitting front Nerd Wars moves on apace. So far this tournament I have submitted 6 items each round and am still just about on track to finish my dissertation. Fingers crossed! The spinning is coming along well too.
I guess that's about it. Not very exciting really but that is kinda how I like my life.
Monday, 1 August 2011
Nerd Wars T2 R3
Well this just seems to be the place where I keep track of my NW stuff. I'll be back with proper posts I promise.
On with the Nerd Wars Challenges for this month.
Challenge (Intellectual):
WIP challenge.
Challenge (Technical): GUILTY PLEASURES
This month I am going to share a secret with you…a dirty secret that only my spouse knows and even he refuses to acknowledge….
I love Judas Priest. I honestly do! When I am home, alone, with no chance of anyone stopping by, I crank British Steel up to 11. Judas Priest is my private, guilty, guilty pleasure.
Now don’t be too quick to snicker and laugh because this month all of you are being asked to reveal your own guilty pleasure..as it applies to techniques that is.
This challenge is to make a project that exhibits a technique that you feel is your guilty pleasure. It could be a technique that feels almost like “cheating” like using variegated yarn or mosaic knitting to replicate fair isle. It could also be a preferred technique or work-around that you use every time rather than what a particular pattern may call for, like knitting in the round to avoid seaming or seaming to avoid using DPNs. A guilty pleasure is something personal to each Nerd Warrior undoubtedly there will be ways to meet this challenge that I have not yet thought of.
Last month I called you all out of your comfort zones; this month I want to celebrate them. Sometimes indulging in these “guilty pleasures” can make us feel like we are not “real” knitters, spinners, weavers, or crocheters. In reality though, no crafter is master or lover of all techniques and our personal tweaks and techniques are what actually does make us “real” craftspeople.
Challenge (Giving Geeks): RESPECT YOUR ELDERS (ESPECIALLY THE LONELY ONES)
Were you taught one of your favorite crafts by your grandmother? (Or was she awful at crafts but did teach you how to be a mean shot with a rifle like dryad23 ‘s did?) Did your father or grandfather take you fishing and bait your hook for you? Did an older aunt bake cookies with you at holidays?
In our ever more busy and tech-ruled world, it’s sometimes hard to remember that many of our elders are lonely, bored, sick or depressed and can be overjoyed by the slightest attentions and demonstrations of respect or affection.
Your challenge is to donate something that will bring a bit of comfort (and hopefully joy) to an older person or to a nursing home, assisted living home, similar facility or an organization local to you that accepts and distributes such items to the residents of such facilities. The item must be new and clean, and does not necessarily need to be crafted by you.
You can also donate time for this challenge. Feel free to be creative. The spirit of the challenge is to somehow bring a bit of comfort and/or joy to the life of an older person who may not have very much of either one of those things;.
Challenge (Scientific): WAVES
Waves are all around us! Light we see, sound we hear, electricity we use, earthquake or tsunami events, even the particles we are made of are all wave phenomena!
In mathematics and science, a wave is a disturbance that travels through space and time, usually accompanied by the transfer of energy.1
Your challenge this month is to create something that incorporates waves, whether you play with them as a mathematical model or a natural phenomenon.
Challenge (Team Spirit): NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION
It’s there when you need it. Or maybe it isn’t, and then you have to go a-questing to get it. This month’s challenge is going to be all about the inventions that make life easier/better for your favorite characters!
Your challenge is to craft something inspired by a tool or invention from your nerdery.
Challenge (Nerd Culture): KNOW YOUR ROOTS
Think back. Think waaaaay back…
Whoa, not that far back. Think forward a little…a little more…there, stop. You are at the beginning. The beginning of a fandom. The beginning…of an obsession.
It’s 1977 and you’re standing in line to see this weird star movie with your parents. You have no idea what you’re about to experience…
It’s some week night in the past decade. Your favorite broadcast channel has been pimping this new show for weeks now, and you’re tuning in just out of curiosity…
It’s the late eighties, and your parents are hooking up this strange gray box to the TV. You’ve heard about it from your friends, but you have yet to experience the wonders within for yourself…
No matter what your fandom is, there is an old school. When I first heard the phrase “old school,” it was uttered with disgust and disdain, as though “old school” were something to discard or forget about. But as I’ve grown up, I’ve realized that my parents, their parents, and their parents’ parents did have a few right ideas…sometimes, just sometimes, it really was better in the old days.
This month, your challenge is to knit, crochet, or spin something that reminds you of the good old days of your fandom. Whether that means the first of many different series (as with Star Trek or Dr. Who), or the first season of a recent show (as with Supernatural or Bones), every show has a beginning, and every beginning deserves a little credit. After all, without it, there’d be no…now…or something.
On with the Nerd Wars Challenges for this month.
Challenge (Intellectual):
WIP challenge.
Challenge (Technical): GUILTY PLEASURES
This month I am going to share a secret with you…a dirty secret that only my spouse knows and even he refuses to acknowledge….
I love Judas Priest. I honestly do! When I am home, alone, with no chance of anyone stopping by, I crank British Steel up to 11. Judas Priest is my private, guilty, guilty pleasure.
Now don’t be too quick to snicker and laugh because this month all of you are being asked to reveal your own guilty pleasure..as it applies to techniques that is.
This challenge is to make a project that exhibits a technique that you feel is your guilty pleasure. It could be a technique that feels almost like “cheating” like using variegated yarn or mosaic knitting to replicate fair isle. It could also be a preferred technique or work-around that you use every time rather than what a particular pattern may call for, like knitting in the round to avoid seaming or seaming to avoid using DPNs. A guilty pleasure is something personal to each Nerd Warrior undoubtedly there will be ways to meet this challenge that I have not yet thought of.
Last month I called you all out of your comfort zones; this month I want to celebrate them. Sometimes indulging in these “guilty pleasures” can make us feel like we are not “real” knitters, spinners, weavers, or crocheters. In reality though, no crafter is master or lover of all techniques and our personal tweaks and techniques are what actually does make us “real” craftspeople.
Challenge (Giving Geeks): RESPECT YOUR ELDERS (ESPECIALLY THE LONELY ONES)
Were you taught one of your favorite crafts by your grandmother? (Or was she awful at crafts but did teach you how to be a mean shot with a rifle like dryad23 ‘s did?) Did your father or grandfather take you fishing and bait your hook for you? Did an older aunt bake cookies with you at holidays?
In our ever more busy and tech-ruled world, it’s sometimes hard to remember that many of our elders are lonely, bored, sick or depressed and can be overjoyed by the slightest attentions and demonstrations of respect or affection.
Your challenge is to donate something that will bring a bit of comfort (and hopefully joy) to an older person or to a nursing home, assisted living home, similar facility or an organization local to you that accepts and distributes such items to the residents of such facilities. The item must be new and clean, and does not necessarily need to be crafted by you.
You can also donate time for this challenge. Feel free to be creative. The spirit of the challenge is to somehow bring a bit of comfort and/or joy to the life of an older person who may not have very much of either one of those things;.
Challenge (Scientific): WAVES
Waves are all around us! Light we see, sound we hear, electricity we use, earthquake or tsunami events, even the particles we are made of are all wave phenomena!
In mathematics and science, a wave is a disturbance that travels through space and time, usually accompanied by the transfer of energy.1
Your challenge this month is to create something that incorporates waves, whether you play with them as a mathematical model or a natural phenomenon.
Challenge (Team Spirit): NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION
It’s there when you need it. Or maybe it isn’t, and then you have to go a-questing to get it. This month’s challenge is going to be all about the inventions that make life easier/better for your favorite characters!
Your challenge is to craft something inspired by a tool or invention from your nerdery.
Challenge (Nerd Culture): KNOW YOUR ROOTS
Think back. Think waaaaay back…
Whoa, not that far back. Think forward a little…a little more…there, stop. You are at the beginning. The beginning of a fandom. The beginning…of an obsession.
It’s 1977 and you’re standing in line to see this weird star movie with your parents. You have no idea what you’re about to experience…
It’s some week night in the past decade. Your favorite broadcast channel has been pimping this new show for weeks now, and you’re tuning in just out of curiosity…
It’s the late eighties, and your parents are hooking up this strange gray box to the TV. You’ve heard about it from your friends, but you have yet to experience the wonders within for yourself…
No matter what your fandom is, there is an old school. When I first heard the phrase “old school,” it was uttered with disgust and disdain, as though “old school” were something to discard or forget about. But as I’ve grown up, I’ve realized that my parents, their parents, and their parents’ parents did have a few right ideas…sometimes, just sometimes, it really was better in the old days.
This month, your challenge is to knit, crochet, or spin something that reminds you of the good old days of your fandom. Whether that means the first of many different series (as with Star Trek or Dr. Who), or the first season of a recent show (as with Supernatural or Bones), every show has a beginning, and every beginning deserves a little credit. After all, without it, there’d be no…now…or something.
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