17 November 2008

Oh the weather outside is frightful...

...there may be some snow here tonight in the great state of Maryland!

How I love winter and the weather it brings. Warm mittens and scarves. Woolen socks. Hot cocoa, tea or even a latte. Snow days (NOT YET!). Watching the flakes fall. Staying inside wrapped up in an afghan (crocheted by Mom, of course!). Catching up on all the DVRed shows and movies. Reading a good book or two or three. Cat naps.

16 November 2008

Procrastination

No matter what, I cannot stop procrastinating!

I hate this!

I've been working for 3 hours on one assignment while watching the Ravens lose to the Giants...and I'm still not finished-only 1/2 completed. I don't know what to do to stop procrastinating. I can't work without some white noise.

Ahhhhhh....

09 November 2008

SP13 Questionnaire

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I love yarn! I have been knitting lately with the Yarn Pirate's stuff as well as some of those critter scarves from Morehouse Merino.

I would like to try the new Malabrigo sock yarn!!!

I have not yet come across a yarn that I absolutely do not like.


2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have some wraps for the straights; my circs are in the folders/bags they came in.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I have been knitting for about 5 years and I am self-taught. I am probably intermediate, but have done some advanced work.

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I have an Amazon wish list as well as a Loopy Ewe wish list

5. What's your favorite scent?
My favorite scent would be coconut and lime together (Bath and Body works scent).
I also love Jack Frost from Yankee Candle.

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
I do, but prefer to have sugar free candy or nuts.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I have been known to sew or scrapbook, but since I've been knitting, I don't do much with those anymore. I want to learn how to spin. I have a drop spindle, but haven't learned how to use it yet.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like 70s & 80s music, but also like new stuff-mostly pop, some hard rock

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
My favorite color is blue. I have noticed lately that I have been picking more autumn colors. I can't stand neon-ish colors!

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I am married and have 1 cat, Ophelia

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes to hats, mittens and scarves.
No to ponchos.

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
My favorite item to knit is socks. Scarves have been coming in a close second. I have some sweaters started, but just haven't had time to finish them.

13. What are you knitting right now?
1 Critter Scarf
2 pairs of socks
1 lace scarf
1 market bag (BYOB)
1 baby blanket

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Yes

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Depends on the project

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yes, I have both.

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
About 2 years old-a sweater that I've only finished the back

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?
Christmas! Christmas! Christmas!

19. Is there anything that you collect?
Elephants and yarn

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Check out my Amazon list

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I'd like to learn Entrelac

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
Yes, I wear a size 9 (USA) womens

23. When is your birthday?
September 6th

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
Yes, I am srapalmateer


05 November 2008

A Change

November 4, 2008 has brought a change. A change in our government. A change for our country.

This morning, talking with other teachers, we hoped that our students would stand a bit taller, walk just a bit prouder and not act the fool because of the election. They did not let us down.

Instead, they raised more concerns. Ones that I hope never come to fruition. My students were speculating that Obama would for sure be assassinated because he is our first African American President in the United States. It made my heart hurt that these 14, 15, 16, 17 year olds would have this fear. I had to quiet their voices, but also their fears. We talked for a bit about why they were feeling this way-mainly due to the reported assassination attempt earlier last week. Then I had them think about what Obama had become-he will be the head of the USA. He will be the most powerful man in our country, if not the world. I also had them think about the media-do you know every little thing that happens every single day? Of course not. I explained to them that they will only hear of the foiled plots in the news or if an attempt becomes more than that. They will not hear that every day the President of the USA is always in danger.

I see these students every day. Every day they amaze me. They help me to learn as I help them to do the same. Some days the lesson is not about Spanish. Some days the lesson is just about life.

01 November 2008

Feliz Dia de los Muertos

Happy Day of the Dead! (for those non-Spanish speakers)

Being a Spanish teacher for the past 16 years (I still can't believe I've been doing the same job for that long!) and sharing this holiday that is so different from anything that is celebrated here in the USA, I have grown accustomed to celebrating it with my students. Although I never seem to have enough time to do all the customary Day of the Dead festivities with the kids I teach, they always come away with an appreciation for something that is different than what they know. (YEAH!!!!!)