50 Days of Patience

So we found a house. The inspection is done. The seller has agreed to reimburse us to fix a couple of windows, and voila, we are in that horrible waiting period. Assuming nothing will go wrong with the appraisal, we will close on November 15th. That's 50 days from today for those of you who are counting. I think I may well go crazy between now and then.

So, true to form, I have started a list of everything I need to have done before moving day. I find lists very comforting, much like knitting. They make me feel calm and organized, like I have a plan or something. I guess I will start working on those tasks and try to focus on getting ready to move. The day will be here before I know it.

On another topic, I have been so caught up in the house buying, I haven't weighed in two weeks. So, in a gesture of ultimate optimism, I'll say I've lost two pounds since I last mentioned it.

Hooray for Simplicity

When buying yarn, a vast selection of colors and textures is a plus. The knitter/crocheter needs to be able to express their sense of style in their choice of medium. That is not the case with every shopping experience.

Yesterday I saw a commercial advertising two new types of toilet paper, soft OR strong. Last time I checked toilet paper had only one desireable function, to be soft enough to not chaffe when, um, cleaning up. Now the toilet paper aisle is an aisle all its own and there are so many styles and types to choose from.

Another good example is dishwashing liquid. I want the original Dawn. Blue, normal strength, in a normal bottle. You can't buy dishwashing liquid that is not ultra strength, aroma therapy friendly and "good for your skin."

What about toothbrushes? Should it really take me ten minutes to sort through all the different types of manual toothbrushes.

I have found a company with the good sense to buck this trend, Fisher Paykel. The appliance company has narrowed down the choices in their appliances to the basics. Would you like your dryer gas or electric, top or front load? Would you like your fridge to open from the left or right? All the kitchen appliances are stainless steele and the washers and dryers come only in white. Furthermore, every product has top of the line features and construction. They just cut back on the options that are not necessary.

This is the sort of common sense shopping experience that relaxes rather than stresses me. I want options in some products, but, when it comes to the basic necessities of modern American life, I just need the basics.

Long Days and Short Nights

I titled this blog (and eventually website) "Knits in Fits" because I will knit/crochet like a mad woman for a month or so then not touch a bit of yarn for several weeks. I am in one of my crochet spurts at the moment. That would be fine if not for the fact that I am also in the middle of buying a new house. So here is how my schedule has looked for the last several weeks.

• Wake up and try to look presentable for work.


• Work from 9 - Noon (mostly on the phone trying to negotiate a problem that in theory is less difficult than world peace)


• Try to eat lunch with husband to discuss housing developments


• Work from Noon - 6 while simultaneously also making calls about the house buying and looking at the 5 million houses my husband found on the Internet in the 5 minutes since I last saw him.


• 6 - Dark Actually go see houses


• Dark - Sleep Talk about houses while husband frantically searches for more on the Internet and I *crochet, then undo the work I just did because I lost count repeat from * until go crazy and give up

As you can see in my current project picture, not much is getting done.

Oh well, at least I'll have a house soon.

9/12/2007 - 156 lbs.

The Knitter's Diet

When I began knitting about a year ago, I thought I had found a brilliant plan for curbing the habit of eating while I watched TV. Unfortunately, I found a way to eat and knit at the same time (or occasionally skip the knitting for the eating). Today I decided to get back on track with my plan.

So here is my strategy:
1. Pick a project that will stay in my closet. I am hoping the motivation of having a new pretty will make me want to focus on the project in stead of the Twizzlers in my pantry.
2. Choose light colors that would not hide stains well. Again, perhaps this will motivate me to put down the sugary red treats.
3. Find a pattern that requires me to count and pay attention. I find I do most of my eating when I am not focused on anything. Mindless munching is fun, boys and girls.

We will see if it works this time. I really want to lose 10 pounds before Christmas.

The knitting diet is not my only plan of attack. I have also taken up a belly dancing class and am walking my neighborhood for half an hour each night. Plus, and please don't laugh, my allergist thinks I may be allergic to the proteins in cow milk. So, no more cheese or ice cream or creamer with a dash of coffee for me.

I will keep everyone updated on my progress.

9/5/2007 - 158 lbs