I told myself no Christmas knitting this year.

Well.. that almost lasted. As of this fateful past Sunday, I decided, well, I guess I should knit something after all. What a (not-so) life altering decision that is.

So on late Sunday evening, we ventured out to the ‘burbs to grab few skeins of yarn from Michael’s and my mis-adventure began.

It’s a center out baby blanket. I do normally prefer blankets in rectangular shape, but well, I figured this would be easier (just knit in the round, all right sides). Then I realized a huge flaw in this method of knitting – progress of the knitting seems to appear slower as it grows larger. Yes, I know it’s not technically true but it just “seems” slower.

Hopefully I get to finish this within next couple of days. Then onto a pair of convertible gloves (you know, the flip mitten top, with fingerless gloves – WITH fingers) and a matching hat.

I’m not sure why I talked myself into doing it all – especially with twenty days to spare (actually slightly less, since they all need to be finished AND wrapped up before Christmas eve). What can I say – I’m a sucker.

Meet Cecilia – adorned by an alternating whimsy lace motif, this cuff down sock is sure to brighten anyone’s day (or at least their feet)!

Currently, Cecilia is available to purchase exclusively at Three Irish Girls. Please click here to purchase the pattern.

Yarn: 1 skein Adorn Sock by Three Irish Girls (430 yds per 100g skein) or similar fingering weight yarn.

Needle: US 1 (2.25mm) circular needles or set of dpn to knit in round, or size to obtain proper gauge.

Other Notions: yarn needle, stitch markers (optional)

Sizes Available: Women’s M, L, XL

Gauge: 8 sts x 12 rows in 1″ in stockinette, approx 8.5 sts in 1″ in Lace Pattern (unstretched)

I know I’m a very focused and determined person. Yes, I get work done, even with distractions.

How do I know? Well, here’s is an example.

I have a cat on my lap, as always. In fact, she’s been clingier than usual now that the weather has cooled down considerably. I cannot possibly sit front of the desk without having her glued to my lap, or worse, she’d sit on the keyboard or mousepad. Or, her little kittybutt would be on my wrist as I’m trying to maneuver the mouse.. and I have “work” to do.

Knitting, also is another fun activity. She loves yarn. She loves it even more when it moves (aka, the little cast on tail hanging from the WIP). She wants to play with it or chew on it. She insists it’s her “play” time – funny because when I intend on playing with her with “her” string (oppose to the yarn I’m working with), all she does is just sit and stare.

Basically, I semi-permanently have a cat glued to my lap – a cute, furry, purry one. She’s so lucky she’s so little and cute, I probably won’t put up with her shit if she wasn’t. Hah! Though it’s just a speculation, it’s possible she probably could get away with murder.

Oh the sweet life that is living with a cat. So, what else is new?

So far during the month of October…

Cocoa likes to hide in Chris’s closet where she can just “blend in”.

On related note, I’ve learned that it possible to lose a cat within one bedroom apartment.

And we went and saw Bad Religion – for their thirtieth anniversary tour. It was only appropriate that it was their 30 year anniversary, and we went to see them to celebrate Chris’s 30th birthday.

I can’t believe how old we’re getting. Kinda scary how the time flies by.

And I’ve been playing Fable 2 on xbox. I find it pretty funny how fast I was able to “beat” the game, despite the fact that I have hardest time with the controllers (you should see me trying to access netflix with the xbox controller… really).

And I’ve been knitting off and on. More off than on. Something something.

Oh and last but not the least – now it’s official!! Ariel is developing a sock book with Cooperative Press! And they need your help!

Please participate this survey for sock/feet sizing and measurement (also, hidden in the survey is a mini contest, please read the survey for details!). You don’t necessarily have to be a sock knitter (or a knitter for that matter) to participate in the survey. I thank you in advance for your participation! And I’m sure Shannon and Ariel would also appreciate your effort as well!

Last week was interesting. Or interesting enough.

Chris is officially “over the hill” now. Old fart. We honestly didn’t do anything special for his birthday, but he did take the entire week off, so it was good to have him around. We did almost nothing but we did nothing together, and that.. really was nice.

I got couple of tickets for Bad Religion show for him. I know, it’s kinda lame birthday gift – because if I didn’t get them, I’m sure he would have gotten them himself.

Then on Saturday, we decided to go to Chicago. Actually, the original plan was to go on Friday and spend a night, then there was minor fiasco: we had no running water in the morning! Then when it came back on later in the afternoon, the hot and cold were reversed (which, thankfully eventually turned back normal). That was not fun, at all. So in any case, instead of having an overnight trip, we made it into a quick day trip. (And of course, the weather was gorgeous on Friday but it was really foggy and rainy on Saturday.. go figures)

We mainly went to see Katie’s “new” condo. But then we also went to the Field Museum. I mean, why not – she lives right by it. And of course, I saw Sue the T Rex. You can’t not see the dinosaur! (and hooray for double negative)

By the time the museum “kicked” us out, the sky cleared up. That was pretty nice. And even though I didn’t get to go this time, I got to see the Navy Pier from distance. I love Navy Pier, I have always liked to sit there and watch the lake, and if we had time, I totally would have went there. Again, it’s pretty funny how (and why) I was so excited to see Lake Michigan even though I see it everyday, through my windows. I “do” live by the lake, and I mean the very same Lake Michigan. Same pond, just different angle.

Anyways, other than the museum, we went out for a brunch in the area, then went some bar in Wrigleyville but meh, nothing exciting. Didn’t get to do much since we were running on a tight schedule.

But nontheless, it was fun. I love Chicago.