First things first. This past weekend I finished my first big lace project and I’m absolutely in love with it!

The Pattern: Shoalwater Shawl

The Yarn: Malabrigo Laceweight, 3 skeins, Pagoda

The Needles: US 6′s

The Verdict: I LOVE this shawl. This was a pleasure to knit, even though it took me over a year. The Malabrigo laceweight yarn is light and soft and creates the warmest, softest fabric I’ve felt in a long time. And using my new lace blocking wires (courtesy of my wonderful husband!) blocking was a snap. Stay tuned for more pictures of this one!

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I haven’t been posting much of late. I think it’s a combination of lack of funny tales to tell, lack of time to knit, and lots of time spent at the department store job. I’m still looking for full time employment, but so far I haven’t had much luck so I’ve been staying on. I seem to have made it through a variety of books and movies though.

* Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – I ripped right through this one and enjoy it as much, if not more than the previous books. I don’t know why I couldn’t get into the series the first time, but I’m really enjoying it now. I’m looking forward to reading the sixth installment soon. It will be the first book of the series that I read without having seen the movie first and I think it will be great to experience the book with no clue about what will happen next.

* New Moon – Yes, I’m hooked on Stephenie Meyer’s series. I don’t know what’s more bizarre for me – that I’m reading vampire books and loving them, or that I’m reading teeny-bopper fiction and ripping right through it. Again, I think the most interesting part of the books to me is how the author takes all the common legends and stereotypes about vampires (and in this book werewolves) and turns them on their heads. I still haven’t seen the movie and part of me doesn’t want to, because I love the way I imagine the characters. I’m sure I will though.

* The God Delusion – The third book I’m still working on is Richard Dawkins’. I borrowed this from Dad when I was home for Christmas. Though the theory is sometimes a bit much for me, I’m enjoying reading his arguments against the existence of god. The book is humorous too – I find myself laughing aloud fairly often. I suppose if I’m going to be damned to hell I might as well have a good time getting there.

* Death at a Funeral – I Netflix’d this one after hearing great things about it and we weren’t disappointed. This was truly a zany British farce and if you’re up for some insanity I’d definitely recommend it!

* No Country for Old Men – Despite the fact that this movie won so many Oscars, and I’d been anxious to see it, neither Wes nor I enjoyed it very much. I found it hard to watch with all it’s scenes shot in low light that were barely visible. We both found the dialogue kind of forced, and at the end we kind of wondered what the point was. Overall, I can’t recommend this one.

* Burn After Reading – I laughed out loud at this movie. The cast was excellent, the material crafted very well, and the end result a winner. If you’re up for some inappropriate situations and whole movie about the stupidity of people, you have to see this movie!

On the way out to Los Angeles, Wes suggested that I pick up a copy of Twilight. (It turns out some airport shops will let you return it when you’re done reading and give you half your money back!) I had been wanting to read the book for a while, especially before I take in the movie. I’m not lovestruck. And I didn’t rip through the book because the writing was so good, although it wasn’t bad. The reason I enjoyed this book so incredibly much is because of Stefanie Meyer’s creative take on vampires. She essentially took every myth about vampires and spun it on it’s head. And THAT’s what kept me reading from cover to cover within the span of a 3-hour flight. Now I can just hope I get the rest of the set for Christmas.

Before I left Los Angeles, my father recommended a bevy of books to me. Turns out that top of the stack was another foray into vampire mania, Christopher Moore’s Bloodsucking Fiends. So far it’s gritty, bizarre, a little violent and NOTHING like Twilight or the Anne Rice novels. I also have a few more Christopher Moore books that should keep me company during my breaks at the job.

I was overjoyed this morning to receive an email from Netflix that instant watching is now available on Macs. I took advantage of this immediately, and enjoyed a quirky little French film this evening, Seducing Doctor Lewis. The movie is set in a tiny little town in the middle of nowhere that is struggling to become the site of a new factory. But the factory will only open if the town has a permanent doctor. The rest of the movie is about how the town seduces one Dr. Lewis. It was quirky and hilarious. As long as you’re up for subtitles, I’d totally recommend this one!

Tomorrow I give up my crafting and reading to work a full shift in the home department of the department store. Wish me luck!

Things haven’t been too exciting around here. I’ve used my copious free time to crank out a few projects. I’ve done a second cowl for another local shop in another scrumptious yarn, I’ve progressed on several other projects I’ve got going and I finished another commission – an Elizabeth Zimmerman February Baby Sweater and hat. The yarn is VERY VERY pink, but the client brought it to me to make something cute for her granddaughter.

I’ve also managed to catch up a bit on reading. I’d had The Other Boleyn Girl on my must-read list for a while now, especially since I wanted to read it before I rent the movie. I tore right through the book and it was a pleasant read. I find myself sort of engrossed in the Tudors now having just watched Season 1 of The Tudors on Showtime and having pored over the internet today trying to learn more about the Boelyns and Henry VIII.

I’ve also gotten sucked into Mad Men. I’m now mid-Season 1 via my old friend Netflix, and I’m loving it so far. My only complaint is that I can’t get the DVDs here fast enough to devour them!

The weather here has really turned to fall. The leaves are changing, and it’s crisp and cold out. We’ve been down in the 40′s at night, so the first frost can’t be far off. All of this makes me want to knit up tons of warm sweaters and get myself ready for fall. Today was sunny, although a bit cold, and Wes and I managed to take a couple-mile walk through the parks and trails behind our house. It’s been interesting living here over 9 months now and watching the area change with the seasons. Today I noticed how bare the trees are becoming and how the colorful leaves are burying the paths. I love the change in the seasons and I love fall, so I hope it sticks around for a while. No need for snow just yet!

Today we decided to explore Kansas City more, and spent the afternoon at the Nelson-Atkins Museum. Wes and I aren’t HUGE museum people, but we spent the whole afternoon wandering the beautiful halls of art. We opted to skip the contemporary wing for today, and just hit the pre-1900′s art. We’re saving modern and the sculpture garden and grounds for another visit. The best part is that the museum has free admission, and inexpensive parking. So it was a fun, free day!

The highlight of the day for me, and possibly the museums most well known piece, was this:

Yep, that’s right. They have a few Monet pieces, but I sat and stared at the Water Lilies for a bit. I love impressionism.

It was also interesting for me to see what Wes and I gravitated towards today. While he was more apt to go study the furniture pieces or the sculpture, I was the one to wander to the paintings first. We honed in on our own favorite pieces, and spent most of the day in contemplative silence, together but in our worlds. Occasionally we called each other over to point out some detail to the other.

The morning we mostly spent with European artists. Midday we arrived at the Tuscan inspired cafe, and decided to have a snack. They had delicious sandwiches, soups and chili and we got to sit peacefully enjoying this courtyard.

The afternoon was more Asian-inspired. There were plenty of awe-inspiring pieces, including a huge wood and lacquer Buddha, but I liked this carving the best.

As the afternoon drew to a close we headed back to the car, but not without a quick stop at the gift shop. No new magnets for the collection, but we did spot these guys – who were awfully cute!

***The title has no relation to the post… but you figured that out!

I whipped up my own little contribution to something new, something blue for the wedding:

Pattern: Eloping from Knitty Summer 2008

Yarn: Lily Chin’s Times Square

Needles: US 3′s

Verdict: It’s a pretty easy pattern that only took me an hour or two to finish. It will be the perfect addition to my wedding ensemble – something new and something blue (and even a little sparkley!)

Last night we decided to have a date night. We found a local movie theatre and headed to a showing of Get Smart. It wasn’t much like the original, but it was still pretty funny. I love Steve Carrell and Anne Hathaway made a pretty decent 99. After dinner we grabbed some Thai food and did a little shopping for gifts for the wedding party.

Today I slept in a little. When I woke up there was a brand new bike in front of the couch and Wes was grinning a little sheepishly. Apparently this one was marked down a little and seemed like a good deal, so it’s mine. So I got dressed and we headed out for a short ride. It’s been YEARS since I’ve been on a bike and apparently the stationary bike at the gym isn’t a good approximation. After 2 miles I was tired and after 4 (well we had to get home!) I was downright exhausted.

Then we headed out for a bit more shopping and some lunch. Wes had suggested that we try to get some off season deals on 3-in-1 winter coats, to be used on our honeymoon in Alaska. We managed to get a total steal on one for me – a Columbia jacket with a great removable fleece liner for only $75! (Then I came home and found one online for him for $100.)

Tonight was a simple dinner and some relaxing in front of the TV. I did manage to get photographs today of another knit I completed this week:

Pattern: Knit Impressionism by Kennita Tully from Creative Knitting, July 2008

Yarn: Tahki New Tweed

Needles: US 8′s and 9′s

The Verdict: This is a sweet, easy to knit cardigan for summer. The hem and waist detailing give it nice shaping without increasing/decreasing. The yarn is super soft and gives a real mock tweed look – I’m dying to try it again in a burgundy colorway. This is a sample that’s off to LA tomorrow! The designer, Kennita also owns a yarn shop, Wildflower, in Manhattan, KS (where my in-laws are) that I love to visit.

Monday morning I got up early and took my dress to the seamstress for alterations. I learned that the shoes I bought weren’t right for the dress, but everything else went off without a hitch. I had lunch with my old roomie in LA and we chatted about everything under the sun. Then we went over to the mall and I got made over for my wedding. Although my sister is going to do my makeup on my wedding day, I wanted to go to the MAC counter and get a little advice on colors. One makeover and a few dollars later, I had my wedding makeup!

Monday evening I headed over to A Mano to join the group for Stitch & Pitch 2008. Dodger dogs, Stitch n Pitch hats, and 3 hours of knitting later the Dodgers had won the game and the knitters had knitted up a storm. I was really glad I made it home for the game. Even my Pomatomus sock enjoyed the game!

Tuesday Mom and I headed out to the wedding site to work out last minute details. We picked napkins and chairs and set up the time table for the wedding and even got to visit the site once more. Then we tried another cake place and headed home for Sex in the City (fun!) and dinner at my favorite Mexican place.

Wednesday was sushi with the gang and more A Mano time. I came home with a bunch of new samples and even a few bits of yarn for myself (don’t worry, I was mostly good!). After knit night Sean and I got together for dinner and enjoyed the evening.

Thursday morning was the final meeting with the florist and Thursday night Wes flew in to LA! Friday was a busy day as we got our marriage license, lunched with friends, picked up my dress and got him fitted for his tux. We managed to find a few spare hours to enjoy Los Angeles though. We sat and watched the sailboats for a few hours before meeting up with friends for dinner.

Saturday Wes and I caught a showing of Indiana Jones and then had dinner and attended the Asia America Symphony with my parents. The show was really amazing – where else can you go see a symphony play Beethoven, Jazz and Flamenco music all in one evening?

Sunday was brunch with my parents and that ill-fated return trip.

All in all it was a great trip. I loved seeing my friends, visiting my old haunts (all the restaurants where the staff knows my name and my order) and spending time with my family. However, I realized that I don’t miss the traffic and some of the other things that go along with a big city. Most disappointing this week was that the neighborhood around the LYS has had some problems recently. I guess I don’t miss that part of living in a big city – who knew I’d want to come home to Kansas?

And this:

And a little bit of this:

And tonight there was this:

Which was EXCELLENT – a must see!

Tomorrow there will be this:

So things might be quiet for a few days while I drive across this:

See you in Kansas, Toto!

1. Lars and the Real Girl – This is the best movie I’ve seen in the theatre in a long time. We went and saw it at a second run theatre for $3 (can you beat that?!?) and I was really touched. I wasn’t sure when I saw the previews whether a movie about a boy and a blow-up doll would really be to my liking, but it was so witty, funny and endearing – I just loved it. If you haven’t seen it, you should! Ryan Gosling and and Emily Mortimer are excellent!

2. Waitress – When this was in the theatres, Knitmeister S. tried to get me to go see it with him. Somehow the plans fell through, but I remembered that it had gotten good press so I Netflixed it last weekend. The story is simple – Keri Russell is a pie maker who is trapped in a loveless marriage and suddenly finds herself pregnant, much to her dismay. The story was sad, but the ending was hopeful. Keri Russell was really good, as was Nathan Fillion, who played her physician. Again, I would definitely recommend this one!

3. My Lovely Sam-Soon – This was a Korean mini-series (if you can count 16 hours as a mini-series) that I tore through this week. I borrowed it from a co-worker after hearing great things about it from everyone I work with. For the most part, I wasn’t disappointed. Sure it got a little melodramatic in parts, but overall it was a sweet, if not slightly crazy, story about a baker and her boss as they fall in love. It does have subtitles, and requires a bit of a time commitment, but it was worth it.

• Winner of The Most Anticipated and Equally the Most Disappointing Movie of the Holidays Season award is The Golden Compass. I loved this book, no wait I LOVED this book. And I was so disappointed by the movie that Wes and I could have walked out. Not only did they stray from the book on major plot points, they changed even the smallest details even when using the details from the book would have taken less time to explain. To a non-reader, the movie was really complex and confusing. To a reader, events were out of order or missing entirely and motivations were altered or re-made. I will say that Nicole Kidman and Dakota Blue Richards were excellent – they really brought the characters that I had imagined to life. But as a whole, I found it disappointing.
• Winner of The Greatest Swashbuckling Adventure this holiday season was Pirates of the Carribean: At World’s End. The third of this trilogy was a rollicking good time and a great adventure matey, ARRRRR…. Johnny Depp was fabulous, the effects were, as always, excellent and the plot was interesting.
• Winner of “It’s fun but … eh….” award was BBC’s Robin Hood: Season 1. Wes points out this may have been because we watched the 4 discs almost back to back and the schtick got a little old. However, Jonas Armstrong (Robin) and Lucy Griffiths (Marian) were excellent and I enjoyed the adventures. I’m not sure that I’m in for season 2, or 3 (which is in production now), but it was entertaining, particularly during those long hours in the car and the night the snow stranded us in a hotel.
• Winner of the “Most fun at the movies over the holidays is National Treasure 2. I don’t know how many more of these they can do, but I have really enjoyed the first two. Sure, they’re not epic movies, but they are just an old fashioned good time. Of special highlight were the scenes between Helen Mirren (whom I love!) and Jon Voight.

Technically I have one more movie, Ocean’s Thirteen but I might have fallen asleep in the middle of it last night when I got home from Kansas, and thus I might need to re-watch a bit before I review.

What did you see over the holidays? Anything good I’ve missed?

Saturday dawned with lots of things to do. First I met my mom at the bridal salon to try on my dress and then place the order! I’m super excited to have it ordered and it should come in 3-4 months! After that I ran a few errands and headed over to the LYS to sit and knit for a while. It had been a few weeks since I had been there, and I was definitely ready. I started a top-down cardigan with some wool my parents brought me from New Zealand. I’ll finish that up over Christmas. Saturday night Wes and I had our movie date and watched the remake of The Stepford Wives. It was very different from the original, but I wouldn’t say it was great. However, Wes and I were so glad that he had power back and that we could Skype that it was just fine!

Today I did some laundry and headed down to the parents for a belated Chanukah celebration. On the way, I stopped a spa to get a few women’s beauty treatments. No sooner had I settled into a room than a knock came on the door. Without giving away too much information, I was in no condition for the door to be opened. Whoever was on the other side asked if I owned a silver RAV4. My heart sank…a lot. “Someone has just hit your car. I’m sorry!” came the reply. So we quickly finished up and I got dressed and headed out to check the damage. All I was thinking was “I hope it’s drivable” and “thank goodness it wasn’t my fault!” So I go outside and brace myself… and it wasn’t my car! It was someone else’s RAV4. I feel very bad for whoever else that was, but thank goodness it wasn’t mine.

Tonight I had Chanukah dinner with my parents, aunt and uncle and cousin. Chanukah is technically over, but since we were in Kansas last weekend, we did a little dinner and gift exchange tonight. I think my family finally got the hint that I’m a little obsessed with yarn. My aunt gave me three beautiful skeins of Noro Yarn, and a gift card. My mom gave me the Stitch ‘n Bitch pattern a day calendar. I’m super excited about the yarn and the calendar, and I’ve already got plans for the gift card too – I’m going to get a crock pot to make warm stews and soups for the cold days in Kansas. I can’t wait!

Tonight I came home to finish watching some DVDs (Bones, Season 2) and to finish the first cabled glove. I’m so excited that the first one’s done and that it looks so good. Just 4 more fingers to go on the other one and then they’re ready! Just in time for the holidays. I’m also whipping up a few last minute gifts and reveling in some new fibers. This is the last week of work, and on Friday I head out to Kansas. I can’t believe the holidays are here and it’s almost the new year.

Hope you all had a great weekend! More news as it’s fit to print.

P.S. Look what photo I finally got!