Waiting for the next shoe to drop......

I've been trying, really, to be positive. It's hard. I don't mean to whine, but there's always a reminder that my life is not anything like what it used to be. I know I'm like many others, and that there are many others who have it much worse than I. But sometimes it's really hard to keep that in mind. I had someone tell me recently that I'm still in mourning for the life I had before I became disabled, and I think they are right. The problem is that there is always a new diagnosis or earth shaking event happening that makes it hard to get out of the mourning and onto the healing process. Most recently, in the space of about a week and a half I found out that the reason I've been falling down and having balance problems is I have neuropathy in both feet, as well as carpal tunnel syndrome in my left wrist. At this point there's not a thing that can be done about either, but I will be stepping up my search for a really cool cane. Two days later I visited my Rheumatologist, and found out I have fibromyalgia, and apparently have had it for some time, she just forgot to tell me. And then this week, my youngest boy signed up for the Marines, to go for basic training this Oct. after he graduates from high school. I knew he would join, I know my boy well enough to know it was pretty much inevitable. And I'll stand behind him all the way, but still can't help just a little bit of panic every time I think about it.

So my solution will be to knit. I need something desperately to take my mind off of these new blows, and the thought that more than likely there are more coming. I've got some knitting to finish for a swap, and then I'm taking a break and finishing some things for my family and to make something just for me! I've been downloading patterns and I've got yarn piled everywhere, my stash is fairly overwhelming. I want to try my hand at designing patterns, too. I very seldom make a pattern exactly like it's written, so it occurs to me I should try making one of my own. If I show a talent for it, maybe it will give me a direction to take my life to start healing.

Squares, squares, and more squares!

I'm coming to the end of the year of square swapping I've been doing with the Baker's Dozen Group on Ravelry. It was really difficult to keep up at the end of the year, but I'm caught back up and the swapping will end in March. I'm almost done with the second Feb. square, was going to do one thing, but then decided to go with something totally different. The new square is going well and I hope to have it out by Monday. I think I've learned a lot about knitting this past year and my skills have really grown, and I've enjoyed the swap, but I must admit I'll be glad to be done. I've got quite a few projects that are started, but far from done. Here are some squares I've finished for my two BD Groups.



I have to say I'm going to try to hold off starting any new swaps, etc, until I've finished Mom's birthday sweater, the top for Emily, and a few other things. I'd really like to start something for myself, I've been stashing yarn as well as patterns for something for myself, would love to get started. Here's a few new yarns I've been gathering for me:)

Gotta love yarn destashers!

When I signed into Ravelry today I found a post from a lady who is de-stashing some of her yarns. And they are some really lovely yarns. Her prices are more than reasonable and the yarns are of great quality including some very nice Knit Picks yarns that I'm hoping to buy. You can find her at Alaskan Purl. But you should probably check soon, I doubt they will last long.

A Merry Christmas!

My Christmas this year wasn't filled with lots of stuff. I think that sometimes we get so distracted by all that "stuff" we forget to slow down and enjoy the holiday. So this year I went the no stress route. I didn't get lots of presents made this year, the only thing I made was an earflap hat for my little niece Brylee, and that took an evening. The little thumb-less mitts took only a couple hours, I worked on them as we drove to my parents for Christmas yesterday and had them done for her shortly after we arrived. Nobody had a lot of money this year, so we went with gifts for the little kids and just little things at that. Everyone still had a great time. We didn't have a huge feast that would have meant someone spending the whole day in the kitchen, that just seemed silly. I wanted my Mom, who does the vast majority of the cooking to spend time with us instead and it was great being able to visit with her while she relaxed. That was the best part, spending time with my family and laughing. So I have to say that it's been a great holiday and a peaceful one. I hope everyone else has enjoyed their holiday as much. Enjoy these pix of our Christmas.

Wow! Has it been that long?

Goodness! I didn't realize that I hadn't posted anything here since August until today. This fall was a really awful time for me, health wise. I started having problems with my balance and found myself on the ground numerous times. Also started noticing twitching in my hands and even in my legs when I was sitting. All really nasty symptoms. At first I thought it was a medicine I was on, and so my med was changed. The first med change was to a med that caused me to have swelling in my hands, legs, feet, etc. Ended up in the ER, and of course was changed to another med. This med didn't work and made my head so fuzzy I couldn't even manage to follow a simple knitting pattern. That obviously could not continue. About that time I saw a Neurologist, and he said the balance problem wasn't caused by the meds. (Yeah!) I took that info back to the other Dr. and was started back on the med I was originally on at my request. I've been back on it for several weeks now and am happy to say I can knit again. Such a relief! So now I'm busy trying to catch up on all the projects I've been wanting to work on/finish, and I'm slowly getting there.

My Review of Thermal sweatshirt by All American Comfort®

Originally submitted at WomanWithin

The thermal knit sweatshirt with full styling and cozy texture. We offer the best price & fit in plus size thermal sweatshirts.

• waffle knit for comfort
• ribbed trim accents
• crewneck pullover with long sleeves and cuffs
• V-neck inset

Thermal sweatshirt by All American Comfort®

A great top for winter layering

By Faded Lily from Danville, OH on 12/18/2010

 

5out of 5

Chest Size: Feels true to size

Sleeve Length: Feels true to length

Pros: Great Color, Comfortable, Flattering, Soft, Warm, Versatile

Best Uses: Layering, Going Out, Casual Wear, Cold Weather

Describe Yourself: Comfort-oriented, Practical, Classic

This is a great top! The fit is nice and the color, too. I've been wearing it as a layering piece and it works very well. It's warm and yet not super heavy wt. I also bought the hooded sweatshirt that is similar and between the two of them, I'm warm for the first time this winter.

(legalese)

My Review of Distressed thermal hooded pigment top

Originally submitted at WomanWithin

The distressed wash makes this top look like you've worn it and loved it for years. Our plus size knit tops offer great style, comfort & value.

• the must-have style of the season
• long sleeves
• notch neck
• attach...

Distressed thermal hooded pigment top

Love, love, love this top!

By Faded Lily from Danville, Ohio on 12/18/2010

 

5out of 5

Sizing: Feels true to size

Length: Feels true to length

Sleeve Length: Feels true to length

Pros: Quality Materials, Nice and warm, Versatile, Washes Well, Great Color

Best Uses: Casual Wear

Describe Yourself: Casual, Classic, Bargain Shopper

I really do love this top. I purposely bought it a little large and love snuggling up in it. For the first time this winter I'm warm. The sleeves are actually long enough for my arms, I'm tall and often find my wrists exposed (and cold, of course!) The hem is even long enough. I'm seriously thinking of getting at least one more of these in another color, don't want to miss out in case they aren't available in the future.

(legalese)