Buster N Me

New Blog

2007-08-22T16:40:00.001-07:00

Okay, I admit it.... this blog is DONE!!!
New Blog... with MONKEY.... over HERE.

Hahahahahahahaha!!!

2007-06-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

Sooooooo Funny!
It worked for Charlie too!!!!
(goes to show the accuracy of this thing, hey?)

Although I always thought he looked a little bit like Kevin Bacon, hehehe.

My Celebrity Look-Alikes (yeah, right)

2007-06-28T13:14:00.000-07:00

I wish I looked like Scarlett Johansson!

Too Cute

2007-06-28T07:41:00.000-07:00

Aw, too cute not to share.

Knitting Goals Contest

2007-05-17T16:19:00.003-07:00

I was reading on Mom's (Wovenflame's) blog about a contest at the "Skeins Her Way" blog.... go check it out to enter! (awesome prizes!!!)
Basically, you have to list your summer knitting goals.
Oh yeah, and make sure if you enter the contest, let her know I sent you (I get an extra entry that way, hehe)
With Kaylen taking up most of my time, my knitting time has been reduced to a minimum, but I'm still determined to finish a few things this summer!

Tofutsies Socks
I have about 3" done on one sock so far... they feel sooo nice and airy that I would like to have them finished near the BEGINNING of the summer so I can wear them in the warmer weather.

Sundress for Kaylen from "Adorable Knits for Tots" by Zoe Mellor
Another project to have done at the beginning of summer... although I'm not sure it's going to fit her... it will probably be too big?

Ribbed Sweater for Kaylen
Now this one can be finished near the end of the summer because (hopefully) it will fit Kaylen when the cool fall weather hits.

Buy the Wool and get STARTED on a fair-isle sweater for Kaylen
I'm thinking of the Jenna Louise sweater from Philosophers Wool.
I've been really wanting to try fair-isle for a while now and I think a baby sweater is probably the best idea (less intimidating than a full-sized sweater!)

Hopefully I can get at least a couple of these goals completed this summer! :-)

50 Things

2007-05-17T16:19:00.002-07:00

I was inspired by Robyn's post of "Throw 50 Things Away to Declutter Your Mind & Think Clearly".
I must say that it was hard for the first few items and then I was on a roll! By the last 3 items I was really searching hard for junk lurking in my cupboards! Goodbye Clutter!!!

1. Ring Holder that I never use
2. Prenatal Vitamins (will be expired before next pregnancy)
3. Cool Keychain Puzzle (that I never use)
4. Bracelets that were cool about 10 years ago
5. Nechlace Charms from about 10 years ago
6. Beaded necklaces that I never wear
7. Mini-Elastics (I can't even remember why I have them)
8. Old Glasses Case
9. Ring Box (empty)
10. Deodorant that I don't like
11. Perfume box that I thought was pretty
12. Body Lotion that smells way too flowery
13. Old Tanning Lotion
14. Expired Natural Hand Cream
15. Moisturizing Face Mist (that gives me pimples!!!)
16. Old Makeup
17. Shoelaces (Gold coloured, ew!)
18. Tiny cross-stitch picture (from a kit from the dollar store)
19. Broken prism thingy (that makes rainbows on the wall when hung in a window)
20. Iron-on flowers
21. HUGE bag of clothes (this should count as 50 items itself!!!)
22. Brush that rips hair out! ouch!!!
23. Old Toothbrush
24. Perfume Samples
25. Razor Refills for a Razor I no longer have
26. Bubble bath that has little glitter flecks in it that mess up the tub
27. Hair Spiking Glue that I bought for Halloween years ago
28. Expired Medications
29. Toilet Brushes that were here when we bought the house (um, gross)
30. Photography video that came free with my camera
31. Little Boxes that I thought would be good for wrapping gifts
32. Old Calendars (why did I even still have these!?!?)
33. BC Baby Care Book (I had 2 copies)
34. Broken Sunglasses (these were actually Jeramey's and he never wears them so he probably won't even notice that they're gone)
35. Toy from the dollar store that didn't fit into the charity package I bought it for
36. Can of Snails. (bought at the dollar store as a joke for a party)
37. Box of Tea that I don't like (Lemon Ginger)
38. Take-out Menus from Restaraunts we don't order from
39. Corkscrew that NEVER works properly
40. Plastic Forks and Knives from KFC
41. Broken Coaster
42. Ratty Old Discloths (I made new ones)
43. Freezerburnt Ice Cream
44. Lush Catalogue (Natural Bath Products store that Jeramey gets me gifts from... don't need the catalogue because I don't buy stuff for myself - I like the gifts. ;-D )
45. Dog Cookies that Charlie won't eat
46. Garden Gloves (one got shrunk in the wash and doesn't fit)
47. Rent Receipts (no longer renting out the basement suite)
48. Pens that don't work
49. Paint Samples for a room that we already chose a colour for
50. Christmas decoration that I forgot to put away with the Christmas stuff which is now at the back of a closet... and I don't like that decoration anyway.

TaDa! 50 items!
Go on, Take the Challenge!!! ;-)

Check-List

2007-05-17T16:19:00.001-07:00

I saw this on DragonKnitters blog and thought it was cool.

Bold for stuff you've done, Italics for stuff you plan to do one day, and Normal for stuff you're not planning on doing.

Afghan
I-cord
Garter Stitch
Knitting with Metal Wire
Shawl
Stockinette Stitch
Socks: top-down (does a mini-keychain-sock count?)
Socks: toe-up
Knitting with Camel Yarn
Mittens: cuff-up
Mittens: tip-down
Hat (crazy hat)
Knitting with Silk
Moebius Band Knitting
Participating in a KAL
Sweater
Drop Stitch Patterns
Knitting with Recycled / Second Hand Yarn
Slip Stitch Patterns
Knitting with Bamboo Yarn
Two End Knitting
Charity Knitting
Knitting with Soy Yarn
Cardigan (blue cardigan)
Toy/Doll Clothing (monkey clothes)
Knitting with Circular Needles
Baby Items (of course!)
Knitting with Your Own Handspun Yarn
Slippers
Graffitti Knitting (knitting items on, or to be left on the street)
Designing Knitted Garments (monkey clothes)
Cable Stitch Patterns (incl. Aran) (Jer's Sweater - finished but no photo yet)
Lace Patterns
Publishing a Knitting Book
Scarf (monkey potter - other ones too but i only have this picture)
Teaching a Child to Knit
American/English Knitting (as opposed to continental)
Knitting to Make Money
Button Holes
Knitting with Alpaca
Fair Isle Knitting
Norwegian Knitting
Dying with Plant Colours
Knitting Items for a Wedding
Household Items (Dishcloths, Washcloths, Tea Cosies...)
Knitting Socks (or other small tubular items) on Two Circulars
Olympic Knitting
Knitting with Someone Else's Handspun Yarn
Knitting with dpns
Holiday Related Knitting (christmas tree hat)
Teaching a Male How To Knit
Bobbles
Knitting for a Living
Knitting with Cotton
Knitting Smocking
Dying Yarn
Steeks
Knitting Art
Knitting Two Socks (or other small tubular items) on Two Circulars Simultaneously
Fulling/Felting
Knitting With Wool
Textured Knitting (does seed stitch count?)
Kitchener BO
Purses/Bags (skully bag)
Knitting with Beads
Swatching
Long Tail CO
Entrelac Knitting
Maching Knitting
Knitting with SelfPatterning/SelfStriping/Variegating Yarn
Stuffed Toys (MONKEY)
Knitting with Cashmere
Darning
Jewelry
Knitting with Synthetic Yarn
Writing a Pattern
Gloves
Intarsia
Knitting with Linen
Knitting for Preemies
Tubular CO
Freeform Knitting
Short Rows
Cuffs/Fingerless Mitts/ArmWarmers
Pillows
Knitting a Pattern from an On-Line Knitting Magazine
Rug
Knitting on a Loom
Thrummed Knitting
Knitting a Gift
Knitting for Pets
Shrug/Bolero/Poncho (blue poncho)
Knitting with Dog/Cat Hair
Hair Accessories
Knitting in Public

I've only been knitting for a couple years and I don't even know what some of these techniques are!

FibreFest

2007-05-17T16:19:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, Mom and I went to FibreFest.
It was really fun and I'm definately going back next year!

I bought a bunch of stuff. (I couldn't help it!!!)
I pretty much stuck with my plan though... I wanted to buy some sock yarn and something to spin.

Here's my loot.

I got a 100g. ball of Linie 3 Supersocke 100 Highland Color sock yarn.
I wound it into two 50g balls and cast on immediately. ;-)
I've never actually knit a PAIR of socks... but this time I'm determined!
I've finished the first sock and see, I've already cast on for the second sock! Things are looking promising!

I also got a 100g ball of Tofutsies sock yarn.
This stuff feels really nice... I can't wait to knit it up.... I've already separated it into two 50g balls but I have to finish the Linie socks first.... MUST FINISH LINIE SOCKS FIRST!!!

I also found this super-cute little keychain kit. A mini sock blocker with a mini sock pattern and a teeny tiny ball of sock yarn. It was too cute and I HAD to get it. I started knitting this sock while we were waiting for demos to start at Fibrefest.

And for spinning stuff I got a 50g braid of Fleece Artist Wenslydale/teeswater roving.
I really enjoy spinning with colourful stuff so this should be fun.

And finally I got two 250g bags of Aurelia N.Z. Corriedale combed wool in Iceberg colour. I've been wanting to get some of this stuff ever since I saw their display at the Chilliwack Spin-In last year. At the time I was just learning to spin (it was actually my first day learning to spin) and I was intimidated by the whole thing... Now I can't wait to get started on it!

WIP's

2007-05-11T14:47:00.000-07:00

Wow! I'm actually posting on my own blog... not just on Kaylen's!!!

As I was taking the photos for this post, I realized just how many WIP's (works in progress) I really have! (and these don't include the ones I have completely forgotten about and have stashed in the back of closets somewhere)

I think I will start from oldest to most recent...

Here's the Monk's Bag that I've been working on for FOREVER!!!! I actually have all the pieces knit up and I just need to put it together... but honestly, I HATE piecing things together so it will probably just sit in this box for another 6 months.

Next, there is the Sprinkles Sweater for Kaylen. All I need to do is sew on the buttons. Sounds easy... which is why its not done yet... I keep saying "Oh, I'll just sew those on later". It won't fit her until next winter anyway. :-)

Then we have a little sundress... also for Kaylen (this kid is spoiled!) I'm at a stage now where I need to pay attention and keep track of decreases, so I don't get to knit on it a whole lot.... as in, Kaylen won't let me pay much attention to anything other than her right now.

Up next is my latest spinning efforts. Mom bought me a whole bunch of fluff (rovings) for Christmas and I've started spinning some of it. I have to admit, I'm impressing myself with the progress I've made with my spinning skills.

And here's my THIRD Kaylen project.... A little sweater that I couldn't help starting even though I have other projects on the go. The yarn was so soft and fluffy to knit and it felt so nice on the needles... and it has a nice FAST guage of 16 st = 4".... I mean, come on, this one will whip up in no time.

And last, but not least, (okay, maybe least) is a mountain of dishclothes. (and the mountain keeps growing!!!) These are being knit because the ones I have are starting to wear out.... but mostly because I can knit them while holding Kaylen, watching TV, or taking a nap... Okay maybe not while taking a nap, but almost!

Kaylen's Blog

2007-03-20T12:47:00.000-07:00

Kaylen has her very own blog now!
I will try to keep it updated for all her friends and family.
Go take a look... and don't forget to comment. :-)

www.kaylen-marie.blogspot.com/

Welcome Home!

2007-03-14T15:45:00.000-07:00

Welcome Home Kaylen Marie!
Born Monday, March 12 @ 3:45 am
8lbs 14oz!

Horror Stories

2007-02-24T11:17:00.000-08:00

What is it about seeing a pregnant woman that makes people have the urge to tell the worst labour/delivery story they can think of? It seems that everywhere I go I get the classic "Ooooh! When is your baby due?" followed closely by "Is this your first?" Then, when I answer "Yes" they proceed to tell me about their 72 hour labour followed by an emergency c-section, with horrific complications, etc. etc. etc. Do they really think that I want to hear that? Do they not realize that I'm probably pretty scared already!?!?
I wonder if they even realize what they're saying? For example....
My husband took me out for dinner the other night. When we went to pay the bill, they waitress asked the first two questions (when's baby due? first baby?) She then said "Oh, I bet you hear a lot of horror stories" I said "Yes, I do, and I hate hearing them, I don't know why people have to tell me those kinds of things" She seemed to agree that it was inappropriate and a mean thing to do..... then she said "Yeah, when I was pregnant with my first my Mom told me this story about how she... blah blah blah" She actually started telling me the horror story!!!! Luckily for me, my husband is aware that I have been having this problem with people, and, the hero that he is, he stepped between the waitress and me and started asking her about the bill! He totally interrupted her, while blocking me from her view entirely! It was so rude but sooo funny! Thanks Jer! ;-)

Excuses, Excuses

2007-02-22T10:09:00.000-08:00

As you may have noticed, it's been a little while since I've posted here. Okay, okay, it's been a LONG while. I am guilty of being a bad blogger. But, I do have excuses! :-)
First, my husband has started his own business and he needs to take the camera on site with him every day. Now, I don't know about you, but I have a hard time posting without pictures. I'm just not that "wordy"... I need the visuals. So, no camera, no pictures, no posts. It's that simple.
Second, I've been working a full time job while growing larger and larger and becoming more and more exhausted by the end of the day. Too tired to post. Good news though.... I started my maternity leave last week! YAY!!! :-D
And last, I've developed a horrible tingly-numbness in my hands over the past few weeks. The doctor said its carpel-tunnel syndrome caused by the extra fluids in my arms and hands and that the only cure is to "have the baby"... um, thanks for the advice doc. I've been super-lucky during this entire pregnancy with nothing to complain about.... I've been happy (no terrible mood swings) and healthy this whole time.... But this carpel-tunnel syndrome thing is the pits!!! I can't knit at all and its starting to make me a little grumpy. I was hoping to get so much accomplished during these last few weeks while I'm off work. I had great plans of booties and baby socks, but no, it's just not going to happen. I hope little baby will forgive me.

Snow Day

2007-01-11T10:36:00.000-08:00

I got snowed in yesterday and got to stay home from work.... but I did accomplish something.

I finished up this "striped stocking cap" from "Knit Baby Head & Toe".... it turned out a little too big I think, but oh well, she can wear it a bit later than I hoped.

I also whipped up this super-soft little beanie from the same book.
The pattern called for chenille, but I found this irresistible yarn by Patons called "Be Mine"... It is soooooo soft!
I took a hint from the last hat and decided to knit this one with WAY smaller needles than the pattern called for and I think it came out a better size for a newborn.

I almost want one for myself! :-)

Under Construction

2007-01-11T10:30:00.000-08:00

The baby's room is coming along nicely.... thanks to my Dad (baby's Grandpa).
The ceiling has a fresh coat of paint, the walls are painted, the window and door have brand new trim... its really going to look great!

My Grandma (baby's Great-Grandma) made this beautiful blanket... doesn't it just go PERFECTLY with the paint colour!?!?!?

She also sent this super-cute little mint-coloured sweater.

This baby is getting spoiled and she's not even here yet! ;-)

This is Cool

2006-12-21T14:17:00.000-08:00

Get Your Own! | More Flash Toys

Tiny Cables

2006-12-08T16:16:00.000-08:00

This tiny little sweater has been finished for quite some time now... I just hadn't found the right buttons. Mom and I searched everywhere for buttons that would compliment the sweater but not distract from the cables. No luck in any of the sewing or department stores... Mom eventually found some perfect buttons in a little sewing kit from the dollar store! Yay Mom! :-D
So, here it is!

This first pictures gives a pretty good idea of the soft lilac colour....

while these photos (with the camera's flash turned off) show the cables better.

This was actually really fun to knit. All those tiny little cables.
The pattern came from one of those little booklets you find hanging on a rack near the baby yarns. But now I can't find it anywhere! It is lost amongst the chaos of my craft supplies right now. I will let you know where the pattern came from as soon as I can find it!

Gifts from GREAT Grandma!

2006-11-28T13:25:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I received a wonderful gift in the mail from my Grandma in Alberta. (Baby's GREAT Grandma!!!)
She sent this beautiful lacy pink set, as well as a minty green sweater and blanket.

This picture shows the colour pretty well but hides the amazing detail work....

so I'm also posting This picture which is a little dark, but shows how much work went into making it!!!

THANK YOU GRANDMA!!! :-D

A Little Snow?

2006-11-26T15:48:00.000-08:00

Our first snowfall of the season began last night.
At 3 o'clock this afternoon our neighbourhood was unrecognizable beneath all the white stuff.
Here's a shot of our backyard.....

and out our front window.....

We've accumulated at LEAST a foot of snow so far....And it's STILL snowing.... a LOT.
Charlie seems to be enjoying all the snow... from INSIDE anyway.

Needless to say it has inspired thoughts of Christmas. :-)
I couldn't resist......up went the tree!

Quick Post

2006-11-21T08:27:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post to let everyone know that everything is fine. :-)
Haven't posted in a while, I know.
The baby's room is coming along nicely. My Dad has been over at my house every week patching, sanding, priming, and now painting. (second coat goes on this weekend) The colour is Beautiful! It's a really nice minty green. I think it's going to look awesome.
Anyway, here's a super-annoying glittery picture that i got the link to from Ej's blog. Enjoy! :-)

It's a GIRL!!!

2006-11-07T10:19:00.000-08:00

Had my doctor's appointment yesterday. He said that everything is progressing normally, that baby seems healthy and that she will probably be a GIRL!!! :-D
I asked him what "probably" meant and he said that if they are more than 80% sure then they say "probably", otherwise they say "unsure". He said it was safe for me to start buying pink things. :-)
I'm so excited!!! I've always imagined having a little girl. Yay! :-D

And the Verdict Is......

2006-10-31T18:13:00.000-08:00

I wish I knew!!! I had my ultrasound today but the technician wouldn't tell me the sex of the baby... she said she knows and she will tell my doctor. ACK!!! The anticipation is driving me nuts!!!
The ultrasound itself was soooo cool! I had no idea we would be able to see the baby in such detail. It was so neat watching the little heart beat and seeing the little guy or girl (argh! why couldn't she just tell me!?!?) moving around in there. My husband and my Mom both got to come in and see it. It was super-cool for all of us.
Here's the first picture of our little one.... what a cutie already! :-)

And I didn't want the little one to feel left out of his/her first halloween..... so here he/she is all dressed up in a costume! haha. :-D

Big, BIG, Belly!!!

2006-10-16T18:56:00.000-07:00

Woah!!! Holy expanding waistband Batman!!!
It's been less than a month since my first "belly" photo and let's just say I've grown. I don't really think I'm supposed to be this big this soon, but oh well. It's not soft or anything.... It's a big, firm belly. The doctor assures me that I'm a perfectly normal size for 19.5 weeks. Yeah, okay, sure. :-)

I've been feeling the baby moving quite a bit this week! It's a really weird / cool feeling! It makes it all suddenly seem that much more "real". It's an odd concept to grasp... there's a little person LIVING INSIDE ME!!!! WEIRD!!! :-)
Jeramey has gotten over his belly touching phobia. Now he's the opposite. He's constantly harassing me to "see the belly" and he always wants to touch it. He thinks it's cute. We'll see if he still thinks it's "cute" in 4 months when I'm enormous and taking up the entire bed! :-)

My ultrasound is booked for October 31st.... yes, Halloween.... I hope they don't tell me I'm having a pumpkin!!! (although, it's starting to feel that way!)
We are VERY excited about seeing the little guy or girl for the first time. We are planning on finding out the sex if we can. I just can't stand the anticipation. I know I will be happy with a girl or a boy but I'm really, really curious to find out. Anybody care to take a guess??? 2 weeks before we know (hopefully) the answer!

yet another hobby

2006-09-26T19:08:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I went to a "spin-in" with my Mom.
I didn't really know what to expect. To be honest, I didn't really think I would like spinning that much. I was wrong. I had a really good time. Everybody there was super nice.... and to my surprise, the spinning was fun too.
I'm not good at it..... but I'm making progress. I was doing "okay" at the spin-in with Mom watching and teaching me, but when I got home and tried spinning a couple days later.... not so good. In fact, I would go so far as to say I was pathetic.
I have been practicing with a huge bag of "fluff" (new to the spinning terminology - sorry to all you spinners) to practice on. I am getting better.
Here is my first bobbin (which I totally swore at and gave up) next to my second bobbin... Yes, there is progress.

I still have a bunch of the white fluff left to keep practicing.....

which is a good thing because Mom bought me 100g (?) of this cool blue-faced something-or-other. I wrote the name down somewhere but can't find it right this minute. Anyway... I want to get a little better before I attempt spinning the better stuff so I don't just ruin it.

One of the vendors had a Huge ball of that stuff on top of their display. Mom and I were admiring all the different "fluffs" people had for sale and I mentioned that I wanted THAT ball of fluff. While i was spinning away, she snuck over and bought a wad of it for me. :-) Thanks Mom!

I also won a door prize!!! YAY!!! I won some pink fluff. (Merino)
Mom said Merino is harder to spin so I will save it for a while until I'm "ready".

Stroller

2006-09-26T18:24:00.000-07:00

We have a stroller!
Jeramey grandparents wanted to buy us a stroller for the baby's gift. They weren't sure what kind to get and they don't like shopping all that much so they sent me off on my own to choose what I wanted. Mom and Dad came across a great sale at Sears and pointed me in the right direction. (actually, Mom ended up coming with me and we compared a bunch of strollers together)
I came home with the Graco Euro Quattro. It was $90.00 off and it seemed like one of the best strollers there. It "goes" really smoothly and it comes with the car seat that clicks into the stroller and has a base for the car. I can also collapse it with one hand, which is really nice. It has lockable wheels, etc. I think we made a good choice.
Plus, it's not too "foofy" so Jer will take baby for a walk in it and not feel like a big sissy. :-)

(monkey likes it too)

i know, i know, i promised belly photos.... soon.