Confessions of a Convoluted Mind

take that!!

2011-10-04T22:25:00.001-04:00

Just a quick post... Rex Ryan kept saying his Jets were going to the Super Bowl, after Sunday night I have to ask, how? I guess they can all afford the price of an admission ticket but that is the only way. Gotta love that the D showed up so well against their former Guru. That is all for now, G'nite from Charm City

Hello World!

2011-09-13T15:11:00.003-04:00

I have not posted in, oh I dunno, forever.... I am not sure anyone reads this anymore. My life has been crazy lately. For those not in the know, I was happily living my life, working a bazillion hours a week, and having a personal life too, when suddenly, not so much... 2 hospital visits, countless MRIs& 1 giant emergency surgery later, here i am stuck (literally) in a wheelchair, having no work life, and no social life either. Thank goodness I have wonderful friends. I don't want to concentrate on negative things, but I feel a rant against SSA may be in the offing. That's all for now.

Hello World!!

2010-02-24T14:47:00.002-05:00

So I was reminded by one of my lovely friends that it has been a long long time since I have posted. I have nothing new to say, really. I am plodding along B"H things are generally good. The arthritis is what it is, and the pain is what it is. I am looking forward to Purim, well trying anyway. I have been enjoying getting back in touch with friends from the past. Notice I did not say old friends, cause I am not, and neither are they! I made one colossal mistake in regards to Puirim, however. I looked at a calendar, and did you know that Pesach is in 4 and a half WEEKS!!!!! I protest, let's move it, or change it, or go to Florida! Anyway, that is all from Baltimore, I hope alll is well where you all are.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Caps for Sale

2009-05-14T13:09:00.003-04:00

Title is a bit misleading... I made a hat for my friend who lives in Fla. I was gonna post a pic, but I left it on my home machine. Oh well. I am updating, for no good reason, other than I feel like the one person who reads this deserves to read something new once in a while. F Out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bleh!

2009-04-23T01:10:00.002-04:00

Hello cyber peoples! I know I really have not been great about posting. As I have said before, my life is pretty static, so there is not a ton to write about. I have no idea if I have any loyal readers anymore, but if I do, I thank you. Lets see, job is good, B"H, other job starts up again Sunday, which means I will get out of the house instead of working all day. I mean, I will be working, but in a car, not in my apt.
Oh, Pesach, right! Hope everyone's was nice. My first days were super awesome! I got to see my friend S who lives in LA. She and her hubby and son came in for the first days and we all congregated at SMs house, it was crowded but fun. Also, S' son NY is about the cutest I have EVER seen (dis mine? dis mine? good). S, I really really really miss you! SM was a lovely hostess as awlays. M I am really really sorry we did not connect over the phone while you were in Houston. I miss you too!
J in NJ, I am pretty sure you do not read this, but just in case, boy do I miss you!! I cannot wait to go to Dave & Busters with you.
J in VA, I am sure that there is no way you read this drivel, but since I am in CYA mode, I have to give you props for replacing most of my music and opening my eyes to some new sounds as well, plus it is always fun to talk to someone who knew me when I had eyes that could actually see and buck teeth.
B in the Holy Land..... I enjoyed our actual almost chat before Chag, and Mrs, B it was lovely to acutally hear your voice, I will try to be better about calling. I miss you guys!

Ok that is it, I am done.
F OUT!!!

She Lives!!!

2009-04-03T17:51:00.000-04:00

Hello my reading public (what few of you there are). I have been delinquent in writing, and I apologize. Spring is in the air, which means that it must be allergy season, hooray! I just wanted to pause for a moment and give thanks for the google machine. I am recently back in touch with a slew of old friends, all the the computer one way or another. I am quite pleased to say that they have all grown into people that I wish to be friends with still or again, and are all generous to a fault with their time and some with their music or other goodies (football tix for instance) So if any of you read this, thank you!!!! I am glad that we are back in touch. (HI, D, B, & J) That is all for now. Have a great Shabbos or if that is not the way you go then have a great weekend.

more blankie

2009-02-16T12:08:00.003-05:00

I rarely update this blog anymore since my life is pretty static. Every once in a while I complete a project that I am proud of, so those I still post. My friend Rachel had a baby boy a few weeks ago, and so I made this blanket for her new bundle of yumminess. I hope to give it to her later today.

This is Quack the Duck looking angry at being made to model the lovely hooded blanket.

This is a close up of the stitch detail. Pretty, huh? The blanket is this really pretty deep blue color.

Thank you

2009-01-28T00:38:00.002-05:00

To everyone who sent me well wishes, and birthday greetings, Thank You!

Blankie

2009-01-25T22:46:00.003-05:00

So, it has been a while, and this is gonna be a short post. I recently make a blanket that I am really really proud of. It is blogged about with more detail here I just thought I would add a pic or two. Tell me what you think.

Here is the new recipient with her new blankie

and some stitch detail

F OUT!

2009

2008-12-31T23:53:00.002-05:00

reflections of 2008.... hmmm... too tired to really have any. I will just say that i am grateful for the friends that I have, and that I am lucky to know each and every one of you. Now I am off to bed so I can actually enjoy my day off tomorrow. A pre-emptive Good Shabbos to those of you that it applies to.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

status update

2008-09-18T23:38:00.000-04:00

So I have no updated in a while. Mostly because B"H my life is pretty boring. Thank G-D work is doing well. I really like my new-ish day job. It is really nice to be appreciated for what you do. The drivers ed is the same as always, a little frightening, very rewarding. Hope all is well with all of you.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sorry

2008-08-18T22:36:00.001-04:00

I am sorry I have not posted. I have nothing really new to add. I started a new job this week, and so far, B"H it seems to be going well. Still doing drivers ed.
F OUT!!!!!!

Status Quo

2008-07-03T11:23:00.003-04:00

It has been brought to my attention that I have not posted in almost a month. You would think that people would be happy for me to keep my mouth shut for a while. I have nothing new to report really. I am still working at DJS, still teaching drivers ed. Still enjoying the heck out of my re-found love of crafting, still not having much of a social life. So that is it from here. Happy? I posted!
F OUT!!!!!!!!!

more craftiness!

2008-06-06T12:47:00.002-04:00

Here it is, coming to you live from Baltimore, where the weather is, eh.......... Day number 47. For those of you still counting with a bracha, well done! Anyway, I made these blankets for the Rambam Chinese Auction. The first one is kid sized, perfect for snuggling under on those cold drizzly days, and the second one is grown up sized. It was supposed to just be a couch throw, but got out of hand. I can picture it being used to curl up under Shabbos afternoon as one does some light reading. Hope you enjoy the pics.

F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

poof!

2008-06-05T13:32:00.001-04:00

I made a bath poof/shower scrubbie thingie! I get so sick of buying the ones in the store and then having to replace them every few months because they fall apart, or just get gross. I made this one out of 100% cotton so it is machine washable and dryable. Let me know what you think.

F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More Crafty Goodness

2008-06-04T10:13:00.002-04:00

cup cozy with button
Originally uploaded by morah01

OK so I made these for a Craftster swap, and since I do not think my partner reads my blog, I am pretty safe in putting this up. I made these cup cozies, one with a button closure to get around the mug handle, and the other with a hole to pull the handle through. They are great cause they allow you to hold the mug while it is hot, while also keeping the mug warm so the drink maintains its heat. Let me know what you think. F OUT!!!!

crafty goodness

2008-06-02T14:28:00.008-04:00

I have been busy working and... well working. I wanted to take a minute to show off though. A lady at work asked me on Friday if I make slippers, and I replied that I did, but that just now I was so busy that I really did not have time. She replied that it was a shame b/c she has a friend who is undergoing chemo R"L, and her feet are always cold. Well, after that I could not just sit there, so yesterday, I whipped up these. I think they look springish (I also think the colors remind me of a watermelon) and I hope they bring her some small measure of cheer.

I will also be posting in the near future the blankets I made for the chinese auction to benefit one of the schools here, and also hopefully (if she ever sends me pics) the top I made for my crafty friend Xan

Thanks for looking, that is all from here in temperate Baltimore, F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!

BLAH!

2008-04-30T17:10:00.002-04:00

Ok, so some of you know that I had a "meeting" with my boss today, that I was nervous about. The meeting turned out to be the stupid temp agency making me their employee of the month. This "honor" came complete with paper award, balloons that I then had to schlep home on the subway, and treife chocolate. Whoopee..... Still no permanent job. BLAH

Ho Hum.........

2008-04-14T08:49:00.002-04:00

I know I have not been posting lots. Working lots of hours precludes me having lots of posting time. I just wanted to wish everyone a Chag Kasher v'Sam'each, in case I do not have a chance to do it in person (Mrs. Druyan, this mostly means you). I am B"H doing well, except for the fact that since I have no health insurance I have not had an arthritis treatment since January, and I am having a fair amount of joint pain and swelling. Still, B"H it is not stopping me from cleaning for Pesach , just means it takes a little bit longer. Speaking of which, I think I can see the end. I am almost done with my kitchen, and after that all I have is my car, and I have slave labor for that!
That is all from here... F OUT!!!!!!!!!!

still here

2008-04-03T16:01:00.001-04:00

Sorry I have not posted in a while. I am still here. Hope everyone is well.

Hamakom Yinachem....

2008-03-07T14:36:00.003-05:00

I do not often post my political rantings on this blog, nor is it usually maudlin, todays post is a bit of both.

8 innocent lives were taken yesterday. Sometime yesterday afternoon our time, yesterday evening, Israel time, a gunman walked into Mercaz haRav Yeshiva and began shooting. I do not even know most of the partculars. These were innocent Yeshiva Boys who were preparing to have a Rosh Chodesh party, and instead, their parents are now sitting shiva. I came across this picture as I was reading and it just rocked me to my very core.

I cannot stop crying now, for these boys, and for all the other victims of terror. Please let it end soon. Let these families know no more sadness.

just checking in.........

2008-02-25T22:49:00.002-05:00

I know that I have not blogged in a while, and to that I say.... TOUGH! Life has been insane lately, between working my day job (Yay DJS), and working my night job (yay drivers ed???) and trying to find a new roommate (yay me!) I just have not had time. I have not even really had any time to craft lately, which is leaving me a little less sane than usual. No comments from the peanut gallery (yes, Mrs. Druyan, that means YOU!) So I am heading to bed now, cause I am exhausted, but I thought I would leave you with a pic of what started as a scrap blanket, and now covers my full size bed!!!!!! It is really cool though, because I have yarns that I have used to make baby blankets, and some of the yarn I inherited from my Ima, and some of the yarn from the projects that I have done recently. Anyway, bottom line is I am coming to the end of this thing, and have to figure out a way to back it on one side with fleece or flannel so that my toes do not poke through the holes. Let me know what you all think!

woohoo!

2008-02-03T22:50:00.000-05:00

I apologize for my lack of blogging. I have been working lots lately, and looking for a new roommate, and helping my friend with her new baby, and generally just not being around. I did want to let the general blogosphere (or the 4 of you that read this) know that I found out on Friday that my contract has been extended another month! So yay me!
F OUT!!!!!!

Whaddya think?

2008-01-23T09:44:00.000-05:00

So you all know that I am crafting more and more these days. I made myself a matching hat and scarf which I am really pleased with. I decided to try hobo mittens because my hands are always cold in gloves, but sometimes I need my fingers. Hobo mittens are fingerless gloves with a mitten top that can be folded down. I made them to match my hat & scarf, and I am mostly pleased with the results.

Here it is open, please ignore all the ends I could not quite weave in.

Here it is closed.

What to y'all think?

Feast Your Eyes!

2008-01-20T18:14:00.000-05:00

Drum Roll Please...................................

Here she is, Ladies, and Gentlemen, the newest member of the H clan. Isn't she gorgeous, K"EH. She got her name on Shabbos, and for those of you that know her fam, you can call or email me and I will be happy to tell you what it is. Needless to say, Shabbos was HECTIC. Besides the new princess, RDH, there are 4 other beautiful H kids. They are all sooo excited about their new baby. However to most children excitment leads to grumpiness and crankiness. Not to fear, not aunt Faye was there to smooth things over, and as an added bonus I got LOTS of baby holding time. She seems to like me, in that she burps for me, then falls asleep in my arms. Enjoy the pics.

here is one more of the babe and her Mommy. Aren't they just naseuatingly cute?

MAZAL TOV

2008-01-17T10:17:00.000-05:00

MAZAL TOV!!!!!!!!! to D & SMH, baby girl H was born aqt 8:15 this morning, weighing in at 7 lbs. 2 ozs. Both Mommy & baby are doing well. May she be a source of Nachas to you and to all of Klal Yisroel!

woohoo!!!!!!!

2008-01-02T10:12:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note to let you know that the Go'vt extended my contract through the end of January!

snugliness for winter

2007-12-31T09:18:00.000-05:00

I am a hat makin machine! I made this black/grey set for my friend at work. I brought it in this morning, and she was so very very excited! She kept saying "yay, now I will be warm". Eventually I will get around to making myself an earflap hat, maybe. For now, I am finishing a scarf to match the hat I made myself a few months ago. Next project is a pair of slippers, should be able to finish them tomorrow. Have a great day all.

Oh yes, Nicole in her new snuggly scarf/hat set!

the hat that ate my friends

2007-12-24T08:39:00.000-05:00

During one of my early forays into hat making, I decided to use the supersoft baby yarn that i have. I figured it would make a cozy hat, and it did. I neglected to compensate for the thickness of the yarn by decreasing the needle size, and boy was that a mistake. The hat is HUGE. I will let you judge for yourselves.

Adam in the hat (he thinks it makes people look like mush mouth from Fat Albert:

Autumn in the hat:

Carrie in the hat:

and Xan in the hat (with her Golden Snitch around her glasses):

Check this out!

2007-12-21T08:35:00.001-05:00

My friends are the coolest! Tuesday night I went to A&X with C for gift exchange. I want to blog what X made me because I think she is just the coolest, most creative person ever! Most of you know that I am into crocheting. She MADE me a case for my crochet hooks! Not bought but made. It is the coolest thing! First of all, it is purple, so you know I love it, but the fact that she took the time to make something that she knew I would find useful, is just so cool!

Here it is closed. Pretty, no?

and here it is open, isn't that lining just yummy!

last but not least, the special hook she got me! The handle is made from polymer clay.

More, More..........

2007-12-20T09:24:00.000-05:00

There are loads more pics coming, as soon as my friends email them to me. My computer is sick, and therefore I cannot upload any pics at home. I can, however, use my camera phone to take crappy pics, which is what I have done here. These are 2 of the 3 sets I made for orders here at work. Neither lady has picked up her masterpiece yet, which allowed me to take pics and show them to y'all. Enjoy

I tried to get the whole set in one pic:

the detail on said set:

again my lame attempt to show the whole thing:

and the close up detail pic:

and the hats roll on..........

2007-12-18T08:24:00.000-05:00

*WARNING* IMAGE HEAVY

So my sister lives in New Jersey, and I do not get to see her very often, which is sad for me because I like her. We have been talking about crocheting lately, and I asked her if there was anything that I make that she wants. She told me no. In fairness to her, she is certainly capable of making her own scarf or blanket (she has been crocheting since she was little just like me) and even though she does not know it, I am convinced she could make hats as well. In any case, we were on the phone the other night, and I was telling her about the hats I was making my friends kids, and the hats that another friend had commisioned, and I mentioned that I liked making earflap hats, and she got all excited and asked if I could make her one. Being the super cool older sister that I am, I said sure, and asked her what color she wanted. Since I will not be able to mail the hat out until after the first of the year, I am putting it up here so she has something to look at. I hope you like it brat!

The front view

The side view (taken from my car as I was driving)

The back/top view

My lovely friend Carrie, who is modeling the hats for me, also commisioned me to make a hat for her sister, who requested rainbow yarn, and cat ears. I thought, what the heck, I will give it a shot, and this is what I came up with.

Once again, the front view

The side view

and the back/top view (I am really proud of the ears)

I also made her brother an earflap out in camoflauge yarn that is super super soft.
The front view

The side view (yeah no one will see him in that, he will blend right in!)

and finally I made her cousin a hat with a light and dark blue, apparently her Aunt saw the hats and just flipped at how cute they were!

The front view

and the side

Let me know what you think!

Gifts Galore

2007-12-17T08:10:00.000-05:00

Good Morning from gloomy Baltimore! Life has been a tad hectic here in F land. Since I work on Sundays (teaching kids to drive) things to not flow like they used to. Since I normally really only craft on Sunday, I have had to juggle things a tad. I got 3 orders last Wednesday, and worked like a mad woman to finish them, and done they are. There is only a slight problem, one of the ladies is on vacation for the next 2 weeks, which is just about when my contract expires. Oh well.

I made these super cute mary jane slippers for a co-worker of mine, she is just absolutely tickled by them. She said she was going to wear them all day!

Last night I went out to dinner with my friend C, and then we went to the mall and took advantage of a coupon we had for Bath & Body Works. I am now the proud owner of many many yummy smelling bath products.

I have a treatment this afternoon, which is good because my joints are starting to ache. Hopefully it will all go well.

My computer was picked up Thursday night. Well my friend took the hard drive from the lap top, and he took the entire CPU from the desktop. The hard drive for the laptop he can mail back when he fixes it (and I know he will) and the desktop he will have to physically bring back at some point.

So all in all, nothing exciting in my life. F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

more with the crocheting!

2007-12-12T09:49:00.000-05:00

Help! I have started crocheting, and cannot seem to stop!

I delivered this set to a co-worker today:

She was absolutely thrilled. I knew she was pleased when she turned around and ordered a SECOND SET!!!! This time in off white instead of pure white. There was another lady in the vicinity when I delivered the order, and she was so taken that she also ordered a set, in off white and camel. I am so excited that people are starting to see my work. There is something special about seeing someone else wear your work, and get pleasure out of it. I need to go buy more yarn, like NOW!

That is all from B'more, F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

p.s SM, how cool is this?!?!?!

more crafty goodness

2007-12-11T09:51:00.000-05:00

Good Morning Tiny People!

So A few weeks ago a lady at work told me that she liked the hats and things that I was crocheting. She expressed a desire to buy a scarf & hat set. I quoted her a price that I thought was ridiculous considering that yarn does not cost me very much, and that I LIKE making the things, and moved on in life. A little while later she came back with the amount of money I asked for, and requested colors! Alrighty then, 1 custom order coming up! I made both the hat and the scarf with 2 strands of Caron's Simply Soft held together. The hat is 2 strands of brown, and the scarf is 1 strand of brown, and 1 of camel. I worked the scarf horizontially instead of vertically, and I used a half double crochet worked into the back loop of each stitch to make a funky ribbed look. I am mega impressed with how it turned out, and it is super soft! I meant to take a picture before, but I forgot, so I have a picutre of her modeling the set.

That is all from Bmore, F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chag Sameach!

2007-12-10T08:27:00.001-05:00

Today is day 6 of Chanukah. I love this holiday. Lots of good feelings all around. Let's see, I 'splain... no no take too long, I sum up. First of all, Mazal Tov to E&J who welcomed A.Z into the fold on Sunday. May you be zoche l'gadlo l'Torah, Chuppah, uMa'asim Tovim. Ok aside from that, on Thursday night I had supper at the K's and we did our gift swap. As I stated previously I gave handmade gifts. For baby A there was an earflap hat made of camo yarn (Daddy's in the Army) which matches the blanket I made him when he was born, and for J, there was a blue hat that will keep his head warm when he has to report for formation at 6 A.M. For S there was a necklace kit, which she gets to put together (hence the homemade) with wooden beads that will proclaim to one and all that she is the princess she knows herself to be! They gave me the coolest gift ever! They took a lovely woven basket and filled it with bunches of different yarns, and pattern books. I cannot begin to explain how much I loved it. Thanks guys! Sat. night I had a few friends over for lots of games, and some latkes. I would like to thank A&X for Apples to Apples, which is just SUCH a fun game! I would also like to thank C for my LOVERLY gifts. I adore them all! On Sunday I worked in the morning then I tooled off to Rockville for some quality time with the Abba figure. I made him a hat, which I frankly thought he would throw in the closet and never wear, so was pleasantly surprised when he got very excited and showed me that it exactly matched his new winter coat. Here he is.

I also made his friend a hat. I made her hat with 2 strands of Caron's Simply Soft, which I adore, except when it tangles, which is fairly frequent. Anyway, this hat is made in a flapper style with a slight bell at the end. I am really really proud of this hat, it came out almost perfect, and I think the colors are really classy.

I had a nice time all in all. I netted some cool yarn from my Mom's (O"H) stash that I had not raided previously. Some of it I have NO idea what I am going to do with, but some of it will be used to make A.Z. his welcome to the world present, and I am sure I can find things to do with the rest of it. I did net 6 skeins of Caron Wintuk in beige that I have NOT A CLUE what to do with, but it is all good.

That is all from here in B'more, I am gonna go work now, have a great week everyone!

F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yay Handmade!

2007-12-06T10:02:00.000-05:00

I know I am a little slow in getting to this, but here it is
"

I decided that this year I would give all handmade gifts, be they by my hand or someone elses. I think that a handmade gift actually shows that you care, and did not just go "oh phooey, I forgot to buy ______ a gift!" While things like giftcards and electronics have their places, I am giving handmade.
On a different note, none of the people that were supposed to come last night were able to make it because of the snow, so we will try again Saturday night. I missed you guys, but it is all good, I am glad you were safe at home, rather than slipping and sliding around on the streets.
Neh!- I am glad that the hat arrived safely (along with your parents of course!) I would love to see pics of the tochterbean in the hat, so that I can show them to people and go "see that adorable kid in the hat? I made that hat!!" Anyway, good luck with the play. I am sure you will be great.
SM, Have a great time in NY, try to remember that they are your family and you love them. I think that may actually apply to EVERYONE that you are going to see this weekend! Be safe, and have a great time!
Last but not least, a HUGE Mazal Tov goes out to E&J who added to their clan on Shabbos. healthy baby boy efrex was born, and Ima and Abba and Baby (and big brother) are all, Thank G-D, doing well! I eagerly anticipate news of baby boy's name so I can stop calling him baby boy!
That is all the news from here, hope everyone has a great day!
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yay!!!

2007-12-05T11:38:00.000-05:00

Chag Sameach!!!!!!!! A Freilichen Chanukah!!!!
Can you all tell, I really like Chanukah? Well I do. I got my bestest present almost 27 years ago on the last day of Chanukah, and it is a present I still adore, although it does tend to tick me off sometimes. For those of you who do not know what I am talking about, and I am sure that is most of you, my baby sister was born on the last day of Chanukah, and my parents always told me that she was my gift. I love my sister, and even though I have not seen her in a while she is still the best gift ever.
Now for something comepletely different, here in scenic Bmore it is SNOWING! Now I am not one of those people that freaks out at the first flake, but it is sticking, and I really do not want to drive home in the dark, and the ice, which is what the snow will turn to after the sun sets, so I am hoping to get an early reprieve out of here. Anyway, I need to actually go back to doing my work, but I hope everyone has a great week.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Blah

2007-11-27T11:42:00.000-05:00

I apologize for not posting (not that I am ever very good at it) My computer is on the fritz. Let's see, My vacation from work was lovely, I took advantage of the situation by WORKING! Ah, the beauty of 2 jobs. I am getting slowly more comfortable teaching driving. I still have the urge to scream, but in general I am pretty good about staying calm, and helping to correct instead of closing my eyes, and slamming the instructors break. I hit the Black Friday sales, and got myself an MP3 player, and some yarn. Speaking of yarn, I have been cranking out hats and things. I have been making ear flap hats lately, apparently they are all the rage. I have even sold 1 (Hi M), however I have made many many more. I have finished holiday presents for most of my friends, and I think they are going to be QUITE pleased with them. Yay homemade!
I guess that is it from around here.
F OUT!

Earflaps ahoy!

2007-11-21T09:48:00.000-05:00

So I finally got around to making a hat for my friends son. MM is 2, and his favorite phrase is "also me" which makes sense considering he has 3 older siblings! Anyway, everytime I bring a hat to SM to look hat, he says "also me", or "I see" which is 2 year old for "let me try on the hat Faye" Now he has his very own.

I also made this lovely hat for the scion of the Druyan family, so M, take a look, hope you like it!

Meme

2007-11-20T12:44:00.001-05:00

*Warning, Image Heavy*

I stole this from Xan, who stole it from someone else. We are all just one big happy theiving family!

1. Type your answers into Google's image search
2. Post a picture from the first results page

the age you will be on your next birthday

<-----32

A place you'd like to visit

<---- Alaska

One of your favorite places

Your favorite object

Your favorite food

Your favorite animal

Your favorite color

Name of a past pet

Where you live

<----Baltimore

First grade teacher's last name

<----Herman MELVILLE

Your middle name

<----Sarah something or other

a bad habit of yours

<----laziness

Your favorite holiday

I showed you mine, now you show me yours!

F OUT!

What else can you crochet?

2007-11-16T00:31:00.001-05:00

so glad you asked. While I was relaxing in front of my tv this evening (after shopping for yarn to make a hat someone ordered, and showering, and packing for Shabbos) I decided to make these funky slippers. I LOVE them, think I might start experimenting on other patterns. Whaddya think?

Od Hat

2007-11-15T12:30:00.000-05:00

see, if I had been bright enough to combine these two posts then the title of the last one would have been correct! This is the same style flapper/cloche hat in a scary red/orange/yellow variegated that I made for my friend who likes bright colors.

Hats!

2007-11-15T09:27:00.000-05:00

Well ok, this post is just hat but it sounded better plural. On the advice of my crafty friend X, I have started checking out Craftster (which blogger will NOT let me post a link to), and I LOVE it! So far, I have really only spent time on the crochet section, and I am happy to report that there are so many things there, that I may never, ever make it to another section. Anyway, I saw this post of a cloche/flapper style hat that I loved. Now, I only started making hats a few weeks ago, and most of my skill lays in the, crochet a circle, repeat, type of area, but I decided to try this out. It was extremely well written, and seemed like even I could do it. I got myself some pretty yarn out of the stash in my closet, and I went to work. Suffice it to say, I am pleased with the results. If I still covered my hair, I would be making a BUNCH to wear.
SM we are gonna figure out a way to make you a comfortable hat that does not give you a headache, or raise your body temp by a bazillion degrees!

Here are the results of my first effort on me (sorry for the blurriness, there is only so much a cell phone can do)

and on MM, the cutest 2 year old ever (Fie, I See, I See!) Not quite his style, but still funny!

much crocheted goodness (and pics!)

2007-11-11T23:52:00.001-05:00

Hello all,
I have finally figured out, with much restarting, and many mistakes, how to make a hat. The first attempt (the purple one) was started and restarted, and restarted, and restarted many many times. My friend refers to the correcting as "frogging" the piece. If you think about it, it makes sense, rip it rip it. Anyway, without further ado, here are the pics of the scarf and hat sets I have made so far.

The Banana Berry scarf and hat
The Grape Slushie scarf and hat

The Pastel Mint scarf and hat

Many thanks to Autumn Rose, our ever adorable model!

F OUT!!!!!

Thanks!

2007-10-28T19:09:00.000-04:00

Well, I have finally done it. I have finally (with the encouragement of my friend Xan) gathered up the courage to sell the scarves and blankets that I make. Please feel free to visit her Etsy Shop. She is quite the crafty lady, and has many, many different things for sale.
Hope that all is well for all of you, have a great rest of weekend, and a wonderful work week.
F OUT!!!!!!

P.S. Check out these photos my super talented friend took of her built in model (her daughter) wearing the scarf I made. The flower in her hair is something Xan made, and I think complements the scarf just perfectly!

They turned on the HEAT??!!??

2007-10-25T14:38:00.000-04:00

Hello All,

do not know what the weather is like where y'all live. Well, I know what it is like where SM, X and a few others are, WET! Anyway, I digress. Up until yesterday, it had been in the 70's sometimes higher. Last night the temperature dropped to somewhere in the 50s. As far as I am concerned, that is a good thing. Apparently the people at my office feel differently. They turned on the heat today, which means that I feel as if I am slowly roasting in my lovely button down shirt. ICK! Plus it has been raining all day, so it just smells wet, and feh!

On a completely different note, thanks to my friend X (the awesome-est) I have begun crafting again, woo and 2 hoos! I am making a series of scarves for children that will (hopefully) be sold. I am even going to try my hand at a hat pattern, and see how it turns out.

The one on the left is the one I am working on now, and it involves stitches that I have never done before! On the right is one that I have already finished, and it is just a simple half double crochet worked with a multi color yarn. I am so excited to be crocheting again.

That is all from soggy, wet, icky, smelly Baltimore.

F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TGFS (like TGIF, but different)

2007-10-19T10:26:00.000-04:00

Whew! What a week. Sunday was my last day in my teaching driving course. I took (and passed) a written final, and gave my last behind the wheel lesson. I dislike parallel parking. Really, really dislike it. On Monday, I wrote up my final lesson plan, and emailed it to my instructor, who then in turn issued me a certificate of completion for the course (which I have not yet received, but that is a different story). Of course, I have been working all week at my govt job, which I only hope they let me keep. Tuesday night I had some sort of evil stomach bug, which is taking forever to schlep it's way through my system. Feeling better, but still not 100%.
Last night I taught my first driver's ed. class. Wow teenage girls talk a lot. I am hoping to get more into the groove of things as time goes on, cause they just did not want to listen for anything. "What do you mean it is dangerous to use a cell phone while you are driving, my dad does it all the time!" Or, "well we can always steer with our knees." That one was disturbing. However, by far the most disturbing thing said last night was "It's not dangerous for a child under 12 to be in the front seat, my mom put my little brother there all the time"! That frightened me to my very core.
I am so very very looking forward to Shabbos, and just having a chance to relax. No class Sunday, and I am not teaching or driving Sunday, so I will actually get to watch the Ravens game, which, go me. Time to go back to my Excel spreadsheets, hope you all have a lovely weekend.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!

woohoo!!

2007-10-14T16:07:00.000-04:00

I passed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Moed Post

2007-10-01T08:51:00.001-04:00

I have not blogged in a while, and that is mostly cause I have nothing to say. I have some mildly good news, so I have decided to post it here rather than calling each and every one of you. So here it is, my contract with the Maryland State Government was extended for another 3 months. This is great for me, because I really like what I am doing. In fact, I am going to go back to doing it now. Have a great rest of Chol Hamoed, and a great Yom Tov, and next week, I get to work a full week, and am WAAAAAY beyond excited about that.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A-Bee Gezunt*

2007-09-26T12:59:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to dash off a quick post to wish everyone a Chag Sameach. Sukkos is one of those holidays that I normally love. I like to be outside in the cool weather, I love the feeling of being in a Sukkah, with the sunlight drifting in through the schach, the feeling of being all together with friends and family. This year however, I have a cold, and it is supposed to rain. Both of these things leave me a little apprehensive, with the upcoming outside-ness. So I am going to go back to work. I think I may have some good news after Yom Tov, but we will see. That is all from here, have a great holiday/weekend!
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*Title taken from a content my Abba and I had in the Sukkah one year to see how many words with could make with "bee" in them.

and again

2007-09-20T10:54:00.000-04:00

The time of year has reached us once again where it is time to be on our best behavior and hope that Hashem has good plans for us in the coming year. For those of you who have no idea what I am speaking about, and that is usually most people, for I do not always make sense, I am speaking of Yom Kippur. That day when kids get away with an incredible amount of stuff because their parents are too busy davening, and trying not to fall down from dizziness to worry about the little stuff. Of course I say that in jest, it is more complicated than that. This is the day where we daven (pray) that we be sealed in the book of life, not a small thing. I hope that this year brings us all much bracha and mazal, and that we are all inscribed for another wonderful year.
Best wishes for a Gmar Chasima Tova to you all.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1 down several more to go!

2007-09-16T19:06:00.000-04:00

I hope that everyone had a lovely Yom Tov. Mine was nice, if a bit long. I am pleased to report that my first model lesson in my teaching drivers ed class went quite well. I have already mapped out my entire route for my second behind the wheel lesson, which is next week. I have yet to begin the planning for my second model lesson which is also next week. Anyone who has new and useful insights on hill parking is more than encouraged to send me their ideas.
N E Way, so Yom Tov good, class good, I will know if work is good tomorrow. F tired..... I am about to go find something to eat for supper. That is all from here.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

that time of (new) year

2007-09-10T20:52:00.001-04:00

I wanted to wish everyone a Ksiva vChasima Tova, you should all be written and inscribed for a healthy and happy new year.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!

It's that time again

2007-09-05T08:35:00.000-04:00

I wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a K'siva v'Chasima Tova. A healthy, sweet new year. May this one bring us all simcha, and bracha, and lots of other good things. If I have done anything inadvertant to hurt anyone that reads this, I do apologize. If I have done anything on purpose to hurt the people that read this, that is another thing, for another time! Ok, Ok, I clearly am not aiming to hurt anyone! Anyway, that is all from here. I hope everyone, everywhere is well!
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!

Update

2007-09-04T12:49:00.000-04:00

Well it works. They finally came out Sunday morning (after promising me they would be there Friday), and lo and behold, it was not a problem inside the Apt. at all, but an unplugged wire in the telephone room, from when they had been there Wednesday. Which, incidentally is what I tried to tell the mental midget on the phone when I was describing the lack of dial tone. Took the repairman all of 5 minutes on Sunday. Let us say that I am less than impressed with the phone company.
In other news, I give my first behind the wheel lesson on Sunday after my class. Granted, the lesson is being given to another student in my class, who, strangely enough, has a drivers license. I am not sure if that will make it easier or more difficult. My biggest problem is that I have to give the lesson where my class meets, which is not in my neighborhood, and I do not know this neighborhood at all. if it was my neighborhood I would take them to the local high school parking lot, and go from there. Well, we will see how it goes. That is all for now, hope everyone is well.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!

I despise the phone company

2007-08-30T10:31:00.000-04:00

I think the title says it all. I have been having problems with static on my line for months now, and they have sent a string of technicians out to "fix" it. Every time they call me and tell me it is fixed, and for like a day, it is. This last time they assured me that all they needed was access to the telephone room, which the rental office controls, and it would be all good. Yesterday morning, I put up my away message on my DSL, and merrily went on my way to work. The Verizon guy called me and told me he had cleared the static problem, fine, great, lovely. However, imagine my surprise when I get home, and he has also cleared my DIAL TONE! So I open up my computer, and I have no DSL either, now F is not happy. So I pick up my cell and I call the oh-so-brilliant phone company and give them my phone number, I even tell them that I have no dial tone. The first question that the mental midget on the other end asks me is "are you calling from that number now?" I almost (but did not) lost it! Clearly not, since there is no dial tone, you idiot! She tells me that the trouble ticket says that the tech cleared the static but that there is a problem inside now. I cannot fathom how their outside finagling made an inside problem, but whatever. They cannot send someone out until tomorrow, between 1-5. Great I tell her, except I work for a living (sometimes) and I will not be home. I am at my wits end at this point, and am barely restraining myself from yelling at the phenomenally unhelpful customer service, and I use the term loosely, person. I called my friend who is home on Friday's, in desperation. Could she come let the guy in? She can, but it means that she has to get 4 kids into the car, and schlep over. I feel so bad putting her on the spot you have NO idea. So hopefully tomorrow I will again have phone and Internet service. I have also spoken to more people at the phone company and informed them of the credit I will be receiving on both my phone, and Internet bills, and oh yes, my cell phone. It is not like I chose not to use my land line, their incompetence TOOK IT AWAY! GRRRRRR Did I mention my dislike for stupid people? Ha, and you all wonder why I have no patience, Should be clear as crystal now!
This rant was brought to you by the letter "G" for Grumpy
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!

Don't be shocked, now!

2007-08-29T12:21:00.000-04:00

Ok so I know that I was really really lax about my blogging for a while. I kind of adhere to this theory that when I do not have anything to say, I do not say anything. Novel concept no? So going with that, I do not have much to add, N & A named their new daughter Ariella Hadassah, which is a lovely name. They clearly have a thing for "A" names in that family. May they have much nachas from her and her older sister.
As far as my life goes, things are the same. Still plugging away at the temp job, hoping to land something permanent, maybe with dental benefits, ya know regular stuff.
I started my "teaching driver's ed" class Sunday, and all I can say is..... well no, my Ima taught me if I do not have anything nice to say, to not say anything at all. Suffice it to say, that it is not going to be my favorite way to spend a day.
Hope all is well with all of you out there in blog land.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!

Mazal Tov!

2007-08-24T11:25:00.000-04:00

So I am driving home from Wally World last night (I needed a new ethernet cable), and I am on the phone with my friend. We are chatting along, and I get a beep. I ask her to hold on, and a check the caller ID, and my friend's husbands name pops up. I tell SM that I have to go cause that is N'S cell popping up, and that must me that A had the baby. I knew she was due around now. So I click over, and it is not N, but A herself! "It's a girl!" We were chatting, and I remarked as to how calm and relaxed she sounded, and asked her when she had given birth. her answer? "About an hour ago!" I was impressed. So MAZAL TOV N&A. May she and her big sister bring you lots of nachas and joy. I guess it is time to get my needles ready!
oh, and side note,
have a Good Shabbos, y'all!
F OUT!!!!!

Holy Time Lapse, Batman!!!

2007-08-22T12:43:00.000-04:00

Wow, it has been a really really long time since I posted. I apologize. I know it is not fair, I mean I get upset if M does not post, but then again, I do not have an adorable child to post about, or really funny anecdotes to relate.
So how is my life going... I sum up.....
1. no permanent job yet, but have been temping at the Department of Juvenile Services for just over a month now. Working in the Program Development, and Policy Departments. I really enjoy it, however, the State is persnicity about how they hire people, so I do not think that this is going to become a permanent thing.
2. I have a part time job as an office manager at a driving school that is run by the nicest man. It is only a few hours a week, especially since there are no classes going on right now.
3. Starting Sunday I will begin an intensicve 10 week course that will enable me to teach Driver's Ed. Classroom, and behind the wheel alike. I am not thrilled with the prospect, but can't really say anything b/c nice man who owns school is financing said course.
4. The chagim are coming whether I want them to or not. They are coming at a much more rapid clip then I want them to, but what can you do.
5. I am still NOT MARRIED.............

Zehu from Bmore.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!

congratz

2007-06-19T22:41:00.000-04:00

So I got a phone call today, and all I have to say is this. CONGRATULATIONS R & D!!!!!!! She is adorable. May you all have continued good health, and much happiness.

Good Shabbos

2007-05-25T16:52:00.000-04:00

Sorry that it has been so long since I posted. I had been working, now that job is done. Still looking for a job, so if anyone hears anything, please let me know. I hope everyone had a great Shavous, I know I did. I was at my friends house, and it was really nice. She made the most amazing pineapple chocolate cheesecake, and we even made it to a shiur! Very cool! Ok, I need to go get ready for Shabbos, so have a great one, y'all.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Insert your own clever title here..........

2007-04-29T01:30:00.000-04:00

So, Shavua Tov everyone. I apologize for not writing in like forever..... This new temp job has been interesting, and if nothing else, has convinced me that I NEVER want to teach full time in a public school classroom again. So tonight was 26 nights of the Omer, which means that Lag B'Omer (and a potential haircut) is only 7 days away, woohoo!!!!!!!!!! There is nothing new or exiting in my life really. Tomorrow I am helping my friend out at a carnival for her daughters school, and then tomorrow evening, we are going to the annual chinese auction for the Yeshiva here, which means that I will get to see a whole bunch of people that I see once a year, and I will get to eat hors d'ouevres. I LOVE hors d'ouevres! Little mini hot dogs in blankets, genius, I say!!!! That is about all from here, gnite y'all!!!
F OUT!!!!!!

It's Here!!!!!!!!

2007-04-02T16:54:00.000-04:00

Chag Kasher v'Sameach!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So it begins.................

2007-03-25T21:46:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone is well. Things have been busy here. I got a good chunk of Pesach cleaning done today, and B"H I have a cleaning lady coming tomorrow, thanks to the K's. I really dislike the weeks leading up to Pesach, the cleaning, and the running, and the doing, and the AARRRRRRRRGH. I really do like the holiday itself, and am looking forward to having Seder at the H household. I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Chag Kasher v'Sameach in case I do not get do so personally. I will leave you all with a pic of the 1 year old H boy and his new Dubi, which he LOVES....

P.S hi SM, hope you are having a good day!

hello

2007-02-28T22:13:00.000-05:00

I once again apologize for slacking in my blogging. I have been working for the last week and a half (I know, me, working!?!) It is a temp job, and it is far far away from the place I call home, but I am enjoying it. Unfortunately, it ends Friday. I am hoping that the temp agencies come up with something for me for next week, because I kind of enjoy being able to pay my rent and buy food. Anyway that is all from here. A freilichen Purim to you all!
-Marvin B. Simcha

contemplation on removing internal organs

2007-02-14T20:05:00.000-05:00

Sunday was supposed to be family get together day. However, my brilliant sister decided to have appendicitis instead. Had surgery Sunday to remove said appendix, and was finally released from hospital today. My method of avoiding get together was less effective (bang toe into chair, have toe turn funny colors) but more subtle I think. N E Way that is it from here in B'more, can't wait for the precipitation to stop, hope my interview tomorrow happens!
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BLAH!!!!!!!!!

2007-02-04T22:01:00.000-05:00

BOOGER!!!!!!!!!!
Darn that Peyton Manning and the Indy football team!

Good Morning

2007-01-28T04:15:00.000-05:00

It is insanely late Saturday night, or really early Sunday morning. I being the insomniac that I am, decided to update my blog. Hard to do in the dark, trust me. I wanted to send out a quick thank you to the H's and the K's for making my birthday Shabbos so amazing. I had a great time!!!!! Anyway, I think I am aobut spent, so to all a good night.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posting

2007-01-26T14:39:00.000-05:00

Hello tiny people!!!!! I know it has been a while since I posted. I wanted to wish everyone a Good Shabbos, Happy Weekend, whatever it is you want to be wished. Or for those of you in the Holy Land (Sarah Rochel's Mommy and Ben, this means you!) Shavua Tov! Anyway, things are about the same here, with some solid possibilities on the job front. For now I have been helping my various friends with their various kids. Posted for your visual enjoyment, MM with his hair all spikey, and Baby A just lookin super cute like he always does. Good Shabbos y'all!!!!!
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sorry

2006-12-27T22:36:00.000-05:00

I am sorry, chatasi, mea culpa, whatever..... I have not written for a while. Let's see.... Spent first Shabbos of Chanukah at the R's in NYC! Caught a ride with the H's (thank you thank you thank you!!!) On Sunday we went to Boro Park to see SM grandmother who lives right near Yeshivas Bobov, hence the pic. Then we went to Dougies, which I have not been in a long time so that was nice. Tuesday I went to the K's, which was very nice. Second Shabbos of Chanukah I was at the H's which is always nice. Ravens spanked Pittsburgh which makes me happy, and are going to the playoffs, which also makes me happy. That is really it from here in non-snowy B-More.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!

woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-11-26T16:25:00.000-05:00

The Ravens won!!!!!!!! A big HUGE woohoo from me. Not only did the beat the hell out of Pittsburgh 27-0, but they now move to 9-2 which is the best record they have ever had. Also they all but obliterated the Steelers chance at the playoffs! Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!
Check out this article, the Ravens sacked the Steeler quarterback 9 times! 9 times!!! Bueller, Bueller... Anyone, Bueller!?!?
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=261126033

F OUT!!!!!!!!!

Baby on parade!

2006-10-30T23:25:00.000-05:00

MAZAL TOV J & S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yehoshua Adam is GORGEOUS! As honorary Auntie I may be a little biased, but I think he is stunning. I am so glad the Bris is over, now maybe you guys can rest a little. For the rest of you, the baby formerly known as Baby Boy K had his Bris this morning, and entered the Bris of Avraham Avinu just beautifully. Zeh haKatan Gadol Yihiyeh. Check him out, he is a beautiful baby!

Obligatory post

2006-10-26T13:03:00.000-04:00

At the request of S here is a post. I am still job hunting, nothing new there. I am still on the Remicade, and it is still mostly working. On Sunday, I went to a family birthday party in New Jersey, There is nothing like 8 2 year olds to make you completely knackered (tired). It turns out that they are doing construction on 95 in both directions, which added approximately an hour to my trip in both directions. That brought my travel time to close to 6 hours, in contrast to the time I was actually at my cousins house which was about 3 hours. Enclosed are pics of te birthday girl, who in this photo has just taken her frosting smeared hands and face and wiped them all over me, and her super cute brother Joey. That is all from here. F OUT!!!!!!!!!

Gmar Tov

2006-09-26T22:20:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to wish everyone a Gmar chatima tova, as the title so cleverly suggests. I hope y'all had a great yom tov, or a good weekend. If I have done or said anything too offend anyone here, then I sincerely hope you will forgive me. Anyway, Went to Dr. today, had a treatment, can't wait for it to kick in. We discussed the fact that my finger will probably never straighten all the way. I can live with that, since I have most of the use back in the finger. Still waiting to hear from the unemployment people. That is all from here. Have a good week everyone.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

New Year

2006-09-22T15:16:00.000-04:00

It is getting to be that time. Just wanted to wish everyone a ksiva vChasima Tova. Alternately if you read this after Rosh Hashana, which most of you, then Gmar Chasima Tova. May you be written and inscribed for a good year. I hope that this new year brings everyone happiness and healthiness, and blessings aplently. Ok I think I am done being sappy.

On a completely different note, check out the cuteness of the little boy eating pasta, I have known this baby since he was about 12 hours old, and it constantly amazes me how he is growing!

F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BLAH!

2006-09-14T18:56:00.000-04:00

Just a quick update. Still no job. Applying like mad. Had my unemployment appeal hearing, should have a resu;lt in 3-4 weeks. Nothing like beauracracy!! I am really thankful to all of you for your support and patience. I will try to write before Yom Tov, but I want to wish everyone to a Ksiva v'Chasima Tova.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MAZAL TOV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-08-28T18:07:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Nosson Yehuda P. May he his parents be zoche l'gadlo l'Torah, Chuppah u'Maasim Tovim.

Mazal Tov!!!!!!!!!!

2006-08-22T01:49:00.000-04:00

Mazal Tov S & J!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited for y'all. it's a boy, B"H he is healthy as are his parents. You should be zoche lhachniso lTorah, Chuppah, uMa'asim Tovim! I wish you guys were closer.

WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-08-20T23:11:00.000-04:00

I DROVE TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ok, it was like a 4 minute drive to my friends house for dinner, but still it is a start. I was also able to walk up her steps with considerably less pain then normal, and I was able to help her get stuff onto the table. I did not have to sit, and do nothing, it was great!
Oh, here is a pic of some of the H kids, cause I know it has been a while since y'all have seen any.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here we go again

2006-08-14T21:56:00.000-04:00

Hello friends,
Just a short update on my life.
*so far, no job, but I am ever hopeful, and I have faith in Hashem, so I know something will turn up.
* I was denied unemployment benefits, but am, even now, drafting an appeal.
*I have the BEST friends in the world. In particular SMH who puts up with an insane amout of kvetching from me. Also of note lately is A who took the time to call me and leave a really nice, uplifting voice mail when I needed it the most.
*I started a new arthritis/psorisis treatment today. This was a VERY long process. The drug is called Remicade and it is (in concert with the Methetrexate) supposed to alleviate most of my symptoms. I sat in a recliner for 3 hours while the IV was administered. I did not have any negative reactions which is really good, and after just 1 treatment, I have already experienced some relief. I thought the nurse was nuts when she said I might feel better today. I go back in 2 weeks then a month after that, then 6 weeks after that, and so on, and so forth.
That is pretty much it from here. Have a good night all.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mazal Tov!

2006-08-10T21:02:00.000-04:00

I went to New Jersey today (I know, I know, poor me). My first cousin had a baby boy, and those are rare in my family, so this was a BIG deal. Anyway, the Bris was today at 1 pm. My dad came and picked me up this morning, and off we went. It was certainly the most interesting Bris I have ever been to. Anyway, feast your eyes on Joseph Nathan Lindenbaum (Yosef Natan) the newest memeber of the covenant of Avraham Avinu, and his big sister Beth, who is just too cute!
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Nachamu Nachamu Ami

2006-08-06T14:53:00.000-04:00

So the 3 weeks, 9 days, Tisha B'Av are all over. B"H we can have some happiness now. I don't know if it is my unemployment, or my current medical condition, or the situation in the Holy Land, or what, but I certainly had NO problem being sad during the 3 weeks. Hopefully now that we are done some good things will happen.
I wanted to post what is a reproduction of my absolute favorite picture here. The original picture is from after the Israeli's have claimed the Kotel, and I think about it on Yom Yerushalayim every year. Anyway, hope everyone has a good week, here is hoping we all have Soros Tovos!
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good Shabbos

2006-07-28T02:59:00.000-04:00

It is 2:55 am here. I just wanted to post these pictures. Every time I see pictures like this I want to cry. Please step up your Tehilim and your Tefilos, keep these people in your hearts. Hashem Yishmor!
If I do not have another chance to get here before Shabbos then Good Shabbos to you all. In all fairness I stole these pics from Mrs. Druyan, but I am sure she would not mind.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

.................

2006-07-16T19:12:00.000-04:00

I am sure that most of you have heard by now. I am job hunting again. If anyone has any bright ideas please let me know.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hiya

2006-07-11T22:25:00.000-04:00

Today is Tuesday. Nothing exciting is going on. Currently the American League is losing the All-Star game, but I do not care so much since I have taken half a percoset. I am eligible for a new phone, and there are some really cute ones I could get.
I got to leave work a little bit early today because there was a black out, and clearly nothing I can do in that situation. I took the opportunity to go visit the H's which I have not done in a LONG time. I really really miss going there. :-(
My friend J came to visit this weekend, and we had a really nice time. We did a grand total of NOTHING since I am broken, but it was so nice to see him, and I am glad that he is doing well in his new job in Philly.
D, thanks for the Susan Kates files, I am loving it.
R, Sorry to hear about Syd. Let me know if you hear anymore.
That is all from here.
F OUT!

No interesting title.

2006-07-03T18:35:00.000-04:00

I had a lovely visit from the P's yesterday. I have not seen them since October. That fact is really sad considering that they live in Silver Spring, which is clearly not the other end of the world. Anyway, we had a lovely visit, and I got to see baby A, who is not such a baby anymore. She is really getting big, KE"H. She will be a year old at the end of the month. She is so cute, and she crawls EVERYWHERE!!!!
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!

update....

2006-07-02T10:22:00.000-04:00

I have not posted in a while. I still have nothing exciting to say. Certainly not as much as my friend over at www.druyan.blogspot.com , in any case, I just thought I would sort of post something so y'all knew I was alive.
My sister came to visit on Tuesday. We went out to dinner with Carrie, which was nice. We hung out a little then went to sleep since I had to go to work Wed. That was it. I guess I will see her again when she swings by in 6 months or so for Thanksgiving.
So that is all from here. I hope other people are having a more exciting life than me.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Waving

2006-06-22T00:20:00.000-04:00

I am waving at all the millions of people who read this..... There, I am done..... Those 2 adorable boys to your left are MMH and my honorary nephew Meish. Are they not super cute? Check out the giggle on MM's face! I really have nothing new to ad. I am still not getting better. I do not appear to be getting much worse either, so that is somthing. Anyway, I am going to go to bed. I have been zonked out and feeling weird for hours (pain pills and ambien) but cannot seem to find a comfy position in my new comfy bed! GRRRRRRRRRRRRR.....................................
F OUT

hello world

2006-06-18T22:03:00.000-04:00

I have not posted in a while, and that is pretty much cause I have nothing new to say. I went to the Doctor on Wednesday, and he told me that it had not been enough time for the meds to work, so I guess it will be a while longer.
I spent Shabbos with the Efrex family, at the H's, and it was really nice. I am sure it would have been nicer, had I not been gorked out on pain meds, but in general it was nice. I met baby efrex, who I had only seen in pics before. He is super cute, and appears to be quite fond of his "doda Faye" which is nice. I am including some pics of baby efrex, and of me and his mommy.
Thank you to all of my friends who have been calling and visiting and generally being concerned. I appeciate all of your well wishes.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

All Hail Broadway!

2006-06-11T21:39:00.000-04:00

Something I actually miss about New York. The theater. Tonight the Tony Awards are on, and I am enjoying them immensely. I want to see so many of the plays, but I know it will not happen. I did happen to think the bits with the knights from Spam-a-lot was a riot.
Have a good night.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!

hi

2006-06-11T13:23:00.000-04:00

Ok that is clearly me on the left there....... My friend is quite the photog. Managed to make even me look good. Last night he took me and another friend to see a movie. The movie was good (I thought), but it was tough to sit through. I cannot wait for the day when I can sit through a 2 hour movie without pain, and when I can park the car in the parking lot and walk into the theater like a normal person. Unfortunately I do no tthink that is happening anytime soon.
On the plus side my good friends from Washington Heights are supposed to be coming for Shabbos, so that will be nice. I have never met their son, so that will be super cool. That is all for now. The Orioles play at 2 pm, so I will watch them later. Feel free to call!
Happy Sunday y'all
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GRRRRRRRRRRRr

2006-06-06T22:54:00.000-04:00

Just a quick medical update for the 4 of you that read this. I went to the podiatrst last night cause I am still in pain, and he decided that my orthotics need to be fixed. So I am still having pain from the arthritis in my feet, as well as pain from the orthotics, which are hopefully going to be better when they come back. Yesterday i woke up and I could not hear out of 1 ear. Today I went to the ENT who looked in my ear, and promptly invited me to go to the room with the giant microscope in it. He attached said microscope to my ear, then probed around with a long point thing (which HURT) then he administered drops, then he sucked up the whole thing with a vaccuum. The process was repeated like 5 times, which took close to an hour. The culprit? you may ask? PSORIASIS. I mean really people, in my inner ear! Is there no part of my body this stupid disorder will not mess with. In any case, he added 2 more meds to my regime, which brings my total to something like 8. ICK.
That is all for now. B"H I can hear again. I am going to bed now.
Layla Tov y'all!
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shavous

2006-06-01T17:39:00.000-04:00

Chag Sameach y'all! Happy Cheesecake!!!!!!!!!!

Holy Lack of Sleep Batman!

2006-05-28T12:30:00.000-04:00

To all my friends who have kids,
I apologize! I know that you think that there is no reason that someone who does not have kids should not get great sleep every night. I am here to tell you, you are wrong! I just have been not sleeping well the last few nights (weeks). Hopefully it will get better, but currently it is just resulting in me being tired, and in pain when I wake up, which just makes me grumpy.
I may have the day off tomorrow, which would make me happy, but I will not know until later which is frustrating. Not that that is not the usual state of being with my job, but for once it would be nice to know in advance.
I went out last night with my friend, and discovered, that while sneakers impede my feet cause of the arthritis, sandals are even worse. I finally hobbled myself home around 3 am, tried to sleep, and failed miserably.
That is about where things stand here. I know, my life is so not exciting. Spartacus, thanks for taking care of me Thursday night. I hope to not have that particular reaction when I take the meds ever again, but hey it gave you something to talk to X about!
Have a great Sunday everyone!
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!

Meh!

2006-05-23T19:37:00.000-04:00

Not progressing as I would like. I am in much too much pain for the amount of meds I am on............. (title stolen from Spartacus)

Finally.....

2006-05-20T21:35:00.000-04:00

Firstly, I hope everyone had a good Shabbos, or a fun weekend so far. Secondly, I want to apologize for my lack of blogging lately. I know some of you still read this, and I apologize. Most of you know that work has not been going so well lately, and that I have been in a lot of pain. As far as work goes, hopefully it will work itself out. As far as the pain goes, I got my first glimpse of hope in a long time this week. I went to see a rheumatologist (an appt. I made 3 weeks ago, but apparently the guy is hard to pin down) on Thursday. I was having a lot of trouble just walking, as I have been for a few months now. I finally shuffled my way into his office, and he said I looked like I was in a lot of pain. He spent a lot of time with me, both before and after the exam, and came to the conclusion that I have severe psoriatic arthritis. In short, he put me on lots of drugs, including a steroid to reduce the swelling in my feet, and so far B"EH it seems to be working. The treatment for the psoriatic arthritis will take a bit longer to show itself. Between 4-6 weeks to be exact. There are some nasty side effects, but we discussed them, and it appears that this is the more advantageous way to go. The particular treatment that I am on is said to be effective in about 80% of cases, so here is hoping! Anyway, I am going to go put heat on my hip (I have bursitis too) and watch the Orioles lose. Have a great night y'all!
F OUT!!!!!!

Hello World

2006-05-12T15:52:00.000-04:00

Just a quick post to say Good Shabbos to everyone. I hope that everyone has had a successful week. As for me, I just glad that Shabbos is here. I have nothing of real import to say here, but I will say that I am currently highly amused by the musings of my friend Mrs D, who is blogging about her brand new, adorable (KE"H) daughter SR. She is a trip. I miss you M!
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks!

2006-05-02T22:28:00.000-04:00

Friends,
Thank you! I know I have been whiny for weeks now, and complainly for weeks as well. I just wanted to say thank you for hanging in there with me. I know that I will get better, and that this will not be forever. R, thanks for listening to me. I know that you will make the right decisions, and I see a bright future for you! A, thanks for reminding me to think positive, so far it is helping. SM, thanks for everything, as always! Don't worry, your family (and his) will stop driving you crazy, eventually. S, I hope you had success as Kohls. Thanks for listening to me, I miss you!
Ok people, as you know, I am sleep deprived, so I am going to try to sleep nowish, since I am almost finished icing my foot.
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ummm.. hi..........

2006-04-27T23:59:00.000-04:00

Hi y'all..............
I am sorry that I have not posted lately. I have been pre-occupied. As a side note, A, I HATE speaker phone. I have nothing productive to say, but I have not posted in a while, and wanted to. SM, I am sorry that I have not given you any fodder this week. G-D willing I will be better next week, and back to my old exploits, and be able to move and stuff. Have a good Shabbos y'all.......
F OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!