Thursday, May 5, 2011

GRRR

So, yesterday the email address that I use strictly for a FB login was hacked - a lot of emails sent to everyone I know.  I don't know how they got some of the names since I had cleaned out the address book the last time they hacked me.  A minor annoyance but a quick email apology and all was good.  THIS morning I find that my main personal email address has now also been hacked and people I hardly know, but might have emailed once 5 years ago, got some pretty interesting offer from me today!  I fail to see how this is of any entertainment for the ones who start these things -they can't see how much of my day was spent apologizing for the emails and fixing the issue, so how is this a good use of time and talents??

So that's my rant today...on the bright side I was able to finish the second of 5 Christmas knits last night.  All but the blocking and putting together which I am going to do all at once.  They are small projects so the last step should only take an evening...maybe December 24th??

Friday, April 29, 2011

Long week

It's been a long week what with the DH being sick and various evening events. We will have a busy Saturday and hopefully a quieter Sunday with the kidlings off gliding and only a short concert on my plate. I have begun a shawl, along with the knee highs for the young one and Christmas presents for various special folks on our list, but this is something for me, using a yarn that is lovely, Silk/Merino blend, autumn-y colours, just what the Dr. ordered (if there had been a knit doctor involved at any time)
So, all I have to do is get through one more day of work and then...off to play :)

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Some excitement

I received notice that my learn to spin kit is now on its way :) My DH is looking forward to watching me try my hand at drop spindle spinning, I think he has visions of me and the cat all tangled-up together.
Last night I had some time before the slo-pitch kick off meeting so I went to a lovely yarn store in Guelph and bought the most expensive yarn I have ever purchased - I am usually on the cheap side with my hobbies so the silk/merino blend handspun for a shawl was a splurge, but how nice it is to knit with - I think this might become a habit!! I better get busy learning to spin my own or else sell a child to keep up with things - just kidding.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Anticipation and disappointment

So my Aunt and I have made a tradition of going to the local Sewing and Needlework show. We have been going for years - like about 20 and have been watching the changes that a show like this goes through. It started as a showcase of new and interesting craft techniques and supplies, often complete with samples or "make-and-takes" and now is simply a big vendor mall with not much variety and no inspiration. We have made the difficult decision to put this tradition to rest and begin a new one: every year we will find a weekend course that interests us and take it together. I am really looking forward to this idea. I have, in a short period of time, moved through the anticipation of a fun craft show through the disappointment in the reality to renewed anticipation of our new "plan" - I need a nap!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Blogging

So I read a lot of blogs in a day and I enjoy the glimpse into someone else's life. I think this will be a good chance to document the teen years of my two kids as well as keep me on track with a few of my own goals (more on that later). I have started my Christmas knitting and am working on the second present already. I am not getting excited though 'cause I am a BIG procratinator and am just waiting for something to come along and distract me until..oh December 1.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Interesting and Helpful Moving Tips

Home Moving Made Easy - Top Tips for an Easier Relocation
by Brandon Cornett
Homeowners in the United States sell their homes and move, on everage, every five to seven years. That's a lot of moving, and it can be a stressful time for anyone. But by preparing for your next move, you can greatly reduce the stress involved and simplify the entire process.
Here are some tips on how to do that:
1. Get the Right Materials
Some moving companies will come and pack up your belongings, if you pay for that service. But if you'll be doing your own packing, you will need to obtain the following supplies:
Boxes *
Packing tape
Black markers for labeling
Scissors
Newspaper or newsprint for cushioning
Moving blankets (for high-value furniture items, mirrors, etc.)
A pocketknife (they always come in "handy")
Some plastic storage bins (Rubbermaid, Sterilite, etc.)
* You may be able to get some boxes from your local supermarket, if you go in and ask the manager on duty. This works 90% of the time. You can also buy boxes (include specialty items like wardrobe boxes) from your nearest U-haul rental place.
2. Get Rid of Items You Aren't Taking
A garage sale is one of the best things you can do before moving. It's a way to purge your home of unwanted items you don't plan to move with you. You can also donate unwanted items to your local Goodwill drop-off. The sooner you do this step, the easier your packing will be.
3. Label Boxes Appropriately
Many people think they can remember which items are in which boxes after they reach their move destination. But this rarely works. On the outside, a box is a box. So you should label each box with its contents, being as specific and thorough as possible. It's also a good idea to put the room in big letters at the top (kitchen, master bedroom, etc.). That way, you or your movers will know where to put things on move-in day.
4. Back Up Computer Files
Before shutting down and packing up your computer, it's a good idea to back up your files. In the unfortunate event that your computer was damaged during transit, you would at least have all of your important files.
Make back-ups of computer files and determine how you will move this delicate equipment.
5. Make Use of Luggage Items
Don't just throw those suitcases in your car empty. Pack them with as many clothes as you possibly can. The same goes for duffel bags and other luggage items you might have. It will save space and reduce the number of trips when loading and unloading.
6. Segment Your Most Needed Items
Make a list of things you'll need during your move -- clothes, toiletries, medications, pet foods, etc. Pack these items separately into an "Open First" box (if you're only moving locally). If you're moving long distance, keep these items with you (as opposed to putting them onto the moving truck).
7. Choose a Reputable Mover
When researching moving companies, ask friends or family if they can refer a mover they have used. Check to see if the mover is a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Ask the moving company if they have any complaints filed against them, or just check their BBB record online.
8. Conduct a Room-by-Room Check
Before your final departure from the home you've leaving, give each room a final once-over for forgotten items. This is especially important for out-of-the-way areas like basements, tool sheds, attics, etc.
9. Unpack in Room-by-Room Fashion
Before you begin unpacking in your new home, be sure to move all of the boxes to their destination rooms (kitchen, master bedroom, etc.). You did label those boxes, right? Properly positioning boxes prior to unpacking will reduce confusion as well as clutter.
About the Author: Brandon Cornett writes for M&M Moving, an Austin moving company that does both local and interstate moves from their headquarters in Austin, Texas. Learn more by visiting http://www.mmmoving.com