Sunday, May 29, 2005

Sith Happens

David and I saw Revenge of the Sith yesterday. It was the first movie we have seen since Hellboy. If you have not seen it yet - don't read any further.

First - it is he best of the prequels. I enjoyed the first 20 minutes of this movie more then either of episodes I and II. That said - I was still disappointed - what I loved about Star Wars most was the characters - Those three movies had heart & soul as well as special effects. These later 3 lost that. Yes this movies answers most of your questions, but - for me it raises more. Like how could Palatine have studied the dark side - who was his master and how come no one realized he was rotten to the core till he already was in control? And did Anakin ever look around him - I mean how could he expect to save Padme using the dark force - did he ever see a happy sith with a wife & child? And how could murdering children be the right decision?!?! Sure he cried - but what was he thinking? Obviously Anikin had a few problems that everyone seems to have dismissed.

Anakin's physical transformation into Darth Vader was probably the most striking and effective part of the movie. When that helmet locks on, there is silence -then the sound of that breathing - I actually shivered. But that was a reaction brought on by memories of Star Wars and not because I cared about Anakin. He never seemed to be a fully realized person. That is true of everyone in this movie. Padme lost all her spark - she looks beautiful but it is hard to see Leia in her. Only Obi Wan felt real to me and I have a few questions about him too - how could he leave Anakin there in the lava, suffering like that - wouldn't it have been more merciful to kill him? To end his pain and make sure he couldn't return? I know it wouldn't have worked for the movie plot - but I know I couldn't have left him there suffering like that, no matter what he had done.

The action scenes and SFX were great - but the heart of the movie should have been the people not the technology.

I left the theatre very sad - I was crying - David said that now I didn't have to drag him to a chick flick 'cause I got my tearjerker.

I want to rewatch the original trilogy now - just not right away - I don't want to od on star wars, but I think having seen this movie - it will make the others even better, now that I know the whole back story.

I rate Revenge of the Sith B+ - it was good, but it could have ben better. Less light sabers and more character development.

Saturday, May 28, 2005

Promised Pictures

The Fiber Trends Lace Leaf shawl in the hand-dyed rayon blend from MS&W - I am knitting this for the KnitRed KAL:
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The quick fuzzy capelet I made from my crochetville SP package:
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It is Lionbrand Town and Country poncho - finished it in an afternoon! Wore it to my meeting the next day - it was perfect for keeping my back and shoulders warm.

Later....

Friday, May 27, 2005

Lunch break

Thought I would pop in while I took some time to eat lunch. I survived both district meetings and thought they went really well.

The weather was really miserable and cold Monday and Tuesday - so on Sunday I started a quick crochet capelet from a lionbrand pattern. I used the fuzzy blue yarn I received from my CV secret pal. I finished it Sunday night and wore it on Monday - Love those jumbo hooks. I will post pics later. I also cast on the Falling Leaves shawl in the red/black rayon I picked up at MS&W. After having completed the FBS, I now understand these directions and it is moving along nicely. I even have the beads picked out for the finishing.

Yesterday I received a package of cool buttons from the Philippines - I post a pic of those too.

Later................

Saturday, May 21, 2005

Time for a Quickie

Got back last night from my district sales meeting in CT. This was the first meeting I set up for my CT DSM and - imho - it was a great success! The hotel was amazing - The Saybrooke Pt Inn - luxurious and beautiful - the service was first rate and the food - delicious! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone - and it has a full service SPA - I am already planning a weekend there with my best friend!

Here is a peek at what our room looked like (David came w/me - I let him drive - 3 Hours in NYC/CT traffic):
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Clothes all over the furniture - just like home - and notice the fireplace! Unfortunately, they are only in operation Nov 1 through Mar - although it was cold enough yesterday for a fire.

Of course I had to check out the LYS:
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Gorgeous Mountain Colors
And I found a bead shop too!:
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Unfortunately they were getting ready to close, so I didn't get much there, but we have another meeting scheduled there for the end of July, I think I will stay over the weekend and check out both stores more closely.

The best yet though was waiting for me when I got home! My FBS came in 2nd in the contest Clothesknit held and look at the wonderful goodies I received:

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WOW - beautiful yarn - that amazing alpaca from Knitwits that I love love love and the gorgeous lavender mohair from Halcyon Yarn - this stuff is luscious! Beads, beautiful beads and note cards. I love everything!

I am leaving tmrw for the 2nd district meeting I have planned for the NY/LI group out in Pt Jeff. This one is 2day and I will be staying over Sunday and Monday because (even though in miles it is not very far, in actual drive time - it would take me anywhere from 1 1/2 hr to over 2 hrs to drive there depending on traffic and there is ALWAYS traffic on LI. I don't think I will have time to post till I get back and get caught up with work stuff so everyone enjoy your weekend!

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

Laptops & Buttons & Bears - Oh My!

Life has been hectic - stuff going on at home and at work - both my District Managers are having meeting at the same time - One in Conn on Friday and the on Monday & Tues in Port Jeff. I have been running around trying to arrange conference rooms, reservations, directions, AV equipment and what not and trying very hard not to send the Conn stuff to LI and vice versa!

One thing that is helping make my job easier is my new toy:
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my new laptop and my zen office environment.

I received some more cool buttons in the swap:
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Quick shot of my bears:
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the tall one in the back David bought for me in Rome - it is a Polizia Bear we found in a Police shop around the corner from our Hotel.

Free Stuff!
These are started embroidery kits that I would love to give anyone who wanted them. All the yarn (wool) is here but not all the directions - the house is counted cross stitch. If anyone would like one of these just drop me an email and I will send it out to you. I used to love embroidery, but just don't have the eyes for it anymore.
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On the knitting/crochet front - I finally finished the scarves for the Crochetville Scarf swap - I didn't take any pictures so nothing to show for it. I also finally sent out my spring SP packages - I feel terrible that they are so late - I really hope my SP's like what I sent.

I need to start a shawl to keep here at work - the ac vent is right above my head and it blows directly down on my neck - I feel like I am in a meat locker. I have the pretty silk/rayon I picked up on ebay - I think I am going to crochet a quick cover up to keep here.

Lunch is over and it's back to work for me! Later................

Thursday, May 12, 2005

new toy

I am posting this on my new HP6000 laptop. It is very cool and I am so loving this new job.

More knitting news later.

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

This is our lives on Holiday.............

You have probably had your fill of MS&W stuff by now but I promised pictures and here they are:

shorn sheep
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My cache - there's not much, but what there is is choice!
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brushed mohair that will become the feather and fan scarf in Scarf Style

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Rayon blend for the falling leaves shawl that I am making for the KnitRed KAL

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The most heavenly angora/alpaca from The Wool Merchant - this stuff is soo soft - I think I am going to make another FBS with it.

Bloggers:

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Can you name that blogger?

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The back of Norma and Sils' heads

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Beth & Rebecca

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The Harlot and I

I had a wonderful time and now I can't wait for Rhinebeck!

Sunday, May 08, 2005

Quickie

I am:
-3%
Republican.
"You're a damn Commie! Where's Tailgunner Joe when we need him?"

Are You A Republican?


Just had to post this - it has me laughing this morning! I had much fun in Maryland yesterday - bought goodies and met bloggers - I will have pictures later - now I am exhausted and am going to relax and wind some yarn.

Friday, May 06, 2005

Finally....Friday

which means Maryland Sheep & Wool is tomorrow!! I am really looking forward to this. Of course I made a bone head mistake and forgot to reschedule a recurring payment so I have a little less money than planned, but I can live with that. I will post tons of pictures Sunday!

But right now I have pictures - look at these lovely buttons I got from Elizabeth in the Crochetville button swap:
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I think they are wonderful - I have to plan something special for each of them.

This also came today - my scarves from Jessie (TurtleCrochet) at crochetville:
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The colors are so vibrant - I love them!

The only thing I didn't get was the totebag I ordered - oh well - it will come in handy when I get home with my goodies.

See ya Sunday...................

Wednesday, May 04, 2005

SP Goodies

I just wanted to post thank you to my Secret Pal's. I received my reveal packages from both my Crochetville and SP4 Pals.

First up this is what came from Pam (yarnmistress) at Crochetville:
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The beads are hand made and I can't wait to make a necklace out of them!

This is what my SP4 , Teresa sent me from Germany:
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There is Belgian Chocolate in a can, 2 skiens of lace wt yarn from knit picks - heavenly! - a tea pot, a German cookbook, a patternbook with gorgeous summer tops (in German - any one know a good translator?) the best tote, that she made herself out of really cool map print material and a pretty metal tin with chocolates (the chocolates are gone - the tin is holding stitch markers now)

I really loved everything I received from both my SP and had a lot of fun participating - can't wait to start the next one.