Quickie..............

Get your mind out of the gutter!!! I meant quickie post!!!

Here's my finished socks. I think I am giving them to Nathan (my son) tomorrow for his birthday. I was going to wait for Christmas but he already got his birthday presents (he wanted some kind of guitar crap) so I feel kind of empty handed for the dinner. I finished them tonight just in time! He will be 18 tomorrow...................damn........time flies. 18 years ago today I was TWO FRIGGIN WEEKS overdue and telling the docs "Ummm, you KNOW all he is doing is gaining FAT right? I mean, he is done cooking so could we speed this thing along before he ends up weighing 20#?!?!" He was 10# 2oz - that was bad enough. Notice, I just have the one. I learned my lesson the first time!

Not as bad as a post about a toilet seat........

Yes, it's true. If you haven't read Stephanie's post today (http://www.yarnharlot.ca/)- be prepared to read all about her new toilet seat. Now, I'm not really sure what is more sad. Her posting about her new toilet seat or me finding myself really pulling for her and Joe just praying they are actually able to find the right toilet seat. I agree - it's a toss up. Anyway, check it out. It is pretty humorous.



So I'm going to talk to you about paint. That's right - paint. Wayne and I have completed the foyer, stairwell and upstairs landing. YAY!! I have been wanting to do that SO bad since we moved in (yes, over 3 years ago - so what!). The entire house was white when we moved in. YAWN...............BORING! So we have painted most of it but I was dreading the stairwell because it is so high and I hate heights and I hate Wayne having to get on ladders when it seems precarious. So, our scuffed up boring ass white walls remained. Until yesterday. TA-DA!!!!!!!!




I know it is hard to tell but it is kind of a warm green tea color and I LOVE IT!!! YAY!!! Here's a picture with the new walls with the spinning wheel.



Today, on my way home from work, I narowly avoided being involved in a very serious accident on 285 (read: the highway where people drive like they are INSANE). When I got home I just started crying and shaking - it was really scary. I have lived in this nutty city all my life and (knock on wood) never been involved in a serious accident. Which is pretty amazing considering how much driving around I do - especially now for my job.

I was traveling back home from one of my clinics after a meeting. I was in the next to left hand lane (285 is about 8 lanes on each side on this particular stretch) and someone in the lane next to me about 300 yards in front of me or so seriously overcorrected after trying to avoid someone coming over into her lane from her right. I thought she was going to flip since she was in an SUV but she didn't. She hit the car to the right of her which sent her spinning across the highway right in front of me so I slammed on my brakes praying that no one would hit me from behind. Luckily there was no one very close behind me. Then she hit the car to my left, sent that car across the highway in front of me going to the right. Then she hit the wall, came back across my lane of traffic again and t-boned the tractor trailer that was in the lane next to me. When that happened, she stopped against the truck and was sticking out into my lane so I had to swerve to the left to avoid hitting her.

I could feel the impact coming and I was ready to kiss the front right portion of Wayne's car goodbye. I just tried to relax and maintain composure during the impact. AMAZINGLY I skirted right by her (must have been by like a 1/2 inch) and didn't end up hitting anyone - THANKFULLY!!! I guess my guardian angel was working overtime for me at that particular moment. I wanted to stop but there was no way I could regain composure and get back across all those lanes of traffic safely to stop and go back to the accident. Two other people had pulled off to help so I knew there was help there. But, being a nurse you always feel like you should stop to help. I knew I ran the risk of making things worse though so I didn't.

I'm so glad that I am not one of those people that just freaks out under pressure. Since I had no idea where those cars were going next I couldn't really get out of the way, I just had to try and maneuver around the next thing that was happening. Luckily, I was able to do so. I guess being a nurse teaches you how to maintain composure in stressful situations pretty well!!! Thank goodness all those degrees are good for something!!

Wayne promptly gave me a good, long hug and a glass of wine. Thank God for a husband who WANTS to see me live through the day!!

Thanksgiving Tails

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! We had a very relaxed day which was nice. We went to the farm to see my dad. With the exception of the protest.............



it was quite nice. It was too darn cold to get out there and take a bunch of pictures of farm creatures. But we did get some of the turkeys as they strutted through the yard during dinner. Don't worry - these are PET turkeys and are not going to anyone's plate!

I'm almost done with socks for my son for Christmas. I got a bunch of the last one done today while at a neurology appt. with Mr. Man. After that, I'm just not sure what is next. Lion Brand has a cute pattern for a bolero that I might make for someone after a couple of minor modifications and I want to make Jen's Star Headband for someone because I think it is so cute!

No other new news to report. I think Wayne and I are buying a GOOD digital camera for each other for Christmas. We kinda get tired of the whole "Christmas thing" so I think we may go volunteer at a homeless shelter or the VA nursing home for Christmas instead of doing all that crazy gift stuff with family. So I'll post pictures of the picture taker when we get it!!

Scarily Not Busy.............

Is scarily even a word? Well it is now. Usually on Thanksgiving you are running around crazy cooking, cleaning, decorating, running to the store for that key ingredient you forgot to buy (like you buy everything FOR making the turkey but then forget the damn turkey kind of thing). That's kind of how I was expecting this morning to be. BUT it's just not. We are doing not much of anything really. Wayne is working on some pottery plates that are going to be beautiful and I am here (obviously) blogging with you fine folks! He is decorating the plates with grape leaves and vines - I'm sure they will be stunning. Here is just the plain pottery plates so far.

My point is, I have never been this NOT BUSY on Thanksgiving morning before! We are going to my dad's farm for dinner around 12 and we made the homemade pecan pie and sweet potatos and pumpkin pie last night. So all of that stuff is ready to go. Look at this beautiful pecan pie Wayne made!! I would show you the pumpkin pie too but that one already has 3 pieces missing out of it!! :)

So we are basically ready to go. All we have to do is get properly dressed and we are on our way out the door. I already gave Mr. Man a haircut this morning so he is already looking spiffy! I SHOULD be knitting instead of blogging. I don't know why but I can't seem to make myself sit still to knit unless it is later in the day. Hmmm....I'll have to work on that.

Oh - AND - we FINALLY got some RAIN people! YAY! It wasn't that much but it was at least enough to give the plants a good drink and let the birds play. My son took his girlfriend camping day before yesterday. This is his first 'solo' camping trip without parental involvement. So, naturally, he was excited about it. I don't think his girlfriend trusted that he really knew what he was doing but she went along anyway. I text messaged him last night saying "The rain is coming" because I had told him how miserable it was to have to pack up all of your camping gear in the rain. I was hoping they would go ahead and pack up and head back instead of having to pack up in the rain in the morning. I sent that message at about 5:00. I got a text message back this morning at 12:30 that said (exactly) "Lots of f'ing rain". So I guess they are packing up in the rain.

We have his 18th birthday dinner next weekend so that will be fun. He is bringing his girlfriend and her parents. I haven't met her parents yet. She (the girlfriend) does NOT want me meeting her mother. Apparently we are too much alike and will get along too well and share too much information. We both reguarly talk and laugh about topics that the kids claim is "scarring them for life". I say get over it. It makes you tougher, right?

I think I have rambled enough. Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!! Enjoy the football games and join me in sending some losing mojo to Dallas!

Pay Attention!!

I guess since I started that post a couple of days ago it actually published by the date I started it and not the date I published it. So, if you are looking for the lastest blog keep scrolling down! I'll try to get it together more in the future.............no promises though.

ughhhhh!!!

OK people, I have been TRYING to post a blog for you for like 3 days and due to various ridiculous circumstances (computer is slow, can't find the right pictures, internet is down, house being condemned, etc.) I haven't been able to post it. So, as soon as I get it together I will have a REAL post for you.

My house is a total disaster right now. What started as "I think we should get a new computer desk" has turned into "I think we should get a new computer desk, trade out the furniture, change the theme of the room, paint the walls, move the shelves, change the blinds, oh and while we are at it take down the wallpaper in the bathroom, paint the bathroom, oh and while we are at it change the floor in the kitchen, take down the kitchen blinds, put up new kitchen blinds, paint the foyer, move around the upstairs bedroom, clean out the garage and MAYBE even tile the kitchen counters.

You can see that I haven't had much time to blog. More on this situation later on "As the House Turns."

They're GONE!!

Here is the post I have been trying to get up for a few days..........

YAY!!! Another 3 years before I don't have to go through THAT BS again with the whole Joint Comission crap. I'm glad to have that done. Hopefully I won't still be working there on the next go around. All things considered, I got off pretty easily. They only visited one of my centers and luckily I think that visit was the best out of any other place they went, mainly because it is Primary Care so it is easier than most hospital stuff and also because we are awesome! We did well. For all you nurses out there, we received 6 RFIs and 8 supplementals. For an organization of our size (which is HUGE) that was really good. We have never had more than 3 in past surveys but the standards have really gotten tighter over the past few years. So, ok, done!

Our house looks like it could possibly be condemned at this particular moment. What started off as a conversation like "I think we should move the desk you are using now and bring in the new one" has ended up with us moving everything in our house around and us living in squalor for the past couple of days. Everything from both of our desks is piled up on the couch right now - makes things really easy to find.

Anyone remember THIS??

THAT was a desk we bought at a yard sale some months ago. We picked it up for $25 and decided we could strip it and oil it. Well, here it is finished!!!

Big difference huh? I would have more pictures for you but I SWEAR this blog has been really ticking me off for the past couple of days. Everytime I sit down to write something there is some kind of problem. So, that's all the pics you get for today. The pictures are blurry because I still can't find the good camera. It's lost in this house mess somehow.

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!!! Tomorrow we are headed out to the farm. I need to find my good camera before we go!

The Joint

This post is for all my fellow nurses out there. I began my day with a phone call this morning, first thing. Of course, NO phone call you get (especially from work) at 7:30 in the morning can be good news. Turns out The Joint Commission has decided to pay us a little visit. Which, of course, means that everyone is running around in a panic state.

I just got off of the "wrap up" phone call for the day listening to all the crazy things that people are doing RIGHT IN FRONT OF TJC even though we have been going over things you HAVE to do for regulatory compliance for MONTHS!!! I wouldn't have much of a job if all of those regulations didn't exist since that is the main basis of my job - Joint Commission compliance for the outpatient centers, but still, some of the regulations are crazy ridiculous.

So for all of you out there awaiting your surveys - know that TJC is tied up in Atlanta for a 5 day survey at CHOA making my life difficult.

So, you may not be hearing from me much this week. If you are a nurse and feel my pain......send me some love..........

~ Knit Witch RN, BSN, MSN, MPH in TJC hell for a week who would rather be knitting

What the hell?!?!

Why don't I know about this blogging everyday in November thing???? Who makes these rules anyway? Well, I have already lost. Dang it - you guys are supposed to keep me INFORMED ya know?

Wayne and I totally flaked out on the party last night. We left our house at 8 AM yesterday morning and didn't get back until about 5. So, we hung around for a bit and had a glass of wine. Then, the warlock promptly fell asleep. So......no party for us. While he was napping I started cranking out some silly crochet coasters for fun. Sometimes I need the "quick release" that crochet projects offer. I'll take pics of them tomorrow for anyone that cares.

REALLY we are off to the other party tonight. I gotta remember the camera.......We'll see if the warlock gets dressed for it. Where IS that fig leaf when I need it anyways?

Nothing I blog will be good

After reading ESCs blog post about the buttsecks/spinning analogy I feel that anything I write will simply pale in comparison. Then there was La's post about the underwater dancing llama. I have nothing that is nearly as fun or fantastical as either of those! We do have a neighborhood association meeting tonight though and since I am the president I usually have people screaming at me for some thing or another so I might have a good story after that.

Then on Friday I will be attending a party with Fatimah and possibly Melissa since (as weird cosmo mojo has it) we have some friends in common. Could be some fun stuff there to report as well. I'll be sure to have my camera.

Then on Saturday we are going to the mountains and if we get back in time, which I'm sure we will, we will be attending a "clothing optional" party for a neighbor. Now, the invitation JOKINGLY said that it was "clothing optional" but I let Diane know that she CANNOT put stuff like that on invitations for us. My husband already has his non-clothing outfit all picked out and ready to go. I mean really, many of you know him, you simply cannot give him that option if you don't REALLY mean that your party is clothing optional. Maybe I can at least talk him into wearing the weenie warmer.

So I'll be sure to keep my camera with me over the weekend to catch any incriminating evidence.

This..............

is exactly how much knitting you can get done while watching the gosh darn Colts give it away to the freaking Patriots. It's a simple "guy sock" for my son for Christmas. Nothing fancy - just 2 cables thrown in so I don't fall asleep while knitting!

I know - all I am knitting lately is socks! I need a change up. Anyone see the new issue of Interweave Knits? My next (and first) self project is that cardigan on the cover. I love it! So, as soon as I get past the Christmas necessities (oh yeah and the darn dog sweater that has been OTN for FOREVER) that is next.

Yesterday my dad opened a new Provino's at the Mall of GA. We went out there early to hang out with my dad and take some pictures for the website. Oh, and of course, have dinner! It was yummy! Here's a couple of pictures from that. I didn't get any of Mr. Man though! And he looked so handsome too!!! Darn........


That's me and my dad pointing to a picture of his wife since she hadn't arrived yet. We thought a picture with all three of us would be nice!

And that is my dad and his "gang" of managers and such. We call them the "posse". There are more pictures up on the Provino's website at http://www.provinos.com/ if you are so inclined to go look at them.

Sunday Football

Last week the Redskins got their asses handed to them on a silver platter by Tom Brady and the rest of the Patriots. That game sucked. So I'm planning on sitting around this afternoon and watching the Patriots END their undefeated season today when they loose to the Colts.

Yesterday we had a Fall Festival in our neighborhood. We had lots of folks all gathered in the cul-de-sac that we live on. We had pizza and goodies and games for the kids. A good time was had by all. After the festival we had about 6 folks over to our house to have wine around the campfire. It was fun!!! Some were more intoxicated than others. One of the gay guys down the street tends to get a little out of control with the crush he has on my husband after he has had a few drinks..........geeez. Everyone knows how much my husband hates attention too.

Here's David and Wayne trying desperately to get these stupid chairs folded up. They did, in fact, finally succeed.

Today, just hanging out with the Brown Boys. I finished socks for "someone" for Christmas and have started another pair. I'll be working on those while I watch the Colts continue their undefeated season after kicking the Patriots butts.

Check this out!!

I got this today - ON SALE even!! It's perfect!!


It's even in the right colors!! Some things are just meant to be!