101 — I Made This.

Hey, y'all. Check this out:

I took my first knitting lesson last Monday, with Raashida at Knit New York. Turns out, KNY is its own little world, a knitcrafter's *paradise*. It's quite bright and spacious, with skeins of yarn in friendly colored batches lining the walls from floor to ceiling. There is also an *amazing* array of pastries, teas and sweets that you can sticky your fingers with while yarncrafting.

I felt like a camel trying to shell an oyster while getting my first knitting lesson. Raashida got me through the basics, in about an hour. It wasn't until I bought my own skein of yarn and started making the hat that I found my rythym. I had the majority of the rows done last night, and went in tonight to learn how to finish off the hat. I got a few lovely comments on it while finishing the last few rows. Once this first inaugural hat was finished, I got more yarn to make a hat that I can actually wear (my hair is, um, quite aggressive, so I need a bigger hat than most people). I got a lovely burgundy-colored yarn for it, and have plans to create a matching scarf. I also bought my very own copy of Stitch 'N Bitch.

I am feeling an increased sense of power, holding the idea of making things I can design myself, for myself. At least, that's #66 crossed off the list.

Sexing the Cherry is a luscious read. Nearly done with it, there are a couple of juicy bits I'll have to share with you next post.

Netflix has done its thing and sent me Election. Will get that in tomorrow.

Life is sweet.

jules

101 — A Cool, Cold Day.

What a cool day. In spite of the freezing coldness.

I finally finished all my musical charts, and took my files to work to get printed.

I don't mind being at work when I don't have to be there. It was nice to see my weekday co-workers, who I haven't seen for three weeks now. Anyhow, I made my Album Book. It's beautiful, to see all the songs for my album compiled into one place, with a beautiful wire binding.

Dropped the book off with producer #2. Got more questions and concerns from him, and lovely chat. We start work in earnest next week, and I'm so excited it's hard to keep myself still.

Knit New York is tucked away in a little basement level shop not too far away from my beloved Union Square. I walked there, fully intent on signing up for the group class on Wednesday the 20th. However, I was told by Raashida there that the private classes are a little cheaper and more flexible, so I signed up for a private lesson on Monday the 18th. I'll learn knitting *and* purling, whatever that is!

I'm going to make a hat!

On my way out of HSBC, I saw Olga, a Municipal Liaison for National Novel Writing Month in Brooklyn. She was out with her friend Erika, and asked me to go shopping at the Union Square Christmas Kiosks with them.

I like the idea of the kiosks, but have avoided them for the past couple of years for fear of that claustrophobia endemic in popular New York shopping locations at Christmastime. I'm glad I let Olga lead me over there - it was such a cold day that the kiosks weren't too crowded. And, I found some beautiful items. I bought a necklace and a pair of earrings, for much more money than I would usually spend on jewelry. But, I love them. They're very classy.

Olga, Erika, and I then took our freezing fingers and toes to the Max Brenner, where they had hot chocolates, I had coffee. Max Brenner is a very, very dangerous place. There are huge vats of chocolate, peanut butter, hazelnut praline, and other delicious things, just sitting there. On a less disciplined day, I'd be...never mind. Shouldn't think about it.

Netflix came through for me, I now have Holy Smoke.

woot,

jules

101 — God Bless Netflix.

I crossed one thing off my list yesterday - I got a Netflix subscription.

I signed up for the "one movie at a time," though, which goes against all my tendencies towards gluttony. This way I can pace myself. I dumped half of my movie list into my queue, and Holy Smoke is on its way to me. Right now.

I also found Knit New York. I'm going to take a beginner's knitting class on Wednesday.

Three more charts, boys and girls. I've got an appointment with producer #2 tomorrow, have to hand over a copy of the book.

Things are looking up.

jules