Friday, April 18, 2014

Friday Mishmash

I can't believe it's almost Easter.  How times change - with no kids around, we're not doing much of anything, although I did stash a couple of Cadbury Creme Eggs for Jeff and I to have on Sunday.  To be honest, it's kind of a relief knowing that there won't be the temptation of an Easter basket full of candy to sneak...please tell me I'm not the only parent who swiped candy from their kids?  I, er, the Easter Bunny used to buy all the good stuff that I liked just in case taste-testing was necessary (it ALWAYS was).

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Last month while I was in North Carolina, I woke up one morning to find an email from PayPal with details about a purchase I'd made...only, I hadn't bought anything recently except for a couple of cute buttons.  Plus, I actually had money in my PayPal account - but it was all wiped out.  I don't have a lot of play money, and to see it disappear like that made me feel sick.  I disputed the transaction, changed all my passwords, and eventually the money was returned.  We had to get new debit cards after the Target fiasco (luckily we didn't have any issues other than the potential of our account being compromised), and since then I've only used our credit card, to protect ourselves.  But I thought PayPal was safe.  I guess nothing is, really.

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I've been busy getting things going for the upcoming season of running club - while we won't start our official training until July 12th, there's a lot of things that need to get done beforehand.  We are even starting a new program for people who want to just train for a shorter distance...we're calling it Fit 5, and people can train for a 5K and/or a 5 miler - there are two races in the fall that work with the training.  I'm excited about getting people started who might be too intimidated to attempt a half marathon - hopefully this might seem doable to them.  Mostly, I just want people to have fun and enjoy getting a little exercise!

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Sit and Knit update:  I've been sitting, and I've been knitting, but I don't have a lot of progress to show for it - that's what happens when you have big projects.  Well, I did knit two bowls that I'm going to felt, but I still have a couple more that I want to knit before I bother my friend who has the top loading washer that's necessary to finish the felting process, so no pictures of them yet. 

This is the top I'm making out of that yarn I bought in SLC:
This is done with the intarsia technique, which is why each ball of yarn is in a Ziploc bag.  Every time I change colors, I have to twist the yarn and maneuver it around.  Plus, part of the pattern had me doing a stitch increase every four rows on the blue section, so I had to keep track of that.  I finally finished that part, and now can just knit and purl away for another 3.5 inches before something changes with the pattern.

Here's the progress I've made on my grassy scarf - I finally got to change colors!  This thing is taking a while to get through, but it's not like I'll be able to wear it until next November, so it's all good:
 
 
If you look closely you can see the subtle color variations in each section - this is because I'm combining two different colors of yarn per section.

I think I need to knit another baby hat soon, just to get some project completion satisfaction.  Hmmm, maybe I'll knit a pink and brown striped one to go with the blue and brown striped hat. 

Have a great weekend and a Happy Easter!

14 comments:

  1. Love the green yarn, very subtile colors.

    Usually I buy a bag of chocolate eggs around Eastern but usually in June we still have them in the house because we are not really that font of them (strange because I love chocolate). So this year I didn't bother buy them at all. I'm not in Easter mood at all, no cooking inspiration so I invited myself to my Mom for dinner on Sunday. She will cook for us.

    I thought Paypal was safe too!

    And it looks like the new running season will be a great one again. Good idea for the Fit5!

    Happy Easter my dear friend.

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    1. A bag of chocolate eggs would never last that long over here...and especially if they were Dutch chocolate!

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  2. I keep money in paypal also, thanks for heads up!

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    1. I was letting it stay there so I wouldn't lose any by transferring it to my bank account, but someone else took care of that for me! I finally spent it this week so at least it's clear now.

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  3. Wow, now I feel like I better check my Paypal account as well! Glad you got that resolved.

    I got started racing with our local hospital offered a 6 week training program to run their 3.5 mile race that used to be held the first Saturday in May. I will never forget that first race - it was what hooked me on running. Sadly both that training group and race are no longer but they both hold a special place in my heart. I hope your group is able to inspire a new runner in the same way.

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    1. Yeah, it was bizarre how that PayPal thing happened on a secure site.

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  4. That is scary about Paypal. I actually choose it over giving out my Visa number if it is an option.

    Your knitting is impressive. I know that green scarf is knit on small needles.

    I LOVE that your running club is encouraging people by offering the 5K program!

    And Easter candy? My preferred candy is the Palmer's chocolate Easter bunny! You and Jeff should each hide one egg so the other can look for it! Happy Easter!

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    1. LOL on Jeff and I hiding a Cadbury egg...you know who would find it first, right? Paco! ;)

      Thanks for the knitting props. :)

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  5. Yep, so much better that the Easter basket days are over - I cannot help myself with starburst jelly beans - but you can keep the Cadbury eggs - Tony and I have never liked them!

    Have a wonderful Easter!

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  6. Love the green yarn!!
    My kids are too old for Easter baskets now but are asking for them anyway! I don't need the temptation either.
    Sorry to hear about you paypal fiasco. Glad they were able to return the money.

    Happy Easter!!

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  7. I have never had anything happen with my personal paypal, but the business paypal had some issues. It's just like with everything and you have to monitor it.

    We don't have any easter candy around, which is probably just as well - although I know there will be some on Sunday when we go to my parents house. I hope to limit myself :D

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