Snack Time for Kitty

When arriving back home from visiting the folks, I had not taken the time to unpack every little thing I had taken with me for myself & kitty. The next day after coming home from work, I discovered that kitty was more than willing to help me unpack her Christmas present from her "grandparents." I would have loved to have watched the little genius at work..... LOL

Having a ball while making
yarn cakes.....Woohoo!!!

For Christmas I got a Amish Swift to turn my lovely hanks of yarn into what us knitters call cake. Yummy!!! A thing of beauty isn't it? :::::Sigh::::: Here are a few pics. Please note my kitty was not very happy with me..... LOL

Random Wednesday....(anything goes)

• I love my cat (see above), but why does she always insist on getting in my lap when I'm trying to knit. She doesn't make a move to attack the yarn, but seems jealous of 2 sticks with a ball of string. I can read a book, watch TV, or do anything else without any interference. How she hears be take out my knitting I'll never know. LOL
• Why do the News shows have to be so depressing? Can't we start out with something happy? I don't know about you, but after a long day of work I could use a bit of happy news.
• Who was the wise guy that came up with March Madness? Just when I get used to the peace & quiet of not hearing about college football at work here it comes with basketball! Grrr!! Baseball is more my thing! = )
• Why do some customers have to be such complete assholes about every day things? You'd think they could "catch more flies with honey" by being more professional or courteous. Doesn't seem to matter where they are from either. Thank goodness I never have to deal with them.
• Pajama bottoms being worn in public. When did this become an okay thing to do? If your goal for the day is to be so lazy as to not take the time to change your pants before going out & looking like a complete slob - CONGRATULATIONS!!! I then don't need your permission to laugh & point at what an idiot you are. LOL
• While we're on the subject of pants. It was an "in" thing to do for guys to wear pants that came at least halfway down their ass when I was in high school (class of '95). Why is that still in style? I don't want to know what color your boxers are or that you decided to go "commando" today. Dayum!!
• Less than a week until Green Day's Awesome As Fuck CD / DVD combo comes out. None of the songs from the Denver concerts made it on the CD portion, but the title of the CD did!! Please refer to my recap of the 2nd Green Day concert I went to last August. Guess where I'll be bright & early on Tuesday 3/22!! Woohoo!!
• I started using Blockbuster's DVD by mail service. Since I have gift cards, but the local stores have closed it seemed the perfect solution not to let them go to waste. Must say I love it!! Beats having to drive to who knows where in searching for a location still in business. Plus I don't have to worry about returning them by a certain deadline. Why did it take me so long to do? LOL

What's your random thought(s) for the day?

To say I had a wonderful time would be an understatement. It was awesome as fuck!! Here are but a few snippets from the 2nd time around in no particular order. Now if I could only afford to go see them on the South American leg of the tour. Wouldn't that be fun?!? LOL

• Billie confirmed there will be live CD coming out soon. Oh, yeah!! = )
• A few of the songs performed - She, 2000 Light Years Away, Who Wrote Holden Coulfield, Holiday, Know Your Enemy, When I Come Around, Wake Me Up When September Ends, 21st Century Breakdown, Murder City, King For A Day, Longview, Jesus of Suburbia.
• They performed a new song Cigarettes & Valentines. Well, new to us any way. It was originally supposed to be on the album that was replaced by American Idiot. You know the one that was "stolen." In fact, Billie asked us at the end if we wanted to hear it again. What do you think we said?
• Got quite a few pictures. Billie seemed to know when I was taking them though because he would shut his eyes. Little stinker! Mostly pics of Billie due to my position & the people in front of me. Got a few of Mike / Tre as well. Hope the Jasons & Jeff will forgive me that I didn't get the chance to take theirs. I've shared a few of my pics in this blog. Need to do some touching up on the others. I usually like to include a pic of them together, but it wasn't like they were posing for group photos. = )
• Many thanks to the "bodyguards" that saved this 5'4" gal from getting trampled by the mosh pit. They would get those moshers under control; then ask those around "are you ok?" Just goes to show you chivalry ain't dead yet!! The same people also made sure I could see. Did I mention I was no more than 5-6' from my boys?!? Couldn't ya just die from pure pleasure? I could. LOL
• During King For A Day / Shout - All of them sang the "I want you to know..." part. It took a little coaxing with Jason White, but he finally participated & even did a little dance.
• Due to this being in a outside venue, we were able to hear the sound check. A great way to kill time while waiting to get in. Definitely liked this location better since I was able to be much closer to the stage / my boys.
• The mosh pit wasn't near as bad this time around either. Per my previous note, the "bodyguards" kept them well under control. I almost got knocked down a few times, but that just goes with the territory. Does anyone know the story behind the mosh pit? I shall have to google that later.
• AFI put on a great show. Couldn't understand half of what Davey said or sang, but when Miss Murder played we all knew that song enough to sing along. During their performance, Billie came out dressed in a tiger mascot costume. It was hilarious!! Not to be outdone, Davey came out during one of their songs & did a duet with Billie. Will definitely look into getting an AFI CD.
• Towards the end when Billie was performing Last Night On Earth, a group next to me took out handwritten signs that said "Awesome As Fuck!" Billie got the giggles seeing them & had to shut his eyes to get through the song. He then included that phrase in Good Riddance. Those of us in the pit that knew about the signs got a real kick out of that.
• Longview was sung by 3 different people - 1 for each verse. The first 2 blanked on the words. Billie tried to help them along, but you could tell they were a bit awestruck once they got on stage. The 3rd did it perfect & got Billie's guitar. Lucky girl!!!
• Mike threw out his mouse ears he wore during King For A Day. I didn't catch them, but the girl that did let me touch them. Sweet!!
• When it came for the water hose to be sprayed it was very welcome. Nice way to cool off when squished among so many. The toilet paper sprayer & t-shirt shooter also made an appearance.

Ready, set, go!!

With a little over 6 hours to go until blast off, I think I've got everything I need for tonight. I bought a smaller purse that can be worn crosswise on my shoulder / torso so my hands are free. My camera is charged & free of any pics that could take up much needed room. Definitely need sunblock today since it's going to be 94-ish. Thankfully the venue has some shaded areas while we wait to get inside. Must remember to drink plenty of water too. Got my id & the cc I put the ticket on so they'll let me in. Plus some other what-nots I might need. Never been to a show at this location but I know it will be a blast!! How could it not be with Green Day there, right?? More updates to come. See ya!!

Round Two!!

It seems like only yesterday I was doing the countdown for my first Green Day Concert (8/15/2009), now my countdown is almost over for the next one tomorrow night. What will they sing this time around I wonder? I’ve been hearing reports they’ve added more old songs to the line up which is great for me since I’ve missed out on hearing them live the first time around. There have also been reports that besides Longview & Jesus of Suburbia they have been asking fans to come up for other reasons. It would be great if during a song Billie asks for fans to come up. Guess what boys & girls? I’ll be right up there in a split second!! I am back in the pit again right in front of the stage. Should be interesting to see what happens this time with the mosh pit. Will I get knocked down? Will I be able to see my boys? Only time will tell. Tick tock goes the clock……the countdown continues…..

Is it really necessary? (Cell Phone Edition)

• 
  
  While you drive - What is so important that you can't wait until you are stopped to make a phone call or send a text? You may think you're the best multi-tasker / fastest when it comes to texting, but it only takes a mere second to cause a wreck. If you're having a "holy shit" moment and need to contact someone right away, please pull over to the side of the road. The rest of us will breath a sigh of relief at one less crazy person to deal with on the road.
• 
  
  At a public place - Do the rest of us really need to hear about Betty having an affair with George? Or who wore what to a certain party? I don't know about you, but I don't want everyone to know my business. Why should I have to hear yours? Again this could be done at a later time. If you're going to chat it up in a public place, I do have the right to laugh or make comments about your conversation. If you happen to hear me, I just don't care. LOL
• 
  
  At work - If you're on a break, chat / text all you want. However, I do know some people just love to have that cell phone handy 24/7. If it's an emergency, I bet someone knows your work number or how to leave a message for you on your cell. It'll be ok if you wait until break to reply to messages left.

I think the cell phone is a great invention, but some people use them WAY TOO MUCH. Remember the days when we had to actually find a pay phone or heaven forbid wait until we got home to make a call? Oh the horror!! LOL I typically use mine for emergencies, when I need to know something while shopping, or to kill time. I always tell people that if I am driving their calls will be returned when next I stop. How simple, right? What are your cell phone pet peeves?

Is it really necessary? (Wedding Edition)

Flipping thru the channels as I usually do when in the search for something entertaining to view, I can't help but notice all the wedding related shows there are these days - Say Yes to the Dress, Amazing Wedding Cakes, Girl Meets Gown, Platinum Weddings, Bridezillas, My Fair Wedding, etc. Granted I have never been one of the lucky ones to walk down the aisle, but I can't help but wonder if some things are really necessary. Here's a few things that bug me.....

• Save the date cards followed by invitations - Cards that are sent a year before the wedding alerting those to obviously "save the date" are then followed by an actual invitation when it got closer to the date. News flash - sending both is a waste of time & money!! If people know you're getting married, they are more than likely going to ask you when it is & wait patiently for the invitation. I know this is special day, but you don't need something over the top either. Invitations are the only thing that should be sent.
• Gifts for the bridesmaids / groomsmen - It's the couples wedding day, so why exactly should they be obligated to buy you a gift? It should simply be an honor to be asked to participate, right?
• Rehearsal dinners - The rehearsal itself shouldn't last more than 15-20 minutes tops. You're going to get fed at the wedding not to mention free booze. Why should you be fed twice? Save money right here by skipping the rehearsal dinner.
• Distant relatives - Why is the bride / groom obligated to invite relatives (or family friends) they hardly ever see? Time and again on these shows I see them caving in to Mom's request to invite "cousin Betty" simply because she's family. No wonder the guest lists are so loooooong! LOL

I could go on, but already I see with these few mentioned items there could be money to save to go towards more important things such as the first "house payment." What are you wedding pet peeves?

My Inner "Witch"

Ever have one of those days where things seem to be going alright, and then that one little "something" causes a landslide to "witchville?" Today was one of those days. I had finished knitting / sewing together a swiffer cover that was much better than the first one I made. I also just relaxed - watching tv / reading. Then I get a phone call from someone I don't normally mind talking to, but I just wasn't in the mood for chit chat. I could tell they wanted me to talk or say something, but what I am supposed to say when I'm not in the mood. The call ends & then for the rest of the day I just feel witchy. Starting to feel better now, but I get so frustrated with myself when I get this way. I don't think I'm bipolar, but something is definitely off. Maybe it's getting close to that "time" when our inner witch loves to come out to play even when we don't want it to. Grrr!!! Oh well. Is it August yet? = ) 

22 Weeks and counting!!!

Well it's official. My boys are coming back to town on Saturday August 28th!! The tickets were on sale for the fan club today & boy did I pounce on the chance to get mine. This time will be outdoors so the sun had better friggin' shine & no rain better show up. Otherwise the Lord & I will be having a heart-to-heart talk. It seems like a ways off, but I know it will be here before I know it. Wonder if I can avoid the mosh pit this time? LOL Tick tock goes the clock. Maybe I can figure out a way to put a "countdown" clock on my blog?

Note to my Sweet Children.....

when are you coming back this way?!?

Drop Stitch Scarf - Designed by Christine Vogel

(aka My first pattern to knit)

I usually just “wing it” when it comes to knitting something. This is my first pattern where I have to carefully count / watch what I am doing. I’ve knitted 12 rows as of now. So far so good. I will admit at the end of the row where I had to drop stitches & count to make sure I still have 26 on my needle…I let out a scream of delight it’s the right number. Awwww….the fun of being a beginner!! LOL

The pattern calls for a silk / wool blend yarn. I’ll admit I’m using the cheap stuff on this first one to make sure I know what I’m doing. I'm using Red Heart Super Saver Multi - color Gemstone. Maybe once I get this done, I’ll go for the higher end stuff. I also think this may look great if made wider for a shawl. Only time will tell…..

As for the picture provided, it's included in the pattern info on Raverly.com with the yarn the creator of the pattern used. Pretty ain't it? = )

One of my projects....

Thought I would share one of my projects I'm working on for Christmas gifts. The scarf was made with Lion Brand Homespun yarn in Corinthian color. Haven't decided who the lucky person will be to get it yet though.

Not ready for winter....

It's inevitable that winter will once again be beating down our doors & making the roads a slick "ride of doom," but how does it manage to sneak up on me? Last I knew autumn was just starting. Then this past Friday / Saturday we had our first measurable snow. As I bundle up for my errands & hear the crunching of snow under my shoes, I can't help but scream "no!!" I scream in my head, but still I am not ready. I can handle most any part of winter but the slick roads when I have to go somewhere. I admit I'm one of those people that drive like they are 100+ so I don't cause an accident. How I envy those people that can drive like nothing is wrong. I also say a quick prayer for them that they don't cause a wreck. Crazy people!! I know I live in a part of the world that has "fun" winters every year but it also has its perks. I love to look out my window to see the mountains caked in snow. At least the cooler weather gives me more reasons to knit things to keep warm!! LOL

My Yarn & I....

I have been knitting in one form or another since January of this year and I must admit to something..... I have an ever going, ever growing collection of yarn. Can't seem to help myself when I see it on sale or the clearance racks. Upon organizing my collection today, I have noticed I have more than enough to choose from in various styles / colors. And yet I still buy more. Am I the only knitter with this "addiction?" LOL

Oh no he didn't.....that son of a bitch!!!

The VMA awards tonight have been amazing. Watching the tribute to Michael Jackson was well put together, and Janet (bless her heart) did a fantastic job. I've been a bit surprised by Russell Brand's rather tame performance as host compared to last year. He must have gotten into trouble for his choice words last year. The best part of course was when Green Day won for best rock video & their killer performance. Loved it when Billie Joe invited the fans on to the stage!!

Now for what really pissed me off. The best female video with nominees Pink, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Pink, & Lady Gaga. I didn't really mind who would win the award. They are all pretty good in their own right. Was surprised that Taylor had a nomination, but with country crossing over into pop music that's alright. No big deal, right? You'd think that but.... When Taylor won she was truly surprised, but the main surprise came a few seconds later when Kayne West came on stage. He grabs the mic out of Taylor's hands giving a lame ass apology & then proceeds to bitch & moan that Beyonce should have won. Beyonce & everyone else was in shock and I am truly surprised someone didn't drag his ass off the stage. What right did that motherfucking son of a bitch have for ruining Taylor's moment?!?!! Was I ever mad. I hope that bastard doesn't win any awards tonight & his records fail to sell. I never thought I would have that boy's name in my blog, but I just had to comment. Please pardon my coarse language used. What do you think of the issue?

Music produces a kind of pleasure which

human nature cannot do without. - Confucius

 2000 Light Years Away....

Going thru some withdrawal yesterday & today. Come back, boys!! Doesn't that make me sound like a typical teenager. If only I was still a teenager. LOL After being at the concert Saturday, the house seemed more quiet than usual. Today I'm doing better. Still can't wait to see them again. Hopefully sooner rather than later.... Just thought I'd share. Hope everyone is having a great day. Even if it is Monday. LOL

The Time of My Life!!!!!

First & most importantly to my boys...thank you for the honor & genuine thrill of seeing you in concert!! I know you rocked Denver. You also rocked my world and then some. Definitely had the time of my life and will cherish these memories in my heart forever & always! That being said here's what some of you all missed. If you ever get the opportunity to see Green Day, I highly recommend it!!!

This being my first rock concert I tried to take everything in and there was a lot. My friend & I got there about 2 1/2 hours ahead of the show to get our tickets at the will call center. Followed by a 90 minute wait to get inside the Pepsi Center. While we waited it was a joy to people watch. You definitely get a wide variety of people....some dressed punk, some in GD shirts (like myself), and even a guy dressed in overalls. LOL Once in the Pepsi Center, the people who were to be on the floor of the arena (my friend & I included) went to pick out the choice spots of the evening. Little did I know I'd be on the edge of the mosh pit....more on that in a few minutes.

Franz Ferdinand was the opening band of the evening. I knew a few of their songs including "Take Me Out." They put on a great show. The sound was a little off though. The music itself was louder than the vocals so I couldn't understand a lot of the words or even when the lead singer would speak to the crowd. I will definitely look into getting their CD soon. After they were finished it took about 30 minutes for the road crew to remove their instruments / equipment to prepare for my boys to come on stage. The excitement in the crowd continued to build as the time went on. A few minutes before GD came out, here comes the pink bunny staggering onto the stage with 2 beers in his hands. (If anyone knows the story behind the pink bunny, I'd love to hear it. Haven't found the answer yet.) He then proceeded to chug both beers and took off his shirt. It was hilarious!!

And now we come to the concert I've been waiting for...Song of the Century plays and then here come my boys!! Oh what a sight they were. I had to pinch myself to remember I wasn't dreaming. I was actually in the same room with Green Day!! To be able to see them and to feel that music coursing thru my veins....WOW!!! Here are some of the highlights / observations from the show....

• From the time the concert started until the very end, it was a high energy show with the occasional slow song mixed in. The very first words out of Billie - "Get off your fucking asses!!! This isn't television!! Get the fuck up!!!" During 21st Century Breakdown, Billie even went up into the crowd on the side of the arena. Lucky people!!


• Several people were brought onto the stage to help sing the songs and do stage dives. During Longview, Billie brought up 3 different people that swore they knew the words, but didn't. That would have been me, but I fine just singing along where I was. LOL Before starting the song Jesus of Suburbia, Billie asked for someone to come up & play guitar for the show. A 12-year-old boy was chosen & did a fantastic job. It was so cool to watch Billie get the boy ready to play the guitar & show him a few things. The boy even got to stage dive. He'll definitely be popular with his friends for awhile. Lucky boy!!


• Not to leave out Mike & Tre. Mike kept up with Billie in being all over the stage interacting with the fans. Towards the end of the show, Mike came to the end of the stage (close to where I was) thanking the crowd for coming out to the show. As for Tre, he didn't sing the song I wanted, but he was hilarious in his part of King For A Day / Shout. Wearing his big ladies' hat and a bright red bra over his shirt he was quite the looker! LOL Tre would also get up during parts of the show and walk around the stage. Of course he would also throw his drumsticks in the air & threw some out into the crowd towards the end of the show.


• During the opening chords of Jaded, out came the super-soaker water gun, their leaf blower / toilet paper shooter contraption, and the air gun that blasted t-shirts throughout the crowd. That thing could sure get a lot of distance as it blasted the shirts out there.


• Now for the mosh pit, a place I was told to avoid. LOL I will tell you up front there will be a few choice words not for the light of heart. What a bunch of dumb motherfuckers!!! These crazy bastards dance like they are drunk or stoned...or both. I'm sure they were and as the night progressed it got worse. At one point a security guard came to the mosh pit to break things up, but that didn't last long. I was on the very edge of the pit itself, and thankfully had some guys near me that would block the "moshers" from me. However I almost got knocked down twice. At one point I became a bouncer of sorts having enough of their bullshit. Whenever one of them would get near me, I would push them back in. Which I found out later is really what they want. I will say the one benefit of the pit is that I was better able to see my boys. They look even better in person than on the TV!! = )


• Here's a sampling of the songs they performed last night.....She, Going to Pasalaqua, Welcome to Paradise, Murder City, Holiday, Hitchin' A Ride, Last Night on Earth, Static Age, 21 Guns, King for A Day / Shout. Plus a few covers / snippets of - You Really Got Me Now, I'll Be There, Break On Through, Pretty Woman, etc. It all went by so fast. I almost got teary eyed when Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) played. To my knowledge it has always been the closing song of the show.

• At one point during the show someone had blown up a couple of balloons the size of beach balls with some kind of advertisement written on them. Billie then asked who had a knife and for the crowd to bring the balloons toward him. Of course once he gets a hold of them he uses the knife to burst each one. It was hilarious!

I'll add more to this article, but for now here's just a taste of what I experience last night. Will definitely be seeing them again the next chance I get. Thanks again Green Day!!!