I seriously have the best secret pal!

So, I'm checking my email during lunch, and what do I find, but a message from kpixie with a gift voucher! A birthday sur-see from my secret pal. Now I really don't know what I want to get. I'm thinking about the mitered bag seriously. But found a pattern for a maternity poncho that converts to a baby blanket knit in Karaoke. I know it's jumping the gun, but should I let my vouchers wait, and work on Lady Eleanor for the Olympics and then see what happens, or spend my vouchers. Decisions, decisions! I did have a good birthday. Got money. Got a printer for my digi-cam (a little Kodak Printer Dock Plus...way cool). My mommy is sending me some Noro Silk Garden in #50 for Lady Eleanor. Go to Doctor today to learn to give myself the progesterone injections and tomorrow for my ultrasound (baseline) and bloodwork. Then Thursday I'll start the estrogen. I'll go back on Feb 10 for midcycle ultrasound to see how my lining is progressing. This process is moving right along! Wish me luck!

How Cool Is My Secret Pal?

I got an email a few minutes ago from kpixie stating that my Secret Pal had purchased a gift certificate for me! I, of course, have been perusing the kpixie site to see what I might like. There is the Peace Fleece Mitered Bag, and Claudia's Handpainted Sock Yarn

I just don't know what to get! I'm thinking about socks. I'm thinking about the Knitting Olympics.

Austin Powers' Brainwash Bag

This is my latest obsession! It is the Brainwash Bag from Beatknit Patterns.
I am in love! I went to All That Yarn today and got pink and green Cascade 220. I'm going to do it in reverse, with pink being the main color, and green the contrasting color. Is it not just fab? It reminds me of Austin Powers. Yeah, Baby.

Setting the Date

I've talked again with Bernadette, and she has given me dates for when I start my meds, and when I will receive the transfer. This is moving a lot faster than I expected. I'll start taking Estrace, Baby Asprin and PreNatals on February 1st. I'll also have my baseline ultrasound. Then I'll do the midcycle ultrasound on the 10th of February, and the transfer will take place sometime between the 15th and 19th of February! I've already talked with the pharmacy and they will be sending my prescritions on the 18th of January. I just cannot believe how fast all of this is happening now. Our dream may eventually come true.

We're Moving Forward

TTC News: I have had a long and unsuccessful journey on the road to motherhood. We have had 5 miscarriages. I've lost a fallopian tube. And this summer, I was told that I was Post Menopausal. But, we've not given up hope. We were referred to ACRM, and were told about using Donor Eggs. We've been on the waiting list for an egg donor since August. Last Thursday, I decided that I needed to check in with the clinic. The girl with whom Brad and I had met was no longer working there. I was devastated. I left a message with my nurse, and the person who was filling in for the Donor Egg Coordinator. I was teaching my 5th graders at the end of the day, and about 2:45 my cell phone rings. I thought it was my nurse, but the phone number was the main number at the clinic. I called back, and was put through to the person filling in. She said that they had an offer for me, meaning that they had found a donor! She sent me her info sheet and baby pics. I am thrilled. I called Brad on the way home, and by the time I'd gotten there, he'd already called his parents and Gwenn. I went in yesterday for a trial transfer and a hysteroscopy (ouch) and things were good. They've put me on the pill. I talked to Bernadette today, and she said I'd probably start meds by the end of the month. So, things are finally moving forward. Knitting News: My mother and I started a prayer shawl for my Uncle Doug, using Lion Brand Chenille Thick and Quick in Bordeaux, and size 17's. I'm also working on a lacy ascot from Paton's Karma One book in Lacette (Hint of Rose). It is so pretty. Felted Floral also on the sticks.

SP7 Questionnaire

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand?
I'm not a complete and total yarn snob, although I do prefer natural fibers. I do avoid Red Heart. I will use Lion Brand for some things.
2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I do not spin nor do I crochet. I would like to try to learn to do both.
3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a little rolling cart from JoAnn's that I try to keep my striaght needles in. I have 2 roll up bags for DPNs. I have a circular case, and I just bought the circular solution thingie that hangs up. I really am disorganized, so my needles are really all over my house!
4. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?

I learned to knit in 5th grade. That was 1975. So, 31 years, on and off. I'd say I'm intermediate.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I don't, but I should!
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I'm into Warm Vanilla Sugar from Bath and Body Works, but usually don't like Vanilla.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Love, love, love sweets. Chocolate, Reese's Cups, dark chocolate, Ghirardelli caramels
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I just taught myself to make stitch markers. I used to cross stitch and needlepoint. I garden when it is warm.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Classic Rock...Stones, Dead,Southern Rock, Beach Boys, Neil Young, CSN(Y)

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
Pink!

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
Married, 3 dogs, TTC 1st baby w/DE
12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes, yes, yes, and yes

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
malabrigo, noro kureyon, koigu

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
!00% acrylic worsted

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Felted bags, flowers

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
hats, socks, purses, Helmetliners

17. What are you knitting right now?
An ascot with Patons Lacette from the Patons Karma One Book, Nicky's Floral Bag, Nicky's Bed of Roses pillow, a pair of pink slippers from a Target kit, and ...who knows what else.

18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
I do like to receive handmade gifts.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
I prefer circular needles.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Metal---Addi Turbos,
21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yes and yes.

22. How did you learn to knit?
My fifth grade teacher taught us to knit. I learned again when I was in college.

23. How old is your oldest UFO?
31 years old (from 5th grade)

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
Pink Panther, bees

25. What is your favorite holiday?
Valentine's Day


26. Is there anything that you collect?
Junk!

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
None

28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Not that I can think of off hand.

29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I'd like to knit socks on those new little circs

Are
you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?

I wear an 81/2. I'll measure it later.

Birthday...January 30