Things have been a little crazy in my little corner of the world. Work is good. The husband is good. The cats are good. Knitting is good.
I have had a recent spate of interest in my Etsy shop! I knitted a baby blanket for a co-worker & his pregnant wife and was able to have it finished in time to give them at the firm-sponsored baby shower. When other co-workers realized I had made it myself, many of them asked about other things I could make. I was able to distribute business cards and show people other projects on my Etsy site. My officemate LF bought a scarf this week to give to a friend who lives in a colder climate, and another co-worker has commissioned a beanie. Yay!
I'm beginning to work towards incorporating my little store; as a tax accountant, I can't really claim ignorance about collecting & remitting sales tax or paying income tax (if I ever actually make a profit!). But being a tax accountant will make the process easier, since I'm familiar with the process and the consequences.
I have plenty of scarves in inventory; I've whipped out a few hats recently and am going to work on some mittens & arm-warmers soon, I think.
OK, that's all I have for now - I have to get back to the CPA exam studying. :-(
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Two at once
My usual scheme with life is one thing at a time. One book at a time, one knitting WIP at a time, one TV show at a time, one hobby at a time, etc. I've been working on adding variety in the past few months. I don't like it when different parts of my meal touch when they're on my plate - juice from my spinach running into my mac & cheese grosses me out to no end. But lately, I've tried some new things to see how I like them. I still can't read a different book while I'm studying for the CPA exam, but I cast on a new knitting project before I finished my current one.
I've been producing some scarves for my Etsy shop and still haven't knit anything for myself since I picked up my needles last year. Yesterday, I cast on Branching Out. I started it a few months ago and frogged it; using size 8s with the yarn I'd picked (KnitPicks Shimmer) made the stitches far too airy to even recognize a pattern. Last night, I went down two sizes to a 6 needle, and it's easy to see the pattern now. I've done about 4 repeats of the pattern, and I love it. The project I haven't finished is another My So-Called Scarf for Etsy. It's in Classic Wool Merino by Patons in Palais, and I love the rich colors - brown, purple, maroon, and blue. Today, I was catching up on my TV shows on the DVR, and switching from size sixes and laceweight yarn to size elevens and much thicker yarn was definitely an adjustment for my fingers. I didn't find it difficult, though, which was good.
I could knit all day, but it's 3:30 and I really need to get some chores done around the house. We have the Litter Robot for the cats, and it's time to change the bag. I'm also going to switch from clumping clay litter to crystals this week; several fellow cat caretakers (cause we all know that cats simply refuse to be owned) have confirmed that the crystals virtually elimiate the dust that comes along with the clay litter. My kitties have successfully used the crystals in the past, so I don't have to worry about them refusing to transition. I've already taken care of the kitchen; now it's just the rest of the house!
Ugh, and let's not even discuss the studying I have to do today. [Insert whining, bitching, & complaining here!]
I've been producing some scarves for my Etsy shop and still haven't knit anything for myself since I picked up my needles last year. Yesterday, I cast on Branching Out. I started it a few months ago and frogged it; using size 8s with the yarn I'd picked (KnitPicks Shimmer) made the stitches far too airy to even recognize a pattern. Last night, I went down two sizes to a 6 needle, and it's easy to see the pattern now. I've done about 4 repeats of the pattern, and I love it. The project I haven't finished is another My So-Called Scarf for Etsy. It's in Classic Wool Merino by Patons in Palais, and I love the rich colors - brown, purple, maroon, and blue. Today, I was catching up on my TV shows on the DVR, and switching from size sixes and laceweight yarn to size elevens and much thicker yarn was definitely an adjustment for my fingers. I didn't find it difficult, though, which was good.
I could knit all day, but it's 3:30 and I really need to get some chores done around the house. We have the Litter Robot for the cats, and it's time to change the bag. I'm also going to switch from clumping clay litter to crystals this week; several fellow cat caretakers (cause we all know that cats simply refuse to be owned) have confirmed that the crystals virtually elimiate the dust that comes along with the clay litter. My kitties have successfully used the crystals in the past, so I don't have to worry about them refusing to transition. I've already taken care of the kitchen; now it's just the rest of the house!
Ugh, and let's not even discuss the studying I have to do today. [Insert whining, bitching, & complaining here!]
Monday, July 14, 2008
Hmph.
That's how I'm feeling today. Work is a little crazy today, and I've been ready for the day to be over since about, oh, 10 AM. I have an unbelievable amount of laundry to do tonight, and I would like to hurry up and leave already to go home and start on it.
Two scarves are at home waiting to be blocked and then listed on Etsy. I sewed in the ends last week at TNKC, and since it's almost that time of week again, I feel like a slacker for not getting at least one blocked. It's not that difficult; I've been busy and have been working on everything BUT knitting.
My friend Becky, the Amazing Survivor Girl, was visiting over the weekend and told me how she really enjoyed the hat I made her with stones on it. I think I'll have to investigate that a little more; I think that others would like the hat as well, but I remember having a hard time finding beads that would thread onto yarn thick enough to make a warm hat.
While she was here, Becky and I went to the beach yesterday. The water was really cold, and we were both very surprised since it's July in Florida. We had a lot of fun splashing around and letting the waves nearly knock us over (as if we really have any choice in the matter!) - it was just what I needed before this week. I have to begin studying again for the next section of the exam, and it was wonderful to go cut loose and have a good time before becoming a hermit and studying all the time again.
Two scarves are at home waiting to be blocked and then listed on Etsy. I sewed in the ends last week at TNKC, and since it's almost that time of week again, I feel like a slacker for not getting at least one blocked. It's not that difficult; I've been busy and have been working on everything BUT knitting.
My friend Becky, the Amazing Survivor Girl, was visiting over the weekend and told me how she really enjoyed the hat I made her with stones on it. I think I'll have to investigate that a little more; I think that others would like the hat as well, but I remember having a hard time finding beads that would thread onto yarn thick enough to make a warm hat.
While she was here, Becky and I went to the beach yesterday. The water was really cold, and we were both very surprised since it's July in Florida. We had a lot of fun splashing around and letting the waves nearly knock us over (as if we really have any choice in the matter!) - it was just what I needed before this week. I have to begin studying again for the next section of the exam, and it was wonderful to go cut loose and have a good time before becoming a hermit and studying all the time again.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Summertime fun
Otherwise known as the CPA exam. Took it last Wednesday and have NO IDEA how I did on it. The scoring people guarantee that I'll have results in hand by the first week of the next testing window. Hm. Next testing window start date = October 1. Yey. I will likely have taken the next section by then. Hmph.
Obviously, with the last week of cramming, I didn't have any time to knit. I made up for that over the weekend! Finished a moss stitch scarf. B. said, "If poop had a color, that would be it!" Great, honey, that's definitely a line I can put in my Etsy listing! It's very brown and olive-y with some navy scattered throughout. I hope to block it tomorrow evening and then have the listing and pictures up over the weekend.
Tuesday Night Knitting Group was a lot of fun tonight. It's interesting to look around the table and see all the diverse people who come together. This evening, we had a relative newcomer, L., come with her adorable baby. There are a couple of other mothers in the group as well. Some of us are married, some are singletons, some are in serious relationships. As far as careers go, we have all sorts: KD is a lab scientist; I'm an accountant; L. is a SAHM; JLo is a horticulturist; LB is a pastor/minister at a local hospital; and ATS is a realtor. I don't know the other members' jobs, but hey, that gives me something to ask about next week!
In personal career news, this time of year is when my employer holds annual reviews. I received a promotion this year! I was very surprised but, of course, very pleased. As my mother put it, it is a promotion in title and in pay. (She worked for the government, so I think their pay grades and staff levels may have been much more structured than the levels at my firm.) My responsibilities won't dramatically increase overnight, which is a relief. My work mentor, MH, is a manager at the firm, and we discussed at our quarterly lunch today what I can expect and how I can live up to the new position. My actual evaluation is tomorrow afternoon. I'm not sure if I'll find out then what my bonus will be, or if that news will show up on the next pay day. Either way, that will be another boost to my savings account and another dent in my credit card debt.
Obviously, with the last week of cramming, I didn't have any time to knit. I made up for that over the weekend! Finished a moss stitch scarf. B. said, "If poop had a color, that would be it!" Great, honey, that's definitely a line I can put in my Etsy listing! It's very brown and olive-y with some navy scattered throughout. I hope to block it tomorrow evening and then have the listing and pictures up over the weekend.
Tuesday Night Knitting Group was a lot of fun tonight. It's interesting to look around the table and see all the diverse people who come together. This evening, we had a relative newcomer, L., come with her adorable baby. There are a couple of other mothers in the group as well. Some of us are married, some are singletons, some are in serious relationships. As far as careers go, we have all sorts: KD is a lab scientist; I'm an accountant; L. is a SAHM; JLo is a horticulturist; LB is a pastor/minister at a local hospital; and ATS is a realtor. I don't know the other members' jobs, but hey, that gives me something to ask about next week!
In personal career news, this time of year is when my employer holds annual reviews. I received a promotion this year! I was very surprised but, of course, very pleased. As my mother put it, it is a promotion in title and in pay. (She worked for the government, so I think their pay grades and staff levels may have been much more structured than the levels at my firm.) My responsibilities won't dramatically increase overnight, which is a relief. My work mentor, MH, is a manager at the firm, and we discussed at our quarterly lunch today what I can expect and how I can live up to the new position. My actual evaluation is tomorrow afternoon. I'm not sure if I'll find out then what my bonus will be, or if that news will show up on the next pay day. Either way, that will be another boost to my savings account and another dent in my credit card debt.
Monday, June 23, 2008
studying
Hello all... not much going on in my knitting world. At 6/23, I'm less than 10 days away from the next section of the exam. My friend H. gave me a huge motivation boost this morning; she passed her latest section with an 83. So, I was pretty motivated to get home and study, but then fell asleep for about an hour and a half on the couch. Oh well. I can read two or three chapters tonight (depending on length, but I'm shooting for three), and then do the remainder tomorrow before & after Tuesday Night Knitting Club. Then the rest of my time will be spent doing questions and simulations.
I'm feeling all mixed up - motivated, scared, intimidated, determined, all of it.
All I know is that I am looking forward to having a few days of no studying and relaxation - and some KNITTING - after 7/2.
I'm feeling all mixed up - motivated, scared, intimidated, determined, all of it.
All I know is that I am looking forward to having a few days of no studying and relaxation - and some KNITTING - after 7/2.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
CPA Exam
Since I'm kicking into high gear these last ... (eek!) fourteen days before the next section of the exam, I'm not knitting as much. Last night, when I was doing laundry, I was studying, instead of knitting, as I usually would be. Tonight is TNKG, but I'm not sure I'm going to make it since I have to read through two chapters this evening.
I won't even get much of a break after this exam; I'll probably avoid the next study book over the holiday weekend, but by that Sunday afternoon, I have to find the book and make my plan of attack. I am nervous about the Auditing section; I don't do anything with auditing or attest services at work. Even with the Financial section, I use about half of the materials covered in that book and need to be somewhat familiar with the rest of it. Eek!
But... if I kick butt on these two sections this month and next... I'll be done. Finishing the exams and earning that license has been way out there sometime in the future, as some goal that maybe I'll get to one day... seems amazing that it could really be right around the corner. It's strange, too, to think about being done with my formal educational process. I remember feeling this way about graduate school and my master's degree. I couldn't believe it that last semester; I just knew something would go wrong and I wouldn't be allowed to graduate. But I did. And I can do this, and I will do this.
Maybe then I'll finally feel like a grown-up!!
I won't even get much of a break after this exam; I'll probably avoid the next study book over the holiday weekend, but by that Sunday afternoon, I have to find the book and make my plan of attack. I am nervous about the Auditing section; I don't do anything with auditing or attest services at work. Even with the Financial section, I use about half of the materials covered in that book and need to be somewhat familiar with the rest of it. Eek!
But... if I kick butt on these two sections this month and next... I'll be done. Finishing the exams and earning that license has been way out there sometime in the future, as some goal that maybe I'll get to one day... seems amazing that it could really be right around the corner. It's strange, too, to think about being done with my formal educational process. I remember feeling this way about graduate school and my master's degree. I couldn't believe it that last semester; I just knew something would go wrong and I wouldn't be allowed to graduate. But I did. And I can do this, and I will do this.
Maybe then I'll finally feel like a grown-up!!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Busy week
Man, there's been a lot going on this week. Friday was a work deadline, and I had to stay late (till 8ish) on Wednesday and on Thursday. Not much knitting going on as a result (or studying!), but this weekend has definitely been useful in catching up.
Right now, I'm cackling like a crazy woman over Monsters, Inc. I LOVE this movie!!! I'm going back to knitting... and giggling like mad.
Right now, I'm cackling like a crazy woman over Monsters, Inc. I LOVE this movie!!! I'm going back to knitting... and giggling like mad.
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