05 January 2011

First FO!

010311Hat

Okay, I finished it two nights ago, but I didn't manage to snap a photo until just before I left for work Monday and only just got around to posting it here. This is the hat to go with the fingerless gloves I made for my mom. It's a double layer, so it's extra plush and should keep her extra warm. The design, including tassel, was discussed and approved, and I'm quite pleased at how it turned out.

The holidays were low-key, not least because of my work schedule, but they seemed to go by awfully quickly. I worked Xmoose Eve, but I had the rest of the weekend off, so we went to my parents and had a nice, albeit brief, visit. David had gotten me tickets to a Boston Pops concert for Boxing Day, but the Nor'easter that blew through put the kibosh on that. Instead, we'll be going to see Mr. Lockhart and Company sometime in the spring.

The other big deal gift he gave me was a Kindle! Which I have very, very much been enjoying. At Mush's suggestion, I set up Calibre e-book management software on David's computer, as it has a built-in server to be able to manage collections remotely. I'm using it primarily to download syndication feeds from a few different international newspapers plus The New Yorker without paying subscription fees. There is definitely some content I don't get access to, particularly with the latter, but I get whatever they've already got available for free online - which is pretty much everything really worth reading - just by accessing the server and downloading. For FREE!

Back on the Wagon

It likely comes as no surprise that the holidays shot my weight and diet management all to hell. Anyway, with the new year, it's time to ride that particular pony again, and Messrs. S & H over at Cocky & Rude are having their second annual weight loss competition. Last year I was only unofficially competing, since I had already started my weight loss program well before they started theirs.

This year I signed on for realz, and the competition starts tomorrow. They required that everyone send in a "before" photo, so I submitted the most recent one I have. You can see I've got my work cut out for me.

17 comments:

desiknitter said...

Hahahaha - love the photo! Honestly, I don't think you need to lose anything at all!!
I love the picture of the hat - against that background. The decreases look lovely, as does the nubby texture and the tassel. Happy new year!

Carole Knits said...

The picture cracks me up!

Christine said...

Wow Mel, quite a before shot! Better get workin' on that belly. I have to say the hair, nails & shoes are pretty fabulous.

LOVE the hat, especially the tassle!

Happy Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

Not to worry. Most of that particular weight will come off all at once, although not without a bit of agony at the time.

Hanuman Das said...

Oh yes. I see where the weight needs to come off! ;)

P.S. Love the hat!!

Chris said...

Um. When did you have the reassignment surgery? ;p

Laurie said...

Kmkat is cracking me up! Sorry to hear the blizzard ate your tickets.

M-H said...

When's the baby due? :)

goblinbox said...

Cute hat!

Molly Bee said...

A new brother/sister for Tuck! Love the hat! It's looks warm. I was a victim of that theyah Noreastah as well. Spent the holidays up in Aroostook County. I got a Nook and despite my amish ways, LOVE IT TO DEATH. I am currently having Nook-e with Mr. Dean Koontz and couldn't be happier. Here's to a great 2011!

Lisa/knitnzu said...

Hat looks great! (what a belly...)

Anonymous said...

Nice hat. Are you publishing the pattern? I don't think that image will help you sell it, though.

Anonymous said...

Love that hat! Any chance of sharing the pattern? And might I add - what a bod!!

Michelle M. said...

That hat is so sweet. I love the tassel.

I don't think you're fat, I think you're pregnant.

tornwordo said...

Looks like you've got a watermelon to poop out, LOL. Good luck sir.

that's J-O-S-H said...

You look good with Christina Aguilera's body!

Sheepish Annie said...

::giggle-snort!!::