tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32545072024-03-13T13:19:20.724-04:00Straddling the Century LineLiving in the present with an appreciation for the past.Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.comBlogger1234125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-20447893476659363252023-09-26T17:22:00.000-04:002023-09-26T17:22:23.904-04:00My Exercise Paradox<p> (I spent more time than I should have, trying to figure out if "paradox" was the correct word to use in this instance. I'm not 100% sure, but I'm using it, anyway.)</p><p>One of the big symptoms of multiple sclerosis is fatigue, and the main suggestion to help manage it is to exercise regularly. Even before my diagnosis, I never was a person who got energy from exercise, even after sticking to a routine for several months. Right now, I barely have the energy to walk to the bathroom and back, so how am I supposed to exercise? </p><p>We went on our family vacation over the Labor Day weekend, and walking through the airport nearly took me out. I did my best to keep up with everyone and not complain, but my husband ABM ended up getting me a wheelchair to get through the airport on the way back. After that experience, I told myself that I would make more of an effort to improve my fitness before the next trip. Now that I have recovered from the crud I caught on vacation, I should be ready to start an exercise routine. In reality, I don't even have the energy to keep myself fed. </p><p>Despite the urge to lay in bed and feel sorry for myself, I will be walking in place beside my bed while I watch TV with my hubby this evening. It's not much, but I have to start somewhere, right?</p>Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-477091528426849192023-09-23T21:01:00.003-04:002023-09-23T21:01:56.633-04:00Yes, I'm still around<p>Many events have occurred in my life and in the world at large since I last posted to this blog. I've been getting that itch to communicate for a while, so I'm back here again. I know that blogs are a bit out of style and more of a Gen X/Millenial thing, but my flirtations with Facebook and X-Twitter no longer fit my needs. I just want to cast my thoughts into the ether without wading through other people's political rants and such. If anyone wants to join me here, I welcome your comments. If I am just talking to myself, that's cool, too.</p><p>Before I pulled this blog back out of the archives, my eldest daughter talked me into resurrecting my YouTube channel. If you want to get a glimpse of what we've been doing on Friday afternoons, here's a link: https://youtube.com/live/IulbaXLV_0Q?feature=share</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="332" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IulbaXLV_0Q" width="483" youtube-src-id="IulbaXLV_0Q"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-25131174243620474762017-09-30T17:36:00.000-04:002017-09-30T17:36:22.025-04:00Prepping for a new month<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 49.907407407407405% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BZrdensgxfI/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Dani (@daniinnc)</a> on <time datetime="2017-09-30T20:46:02+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Sep 30, 2017 at 1:46pm PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script>
<br />
<br />
After a week of dealing with heavy fatigue (at one point, I could barely drag myself to the kitchen for food), I woke up today and was determined to get some housecleaning done, at least to the extent that my still-limited energy level would allow. While cleaning, I realized that tomorrow is 01 Oct, and you know me -- I love making a fresh start at the beginning of the week or the month. The first of the month being on a Sunday makes it a double whammy in my mind. There is also something about autumn that says "renewal" to me, probably because (at least here in the southern US) it is starting to cool off and tackling the bigger chores is easier to envision when we are no longer having 90-degree days.<br />
<br />
So as I'm sitting down to rest in between chores, I'm preparing for the new month in various ways:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I'm reviewing the 30-day Foundation fitness program for beginners on <a href="http://www.hasfit.com/" target="_blank">HASfit</a>. I've been doing their videos for most of September, but I fell off the wagon during the past week.</li>
<li>As you may be able to tell from the photo above, I'm prepping my October calendar in my bullet journal. When I started using it in December 2016, I didn't think I had enough going on to use a bullet journal. Now that I'm juggling classes, exercise, and stitching projects, I'm starting to see how the"bujo" can be useful to me.</li>
<li>I'm updating my SHE box. I stopped using it towards the end of May when I was feeling more in control of the housework. Unfortunately, that sense of being overwhelmed is creeping in again, so it is the SHE box to the rescue!</li>
</ul>
<div>
I've been exercising and using my bullet journal for over a month, which I'm taking as a good sign that I may be able to make these habits stick. Hopefully adding the SHE box into the mix isn't too much. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Do any of you feel that sense of renewal in the fall? What do you do to make a fresh start for the month or the season?</div>
Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-87692574846301378952017-09-23T18:18:00.001-04:002017-09-23T18:18:30.611-04:00Saturday Stitching #18: The one where I'm dressed like an adult<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/843Zhih8TJs" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
<br /><br />
I know I said I wasn't going to record for a while, but I was already dressed, so why not?Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-36115122319738461562017-09-09T19:39:00.001-04:002017-09-09T19:39:17.783-04:00Saturday Stitching #17: More Chatty than Stitchy<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GNrXWHy4s68" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
<br /><br />
I didn't have much to show today, but I had a lot of thoughts on how my stitching is progressing.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
One thing I didn't mention in the video is why I don't have a lot to show. Lately, I've been blaming it on studying and coursework taking up my time but that is not entirely true. Real talk? It is my old nemesis, procrastination. Once I turn my computer on and grab my cup of coffee in the morning, the time wasting begins.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
As I've mentioned on this blog before, I struggle with prioritizing tasks and sticking to it. In the past week, I've done pretty well as far as getting a good start to my day by making sure I do my daily devotions and my exercise as soon as I wake up. After that, the routine falls apart. Right now the battle is between studying and making money on Rev (freelance transcription). Which one should I do first? Which one deserves more of my time? I want to do well in my classes so I can get a decent job, but that is over a year away. We need money now, but I'm still so slow at transcription that it takes half the day to make $20. No matter which thing I'm doing, I always think I should be doing the other one, so I don't do either one.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
What is worse is that I don't even procrastinate well. Instead of knitting or reading, which would at least give me something to talk about in my videos and on my blogs, I procrastinate by watching YouTube videos and reading random articles on the Internet. This has been my struggle for a while. I don't know how to get a handle on it, but I keep trying.Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-76588084135337849242017-09-02T19:50:00.001-04:002017-09-02T19:50:10.976-04:00Saturday Stitching #16: Only Hooks This Week<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8m84WlTPvSE" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
<br /><br />
I've been doing mostly crochet lately but not finishing much. I need to pick up some knitting needles for a change of pace!Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-44836188960497280422017-08-23T22:35:00.001-04:002017-08-23T22:35:44.435-04:00Back to school time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_2E6EunW5xQXU1uQt6qoLDPksdt8CAw7InR-lDlFgzrPgZNJIS1a2DhvtKD3f1Bn-R8-JXERF6TKRjPlsi-P5_rM5eqCPI5gJpspgVegpSy8TcCx5nMKHJEw7y20gQ68s9MM/s1600/Fall+2017+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_2E6EunW5xQXU1uQt6qoLDPksdt8CAw7InR-lDlFgzrPgZNJIS1a2DhvtKD3f1Bn-R8-JXERF6TKRjPlsi-P5_rM5eqCPI5gJpspgVegpSy8TcCx5nMKHJEw7y20gQ68s9MM/s320/Fall+2017+books.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
My community college did a big reorganization that took effect this fall semester. They discontinued five programs of study, including mine (Web Technologies), and created several more. This meant that I had to pick a new major since I wouldn't be able to finish by the end of the spring semester. Yes, I know I have been taking classes for a while and should have graduated by now, but between financial issues, working full time for a while, and classes filling up quickly, I wasn't able to.<br />
<br />
I became interested in medical billing and coding a few years ago, but my college didn't have an associate's degree track for that program of study. So I continued with the Web Technologies major even after I realized that I didn't have the creativity or the math skills to be a web developer. I think this happens with a lot of students; once you've gone so far, you are afraid to switch gears and basically start over.<br />
<br />
Luckily for me, the college took the decision out of my hands. I had to pick a new major. I went online to switch over to Digital Media, which was the new degree track that was closest to my old major, when I discovered that in the reorganization the college had added an associate's degree in Medical Office Admin -- Billing and Coding. Huzzah!<br />
<br />
So I picked up my books today and tomorrow I will start digging into my coursework. Yes, it feels like I am starting back at the beginning, but I don't think that my past classes were a waste of time. In addition to having all my remedial math and general education classes out of the way, I feel like I've learned how to avoid distractions and get the most out of the coursework, which is a challenge when taking online classes. I'm determined to start this semester off on the right foot. Wish me luck!<br />
<br />
<br />Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-48427417253722186012017-08-19T19:29:00.001-04:002017-08-23T22:39:02.405-04:00Saturday Stitching #15: High on my own success<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_BUOy1HpGFU" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
<br /><br />
One of these days I will learn how to set a realistic goal.Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-69758199985495819642017-08-13T17:16:00.000-04:002017-08-13T17:16:00.475-04:00Do you have a "ride or die" BFF?I read an essay today that had been published about a month ago in the NY Times about finding friends as an adult. The author of the essay mentioned that she had plenty of friends in her life but didn't know if she had a "ride or die" BFF. That got me to wondering if I had one. I concluded that I'm not so sure.<br />
<br />
I've never had a large number of friends in my life. It's almost as if I only have the capacity for about five friends and the names on the list change depending on the circumstances. To be clear, I don't count all the people I've met online as friends, despite the terminology on social media sites like Facebook. I stick to the old-fashioned idea that a friend is a person that I have spent time with face to face more than once. I think that some of the relationships I've developed online have the potential to evolve into friendships, but they aren't quite there yet.<br />
<br />
Of course, part of the reason for my list of friends being so short is that I am not good at starting or maintaining friendships. Between my innate hermit-like tendencies and my inability to drive, people who are friends with me end up putting in most of the effort to keep the relationship going. It is no surprise to me why people fade out of my life.<br />
<br />
My definition of "ride or die" is that the person would drop everything if I called with an emergency, makes plans with me a priority, and misses me if I can't attend an event or something. There are people in my life that fit in this category, but I don't think they see me that way. I would "ride or die" for them, but I don't think they realize that I would and I don't think I'm as high on their list as they are on mine.<br />
<br />
Even before reading this essay, I've been pondering the role of friendship in my life. There have been a lot of articles in the past year or so that talk about the importance of friendship to our physical and mental health as we age and how our technology-driven society is making it difficult to maintain real, in-person friendships. I realize that I don't really have a circle of friends, let alone a "ride or die" BFF, and it may be too late to fix that. I mean, how would you like to know that I'm building a circle of friends just so I don't sink into dementia in my old age? That's no reason to make friends, is it?Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-79175636615182786522017-08-12T22:06:00.001-04:002017-08-23T22:38:37.526-04:00Saturday Stitching #14: The One Where I Talk a Lot<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8_q3BFGrEX0" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
<br /><br />
I skipped recording for a couple Saturdays, so I had a lot on my mind.Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-7177436357017815142017-07-27T18:43:00.001-04:002017-08-23T22:38:37.513-04:00Inherited Yarn Haul<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ysWCdmlQkmg" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
<br /><br />
More yarn that I am not sure how to use, but I'm choosing to see it as a blessing and not a curse.Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-84457823270758848742017-07-21T13:27:00.001-04:002017-08-23T22:38:37.535-04:00Almost FO: Wonder Woman Toddler Blanket<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4XpsC8jccbM" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
<br /><br />
One of these days I will finish a gift way before the event. This is not that day.Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-10399518725200862262017-07-15T16:08:00.001-04:002017-08-23T22:38:37.484-04:00Saturday Stitching #13: One and Almost Done<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hw_m_5n9WZs" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
<br /><br />
Another video of me rambling about a project. That seems to be all I do these days, isn't it?Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-40177375287757618242017-07-08T17:24:00.001-04:002017-08-23T22:38:37.497-04:00Saturday Stitching #12: Gift knitting takes over<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/isQT2hut5tw" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
<br /><br />
Despite the fact that my left hand is still not back to normal, I did my best to continue working on my projects. I even added a new one!Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-15523902459816573772017-06-29T15:44:00.000-04:002023-09-23T20:34:44.594-04:00My Life with MS: An UpdateI'm writing this post more for myself than anyone else. In the short term, it helps me to vent about what I am going through, but it is also useful as a record I can look back on when I can't remember how long ago I had a certain test or took a certain medication. Earlier this year I created a more succinct timeline of the progression of my MS symptoms and being able to look back on what I posted really helped. Anyway . . .<br />
<br />
I haven't been under a doctor's care since 2011-2012 so my MS is doing what it wants to do. I also stopped taking my Rebif injections around that time because all they did was make me feel worse, mainly giving me more fatigue and nausea. I don't talk about this with many people because I'm sure people would tell me that I am being reckless going without a doctor or meds. Perhaps I am. I just can't help but feel that if I started going for regular doctor visits again, it would put more strain on my family. Because I have been unemployed for the past year, ABM has been working all the extra hours he can to keep our household going. If he had to take time off work to take me to doctors and MRI appointments or pay $20-30 (one way) for me to take a Lyft ride, that would be an added burden. So I am opting to take my chances without meds.<br />
<br />
Luckily, my symptoms have never been severe. As I type this, I am dealing with probably the most painful symptom I've had since my diagnosis, and it is not THAT bad. I started losing sensation in my left hand about a week ago, and I have been having persistent pain and numbness since then. It sounds like a contradiction to have pain and numbness at the same time, but that is what it is. It reminds me of when I've gotten frostbite (technically frostnip) in the past and then started trying to warm my hands up. It bothers me the most at night when my fingers start to throb. This is the worst numbness I've had, but I keep remembering what my old neurologist would say about these symptoms: "There's nothing we can do. It is just MS." Why would I keep paying a doctor just so he can keep track of my symptoms and tell me there is nothing that can be done? It is difficult for me to do when I know the money is needed elsewhere.<br />
<br />
I'm hoping that the issue with my hand will fade within in another week or so; that's what happened the last time I had persistent numbness in my fingers a couple years ago. Once that is gone, all I will have to concern myself with is fighting fatigue and keeping cool. Getting overheated can be an issue for people with MS, and I am no exception. From the time I had my first episode of optic neuritis in 2004, getting overheated has caused my vision to become cloudy and stay that way for a short period. Back then it would only happen if I took a hot bath and would go away after about five minutes. Nowadays, it happens whenever I do anything that causes me to exert myself to the point that I work up a sweat, such as exercising or cleaning house in a moderately vigorous manner. Sometimes I experience dizziness or lightheadedness along with the cloudy vision and it can last for 10-15 minutes. Again, this is more of a nuisance than anything.<br />
<br />
You can see that my symptoms are light compared to what many people have to deal with. If anything, I am the poster child for multiple sclerosis being one of the invisible diseases. Other than being a bit overweight, I look perfectly healthy. That is one of the big reasons why I wrote this post. I want to whine on Facebook or to my husband WAY more than I do, but I stop myself because I know that there are other people suffering from MS, lupus, fibromyalgia, and any number of other conditions who have worse symptoms than I do.<br />
<br />
I don't want to be sick, but there are days where I want acknowledgment that I have a condition. I want someone to ask me if I need help instead of just assuming that I can carry that heavy box or walk a mile in the summer heat. I wish that someone understood that chores, like mopping my floors or cleaning my bathrooms, are an accomplishment because they wear me out. Doesn't everyone have those days where they wish somone would sweep in and take care of them?<br />
<br />
<br />Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-70477460593248599462017-06-24T20:00:00.001-04:002017-08-23T22:38:37.509-04:00Saturday Stitching #11: Slow Hands<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2uZkrg7zPFI" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
<br /><br />
I'm not stitching as quickly as I would like to, but I'll talk more about that in another post.Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-79590736108379782172017-06-17T20:51:00.001-04:002017-08-23T22:38:37.530-04:00Saturday Stitching #10: That's why I'm not a designer<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S3ETKsOEpZQ" width="459"></iframe><br /><br />
<br /><br />
I spent more time with my hooks and needles this week than I did last week, but it doesn't look like I did much. That is what happens when three out of four of your projects used fingering weight yarn.Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-22176729848396359012017-06-12T09:29:00.001-04:002017-08-23T22:38:37.489-04:00Saturday Stitching #9: A few days late and still a few projects short<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0zHmXxlDxhw" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
<br /><br />
This video is late because I recorded this twice in an attempt to fix an issue with the audio; it kept getting out of sync with the video. I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I haven't changed anything in my setup other than moving from my bedroom to my dining room. My son went through this entire video making adjustments to minimize the issue. Perhaps I accidentally changed a setting. Hopefully, I will figure it out before I record again on Friday.Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-77690306195268491392017-06-02T20:42:00.001-04:002017-08-23T22:38:37.518-04:00Saturday Stitching #8: A Day Early and a Few Projects Short<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4zww_o7Pblg" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
<br /><br />
I'm getting a little better at sticking to my needlework schedule. Now if I could just stitch a little faster. I'd like to start showing off finished objects that aren't dishcloths!Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-35698015488216556312017-05-27T19:16:00.001-04:002017-08-23T22:38:37.493-04:00Saturday Stitching #7: What was I thinking?<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lpSfXiCoPWw" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
<br /><br />
In this video, I talk about how little stitching I accomplished this week and what I found in my bag of tangled mysteries. Enjoy!Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-46421505654147749392017-05-20T19:58:00.001-04:002017-08-23T22:38:37.501-04:00Saturday Stitching #6: Cast-on Week<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PlY6ymxKvI8" width="459"></iframe><br /><br />
<br /><br />
I'm trying the needlework rotation method again, so I started a few things this week. Let's see how many of them actually get finished!Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-88324951432518898832017-05-15T00:24:00.001-04:002017-05-15T00:26:16.725-04:00Sunday Stitching: Fluffy Lap Blanket <blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-version="7" style="background: #fff; border-radius: 3px; border: 0; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.5) , 0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0 , 0 , 0 , 0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 658px; padding: 0; width: 99.375%;">
<div style="padding: 8px;">
<div style="background: #F8F8F8; line-height: 0; margin-top: 40px; padding: 50.0% 0; text-align: center; width: 100%;">
<div style="background: url(data:image/png; display: block; height: 44px; margin: 0 auto -44px; position: relative; top: -22px; width: 44px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BUGUVUbjD9_/" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Dani (@daniinnc)</a> on <time datetime="2017-05-15T03:57:15+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">May 14, 2017 at 8:57pm PDT</time></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script> I'm trying something different with my needlework by using a schedule. Sundays are going to be for gift or charity work. I've always wanted to have a box of items ready to go for baby showers or last-minute Christmas exchanges, so that is what I will be working towards.<br />
<br />
This first project for the gift box is the Fluffy Lap Blanket by Nicky Epstein. The pattern was published in the book <i>Weekend Knitting</i> by Melanie Falick. The yarn is one that I have had for so long that it is now discontinued, Red Heart Symphony. When I received it as a gift from my husband and kids, I had no idea what to do with it; this was before Ravelry gave us the ability to search thousands of patterns online. On Ravelry, I discovered that this yarn and this pattern are a popular combination for making lap blankets for teachers and frail relatives. I'm hoping that the pattern will work up quickly!Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-13559816625802535592017-05-14T11:12:00.001-04:002017-05-15T00:27:06.709-04:00Saturday Stitching #5: Making progress, stitch by stitch<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4PkS6nEiPm4" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
<br /><br />
The video is a day late due to technical issues, but I <i>did</i> actually record it on Saturday. I'm trying to make posting this video something that I don't give myself an excuse to skip. How can I get my life in order if I keep giving myself excuses?Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-39306989662824378772017-05-06T16:09:00.001-04:002017-05-15T00:27:06.714-04:00Saturday Stitching #4: Just Checking In<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xLHaMISIyHE" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
<br /><br />
I didn't have much to show in this video; it was more about developing a habit of weekly recording and challenging myself not to talk for longer than 15 minutes. I hope to have richer content next week!Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3254507.post-75551113807078425142017-04-21T17:43:00.001-04:002017-05-15T00:27:06.718-04:00Saturday Stitching #2: Only Dishcloths<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Wz_FA_t7b8A" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />
<br /><br />
I'm still trying to learn how to balance all the things that I want to accomplish, and unfortunately blogging here is still falling to the bottom of the list. Here's a short video showing what I've been doing with yarn.Dani In NChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15032707452740200776noreply@blogger.com0