Happy Halloween!

Jake the monkey wishes you all a Happy Halloween!

Introduction to knitting

So this past Thursday night four co-workers and I went to Ruhama's Yarn & Needlepoint near Bayshore Mall. We took a 2 hour introduction to knitting class. I already know how to crochet but that only involves one crochet hook and my other hand is free. I had some issues at first with how to have a needle in each hand and still hang onto the yarn, but I eventually got it. We started by casting on, then learned the knit stitch, then the purl stitch and finally we knit 2, purl 2 and then casted off. Here is what I made in the two hour class. Hopefully I can get better, otherwise it will take me until Christmas just to make a scarf.

Cursive Handwriting

I never liked writing in cursive and my handwriting in general was never very pretty or girly. Back in grade school I had friends that would make me practice writing. I was always told that your signature should be in cursive, but I notice more and more people using print for their signature. I think I could write everything here in cursive, it was always the uppercase Q that got me all confused.

A few months ago I saw an article on CNN.com about the disappearance of cursive handwriting in schools. The article said that in another generation or two no one will be able to read the declaration of independence in it's original form. As much as I hate writing in cursive, I think it should still be taught in school. One of the major reasons that cursive isn't taught anymore is because of computers and that the art of hand written letters is almost extinct.

One of the ways that handwriting was taught in school was through pen pals. I remember having one, but I can't remember her name. I always loved getting letters in the mail. Anyone want to be my pen pal?

New Computer Part I

A couple weeks ago I ordered a new Dell laptop. They had a really good deal and with the laptop I could purchase a Dell Mini Inspiron for $99. Well the laptop hasn't come in yet, but yesterday I got the new Dell Mini. It is very small but it is also kinda cute. It doesn't have much, but I can get to the internet and I will probably network it with the other laptop so I can access my pictures and all that.

I went with a laptop instead of a desktop because it is hard to keep up with a blog when I have to chase after Jake. I will try to post more frequently now.

Festival of Pumpkins

For those of you that don't know, the Ronald McDonald House is a place for familes to stay while their children are at Children's Hospital. They only ask for $10/night even though it costs around $100. My company has donated to both the Ronald McDonald House and Children's Hospital the past two Christmas seasons.

Today I took Julia to the Ronald McDonald House to help carve pumpkins for their garden. I met up with my co-workers Beth and Marianne and their daughters Mali and Maydee. We carved pumpkins, Julia and the girls got their faces painted and there was a Ronald McDonald show with birthday cake celebrating the Ronald McDonald House 25th birthday. We had a great time.

Afternoon Naps

Before Jake was born I always enjoyed a long afternoon nap on the weekends. These days it is a litte more difficult since when Jake is napping I usually have something that needs to get done. This afternoon while Jake was napping Jamie and I took a nice long nap on the couch.

Earlier today Jake and I walked in the Al's Run for Children's Hospital. Jenny made a team for Jenna and I was able to raise $105 in pledges. The parking was a bit chaotic, but Jake and I made it just before the walk started. I walked the first half with Jenny, James, Jadyn, Jenna, Mrs. Turk, Becky, James's cousin Kim and his aunt Joyce. Chris and Jim ran in the 8K race so Becky and I did the 5K walk so we could find them afterwards. We saw Chris right away but we couldn't find Jim. We finally found him at the car. Jake was a trooper and I had him all bundled up. It was pretty chilly and the wind by the lake was pretty srong at times. We are looking forward to walking again next year.