Random Things I've Learned Over The Last Year Of Blogging

Since I started the blog about a year ago, I've had a lot of random stuff happen and some planned stuff---like buying the new house. And I've made a few realizations about myself that I'd like to commit to paper, er screen, er whatever.

In no particular order:

• While I am actually fairly impressed with my increased knowledge and willingness to be adventurous with regard to the stuff of knitting, I realize now that I am a shitty cast-oner. No. Really. I don' t know why. I've tried several techniques and it never fails: my cast-on row looks more than a little bad. Decidedly un-good, in fact. Casting off? Not a problem in the least. Although I will admit, I finally got the hang of ribbing! About time, too! So take that you no-good purl stitch!
  

• I never thought I'd say this but, my house is too freakin' big. Given whatever unidentifiable "condition" I have that causes my joints ache and makes me feel weak and tired all the time, I just do not have the personal stamina to keep up with cleaning 3 bathrooms, tiding up 4 bedrooms and all the incessant vacuuming because...
  

• ...I have too many cats. I love them all to death. But, what the hell were we thinking, people? Seriously. Do you have any idea the amount of upper-body and upper-arm strength is required to successfully remove cat hair from draperies? You either have to vacuum it for 45 minutes or use about 4 refills of those sticky roller things.
  

• I hate my stove. I am going to pay a plumber to come in and install a gas line and I am going to get a nice gas stove. This will have to wait until early spring, though, which is when we'll have our income-tax refund.
  

• I am luckier than a pig in poop that I have Todd around. Seriously, I have no idea how I'd exist without him. In fact, I can't even begin to imagine what my life would be right now if I had never met him, except that I know it would be craptastic.
  

• Somehow---and I think this has to be Todd's fault---I have grown into a Simpsons fan.
  

• I want a Nintendo Wii.

• My gray hairs are getting noticeable. Actually, they are coming in solid white, which I guess isn't so bad. With all the stress that I am under all the time, it's a miracle that I don't look like Moses when he came down from Mount Ararat. And by "Moses" I mostly mean my Charlton Hestonesque vision of Moses.

• I really haven't seen a great movie since Return of the King. That's not to say that there haven't been movies that I liked, but still...

• I am sadly, madly addicted to buying things. All kinds of stuff.