Social Media is driving me insane.

What was I thinking? I'll team up with a former coworker and come up with a proposal for the Michigan Museum Association Annual Conference on Social Media. No way will they pick an underling to present.

WRONG!!!!!!!

I've been accepted to speak at the conference which is in Kalamazoo in October in the hotel right next to the museum I work at. Now I have to come up with a presentation on what to do with Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, blogs, etc. after you sign up for an account. I'll be discussing fun thinks like strategy, return on investment, influencers, fundraising, and policy. What the heck was I thinking. Now I'm reading all sorts of books on the subject and trying to figure out how to create podcasts.

Yes I am insane. Yes, I know I'm a bad blogger so I won't use that as an example, but I'm also starting a blog for my museum.

Did I say I was insane? Nope, that isn't strong enough. I should be committed. I'm hopeless. I'm am so screwed. Better get back to the books.

I'm Back

I've been fighting remembering the password to get back here. I have way too many accounts. Anyway here is the basic updates. I currently still have a job. Troy is laid off. The cysts on the right side are causing problems and are probably ready to be stabbed. George has a sister that is starting to form. I'll probably wait until it gets bigger and get all three done at once. I'm getting my spit genetically analyzed by 23andme for heritage and medical information. I bought a Jensen Gossip Wheel (pictures when the camera plays nice). I can ply off of both flyers, but not spin.

What's New

Yeah, I know I'm a terrible blogger. I've been busy going back to college, yet again, and getting the museum into the world of social media. So if I haven't done anything here, you can find me at the following places:

Twitter- blksheepspinste, KVMMUMMY, KVMPlanetarium, and KalamazooMuseum

Facebook - Kalamazoo Valley Museum group and fan page



If you want to see me in action, I'll be at the 30th Annual Antique Engine and Tractor show. Once I find the cord that connects the camera to the computer, I'll start posting some pictures again.

What's this?

Yes, I kow that it has been quite a while since I last updated this thing. Here are all of the socks that I finished for the 2008 Summer of Socks. The winner made about 30 pairs.

I also was sent to a conference in Traverse City on Michigan Museums. I learned all about intergrating Web 2.0 (which blogging is part of) into my museum's website and culture. Still working on that one. Just recently, they have decided to go gun ho and the whole thing so I will be keeping folks informed on the Kalamazoo Valley Museum on a blog, Facebook, Twitter, wiki, MySpace, etc.

The main reason for the delay on updating was George. Meet George.

George was a golf ball benign cyst in my left boob if found when I got back from Traverse City. He has since been drained, but the month of doctor's was oh so much fun. I have two more at least on the right side almost as big. The surgeon couldn't find them at the time of George's removal. I have been have lots of pain lately so I will probably be going to have a follow up ultrasound to see if George is coming back or the twins are growing.

I also started back to school, again, this winter. My job at the museum needs to change if I'm going to keep one. Right now I schedule schools who aren't coming to visit. The web can and needs to take up more of my time.

I got a new toy.

I got a new spinning wheel. No, I don't really need one, but I got it anyway. It is a real Rick Reeves spinning wheel which aren't made anymore. Maybe now Thing #4 will fix my Ashford Traveller before it falls apart.

Thing #1 inspecting Thing #2 inspectingThing#3 inspecting

Summer of Socks 2008 update: I'm way behind. Right now I only have 9 pairs done and 6 pairs on the needles. The person in the lead has done 20 pairs. Even if I only size 4 or bigger needles, I don't know if I will ever catch up.

Horcrux Socks (worsted weight version)

Blueberry Waffle.

If you look at my Ravelry profile, they are the shut him up socks. Thing #4 thinks that all socks should be his. There isn't any such thing as too girly. He says he is man enough to wear anything or he'll wear boots. Any and all comments will be passed on to him.
Broadripple.

The yarn for these is a 3 ply handspun from a Sheep 2 Shoe kit. If I see anymore, I do believe I will pick up a couple.

Springtime socks. Okay it is a basic sock pattern, but the colors are springy.

Circle Socks

Relay for Life socks for Jen.

These aren't part of the Summer of Socks, because they were started before June 21st.

Easy Aran socks - Another pair for Thing #4

This Week in Socks

Only two more pairs done, but there are about 7 pairs on the needles. What can I say. I get bored easily plus changing it up keeps my hand from completely failing.

The first sock is a basic toe up sock made from Patons Decor on size 3 needles. The helper #4 decided this pair needed a long term test of about 24 hours before I pried them off his feet. Yes, he is on probation. He only gets to try one sock on at a time.


The second pair is Brigid from Goddess Knits made with Sugar'n Cream Confectionary Colors in Caramel on size 4 needles.


Here is a preview of a couple of the other pairs I'm working on.

First Pair Done

I have finished the first pair of socks.

They aren't pretty, but done. They are made out of Sugar'n Cream yarn on size 3 needles. Just a touch too small of a needle. The socks are for Dave the almost brother in law who claims he is allergic to wool. This was the first time that I have attempted a peasant or afterthought heel. I'm not to taken with it. I think I will stick with the basic Dutch heel that I usually do. I would have been done sooner, but there are so many patterns I want to try. I'm going to try to limit myself to 3 on the needles at any time: one cuff down, one toe-up, and one other technique like modular or sideways.

Oh the 4th helper wanted me to mention that he claims he is my offical sock tester. Back to knitting, maybe I'll finish a toe-up pair before the day is done.