For the first time in quite a while, work is quiet. No big storms to wreak havoc, and no big software releases or catastrophic update failures to screw up thousands of our users. It's like our programmers may have actually learned how to put together a product that works--though they had to postpone the latest update four times because of glitches. At least they found the problems before release.

It makes me kind of twitchy, waiting for other shoes.

Is it Steam Engine Time already?

That would be nice!

I've started dabbling in aromatherapy for my dang allergy symptoms because I'm pretty sure it won't make them worse so why not? Anyway, I made up a batch last night of something that is supposed to be soothing when my eyes get itchy, but I left it at home and now my eyes are itchy. Sadface for missing a test opportunity.

I just looked up how to make homemade tortilla chips, which would involve making homemade tortillas, which is an attractive thought since I can get masa harina dead cheap around here, same for corn oil.

Very nice!

Go Theodosia (re headhunters, although homemade tortillas sound good, too)!

And thanks, -t. This is my second interview with the IL people, so I figure a pantsuit won't be too out of place.

After finishing a couple of pillow covers, I was thinking about picking up a new crafty hobby, maybe learning to knit. My upstairs neighbor said she'd be happy to teach me and suggested I check out a local knitting shop for starter supplies. Holy cow! Knitting is clearly for the employed. $12 for a skein of cotton yarn? (I'm allergic to wool, and acrylic also makes me break out.) I could buy the mittens I was going to learn how to make for less than that.

After finishing a couple of pillow covers, I was thinking about picking up a new crafty hobby, maybe learning to knit. My upstairs neighbor said she'd be happy to teach me and suggested I check out a local knitting shop for starter supplies. Holy cow! Knitting is clearly for the employed. $12 for a skein of cotton yarn? (I'm allergic to wool, and acrylic also makes me break out.) I could buy the mittens I was going to learn how to make for less than that.

Try the chain stores. They're usually a bit cheaper, and if you sign up for their email lists, they'll send you coupons for stuff like 40% off all the time. Plus, check the stack of ads at the front of the store -- those will frequently also have coupons.

Yes, you can get decent but cheap yarn at Michaels, or JoAnn's or other big box stores.

You can get a good range of needles and stuff at Goodwill for lime 10 cents usually.

Try the chain stores.

There are chain knitting stores? If you have a moment, would you mind suggesting some names, please? Googling "chain knitting store" doesn't really bring up much of anything.

ETA: Oh, you mean chain craft stores? OK, I'll see what the non-Hobby Lobby stores have. Thanks!

Oh, right, I still haven't gone to Michael's for my theoretical baby blanket yarn. I better get on that soon, the shower is in two weeks.