The more things change...

So, lately, I've come to accept that certain things will never change.
I will always be who I am. Others will be who they are.
But why do the two always have to come into conflict?

I'm thinking of one person in particular, at work.

It is mucho irritating to have someone that believes that their way is the -only- way, it's -right-, and nothing should ever get better, even if it takes a tiny bit of effort on their part to solve a huge, honkin' problem that affects everyone.

I tried something new this week. I spoke up, and alerted the bosses that there might be a problem, and gave them a way to resolve it.

It's like I peed on their Prada.

It's freaky.

I'm not the only person who wants said changes to happen. It's a tiny change. Just a bit of code on a website.

But no.

"People just have to work harder"

They already work really hard, and this tiny bit of code could make them more efficient. It's just about three minutes at the computer. I could fix it.

"Don't you dare."

I get the part about them not wanting to do the fix, but if I'm willing to do the fix, what's the big deal?

Personal Pride.

I am stubborn, and when something really matters, I'll dig my heels in and not let go.
However, right around this time last year, I made a choice to sorta...let go on the little stuff.

I'm happier. Seriously. More people should try it.

Oh, and stop asking me to knit you mittens right after you're a ginormous bitch.

I'll have pictures soon, I promise. My camera has about 15 million photos that don't have anything to do with knitting, and I have to take care of those.

What I'm knitting.

The Socks of Hate (see open letter to Lorna's Laces)
The Sweater of Fuzz
The Sweater that's not going to get done, cause it's freakin' hot here.
Slippers.

What I finished?

Purple socks for my Mom.
in an astounding 2 weeks. That's a sock a week! For me, that's like a personal best.

I'm in love with the Fitted Knits book, and that's the Sweater of Fuzz. I'm using the suggested yarn, which is wool and llama, and it's a loosely spun single, and seriously, I'm sick of picking fuzz out of my nose, which because it's hot, sticks. and itches.

I've begun listening to podcasts. They rock.

I've decided that the more tolerant I am, the more of a Buddhist 'fuck you' it is to those who aren't.

What's a Buddhist 'fuck you'? It's something that started when I waited tables. When there was a guest who was seriously into their own "bitchy for the sake of hating" trip, I'd smile, and jump through hoops to make them happy. I'd love them, in my heart, in all seriousness until they stopped. I didn't take it personally. I didn't get involved...in fact a certain amount of distance was part of it.
Every single person who got this treatment stopped their stupid behavior.
Why?

Well, because most people who behave badly, do so because they want a negative response. It's like the person who's in a bad mood walking in and dissing everyone at the party.
They feel bad, and they want company.

When they were getting what they said they wanted ie...a different glass of wine, no parsley on their plate, a different table, a pepper grinder that met their own personal standards, coffee that wasn't as hot (seriously, wtf? It'll get colder.), with a smile, they got to the point (I think) that
they had a moment of clarity.

"Shit, it's not these things that are making me unhappy. It's me. I'm unhappy. No matter what."

"What a miserable human being I've become."

They didn't leave happier, they just knew where their awful behavior sprang from.

I'm trying to be mindful. I'm trying to be empathetic. Last time I tried this, I ended up throwing a starbucks through the open window of an SUV because they almost ran a little old lady over.

I might write that story down as well.

Purple socks, you are done...an open letter to the folks at Lorna's Laces

Dear Yarn People,

My purple socks are done. I did them in the 'Purple Club' colorway, and in sportweight, because these were really ment to be 'house socks', and they are beautiful, just loverly.

I buy your yarn because you are local, because Beth buys cheese and wine at cheeseworld, because I have a friend who (albeit for a single hot second) dated one of your employees.

Because you are part of the local community. I totally get that, okay? Don't think that I don't love you, because I do, but can we talk about the misleading name of your 'stripe' collection?

Sure, technically, it stripes, but I really, really thought that there would be a longer color run, which would result in a thicker, more substantial stripe. Something with some heft, as it were.

I think your stripe is paltry. Barely a stripe at all, and I'm feeling a little cheated.

Thanks,

Me

New Knitty:open letter to Amy

Thank you, Amy.

I know that I was a little harsh in the past, what with the hatey and everything.
Don't get me wrong, I ment it. But the new summer Knitty is pretty awsome. There are cool socks, and an awsome little cardie, and only two cute kids things, that, quite frankly, I would knit for the kidlets that are not mine.

You are doing this full time now, it's a business. I am thrilled for you. That does come with a downside.

I expect great things from you. Amazing things, because you rock. You are a Public Figure.
Like EZ, or the Harlot.

The very first thing I knit was from Knitty. You were there for me, with my stupid questions, and the not understanding tension, and the witless fuckwittery. I was a moron, and you made me slightly more informed.

You tell me cool things, and support my habit, and let me feel less alone.

I'm sure that you are up to the challenge.

Thank you from the little house in the ghetto.