Under Construction, Lessons Learned, and a CONTEST

DSC03014I’ve learned some things this week. That’s always a good thing, right? I’m trying to be on top of the techno-stuff, because I think it’s important. Consequently, we’ve had some construction going on (inside and out, as it turns out). Here are a few things I’ve learned:

1. A “Group” and a “Page” are different on Facebook. Our “Fans of The Loopy Ewe” that I told you about earlier this week, is a Group. Web Guy pointed out that I should have an official “The Loopy Ewe” Page on Facebook, because “we can do more with it”. So as of this morning, we now have an official Loopy Ewe Page! This Page will be good for me to talk to you and for you to talk back to me. This is the place where I will do the postings about things going on at Loopy Central. (Sneak Up Previews, knitting woes and wonders, and anything else going on in the shop.  I’ll do an occasional contest there, too.) You do have to click and become a fan of the page if you want the updates to show up, even if you’re already a member of the other group that I mentioned the other day. I’ve already added in some news about recent arrivals! (My own Facebook page has a little Loopy stuff and a lot of regular life stuff. Feel free to friend me on there if you’re interested in that, too!)

What I learned: Talk to Web Guy first before jumping into something….

DSC030152.  You can hide things on your Facebook homepage. (My friend Janice showed me that last weekend.) It’s not that I’m not interested in your Bejeweled Blitz level or what color M&M you are, but all of those apps do take up a lot of space on that page. Now I’ve closed the apps and I get to actually read about YOU and your status messages. I like that!

What I learned: I really know so little about Facebook.

3.  Twitter continues to be a big thing. I don’t really get it, but I get that other people get it and like it. Therefore, we’re linking The Loopy Ewe Facebook page to our Loopy Ewe Twitter account. (Remember, I said I’m trying to stay on top of the important techno stuff.) If you like getting status updates via Twitter, feel free to add us to your Twitter list.

What I learned: Twitter is important to many people. Maybe I’ll eventually get it. But we’ll be on there for those of you who like it.

DSC030164. While we’ve been busy making these technology changes inside Loopy, the street crew has been busy making changes on the street outside our building. (Remember this summer when they cut through our phone lines? Yep. It’s still the same project going on out there.) Now they are breaking up the entire street. With this. And I swear, they drill down several feet, then they bring the jackhammer head up, move it over 6 tiny inches, and repeat. Consequently, it took them the entire day yesterday to do about half a block. Our brick building shakes like we’re having earthquake tremors.

What I learned: Jackhammers give me a headache.

(Edit – for those who were concerned: I will continue to blog regularly and participate in the Loopy Groupies on Ravelry – no worries!  Facebook and Twitter are additions, not substitutions. I promise.)

This month’s contest question: What’s one lesson you have learned lately? Leave your comment below and I’ll draw the winners next Wednesday. I saved some Wollmeise for the prize!

Sheri nowtiredfromallofthistechnology.Imayneedanap.

654 comments

  1. Last week, my first and only daughter started Kindergarten (I’m a later in life first-time mom, so I’m not likely to be having any more). As I watch my daughter’s ability to transition beautifully to a full day of school, coming and going by bus, I am humbled by how much about her is just her. She is my daughter (and my husband’s) in every way, but so unlike me in more ways than I can count (in fact, my wonderful stepson, 17 1/2, is much more of a kindred spirit to me). If parents take way too much blame, often, for what are perceived failings in their kids (or for the ways that some kids really mess up), we take way to much credit for what is innately great about them. And so I remain humble in the face of the gifts that she uniquely brings to this world.

  2. I was once again reminded, to keep learning, to listen more—talk less. Some people really just need someone to be silent and listen, rather than jumping in with opinions, helpful ideas and suggestions—just listen.

  3. One thing I’ve learned recently is that when working with the Python programming program, you have to watch your colons and spelling. Also, being sick doesn’t help with finite math or this programming – I haven’t been focusing well this week because of that.

  4. The most important thing that I’ve learned lately, is that life is short and you never know when it will be taken away from you. That probably sounds deep, LOL!, but my mom had a heart attack back on Easter and has had to go back into the hospital twice for follow-up surgeries. I pray each and every time that I’ll get her back and so far so good 🙂 It’s important to take time out of each day to appreciate the ones you love and care for – life is precious and too short!

    I can’t tell you how many times knitting has gotten me through the hard times, and shopping for yarn with The Loopy Ewe has also helped me greatly 😀 Keep up the great work Sheri and Elves!

  5. I learned that people look at you funny when you knit on a plane. When I stood up (trailing my yarn) my fellow passenger said to me,
    “Lady, you dropped your… um … string”.

    LOL

  6. A lesson I was reminded of this week is that if I take care of myself better, I can take care of the people around me better. :o0

  7. I learned that you can make a low calorie cupcake with just 2 ingredients! Buy a box of fat free or reduced calorie cake mix, Chocolate is my fave, and add one can of soda — diet cherry cola perhaps? Mix well, pour into cupcake tins and bake as usual. Moist and yummy and low cal! Think of all the yummy combos — yellow sponge cake with diet orange soda anyone?

  8. I’ve learned to accept my life as it is. I’ve had some big disappointments thrown my way, but I don’t regret any of the choices that I have made. Now that I am 50, I find myself looking at my life and seeing mostly the good stuff. My husband is a loving and generous man who has gotten back into cooking again. We just got a smoker and had delicious Kansas City dry rub baby back ribs for dinner! He spoils me! My sons are doing well in law school and architecture school, and they have both grown into such wonderful men that my heart bursts with pride. Even with problems on the job, really screwed up siblings, and a 15 year old pick-up truck with exorbitant repair bills …

    Life is good.

  9. I’ve learned a couple of things lately. Like, the cat will not be rushed in making friends with the dog. So he’s had a “brother” for over a year now. Who cares? He still does not want puppy cuddles and kisses. Or, given the opportunity, the dog WILL get to the park and there is no way in H*ll you’re going to catch him, even if you change into gym shoes. Or that sometimes, the stuff that cures what’s ailing you gives you a side effect that is almost as undesirable, and perhaps that alternative cure that requires more effort might be worth it after all.

    I already knew that there’s never enough knitting/crocheting/sewing time, never mind enough money to get the supplies you want. 🙂

  10. I learned that there is nothing wrong with asking for help. In the past few weeks I have heard that from several different sources and it FINALLY sunk in!

  11. I have recently learned (yet again) that the things I put off doing are rarely as bad as the stewing over them. Since this lesson applies to knitting as well as major life hurdles, I’m wondering how many times I’ll have to learn it before it sticks!!?? 😉

  12. I just returned to school after a several year hiatus and in addition to the lessons I’ve learned in classes, perhaps the more important thing I’ve learned is that I’m capable of far more than I thought!

  13. one knitting lesson I learned this week is pretty basic, but I think it is something we all have to learn the “hard” way for ourselves.

    If you don’t like the way a yarn feels or behaves, don’t force yourself to use it, just because you are in a KAL with the pattern.

    I am making a “certain” pair of socks, and felt determined to try and stick with the pattern “designated” yarn. I didn’t care for the way the yarn handled with the pattern, and then dropped back “1/2″way and substituted in some other yarns. Result: ok, but there was a lot of fussing, and a sock with wobbly colorwork that hopefully will block out. In the end, I should have just substituted a yarn line that I would have been happier with.

  14. I have learned that being drop dead tired is not conducive to productive knitting. I think I’ve knit the same sock 3 times now. Needless to say, it’s in “time out”.

  15. I found out tha there is not enough time to watch my grandsons and get a lot of knitting done in the same week. I also don’t want to give either of them up.

  16. I’ve learned it’s hard to type with Vicodan…also read,think, etc. Also that it is harder than I thought it would be to get to know my new knee.

    What a wonderful surprise I had just before going in for surgery last week- a wonderful box from Loopy! Thanks!

  17. I have learned that rapidly progressing arthritis in the hands really plays havock with your knitting.
    I still keep trying, and am learining a new way to knit, trying not to use thumbs and forefingers.

  18. I have learned that even if the lil one is teething and cranky one day, she will eventually be happier…and with teeth.

  19. I volunteered to make the “packed-lunch” dinners for the Varsity soccer team. I never imagined that 24 dinners would take so long to make and assemble, as I was running very late the first time I did it. How come the lunches I make for my kids can be made in a flash?! I learned this thing I said I would do is not so fast…..

  20. I learned that I no longer function well the day after I get up at 3 a.m. to participate in a continuing education program 3 hours and 45 minutes from home, lasts 9 hours and requires that I drive 3+ hours to get back home again.

  21. I’ve learned that being admitted to a reasonably good university is no guarantee that a student will be able to follow clear directions. I’ve also learned that grading goes easier with some chocolate at hand.

  22. I have learned that my parents were right (go figure). That time really does fly and children really do grow up in the blink of an eye. And my sweet baby boy that I used to carry around is now my 6 foot 4 inch gentle giant and drives himself to school.

  23. I learned that I really do best when I have just one project of different types. Three pairs of socks at once was no fun. A pair of socks, a lace shawl, and a scarf are MUCH more enjoyable.

  24. I learned that the basic principles of thermodynamics are alive and well in my knitting closet. If you do not provide a constant supply of energy to a system it will degrade into chaos! How will I ever get all that yarn untangled!

  25. I have learned that as much as I enjoy being by myself and knitting, it is so much more enjoyable to have a Friday Night Knit Night with my dear friends. A little Chinese food, some munchies, some sweets, some dips, and top it off with a Costco cake. Ahhhhh…….good friends, good food, and lots of laughs and knitting.

    barb in MI

  26. I’ve learned that you can’t always help all the people you want to help, but the help you can provide is worth the effort.

  27. I am learning (it is an ongoing process) to stay centered in the midst of chaos and change around me! Calm in the center of the storm kind of thing. Knitting definitly helps that process and so does eating well! Janita

  28. I’ve learned to take it one day at a time — although I will probably forget this lesson quickly. Too much to do is so overwhelming but baby steps really do help you conquer the problem.

  29. I’ve learned that my professor finds it amusing when he walks into his class (late, as always) to find me teaching it.

  30. Sticking to and sticking with something or a project pays off – even when you feel like giving up even for a bit and being tempted to come back later – the end result and knowing you did your best and it all turned out better than you thought is a wonderful feeling 😀

  31. I’ve learned that some people are just negative and that you don’t have to be around them – You get to choose – what a concept!

    🙂

  32. This week I was in between jobs (I was laid off from old one 🙁 but fortunately didn’t have to look long for a new one) and I learned that if I make myself a realistic list for the day/week I can get more accomplished than if I try to do things as I feel like it.

  33. People focus on little things that don’t matter in the big picture and twist your explanations to add to the drama in their lives

  34. you can fly into Mexico with knitting needles but don’t think for a second you’ll be knitting on the return flight!

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