I completed the secret Valentine’s Day project for my boyfriend of 4 1/2 years and gave it to him last night. I created a That’s Amore book or the Unbelievably-Romantic He’s-Lucky-To-Have-Me book. I included pages of inspirational quotes, a list of things I love about him and why he would do well to marry me some day (i.e. I am awesome). I used scrapbooking material and did a somewhat sloppy job of binding the pages together. Still, it turned out well and he was impressed.

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After several unsuccessful attempts to knit something other than a scarf, I decided to backtrack and practice on some of the stitches in Instant Expert Knitting. (On a side note, I’d like to propose that Instant Expert expand their topics in the series: Instant Expert Bullshitting, Instant Expert Asskicking, Instant Expert Relationships. I really don’t think they’re taking their pioneering in expertness seriously.) I’m going to knit several swatches using different purling and knitting patterns to create a stitch library (I know, the phrase produces a mental picture of dusty, mahogony bookshelves overflowing with knitted swatches). I may be able to identify problems in my knitting as well as how the patterns work with different yarns.

Right now, I’m working on a swatch with a basic stockinette stitch. I’m eager to start cabling but I easily get annoyed when 2/3 of the way through I suddenly realize I’ve dropped a stitch and now have a gaping hole in my work. I’m too impatient to unravel to the problem row and in frustration, rip the whole thing apart and begin again. I’ll probably head to Sip and Knit, Maitland’s premiere knittery, this weekend and let the elders school me in the art of knitting in the round.

I joined the newly created Swap Bot in the hopes of recieving something other than Ann Taylor bills in my mailbox (God damn you and your tasteful clothes!). The site is easy to navigate, well developed and offers ratings for swappers. Promising swaps to consider: Winter Scarf Knit Kit Swap and the International Book Swap.

Valentine’s is fast approaching and I used to despise the superficiality of the holiday along with all the mushiness involved with doing something romantic for a loved one. Of course, this was all before I had a boyfriend. Now that we’ve been together for nearly 5 years (in June), I’ve developed quite a romantic and creative soft spot for February 14th. Every year I try to create or plan something “new” and “imaginative” only to face the challenge of having to outdo myself. Ah, god, I would love to date me.

I found a few great handmade Valentine’s gift ideas: over at One Hour Craft, a tutorial shows how to make a sexy string panty which is a fantastic for couples and singles (imagine a “Love Stinks, But Not My Lovebox!” embroidery). Mighty Goods suggests The Moleskine Small Info Book for Travel, a small and discreet journal that lets travelers record every detail of their trip. My mystery Valentine’s project is currently under way, once completed I’ll post the results but I can tell you right now, he’s going to like it.

The bleak and Debbie Downer of a film, Children of Men, wasn’t as lame as I had imagined it to be. After all, Clive Owen is in it and he has a knack of commanding attention or, at least, my full undivided attention. The idea of a world without children is a little farfetched but just imagine the possibilities: quiet restaurants, movie theaters and the total absence of Heelys. Where do I sign up? Micheal Caine’s preformance was the most illuminating aspect of the film since realistic violence (or, dare I say it, Iraq-esque street warfare?) doesn’t do much to enlighten.

On a similar note, it seems that Fearless is Jet Li’s final martial arts film ending his long and prosperous production of wire stunts. Wushu, you’ll be reminded 15 times in the bonus portion of the DVD, is about making peace without violence. Wushu is not about nearly punching your fist through your enemy’s chest consequently causing his lungs to explode. After all these years, it turns out Jet Li is not of the Mortal Kombat philosophy. According his interview on the DVD (in which he continually refers to himself in the third person), Jet Li is a Tibetan Buddhist which means he’ll rip out your heart but in a nice way.

I started a few knitting projects over the Christmas break. I tried knitting a sock using aluminum needles which turned into a complete disaster. My stitches kept slipping off the needle while others would curl around until I ended up with an enormous, knotted waste of time. So, I moved on to a doggy sweater. I started knitting it while watching a movie which meant I dropped stiches and created holes throughout the piece. It’s also supposed to fit a cocker spaniel but, from the looks of it, I just might be able to squeeze it over the head of some unsuspecting rodent. I guess this is what all the instructional books meant by Gauge your work before starting the project. Psh, now you tell me.