This weekend was a very productive one, because I said no to one of three parties and finally had the time to sit down, wind some yarn and start a new project. Endpaper mitts! So far the only problem for me is that I really don't have enough free time when I am awake enough to focus on the colorwork. Usually I am just sneaking in a few rows of something before I go to bed. But this pattern is fun and I am trying to get other things done more quickly so that I'll have the time to sit down and work on it more often. I've made it up to the thumb shaping now so I will definitely need to concentrate for that!

Now that I've been tagged by three people (Rachele, Sarah, and Jenni--do you even have a blog anymore?) to do the random things meme, I have finally been persuaded to write one here.

1. If you know me you probably already know that I love, love, love anything with polka dots or stripes. I came to the right country!

2. For nearly a month now, I have been on a no-sugar (or caffeine, among other things) diet. I haven't eaten a single thing with sugar in it, and despite my infrequent cravings for a rich hot chocolate or a piece of manju, honestly, I don't miss it. I have so much more energy and I feel much less lethargic, especially when it comes to getting out of bed in the morning. That alone is worth it!

3. I'm a bag lady. I know that I have a ridiculous number of bags and purses but sometimes I find one that speaks to me and I have to add it to the collection. Many of them are polka dot or have some other kind of goofy pattern.

4. I get on food kicks and eat the same thing over and over again for a while until I am sick of it, then move onto the next food. I just got over grilled eggplant and this delicious soup, and I don't know where my eats are headed next.

5. I'm not an athletic person, but my 2007 New Year's resolution was to run a 5k and a 10k. Now I've done two 5ks (one just two weeks ago) and I found a 10k in my town that I could run on the 30th of December if I get my act together. I might actually do it!

6. Brand names don't appeal to me at all, especially those that have their logo plastered on the outside of their clothing or apparel. The only exception is Lesportsac. I am addicted to Lesportsac bags (see number 3).

7. I love Halloween and usually get totally into it, especially here with my classes at school. But this year I am not remotely interested. I wonder if it has something to do with my sugar ban.

8. I don't like animals. I don't hate them, but they scare me, and I don't think that makes me such a terrible person. If kids at school asked me my favorite animal, I used to say, "None. I don't like animals," but their reactions were never good. Recently, I decided that pandas are cute and I will never have to encounter one in real life, so they have been bumped up to favorite.

I'm breaking the rules and I won't tag anyone to do this, but if you want to do blog about some random things and join in the fun, then go for it!

Happy Halloween! Go eat a piece of candy for me.