Still New Year's Eve Eve 2010

so, i thought of a number four resolution: actually decorate for hallowe'en and christmas.  christmas decorations will include outside lights on the house - preferably the drippy lights like the jones'.  this will require scott's assistance.

5 is to get evan socks that have rubber words or something on them ... he's just slipped on the floor (he shouldn't have been running away).

i'm still waiting for the motorolla software to install just to get pics for the prev blog WAIT, WAIT /// this sux!! verizon ... boo.  ie window pops up and starts talking.  you know, that was rude - very rude.

so close and yet so far away ...

New Year's Eve Eve 2010

ah ... finally home relaxing.  my son has been wearing the same shirt for the past three days (ew) and my husband has worn the same shirt for the past two days (another ew).  although dyl is dressed, he's in pj's and has been in pj's for the past three days.  he even went out to eat in pj's w/sneakers.

happy new years everyone!!  2011 ... gonna be a great year :-)  i'll be one more step closer to getting a degree.  thirteen's my lucky number, so i'd like my degree to be earned by then.  thank you, scott, so much for making that possible.  there's no way i could have done it without you.  143.

we've had so much fun meeting everyone down at the gun club.  here's a cpl pics from this year:

i gotta get one with jess :-)

my new year's resolution is to get another tattoo :-)  speaking of which, penny, did you post any pics of your tat?  have fun in arizona!

dyl and ev are the best kids in the world.  another resolution this year is that dyl have a job starting in the summer.  that hyundai will rust before he drives it not helping with the insurance (a phone call i am dreading).  third resolution is that evan loses his very wiggly baby tooth.  i strongly believe this actually could be done before 2011 ... so, i may need a backup three.

okay, backup three is to increase sales at work to get full-time benefits back.  ugh - enuff said.

hmm, i'll stick with 3.

Lehigh Valley Wine Trail March Madness 2011

View Lehigh Valley Wine Trail Passport Program in a larger map
 

Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire Entertainment

An Email to My Professors

Greetings,

I understand the request for students to have cell phones, etc turned off and "not seen or heard" during class as I believe this "rule" was made because of people abusing usage of this device during class while others are trying to learn.  For those that hadn't explicitly stated that they be turned off, they asked that I notify them at the beginning of class of any interruptions from a cell phone.  Unfortunately, one is not aware of an emergency phone call.  To avoid non-emergency calls during class, I simply turned off *all* notifications to my cell phone.  Easy ... problem solved.  I would like to request that you rethink this "rule" because of what occurred to me today.  It wasn't so easy after all and my muted, motionless cell phone created a bigger problem.

Prior to today and before every one of my classes, I respectfully turned off my sounds and any vibration on my cell phone before entering any classroom.  I politely asked my family and friends not to even contact me during times I was scheduled for class.  I can not even recall a "missed call" until today.  Even if I did, my cell was basically turned off. 

This morning, my cell phone was updated and this update changed my "I'm going to class now" setting (among other things) to not include turning off vibration.  All throughout a class I had today, I felt my cell phone in my purse buzz.  Thankfully to others around me, the noise was not heard - but I felt it. 

I became worried nearly the same time a Kutztown police officer visited the classroom I was in to ask if I had my cell phone.  I explained I had, but I left it in my purse.  I retrieved my belongings and proceeded to another room with the police officer.  He asked that I contact the Reading Dispatch in Berks County and let them know it was me.

I began trembling more than I was.  I asked the officer what was wrong.  I asked if someone was hurt.  I'm not quite sure why, but he would not tell me and asked only that I call that number and do as he asked.  Before giving me the number, he stated it might be a good idea that I sit down.  I had never been so scared in my life.

I spoke with dispatch and they explained to me that my son was taken to the hospital and that I should meet him there.  I am a mother of two boys - 16 and 7.  Great kids and I love them more than anything in the world.  I was also told that they had been trying to get a hold of me for nearly an hour.  I apologized and explained cell phones are not welcome in classrooms.

Please reconsider allowing students access to their cell phones during class.  I understand that others may have used them in the classroom, well, to be blunt ... stupidly, in the past; however, the ones that do not should not be penalized or felt their cell phone is inaccessible during class.  A student should be responsible enough not to use their cell phone for recreational purposes in class.  Face it, it's not only distracting, but plain rude.  Those who do use them in this manner should be dealt with separately.  One (or more) bad apples should not spoil the bunch.

By the way, my son is okay now and we are finally back home.  Thank you for taking this into consideration in the future.

Sincerely,
Jamie Marie Binkley

Linked List

Originally, my class was written as a stand-alone, standard string linked list class using pointers. Within the 'linkedlist' class, you will find a struct 'item' privately encapsulating two variables. One variable in the private 'item' class is named 'value' and is assigned the string data type from the std library. I chose string instead of fussing with a native data type like char[] that has less jazz and more code. The second data type is a pointer to the next 'item'; hence the name 'next'. I discovered a new method of declaring a variable immediately following the 'item' struct declaration which I learned is referred to as "direct declare". Essentially, a pointer to the first 'item' created can be declared immediately (give or take your preferred spacing) after the 'item' struct's right bracket. No type is required to declare this variable. If need be, you can declare multiple "direct declare" variables here. If you require more than one "direct declare" variable, the first is followed by a comma and then the second by pointer and name only (again, no type is required). I haven't discovered a limit to the "direct declare" variables you can have nor have I read of any; however, I haven't had a need for more than one. This variable is the most important variable in my implementation of a singly linked list.

The 'linkedlist' class is split between two files, one implementation file and one header file. Within the header file (linkedlist.h), I explain each constructor, assignment operator, destructor, copy constructor, mutator member function and accessor member function in greater detail and have the code wrapped in macros to prevent duplicate definitions. The implementation file (linkedlist.cpp) contains the logic of the above detailed items in the header file (linkedlist.h) and performs all necessary computations, algorithms, data manipulations, etc. For additional readability and easier debugging, each block of code is limited to 5-10 lines; although, I may have exceeded this on one or two by only a cpl lines. Where I believe I can improve on this is marked by the verbiage "to do: improve" and may have "notes:" comments.

Many of the functions were created for a previous assignment and will either be permanently removed or left commented out in assignment 2. Those that are not removed and left for hopeful usage in the next version of 'linkedlist' will at least be converted to using the Template method and tested prior to be commented out. At this point, I am struggling with converting a once functional, error-free and tested 'linkedlist' object with a Template. Also, I managed to compile the files in a Windows g++ and on Kutztown University's g++ *successfully* prior to mangling the code with Template guesses. Earlier tonight, I was fighting with preprocessor directive '#include "linkedlist.cpp"' in the very end of 'linkedlist.h' file without getting compiling errors. Oddly, when I placed '#include "linkedlist.h"' in the beginning of the 'linkedlist.cpp' file only, all was well. At first, I assumed it was a bug in my compiler being on a Windows machine; however, the same result occurred on Kutztown University's machines. Using Command, I ftp’d main.cpp, linkedlist.h and linkedlist.cpp to my student directory (all in one directory). Afterwards, I compiled the files linkedlist.cpp and main.cpp using g++ to create a.out. I did this twice - once for each way the preprocessor directives were placed in the files explained above, each result was identical to its compilation on Windows. I still to this moment do not understand why that happened or how it was resolved; however, if it occurs again, I will not hesitate to write '#include "linkedlist.h"' in the beginning of 'linkedlist.cpp' ... I like it there better anyway and my IDE will stop bitching at me.

I have commented out the majority of the code to only work on one block at a sitting and test rigorously. Sadly, I have nearly every member commented out at this time and am beginning to not like this Template idea too much. Maybe I was influenced by learning one of the primary programmers involved in the C++ Standard Template Library is anti-OOP. Huh? Seriously? Really? Template coding is horrific and less understandable for me right now - maybe that will change once I understand it more.

Kutztown University Campus in Google Maps

I've created a map on Google Maps having all the buildings on Kutztown University's campus listed here: map.  This is great for those Androids out there on campus using Google Maps.  Please note, you have to link this map in your own Google Maps first ... I've made it public.  In Google Maps, just go into your Maps->Layers->More Layers->My Maps, select this map and you will able to layer your current location with this map.  I've even labeled the parking lots!  All are welcome to use and let others know about this - especially if you find it useful.  If you would like to volunteer to collaborate, just drop me a line.  I was gonna post an official wish for this on the "Suggestions" board in our Online Services prior to creating the it in Google Maps.  Also, please let me know of any errors ... my reference was Kutztown U's .pdf of the campus in a different direction than what I was working with online.

Enjoy!

Que Sera and Knitting

Rec'd the yarn from Webs to begin a wonderful cardy named Que Sera!  I must finish my current project, Ophelia, first though .  And French Braid Pullover will remain in hibernation (the yarn is a bit itchy anyway - no wonder it was on sale from Webs @ 5ish a ball).

Blue Sky Alpaca Dyed Cotton yarn is absolutely wonderful, soft and pleasurable to knit with.  I'm a tad bit concerned 'bout the fuzzies showing up at the CO, but I'm hoping they disappear after lap-time.

Bud Pouch

Recently, I purchased a nice pair of Sony earbuds and sometimes like to take them to work or elsewhere.  To transport them without getting tangled in other things, I quick whipped up a little pouch to carry them around in.  Real quick project - took about an hour to make :-)

Abbreviations
co: cast on
dpn(s): double pointed needle(s)
rnd(s): round(s)
st(s): stitch(es)
beg: begin(ning)
yo: yarn over
k: knit
k2tog: knit two together

Whatcha Need
1.5 US/2.50 mm dpns
Colinette Jitterbug fingering/sock yarn (27-28 sts/35-36 rows = 10 cm)
darning needle

Instructions
co 40 sts to join in the rnd (be careful not to twist) - 10 sts per dpn
rnds 1-5: k
*make sure each dpn begins with a k st to work beg yo's and k2tog's easier in the next 2 rnds by moving last sts from each dpn to beg of next dpn - including the last st from rnd 5
*rnd 6: [yo, yo, k5] around
*rnd 7: [k2tog, k3] around
*revert to original 10 sts on each dpn
rnds 8-17: k
rnd 18: k2tog, k3
rnd 19: k
rnd 20: k2tog, k2
rnd 21: k
rnd 22: k2tog, k1
rnd 23: k
rnd 24: k2tog
rnd 25: k
rnds 26-28: k2tog
sew last 2 sts
finger crochet draw string
thread draw string through eyelets

Kutztown University

I earned an Associates Degree in Computer Science from Lehigh Carbon Community College  in May of 2000.  I think I did well graduating with a 3.77.  Could have been a tad bit higher, but I goofed around my last 4 credit course and earned only a C.  I always had plans to go for the Bachelor's, but life went on ... kid, cat, house, hubby, another kid, dog, etc.  Now, with the pressure on to transfer those credits before the ten tear mark lit a fire under my seat.
I applied to Kutztown University!  I checked out the courses for a B.S. in Computer Science - for both the Software Development and Information Technology degrees.  The classes look very interesting.  I hope to hear only good news from the Admission's Office :-) 

Chia Madagascar Marty :: Days 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27

Well, we kinda lost interest in Chia Madagascar Marty.  Now, I have oodles of pictures (missing some days here and there and a whole bunch this past week) and his mane is dying.  We have enuff seeds to go another round and may do so today being that we are snowed in (about a foot of snow).  The plants didn't get as big as I thought they would.  I'm not sure if that was normal, due to lack of sunlight or maybe because of it not being warmer.

Day 20, February 11, 2010

 

 

Day 21, February 12, 2010

 

  

 

Day 22, February 13, 2010

 

 

Day 23, February 14, 2010 (Saint Valentine's Day)

Day 24, February 15, 2010

 

Check out the huge pile of dishes ... and that's only in one side of the double sink!

Day 25, February 16, 2010 - No Image Available

Day 26, February 17, 2010

Day 27, February 18, 2010

 

  

Wonky flash ... yeah, well.

Day 28, February 19, 2010, Day 29, February 20, 2010, Day 30, February 21, 2010, Day 31, February 22, 2010, Day 32, February 23, 2010, Day 33, February 24, 2010, Day 34, February 25, 2010 (Dylan's 16th Birthday) - No Images Available!!!

Chia Madagascar Marty :: Days 16, 17, 19

Okay, Chia Pets are kewl, especially Chia Madagascar Marty.  He's come a long way in the past 2 1/2 weeks.  I'm sure we'll do it again considering the pottery is reusable.  The seeds on the top of Marty's mane actually may make it after all.  Yesterday, I noticed small sprouts there.  Not sure if the moistened towel helped - I wasn't too religious about putting it on the seeds lately. 

Day 16 ~ February 7, 2010

Day 17 ~ February 8, 2010

 

 

Day 19 ~ February 10, 2010

 

 

P.S.  Yes, I missed another day :-(

Dingle Bobble Mittens

 

Finished just in time for the blizzard ...

Whatcha'll Need 

US 6 / 4 mm dpns

1/2 skein Malabrigo Yarn Merino Worsted

Stitch holder or waste yarn

Darning needle

Stitch Markers

Good Things To Know 

5 sts/8 rows = 1"

8 1/2" from top to bottom, 1 1/4" thumb, 3 1/4" wide

Abbreviations

c8b: sl next 4 sts onto cable needle and hold at back of work, k next 4 sts from left-hand needle, then k sts from cable needle

c8f: sl next 4 sts onto cable needle and hold at front of work, k next sts from left-hand needle, then k sts from cable needle
k: knit

k2tog: knit 2 together

k3tog: knit 3 together

m: marker

m1l: make 1 left
m1r: make 1 right
mb: {k1, yo, k1, yo, k1} all in next st, turn and p5, turn and k5, turn and p5, sl2, k3tog, p2sso
p2sso: pass 2 slipped stitches over
p: purl
pm: place marker

pu: pick up

rnd(s): round(s)
sl: slip
sm: slip marker
st(s): stitch(es)
yo: yarn over

Pattern

Either Mitten Cuff

Loosely CO 42

Rnds 1-12: p, k2

Right Mitten

Rnds 13-19: p2, Chart A, p2, k to end

Rnd 20: p2, Chart A, p2, k2, {pm, k, pm}, k to end

Odd Rnds 21-29: p2, Chart A, p2, k2, {sl m, m1r, k to m, m1l, sl m}, k to end

Even Rnds 22-30: p2, Chart A, p2, k2, {sl m, k, sl m}, k to end

Rnd 31: p2, Chart A, p2, k2, {place 11 sts on stitch holder}, k to end

Rnds 32-60: p2, Chart A, p2, k to end (Chart A completed 4x)

Left Mitten

Rnds 13-19: p2, Chart B, p2, k to end

Rnd 20: p2, Chart B, p2, k to last 3 sts, {pm, k, pm}, k2

Odd Rnds 21-29: p2, Chart B, p2, k to m, {sl m, m1r, k to m, m1l, sl m}, k2

Even Rnds 22-30: p2, Chart B, p2, k to m {sl m, k, sl m}, k2

Rnd 31: p2, Chart B, p2, k to m, {place 11 sts on stitch holder}, k2

Rnds 32-60: p2, Chart B, p2, k to end (Chart B completed 4x)

Either Mitten Body

Rnd 61: p2, ssk, k12, k2tog, p2, ssk, ssk, k13, k2tog, k2tog

Rnd 62: p2, ssk, ssk, k6, k2tog, k2tog, p2, ssk, ssk, k9, k2tog, k2tog

Rnd 63: p2, ssk, k6, k2tog, p2, ssk, ssk, k5, k2tog, k2tog

Rnd 64: p2tog, k8, p2tog, ssk, k5, k2tog

Rnd 65: ssk, ssk, k2, k2tog, k2tog, ssk, k3tog, k2tog

Rnd 66: ssk, k2tog, k2tog, stop

Kitchener Stitch rem sts

Either Mitten Thumb

Rnd 1: pu & k 11 sts from stitch holder, pu & cross stitch 2 or 4 sts, join in the round

Rnds 2 - 13: k

Rnd 14: k2tog to last st, move last st to beg of next rnd

Rnd 15: k2tog to last st

Weave rem sts

 

 

Chart Symbols

 

Basic Mittens Template

• CO even amt of sts - work in the rnd
• p1k1 ribbing for at least 2"
• inc to another amt if necessary
• 1/2" to thumb gusset
• thumb gusset {sl m, m1r, k to m, m1l, sl m} / {sl m, k, sl m} alternately til gusset is at desired width ending with a {sl m, k, sl m} row and place those sts on a stitch holder for working the thumb later
• 3 1/2" to dec: ssk = leans left, k2tog = leans right until a few sts can be grafted or kitchener stitched
• pu thumb gusset sts and pu and twist twice at joint
• 2 1/2" to aggressive dec - k2tog every st until only a few sts are left to weave in

make 2

Chia Madagascar Marty :: Days 11, 12, 13, 15

The seeds on top of Chia Madagascar Marty's mane will just not grow!  I've sprinkled water on it at first, but it would just dry out too fast.  Then, I tried placing a soaking wet paper towel on it just to later find it dried and stuck fast to the pottery - rinse and repeat.  I did manage to see very small sprouts there, but couldn't keep them moist enough.  I'll keep trying - no promises :-) 

Hopefully, larger leaves will start happening.  The stems look a bit longer than the advertisement picture.  Also, the sprouts are wiggly ... this is probably due to me turning the pottery towards the sunlight each day.  

I had all intentions of doing this daily; however, that just didn't happen.  Some days, my Droid wasn't charged enough to take the picture ... I used Scott's Droid those days. I would have sworn I took pictures everyday, but I can't find yesterday's on either my Droid or Scott's.

Day 11 ~ February 2, 2010 (Groundhog Day)

 

  

 

Day 12 ~ February 3, 2010

 

  

  

Day 13 ~ February 4, 2010

  

  

 

Day 15 ~ February 6, 2010