Sock Yarn

I had planned a lovely post, with pictures of my completed sock (Yay!) and my progress on the second (just finished the heel). When I sat down to photograph and post, however, I realized my camera batteries had died, and had to go back on the charger. Sigh.

The yarn I am using is Patons Kroy Stripes, in the Krazy Stripes colourway. I have quite a few balls of this yarn in this colour and (I think) Kool Stripes. It is a 75% wool, 25% nylon blend. It's not terribly soft, but seems to knit up pretty well, although I'm not an expert in the sock department. I bought all this yarn when Lewiscraft was going out of business and everything is on sale.

The reason I didn't spray my hair on Wacky Hair day (because I have always secretly yearned for Navy Blue hair) is that I was called for a job interview! I have applied to a couple of places that are open evenings/weekends, to see if I could pick up a few hours a week at times when Stuart is at home with the kiddies. Last Friday, when off to Wal-Mart to do our weekly shop there, I took a resume and dropped it off. They called later that afternoon to set up an interview, and today I go for a 6 hour orientation. SIX HOURS! I'm sure I'll be thoroughly brainwashed by then. ;-)

Now, I'm pleased that it has all happened so smoothly, and quickly, but I can not make myself get really excited about this job. It's good, it's just what I was looking for, and I have no problem with the actual work, but I have been struggling with the idea of "social responsibility" lately. I am not sure how working for Wal-Mart fits in with my new ideas of how I should be spending my time and money. I haven't got it all worked out in my head yet, but I've been thinking lately about the consequences of our consumerism as a whole, and wondering if I should be shopping and accumulating less, while spending a little more for quality, or independently produced goods.

Sorry to sound so vague and unclear, but I guess that's just how I'm feeling today. I'm also a tad blue for other reasons I won't go into right now, so if you can, think happy, positive thoughts for me today, please! I could use all the help I can get!

Comments

[Martina]

Feel the happy positive thoughts coming your way!! I think I understand your dilemma...I think that you feel about the same way I do. I feel that want to support local industry but it is just so much cheaper at Walmart and, hey, they employ alot of people in the community! From looking at the employees they are definitely an equal opportunity employer! Hope you get over the blues.

[Carrie K]

Sometimes the individual has to trump the whole. I understand why people are upset w/Wal Mart but they do provide a valuable service, particularly for those that really don't have much choice, and would have less choice if Wal Mart didn't exist. But maaaaan. No Navy Blue hair on Wacky Hair day? Just wrong.

[Ruth]

Sending happy thoughts your way from Whistler! We struggle too, with the best way to balance practical needs with responsible shopping. Sometimes I think you just have to do the best you can with what you've got and where you are - but never stop thinking and educating yourself.

[Dipsy]

I'm also sending happy thoughts all over the ocean to you! I think I can relate very well to the thoughts you've been pondering with lately, actually I'm going through that stage as well since quite a while and haven't yet really figured out what to do about it - but things are changing for me, they do slowly but surely, for myself as well as for the way I'm handling all that consumerism-mania. I absolutely agree with Carrie though, stores like WalMart have their good points too, especially when it comes to people who don't really have a lot of choice apart from WalMart and Co. for financial reasons, I guess we should be happy for them that places like that do exist.

[Stefaneener]

Those are good, tough questions. I'll be interested to read what you come up with over time.And I'd like to see the socks, of course.

[Dorothy]

I don't like some things Wal-Mart has done. Especially since it is hard for small business to compete with the sheer volume of stuff they carry and the fact that their combined buying power means lower prices.I do like that they hire anyone and everyone regardless of age, sex or race. I also like that they are trying to be more community minded by contributing to local charities and allowing people to set up chartiable fund-raisers and raffle tables inside their store.I think every major chain has it's good and bad, but reality is that they provide a lot of people with jobs and low-income families can afford to have decent stuff and nice clothes to wear.The best thing is that middle income people can get the necessary stuff for good prices there and still have enough left over to go buy luxury stuff from small businesses and local artisans.