Week 13 – Fuel Crisis and a Pound Puppy

I’m pretty tired this week, so I’m going to keep it a bit shorter to save some energy!

In positive news (that seems to be in short supply lately), we will be getting our new EV next week! It’s the new Hyundai Elexio. We have had a Nissan X-Trail for years, and we love the ability to fit all kinds of crap into the back. My husband moved a surprising amount of our stuff the last time we moved house in the back of the Nissan. I also like to pick up junk from the side of the road, so you never know when you’ll need extra space. 

I am honestly a bit sad to see our Nissan go! It was a big deal to buy the car at the time – it felt like our first ‘adult’ vehicle. We always name our cars. The Nissan is Nick Nolte. Why? Because it’s silver and I thought it would be funny to name it after the 80’s movie, Silver Bullet, except the uncle was actually played by Gary Busey. Anyway, the name stuck! We have a little Kia named Kevin Kline because it’s a Kia… Kia / Kevin. Don’t judge me (or do because I would judge me). 

Funnily, my husband’s name is Alex, and our high school friends used to call him Alexio, so the fact that we just bought an Elexio seems oddly correct. 

Week 4 of the stupidest war of the century. Petrol prices continue to rise… 

Asia is already in a fuel crisis, and I don’t think Australia is going to be very far behind. Our government is trying to play it cool, but they must be shitting themselves. So many people have no idea what’s coming. I saw a Reddit post where a guy was asking why people were freaking out about the increased cost of fuel. Like… dude… come on. People really do seem to be getting stupider, don’t they? I’m scared for humanity. 

In GOOD news, OpenAI shut down Sora (their AI video platform) this week. Huzzah!  If energy prices continue to go up, I can’t see data centres being prioritised. People are already protesting against these monstrosities in their communities. Oh, and the Metaverse has also been shut down! Along with Meta and Google losing a big court case over how their social media platforms have caused harm. 

Other shit from this week:

• We are now in the largest fuel supply disruption in history

• Trump’s government are manipulating the markets by setting ‘deadlines’ with Iran and then extending them

• The Philippines has declared a state of emergency – rice doubled in price.

• 30 – 40% of Gulf refining capacity has been destroyed (according to the French Energy Minister)

• The US Treasury is insolvent

• Qatar stopped natural gas exports, and China banned fuel exports

• Queensland continues to set the standard for Fascism in Australia with its bans on free speech

• Iranian nuclear facilities are now being targeted by the US and Israel

• Israel continue their invasion of Lebanon, and now they’re openly talking about annexing the south – someone explain how this is different from what Russia are doing in Ukraine… other than the fact that Lebanese people aren’t white enough for the world’s sympathy

This week has been all about finishing the Pound Puppy that I’m entering into the Royal Adelaide Show later in the year.

I think that this is the best one I’ve made. I used Lion Brand Color Theory with a 3.5mmm hook (normal yarn over sc with invisible decreases). I lightly steamed all the pieces before sewing them together, and then I steamed the face seams. I made some small adjustments to the pattern, and I wrote a tutorial on how to sew the pieces together if you want to make one, too!

The puppy basically used up all my crochet time this week. I am anticipating price increases for yarn and postage, so I went ahead and ordered some Brava from KnitPicks to finish writing the Howard Moon pattern (to match our Old Gregg). I also ordered a Scheepjes Whirl to make a shawl for my MIL for Mother’s Day.

The bucket hat pattern is written; I just need to test the child size (waiting for yarn to be delivered).

We’re still watching the final season of Breaking Bad. I’m trying to remember if I hated Walt as much when we first watched it. I empathised with him in the first couple of seasons, but he’s evolved into a full-on sociopath.

I’m still on season 1 of House. The sexism continues to make me cringe. Also, did anyone else notice how every patient is given Ativan?

I finished reading Grey Sister by Mark Lawrence. 4/5 stars. It’s a bit long-winded in parts, and the pace could be better. I am looking forward to reading the final book of the trilogy. I took a break to read Harrow the Ninth because my hold with Libby finally came up. The 2nd person POV is really annoying the shit out of me. I’m considering not finishing it.

The Fidget Bead Key Fobs are still selling on Etsy.

I really want to spend more time using beads again soon. It’s been overcast here, so not great weather to take process pics. Maybe it will be sunny later in the week, and I can take a day to rewrite my fidget patterns.

Sales have still been slow, but we’ve sold a few Naughty Bits Emotional Support Buddies on Ravelry. I still love these 3 little characters. We could all use a little emotional support right now.

As I mentioned above, I wrote a pattern for a beaded bucket hat with Flinders Shine. It’s so 90’s! I am waiting for a different colour to test the child’s size. I’m also about halfway through a gothic poncho, but I’m scared I’m going to run out of yarn!

The custom Agemon doll my sister is working on is almost finished. All that’s left is the felt details.

I’ve added some Google ads back on the website this week. Pattern sales are down (understandably, given what’s going on in the world right now). I’m going to monitor it. I hate sites that are so full of ads that you can’t read anything, so I’ve just added 1 so far. I am thinking of ways to add more free content, so feel free to reach out with any requests.