holy crap! i totally missed my Ravelry member anniversary!
what an awesome year!
in other news (b/c i never post just one thing at a time) freaking out about the impending move to baltimore. driving myself in the uhaul down on friday. cross your fingers all goes well. havent done much knitting since returning from europe. hopefully that will change once i get settled in my new apt. also, have a bit of a yarn disaster. found silverfish nymphs in some of my (expensive!) yarn. ugh! froze them at -80 C so hoping that killed the nasty little buggers and their eggs!
more later! well ok, more about everything at some point in the near future. and by near i mean before 2 months has elapsed
(:{
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
Paris update
so whirlwind rundown: Gent was relaxing and amazing. Brugge was beer and food tastic! Brussels kinda sucked due to a bout of vomiting of unknown origin (food poisening??). and Im now in Paris and its too bad i have to switch hostels today which didnt sound so bad a week ago, but the hostel ive been in for the past 2 days is really nice. its brand new! its the nicest ive been in so far!
the eiffel tour was you know, the eifel tower. but the musee de orsay and the rodin museum were amazing and wonderful, except for all the rude tourists shoving you around just to get a picture of the famous paintings! and they didnt even stop to enjoy the works! they just shoved and took a picture and shoved to move on! rude! did a great walking tour today despite the random rain and crazy town wind that flung sand and dirt everywhere. now i have to get going, have to run off and switch hostels, my new one is in montmartre. i hope its nice too. back to england in only 3 days! cant beleive its all almost over!
the eiffel tour was you know, the eifel tower. but the musee de orsay and the rodin museum were amazing and wonderful, except for all the rude tourists shoving you around just to get a picture of the famous paintings! and they didnt even stop to enjoy the works! they just shoved and took a picture and shoved to move on! rude! did a great walking tour today despite the random rain and crazy town wind that flung sand and dirt everywhere. now i have to get going, have to run off and switch hostels, my new one is in montmartre. i hope its nice too. back to england in only 3 days! cant beleive its all almost over!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Gent - |Brugge update
just got to Brugge. Gent was awesome. just lovely and amazing. not tiem to discuss will tell later. having hell trying to find a place to stay in brussels. ugh. so i may try the couch surfing thing so that i dont have to go all the way back to gent for the one night before i go to paris, cuz that would stink waaay majorly. and i has no grammer today my mind is fried from travelling. oh and maybe its fried from all the beer, jenever, and frites im having. yum yum
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Germany Update
Currently in Cologne, Germany visiting Karen, a lovely Aussie chica I met in Barcelona. Took a train to Dusseldorf today - quaint little town next to teh Rhine, north of Cologne. The food and the Alt Beir were amazing! Pork sausage and potato salad - holie molie good stuff. Too bad there wasnt much to do in Dusseldorf, but it was very scenic and quite a nice day. Tomorrow I will explore Cologne and sample many kinds of the local brew, Kolsch. And hopefully find me a nice bottle of reisling! oh and Germany is just a really pretty country too. Kinda odd though it feels like the most "American" out of all Europe so far. Just based off the way the people dress and behave in public and such. But still very european which is nice too.
oh and the Dutch are really not nice people during a soccer match, esp when they lose. I'll be here in Germany for tomorrows game vs Turkey, I really hope they win or i might be a little afraid of riots. Plus, I do so like Germany way better more than Turkey. Except for the eternally confusing rail system here - the Dutch really have everyone beat on that! In Holland its cheaper and easier to navigate and they still manage to be on time and have nice and clean trains.
Leaving for Brussels on thursday. having a bit of trouble with train tickets there and hostel reservations, so keep your fingers crossed it gets worked out. Yeah so not planning everything in advance may have freedom but its also a huge hassle. all the hostels are booked up and its such an aggravation to figure this out on the fly. just in case you were wondering..... although, this random trip to germany and not really being "stuck" anywhere is awesome too. so, everything has plus and minus to it.
oh and the Dutch are really not nice people during a soccer match, esp when they lose. I'll be here in Germany for tomorrows game vs Turkey, I really hope they win or i might be a little afraid of riots. Plus, I do so like Germany way better more than Turkey. Except for the eternally confusing rail system here - the Dutch really have everyone beat on that! In Holland its cheaper and easier to navigate and they still manage to be on time and have nice and clean trains.
Leaving for Brussels on thursday. having a bit of trouble with train tickets there and hostel reservations, so keep your fingers crossed it gets worked out. Yeah so not planning everything in advance may have freedom but its also a huge hassle. all the hostels are booked up and its such an aggravation to figure this out on the fly. just in case you were wondering..... although, this random trip to germany and not really being "stuck" anywhere is awesome too. so, everything has plus and minus to it.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Hup Holland!
ok so this whole trip is just one big rollercoaster ride i swear. im feeling much better about Holland now. im all decked out in my orange and blue holland shirt for the big Euro football match tonight. quarter finals holland vs. russia. Hup Holland!!!! going to a pub with some canadian kids i met, should be rediculous. and awesome. being in holland for this match is just going ot be nuts.
yeah so i love Utrecht. i can def see myself here for 3 or 4 years. its so cozy and the canals are beautiful. and the houseboat coffeeshop (place to buy weed) was pretty chill too (i was just looking honestly. but if i was going to buy, it would be from there). And Hema! what a store. its like if Ikea and Target hooked up, got preggers, and had a baby. That baby would be Hema. Just love it. was able to buy some things ive either forgotten or ran out of on the cheap. the hostel here is a bit sketch, but at least most of the people ive met have been really nice. except for creepy spanish dude i my room that decided to sleep above me even though there were empty bunks. yeah....
Also excited to be making a random foray into Germany. Met some nice Aussie and Americans who are interning in Cologne (Koln) and invited me to stay with them. so i am.
yeah so i love Utrecht. i can def see myself here for 3 or 4 years. its so cozy and the canals are beautiful. and the houseboat coffeeshop (place to buy weed) was pretty chill too (i was just looking honestly. but if i was going to buy, it would be from there). And Hema! what a store. its like if Ikea and Target hooked up, got preggers, and had a baby. That baby would be Hema. Just love it. was able to buy some things ive either forgotten or ran out of on the cheap. the hostel here is a bit sketch, but at least most of the people ive met have been really nice. except for creepy spanish dude i my room that decided to sleep above me even though there were empty bunks. yeah....
Also excited to be making a random foray into Germany. Met some nice Aussie and Americans who are interning in Cologne (Koln) and invited me to stay with them. so i am.
Friday, June 20, 2008
holland update
in Utrecht right now. still not doingso well on these european keyboards.i cant get half the punctuation marks i want. im alive, so far. amsterdam is nuts just nuts. wish i could have been there with friends, it would have been a lot more fun. so when\if i move to holland, people need to come and visit and we will go up to amsterdam.
utrecht is a very lovely town. canals and water everywhere. its like northhampton, only older,and, prettier,and beter. def a college town.just very dutch and lovely. but the hostel im in is a bit sketch. the showers are kinda outside since the building is kinda falling apart.... good thing ive been camping. its like showering in an outhouse. but there are more females here now so i feel a bit better. whenifirst got here it was full of geeky, hippie, smelly, gamer dudes. looks like a place for transients. hoping my stuff is ok up in the creeky room.imsure im just beingparanoid. ah well at least allthe food is free. which i think is why people rate it so high on hostelworld. ah well.
holland is quite lovely though, its def possible i think to live here for 3 years.
also going back and forth with a bit of homesickness. it was really intense after the celtics won and i couldnt watch the game....feeling like im missing out on so much while im gone. feeling like this is the most important summer for me to be in boston and im not there. its my last summer, i should be HOME in BOSTON. wtf am i doing over here [questionmark] i should be looking for apartments in baltimore and enjoying the last bits of my favourite city. instead im spending gobs of money, eating poorly, and cursing trains and planes. i miss my friends, travelling is lonely. i really need to shut the fu$k up and enjoy my vacation, i know.
utrecht is a very lovely town. canals and water everywhere. its like northhampton, only older,and, prettier,and beter. def a college town.just very dutch and lovely. but the hostel im in is a bit sketch. the showers are kinda outside since the building is kinda falling apart.... good thing ive been camping. its like showering in an outhouse. but there are more females here now so i feel a bit better. whenifirst got here it was full of geeky, hippie, smelly, gamer dudes. looks like a place for transients. hoping my stuff is ok up in the creeky room.imsure im just beingparanoid. ah well at least allthe food is free. which i think is why people rate it so high on hostelworld. ah well.
holland is quite lovely though, its def possible i think to live here for 3 years.
also going back and forth with a bit of homesickness. it was really intense after the celtics won and i couldnt watch the game....feeling like im missing out on so much while im gone. feeling like this is the most important summer for me to be in boston and im not there. its my last summer, i should be HOME in BOSTON. wtf am i doing over here [questionmark] i should be looking for apartments in baltimore and enjoying the last bits of my favourite city. instead im spending gobs of money, eating poorly, and cursing trains and planes. i miss my friends, travelling is lonely. i really need to shut the fu$k up and enjoy my vacation, i know.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Barcelona update
well here i am! barcelona is absolutely magnificent. just beautiful.
first hostel, centric point, was great but they didnt have rooms over the weekend. met some awesome people, drank some san miguel at their bar, caught a cold from some sick people in my room.... typical hostel stuff.
im now at Barcelona Mar for the weekend and def not staying here ever again or for my last days. altho the hostel itself is nice and clean and free lockers good showers and such its a really dangerous area. prostitutes everywhere and a girl in my room was attacked and nearly mugged the other night. so i quickly made some friends and try to not travel alone. but they are leaving so i am going back to centric point after tonight.
tuesday i fly to amsterdam to stay at the flying pig hostel which i hear is the place to be. sweet.
hoping to get to the beach here before i leave but def not going alone. too much hassle.
hope everyone is well and maybe soon ill post some pictures!
first hostel, centric point, was great but they didnt have rooms over the weekend. met some awesome people, drank some san miguel at their bar, caught a cold from some sick people in my room.... typical hostel stuff.
im now at Barcelona Mar for the weekend and def not staying here ever again or for my last days. altho the hostel itself is nice and clean and free lockers good showers and such its a really dangerous area. prostitutes everywhere and a girl in my room was attacked and nearly mugged the other night. so i quickly made some friends and try to not travel alone. but they are leaving so i am going back to centric point after tonight.
tuesday i fly to amsterdam to stay at the flying pig hostel which i hear is the place to be. sweet.
hoping to get to the beach here before i leave but def not going alone. too much hassle.
hope everyone is well and maybe soon ill post some pictures!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
London update
On international flights: i had no idea they fed you! and gave free wine! and this nlittle packet of socks, toothbrush and paste, and eye patch. quite brilliant! they served dinner and breakfast. too bad i didnt know about the wine and took a sleeping pill but it turned out allright as i just passed right out and had a nice nap after the wine. really was quite pleased with British Air.
On hostels: quite dissapointed that the web site was not updated and there was in fact, no bar. but the people were splendid (except for the crazy welsh organic farmer old lady who used to live on the streets as a drugged whore who wanted to talk to ppl all night), shower was actually great, and so far so good. though ive heard quite the horror stories about paris....
on London: really love it. the beer is fabulous, food not bad so far. and the palace! magnificent. Big ben and Westminster! lovely! ok, time to e off now, sorry no pictures today. hoping to get to the Tate today. The National Gallery was wonderful (Divinci!).
cheers friends
On hostels: quite dissapointed that the web site was not updated and there was in fact, no bar. but the people were splendid (except for the crazy welsh organic farmer old lady who used to live on the streets as a drugged whore who wanted to talk to ppl all night), shower was actually great, and so far so good. though ive heard quite the horror stories about paris....
on London: really love it. the beer is fabulous, food not bad so far. and the palace! magnificent. Big ben and Westminster! lovely! ok, time to e off now, sorry no pictures today. hoping to get to the Tate today. The National Gallery was wonderful (Divinci!).
cheers friends
Monday, May 19, 2008
dash of this
dash of that. basically lets go over everything that's happened whilst i've been gone from blogging. i've been so busy!
ready to recap? set? go!
Made the decision to attend Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in the fall and get a 1 yr masters in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. Accepted Debby's offer to get my PhD in her lab at the University of Utrecht (Holland) after my masters.
Lots of Europe trip planning.
My super awesome birthday. Anne and Erik came up for that - we went to the Sam Adams brewery and started the day off right with free beer after the tour. Then we ate too much yummy food. Climbed a mountain (well ok, Summit Ave). Went candlepin bowling at the Milky Way Lounge with lots of wonderful people. Oh and, holy crap! - I'm now closer to 30 than 20. Feeling old.
Finished first sock and started second (of the pair).
Totally effed up my sisters mittens (They've been a 2 yr wip, ugh) and stopped knitting out of frustration.
Submitted an abstract for the New England TB Retreat and was asked to give a talk too. (stunned that they asked me, a lowly technician, to give a talk but honored. And scared. And where am I going to get the time to prep for a talk too!??). Hired and started training my replacement at work.
Went to the Webs tent sale with the lovely ladies Danielle, Alexis, and Catherine. Money was spent. Projects were planned. Northampton was beautiful and a great day was had by all. Revived my desire to knit crazy new things.
And now for the pictures!
Here's the first sock when it was almost done. I have a huge calf, I know. Its meaty. -Ew - what a word.
Here's some beautiful STR color Mossay that Ariel was kind enough to obtain for me while she was at Sock Camp.
And the stash it grows in the night!
Here is the yarn i ended up with from Webs. One of these days I Will buy yarn for a sweater. Maybe.
We have here a huge cone (for only $3!) of super soft cotton - probably for a blanket and pillow cover its so nice. And another cone - mercerized cotton. Probably going to see if this works for a shawl.
Then we have the Hempathy for The Bag (linking to Grumperina's Bag photoshop explanation).
Super excited that I was able to find the liner material for the Bag as well! I'm stoked to start this project but I think it's going to have to wait until after Europe.
Here is my fabric haul. Goodness me I got a little carried away. In my defense, this is my first major fabric purchase since I was, oh, 16. Most of them are fat quarters destined for knit bags or to line knitted items. Except for the black and white floral pattern at the bottom.
I fell in love with that fabric and immediately SAW the skirt in my head. so I bought it. Problem is, I dont have a sewing machine and dont really know how to sew. But it WILL happen. It must. Inspiration struck. Its going to be a rockabilly style skirt with a black sash around the waist (tying in a bow at the back) and white and black ruffled petticoats peeking out from the bottom. Anyone have a sewing pattern for this type of skirt? Or know where I could get one? Help please!
Well, now I must be off for bed. Tomorrow starts the longest 2 weeks of my life. Sigh. Way too much to do and not enough time to do it.
ready to recap? set? go!
Made the decision to attend Johns Hopkins School of Public Health in the fall and get a 1 yr masters in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology. Accepted Debby's offer to get my PhD in her lab at the University of Utrecht (Holland) after my masters.
Lots of Europe trip planning.
My super awesome birthday. Anne and Erik came up for that - we went to the Sam Adams brewery and started the day off right with free beer after the tour. Then we ate too much yummy food. Climbed a mountain (well ok, Summit Ave). Went candlepin bowling at the Milky Way Lounge with lots of wonderful people. Oh and, holy crap! - I'm now closer to 30 than 20. Feeling old.
Finished first sock and started second (of the pair).
Totally effed up my sisters mittens (They've been a 2 yr wip, ugh) and stopped knitting out of frustration.
Submitted an abstract for the New England TB Retreat and was asked to give a talk too. (stunned that they asked me, a lowly technician, to give a talk but honored. And scared. And where am I going to get the time to prep for a talk too!??). Hired and started training my replacement at work.
Went to the Webs tent sale with the lovely ladies Danielle, Alexis, and Catherine. Money was spent. Projects were planned. Northampton was beautiful and a great day was had by all. Revived my desire to knit crazy new things.
And now for the pictures!
Here's the first sock when it was almost done. I have a huge calf, I know. Its meaty. -Ew - what a word.
Here's some beautiful STR color Mossay that Ariel was kind enough to obtain for me while she was at Sock Camp.
And the stash it grows in the night!
Here is the yarn i ended up with from Webs. One of these days I Will buy yarn for a sweater. Maybe.
We have here a huge cone (for only $3!) of super soft cotton - probably for a blanket and pillow cover its so nice. And another cone - mercerized cotton. Probably going to see if this works for a shawl.
Then we have the Hempathy for The Bag (linking to Grumperina's Bag photoshop explanation).
Super excited that I was able to find the liner material for the Bag as well! I'm stoked to start this project but I think it's going to have to wait until after Europe.
Here is my fabric haul. Goodness me I got a little carried away. In my defense, this is my first major fabric purchase since I was, oh, 16. Most of them are fat quarters destined for knit bags or to line knitted items. Except for the black and white floral pattern at the bottom.
I fell in love with that fabric and immediately SAW the skirt in my head. so I bought it. Problem is, I dont have a sewing machine and dont really know how to sew. But it WILL happen. It must. Inspiration struck. Its going to be a rockabilly style skirt with a black sash around the waist (tying in a bow at the back) and white and black ruffled petticoats peeking out from the bottom. Anyone have a sewing pattern for this type of skirt? Or know where I could get one? Help please!
Well, now I must be off for bed. Tomorrow starts the longest 2 weeks of my life. Sigh. Way too much to do and not enough time to do it.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
WIP thursday
Well I was ultra busy yesterday so I missed out on WIP Weds but I figured I'd post today instead.
As some of you know, I have yet to complete knitting a pair of socks. This is somewhat of an annoyance to my knitting friends who would like ever so much to share in this (apparent) joy with me. I tried once to knit a sock and it didnt go very well (first time with lace, first time with small needles) so I lost interest. But I promised to at least give it a try. So here I am. I'm using Lyon Brand magic stripes yarn (using the stash!) and a pattern I got in my sock knitting kit for my birthday last year something like Beginners socks on a handout from Knitting Pure and Simple. I did a gauge swatch, but it didnt do much good. I have a tendency to cast on very tight, so I CO holding two needles together. I CO the number of stitches the pattern suggested for women's socks, but after about 2 inches into it I could tell they were socks for a bear. Frog frog frog (after looking at my gauge). Start over. Even though I CO the amount of sts my gauge suggested, here I am at about 4 inches in and they still looked like man socks. I decreased 6 sts. Still look like man socks. I am NOT frogging. If they end up man socks then I'll give them to a man.
Here IT is in all its glory.
I hate socks. And I've barely begun one. I dont see how this is supposed to be FUN. Cuz its not.
Oh and I was wait-listed at Drexel in case you are wondering. So cross your fingers I get accepted into the "back-up plan" masters program at Johns Hopkins. Otherwise I'm going to have no career options and no where to go and I'll be insanely depressed. Life sucks.
At least the weather is nice out now. And M passed his nursing boards (I knew he would!). Though it seems our lives are heading in opposite directions so were not sure what "we" are or what we want to be. But at least its fun whatever it is.
As some of you know, I have yet to complete knitting a pair of socks. This is somewhat of an annoyance to my knitting friends who would like ever so much to share in this (apparent) joy with me. I tried once to knit a sock and it didnt go very well (first time with lace, first time with small needles) so I lost interest. But I promised to at least give it a try. So here I am. I'm using Lyon Brand magic stripes yarn (using the stash!) and a pattern I got in my sock knitting kit for my birthday last year something like Beginners socks on a handout from Knitting Pure and Simple. I did a gauge swatch, but it didnt do much good. I have a tendency to cast on very tight, so I CO holding two needles together. I CO the number of stitches the pattern suggested for women's socks, but after about 2 inches into it I could tell they were socks for a bear. Frog frog frog (after looking at my gauge). Start over. Even though I CO the amount of sts my gauge suggested, here I am at about 4 inches in and they still looked like man socks. I decreased 6 sts. Still look like man socks. I am NOT frogging. If they end up man socks then I'll give them to a man.
Here IT is in all its glory.
I hate socks. And I've barely begun one. I dont see how this is supposed to be FUN. Cuz its not.
Oh and I was wait-listed at Drexel in case you are wondering. So cross your fingers I get accepted into the "back-up plan" masters program at Johns Hopkins. Otherwise I'm going to have no career options and no where to go and I'll be insanely depressed. Life sucks.
At least the weather is nice out now. And M passed his nursing boards (I knew he would!). Though it seems our lives are heading in opposite directions so were not sure what "we" are or what we want to be. But at least its fun whatever it is.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Savy Savy He's our man!
Finally! Bruins won a playoff game against Montreal tonight! Savard scored the game-winner in overtime, Lucic scored the other goal of the game. Wish I coulda' been there! Savard scoring the game-winner was nice b/c he's been out w/ a broken bone in his back, and injury he got after a Montreal player cross-checked him a couple weeks ago. I heart the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Go Bruins!
Go Bruins!
Monday, April 7, 2008
heart in throat
So for the past three weeks I've been eagerly anticipating the decision of Drexel Med. (Remember, I interviewed there in Jan) Two weeks ago, I called the admissions office with questions about the FAFSA, but before I could ask my question the guy on the phone was telling me that decisions were slowly being made, I should be patient, I'll hear from them in the next 2-3 weeks, and dont forget, I can check my status online too. They must get a lot of phone calls regarding admissions decisions this time of the year.
After the guy told me about the online status I've been religiously logging on every other day and checking. Every time it has said that a decision has not yet been made, but to check back. Until today. Today my status said that a decision has been reached and a letter was sent to the preferred address. Cue nervous stomach ache. For the past 10 weeks I've surprised myself with my lack of worry and stress over this matter. Probably b/c I knew there was nothing I could do to speed up the process and theres no point in worrying until I actually get the decision. But now, I know its in the mail and my stomach is in knots. Worse yet is I dont even know what I want the letter to say. I change my mind every day. I suppose having options would be nice. And knowing that I didnt spend gobs and gobs of money for nothing would be nice too. Sigh.....
So the med school moment of truth will soon arrive.....
Coincidentally (or not?) M took his nursing boards today and is convinced he failed. I hope he's wrong.
In other news I bought a ticket to go to Lollapalooza yesterday! Very excited about that! Radiohead, NIN, and a reunited Rage Against the Machine! Nothing better!
After the guy told me about the online status I've been religiously logging on every other day and checking. Every time it has said that a decision has not yet been made, but to check back. Until today. Today my status said that a decision has been reached and a letter was sent to the preferred address. Cue nervous stomach ache. For the past 10 weeks I've surprised myself with my lack of worry and stress over this matter. Probably b/c I knew there was nothing I could do to speed up the process and theres no point in worrying until I actually get the decision. But now, I know its in the mail and my stomach is in knots. Worse yet is I dont even know what I want the letter to say. I change my mind every day. I suppose having options would be nice. And knowing that I didnt spend gobs and gobs of money for nothing would be nice too. Sigh.....
So the med school moment of truth will soon arrive.....
Coincidentally (or not?) M took his nursing boards today and is convinced he failed. I hope he's wrong.
In other news I bought a ticket to go to Lollapalooza yesterday! Very excited about that! Radiohead, NIN, and a reunited Rage Against the Machine! Nothing better!
Monday, March 31, 2008
i want
On her LJ Ariel reported that she wanted a huge poster of her DNA (its probably a picture of DNA cut by restriction enzymes). And while I think its neat, its not something I would pay that amount of money for. Something more in my price range is the tee-shirt from Science showing the annotated gene sequence map of human chromosome 1. I want one! Do I Need it? No! But that doesnt stop me from wanting it..... I'll probably refrain, but it would be sweet to have it..... Sigh
I'm such a geek!
I'm such a geek!
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Travel Log
Over the summer this blog will temporarily move from craft/general posting to travel posting. Originally I had intended to go over to Europe for 8-10 weeks and do a Grand Tour of Western Europe, of sorts. Sadly, thanks to the falling economy (the money I have saved is worth less and the price of flights to Europe just tripled) I have to cut it short. I'm hoping for 6 weeks but I think in reality its going to be more like 4 weeks. Which is extremely sucky, but there's really nothing I can do about it. I need to be a responsible adult and not go into ridiculous credit card debt if I run out of money while I'm there. Sigh.
After making this decision, I consoled myself by buying my backpack for the trip. I had my REI Co-Op member 20% off discount for March, and obviously I wanted to use it on the pack. Alexis was kind enough to accompany me and watch my stuff. I had originally hoped to get the biggest pack that would still be reasonable for the trip but as it turned out I had less choice in the matter than most. My tiny 5 foot barely 3 inch frame doesnt allow for comfortable wearing of most packs. But luckily with the help of awesome backpack fitter guy at REI, I was able to find one that fit perfect and still had a decent capacity. I ended up with the Gregory Jade 50 womens size small pack and I Love it! The REI guy showed me how to put it on, what all the straps were for, how to pack it up, and even put in 15 lbs of weights so I could give it a test drive. I'm super excited about my pack now, did I mention that I love it? (:
In other news the Rook has finally stopped hurting like crazy but now it itches like hell. Its annoying, but perfectly normal.
Also, a spring update on the Resolutions: today the scale read the smallest number I've seen in over 2 years! So excited. I'm just 2 lbs away from my pre-diabetes weight (the Byetta is def helping). Too bad all of it has come off of my breasts, arms, and back and not my belly. So I still have a beer gut that I need to work on.
Hopefully I will be casting on a second go at a first sock soon. I've made major progress on the 2 year mittens for my sister, too bad my gauge has changed over the years and I had to rip the new one out. Grrrr.
After making this decision, I consoled myself by buying my backpack for the trip. I had my REI Co-Op member 20% off discount for March, and obviously I wanted to use it on the pack. Alexis was kind enough to accompany me and watch my stuff. I had originally hoped to get the biggest pack that would still be reasonable for the trip but as it turned out I had less choice in the matter than most. My tiny 5 foot barely 3 inch frame doesnt allow for comfortable wearing of most packs. But luckily with the help of awesome backpack fitter guy at REI, I was able to find one that fit perfect and still had a decent capacity. I ended up with the Gregory Jade 50 womens size small pack and I Love it! The REI guy showed me how to put it on, what all the straps were for, how to pack it up, and even put in 15 lbs of weights so I could give it a test drive. I'm super excited about my pack now, did I mention that I love it? (:
In other news the Rook has finally stopped hurting like crazy but now it itches like hell. Its annoying, but perfectly normal.
Also, a spring update on the Resolutions: today the scale read the smallest number I've seen in over 2 years! So excited. I'm just 2 lbs away from my pre-diabetes weight (the Byetta is def helping). Too bad all of it has come off of my breasts, arms, and back and not my belly. So I still have a beer gut that I need to work on.
Hopefully I will be casting on a second go at a first sock soon. I've made major progress on the 2 year mittens for my sister, too bad my gauge has changed over the years and I had to rip the new one out. Grrrr.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
to leave the country?
In case you have ever wondered why I want to leave this country so badly..... It's because we're surrounded by idiots, and they piss me off. And they are ruining this country! I don't know who this reporter is, but this is a pretty good piece.
Obama tests America's cult of ignorance
Also, that name personality testy thing I did the other day - I started putting all sorts of names into it, and everyone was a Type -A personality... hmmmm
Obama tests America's cult of ignorance
Also, that name personality testy thing I did the other day - I started putting all sorts of names into it, and everyone was a Type -A personality... hmmmm
FO: Brim hat redux
So last year I attempted to free form a seed stitch brim hat for myself. And true to my status quo of free forming hats, it didnt fit me. However, instead of being way too small, it was way too big. I ended up gifting it to my brother this past christmas (and of course, forgot to get pictures) so it wasnt a total waste, but still, i was sans hat. Then a pattern came out in Magknits that was nearly exactly what I wanted, and I knew I must try it.
Project name: Possibly Hip??
Pattern: Reasonably Hip by Elizabeth Cobbe, free on magknits.com
Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca, charcoal gray
Needles: US size 5 metal circs and same size bamboo dpns
Pattern adjustments: Lots.
The gauge in the pattern was 3.75 st/inch (15 sts = 4" in seed st) but I was using a different yarn and my gauge was 5 st / inch in seed st. So I cast on 81 sts instead of 63. This means I had to re-work the short rows for the hat and the brim.
My hat short rows were as follows:
Row 1: K 45, w&t . . . . . Row 2: K 46, w&t
Row 3: K 47, w&t . . . . . Row 4: K 49, w&t
Row 5: K 53, w&t . . . . . Row 6: K 55, w&t
Row 7: K 57, w&t . . . . . Row 8: K 59, w&t
Row 9: K 61, w&t . . . . . Row 10: K 65
Row 11: K 67, w&t . . . . . Row 12: seed st for 72 sts, w&t
Row 13: seed st for 77 sts, w&t
End of short rows.
Then I knit for 6 inches measured from the front of the hat where there were no short rows.
I followed the pattern for the decreases, just added an extra round before the pattern starts.
For the brim of the hat I cast on 40 sts instead of 34.
Short rows I changed as follows:
Top visor
Row 1: work 2x2 rib for 30 sts, w&t
Row 2: work 2x2 rib for 20 sts, w&t
Row 3: 24 sts . . . . . . Row 4: 28 sts
Row 5: 31 sts . . . . . . Row 6: 34 sts
Row 7: 35 sts . . . . . . Row 8: 36 sts
Row 9: 37 sts . . . . . . Row 10: 38 sts
Row 11: 39 sts . . . . . . Row 12: 40 sts
End short rows. Continue 2x2 rib over all sts for 4 more rounds.
Bottom visor:
Pick up and knit center 20 sts from front edge of visor.
Row 1 (ws): p20, cast on 10 sts
Row 2 (rs): k30, cast on 10 sts, should have 40 sts
Row 3: p30, w&t . . . . . Row 4: k24, w&t
Row 5: p28, w&t . . . . . Row 6: k31, w&t
Row 7: p34 . . . . . . . Row 8: k35
Row 9: p36 . . . . . . . Row 10: k37
Row 11: p38 . . . . . . . Row 12: k39
Row 13: p40
end of short rows. continue in stockinette over all sts for 4 more rows.
Notes: the pattern never explicitly states where to join the hat and begin to work in the round. i found out the hard way that you are supposed to join immediately and do the short rows in the round (otherwise it makes no sense).
Also, having 6 inches of hat measured from the front edge is a bit long for my taste and you'll notice in the pictures that i'm rolling the back brim of the hat. I'm ok with that, it gives it a unique look but in the future I wouldnt make brimmed hats so long b/c then you have to pull them down so far on your face you cant see a damn thing. Other than that, i'm pretty happy with the pattern and the result.
Project name: Possibly Hip??
Pattern: Reasonably Hip by Elizabeth Cobbe, free on magknits.com
Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca, charcoal gray
Needles: US size 5 metal circs and same size bamboo dpns
Pattern adjustments: Lots.
The gauge in the pattern was 3.75 st/inch (15 sts = 4" in seed st) but I was using a different yarn and my gauge was 5 st / inch in seed st. So I cast on 81 sts instead of 63. This means I had to re-work the short rows for the hat and the brim.
My hat short rows were as follows:
Row 1: K 45, w&t . . . . . Row 2: K 46, w&t
Row 3: K 47, w&t . . . . . Row 4: K 49, w&t
Row 5: K 53, w&t . . . . . Row 6: K 55, w&t
Row 7: K 57, w&t . . . . . Row 8: K 59, w&t
Row 9: K 61, w&t . . . . . Row 10: K 65
Row 11: K 67, w&t . . . . . Row 12: seed st for 72 sts, w&t
Row 13: seed st for 77 sts, w&t
End of short rows.
Then I knit for 6 inches measured from the front of the hat where there were no short rows.
I followed the pattern for the decreases, just added an extra round before the pattern starts.
For the brim of the hat I cast on 40 sts instead of 34.
Short rows I changed as follows:
Top visor
Row 1: work 2x2 rib for 30 sts, w&t
Row 2: work 2x2 rib for 20 sts, w&t
Row 3: 24 sts . . . . . . Row 4: 28 sts
Row 5: 31 sts . . . . . . Row 6: 34 sts
Row 7: 35 sts . . . . . . Row 8: 36 sts
Row 9: 37 sts . . . . . . Row 10: 38 sts
Row 11: 39 sts . . . . . . Row 12: 40 sts
End short rows. Continue 2x2 rib over all sts for 4 more rounds.
Bottom visor:
Pick up and knit center 20 sts from front edge of visor.
Row 1 (ws): p20, cast on 10 sts
Row 2 (rs): k30, cast on 10 sts, should have 40 sts
Row 3: p30, w&t . . . . . Row 4: k24, w&t
Row 5: p28, w&t . . . . . Row 6: k31, w&t
Row 7: p34 . . . . . . . Row 8: k35
Row 9: p36 . . . . . . . Row 10: k37
Row 11: p38 . . . . . . . Row 12: k39
Row 13: p40
end of short rows. continue in stockinette over all sts for 4 more rows.
Notes: the pattern never explicitly states where to join the hat and begin to work in the round. i found out the hard way that you are supposed to join immediately and do the short rows in the round (otherwise it makes no sense).
Also, having 6 inches of hat measured from the front edge is a bit long for my taste and you'll notice in the pictures that i'm rolling the back brim of the hat. I'm ok with that, it gives it a unique look but in the future I wouldnt make brimmed hats so long b/c then you have to pull them down so far on your face you cant see a damn thing. Other than that, i'm pretty happy with the pattern and the result.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
trouble
saw this on Amanda's blog, had to steal it.
Apparently I'm the good kind of trouble, hehe.
I have to say its pretty good.... What does everyone think?
Apparently I'm the good kind of trouble, hehe.
I have to say its pretty good.... What does everyone think?
What Cassandra Means |
 You are very open. You communicate well, and you connect with other people easily. You are a naturally creative person. Ideas just flow from your mind. A true chameleon, you are many things at different points in your life. You are very adaptable. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are balanced, orderly, and organized. You like your ducks in a row. You are powerful and competent, especially in the workplace. People can see you as stubborn and headstrong. You definitely have a dominant personality. You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something. You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense. You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun. |
Friday, March 21, 2008
scary
have you ever thought that you were being very careful about the information you put on the internets about yourself? that you were making sure there wasnt a complete story of you out there? and then you are bored and go googling shit and it turns out that you are an idiot and if someone tries hard enough they could probably steal your identity or find you to stalk you or some other crazy *ss sh*t? yeah well now i'm terrified. and i have to go around seeing if i can delete stuff. grrrrrrr
seriously i should just get a shirt w/ my name on it like they used to make us wear in elementary school for gym. better yet, i'll put my address and birthdate on it too. and wear it when i go to the bar.
i actually finished knitting my reasonable hip hat but just havent had a spare moment at work to post about it. and internet at home has been tricky tricky.
seriously i should just get a shirt w/ my name on it like they used to make us wear in elementary school for gym. better yet, i'll put my address and birthdate on it too. and wear it when i go to the bar.
i actually finished knitting my reasonable hip hat but just havent had a spare moment at work to post about it. and internet at home has been tricky tricky.
Monday, March 17, 2008
WIP monday
I've been feverishly working on my reasonably hip hat and I've finally finished the hat body. All i have left is the brim. I tried it on last night and took a picture.
It comes down a bit far for the brim but I think it will be ok anyhow. a little wiggle room. i guess we'll find out after i attach the brim - hopefully tonight!
also, my hair looks insanely red in this picture..... odd. I already like the way that the short rows make the hat curve down the ears though, so that's good.
In other news i'm so not excited about a drinking holiday landing on a work night. booo to that. i'll probably still go out for a Guinness or two, but it wont be nearly as fun a night as it could have been.
Completely forgot to tell the yarners about what happened knit related in Georgia. One of the scientists (JR) I was visiting has a 1.5 yr old daughter. When she was born I knit her a blanket. We stopped at JR's house before a lab dinner out and her daughter was still awake. She was talkative but tentative towards all the new people in the house. Then JR said to her daughter "You know your blanket? The red one you like so much? Well, Cassandra knit it for you." Blank stare from daughter. "Yes, Cassandra made the red blanket for you when you were born." Daughter: "Yay!!! Yay, yay, yay, yay" (she yelled it while jumping up and down). After that the daughter decided I was awesome and kept coming up to me and talking to me and giving me toys.
Honestly, it was one of the best responses I've gotten from knitting a gift because it was such a surprise. I really didnt expect her to react that way. But apparently she loves the blanket, so thats good.
It comes down a bit far for the brim but I think it will be ok anyhow. a little wiggle room. i guess we'll find out after i attach the brim - hopefully tonight!also, my hair looks insanely red in this picture..... odd. I already like the way that the short rows make the hat curve down the ears though, so that's good.
In other news i'm so not excited about a drinking holiday landing on a work night. booo to that. i'll probably still go out for a Guinness or two, but it wont be nearly as fun a night as it could have been.
Completely forgot to tell the yarners about what happened knit related in Georgia. One of the scientists (JR) I was visiting has a 1.5 yr old daughter. When she was born I knit her a blanket. We stopped at JR's house before a lab dinner out and her daughter was still awake. She was talkative but tentative towards all the new people in the house. Then JR said to her daughter "You know your blanket? The red one you like so much? Well, Cassandra knit it for you." Blank stare from daughter. "Yes, Cassandra made the red blanket for you when you were born." Daughter: "Yay!!! Yay, yay, yay, yay" (she yelled it while jumping up and down). After that the daughter decided I was awesome and kept coming up to me and talking to me and giving me toys.
Honestly, it was one of the best responses I've gotten from knitting a gift because it was such a surprise. I really didnt expect her to react that way. But apparently she loves the blanket, so thats good.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Funky Georgia Demise
Well since this post is about 3 things I decided to combine them all into one title.
Funky sneakers.
Georgia business trip.
Untimely Demise of a wonderful crochet hook.
You may recall my yearning for some new funky sneakers a couple weeks ago. Well, I took the plunge and ordered some off the internets after not being able to find anything good in local stores. They arrived right before I headed down to GA and I'm just in love. They are the awesomest. And I'm so glad they fit since they were limited addition and I had to order them in men's sizing and hope they fit.
Since my sneaks are so ridiculously good looking, I thought they merited two pictures.
Next on the agenda is the trip to Athens and then Atlanta GA. Nothing too fun and exciting in either place but I did get to stay in a hotel for one night and it was a tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright so the architecture and design of the place were pretty amazing (Emory Conference Center). Everything about it, down to the light fixtures and pillows were designed with Wright in mind and I think that it was a fitting tribute. I had a balcony overlooking a beautiful courtyard where I had planned to sit and eat my breakfast (room service! for the first time!) but sadly it was cold and rainy when I woke up. Sigh. Only 1 day of warm sunny weather made for a bummer of a trip. It even snowed the last day I was there! Which of course freaked the sh*t out of the Atlanta airport and caused massive delays.
Swanky bathroom and view from balcony. And only one night to enjoy it.
After having been gone for what seemed like forever my lovely fellow Yarners and I were finally able to get most of the group together for some knitting at Panera this week, where I worked on my almost completed Reasonably Hip hat. It was during our little SnB session that I discovered the horrible and untimely demise of a wonderful little crochet hook that had lived in my wip bag for quite some time. The sizeless, brandless, and possibly ageless hook was my great grandmothers and I inherited it with the rest of her collection of semi-antique hooks of various sizes and materials. (she started to crochet around 1910 and stopped in the 1980's and her hooks aren't exactly dated so I'm not sure how old they are). The little red plastic wonder was, before its death, the perfect size to quick fix any knitting mistakes. I adored it. But I suppose a possibly 90 year old plastic hook just cannot last forever stuffed in my wip bag and carted all around the country. Sigh.
In other news I went to go see Persepolis with M (new guy alert!) right before I left for Georgia - it was really good despite its abrupt ending. I highly recommend it. After I returned we watched Shaun of the Dead, which was really quite hilarious for a British zombie movie. Also managed to chat on the phone for 4 hours!?! and barely notice that it was that long. Feels like high school or early college all over again, but in a silly, laughy, fun way. (:{
Funky sneakers.
Georgia business trip.
Untimely Demise of a wonderful crochet hook.
You may recall my yearning for some new funky sneakers a couple weeks ago. Well, I took the plunge and ordered some off the internets after not being able to find anything good in local stores. They arrived right before I headed down to GA and I'm just in love. They are the awesomest. And I'm so glad they fit since they were limited addition and I had to order them in men's sizing and hope they fit.
Since my sneaks are so ridiculously good looking, I thought they merited two pictures.
Next on the agenda is the trip to Athens and then Atlanta GA. Nothing too fun and exciting in either place but I did get to stay in a hotel for one night and it was a tribute to Frank Lloyd Wright so the architecture and design of the place were pretty amazing (Emory Conference Center). Everything about it, down to the light fixtures and pillows were designed with Wright in mind and I think that it was a fitting tribute. I had a balcony overlooking a beautiful courtyard where I had planned to sit and eat my breakfast (room service! for the first time!) but sadly it was cold and rainy when I woke up. Sigh. Only 1 day of warm sunny weather made for a bummer of a trip. It even snowed the last day I was there! Which of course freaked the sh*t out of the Atlanta airport and caused massive delays.
Swanky bathroom and view from balcony. And only one night to enjoy it.
After having been gone for what seemed like forever my lovely fellow Yarners and I were finally able to get most of the group together for some knitting at Panera this week, where I worked on my almost completed Reasonably Hip hat. It was during our little SnB session that I discovered the horrible and untimely demise of a wonderful little crochet hook that had lived in my wip bag for quite some time. The sizeless, brandless, and possibly ageless hook was my great grandmothers and I inherited it with the rest of her collection of semi-antique hooks of various sizes and materials. (she started to crochet around 1910 and stopped in the 1980's and her hooks aren't exactly dated so I'm not sure how old they are). The little red plastic wonder was, before its death, the perfect size to quick fix any knitting mistakes. I adored it. But I suppose a possibly 90 year old plastic hook just cannot last forever stuffed in my wip bag and carted all around the country. Sigh.
In other news I went to go see Persepolis with M (new guy alert!) right before I left for Georgia - it was really good despite its abrupt ending. I highly recommend it. After I returned we watched Shaun of the Dead, which was really quite hilarious for a British zombie movie. Also managed to chat on the phone for 4 hours!?! and barely notice that it was that long. Feels like high school or early college all over again, but in a silly, laughy, fun way. (:{
Thursday, February 28, 2008
the needle tears a hole
I hurt myself today
to see if i still feel
i focused on the pain
the only thing that's real
the needle tears a hole
the old familiar sting
try to kill it all away
but i remember everything
to see if i still feel
i focused on the pain
the only thing that's real
the needle tears a hole
the old familiar sting
try to kill it all away
but i remember everything
Pain and I have a funny relationship. I've had migraines for nearly all my life (diagnosed at age 9) and so pain, excruciating want to die pain, has been more a part of my life than the average person. For some strange reason I think this has actually caused me to like some kinds of pain. It kinda feels rewarding to endure self inflicted pain , I almost want to shout "I win!" I'm not saying I go around cutting myself or punching myself (that would be altogether weirder than I can handle) but I have a long history of piercing and tattooing my body. I've been quite introspective about my migraines and pain lately, mostly because there is a new blog on the New York Times discussing migraine and issues around it. I think its great that this neurological disease is finally being accepted as a major issue by doctors and the general public, even if I don't always agree with what the bloggers are saying. For instance, several contributors to the NYT blog make it seem as though they are grateful for their migraines, and espouse all the wonderful things resulting from them (ie: the feeling of euphoria, clearheadedness, refreshment, and creativity that often comes after a migraine has successfully ended). I'm sorry, but I'd give that up in an instant if I could just never have a migraine again.
So that's my long winded explanation of my weird relationship with pain. Now why am I discussing this today? Why do I have Trent's wonderful voice singing Hurt stuck in my head?
Because last night I got my rook pierced. I haven't had anything pierced in 8 years and ever since I saw a girl with her rook and conch pierced I've been itching to pierce something. So I did my research and decided to go to Stingray Body Art over in Allston, hoping that I could get Abbey Z since there were so many raving reviews of her online. Just my luck she was there last night. I went by myself since for some reason it HAD to be last night and no one was available to accompany me. Well, its a good thing Abbey was so awesome b/c I did end up getting dizzy when she was putting the ring in. The actual piercing didnt hurt that bad and was quick, its always after that I get the spins. So she sat and chatted with me until I felt better. Also, major props to the studio - they were super clean, everything was autoclaved, and they understand sterility. As in, you change your gloves if you touch something unsterile. So I would def recommend going there for any piercing you are thinking of getting.
Now this would be an awfully boring post if I didnt actually include pictures, right? (:
Here we go, side by side before and after pics of my left ear.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Lovely Day and old ceramic FO's
hey! its been a lovely day! everything is going my way
i had so much fun today and i'm on fire
i had so much fun today and i'm on fire
I've had the Dresden Dolls song Good Day in my head ever since I left the doctor's office this morning. And that's kinda odd for me, having a good day so early and after a visit to the doctor at that! So I just had to share. But I didnt want to keep posting about life only so I finally got around to photoshopping collages of some of the ceramic Raku FO from the first time I tried Raku.
So why is it such a good day? Well, I wore my brand spankin new coat, North Face Apex Bionic, and it rocks. Then, I found out I've lost 8 lbs since starting Byetta in November and my A1c is as low as its ever been so I'm super stoked. I dont think I've ever heard any of my diabetes dr's say "Wow, way to go, good job!" Resolution 2 is all set (just have to keep it up) and Resolution 1 is well on the way. (even despite my friday night drinking habit, or maybe b/c of it?) And its not even March! Have I mentioned I'm on fire?
Speaking of fire, lets talk about Raku. Raku is sooo much fun. You glaze the pots with special, partly dangerous glazes (heavy metals anyone??). Then you pop them into a kiln, and heat it super hot. I'm pretty sure we were doing ours to Cone 06 which is roughly 1800 F. Then you open the kiln while its still hot, take your pieces out using special tongs - and wearing lots of protective gear - so you dont burn yourself or set on fire. Then you put your piece into a metal bin full of combustibles (wood chips, newspaper) and after they set on fire you put a lid on it. oooh Fire! Then you wait for it all to cool off and then clean all the soot off your stuff.
The pieces below are ok. Not super exciting or good, but they gave me an idea of what its all about.
Here we have a small vase with a green crackly glaze on the outside and a white crackly glaze on the inside. I'm not a fan of the green dripping into the white on the inside, but other than that its pretty neat.
Here we have an example where too many different glazes killed the piece. But the flash of color like an oil spot gave me hope of using the one glaze again and trying for that specific effect.
I think the glaze came out nice on this one despite it being a dumpy looking object. I like the range of green I can get with varying thickness of glaze.
This one is by far my favourite. The color is better than the pictures depict. Its mustard yellow with black cracks. It reminds me of a lion. And I had some fun constructing this sort of wacky combo of a thrown/hand built object so I'm glad the glaze suits it.
Evening edit: day got even better. Moved up to 10 lb free weights today and they didnt strain the neck. Bergeron is back on skates! AND the Bruins shut out the evil Senators tonight 4-0. Oh what a night!
Friday, February 22, 2008
Today is brought to you by the letter: E
Eclipses and Envirosax!
And Photoshop of course.
Well on weds night as I'm sure most of you know there was a lunar eclipse. I missed the last one so I was glad that my Yarners reminded me of this one. Luckily I could see it off the back of my porch. Before I went to see it I decided to try and find the night function I knew was on my camera but just couldn't seem to find myself by trial and error. So I finally gave up and read the manual. And of course I (re)discovered all the other awesome functions for snow, fireworks, beaches, etc that I could have been playing around with all this time. Oh well, better lat than never huh?
Anyway the eclipse was major awesome!
Here are some pictures of the progression of the eclipse. Using the flash on my camera caused the one on the top right to be yellow-ish and without the flash I got the blue-ish glow. Neat huh? The only photoshopping done to these pics is that I cropped them and put 4 together. No sharpening or color enhancement. Pretty good for a basic point and shoot digital camera, I think.
Last night while picking up a copy of the H.R. Giger book on sale at the Booksmith for Ariel (I already had one for myself! Ahh - spending monies!) I broke down and bought an Envirosax. I had seen them several times and finally the guilt of always getting plastic bags at the Booksmith when others were using these little fellas got to me. Oh the guilt. Damn you Brookline and all your conscientiousness! I already have a couple canvas bags that I use to go grocery shopping, but they are pretty bulky and dont fold up small enough to carry around every day. And I often stop at either Trader Joes or CVS or the Booksmith after work and I hate always using more plastic bags. So I guess its a good investment. And trendy. (Ahh - more spending monies!)
You can see that it rolls down into almost nothing and it is super light so it adds almost nothing to the weight of a purse or bag. So now it lives in my bag that I carry to work.
And now I can shop with a little less guilt! Always a bonus!
Although, all this spending monies still hasnt quelled my desires for a new coat and for new funky sneakers. Sigh.
And Photoshop of course.
Well on weds night as I'm sure most of you know there was a lunar eclipse. I missed the last one so I was glad that my Yarners reminded me of this one. Luckily I could see it off the back of my porch. Before I went to see it I decided to try and find the night function I knew was on my camera but just couldn't seem to find myself by trial and error. So I finally gave up and read the manual. And of course I (re)discovered all the other awesome functions for snow, fireworks, beaches, etc that I could have been playing around with all this time. Oh well, better lat than never huh?
Anyway the eclipse was major awesome!
Here are some pictures of the progression of the eclipse. Using the flash on my camera caused the one on the top right to be yellow-ish and without the flash I got the blue-ish glow. Neat huh? The only photoshopping done to these pics is that I cropped them and put 4 together. No sharpening or color enhancement. Pretty good for a basic point and shoot digital camera, I think.Last night while picking up a copy of the H.R. Giger book on sale at the Booksmith for Ariel (I already had one for myself! Ahh - spending monies!) I broke down and bought an Envirosax. I had seen them several times and finally the guilt of always getting plastic bags at the Booksmith when others were using these little fellas got to me. Oh the guilt. Damn you Brookline and all your conscientiousness! I already have a couple canvas bags that I use to go grocery shopping, but they are pretty bulky and dont fold up small enough to carry around every day. And I often stop at either Trader Joes or CVS or the Booksmith after work and I hate always using more plastic bags. So I guess its a good investment. And trendy. (Ahh - more spending monies!)
You can see that it rolls down into almost nothing and it is super light so it adds almost nothing to the weight of a purse or bag. So now it lives in my bag that I carry to work.
And now I can shop with a little less guilt! Always a bonus!
Although, all this spending monies still hasnt quelled my desires for a new coat and for new funky sneakers. Sigh.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
WIP RSI??
So I have been working quite feverishly on my giftie scarf since Andreas's birthday was last friday, and I think I may have a Repetitive Stress Injury to show for my efforts (besides an almost done scarf). My left hand pointer finger knuckle hurts like mad and since there is no visible bruise, and its been hurting since friday when the hardcore knitting began, I think its knitting related pains and not accidental whacking into something pains. So I think to solve this problem I need to knit faster so I can be done with it and move on to a new project (:{
Like a hat for my poor cold head.
Here is the progress as of Saturday. Its actually a lot longer but I couldnt get a good picture of it.
Speaking of cold body parts and hats, well, ok, speaking of outer clothing, I've decided I need a new coat. My current coats are 5 and 2 years old. And neither are quite appropriate for this new, warmer, winter due to the Global Weirding. The pea coat is more of a "nice" coat and as such I dont want to be wearing it every day. The Columbia coat is for super duper cold weather (the kind we used to have here all winter long) and I've been sweltering and sweating profusely in it. Which, oddly, doesn't stop my forehead and ears from freezing off. I have also come to loathe the Columbia jacket due to purchasing idiocy on my part. I really dont know what kind of drugs I was on when I decided to buy a lavender colored coat in size large. I dont like lavender. I want black. I stick out like a weirdo on city streets in a giant lavender coat. When its too warm to be wearing a giant coat. whine whine and yes i'd like some cheese with it. I also thought I'd need extra room for all those bulky sweaters I'd be wearing except for the fact that it no longer is arctic winter here (well, ok, we still get air streams from the arctic, but they are warmer now) and the coat itself is so damn warm that I cant wear sweaters with it. So its huge for no reason.
So goodbye resolution #5, hello new coat when my tax rebate arrives.
Also, tomorrow I will be saying goodbye to Flat Stanley who was sent to me by Jonathon (sisters-fiances-son) for his kindergarten project. Flat Stan had a good time here in Boston and in Philly and now its time to go back to the Illinois and tell his story to Jonathon's class.
Here is "Pocket Stan" hanging out in his fav spot in my coat.
One of the neater picts taken of Stan at Trinity Church on a fun day out with Anne.
Stan at a marker for Elfreth's Alley, the oldest residential street in the USA in Philly.
Bye Stan! Hope you had fun!
Like a hat for my poor cold head.
Here is the progress as of Saturday. Its actually a lot longer but I couldnt get a good picture of it.
Speaking of cold body parts and hats, well, ok, speaking of outer clothing, I've decided I need a new coat. My current coats are 5 and 2 years old. And neither are quite appropriate for this new, warmer, winter due to the Global Weirding. The pea coat is more of a "nice" coat and as such I dont want to be wearing it every day. The Columbia coat is for super duper cold weather (the kind we used to have here all winter long) and I've been sweltering and sweating profusely in it. Which, oddly, doesn't stop my forehead and ears from freezing off. I have also come to loathe the Columbia jacket due to purchasing idiocy on my part. I really dont know what kind of drugs I was on when I decided to buy a lavender colored coat in size large. I dont like lavender. I want black. I stick out like a weirdo on city streets in a giant lavender coat. When its too warm to be wearing a giant coat. whine whine and yes i'd like some cheese with it. I also thought I'd need extra room for all those bulky sweaters I'd be wearing except for the fact that it no longer is arctic winter here (well, ok, we still get air streams from the arctic, but they are warmer now) and the coat itself is so damn warm that I cant wear sweaters with it. So its huge for no reason.
So goodbye resolution #5, hello new coat when my tax rebate arrives.
Also, tomorrow I will be saying goodbye to Flat Stanley who was sent to me by Jonathon (sisters-fiances-son) for his kindergarten project. Flat Stan had a good time here in Boston and in Philly and now its time to go back to the Illinois and tell his story to Jonathon's class.
Here is "Pocket Stan" hanging out in his fav spot in my coat.
One of the neater picts taken of Stan at Trinity Church on a fun day out with Anne.Stan at a marker for Elfreth's Alley, the oldest residential street in the USA in Philly.
Bye Stan! Hope you had fun!
Friday, February 15, 2008
the day after
Well, yesterday was my first true test of Resolution #7 and I have to say, I passed with flying colors. Not only did I refrain from opening a bottle of wine (which Always leads to finishing the bottle of wine) but I also refrained from drinking all my beer. In fact, I didn't drink at all.
I did, however, totally wipe out on a patch of ice on my way to the gym, and feel a little pathetic for staying so long at the gym w/ all the muscle dudes (most people were running in and running back out again), so the day wasn't totally awesome. But at least I'm not so pathetic to answer the requisite e-mail from an ex-boyfriend on Valentines. Seriously, if any guys read this, stop e-mailing old flames on Valentines day, esp if you've already emailed them in the past and they no longer answer!! Gah! This time it sounded like he's on some sort of 12-step program and needs to apologize to everyone he may have hurt. It was weird.
Anyhow, in the past couple days I've made major progress on my exchequered giftie so hopefully it will be done soon!
I did, however, totally wipe out on a patch of ice on my way to the gym, and feel a little pathetic for staying so long at the gym w/ all the muscle dudes (most people were running in and running back out again), so the day wasn't totally awesome. But at least I'm not so pathetic to answer the requisite e-mail from an ex-boyfriend on Valentines. Seriously, if any guys read this, stop e-mailing old flames on Valentines day, esp if you've already emailed them in the past and they no longer answer!! Gah! This time it sounded like he's on some sort of 12-step program and needs to apologize to everyone he may have hurt. It was weird.
Anyhow, in the past couple days I've made major progress on my exchequered giftie so hopefully it will be done soon!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Sneak Peeks
Without internet at home its been hard to find time at work to sneak a post. I am *eventually going to post a long sad story regarding the Endpaper mitts and all their woe, but just like I was procrastinating fixing them and finishing them, I am procrastinating writing that post. But, they ARE FINISHED. Which is a huge accomplishment in and of itself.
As proof, see sneak peek picture below.
Pretty colors distract from the real danger these mitts pose.
One good thing (among many) to come out of the completion of the Endpaper's is that I've finally gotten my knitting mojo back! For the first time in a long time I actually Want to knit.
And what is it that I'm staying up late to work on lately? Why a scarf giftie. Its a double - knit scarf and I've heavily modified the pattern, but so far its coming along splendidly. Hopefully it will be completede soon and I'll have more FO goodness. After this I'm going to work on some mittens for my sister that I started ~2 years ago and a hat for myself. B/c my poor head is cold.
Checked goodness!
* A mid Feb update on other life type things:
Had an interview at Drexel Med, I think it went really well. I'll hopefully hear from them in 6 weeks or so.
The weight loss was going well (I had lost 3 lbs since Dec) until this past week where I did a complete 180 and gained it all back. Which nearly sent me to tears in the gym on the scale. After seeing the numbers slowly go down since November it has been heart wrenching to see them inching back up for the past 2 weeks. I really hope I can get back on track and reverse this recent trend. (And no, its not muscle gained. I'm back to not being able to fit in my clothes. And besides I'm not doing any weight lifting right now).
I made an appointment with a physical therapist for my neck and shoulder, hopefully my insurance will decide to cover therapy so I can get back to weightlifting and have less migraine from neck strain.
My Uncle made it through brain cancer surgery and is amazingly not paralyzed. Chemo / radiation will start soon.
Still dont know if it was sepsis or endotoxemia that killed my mice.
Spent some quality time with Amanda who was visiting Boston this weekend and bought some nifty fabric that I hope to one day make into WIP bags.
OK, back to work!
As proof, see sneak peek picture below.
Pretty colors distract from the real danger these mitts pose.
One good thing (among many) to come out of the completion of the Endpaper's is that I've finally gotten my knitting mojo back! For the first time in a long time I actually Want to knit.
And what is it that I'm staying up late to work on lately? Why a scarf giftie. Its a double - knit scarf and I've heavily modified the pattern, but so far its coming along splendidly. Hopefully it will be completede soon and I'll have more FO goodness. After this I'm going to work on some mittens for my sister that I started ~2 years ago and a hat for myself. B/c my poor head is cold.
Checked goodness!
* A mid Feb update on other life type things:
Had an interview at Drexel Med, I think it went really well. I'll hopefully hear from them in 6 weeks or so.
The weight loss was going well (I had lost 3 lbs since Dec) until this past week where I did a complete 180 and gained it all back. Which nearly sent me to tears in the gym on the scale. After seeing the numbers slowly go down since November it has been heart wrenching to see them inching back up for the past 2 weeks. I really hope I can get back on track and reverse this recent trend. (And no, its not muscle gained. I'm back to not being able to fit in my clothes. And besides I'm not doing any weight lifting right now).
I made an appointment with a physical therapist for my neck and shoulder, hopefully my insurance will decide to cover therapy so I can get back to weightlifting and have less migraine from neck strain.
My Uncle made it through brain cancer surgery and is amazingly not paralyzed. Chemo / radiation will start soon.
Still dont know if it was sepsis or endotoxemia that killed my mice.
Spent some quality time with Amanda who was visiting Boston this weekend and bought some nifty fabric that I hope to one day make into WIP bags.
OK, back to work!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
hey, can we stop?
I've had a very trying week. i know life is hard and such but really. come on. a girl can only handle so much. no internet at home (i know horrible!). the mice i immunized with vaccines i've used before went into shock and sepsis and are dying. its so horrible ive never seen anything like it and we tried frantically to save them (couldnt) and tried frantically to collect as much data as possible as to why it was happening. today i thought finally the week is over i can take a one day break and breathe b/c Anne is visiting tomorrow and i dont even have to think about the horror awaiting me at work. but then i got a call from my mom. my favorite uncle has brain cancer. doctors gave him 3 weeks if they dont operate. they are operating monday. they're not sure he'll make. its a fast growing primary cancer that's eating his brain at an alarming rate. i mean seriously. its not bad enough i have to watch my poor mice suffer and die and am helpless to stop it? emotionally, i think i might explode.
and no, i havent been knitting. my poor little brain cannot process.
and no, i havent been knitting. my poor little brain cannot process.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
odd thoughts, weird musings
Not sure if my thoughts are currently odd, but considering my recent bout of insomnia, everything seems to me odd at the moment.
A couple nights ago I tried again to get into Armand Marie Leroi's book about human Mutants and genetic variety and sadly it failed to put me to sleep or to stir up my booklust (booklust = the NEED to read a certain book until its finished due to its fabulousness). I dunno, maybe I'm just not excited by genetics right now. I've been trying to find a book I could lust over without actually buying a new book since A. I own plenty of un-read books, B. I'm broke, and C. I miss reading, but nothing has struck my fancy. Until friday that is. On fri I saw my PI and he gave us our christmas presents (I left town to early to get it before), and since its always a book, I knew it would be a book. In the elevator down from his office I tore into the wrapping and squealed with glee to my coworkers that I had wanted this book- I just kept forgetting to buy it. And now I have a serious case of booklust. I dont think I've been so excited about a book since the last great book of 2007 (A Feast for Crows), which I read forever ago. And what is this book?? Microbe Hunters by Paul De Kruif (orig pub 1926 and w/ a new intro by F. Gonzalez-Crussi). Its pretty much a classic in microbiology and its interesting enough that I think pretty much anyone would like it. There's a lot of really neat info in it about all of the original discoverers (some who are more obscure than they deserve to be) of all things too small to see w/ the naked eye. I especially love that De Kruif and all of the first hunters call the things "wee beasties" and "animalcules." Tee hee
I try to not follow presidential races too far in advance because I personally think our politicians should be doing their tax-paid jobs instead of campaigning constantly for 2 years but since the MA primary is coming up in Feb I have of late been trying to decide who to vote for. (Disclaimer - if you are a relative or close friend do not continue reading. I'm following my fathers' philosophy that politics and family do not mix and can cause ridiculous pointless arguments) Lately I've been back and forth between John Edwards and Barack Obama. Now, its not that I think we shouldn't or couldn't have a women in office, and its not that I dont like Hilary, I'm fine with her, I just dont think that she has the power to win. And really folks, this time we Liberals need a winner. Its pretty clear that our country has gone to shit under the idiots currently running the show and if we want to avoid irreparable damage we need a winner this time around.
So just for fun I did the candidate calculator I found on Amanda's blog and to my surprise the candidate I most identify w/ on issues is Dennis Kucinich. Then comes Christopher Dodd, Mike Gravel, Clinton, Joseph Biden, Obama, and finally Edwards to round out the Dems. Obviously I really didnt match w/ any of the reds. Now, does this mean I'm likely to change my vote - not really because I personally think that only Obama, Edwards, and Clinton have enough "star power" to make it out of the primaries.
I think that an Obama/Edwards ticket would be very powerful and hey wouldn't it be neat if we had a black president from Illinois, the same state that produced President Lincoln who abolished slavery?
Ok, so political diatribe is over. whew, what a long winded post about nothing this is.
A couple nights ago I tried again to get into Armand Marie Leroi's book about human Mutants and genetic variety and sadly it failed to put me to sleep or to stir up my booklust (booklust = the NEED to read a certain book until its finished due to its fabulousness). I dunno, maybe I'm just not excited by genetics right now. I've been trying to find a book I could lust over without actually buying a new book since A. I own plenty of un-read books, B. I'm broke, and C. I miss reading, but nothing has struck my fancy. Until friday that is. On fri I saw my PI and he gave us our christmas presents (I left town to early to get it before), and since its always a book, I knew it would be a book. In the elevator down from his office I tore into the wrapping and squealed with glee to my coworkers that I had wanted this book- I just kept forgetting to buy it. And now I have a serious case of booklust. I dont think I've been so excited about a book since the last great book of 2007 (A Feast for Crows), which I read forever ago. And what is this book?? Microbe Hunters by Paul De Kruif (orig pub 1926 and w/ a new intro by F. Gonzalez-Crussi). Its pretty much a classic in microbiology and its interesting enough that I think pretty much anyone would like it. There's a lot of really neat info in it about all of the original discoverers (some who are more obscure than they deserve to be) of all things too small to see w/ the naked eye. I especially love that De Kruif and all of the first hunters call the things "wee beasties" and "animalcules." Tee hee
I try to not follow presidential races too far in advance because I personally think our politicians should be doing their tax-paid jobs instead of campaigning constantly for 2 years but since the MA primary is coming up in Feb I have of late been trying to decide who to vote for. (Disclaimer - if you are a relative or close friend do not continue reading. I'm following my fathers' philosophy that politics and family do not mix and can cause ridiculous pointless arguments) Lately I've been back and forth between John Edwards and Barack Obama. Now, its not that I think we shouldn't or couldn't have a women in office, and its not that I dont like Hilary, I'm fine with her, I just dont think that she has the power to win. And really folks, this time we Liberals need a winner. Its pretty clear that our country has gone to shit under the idiots currently running the show and if we want to avoid irreparable damage we need a winner this time around.
So just for fun I did the candidate calculator I found on Amanda's blog and to my surprise the candidate I most identify w/ on issues is Dennis Kucinich. Then comes Christopher Dodd, Mike Gravel, Clinton, Joseph Biden, Obama, and finally Edwards to round out the Dems. Obviously I really didnt match w/ any of the reds. Now, does this mean I'm likely to change my vote - not really because I personally think that only Obama, Edwards, and Clinton have enough "star power" to make it out of the primaries.
I think that an Obama/Edwards ticket would be very powerful and hey wouldn't it be neat if we had a black president from Illinois, the same state that produced President Lincoln who abolished slavery?
Ok, so political diatribe is over. whew, what a long winded post about nothing this is.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
FO: white snowflake star ornaments
Last year I made ornaments for just about all of my family members (grandparents, aunts/uncles/cousins, etc) using heavy card stock and embossing (one day i'll post some pictures - it was pre-dig camera so I dont have a picture of all of them sadly), it was painstaking work and for some reason I decided to make ornaments again. And I started like 2 weeks before Christmas, stupid me! Sigh. I dont know why I'm such a masochist.
Project Name: white snowflake-star ornaments
Pattern: Snowflake Star by Judy Gibson, free Here
Yarn: J&P Coates Knit-Cro-Sheen Size 10 crochet cotton, white
Needles: US size 2 metal dpns
Pattern adjustments: None. Made 5 pointed stars with 5 repeats.
Notes: Although I am still not a huge fan of the Emily Ocker cast on, I continue to use it. I found this site with pictures to be very helpful in learning the cast on. I also think that it might not be such a bad technique if we didnt have to cast on 12 stitches! I might try 6 and just do one more round of yarn-overs next time just to see what it looks like. Also, the closer I got to Christmas the less time and less yarn I had so I started to make 4 and 3 repeat stars. Which came out quite nicely as well I just dont have pictures of them for comparison. (I do have pictures of the smaller stars in the silver yarn but that's a separate post). I also used Niagara starch I picked up at CVS for less than $2. I pinned the stars out, sprayed on the starch, made sure all parts of the stars were wet, and re-pinned the wet stars with a little more stretch. After about an hour I ironed the back of them to quicken the process so I could get some off the board to pin out more. I found that for the all cotton stars this worked quite well and they kept their shape and once dry in the morning had just the right amount of stiffness. (different story for the ones with silver ribbon running through them)
They also took a long time b/c I had to consciously think about not knitting too tight or binding off too tight or the star looked scrunched and didnt block nicely. So I am considering using larger needles in the future to help this out. It also might make it look "lacier."
Anyway here are some pictures for your enjoyment!
The blue snowflake in the left corner is a crochet one gifted to me (:{
Not so extreme close-up!
Project Name: white snowflake-star ornaments
Pattern: Snowflake Star by Judy Gibson, free Here
Yarn: J&P Coates Knit-Cro-Sheen Size 10 crochet cotton, white
Needles: US size 2 metal dpns
Pattern adjustments: None. Made 5 pointed stars with 5 repeats.
Notes: Although I am still not a huge fan of the Emily Ocker cast on, I continue to use it. I found this site with pictures to be very helpful in learning the cast on. I also think that it might not be such a bad technique if we didnt have to cast on 12 stitches! I might try 6 and just do one more round of yarn-overs next time just to see what it looks like. Also, the closer I got to Christmas the less time and less yarn I had so I started to make 4 and 3 repeat stars. Which came out quite nicely as well I just dont have pictures of them for comparison. (I do have pictures of the smaller stars in the silver yarn but that's a separate post). I also used Niagara starch I picked up at CVS for less than $2. I pinned the stars out, sprayed on the starch, made sure all parts of the stars were wet, and re-pinned the wet stars with a little more stretch. After about an hour I ironed the back of them to quicken the process so I could get some off the board to pin out more. I found that for the all cotton stars this worked quite well and they kept their shape and once dry in the morning had just the right amount of stiffness. (different story for the ones with silver ribbon running through them)
They also took a long time b/c I had to consciously think about not knitting too tight or binding off too tight or the star looked scrunched and didnt block nicely. So I am considering using larger needles in the future to help this out. It also might make it look "lacier."
Anyway here are some pictures for your enjoyment!
The blue snowflake in the left corner is a crochet one gifted to me (:{Not so extreme close-up!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
2007 Year in Review Quiz
Just one last 2007 ditty and then we can get back to the FO parade. w00t. I stole this from Amanda btw.
1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?
Dyed yarn; learned to crochet; threw closed-top ceramic objects; a couple of different sex positions; picked berries; pet an Alpaca.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I did not make resolutions last year but I did make some this year.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Two of my cousins had kids.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Sadly, yes. My Grampa died a couple weeks ago (Mom's dad).
5. What countries did you visit?
None, booo.
6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
A career path.
7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The day I met Kev, the day I got my tattoo, the day my Grampa died -- all for obvious reasons.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting published for the first time.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Being rejected from medical schools, twice.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I was incredibly ill the first two weeks in January, I was in the hospital last New Years Eve.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My digital camera and my Zen V Plus!!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Nothing particularly strikes me.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
El presidente and many other american politicians
14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent, medical school application fees.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Being published in a scientific journal.
16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
Starlight by Muse
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
teensy bit happier, a lot fatter, and a lot poorer
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Bicycling in the summer, exercising in general, being out in the sun on nice days.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worry about my future, argue with my family.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I was in the Illinois with the family.
21. Did you fall in love in 2007?
I did, even though I never told him, and fate is keeping us on separate continents, its ok b/c he proved to me that I dont need to lower my standards to find who I'm looking for. (This could be a bummer in the short term considering I havent gone on any dates since he left).
22. How many one-night stands?
That's personal information thanks.
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Well that would be different depending on the season. First Deadliest Catch, then Planet Earth, then Pushing Daisies.
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I dont think so.
25. What was the best book you read?
A Feast for Crows by George RR Martin
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Muse and Silversun Pickups
27. What did you want and get?
To prove that insufflation of mice works.
28. What did you want and not get?
Acceptance into medical school.
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Tie: Pan's Labyrinth and 300.
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was 25 and I went to my favourite restaurant with my favourite people. It was probably one of the best birthday's I can remember.
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
To have the TB paper accepted somewhere, and to live in the same vicinity as Kev so we could have actually had a real relationship.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Wear whatever doenst make me look like a pudgeball - it involved lots of black.
33. What kept you sane?
My friends! And my co-workers who are friends!
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
fancy? as in think is cute? or just like? ummmmm well I always like Johnny Depp
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
the same one that always does: the Environment and Global Weirding
36. Who did you miss?
Everyone who doesnt live near me: Kev, my brother and sister, Anne, Amanda, Liz.
My old bosses Sam and Jyothi.
My Grampa.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
Kevin fo' sho'
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
Even if you've wanted something since you were 3, when you cant have it, it may turn out that you dont actually want it anymore.
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"Follow through / make your dreams come true / dont give up the fight / you will be all right / because there's no one like you in the universe // Dont be afraid / of what your mind conceives / you should make a stand / stand up for what you beleive"
Invincible by Muse
1. What did you do in 2007 that you’d never done before?
Dyed yarn; learned to crochet; threw closed-top ceramic objects; a couple of different sex positions; picked berries; pet an Alpaca.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I did not make resolutions last year but I did make some this year.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Two of my cousins had kids.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Sadly, yes. My Grampa died a couple weeks ago (Mom's dad).
5. What countries did you visit?
None, booo.
6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
A career path.
7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
The day I met Kev, the day I got my tattoo, the day my Grampa died -- all for obvious reasons.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Getting published for the first time.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Being rejected from medical schools, twice.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I was incredibly ill the first two weeks in January, I was in the hospital last New Years Eve.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My digital camera and my Zen V Plus!!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Nothing particularly strikes me.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
El presidente and many other american politicians
14. Where did most of your money go?
Rent, medical school application fees.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Being published in a scientific journal.
16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
Starlight by Muse
17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
teensy bit happier, a lot fatter, and a lot poorer
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Bicycling in the summer, exercising in general, being out in the sun on nice days.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worry about my future, argue with my family.
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I was in the Illinois with the family.
21. Did you fall in love in 2007?
I did, even though I never told him, and fate is keeping us on separate continents, its ok b/c he proved to me that I dont need to lower my standards to find who I'm looking for. (This could be a bummer in the short term considering I havent gone on any dates since he left).
22. How many one-night stands?
That's personal information thanks.
23. What was your favorite TV program?
Well that would be different depending on the season. First Deadliest Catch, then Planet Earth, then Pushing Daisies.
24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I dont think so.
25. What was the best book you read?
A Feast for Crows by George RR Martin
26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Muse and Silversun Pickups
27. What did you want and get?
To prove that insufflation of mice works.
28. What did you want and not get?
Acceptance into medical school.
29. What was your favorite film of this year?
Tie: Pan's Labyrinth and 300.
30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was 25 and I went to my favourite restaurant with my favourite people. It was probably one of the best birthday's I can remember.
31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
To have the TB paper accepted somewhere, and to live in the same vicinity as Kev so we could have actually had a real relationship.
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Wear whatever doenst make me look like a pudgeball - it involved lots of black.
33. What kept you sane?
My friends! And my co-workers who are friends!
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
fancy? as in think is cute? or just like? ummmmm well I always like Johnny Depp
35. What political issue stirred you the most?
the same one that always does: the Environment and Global Weirding
36. Who did you miss?
Everyone who doesnt live near me: Kev, my brother and sister, Anne, Amanda, Liz.
My old bosses Sam and Jyothi.
My Grampa.
37. Who was the best new person you met?
Kevin fo' sho'
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
Even if you've wanted something since you were 3, when you cant have it, it may turn out that you dont actually want it anymore.
39. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
"Follow through / make your dreams come true / dont give up the fight / you will be all right / because there's no one like you in the universe // Dont be afraid / of what your mind conceives / you should make a stand / stand up for what you beleive"
Invincible by Muse
Add One
I need to add a resolution.
7. I will not get drunk as a skunk if I'm home alone and feeling lonely. It only leads to depression and irrational behaviour.
7. I will not get drunk as a skunk if I'm home alone and feeling lonely. It only leads to depression and irrational behaviour.
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