I know as of late there have been more non-crafty posts than crafty ones, and I promise soon to put up my Secret Spook goodies, some FO ceramics, and some knitting and crocheting WIP's but right now i need to talk about something else.
Today at work I've gotten absolutely nothing done. Well, ok, I made 3 graphs. But mostly I've just been sitting here staring out into space wishing to feel better. I know I should probably just go home and curl up in a ball and watch tv, but I dont want to. I want to be normal and feel normal again. I dont think I'm making any sense. Maybe I should explain. This is day 3 of Byetta injections. After three years of tinkering, hoping, tinkering more, and crossing fingers my endocrinologist and I have come to the conclusion that metformin just isnt adequate. Its not doing it for me. And so on to other meds. Since I've already tried so many different diabetes meds there were few options left. After months of researching on my part I made the decision to try Byetta again. I've been on it before and had success until my life got whacky while studying for the MCAT's and i stopped exercising and eating properly. So I knew what to expect. I knew the first month is hell. But it doesnt make it any easier. The nausea is overwhelming. The space-cadetness is overwhelming. Eating ginger helps with the nausea. But I have yet to find a remedy for this foggy-headed dream land I'm in. I dont remember this being part of the slew of side effects I encountered the first time I tried Byetta, so maybe it goes away relatively quickly. I hope. The worst part is I cant even concentrate long enough to knit!
Right now I'm trying to stay focused on the positives that I remember (decreased appetite, weight loss, less sore-ness and tired-ness and fatigue during workouts, better sugar control, better A1c).
All this baloney of having stupid type 2 diabetes as a youngin really just sucks. thank you genetics.
Anyhow I'm done w/ my rambling complaint. Will return to regularly scheduled craftyness soon. I hope.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
horrified
oh my goodness gracious me.
so i was browsing blogs and came upon one that was positively reviewing this book. i know its probably the 20-something me speaking but if i ever end up a drunk, divorced, crazy knitting cat lady PLEASE kill me. or send me to a home. for crazies. seriously. now i'm going to go to bed and have nightmares. and no i dont care if i am being insensitive for not celebrating the wonderfulness of some lady whose "found herself" in knitting. its like all born again religions: gag inducing.
so i was browsing blogs and came upon one that was positively reviewing this book. i know its probably the 20-something me speaking but if i ever end up a drunk, divorced, crazy knitting cat lady PLEASE kill me. or send me to a home. for crazies. seriously. now i'm going to go to bed and have nightmares. and no i dont care if i am being insensitive for not celebrating the wonderfulness of some lady whose "found herself" in knitting. its like all born again religions: gag inducing.
Follower
Well since lots of people are posting their oldest picture of themselves for blogstalker on knitty, I got jealous and had to join in.
These are the oldest pictures I have of myself (of course there exist older ones, they just arent in my possession). These are from my first birthday.
Maybe if ya'll are lucky I'll post some wips for wip weds this week.
These are the oldest pictures I have of myself (of course there exist older ones, they just arent in my possession). These are from my first birthday.
Maybe if ya'll are lucky I'll post some wips for wip weds this week.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Transporting a giant cake to work: a tutorial
Have you ever spent 6 hours making the most absolutely delicious Chocolate Stout Cake Ever for a work going away party only to realize you have no round tupperware cake transporter thingie, and in fact have no tall cake holder whatsoever? And how the heck are you going to bring this wonderfully frosted yummy all the way to work? Well, have no fear I have figured it out! And I am here to share my wisdom with you.
Step 1: Bake and frost super yummy 3-layer cake
Step 2: measure lots of plastic containers/drawers until you find a suitable one.
Step 3: dump said drawer's belongings into a paper bag. Wash plastic drawer vigorously.
Step 4: Put cake on plate in plastic drawer.
Step 5: plastic wrap the heck out of it.
Step 6: Bring onto bus and endure strange looks.
Step 7: bring to work, cut, and enjoy.
As a side note: this cake was Really heavy. It tasted unbelievably amazing, but is not fun to carry. In the future, I will not make such heavy cakes for work and may even buy myself one of those plastic cake transporter thingies. Maybe.
Also I used Samuel Smiths Oatmeal Stout; less butter; less sugar overall; and some brown sugar for the cake. The frosting was a pound of Trader Joe's Belgian Bittersweet and heavy cream.
Step 1: Bake and frost super yummy 3-layer cake
Step 2: measure lots of plastic containers/drawers until you find a suitable one.
Step 3: dump said drawer's belongings into a paper bag. Wash plastic drawer vigorously.
Step 4: Put cake on plate in plastic drawer.
Step 5: plastic wrap the heck out of it.
Step 6: Bring onto bus and endure strange looks.
Step 7: bring to work, cut, and enjoy.
As a side note: this cake was Really heavy. It tasted unbelievably amazing, but is not fun to carry. In the future, I will not make such heavy cakes for work and may even buy myself one of those plastic cake transporter thingies. Maybe.
Also I used Samuel Smiths Oatmeal Stout; less butter; less sugar overall; and some brown sugar for the cake. The frosting was a pound of Trader Joe's Belgian Bittersweet and heavy cream.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Meme's
So I was tagged for an 8 Random things meme, but honestly, i think that all of my randomness has been discussed in previous posts, memes, or blog challenges. So instead of the random meme, I'm choosing to do the Halloweenie Meme, also on Amanda's blog. If you want to be tagged for this, consider yourself tagged. And why not? Halloween is such fun (:{
1. Do you believe in ghosts?
Most of the time, yes.
2. Have you ever seen a ghost?
Not exactly, though I've often caught glimpses of things that could not be explained.
3. Have you ever experienced something that is best described by the word "paranormal"?
I cant think of any specific instances right now but I have had "weird feelings" where you just Know something is amiss.
4. Do you watch any ghost or haunting themed shows?
I used to watch X-Files religiously when it was on. Its still my favourite show (minus the last season). Occasionally I'll catch a ghost show on the History channel or A&E or something like that. I Love scary movies and ghost stories though. As a kid my favourite books were the Scary Stories series by Alvin Schwartz (I received the set a couple yrs ago as a gift wheee!), and as a teen I devoured books by Stephen King, John Saul, Dean Koontz, etc.
5. If so, do you sometimes sleep with the lights on or wake up your partner because the show scared you a whole lot and you cant sleep and you dont want to be awake alone?
Well, I think this question is awfully presumptuous. I dont have a partner. Sadly, I sleep alone. Thanks for rubbing it in. Anyway..... I dont like lights when I sleep. In fact if its not pitch black or close to it I put something over my eyes. I've def stayed up late on the internet "calming down" after a scary movie though.
6. Have you ever been to a haunted place? Did you experience anything spooky?
I've been to several "haunted houses" (the real kind, not the carnival kind), and as a teen used to go with friends to "haunted graveyards" (Resurrection Cemetery, Bachelors Grove, IL). Never experienced anything spooky.
My high school however, thats a whole diff story. I was on student council and every year we put on a Haunted High. It was usually the weekend before Halloween b/c we always had that Monday off for a teacher's institute. So every yr we would take over the South Bldg (the oldest portion of the school) on the friday night and spend the whole night setting up, leave for a 4 hour nap sat, then be back for business sat and sun night. All day sun night on to mon morning was cleanup time. Over the yrs "spooky" things happened to many people. For instance, hearing childrens voices where there was no one. Leaving an empty room after it had been tarped and going right back in it mins later and having the tarp all be ripped down (theres a big difference in the way a tarp looks when it just falls as opposed to being forcefully ripped). Also, my first yr, I asked why we only used 3/4 of the south bldg (its a square) and was told "we're not allowed to use that section" I later found out that the janitors refused to clean that section after midnight. why? that section apparently had a "mad" male spirit who liked to throw desks and chalk, rearrange furniture, and dump out flower pots. not even the janitor's dog would go in that section. During my sr yr a bunch of the seniors got to talking to the old-timer janitors and we told them about the children's voices (I had never heard them, but many had). They said they knew those voices well. the kids (a boy and a girl) liked to play in the glass staircase and in the courtyard. they were nice and completely un-like the angry male spirit. the janitors believe that they are the spirits of the kids who died in the fire of the farm house located behind the school grounds. our school acquired the land from the farmers family in the 1960's after the fire.
Everyone who has spent a good amount of time late at night at that school has had similar experiences. There were instances where I Felt odd, but I personally never heard or saw anything.
My mom's friend's son was also saved from a nasty fall down the stairs by a ghost, but thats a long story as well. We'll keep that for another day.
7. How much do you love Halloween?
SO MUCH!!!! Its my favourite holiday!!
1. Do you believe in ghosts?
Most of the time, yes.
2. Have you ever seen a ghost?
Not exactly, though I've often caught glimpses of things that could not be explained.
3. Have you ever experienced something that is best described by the word "paranormal"?
I cant think of any specific instances right now but I have had "weird feelings" where you just Know something is amiss.
4. Do you watch any ghost or haunting themed shows?
I used to watch X-Files religiously when it was on. Its still my favourite show (minus the last season). Occasionally I'll catch a ghost show on the History channel or A&E or something like that. I Love scary movies and ghost stories though. As a kid my favourite books were the Scary Stories series by Alvin Schwartz (I received the set a couple yrs ago as a gift wheee!), and as a teen I devoured books by Stephen King, John Saul, Dean Koontz, etc.
5. If so, do you sometimes sleep with the lights on or wake up your partner because the show scared you a whole lot and you cant sleep and you dont want to be awake alone?
Well, I think this question is awfully presumptuous. I dont have a partner. Sadly, I sleep alone. Thanks for rubbing it in. Anyway..... I dont like lights when I sleep. In fact if its not pitch black or close to it I put something over my eyes. I've def stayed up late on the internet "calming down" after a scary movie though.
6. Have you ever been to a haunted place? Did you experience anything spooky?
I've been to several "haunted houses" (the real kind, not the carnival kind), and as a teen used to go with friends to "haunted graveyards" (Resurrection Cemetery, Bachelors Grove, IL). Never experienced anything spooky.
My high school however, thats a whole diff story. I was on student council and every year we put on a Haunted High. It was usually the weekend before Halloween b/c we always had that Monday off for a teacher's institute. So every yr we would take over the South Bldg (the oldest portion of the school) on the friday night and spend the whole night setting up, leave for a 4 hour nap sat, then be back for business sat and sun night. All day sun night on to mon morning was cleanup time. Over the yrs "spooky" things happened to many people. For instance, hearing childrens voices where there was no one. Leaving an empty room after it had been tarped and going right back in it mins later and having the tarp all be ripped down (theres a big difference in the way a tarp looks when it just falls as opposed to being forcefully ripped). Also, my first yr, I asked why we only used 3/4 of the south bldg (its a square) and was told "we're not allowed to use that section" I later found out that the janitors refused to clean that section after midnight. why? that section apparently had a "mad" male spirit who liked to throw desks and chalk, rearrange furniture, and dump out flower pots. not even the janitor's dog would go in that section. During my sr yr a bunch of the seniors got to talking to the old-timer janitors and we told them about the children's voices (I had never heard them, but many had). They said they knew those voices well. the kids (a boy and a girl) liked to play in the glass staircase and in the courtyard. they were nice and completely un-like the angry male spirit. the janitors believe that they are the spirits of the kids who died in the fire of the farm house located behind the school grounds. our school acquired the land from the farmers family in the 1960's after the fire.
Everyone who has spent a good amount of time late at night at that school has had similar experiences. There were instances where I Felt odd, but I personally never heard or saw anything.
My mom's friend's son was also saved from a nasty fall down the stairs by a ghost, but thats a long story as well. We'll keep that for another day.
7. How much do you love Halloween?
SO MUCH!!!! Its my favourite holiday!!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
mayday!
So, Ive never had a problem using hair dyes from the grocery store and doing it myself. It's always turned out great. I've been dying my hair every winter for over 5 years.
Today was different.
I look hideous.
I'm so embarrassed. I look like a hooker from moulin rouge
I think i may actually have to go to cvs tomorrow and buy black b/c that's the only thing i can think of that will cover this up.
):{
It was supposed to be "Egyptian Plum" or, purple black. Instead I get crazy cheap horrible trashy fire engine red with a hint of purple. around my scalp at my hairline on my forehead my hair is lighter and finer and it is some awful orange-red-pink-fake color i never knew existed. arrrghhhh.
Today was different.
I look hideous.
I'm so embarrassed. I look like a hooker from moulin rouge
I think i may actually have to go to cvs tomorrow and buy black b/c that's the only thing i can think of that will cover this up.
):{
It was supposed to be "Egyptian Plum" or, purple black. Instead I get crazy cheap horrible trashy fire engine red with a hint of purple. around my scalp at my hairline on my forehead my hair is lighter and finer and it is some awful orange-red-pink-fake color i never knew existed. arrrghhhh.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Rhinebeck! Re-cap
Well I've been super busy with the med school apps but this weekend I took a (much needed) mental break and went to the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY (Hudson River Valley area). It was soo much fun!!
Friday night Amanda came up from DC and her, Catherine's friend Danielle, and I all spent the night at Catherine's. BEFORE the crack of dawn (5:30 am to be exact) Alexis met us and we began our journey down to Rhinebeck!
Here is a picture of the fog rolling over the Berkshires right after the sun came up. It was a beautiful drive!
Yay Rhinebeck! All the buildings were 4H barns. I thought they were cute.
Of course there were animals at the Festival!
And here are Catherine and Daniele doing what knitters love to do: fondle yarn! How could we not when the sign instructed us to?
Here is a neat sky picture of the motel. I actually ended up over at the Super 8 with Amanda and Alexis, but originally I was at this one with Catherine, Daniele, and Ariel.
Here is the view from the Skytop Motel: Gorgeous!!
Catherine and Daniele goofing around.
Pretty!
More pretty!
Neato view from the ride home from Rhinebeck.
And of course my goodie take home!
There is a hand woven basket for my mom for Christmas (dont tell her!)
Some pretty leaves that followed me home and yarny goodness.
Clockwise:
At the top is a promo skein from Dani of Sunshine Yarns in the color Plume.
Then some gorgeous marino/tencel Sea Pearl from briar rose fibers. The other four skeins are all Acero (wool/silk/viscose) from Brooks Farm Yarns.
Here is a close-up of my favourites. The sea pearl from Briar Rose was my very first "must have" of the day. Its a variegated black, purple, green, and turquise. The other two are must haves from Brooks Farm. One is variegated green and the other is a midnight colorway (purple, black, royal and navy blue). Love!!
Last but not least some buttons and pendants. The pendants came from the gem festival that was also happeneing on the fair grounds.
And the beautiful hand made ceramic buttons I found at the Briar Rose tent.
After the crazyness all day sat we needed a nap before we headed over to the Ravelry party. Goodtimes! Met a bunch of people- and of course only remember half the names - if that. But oh what a day!
On the way home from Rhinebeck! we stopped in Lenox, MA to check out Colorful Stitches. Lenox and Lee MA are beautiful and quaint little New England towns. I didnt buy any yarn at Colorful Stitches b/c I was just totally yarn'ed out (I know - how is that possible?).
Sigh. I'm so tired now but sooo happy!
Sorry for the lack of fantastical pictures, I was just too busy having fun!!
Friday night Amanda came up from DC and her, Catherine's friend Danielle, and I all spent the night at Catherine's. BEFORE the crack of dawn (5:30 am to be exact) Alexis met us and we began our journey down to Rhinebeck!
Here is a picture of the fog rolling over the Berkshires right after the sun came up. It was a beautiful drive!
Yay Rhinebeck! All the buildings were 4H barns. I thought they were cute.
Of course there were animals at the Festival!
And here are Catherine and Daniele doing what knitters love to do: fondle yarn! How could we not when the sign instructed us to?
Here is a neat sky picture of the motel. I actually ended up over at the Super 8 with Amanda and Alexis, but originally I was at this one with Catherine, Daniele, and Ariel.
Here is the view from the Skytop Motel: Gorgeous!!
Catherine and Daniele goofing around.
Pretty!
More pretty!
Neato view from the ride home from Rhinebeck.
And of course my goodie take home!
There is a hand woven basket for my mom for Christmas (dont tell her!)
Some pretty leaves that followed me home and yarny goodness.
Clockwise:
At the top is a promo skein from Dani of Sunshine Yarns in the color Plume.
Then some gorgeous marino/tencel Sea Pearl from briar rose fibers. The other four skeins are all Acero (wool/silk/viscose) from Brooks Farm Yarns.
Here is a close-up of my favourites. The sea pearl from Briar Rose was my very first "must have" of the day. Its a variegated black, purple, green, and turquise. The other two are must haves from Brooks Farm. One is variegated green and the other is a midnight colorway (purple, black, royal and navy blue). Love!!
Last but not least some buttons and pendants. The pendants came from the gem festival that was also happeneing on the fair grounds.
And the beautiful hand made ceramic buttons I found at the Briar Rose tent.
After the crazyness all day sat we needed a nap before we headed over to the Ravelry party. Goodtimes! Met a bunch of people- and of course only remember half the names - if that. But oh what a day!
On the way home from Rhinebeck! we stopped in Lenox, MA to check out Colorful Stitches. Lenox and Lee MA are beautiful and quaint little New England towns. I didnt buy any yarn at Colorful Stitches b/c I was just totally yarn'ed out (I know - how is that possible?).
Sigh. I'm so tired now but sooo happy!
Sorry for the lack of fantastical pictures, I was just too busy having fun!!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
touch me up
Stop it right now and get that dirty thought out of your mind!
So here I am laying down and looking not so bad.
Then he made me sit up to do the finishing touches on my shoulders. And all sorts of funny faces came out.
Both Andreas and Andrew had a good laugh at my faces.
I'm glad its over, but of course I'm already planning my next one! Too bad I'm super poor from application fees..... Ah well. It can wait. I have this one to tide me over for a while (:{
I'm talking about my tattoo here.
So, what have I been doing besides writing med school application essays? And secret knitting? Why, I went and got my tribal moth tattoo touched up.
This time it went much better than the original fill in. Andrew was excited to see me; apparently I looked so bad after the fill in he was afraid I'd never come back for the touch up. I felt like having an Alicia Silverstone moment: As If! He also asked around to see how he could make it easier on me (isnt that sweet?) and said that this time he'd have me laying down instead of sitting up. I have selective memory (otherwise I would never go back and get more pain) and so I couldn't say right away whether it was easier but he could tell it was better for me. And in the end I could tell too. He decided to do a complete second coat rather than spot touch-ups since then it would look more even (like I said - perfectionist) and I was fine with that since I'd already paid for the tattoo, all the touch-ups are free (bonus of going to an awesome studio is that the artists guarantee their work - it may cost more up front, but in the end you save). When we were done he took some pictures - I'm going to be semi-famous! Well, ok, I'll be in his book. And maybe if I'm lucky on the studio's website.
So here I am laying down and looking not so bad.
Then he made me sit up to do the finishing touches on my shoulders. And all sorts of funny faces came out.
Both Andreas and Andrew had a good laugh at my faces.
I'm glad its over, but of course I'm already planning my next one! Too bad I'm super poor from application fees..... Ah well. It can wait. I have this one to tide me over for a while (:{
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)