My Ravelry invitation came today! And I'm at the lab, so I can't immediately play! And I have to study this weekend! The temptation! Is! Killing! Me!
No matter what I have to do this weekend, I will totally take some time out to bop around and set up a few things. I'm Sus there, too ("asparagus", however, was already taken as a username. WTF??), so look me up if you'd like to be "friends". :)
_____
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Bargain therapy
The semester is off to a rip-roarin' start, but I don't have much to report. I went to Walgreens on Tuesday to get some bandages (my heel is still popping open and is going to be a bi7ch to heal up) and got caught in the throes of a back-to-campus sale! Retail therapy will surely help me wee wound, no?
Buy one, get one half price -- and regular price was only 9.99 to start with! They could be crap, or they could be just fine:
1.5 qt. crock pot and 3 cup rice cooker ($14.98 for both) in their new habitat.
My labmate, Lihui, said she had purchased one of these rice cookers several years ago and used it every day for two years. If I can get anything close to that much use from it, I'll be thrilled.
I just made rice in it for the first time this morning and everything seems just peachy! Yay, bargains!
That's all, back to work!
_____
Buy one, get one half price -- and regular price was only 9.99 to start with! They could be crap, or they could be just fine:
1.5 qt. crock pot and 3 cup rice cooker ($14.98 for both) in their new habitat.
My labmate, Lihui, said she had purchased one of these rice cookers several years ago and used it every day for two years. If I can get anything close to that much use from it, I'll be thrilled.
I just made rice in it for the first time this morning and everything seems just peachy! Yay, bargains!
That's all, back to work!
_____
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Reasons
Why I'm not in the mood to blog:
_____
- Classes and my TA assignment have started. I did get the assignment to TA Cell Biology, which is only going to involve leading discussion (recitation) sections, not teaching the entire class (they don't do that here), so it's not quite as bad as some of you may have thought, but it's still about 10 hours a week that I can't research, plus it breaks up my days in annoying ways so some research is even more difficult.
- My course meeting times (the courses I'm taking, as opposed to the one I'm TAing) have been changed so that one meets at 7:45 am and the other runs until 5:15 pm. Long-ass days.
- Sunday, when coming home from the grocery store on the bus, my grocery cart-thingy rolled into my heel while I was taking a step and sliced open the back of my heel. It bled A LOT, right there on the bus, and the only thing I had to staunch the flow was my receipt from the grocery store. It was gross, uncomfortable (all those people sneering at my for having the incredibly poor manners to BLEED all over the bus -- and I mean there was A LOT of blood -- and of course none of them were at all interested in helping me), and a challenge to get home from the bus stop with my groceries while BLEEDING PROFUSELY, so much so that it was spattering out of my sandal with every step. It took forever to stop bleeding and it now pops open regularly due to heel flexion when I walk. I'm sure it needed a couple of stitches, but it's not going to get them, so I deal. But I don't feel much like doing anything -- even knitting or crocheting.
- Four big readings assigned yesterday, due tomorrow for intense discussion. Argh.
- General grumpiness.
_____
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Don't worry, I know what I'm doing
Classes start next week which, while I'm not really enthused about because it will take so much time from my research, is not really too stress-inducing. But I also start a teaching assistanceship, which I am a little freaked out about. I've never TA'd before and, in order to do it right, I'm sure it will take a lot of time. The thing is, no one in the department wants anyone to spend a lot of time on their assistanceship because the priority is research. Now, apart from the educational priorities in higher education debate this could start, I am, of course, more concerned about how this affects, well, me.
See, I'm a bit of a perfectionist. Those who know me well are now howling with laughter at the understatement. And if I can't always be 100% competent, I like to at least appear 100% competent virtually 100% of the time. Now, we don't have official TA assignments yet -- we should get them today (and don't even get me started on why they wait so long to let us know what we'll be teaching -- classes start Monday, for Goodness' sake), but I'm fairly certain that I will be TAing Cell Biology. This is all well and good -- it's an upper division class, populated by fewer students than the survey courses and only biology majors, so they should be more dedicated, but there's a reason that this strikes some fear into my heart. I took cell biology as an undergrad in 1989. Oh, I know the basics, plus anything that I use regularly in my research or that applies to classes I've taken more recently, but there are a lot of details I've forgotten. The professor of the class thinks that this means that TAing this class will be particularly good for me, as I need a refresher on this material and this is an excellent opportunity for that. She's absolutely right. However, my stress level has ratcheted up several notches at the prospect.
So much so that last night I had a nightmare about it. Granted, in true dream fashion, it was ridiculous, but it was definitely a manifestation of my current apprehension. In the dream, I met my class in the proper room, only to find that the proper room was an ice cream parlor and that I was to teach them how ice cream was made and sold at said parlor, except I had no idea how ice cream was made and sold at said parlor because I had just gotten the TA assignment previous to entering the room. So, while under the guise of waiting a bit for latecomers to arrive, I tried to surreptitiously quiz the employees about the material and considered just delegating the actual instruction to the employees. While I debated whether this plan was smart or just lazy and whether I would look more incompetent if I tried to bullshit my way something I knew nothing about, or if I handed off instruction to a high-school age part-time worker, one of the students announced that my friends had arrived. (Never mind how they knew they were my friends -- this is a dream, kids. Wherein I'm TAing Ice Cream Parlor 101.) Sure enough, my friends, Meredith, Liz, and Laura were walking down the hall. I excused myself and went to greet them. As I explained my predicament to them, they all just looked at me like I'd lost my mind and told me that, no matter what, I had to go back and teach the class. I was disappointed that they hadn't seemed more compassionate to my plight when it hit me: They are all teachers. And that if I didn't somehow pull this out of my ass and find a way to be successful, I was not only going to look like an incompetent loser in front of my students, but I would also seem that way to my friends.
And then I woke up.
Not that I have issues, or anything.
Nope, not at all.
I've got it completely under control.
I know exactly what I'm doing.
_____
See, I'm a bit of a perfectionist. Those who know me well are now howling with laughter at the understatement. And if I can't always be 100% competent, I like to at least appear 100% competent virtually 100% of the time. Now, we don't have official TA assignments yet -- we should get them today (and don't even get me started on why they wait so long to let us know what we'll be teaching -- classes start Monday, for Goodness' sake), but I'm fairly certain that I will be TAing Cell Biology. This is all well and good -- it's an upper division class, populated by fewer students than the survey courses and only biology majors, so they should be more dedicated, but there's a reason that this strikes some fear into my heart. I took cell biology as an undergrad in 1989. Oh, I know the basics, plus anything that I use regularly in my research or that applies to classes I've taken more recently, but there are a lot of details I've forgotten. The professor of the class thinks that this means that TAing this class will be particularly good for me, as I need a refresher on this material and this is an excellent opportunity for that. She's absolutely right. However, my stress level has ratcheted up several notches at the prospect.
So much so that last night I had a nightmare about it. Granted, in true dream fashion, it was ridiculous, but it was definitely a manifestation of my current apprehension. In the dream, I met my class in the proper room, only to find that the proper room was an ice cream parlor and that I was to teach them how ice cream was made and sold at said parlor, except I had no idea how ice cream was made and sold at said parlor because I had just gotten the TA assignment previous to entering the room. So, while under the guise of waiting a bit for latecomers to arrive, I tried to surreptitiously quiz the employees about the material and considered just delegating the actual instruction to the employees. While I debated whether this plan was smart or just lazy and whether I would look more incompetent if I tried to bullshit my way something I knew nothing about, or if I handed off instruction to a high-school age part-time worker, one of the students announced that my friends had arrived. (Never mind how they knew they were my friends -- this is a dream, kids. Wherein I'm TAing Ice Cream Parlor 101.) Sure enough, my friends, Meredith, Liz, and Laura were walking down the hall. I excused myself and went to greet them. As I explained my predicament to them, they all just looked at me like I'd lost my mind and told me that, no matter what, I had to go back and teach the class. I was disappointed that they hadn't seemed more compassionate to my plight when it hit me: They are all teachers. And that if I didn't somehow pull this out of my ass and find a way to be successful, I was not only going to look like an incompetent loser in front of my students, but I would also seem that way to my friends.
And then I woke up.
Not that I have issues, or anything.
Nope, not at all.
I've got it completely under control.
I know exactly what I'm doing.
_____
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Threats and rewards
I'm not sure why, but the last two evenings have been a furious flurry of handwork progress. Granted, it hasn't been a particularly focused flurry, but a flurry nonetheless.
First of all, I am trying to cajole, coerce, and/or threaten myself into finishing the frickin' frackin' Crazy Quilt Coverlet. I love this afghan, but I can't stand making it. I dread every single square. It's been this way since the beginning and that's why it's taking me so amazingly long to finish the galdarned thing. I finally convinced myself that I could not work on anything else until I finished one more strip of the afghan. So, I hunkered down, cranked out seven squares, blocked them, and sewed them together last night. This is the seventh strip of the 'ghan; there are only two more. Once I get to the border, I think I won't hate it so much. I'm giving myself two more weeks to get to the border. I. Must. Finish. This. Thing. Soon. If I do that, I might consider taking the Square A Day Tablecloth out of time out. But don't hold me to it, for Goodness' sake.
Crazy Quilt Coverlet. That's the latest strip on the right. It's going to be so very cool when it's done.
Once I had sewn on the strip, I had to reward myself with a rush of non-coverlet activity. I finished the psychedelic lime ballband cloth,
then I decided I couldn't wait one more minute to start something with my yummy alpaca yarn that I got on clearance at my LYS, Ruhama's. I had been collecting lace scarf patterns and finally settled on the Ziggy pattern because it is pretty, interesting, asymmetrical, and not too girly. I'm not sure it will be the best match with this yarn, but I should know fairly soon. I got started on it last night:
I soon realized that there is no way I can work the chart while watching the X-Files, so I did the only logical thing. I set the scarf aside and started a new ballband. Hee!
So it seems that my solution for finishing one WIP involves starting a bunch of new ones. I'm not sure how that's going to work out, but at this point, if it gets me to finish that coverlet, I'm thrilled.
Now, I have to finish another square before I'm allowed to breathe anymore today.
_____
First of all, I am trying to cajole, coerce, and/or threaten myself into finishing the frickin' frackin' Crazy Quilt Coverlet. I love this afghan, but I can't stand making it. I dread every single square. It's been this way since the beginning and that's why it's taking me so amazingly long to finish the galdarned thing. I finally convinced myself that I could not work on anything else until I finished one more strip of the afghan. So, I hunkered down, cranked out seven squares, blocked them, and sewed them together last night. This is the seventh strip of the 'ghan; there are only two more. Once I get to the border, I think I won't hate it so much. I'm giving myself two more weeks to get to the border. I. Must. Finish. This. Thing. Soon. If I do that, I might consider taking the Square A Day Tablecloth out of time out. But don't hold me to it, for Goodness' sake.
Crazy Quilt Coverlet. That's the latest strip on the right. It's going to be so very cool when it's done.
Once I had sewn on the strip, I had to reward myself with a rush of non-coverlet activity. I finished the psychedelic lime ballband cloth,
then I decided I couldn't wait one more minute to start something with my yummy alpaca yarn that I got on clearance at my LYS, Ruhama's. I had been collecting lace scarf patterns and finally settled on the Ziggy pattern because it is pretty, interesting, asymmetrical, and not too girly. I'm not sure it will be the best match with this yarn, but I should know fairly soon. I got started on it last night:
I soon realized that there is no way I can work the chart while watching the X-Files, so I did the only logical thing. I set the scarf aside and started a new ballband. Hee!
So it seems that my solution for finishing one WIP involves starting a bunch of new ones. I'm not sure how that's going to work out, but at this point, if it gets me to finish that coverlet, I'm thrilled.
Now, I have to finish another square before I'm allowed to breathe anymore today.
_____
Monday, August 20, 2007
What would the DSM-IV say about this?
It's been raindrop time in Beer Town for several days and more to come, but here in Sus' House of Yarn All Over the Floor by Her Chair it's once again snowflake time!
I really like this design -- I enjoyed making it and I like the look of the finished product. It's Number 43 of Leisure Arts' 99 Snowflakes. It's made with #10 cotton and a US7 hook, and I altered it from a seven point flake to a six pointer. I'm not a total convert to my buddy's strict criteria for flakes, but I am not a big fan of seven points. It just doesn't seem right, somehow. I like this one so much I may make it again next week with #20 thread.
On Saturday afternoon, I went to a production of the musical version of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Now, I may be the only person in my age bracket that hasn't seen the movie (those who know me well, however, are never surprised to find that I haven't seen a movie), so the story was fresh to me. It was a great production and I had a terrific time. Spamalot is coming next season and I must find a way to get to that one. While I wait I can play the Spamalot game.
It was a pretty random weekend for handwork. I flaked, obviously, and tried to work on a WIP, with only a little luck. I kept being distracted by other things.
I made three new blocks for the Crazy Quilt Coverlet:
I finished the baby Ballbands:
And because of crazy Ballband addiction, I started a kicky new one:
I also spent a lot of time this weekend collecting patterns from the 'net and thus my queue of projects I want to start next is growing at a scary, scary rate. Is there a psychiatrist/psychologist out there? Because I'm thinking knit/crochet project counseling could become a really hot area of therapy. Throw in some group sessions on stash management and I think maybe you've got yourself a hoppin' little practice. Think of all the people you'll free from the stress of getting projects done on time, the painful process of deciding what to start next, the guilt of multiple WIPs and UFOs taking over all available surfaces, and the compulsion to continuously increase the stash. I'll happily settle for a 10% commission for giving you the idea.
You can pay me in yarn.
_____
I really like this design -- I enjoyed making it and I like the look of the finished product. It's Number 43 of Leisure Arts' 99 Snowflakes. It's made with #10 cotton and a US7 hook, and I altered it from a seven point flake to a six pointer. I'm not a total convert to my buddy's strict criteria for flakes, but I am not a big fan of seven points. It just doesn't seem right, somehow. I like this one so much I may make it again next week with #20 thread.
On Saturday afternoon, I went to a production of the musical version of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Now, I may be the only person in my age bracket that hasn't seen the movie (those who know me well, however, are never surprised to find that I haven't seen a movie), so the story was fresh to me. It was a great production and I had a terrific time. Spamalot is coming next season and I must find a way to get to that one. While I wait I can play the Spamalot game.
It was a pretty random weekend for handwork. I flaked, obviously, and tried to work on a WIP, with only a little luck. I kept being distracted by other things.
I made three new blocks for the Crazy Quilt Coverlet:
I finished the baby Ballbands:
And because of crazy Ballband addiction, I started a kicky new one:
I also spent a lot of time this weekend collecting patterns from the 'net and thus my queue of projects I want to start next is growing at a scary, scary rate. Is there a psychiatrist/psychologist out there? Because I'm thinking knit/crochet project counseling could become a really hot area of therapy. Throw in some group sessions on stash management and I think maybe you've got yourself a hoppin' little practice. Think of all the people you'll free from the stress of getting projects done on time, the painful process of deciding what to start next, the guilt of multiple WIPs and UFOs taking over all available surfaces, and the compulsion to continuously increase the stash. I'll happily settle for a 10% commission for giving you the idea.
You can pay me in yarn.
_____
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Wherein crazy lady tells too much, probably
Happy Saturday Sky!
Well, not totally happy because it's supposed to rain all weekend and all next week. Not that we can't use some rain, but this may become overkill. Now that I live in the city, I'm not as aware of the precipitation needs of the agricultural base, which is a little weird. But I'm pretty sure a solid week of rain in August is not what anyone was hoping for.
This has been an odd week. First of all, I haven't felt that great. I had a bright idea that I would start on a high fiber diet, because I'm sure my body would greatly benefit and also because Walgreens had a crazy sale on Grape Nuts and frozen vegetables. And at the risk of venturing into the world of TMI, let me tell you that suddenly increasing your fiber intake by over 100% does some freaky uncomfortable and disgusting things to your bod. I recommend that anyone else trying this just take the week off from work. My plan is to be strong, continue on and hope I adjust soon. That, or the regular price of Grape Nuts will force me to go back so subsisting mostly on cheap white bread, peanut butter and Ramen. I can only imagine that the reverse transition would be disgusting as well.
This week marks one year since I moved to Beer Town! w00t! My love for this city has grown steadily during that time to the point where any time I travel to other places I have a running internal commentary of how Milwaukee is better. This happened when I was in Toronto in July and it happened when I was in Chicago on Thursday. I think I'm crazy smitten and people are really starting to get tired of it. You know when your friend first gets a new girl/boyfriend? And if they say one more dazzlingly fabulous thing about the ravishing perfection of said new friend you will possibly jab their eyes out and/or shoot them in the throat? Yeah, I think I may be that girl. Only about an entire city, which is maybe just really, really sick. But I'm starting to think such an attack would be totally worth it because I totally love this crazy awesome city just that much. Hi! Crazy lady right here!
I know the burning question in your mind during that whole tirade of craziness was, "Why was Sus in Chicago on Thursday?" Never fear, I'll totally tell you. See, New Friend Veronica's old roommate Kristen is an intern for the NPR news quiz, Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!, which I've loved listening to for about seven years. She got us free tickets for last Thursday's taping, so we motored down with much excitement. Traffic was pretty bad, so we ended up pulling into a parking structure a couple of blocks away from the Chase Tower about ten minutes before taping was to begin. This caused us to run two blocks in an attempt to not be late. Neither V nor I actually run in real life, especially without the aid of industrial strength sports bras, so the actual running was accompanied by a running commentary of how we don't really run and also, "My boobs are flopping like crazy, you?" and "Totally. I may put an eye out any second." I'm sure passersby found this cute and endearing.
So we got there, found the correct door, and made our way to the auditorium. Thoughts of the auditorium in the Chase Tower had always conjured up thoughts of an, oh I don't know, auditorium in a tower. And, while the building is, in fact, towering, the auditorium is actually down in the basement with a low little ceiling and a pretty small little stage. I don't know what else they do there -- probably incredible bank-related theater, I'm sure. On this night, due to some miscommunication, they had overbooked the show. So, while a group of people were standing around hoping for no-shows, we were swept into the packed auditorium and led to reserved seats in the front row directly in front of the panel! Sassy! We were incredibly special! Personally, I think all aspects of my life should work in this manner.
Watching the taping was great fun. The panel included Tom Bodett (he'll leave the light on for you), Amy Dickenson, and Mo Rocca. I think I was the only person there that was genuinely excited that the Not My Job guest was congressman Ron Paul. I think he's awesome (Hi! I live here in my pretty, little, high-up apartment, making googly eyes at my city and feeling it return my love manyfold. I can't be bothered to care what you think of my politics). Afterwards there was a question/answer session during which Peter Sagel almost fell into my arms. Okay, he sort of tripped and almost took a header sort of towards me, but that doesn't sound as cool. After the show, we went and ate McDonald's in the train station with Kristen because we are so classy like that. The ride home consisted largely of V and I belting out Journey's greatest hits which is always a good time in my book.
It was a really late night but it was so worth it. We're hoping to do it again soon. If I survive eating all these Grape Nuts.
_____
Well, not totally happy because it's supposed to rain all weekend and all next week. Not that we can't use some rain, but this may become overkill. Now that I live in the city, I'm not as aware of the precipitation needs of the agricultural base, which is a little weird. But I'm pretty sure a solid week of rain in August is not what anyone was hoping for.
This has been an odd week. First of all, I haven't felt that great. I had a bright idea that I would start on a high fiber diet, because I'm sure my body would greatly benefit and also because Walgreens had a crazy sale on Grape Nuts and frozen vegetables. And at the risk of venturing into the world of TMI, let me tell you that suddenly increasing your fiber intake by over 100% does some freaky uncomfortable and disgusting things to your bod. I recommend that anyone else trying this just take the week off from work. My plan is to be strong, continue on and hope I adjust soon. That, or the regular price of Grape Nuts will force me to go back so subsisting mostly on cheap white bread, peanut butter and Ramen. I can only imagine that the reverse transition would be disgusting as well.
This week marks one year since I moved to Beer Town! w00t! My love for this city has grown steadily during that time to the point where any time I travel to other places I have a running internal commentary of how Milwaukee is better. This happened when I was in Toronto in July and it happened when I was in Chicago on Thursday. I think I'm crazy smitten and people are really starting to get tired of it. You know when your friend first gets a new girl/boyfriend? And if they say one more dazzlingly fabulous thing about the ravishing perfection of said new friend you will possibly jab their eyes out and/or shoot them in the throat? Yeah, I think I may be that girl. Only about an entire city, which is maybe just really, really sick. But I'm starting to think such an attack would be totally worth it because I totally love this crazy awesome city just that much. Hi! Crazy lady right here!
I know the burning question in your mind during that whole tirade of craziness was, "Why was Sus in Chicago on Thursday?" Never fear, I'll totally tell you. See, New Friend Veronica's old roommate Kristen is an intern for the NPR news quiz, Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!, which I've loved listening to for about seven years. She got us free tickets for last Thursday's taping, so we motored down with much excitement. Traffic was pretty bad, so we ended up pulling into a parking structure a couple of blocks away from the Chase Tower about ten minutes before taping was to begin. This caused us to run two blocks in an attempt to not be late. Neither V nor I actually run in real life, especially without the aid of industrial strength sports bras, so the actual running was accompanied by a running commentary of how we don't really run and also, "My boobs are flopping like crazy, you?" and "Totally. I may put an eye out any second." I'm sure passersby found this cute and endearing.
So we got there, found the correct door, and made our way to the auditorium. Thoughts of the auditorium in the Chase Tower had always conjured up thoughts of an, oh I don't know, auditorium in a tower. And, while the building is, in fact, towering, the auditorium is actually down in the basement with a low little ceiling and a pretty small little stage. I don't know what else they do there -- probably incredible bank-related theater, I'm sure. On this night, due to some miscommunication, they had overbooked the show. So, while a group of people were standing around hoping for no-shows, we were swept into the packed auditorium and led to reserved seats in the front row directly in front of the panel! Sassy! We were incredibly special! Personally, I think all aspects of my life should work in this manner.
Watching the taping was great fun. The panel included Tom Bodett (he'll leave the light on for you), Amy Dickenson, and Mo Rocca. I think I was the only person there that was genuinely excited that the Not My Job guest was congressman Ron Paul. I think he's awesome (Hi! I live here in my pretty, little, high-up apartment, making googly eyes at my city and feeling it return my love manyfold. I can't be bothered to care what you think of my politics). Afterwards there was a question/answer session during which Peter Sagel almost fell into my arms. Okay, he sort of tripped and almost took a header sort of towards me, but that doesn't sound as cool. After the show, we went and ate McDonald's in the train station with Kristen because we are so classy like that. The ride home consisted largely of V and I belting out Journey's greatest hits which is always a good time in my book.
It was a really late night but it was so worth it. We're hoping to do it again soon. If I survive eating all these Grape Nuts.
_____
Monday, August 13, 2007
At least I'm starting to have a tan...
Apparently getting back into the flaking habit is going to take a little practice. Sorry, J, no snowflake this week. I'm going to do better, though, I promise!!
I'd like to say that this lack of flake is because my weekend was so incredibly busy and I have lots to report, but the truth is I mostly laid by the pool and didn't knit or crochet. During the last week, however, when I had lots of school and lab stuff to do, I managed to knit quite a bit. But it's been all things baby around here, as a couple of friends are expecting soon.
I made a pair of baby socks out of the Sockotta left over from my First Socks. They were so fun to make! They will go with the Zodiac (once I get that flippin' zipper put in) to adorn the newest addition to Gator's best friend's family.
An acquaintance from school is also expecting, and this has presented a great opportunity to jump on the BallBandWagon and try out one of the most pervasive patterns on the web these days. I had thought I wouldn't be able to give this one a try, because as much as I wanted to in theory, I just couldn't make myself buy Mason Dixon Knitting just for a dishcloth pattern. And there's really nothing else in there that excites me. Then I discovered that apparently the authors struck some sort of deal with Canadian Living Magazine and they are offering the pattern for free on their site. Okay, I'll bite. I'll add a garterlac cloth and crochet a pair of booties to go with these baby cloths for a nice little gift.
Oh, and yeah, the Ballband pattern is just as addictive as everyone says. Crazy addictive.
Saturday night I attended a great little Stitch n' Bitch at New Friend Veronica's new apartment. V's anxious to finish her grocery bag holder, and she found out that her new roommate knits, so we decided to do it up right with a great dinner, a couple of bottles of wine, and some greatly relaxed stitching. I can't say we got a great deal of handwork done, but we sure had a great time and I'm pretty sure this will become a fairly frequent thing. I sure hope so!
_____
I'd like to say that this lack of flake is because my weekend was so incredibly busy and I have lots to report, but the truth is I mostly laid by the pool and didn't knit or crochet. During the last week, however, when I had lots of school and lab stuff to do, I managed to knit quite a bit. But it's been all things baby around here, as a couple of friends are expecting soon.
I made a pair of baby socks out of the Sockotta left over from my First Socks. They were so fun to make! They will go with the Zodiac (once I get that flippin' zipper put in) to adorn the newest addition to Gator's best friend's family.
An acquaintance from school is also expecting, and this has presented a great opportunity to jump on the BallBandWagon and try out one of the most pervasive patterns on the web these days. I had thought I wouldn't be able to give this one a try, because as much as I wanted to in theory, I just couldn't make myself buy Mason Dixon Knitting just for a dishcloth pattern. And there's really nothing else in there that excites me. Then I discovered that apparently the authors struck some sort of deal with Canadian Living Magazine and they are offering the pattern for free on their site. Okay, I'll bite. I'll add a garterlac cloth and crochet a pair of booties to go with these baby cloths for a nice little gift.
Oh, and yeah, the Ballband pattern is just as addictive as everyone says. Crazy addictive.
Saturday night I attended a great little Stitch n' Bitch at New Friend Veronica's new apartment. V's anxious to finish her grocery bag holder, and she found out that her new roommate knits, so we decided to do it up right with a great dinner, a couple of bottles of wine, and some greatly relaxed stitching. I can't say we got a great deal of handwork done, but we sure had a great time and I'm pretty sure this will become a fairly frequent thing. I sure hope so!
_____
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Fun little thing
The Birthday Calculator is a fun little link.
I was born on 20 November 1969:
Your date of conception was on or about 27 February 1969 which was a Thursday.
You were born on a Thursday
under the astrological sign Scorpio.
Your Life path number is 11.
Life Path Compatibility:
You are most compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 2, 4, 8, 11 & 22.
You should get along well with those with the Life Path numbers 3 & 6.
You may or may not get along well with those with the Life Path number 9.
You are least compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 1, 5 & 7.
The Julian calendar date of your birth is 2440545.5.
The golden number for 1969 is 13.
The epact number for 1969 is 11.
The year 1969 was not a leap year.
Your birthday falls into the Chinese year beginning 2/17/1969 and ending 2/5/1970.
You were born in the Chinese year of the Rooster.
Your Native American Zodiac sign is Snake; your plant is Thistle.
You were born in the Egyptian month of Tyby, the first month of the season of Poret (Emergence - Fertile soil).
Your date of birth on the Hebrew calendar is 10 Kislev 5730.
Or if you were born after sundown then the date is 11 Kislev 5730.
The Mayan Calendar long count date of your birthday is 12.17.16.5.1 which is
12 baktun 17 katun 16 tun 5 uinal 1 kin
The Hijra (Islamic Calendar) date of your birth is Thursday, 10 Ramadan 1389 (1389-9-10).
The date of Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 6 April 1969.
The date of Orthodox Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 13 April 1969.
The date of Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent) on your birth year was Wednesday 19 February 1969.
The date of Whitsun (Pentecost Sunday) in the year of your birth was Sunday 25 May 1969.
The date of Whisuntide in the year of your birth was Sunday 1 June 1969.
The date of Rosh Hashanah in the year of your birth was Saturday, 13 September 1969.
The date of Passover in the year of your birth was Thursday, 3 April 1969.
The date of Mardi Gras on your birth year was Tuesday 18 February 1969.
As of 8/9/2007 6:24:07 AM EDT
You are 37 years old.
You are 453 months old.
You are 1,968 weeks old.
You are 13,776 days old.
You are 330,630 hours old.
You are 19,837,824 minutes old.
You are 1,190,269,447 seconds old.
Celebrities who share your birthday:
Mischa Mandel (1983)
Mike Diamond (1965)
Bo Derek (1956)
Duane Allman (1946)
Veronica Hamel (1943)
Dick Smothers (1939)
Richard Dawson (1932)
Estelle Parsons (1927)
Kaye Ballard (1926)
Robert F. Kennedy (1925)
Alistair Cooke (1908)
Top songs of 1969
Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine In by Fifth Dimension
In the Year 2525 by Zager & Evans
Get Back by Beatles (with Billy Preston)
Sugar, Sugar by Archies
Honky Tonk Women by Rolling Stones
Everyday People by Sly & the Family Stone
Dizzy by Tommy Roe
Wedding Bell Blues by Fifth Dimension
I Can't Get Next to You by Temptations
Crimson & Clover by Tommy James & the Shondells
Your age is the equivalent of a dog that is 5.39178082191781 years old. (You're still chasing cats!)
There are 103 days till your next birthday
on which your cake will have 38 candles.
Those 38 candles produce 38 BTUs,
or 9,576 calories of heat (that's only 9.5760 food Calories!) .
You can boil 4.34 US ounces of water with that many candles.
In 1969 there were approximately 3.7 million births in the US.
In 1969 the US population was approximately 179,323,175 people, 50.6 persons per square mile.
In 1969 in the US there were approximately 1,800,000 marriages (9.3%) and 479,000 divorces (2.5%)
In 1969 in the US there were approximately 1,712,000 deaths (9.5 per 1000)
In the US a new person is born approximately every 8 seconds.
In the US one person dies approximately every 12 seconds.
Your birthstone is Citrine
The Mystical properties of Citrine
Citrine is said to help one connect with Spirit.
Some lists consider these stones to be your birthstone. (Birthstone lists come from Jewelers, Tibet, Ayurvedic Indian medicine, and other sources)
Yellow Topaz, Pearl, Diamond
Your birth tree is
Chestnut Tree, the Honesty
Of unusual beauty, does not want to impress, well-developed sense of justice, vivacious, interested, a born diplomat, but irritable and sensitive in company, often due to a lack of self-confidence, acts sometimes superior, feels not understood, loves only once, has difficulties in finding a partner.
The moon's phase on the day you were
born was waxing gibbous.
_____
I was born on 20 November 1969:
Your date of conception was on or about 27 February 1969 which was a Thursday.
You were born on a Thursday
under the astrological sign Scorpio.
Your Life path number is 11.
Life Path Compatibility:
You are most compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 2, 4, 8, 11 & 22.
You should get along well with those with the Life Path numbers 3 & 6.
You may or may not get along well with those with the Life Path number 9.
You are least compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 1, 5 & 7.
The Julian calendar date of your birth is 2440545.5.
The golden number for 1969 is 13.
The epact number for 1969 is 11.
The year 1969 was not a leap year.
Your birthday falls into the Chinese year beginning 2/17/1969 and ending 2/5/1970.
You were born in the Chinese year of the Rooster.
Your Native American Zodiac sign is Snake; your plant is Thistle.
You were born in the Egyptian month of Tyby, the first month of the season of Poret (Emergence - Fertile soil).
Your date of birth on the Hebrew calendar is 10 Kislev 5730.
Or if you were born after sundown then the date is 11 Kislev 5730.
The Mayan Calendar long count date of your birthday is 12.17.16.5.1 which is
12 baktun 17 katun 16 tun 5 uinal 1 kin
The Hijra (Islamic Calendar) date of your birth is Thursday, 10 Ramadan 1389 (1389-9-10).
The date of Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 6 April 1969.
The date of Orthodox Easter on your birth year was Sunday, 13 April 1969.
The date of Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent) on your birth year was Wednesday 19 February 1969.
The date of Whitsun (Pentecost Sunday) in the year of your birth was Sunday 25 May 1969.
The date of Whisuntide in the year of your birth was Sunday 1 June 1969.
The date of Rosh Hashanah in the year of your birth was Saturday, 13 September 1969.
The date of Passover in the year of your birth was Thursday, 3 April 1969.
The date of Mardi Gras on your birth year was Tuesday 18 February 1969.
As of 8/9/2007 6:24:07 AM EDT
You are 37 years old.
You are 453 months old.
You are 1,968 weeks old.
You are 13,776 days old.
You are 330,630 hours old.
You are 19,837,824 minutes old.
You are 1,190,269,447 seconds old.
Celebrities who share your birthday:
Mischa Mandel (1983)
Mike Diamond (1965)
Bo Derek (1956)
Duane Allman (1946)
Veronica Hamel (1943)
Dick Smothers (1939)
Richard Dawson (1932)
Estelle Parsons (1927)
Kaye Ballard (1926)
Robert F. Kennedy (1925)
Alistair Cooke (1908)
Top songs of 1969
Aquarius/Let the Sun Shine In by Fifth Dimension
In the Year 2525 by Zager & Evans
Get Back by Beatles (with Billy Preston)
Sugar, Sugar by Archies
Honky Tonk Women by Rolling Stones
Everyday People by Sly & the Family Stone
Dizzy by Tommy Roe
Wedding Bell Blues by Fifth Dimension
I Can't Get Next to You by Temptations
Crimson & Clover by Tommy James & the Shondells
Your age is the equivalent of a dog that is 5.39178082191781 years old. (You're still chasing cats!)
There are 103 days till your next birthday
on which your cake will have 38 candles.
Those 38 candles produce 38 BTUs,
or 9,576 calories of heat (that's only 9.5760 food Calories!) .
You can boil 4.34 US ounces of water with that many candles.
In 1969 there were approximately 3.7 million births in the US.
In 1969 the US population was approximately 179,323,175 people, 50.6 persons per square mile.
In 1969 in the US there were approximately 1,800,000 marriages (9.3%) and 479,000 divorces (2.5%)
In 1969 in the US there were approximately 1,712,000 deaths (9.5 per 1000)
In the US a new person is born approximately every 8 seconds.
In the US one person dies approximately every 12 seconds.
Your birthstone is Citrine
The Mystical properties of Citrine
Citrine is said to help one connect with Spirit.
Some lists consider these stones to be your birthstone. (Birthstone lists come from Jewelers, Tibet, Ayurvedic Indian medicine, and other sources)
Yellow Topaz, Pearl, Diamond
Your birth tree is
Chestnut Tree, the Honesty
Of unusual beauty, does not want to impress, well-developed sense of justice, vivacious, interested, a born diplomat, but irritable and sensitive in company, often due to a lack of self-confidence, acts sometimes superior, feels not understood, loves only once, has difficulties in finding a partner.
The moon's phase on the day you were
born was waxing gibbous.
_____
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Eating my way through the fair
Yesterday, after I took my Radioisotope Safety final (which went just fine), New Friend Veronica and I went to the Wisconsin State Fair. My original goal had been to eat a variety of foods on sticks, because that is a major innovation of state fair technology. I'm sure someone has written a dissertation on the origins, histories and evolutions of foods on sticks. I'm sure it starts with the chicken (or other fowl) leg -- nature's food on a stick -- travels through shish kabobs, expounds on the importance of the corn dog and Popsicle in 20th century Western culture, and ends with a surreal listing of current fair foods on sticks such as pickles, pork chops and deep friend Snickers bars. At least mine would. Unless I did any real research and found something else cool.
There's a problem with food on sticks, though. They tend to be expensive. It's as if the stick were a premium souvenir of some sort that you'd pay dearly for, even if it didn't hold a delicious food item. Since I'm a poor graduate student, a quick check of the finances caused me to reevaluate my Fair goal. So I decided to Do The Fair on $20. I found that it was "Crazy Grazin' Night" at the Wisconsin State Fair, a promotion that involves selected vendors offering special portions at a reduced price or "buy one, get one" offers and such. In short, Bargain Food. Cool. This would prove helpful in the pursuit of my new goal.
Turns out, you can stuff yourself incredibly efficiently on $20. Here's how I fared:
I don't know about you, but I'm pretty impressed. Now you know how little it takes to impress me. Come on over and do a trick! I'll love you forever!
A little shot in the direction of the midway which makes it seem like a dinky little affair -- trust me, it's not.
After dark it made for a more interesting picture:
The handwork and craft displays were quite nice, even if they were all behind plexiglass and difficult to photograph:
The blue ribbon for women's knitted pullover went to this lovely sweater:
I decided against noting the name of the person who made this and stalking them until they become my new best friend -- proof that I have short moments of sanity, after all.
This embroidered sampler was fanfreakingtastic:
The top gladioli were all just gorgeous:
Bonsais are so cute. I love them.
The Grand Prize for oddest shaped vegetable went to this little gem:
The little old man standing beside me at the display leaned over to his wife and said, "That there's a male tomato!" Yup, pretty much. Judging by the state of the other fruits and vegetables on display, it wasn't that shriveled when it was submitted. Oh, what "hanging out" in the elements will do to a guy!
All in all, a fabulous time was had. It was a fair, it was a quest, it was a dirty vegetable (okay, tomatoes are fruit) peepshow. What do you want? Fabulous Ecuadorian flute music? Oh yeah, there was that, too.
Now if someone could just roll me into the lab, please?
_____
There's a problem with food on sticks, though. They tend to be expensive. It's as if the stick were a premium souvenir of some sort that you'd pay dearly for, even if it didn't hold a delicious food item. Since I'm a poor graduate student, a quick check of the finances caused me to reevaluate my Fair goal. So I decided to Do The Fair on $20. I found that it was "Crazy Grazin' Night" at the Wisconsin State Fair, a promotion that involves selected vendors offering special portions at a reduced price or "buy one, get one" offers and such. In short, Bargain Food. Cool. This would prove helpful in the pursuit of my new goal.
Turns out, you can stuff yourself incredibly efficiently on $20. Here's how I fared:
| Ticket to the Wisconsin State Fair | $8.00 |
| Sen. Herb Kohl's flavored milk (strawberry) | $0.25 |
| Apple cider doughnut | $0.50 |
| Usinger's all natural hot dog (w/kraut) | $1.00 |
| Dried cranberry/white chocolate chip cookie and glass of cranberry juice | $1.50 |
| 1/2 order garlic cheese dippers | $0.75 |
| 24 oz. Coke | $2.50 |
| Funnel cake | $4.00 |
| Cup of coffee | $1.50 |
| Total | $20.00 |
I don't know about you, but I'm pretty impressed. Now you know how little it takes to impress me. Come on over and do a trick! I'll love you forever!
A little shot in the direction of the midway which makes it seem like a dinky little affair -- trust me, it's not.
After dark it made for a more interesting picture:
The handwork and craft displays were quite nice, even if they were all behind plexiglass and difficult to photograph:
The blue ribbon for women's knitted pullover went to this lovely sweater:
I decided against noting the name of the person who made this and stalking them until they become my new best friend -- proof that I have short moments of sanity, after all.
This embroidered sampler was fanfreakingtastic:
The top gladioli were all just gorgeous:
Bonsais are so cute. I love them.
The Grand Prize for oddest shaped vegetable went to this little gem:
The little old man standing beside me at the display leaned over to his wife and said, "That there's a male tomato!" Yup, pretty much. Judging by the state of the other fruits and vegetables on display, it wasn't that shriveled when it was submitted. Oh, what "hanging out" in the elements will do to a guy!
All in all, a fabulous time was had. It was a fair, it was a quest, it was a dirty vegetable (okay, tomatoes are fruit) peepshow. What do you want? Fabulous Ecuadorian flute music? Oh yeah, there was that, too.
Now if someone could just roll me into the lab, please?
_____
Monday, August 06, 2007
I'm flaking again
Title sung to the tune of "It's Raining Again" by Supertramp.
Now that Gator's socks are done, I'm trying to get back into my routine and flake it up on a weekly basis. I'm afraid I've become disillusioned with the patterns from the SimplySnowflakes group, so I'm going back to my solitary ways (though I'm staying with the group, I'm just not going to participate in the sign-ups anymore). This pattern was a free Lion Brand pattern (Number 4) and it's okay. Not my favorite, but not too bad. I had to go back to size 10 thread (I had been using size 20) because the pattern is actually written for sport weight and the middle was killing me in such a small gauge. I'm so used to size 20, though, that this seems so bulky and inelegant. I'm sure it's a personal problem, so I'm going to ignore it.
Yesterday I went to the Brewers game, which was great until the ninth inning when we blew a big lead only to go into extra innings and lose 8-6 to the Phillies. It was still a fun day, but the outcome of the game was a bummer.
After the game, New Friend Veronica took me to JoAnn so I could get a zipper to finish the Zodiac. I've decided not to embroider anything on it, mostly because a) I can't find a design that seems just right, b) I can't find a 50% cotton / 50% acrylic yarn in a yellow that will match the buttons, which I'm not willing to change, and c) my duplicate stitches always look like crap, and why crap up a perfectly good sleep sack? So I've decided to just block it, put in the zipper, finish a pair of baby socks that marginally match it (they're made from leftovers from my First Socks -- hey, there's some orange in there!), and call it good. The more I look at the Zodiac without embroidery, the more I like it, anyway.
Tomorrow is my final exam for the radioisotope safety class. I'm very excited for it to be over. So much so that I'm going to the Wisconsin State Fair right after the final as a reward. I'll try so hard to remember to take pictures of the craft and needlework highlights. And food on a stick. Because, really, it's all about foods on sticks.
_____
Now that Gator's socks are done, I'm trying to get back into my routine and flake it up on a weekly basis. I'm afraid I've become disillusioned with the patterns from the SimplySnowflakes group, so I'm going back to my solitary ways (though I'm staying with the group, I'm just not going to participate in the sign-ups anymore). This pattern was a free Lion Brand pattern (Number 4) and it's okay. Not my favorite, but not too bad. I had to go back to size 10 thread (I had been using size 20) because the pattern is actually written for sport weight and the middle was killing me in such a small gauge. I'm so used to size 20, though, that this seems so bulky and inelegant. I'm sure it's a personal problem, so I'm going to ignore it.
Yesterday I went to the Brewers game, which was great until the ninth inning when we blew a big lead only to go into extra innings and lose 8-6 to the Phillies. It was still a fun day, but the outcome of the game was a bummer.
After the game, New Friend Veronica took me to JoAnn so I could get a zipper to finish the Zodiac. I've decided not to embroider anything on it, mostly because a) I can't find a design that seems just right, b) I can't find a 50% cotton / 50% acrylic yarn in a yellow that will match the buttons, which I'm not willing to change, and c) my duplicate stitches always look like crap, and why crap up a perfectly good sleep sack? So I've decided to just block it, put in the zipper, finish a pair of baby socks that marginally match it (they're made from leftovers from my First Socks -- hey, there's some orange in there!), and call it good. The more I look at the Zodiac without embroidery, the more I like it, anyway.
Tomorrow is my final exam for the radioisotope safety class. I'm very excited for it to be over. So much so that I'm going to the Wisconsin State Fair right after the final as a reward. I'll try so hard to remember to take pictures of the craft and needlework highlights. And food on a stick. Because, really, it's all about foods on sticks.
_____
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Ta-Dah!
It's all about the socks, baby.
Okay, I totally lied. It's also about a late Saturday Sky. If there's one thing that excites me less than a solid blue rectangle, it's a solid gray rectangle. So I framed the flag flown from the roof of my building for visual interest. It's nice.
Okay, NOW it's all about the socks, baby! Gator received his package yesterday and was right pleased (at least that's what he said to me on the phone as he pulled the socks out of their envelope). Before I sent them on their way (and before it became gray and dismal up here), I caught them lounging by the pool, soaking up the rays to fortify them for their trip through the United States Postal Service. I imagine they needed it.
After two pairs of basic socks, I feel like a slightly-more-than-beginner sock maker extraordinaire -- one who so far has decided that exact stripe-matching just might be bourgeois, or something -- and I'm ready for more. Well, maybe I'll work with a change of scale first...
_____
Okay, I totally lied. It's also about a late Saturday Sky. If there's one thing that excites me less than a solid blue rectangle, it's a solid gray rectangle. So I framed the flag flown from the roof of my building for visual interest. It's nice.
Okay, NOW it's all about the socks, baby! Gator received his package yesterday and was right pleased (at least that's what he said to me on the phone as he pulled the socks out of their envelope). Before I sent them on their way (and before it became gray and dismal up here), I caught them lounging by the pool, soaking up the rays to fortify them for their trip through the United States Postal Service. I imagine they needed it.
After two pairs of basic socks, I feel like a slightly-more-than-beginner sock maker extraordinaire -- one who so far has decided that exact stripe-matching just might be bourgeois, or something -- and I'm ready for more. Well, maybe I'll work with a change of scale first...
_____
Friday, August 03, 2007
Another bit of birthday swag for my boy...
Who'da thunk it?
| You are Bettie Page |
 Girl next door with a wild streak You're a famous beauty - with unique look And the people like you are cultish about it |
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Dear Gator, you are forty-one-derful!
Happy Birthday, Gator, my sweet, awesome hubby!! I'm very sorry that I'm unable to give you another fabulous Hello Kitty birthday, but rest assured that, in spirit, I have bathed you in pink cuteness. Because you're just the kind of He-Man that can totally pull that off.
In other exciting birthday news, I finished your socks! I finished the stitching last night and the finishing this morning. I have but one sock blocker (because I have over-achieved on the "getting rid of wire hangers" front, go figure), so I will block them one at a time and they will be in the mail to you tomorrow! Pahtoo! Once you receive them and are the very first to bask in their glory, I'll post pictures for the masses to enjoy. I'm sure they are getting really antsy out there.
I have only a little over a week left of mentoring the summer research program here and my radioisotope safety class. This is good because I'm about run ragged. Well, okay, that's a total exaggeration, but it is seriously taking away from my "laying by the pool and knitting" time. And then it's only a couple of weeks before classes start again for fall. Then when will I find time to lounge and laze??? It's almost as if I actually moved up here to do some sort of school stuff, rather than live a life of creative leisure. WTF??
I hope your day is grand, my love. Would that I could be with you today. Have a very, very happy birthday.
Every day in every way I remain,
Your Spunky Princess
_____
In other exciting birthday news, I finished your socks! I finished the stitching last night and the finishing this morning. I have but one sock blocker (because I have over-achieved on the "getting rid of wire hangers" front, go figure), so I will block them one at a time and they will be in the mail to you tomorrow! Pahtoo! Once you receive them and are the very first to bask in their glory, I'll post pictures for the masses to enjoy. I'm sure they are getting really antsy out there.
I have only a little over a week left of mentoring the summer research program here and my radioisotope safety class. This is good because I'm about run ragged. Well, okay, that's a total exaggeration, but it is seriously taking away from my "laying by the pool and knitting" time. And then it's only a couple of weeks before classes start again for fall. Then when will I find time to lounge and laze??? It's almost as if I actually moved up here to do some sort of school stuff, rather than live a life of creative leisure. WTF??
I hope your day is grand, my love. Would that I could be with you today. Have a very, very happy birthday.
Every day in every way I remain,
Your Spunky Princess
_____
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)