Lorelai, you are now a 7 month old scamp! You are "crawling" (army style) all over the place and have the potential for all kinds of trouble. In particular, Jackson's water dish and chew toys. Recently you have shown a fondness for magazines, if only to destroy them. I suppose that is one way to recycle them. You are getting more vocal - we hear you babble every day - what are you trying to tell us? But the sound we love to hear the most is your laugh - bouncing on the bed gives you giggles, so does tickling you and when you squirm around on the changing table - you think you're so funny! Our solid food adventures continue - I have made a lot of your food - sweet potatoes, apples, pears, peaches, bananas, (many with cereal), and even with foods you don't love (chicken, peas, green beans, carrots) you'll eat them up anyway. Puffs and cheerios keep you busy in your highchair, but Jackson gets to eat more of them than you do! Grammie's house is the place for treats - she's given you pizza crust, popsicles and graham crackers!
6.30.2008
June 101 Update
The last time I did this was March. Getting back on the wagon & editing / updating...
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Original post here. Updates: January, February, March
---------------------------------------------------
I like a challenge. I love lists. I think this sort of list would be good to help me keep some focus (on me) now that the bulk of my focus is on my family. This list has been inspired by my family, friends, and the other lists in blogs I read...
Day Zero, Home of 101/1001 Project
The Mission
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).
Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
My List
Start date : 01 January 2008
End date : 28 September 2010
Key
Not yet started
In progress
Complete
1. Fill the large collage photo frames. (1/3)
2. Hang the photo-filled large collage photo frames (1/3)
3. Declutter: sell or give-away 101 material items I own (9/101)
-yarn, -clothes -books
4. Learn to use the drop spindle. Completed: 3/11/08
5. Make enough yarn on the drop spindle to make a hat.
6. Learn to crochet.
7. Use crochet to make a simple amigurumi character.
8. Open a savings account for Lorelai and save $250 (250/250) Complete: 5/17/08
9. See 10 movies in the movie theater (1/10)
**1)Sex & The City
10. Submit my resume to the new science museum. Completed: 2/28/08
11. Attend a sheep and wool festival in CT
12. Go to the local farmer's market 15 times (3/15)
13. Submit photos to the Durham and Guilford Fairs each year (0/6)
14. Submit knitted objects to the Durham and Guilford Fairs each year (0/6)
15. Photograph Lorelai on the 30th of each month (7/33)
16. Cook one new recipe a month (7/33)
**"Chicken Bruschetta Bake" from the Stove Top Stuffing Mix Box. Just ok.**
**"Curried Lamb" from Woman's Day Magazine, crock-pot recipe. Bland.**
**"Stuffed Pepper Soup" copycat recipe of 99 restuarant recipe. Burnt the soup. Ick.**
**Turkey & Brocolli Casserole thing from Taste Of Home Magazine. Not bad.
**Mini Lamb Burgers with Couscous Salad from Real Simple - Delish!
**Baked Mac-n-Cheese with Chicken Sausage from "6 o'clock Scramble" online - yummy!
**Blueberry Cake from Cooking Light - ok, but all the blueberries sank to the bottom!
17. Drink 2-3 Liters of water a day.
18. Write a letter to Koji and Noriko to tell them about Lorelai.
19. Knit a sweater for me that fits and I love. Glee!
20. Knit 30 socks (15 pairs) (4/30)
**Bartholomew's Sock #1 done 1/21/08**
**Bartholomew's Sock #2 done 2/4/08**
**Lenore Socks #1 & #2 done in 10 days! 2/14/08**
**Two wee socks (one for the wee sock swap) 3/30/08**
20. I want to make the “Heirloom Ring Blanket” for my mom. Deadline: December 2008.
22. Knit two mitered squares a month. (4/66)
23. Seam up mitered squares to make an afghan.
24. Update the blog once a week for a year. (12/52)
25. Go to four dachshund meet-ups. (1/4)
26. Make updated moo cards.
27. Make my own granola.
28. Get a routine physical with an internist.
29. Get a body scan to check on the freckles / moles.
30. Go to the dentist twice a year (0/6)
31. Start doing yoga once a week, build up to three times a week.
32. Take Jackson for a walk daily, weather permitting. (Let's face it, he's a dachshund and doesn't fare well in cold, wet, or snow)
33. Save $1 for every item completed from this list.
34. Sew a pair of pajama pants.
35. Read 10 books. (10/10)
**1) The Good Good Pig
**2) The Memory Keeper's Daughter
**3) The Tender Bar
**4) You're Not You
**5) Water for Elephants
**6) Diary
**7) The Know-it-all
**8) Prince Caspian
**9) Smotherhood
**10) Redstripe
36. Create a coordinated Halloween costume for Lorelai and Jackson.
37. I'm going to allow myself to purchase yarn with the condition that an equal (or greater) amount leaves the house.
38. Clean out and organize the junk drawers in the kitchen (2/2) Complete: 6/29/08
39. Write recipes on recipe cards as needed. No more torn out from magazine papers!
40. Send the grandparents a card / Lorelai photo once a month (5/33)
41. Post an Update of my 101 each month (4/33)
42. Grow plant / veggie garden from seed.
43. Grow 3 "new to me" plants / veggies each year (1/9)
**1) Broccoli
**2) Peas
**3) Corn
44. Give blood once a year. (0/3)
45. Read "The Killer Angels".
46. Try out peapod or other online grocery service.Complete: 1/2/08
47. Try out g-diapers.
48. Clean out email inbox and maintain so there's never more than 100 messages in there at a time.
49. Get a professional portrait of Lorelai. Appointment made for 7/2/08
50. Buy 5 gifts from etsy.com each year (1/15)
**PrettyInPosies hair clips for Lorelai**
51. Clean out / organize the bloglines reader to remove blogs unupdated / uninteresting / topics /etc. once each year (0/3)
52. Get back in shape to fit into my regular non-maternity clothes.
53. Bring old maternity clothes and newborn clothes to Beyond the Stork.
54. Replace the lights along the front walk. Complete: 6/8/08
55. Get back to at least my prepregnancy weight (minus an extra 5 - 7 pounds)
**As of 1/11/08 I'm down 28 pounds! 13 more to go to get to pre-preg.wt**
56. Buy a scale to keep an eye on #55.Complete: 1/15/08
57. Rediscover my yarn stash - pair up 20 new projects with stash yarn. (0/20)
58. Complete 20 projects using stash yarn (2/20)
**1) Snowman Hat **2)Bunny Cozies
59. Knit 30 baby hats for charity, donate in Lorelai's name. (1/30)
60. Make my own sushi.
61. Make photocards for Valentine's Day,Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving on home computer.
62. See a Broadway show.Complete: 5/3/08 Macbeth
63. Visit New York City.Complete: 5/3/08
64. Snorkel in the British Virgin Islands.Complete: 4/22/08
65. Try 10 recipes from Alton Brown's "Good Eats" (0/10)
66. Host a holiday dinner for the family at least once a year. (1/3) Easter '08
67. Garden indoors with the AeroGarden, maintain the water and nutrients.
68. Get a bikini wax.
69. Vote for president.
70. Listen to 8 audio-books. (3/8)
**1) Microthrills by Wendy Spero
**2) The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood
**3) Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner
71. Get my first tattoo
72. Go back to church
73. Knit three projects from each knitting book I own.
**Itty Bitty Hats a)Snowman Hat b)Bunny Tails Hat c)Upside-Down Daisy
**Mason-Dixon Knitting a)Baby Genius Burp Cloth
74. Join a local mom+baby group.
**Does Gymboree count? Went to class on 1/9/08, plan to keep going**
**Found a local group - much better in terms of time and location!**
75. Copy the phone numbers in my cell phone into my paper address book.
76. Reinstall itunes.Complete: 1/3/2008
77. Expose myself to new music: Listen to one new artist a week (3/143)
78. See if the nerds / geeks can rescue the data from the Dell hard drive.
79. Get back on birth control. completed 1/13/08
80. Write a letter a month (2/33)
81. Sort through the boxes brought home from school.
82. Fully update stash on ravelry.
83. Fully update books on ravelry.
84. Fully update needles on ravelry.
85. Set up an etsy shop. Complete: 6/27/08
86. Sell 25 items from etsy shop. (0/25)
87. Get a table / space at a local craft fair.
88. Knit Dan & Virginia's wedding afghan. Deadline: June 2009.
89. Knit afghan for me!
90. Re-read 10 books that I read when I was in grades 6 - 8. (0/10)
91. Purchase a TerraPass / CO2 offset for my car / home / acrylic knitting.
92. Knit all holiday gifts by December 13.
93. Embroider a onesie for Lorelai.
94. Use the canvas / knit bags not plastic when shopping. This is a full time habit now
95. Try sign language with Lorelai - 5 signs (0/5)
96. Come in second in the fantasy football league.
97. Read more than just the Art section of the New York Times Weekend Edition (\2\4/143)
98. Eat vegetarian for a week.
99. Learn to make pancakes.
100. Eat out at 5 new restaurants (5/5)
**The Time Out Tavern, Durham, CT
**The New Deal Steakplace, Westbrook, CT
**Mia Dona, New York City
**Nellie Green, Branford, CT
**Miso, New Haven, CT
101. Smile everyday. Be a good example / role model for my daughter. Be a good wife to my husband.
--------------------------------------------------
Original post here. Updates: January, February, March
---------------------------------------------------
I like a challenge. I love lists. I think this sort of list would be good to help me keep some focus (on me) now that the bulk of my focus is on my family. This list has been inspired by my family, friends, and the other lists in blogs I read...
Day Zero, Home of 101/1001 Project
The Mission
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).
Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
My List
Start date : 01 January 2008
End date : 28 September 2010
Key
Not yet started
In progress
1. Fill the large collage photo frames. (1/3)
2. Hang the photo-filled large collage photo frames (1/3)
3. Declutter: sell or give-away 101 material items I own (9/101)
-yarn, -clothes -books
5. Make enough yarn on the drop spindle to make a hat.
6. Learn to crochet.
7. Use crochet to make a simple amigurumi character.
9. See 10 movies in the movie theater (1/10)
**1)Sex & The City
11. Attend a sheep and wool festival in CT
12. Go to the local farmer's market 15 times (3/15)
13. Submit photos to the Durham and Guilford Fairs each year (0/6)
14. Submit knitted objects to the Durham and Guilford Fairs each year (0/6)
15. Photograph Lorelai on the 30th of each month (7/33)
16. Cook one new recipe a month (7/33)
**"Chicken Bruschetta Bake" from the Stove Top Stuffing Mix Box. Just ok.**
**"Curried Lamb" from Woman's Day Magazine, crock-pot recipe. Bland.**
**"Stuffed Pepper Soup" copycat recipe of 99 restuarant recipe. Burnt the soup. Ick.**
**Turkey & Brocolli Casserole thing from Taste Of Home Magazine. Not bad.
**Mini Lamb Burgers with Couscous Salad from Real Simple - Delish!
**Baked Mac-n-Cheese with Chicken Sausage from "6 o'clock Scramble" online - yummy!
**Blueberry Cake from Cooking Light - ok, but all the blueberries sank to the bottom!
17. Drink 2-3 Liters of water a day.
18. Write a letter to Koji and Noriko to tell them about Lorelai.
20. Knit 30 socks (15 pairs) (4/30)
**Bartholomew's Sock #1 done 1/21/08**
**Bartholomew's Sock #2 done 2/4/08**
**Lenore Socks #1 & #2 done in 10 days! 2/14/08**
**Two wee socks (one for the wee sock swap) 3/30/08**
20. I want to make the “Heirloom Ring Blanket” for my mom. Deadline: December 2008.
22. Knit two mitered squares a month. (4/66)
23. Seam up mitered squares to make an afghan.
24. Update the blog once a week for a year. (12/52)
25. Go to four dachshund meet-ups. (1/4)
26. Make updated moo cards.
27. Make my own granola.
28. Get a routine physical with an internist.
29. Get a body scan to check on the freckles / moles.
30. Go to the dentist twice a year (0/6)
31. Start doing yoga once a week, build up to three times a week.
32. Take Jackson for a walk daily, weather permitting. (Let's face it, he's a dachshund and doesn't fare well in cold, wet, or snow)
33. Save $1 for every item completed from this list.
34. Sew a pair of pajama pants.
**1) The Good Good Pig
**2) The Memory Keeper's Daughter
**3) The Tender Bar
**4) You're Not You
**5) Water for Elephants
**6) Diary
**7) The Know-it-all
**8) Prince Caspian
**9) Smotherhood
**10) Redstripe
36. Create a coordinated Halloween costume for Lorelai and Jackson.
37. I'm going to allow myself to purchase yarn with the condition that an equal (or greater) amount leaves the house.
39. Write recipes on recipe cards as needed. No more torn out from magazine papers!
40. Send the grandparents a card / Lorelai photo once a month (5/33)
41. Post an Update of my 101 each month (4/33)
43. Grow 3 "new to me" plants / veggies each year (1/9)
**1) Broccoli
**2) Peas
**3) Corn
44. Give blood once a year. (0/3)
45. Read "The Killer Angels".
47. Try out g-diapers.
48. Clean out email inbox and maintain so there's never more than 100 messages in there at a time.
49. Get a professional portrait of Lorelai. Appointment made for 7/2/08
50. Buy 5 gifts from etsy.com each year (1/15)
**PrettyInPosies hair clips for Lorelai**
51. Clean out / organize the bloglines reader to remove blogs unupdated / uninteresting / topics /etc. once each year (0/3)
52. Get back in shape to fit into my regular non-maternity clothes.
53. Bring old maternity clothes and newborn clothes to Beyond the Stork.
55. Get back to at least my prepregnancy weight (minus an extra 5 - 7 pounds)
**As of 1/11/08 I'm down 28 pounds! 13 more to go to get to pre-preg.wt**
57. Rediscover my yarn stash - pair up 20 new projects with stash yarn. (0/20)
58. Complete 20 projects using stash yarn (2/20)
**1) Snowman Hat **2)Bunny Cozies
59. Knit 30 baby hats for charity, donate in Lorelai's name. (1/30)
60. Make my own sushi.
61. Make photocards for Valentine's Day,
65. Try 10 recipes from Alton Brown's "Good Eats" (0/10)
66. Host a holiday dinner for the family at least once a year. (1/3) Easter '08
67. Garden indoors with the AeroGarden, maintain the water and nutrients.
68. Get a bikini wax.
69. Vote for president.
70. Listen to 8 audio-books. (3/8)
**1) Microthrills by Wendy Spero
**2) The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood
**3) Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner
71. Get my first tattoo
72. Go back to church
73. Knit three projects from each knitting book I own.
**Itty Bitty Hats a)Snowman Hat b)Bunny Tails Hat c)Upside-Down Daisy
**Mason-Dixon Knitting a)Baby Genius Burp Cloth
**Does Gymboree count? Went to class on 1/9/08, plan to keep going**
**Found a local group - much better in terms of time and location!**
77. Expose myself to new music: Listen to one new artist a week (3/143)
80. Write a letter a month (2/33)
81. Sort through the boxes brought home from school.
82. Fully update stash on ravelry.
83. Fully update books on ravelry.
84. Fully update needles on ravelry.
86. Sell 25 items from etsy shop. (0/25)
87. Get a table / space at a local craft fair.
88. Knit Dan & Virginia's wedding afghan. Deadline: June 2009.
89. Knit afghan for me!
90. Re-read 10 books that I read when I was in grades 6 - 8. (0/10)
91. Purchase a TerraPass / CO2 offset for my car / home / acrylic knitting.
92. Knit all holiday gifts by December 13.
93. Embroider a onesie for Lorelai.
95. Try sign language with Lorelai - 5 signs (0/5)
96. Come in second in the fantasy football league.
97. Read more than just the Art section of the New York Times Weekend Edition (\2\4/143)
98. Eat vegetarian for a week.
99. Learn to make pancakes.
**The Time Out Tavern, Durham, CT
**The New Deal Steakplace, Westbrook, CT
**Mia Dona, New York City
**Nellie Green, Branford, CT
**Miso, New Haven, CT
101. Smile everyday. Be a good example / role model for my daughter. Be a good wife to my husband.
6.27.2008
Me & Indy
Took Jackson outside for a bathroom break - we go outside our house, down the walk, to the grass, he does his business, we return to the walk past the bushes and into the house. Something caught my eye...
Notice anything? Here, I'll zoom in...
I don't do very well with snakes,even tiny garter snakes(that's what it is right?). Obviously I can do well enough to dash into the house to grab the camera, but anything that can climb trees and bushes without limbs freaks me out! I have great respect for the snake, and after he SSSSSSS'd his tongue out at me and went back inside the bush I scurried inside.
On the other hand I love my camera!
Notice anything? Here, I'll zoom in...
I don't do very well with snakes,even tiny garter snakes(that's what it is right?). Obviously I can do well enough to dash into the house to grab the camera, but anything that can climb trees and bushes without limbs freaks me out! I have great respect for the snake, and after he SSSSSSS'd his tongue out at me and went back inside the bush I scurried inside.
On the other hand I love my camera!
Internet Black Holes
What is it about sites like plurk and facebook - they just suck you in and WHOOSH, there goes an hour. Knitters have it tough though because we also have ravelry.
I've been knitting on all sorts of various projects and have a few ideas brewing in my head. Two of which require some design skills. The Yarn Harlot already posted what this is like, and she's got it exactly right. I don't want to say too much about what I'm planning until I've got a better working model to show, but it safe to say it involves baby toys, and two different baby hats that I have not yet seen anywhere. I am getting myself very obsessed with the idea of selling on etsy and local craft fairs - maybe this fall to start!
Betsy emailed me about her love of Green Gable. I have that pattern and actually started the sweater at least two years ago. I was knitting away and stopped because it dawned on me that I may not have enough yarn to finish. Fast forward to now and the world of ravelry and I was able to snoop through peoples stashes, find the yarn I was looking for and inquire about it. The two people I PM'd both were happy to send along their partial skeins to me. One gal did it for good karma, the other was happy to negotiate a trade - my koigu skeins for the yarn I needed AND she also sent me a skein of her hand-dyed! - it's gorgeous! So now hopefully I can get that done and maybe even wear it!
Yarn: Knitpicks Shine Sport in Hydrangea
Finished another burp cloth / dishcloth, this one has several mistakes - I really wasn't paying attention to this one. But, unless you're a knitter / know the pattern / really look close, it's hard to tell.
Color is off on this one, it's a bright sunshine yellow / french's yellow mustard.
Went out to SnB last night - uniterrupted knitting time, yay! I was able to finish the heel flap and turn the heel on my noro socks, which are really growing on me. Hot heels!
Jackson has been sounding the alarm at all the bunnies in the yarn, but that seems to just make them want to be stubborn and not leave, which only makes him bark more. Endless cycle. But he looks cute in the window on guard!
I've been knitting on all sorts of various projects and have a few ideas brewing in my head. Two of which require some design skills. The Yarn Harlot already posted what this is like, and she's got it exactly right. I don't want to say too much about what I'm planning until I've got a better working model to show, but it safe to say it involves baby toys, and two different baby hats that I have not yet seen anywhere. I am getting myself very obsessed with the idea of selling on etsy and local craft fairs - maybe this fall to start!
Betsy emailed me about her love of Green Gable. I have that pattern and actually started the sweater at least two years ago. I was knitting away and stopped because it dawned on me that I may not have enough yarn to finish. Fast forward to now and the world of ravelry and I was able to snoop through peoples stashes, find the yarn I was looking for and inquire about it. The two people I PM'd both were happy to send along their partial skeins to me. One gal did it for good karma, the other was happy to negotiate a trade - my koigu skeins for the yarn I needed AND she also sent me a skein of her hand-dyed! - it's gorgeous! So now hopefully I can get that done and maybe even wear it!
Yarn: Knitpicks Shine Sport in Hydrangea
Finished another burp cloth / dishcloth, this one has several mistakes - I really wasn't paying attention to this one. But, unless you're a knitter / know the pattern / really look close, it's hard to tell.
Color is off on this one, it's a bright sunshine yellow / french's yellow mustard.
Went out to SnB last night - uniterrupted knitting time, yay! I was able to finish the heel flap and turn the heel on my noro socks, which are really growing on me. Hot heels!
Jackson has been sounding the alarm at all the bunnies in the yarn, but that seems to just make them want to be stubborn and not leave, which only makes him bark more. Endless cycle. But he looks cute in the window on guard!
6.24.2008
Waiting out the nap
After baby group today, the plan was to go grocery shopping. L started to fall asleep on the way there, so I got myself a treat at Dunkin Donuts (one of the few places that is drive thru around here). Drove down to the water, figuring at least I could enjoy the view while she napped. Who woke up as soon as we got there? Yep, lorelai. So, I return to the original plan and go to the grocery store, where she promptly fell asleep. I am without knitting or a book. Thank goodness for the iPhone. Ooh! She's awake now!
6.23.2008
Slow start
Nice weekend - cleaned a bit, knit a bit (on socks, swatches and burp cloths) and now I'm obsessed with the idea of getting a space / table at a local craft fair to sell some of the knitted things. Not this summer (I'm crazy with the knitting, but not insane) but maybe holidays? next summer, for sure.
Anyway, dinner out at Miso was fantastic (Get their tuna sandwich, seriously). Yesterday was spent doing a lot of travel to Rhode Island for a wedding - the weather held out and it was a really nice time.
I have been having a blast playing with my new camera - here are some of my current favorite shots:
Look at that little face!
She's holding in her upper lip, I'm biting my bottom lip. I predict years of silly faces ahead.
Can't forget about Jackson!
Anyway, dinner out at Miso was fantastic (Get their tuna sandwich, seriously). Yesterday was spent doing a lot of travel to Rhode Island for a wedding - the weather held out and it was a really nice time.
I have been having a blast playing with my new camera - here are some of my current favorite shots:
Look at that little face!
She's holding in her upper lip, I'm biting my bottom lip. I predict years of silly faces ahead.
Can't forget about Jackson!
6.20.2008
Attention Walmart Shoppers (the job post)
L. & I were out at Walmart this afternoon. We had just started our poking / shopping when the power went out - I can overhear teeny-boppers screeching, and "Please escort your department's customers to the front of the store" - I slowly start to make my way towrads the front when the lights came back on. Fine, I continue to poke, but as I get to where I want to be one of the workers is standing there waving her arms saying to the customers around her: No. You have to go to the front of the store. I turn the stroller about and we start to go to the front - where we are told "All the cashiers are available even if their lights are not on" - so I get the feeling this isn't an emergency, just an inconvenience. While I'm observing this I get told twice, You have to exit the store. Why are they so panicky? You're not helping very much - if it were an emergency you wouldn't be ringing people's purchases up!
I plurked that I had a job offer. I went on an interview on Monday not really expecting all that much to come from it, but apparently I was wrong. They did offer the job to me, but it's full time, and I think it would be better to do part time - given day care costs and the whirlwind of getting that in gear. Plus, I don't know if I was 100% into going back to work, I like staying at home with the girl. I miss work. I miss making money. And even though this job is in town (commute = 0!) it's just not the right time. Hopefully something else will come along that's even better.
I plurked that I had a job offer. I went on an interview on Monday not really expecting all that much to come from it, but apparently I was wrong. They did offer the job to me, but it's full time, and I think it would be better to do part time - given day care costs and the whirlwind of getting that in gear. Plus, I don't know if I was 100% into going back to work, I like staying at home with the girl. I miss work. I miss making money. And even though this job is in town (commute = 0!) it's just not the right time. Hopefully something else will come along that's even better.
The Birthday Post
(I think today will be a multiple post kind of day, life is like that.)
Happy Birthday to Me! It's tricky taking a photo of a photo, but that's me - just about 1 month old. And now, I'm 30. Crazyness. In my head, I'm only 25? maybe 27? 23 seems too young, 28 doesn't seem right either. I don't plan to be one of those "29 forever" people, I'm perfectly fine to share my age - shout it from the rooftops as it were. While some people I know agonized over turning 30 and how old it is, that's just not me. It's a milestone and should be recognized and embraced.
I think it will be a quiet day - Lorelai and I will do some errands, and just hang out. And learn how to use my "new baby"
A Canon PowerShot S5 IS - so cool!!!!
I didn't blog this before, but Theatreknitter got me yarn for my birthday -
I'm thinking I'll use it for Summer of Socks!
Tomorrow night we are going out with my brothers & sister-in-law-to-be to Miso - sushi, yum!!
Here's another photo of me, maybe 6 months old or so (about the same as Lorelai is now!)
Happy day!
Happy Birthday to Me! It's tricky taking a photo of a photo, but that's me - just about 1 month old. And now, I'm 30. Crazyness. In my head, I'm only 25? maybe 27? 23 seems too young, 28 doesn't seem right either. I don't plan to be one of those "29 forever" people, I'm perfectly fine to share my age - shout it from the rooftops as it were. While some people I know agonized over turning 30 and how old it is, that's just not me. It's a milestone and should be recognized and embraced.
I think it will be a quiet day - Lorelai and I will do some errands, and just hang out. And learn how to use my "new baby"
A Canon PowerShot S5 IS - so cool!!!!
I didn't blog this before, but Theatreknitter got me yarn for my birthday -
I'm thinking I'll use it for Summer of Socks!
Tomorrow night we are going out with my brothers & sister-in-law-to-be to Miso - sushi, yum!!
Here's another photo of me, maybe 6 months old or so (about the same as Lorelai is now!)
Happy day!
6.19.2008
trying to be a better eco-mama
I've been having so much fun with the stick blender and making "food cubes" for Lorelai - we've got sweet potato, apples, bananas and green beans in the freezer. How easy, just mush up the food and freeze. And as she gets older / more teeth / the hang of eating I can be lazy and mush it less! I'm loving that I don't have to buy many jars / containers of food (not that I would recycle those). And I made strawberry jam yesterday - plan to have it tomorrow morning - hopefully it came out right!
Continuing my eco-friendliness, I also completed a swiffer cover:
The pattern (Rav link) was straightforward, easy, quick and I still managed to not pay attention and repeat rows out of order. It's to clean / dust the floor and then be tossed in the wash.
I am currently working on a sweater for Lorelai (Get Ziggy - rav link - it comes with a hat now? man!) - I'm using Caron Simply Soft Brights - acrylic yarn, which I'm learning to love - babies are messy. and drooly. I think cotton is too heavy and I wouldn't want the wool to felt! Why can't I purchase Carbon Offsets for the acrylic yarn?
Continuing my eco-friendliness, I also completed a swiffer cover:
The pattern (Rav link) was straightforward, easy, quick and I still managed to not pay attention and repeat rows out of order. It's to clean / dust the floor and then be tossed in the wash.
I am currently working on a sweater for Lorelai (Get Ziggy - rav link - it comes with a hat now? man!) - I'm using Caron Simply Soft Brights - acrylic yarn, which I'm learning to love - babies are messy. and drooly. I think cotton is too heavy and I wouldn't want the wool to felt! Why can't I purchase Carbon Offsets for the acrylic yarn?
6.16.2008
Washington Whirlwind Weekend
Can I tell you how happy I am to just sit for a moment? This weekend was so much fun, but such a blur at the same time. Friday, the day I departed, Lorelai was sick - constantly runny nose, interrupted sleep at night, fussy fussy fussy, overtired, teething... So I was more than a bit nervous about leaving her for the weekend (she improved drastically Fri-Sat night, so I was able to relax). I brought Loopy along for the ride.
I took the train from New Haven to Washington, DC on Friday afternoon.
I knit, caught up on podcasts, knit, knit, knit. I finished & started swiffer covers (pdf link), and worked on a sock. The colors threw me a loop though, it was all muddy colors, not the fun blues / pinks I see on the outside of the skein. The blue started to come in after the photo was taken.
Saturday was the big day. We had the baby shower - there was an general literary theme going on and we all contributed books for baby's new library. I went with a Maine / Lobster theme, so you know I had to make a lobster.
Big hit! I used cotton, so baby can get his first "taste" of lobster too. That was a fun knit - everyone smiles when they see it!
Betsy and I ventured out after the show for a yarn shop. It was Knit In Public day - we made certain to knit each place we were throughout the day:
Breakfast:
Afternoon DC Metro ride:
Loopy looks for the Trolley to take us to the yarn shop.
Knit Happens is a gorgeous store! It's so cute - even on the outside (Alexandria is a place I would like to visit again!)
The inside is laid out very nicely, "green" planet friendly yarns are indicated, as are "Local Dyers" I really like that part, becuase I did buy two "vacation yarns" from NeighborhoodFiberCo - they are local!! And other "local" yarns I didn't get this time, I have only heard about online, but now know what they are like :)
And the gals working were awesome! Isn't it funny how knitters can now introduce themselves with, "Are you on ravelry? What's your ravelry name?" and then "oooh! I know you!". That happened at the store - then knitgirl pulled up the ravelry page with my user info on it!
We also knit on the way home, the woman I asked to take the photo perfectly held her finger over the flash ::rolls eyes:: oh well.
It was a late night, followed by an early morning, and a long train ride home. I finished another baby burp cloth and started "Get Ziggy" for Lorelai.
Today I had a job interview, but it was just ok and really don't feel like it merits much blogging about.
I took the train from New Haven to Washington, DC on Friday afternoon.
I knit, caught up on podcasts, knit, knit, knit. I finished & started swiffer covers (pdf link), and worked on a sock. The colors threw me a loop though, it was all muddy colors, not the fun blues / pinks I see on the outside of the skein. The blue started to come in after the photo was taken.
Saturday was the big day. We had the baby shower - there was an general literary theme going on and we all contributed books for baby's new library. I went with a Maine / Lobster theme, so you know I had to make a lobster.
Big hit! I used cotton, so baby can get his first "taste" of lobster too. That was a fun knit - everyone smiles when they see it!
Betsy and I ventured out after the show for a yarn shop. It was Knit In Public day - we made certain to knit each place we were throughout the day:
Breakfast:
Afternoon DC Metro ride:
Loopy looks for the Trolley to take us to the yarn shop.
Knit Happens is a gorgeous store! It's so cute - even on the outside (Alexandria is a place I would like to visit again!)
The inside is laid out very nicely, "green" planet friendly yarns are indicated, as are "Local Dyers" I really like that part, becuase I did buy two "vacation yarns" from NeighborhoodFiberCo - they are local!! And other "local" yarns I didn't get this time, I have only heard about online, but now know what they are like :)
And the gals working were awesome! Isn't it funny how knitters can now introduce themselves with, "Are you on ravelry? What's your ravelry name?" and then "oooh! I know you!". That happened at the store - then knitgirl pulled up the ravelry page with my user info on it!
We also knit on the way home, the woman I asked to take the photo perfectly held her finger over the flash ::rolls eyes:: oh well.
It was a late night, followed by an early morning, and a long train ride home. I finished another baby burp cloth and started "Get Ziggy" for Lorelai.
Today I had a job interview, but it was just ok and really don't feel like it merits much blogging about.
Baby Food!
Inspired by this book and a stick blender that is waiting to be used, I decided to make a batch of sweet potato for the baby, affectionately referred to around here as "The Lorax". The book is great, takes you through every detail as if you have never cooked or even eaten! Anyway, making baby food appeals to me for several reasons. I know exactly what my daughter is eating. 3 sweet potatoes filled two ice cube trays (28 servings!) - I could have added more water and maybe even squeezed out a little more, but this is good to start with. No extra chemicals or anything like that. It's so crafty - now when I walk by the baby food aisle all I think of is "I can make that" - really, I can stick everything in the blender or stab at it with the hand one. This is way better for the environment - the dog can eat it, there's new material for the compost pile, no extra containers needed - after freezing these "cubes" they are stored inside the freezer. I think we'll try applesauce this week.
6.09.2008
Considering glee
My Glee swetaer is 98% finished - it needs some hook and eyes clasps and two ends to weve in. I really pushed myself to just get it done, and I'm quite proud of the fact that I did. Love the zephyrstyle pattern - well written, and construction-wise - top down all in one piece - that is the way to go. Ravelry details are here.
Slightly blurry photo. While I'm thrilled with the fact that I made my first "Big Girl Sweater", and that for the most part it fits, I'm not too excited about the body portion - I didn't try this on as I went. I made the medium size to account for the *bewbs* I now have thanks to the little one. I think I maybe should have then followed the directions for the smaller size for the body. Pre-baby I had started wearing clothes that fit to my body more, so maybe that is what my hang up is here.
I'm so very proud of how I picked up stitches on the neckline!
The yarn is elspeth lavold silky wool - wonderful to work with, and light, but very warm! I do think I will get the hook /eyes and follow this through to the end. I set out to make this sweater and I did it! Yay me!
Saturday was a good mail day in terms of yarn. I received a skein of Blue Sky Dyed Cotton that I swapped for with another Ravel-er. I also received an order from the Loopy Ewe - I ordered two sock patterns, pattern keepers, dpn holders on Thursday and received my items on Saturday! That's so beyond awesome :) And now, since I have spent enough over the last year or so I now also have a credit! One more order and I get to be a Loopy Groupie - don't think that credit isn't burning a hole in my virtual pocket!! Sheri is just awesome, I would totally push for you to buy from her!
Slightly blurry photo. While I'm thrilled with the fact that I made my first "Big Girl Sweater", and that for the most part it fits, I'm not too excited about the body portion - I didn't try this on as I went. I made the medium size to account for the *bewbs* I now have thanks to the little one. I think I maybe should have then followed the directions for the smaller size for the body. Pre-baby I had started wearing clothes that fit to my body more, so maybe that is what my hang up is here.
I'm so very proud of how I picked up stitches on the neckline!
The yarn is elspeth lavold silky wool - wonderful to work with, and light, but very warm! I do think I will get the hook /eyes and follow this through to the end. I set out to make this sweater and I did it! Yay me!
Saturday was a good mail day in terms of yarn. I received a skein of Blue Sky Dyed Cotton that I swapped for with another Ravel-er. I also received an order from the Loopy Ewe - I ordered two sock patterns, pattern keepers, dpn holders on Thursday and received my items on Saturday! That's so beyond awesome :) And now, since I have spent enough over the last year or so I now also have a credit! One more order and I get to be a Loopy Groupie - don't think that credit isn't burning a hole in my virtual pocket!! Sheri is just awesome, I would totally push for you to buy from her!
6.07.2008
Necking
My "Glee" sweater is almost finished! At SnB this week I finished the bottom ribbing and a sleeve. Friday I finished the other sleeve and last night I started on the neck ribbing. I concentrated so hard on it - and today finished that part! So, all that's left is the other half of the neck ribbing and then to locate / place hook'n'eyes. I may be able to wear this sweater when I go off to DC next week (though, it may be too hot, it is a wool / silk yarn!) or for my birthday dinner! I need a new skirt or new jeans to wear with it. My favorite pair of jeans sprang a hole in the knee this week - I haven't worn out a pair of jeans like that since I can't remember when. And I dread shopping for jeans. It just takes forever!
Looking at my friends activity page on Ravelry today, I saw many many people have queued the February Lady Sweater (Ravelry link). So I go to FlintKnits - it's really cute! I think I'll add that to my queue as well - along with the other 371 projects I have in mind to knit. And I have been sorting through some of them, honest!
The heat wave has started - temperatures are in the 80s, but it's hazy and hot! Summer has come early I think!
Looking at my friends activity page on Ravelry today, I saw many many people have queued the February Lady Sweater (Ravelry link). So I go to FlintKnits - it's really cute! I think I'll add that to my queue as well - along with the other 371 projects I have in mind to knit. And I have been sorting through some of them, honest!
The heat wave has started - temperatures are in the 80s, but it's hazy and hot! Summer has come early I think!
6.02.2008
Dr. Oliver Spags' Oral Histories - Episode 3-15
A little levity for your Monday - my brother and his comedy group. Be advised, there's some harsh language.
My colors are 'Blush' and 'Bashful'....
Her colors are pink and pink! Those lines from Steel Magnolias so aptly describe the color scheme in this house. It seemed to me that each room had somewhere some shade of pink or lilac in it - for crying out loud, even our sun porch has peachy-pink blinds. Soooo not my colors. Anyway, over the 3 years we've been here I've altered the color palette. First to go was the master bedroom - that went from pink to "deep smoke signal" (a deep grey-purple). The kitchen went from pink to "water spout" (kind of light apple green). Dan's old room was turned ultra pink when he moved out is now also "deep smoke signal" with a burgandy rug (ugh, but I can live with that for now). The baby's room got a stripe of green that looks great but also kind of looks like baby food.
Lately, the guest bathroom has been bothering me. Nothing matches. I hate the shower hooks that are shaped like something - while cute and decorative, they are as annoying as anything when you're trying to pull the curtain across. The hooks here are shell shaped. There are shell stickers on the top row of tile in the shower. They are coral colored. The shower curtain rod is pink. The paint, you guessed it - some other shade of pink. It became my mission to fix it. I started on Memorial Day weekend and Dan helped me finish it up this past weekend.
Before:
(These photos were taken after I started taking down the shells. I was still trying to decide on a color.)
Then we went to Tar-jhay! And I loved the shower curtain I found there, which helped me pick out a color - Monterey Bay - now I've never been there, but this color to me is Tiffany Box Blue. I love this room.
Lately, the guest bathroom has been bothering me. Nothing matches. I hate the shower hooks that are shaped like something - while cute and decorative, they are as annoying as anything when you're trying to pull the curtain across. The hooks here are shell shaped. There are shell stickers on the top row of tile in the shower. They are coral colored. The shower curtain rod is pink. The paint, you guessed it - some other shade of pink. It became my mission to fix it. I started on Memorial Day weekend and Dan helped me finish it up this past weekend.
Before:
(These photos were taken after I started taking down the shells. I was still trying to decide on a color.)
Then we went to Tar-jhay! And I loved the shower curtain I found there, which helped me pick out a color - Monterey Bay - now I've never been there, but this color to me is Tiffany Box Blue. I love this room.
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