I finally have two seconds to spare from an otherwise insanely crazy week. We had a huge deadline at work and I have been working OT, because this was a deadline that couldn't be missed. I ended up at the office from 6:30 am to 7:00 pm yesterday - ugh! But it's over and I relaxed last night with a Tiger Roll, beer and Six Feet Under (We're renting the disks so that we can catch up - we're only halfway through season one and already hopelessly addicted - B had to actually keep me from watching another one last night. He said - I wouldn't be a responsible husband if I let you watch one more. You have work tomorrow - Such a bummer, man!). Any hoo.
I haven't done a ton of knitting, but I am making slight progress on my baby Kimono - good thing the baby doesn't come until February. I've been avoiding my sari silk OSW because sometimes it's just such a #%^#*^$@ to work with. One thing that I did start this week was our little office version of Warm Up America. The original thought was to hopefully get enough squares together to make a baby blanket that B could take with him to LA when he got deployed through the Red Cross. But then he told me that he wasn't allowed to take anything (to keep things even and fair they don't distribute donated items to anyone - Salvation Army does that). Fortunately Nonnahs found a project that a girl scout troop in orange county is working on where they collect the knitted squares and send them through a hospital here to a hospital there. So, we are proceeding as planned to help out with the Katrina relief efforts (I've got my first square about 1/2 done). Which is good, because we found out yesterday that Red Cross can't approve B for deployment because he has allergies. He's super bummed. I just don't understand why a condition like allergies can't be at the discretion of the individual, especially when they are really hurting for people. It's probably a liability concern or something. Oh well, he tried.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Last Weekend
The last several days have been so hectic, I haven't even had time talk about my fun weekend of knitting last weekend…and it's almost the weekend again! Not that I'm complaining, but it just goes to show what a crazy busy week it's been. I'm not sure I even know where to begin at this point, but I guess I'll start with last week Thursday night, since my weekends pretty much start on Thursday nights anyway…
So last week Thursday night, I had the pleasure of S&B-ing with my friend Julia . I was late (thank you, evening commute and LA traffic!), but all was well when I finally arrived. I found Julia amidst "Hawaii Night" at S&B, and she introduced me to Marnie and some of the other knitters. It was my first "official" S&B session (outside the "San Diego Chapter" meetings), but it will not be my last. It was fun to be amongst so many knitters, and interesting to see what everyone was working on. Mostly it was fun to meet up with Julia and hang out with her and Marnie. Meeting new friends is always fun! Plus, those girls are not only fun, but so talented- they definitely serve as inspirations to a relatively novice knitter and wannabe designer* like myself!
Dis visited LA last weekend, which was perfect, because I was able to take her with me to my favorite little LYS on Saturday. I had sort of envisioned us popping in for a quick visit...little did I know how much fun they have over there! As soon as we arrived, we plopped ourselves down, started knitting, and ended up being planted there for 4 hours! It was the most fun! Knitters would come and go, some would leave and then come back, one gal brought her adorable baby (and then got to knit while other women played with him). We learned, knitted, laughed a lot, pigged out on Mexican food for lunch and homemade granola and chocolates provided by other customers, and generally had a grand old time! I definitely plan to make frequent visits to hang out there more often. Those gals are a blast! I only wish Dis and Nasus lived close by so that they could join in the fun with me! Oh! I can't leave out the funniest part- the shop was being photographed that day for an upcoming book that the LYS will be coming out with, so Dis and I may be famous when it's published next year! Ha!
The gist is that I had the best time last weekend! Not only was I able to spend time with good friends, I was also able to make some new friends, and thanks to Julia, I was even finally able to take that first scary step into the wonderful world of sock knitting! I picked up some great Koigu, and with the littlest DPNs I have ever worked with (I feel like I am knitting with skewers), I am now working away on the ribbing of the leg of my first ever sock! (Well, okay- I started it, but with the craziness of the week, I haven't had as much time to devote to it as I would like. Hopefully I'll have some time this weekend to work on it. Anyway, talk about a fun and productive knitting weekend! Yay! And double yay- it's Thursday again...and not too soon! :)
* My design skills, if you can call it that, have been strictly by neccesity thus far, but I do hope to design *on purpose* at some point!
So last week Thursday night, I had the pleasure of S&B-ing with my friend Julia . I was late (thank you, evening commute and LA traffic!), but all was well when I finally arrived. I found Julia amidst "Hawaii Night" at S&B, and she introduced me to Marnie and some of the other knitters. It was my first "official" S&B session (outside the "San Diego Chapter" meetings), but it will not be my last. It was fun to be amongst so many knitters, and interesting to see what everyone was working on. Mostly it was fun to meet up with Julia and hang out with her and Marnie. Meeting new friends is always fun! Plus, those girls are not only fun, but so talented- they definitely serve as inspirations to a relatively novice knitter and wannabe designer* like myself!
Dis visited LA last weekend, which was perfect, because I was able to take her with me to my favorite little LYS on Saturday. I had sort of envisioned us popping in for a quick visit...little did I know how much fun they have over there! As soon as we arrived, we plopped ourselves down, started knitting, and ended up being planted there for 4 hours! It was the most fun! Knitters would come and go, some would leave and then come back, one gal brought her adorable baby (and then got to knit while other women played with him). We learned, knitted, laughed a lot, pigged out on Mexican food for lunch and homemade granola and chocolates provided by other customers, and generally had a grand old time! I definitely plan to make frequent visits to hang out there more often. Those gals are a blast! I only wish Dis and Nasus lived close by so that they could join in the fun with me! Oh! I can't leave out the funniest part- the shop was being photographed that day for an upcoming book that the LYS will be coming out with, so Dis and I may be famous when it's published next year! Ha!
The gist is that I had the best time last weekend! Not only was I able to spend time with good friends, I was also able to make some new friends, and thanks to Julia, I was even finally able to take that first scary step into the wonderful world of sock knitting! I picked up some great Koigu, and with the littlest DPNs I have ever worked with (I feel like I am knitting with skewers), I am now working away on the ribbing of the leg of my first ever sock! (Well, okay- I started it, but with the craziness of the week, I haven't had as much time to devote to it as I would like. Hopefully I'll have some time this weekend to work on it. Anyway, talk about a fun and productive knitting weekend! Yay! And double yay- it's Thursday again...and not too soon! :)
* My design skills, if you can call it that, have been strictly by neccesity thus far, but I do hope to design *on purpose* at some point!
Monday, September 26, 2005
Starry Night Kyoto
I finished my Starry Night Kyoto on Friday and Whirly helped me with my photo shoot over the weekend. Boy, this has been a long one, but worth it. I learned a lot and made a lot of beginner mistakes that I don't plan on making again. Everyone should check out the Kyoto Along link on the left and see how the other members are doing. Also, my girls will be posting their finished pics in the future, too ;-)
R.I.P.
I am sorry you were uprooted, dozed over and broken. I am sorry your little critters had to find a new refuge from the surrounding commercial sprawl. I am sorry that I will no longer be able to take a nap under your shade or be warm in one of your sun spots. I am sorry Jenny will no longer be able to run through your grass. I am sorry I will no longer see your branches change from green to orange to bare to buds. I am sorry that your beauty was wasted as if you no longer had any value. I will miss you.
Give A Little
Give it up to knitters, once again. I'm learning that there are some really cool knitting charities that we can be involved in. The one Nasus spoke of in her last post and Knitters Without Borders, just to name a couple. I also just learned about this one, through my friend Julia, called Give A Little. The idea is to urge knitters to contribute to the Red Cross for Hurricane Katrina Relief. You can either donate through their website or if you have already donated, you can let them know that you have, and let them know how much. They will keep a running tally of the amount raised (so far the total is over $90,800!) and your name will be entered into weekly drawings for prizes that have also been donated by other knitters. This is what you would definitely call a classic win-win scenario! You will be helping contribute to a wonderful cause, and you could even win a nifty prize, to boot...such as the gorgeous pair of socks Julia designed and is working on as we speak! If you needed any extra incentive to give, this is it!
Sunday, September 25, 2005
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Movie Pick
We watched the cutest movie last night called Dear Frankie. We had seen the previews on other DVDs we had watched and I finally added it to my queue. It had been marked for a very long wait, so when it became available, I quickly put it to the top of my list and I am glad that I did.
There are a lot of elements to this movie that are fun to learn about as you watch it, so I won't give you any more details than this: The movie is about a boy who had been writing to his absent father for several years. He had believed he was out at sea, but really his mom had made the whole story up to protect her son. Then when the fictional ship and dad where scheduled to come in to port, Frankie's mom hired a stranger to play his dad for the day. It was a very touching movie and I highly recommend it to anyone. Plus they were in Scotland - one of my favorite accents to listen to!
There are a lot of elements to this movie that are fun to learn about as you watch it, so I won't give you any more details than this: The movie is about a boy who had been writing to his absent father for several years. He had believed he was out at sea, but really his mom had made the whole story up to protect her son. Then when the fictional ship and dad where scheduled to come in to port, Frankie's mom hired a stranger to play his dad for the day. It was a very touching movie and I highly recommend it to anyone. Plus they were in Scotland - one of my favorite accents to listen to!
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Time Warner - Grrrrr.
Most people who know me and my husband know that we are avid boycotters. If we aren't treated right by a company or business, we boycott them. We also actively tell people about what happened. It's a small message and probably one that isn't felt by most big business, but I believe that if enough people send the same message, they will eventually have to get their act together.
So, our latest boycott: Time Warner. We weren't too happy when we relocated to San Diego and realized we were in the Time Warner cable zone. There is another option for you in San Diego, but only if you live in the right place. The apartments across our main street are in the other zone, but not us. They hadn't treated us particularly bad while we were in Houston, but we didn't like the way they did business.
Background: We had a great cable company in the Houston area called TCI. As serious movie buffs, they had the best digital cable package we had ever seen. For about $40 we got HBO, IFC, several Stars channels as well as the fun cable stations we liked (Discovery, History, Home & Garden, etc.). We didn't want 6 HBO stations, so the fact that good old HBO was included in our package for no extra cost was great. Between the movie channels there was always a new movie to watch on Friday and Saturday night and we rarely spent the money to rent from Blockbuster (another company we consider predatory and don't frequent). So, along comes Time Warner and gobbles up TCI. They sent us some nice literature about how many new stations we would be getting as a result of the change. Boiling it down: we got several new home shopping channels, junk movie channels (where they edit the movies or have commercials in them), sports channels and kids channels for only $40/month. Then we could pay extra for the HBO package and the Stars package while they alternately broadcast ICF with the Romance Channel (can you guess which one got more air time?). Needless to say we weren't happy and ended up switching to a dish.
Back to present: So when we moved to San Diego several years ago and realized we were once again stuck with Time Warner, we decided no cable. We also held out on the cable modem for quite a while, but finally gave in after about 8 months of crappy dial up and not a really great DSL alternative at the time. Time Warner has always called us or knocked on our door trying to get us to add cable, but we keep telling them - no. One guy even looked at my husband as if he had sprouted a third arm from his forehead when he told him we didn't want cable - not even basic cable? NO! We aren't giving that company any more money than we already are and we don't even like giving them what we give them now!
Well, they finally went too far. We got a lovely letter in the mail yesterday telling us that effective next month, they were going to start charging their modem only customers more each month for their cable modems - about $10 more after taxes, etc. But that we could kindly avoid this additional charge if we signed up for cable. WTF? So to that, we say - F you, Time Warner. Guess who's getting DSL.
So, our latest boycott: Time Warner. We weren't too happy when we relocated to San Diego and realized we were in the Time Warner cable zone. There is another option for you in San Diego, but only if you live in the right place. The apartments across our main street are in the other zone, but not us. They hadn't treated us particularly bad while we were in Houston, but we didn't like the way they did business.
Background: We had a great cable company in the Houston area called TCI. As serious movie buffs, they had the best digital cable package we had ever seen. For about $40 we got HBO, IFC, several Stars channels as well as the fun cable stations we liked (Discovery, History, Home & Garden, etc.). We didn't want 6 HBO stations, so the fact that good old HBO was included in our package for no extra cost was great. Between the movie channels there was always a new movie to watch on Friday and Saturday night and we rarely spent the money to rent from Blockbuster (another company we consider predatory and don't frequent). So, along comes Time Warner and gobbles up TCI. They sent us some nice literature about how many new stations we would be getting as a result of the change. Boiling it down: we got several new home shopping channels, junk movie channels (where they edit the movies or have commercials in them), sports channels and kids channels for only $40/month. Then we could pay extra for the HBO package and the Stars package while they alternately broadcast ICF with the Romance Channel (can you guess which one got more air time?). Needless to say we weren't happy and ended up switching to a dish.
Back to present: So when we moved to San Diego several years ago and realized we were once again stuck with Time Warner, we decided no cable. We also held out on the cable modem for quite a while, but finally gave in after about 8 months of crappy dial up and not a really great DSL alternative at the time. Time Warner has always called us or knocked on our door trying to get us to add cable, but we keep telling them - no. One guy even looked at my husband as if he had sprouted a third arm from his forehead when he told him we didn't want cable - not even basic cable? NO! We aren't giving that company any more money than we already are and we don't even like giving them what we give them now!
Well, they finally went too far. We got a lovely letter in the mail yesterday telling us that effective next month, they were going to start charging their modem only customers more each month for their cable modems - about $10 more after taxes, etc. But that we could kindly avoid this additional charge if we signed up for cable. WTF? So to that, we say - F you, Time Warner. Guess who's getting DSL.
Math
What I'm about to tell you will surprise you. When I was little I actually enjoyed math. Those days are long gone now and nothing but a blurry memory, but I know I did. That was, until I encountered algebra. A couple years later that suffered from my first recordable mental breakdown while taking algebra II in high school. "My brain doesn't work this way!" I would yell out in frustration. "Why will I ever need to know this stuff anyway?" I would demand to know, exasperated. I just could NOT wrap my head around it. To this day, I'm convinced that part of my brain literally shuts down whenever numbers are involved.
Well who knew my mathematical deficiencies would rear its ugly head again some twenty years later, in my knitting years? Who knew so much math was involved in knitting anyway? I can usually manage to at least count and do simple math. Not so, apparently, when it comes to knitting. I know we have discussed these challenges before, but I feel compelled to bring it up again, because it just never ceases to amaze me. My inability to count is staggering! I must be on my 5th attempt at starting this dumb camisole by now, due to my lack of numerical comprehension, not even counting the number of times in between new COs that I had to undo and redo because I miscounted while trying to keep track of the ribbing. I mean, what the heck? Seriously??
Moral of the story: Math is important. . .at least when it comes to knitting. Looking back, this knowledge would not have helped me any from getting a D in algebra II, but it does help prove the point that some of the dumb stuff they try to teach you in public school may actually be helpful later on in life. Not algebra II, but you get the picture.
Well who knew my mathematical deficiencies would rear its ugly head again some twenty years later, in my knitting years? Who knew so much math was involved in knitting anyway? I can usually manage to at least count and do simple math. Not so, apparently, when it comes to knitting. I know we have discussed these challenges before, but I feel compelled to bring it up again, because it just never ceases to amaze me. My inability to count is staggering! I must be on my 5th attempt at starting this dumb camisole by now, due to my lack of numerical comprehension, not even counting the number of times in between new COs that I had to undo and redo because I miscounted while trying to keep track of the ribbing. I mean, what the heck? Seriously??
Moral of the story: Math is important. . .at least when it comes to knitting. Looking back, this knowledge would not have helped me any from getting a D in algebra II, but it does help prove the point that some of the dumb stuff they try to teach you in public school may actually be helpful later on in life. Not algebra II, but you get the picture.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Reason #31 Why I Couldn't be a Vegetarian
Bacon. It is not good for me. It is actually pretty gross, if you sit and think about it. And yet, oh how delicious it is! I rarely indulge in this tasty, fatty, treat, but it's nice to know it's out there. I mean, life without bacon…I shudder to think! A bacony surprise came to me this morning in the form of a breakfast panini from the Corner Bakery Café, brought in to me by my very thoughtful coworker and kind-of-boss. It's funny how something so small can pick up an other wise dull and dreary morning. Aah, the power of bacon!
Monday, September 19, 2005
Monday again
I honestly don't know how it happens that the weekends can go by so fast. Before I know it, it's the dreaded Sunday night, and then before I know it, the alarm is going off and it's Monday morning! It ain't right.
I had a nice weekend, though, so I shouldn't complain. I met up with a friend and ex-coworker, who is now attending law school at my alma mater, UCLA. We met up for breakfast on Friday, which was really fun. MPP seems to be doing really well in law school (as I knew he would), so that's great. I'm happy for him. Hopefully we will be able to meet up more often. We joked that we could rendezvous on Fridays and just not tell our respective boyfriends. Ha!After that, the usual Friday MO- errands and yoga. I will spare you from yet another entry all about my yoga practice, but suffice it to say it was another thoroughly challenging, sweaty, and but rewarding experience. On Saturday, we went down to SD to celebrate B's dad's birthday. We spent the night, and then drove back yesterday, followed by the usual Sunday MO- our weekly visit to the Whole Foods. Grocery shopping is such a chore, but then it's so nice to have food again, so what can you do? I experimented with a tofu burger recipe last night that was not my best culinary attempt. B was nice enough to eat it, but I think I will be trying a more exciting version next time. The consistency was okay, but boy was it bland! :p
On Friday, I purchased some yarn for my little camisole thing. I'm excited to try out some Rowan's All Seasons Cotton. You can't tell from this photo, but the color is a dark olive greenish-grayish color. (I am amgnetically drawn to greens and gray, what can I say?) I think it will look good, if I can get the pattern to the right size. Yes, once again, I am a slave to size and gauge issues. I couldn't find a yarn I liked that was the right gauge (this yarn is a smaller gauge). Issue #1. Then, there are no instructions for the size I need-the S would be too small, the M would be too big. Issue #2. So I thought I could, once again, attempt to use a size smaller needle and smaller gauge yarn, using the pattern instructions for a larger size, in hopes of getting a sweater that actually fits. Yeah. I know, good luck. I'll try this out for a bit and then measure and see where I am. Why does this always happen to me? I think I am one step closer to designing my own patterns...
I had a nice weekend, though, so I shouldn't complain. I met up with a friend and ex-coworker, who is now attending law school at my alma mater, UCLA. We met up for breakfast on Friday, which was really fun. MPP seems to be doing really well in law school (as I knew he would), so that's great. I'm happy for him. Hopefully we will be able to meet up more often. We joked that we could rendezvous on Fridays and just not tell our respective boyfriends. Ha!After that, the usual Friday MO- errands and yoga. I will spare you from yet another entry all about my yoga practice, but suffice it to say it was another thoroughly challenging, sweaty, and but rewarding experience. On Saturday, we went down to SD to celebrate B's dad's birthday. We spent the night, and then drove back yesterday, followed by the usual Sunday MO- our weekly visit to the Whole Foods. Grocery shopping is such a chore, but then it's so nice to have food again, so what can you do? I experimented with a tofu burger recipe last night that was not my best culinary attempt. B was nice enough to eat it, but I think I will be trying a more exciting version next time. The consistency was okay, but boy was it bland! :p
On Friday, I purchased some yarn for my little camisole thing. I'm excited to try out some Rowan's All Seasons Cotton. You can't tell from this photo, but the color is a dark olive greenish-grayish color. (I am amgnetically drawn to greens and gray, what can I say?) I think it will look good, if I can get the pattern to the right size. Yes, once again, I am a slave to size and gauge issues. I couldn't find a yarn I liked that was the right gauge (this yarn is a smaller gauge). Issue #1. Then, there are no instructions for the size I need-the S would be too small, the M would be too big. Issue #2. So I thought I could, once again, attempt to use a size smaller needle and smaller gauge yarn, using the pattern instructions for a larger size, in hopes of getting a sweater that actually fits. Yeah. I know, good luck. I'll try this out for a bit and then measure and see where I am. Why does this always happen to me? I think I am one step closer to designing my own patterns...
lagger
Sometimes I just lag. I don't know how you put up with me. I completed another OSW weeks ago (over Labor Day Weekend), which I've neglected to unveil thus far. I am pleased to present: Labor Day. It knit up surprisingly fast- especially considering what a slow knitter I seem to be. I am really pleased with the finished product. I realized that I never note the yarn I use for my projects, so I will try to update my FO page to include more info.
Saturday, September 17, 2005
Friends
I was at the Upstart Crow bookstore/coffee shop at Seaport Village today and thought of Dis and Whirly. Dis: I ordered a cup of Cafe Borgia (espresso, chocolate milk, whipped cream and lots of orange rind shavings). Whirly: the store was selling the "Festival of Carbs" magnets (including french fries, baked potato, etc. - I wish I thought about taking a picture.) Anyway, love you girls! :)
Knitting Update
I realized I haven't posted much of anything about knitting in quite a while (SP6 Q excluded). I am most excited to announce that I have finished all the knitting for my Starry Night Kyoto. I was getting motivated to block the pieces and then realized that I still need to weave in my ends. I have become a bit superstitious about weaving in before everything is finished, since I have found mistakes and had to take everything out again when I have jumped the gun in the past. So, I guess that's my next task - lots and lots of weaving.
I'm also on my left sleeve for my One Skein Wonder. It's taken a long time only because I left this project at home while I was gone because I decided twisty recylced sari silk fluff stuck on everything really wasn't all that stylish and travel friendly. I'm anxious to get this finished since it is supposed to big a quick project that I have already been working on for months.
I started a Baby Kymono for Interweave Knits while on vacation. Its a garter stitch pattern, but I found yesterday a nice two inch section of purl stitches at the very bottom of the fabric. Apparently I have really been paying attention to my knitting, since I hadn't noticed it AT ALL while I had been working on it for several days. I decided not to take it out mostly because I have already ripped this whole thing out once before due to gauge issues (what? me have gauge issues? No, you say, that doesn't sound like her). I also needed to pick a right and wrong side, so I just picked my wrong side.
So that's all for now. My project for today is to put away all the new yarn I got while in Australia, just not sure where its all going to go. I also keep thinking about Ubernatural from MagKnits, so...I might need to get that started soon - only with a change to the buttons, don't like those.
I'm also on my left sleeve for my One Skein Wonder. It's taken a long time only because I left this project at home while I was gone because I decided twisty recylced sari silk fluff stuck on everything really wasn't all that stylish and travel friendly. I'm anxious to get this finished since it is supposed to big a quick project that I have already been working on for months.
I started a Baby Kymono for Interweave Knits while on vacation. Its a garter stitch pattern, but I found yesterday a nice two inch section of purl stitches at the very bottom of the fabric. Apparently I have really been paying attention to my knitting, since I hadn't noticed it AT ALL while I had been working on it for several days. I decided not to take it out mostly because I have already ripped this whole thing out once before due to gauge issues (what? me have gauge issues? No, you say, that doesn't sound like her). I also needed to pick a right and wrong side, so I just picked my wrong side.
So that's all for now. My project for today is to put away all the new yarn I got while in Australia, just not sure where its all going to go. I also keep thinking about Ubernatural from MagKnits, so...I might need to get that started soon - only with a change to the buttons, don't like those.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Whirlypurly's SP6 Questionnaire
1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
I was going to say no, but I guess I kind of am. I put a lot of time and effort into my projects, so I want the finished products to be of good quality. I definitely prefer natural fibers, but I also like blends.
2. Do you spin? Crochet?
No, and no.
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
I'm allergic to cats. At times, smoke, dust, and pollen will also make me sneeze.
4. How long have you been knitting?
Only around a year and a half.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I have an Amazon wish list.
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I prefer fresh, clean scents and fruity, citrusy scents. I also like lavender.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Yes, unfortunately. I love chocolate (who doesn't?) and sour candies. I am also a fan of baked goods- both baking and eating them!
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
Knitting is taking up most of my free time now, but I also design greeting cards, sew...I like to make gifts for people.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I'm kind of all over the place with music. Some of my favorites are Coldplay, Jack Johnson, Sarah McLachlan, and I guess I lean toward "alternative" music, which really isn't alternative anymore.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I gravitate toward greens, but I'm trying to branch out. I prefer more saturated colors- I don't care for shades that are light and washed out. Like, not a big fan of "peach." I love charcoal gray for sweaters. I can't get enough!
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I live with my boyfriend, no pets.
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
To work for myself, doing something creative, to be debt-free (!), to be in a fulfilling relationship, and eventually be a mom.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I'm a very tactile person, so anything that feels good. There are a lot of yarns I haven't used yet but would love to try.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Cheap, squeaky acrylic! :p
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
I am currently obsessed with the idea of learning to knit socks.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Lately I've become really interested in sweaters, which is weird, because I've been working on the same sweater for months. But, I keep seeing cute sweater patterns. I just wish they didn't take me so long! I also like knitting scarves because they are quick. Instant gratification plays a big role in my life at times.
17. What are you knitting right now?
I'm working on the aforementioned UFO sweater and a tube-ish camisole.
18. What do you think about ponchos?
Part of me thinks that ponchos have run its course, but I also like them, because they're easy to knit, and throw on.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
I prefer circular. But I also love Lantern Moon palm wood straight needles.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Anything, really. It depends on what kind of yarn I'm using.
21. Are you a sock knitter?
Not yet, but I'm dying to learn!
22. How did you learn to knit?
Two friends and I taught ourselves using a couple of books.
23. How old is your oldest UFO?
It's about 3 months old...but it seems much older! :(
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
I like penguins. They make me smile.
I was going to say no, but I guess I kind of am. I put a lot of time and effort into my projects, so I want the finished products to be of good quality. I definitely prefer natural fibers, but I also like blends.
2. Do you spin? Crochet?
No, and no.
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
I'm allergic to cats. At times, smoke, dust, and pollen will also make me sneeze.
4. How long have you been knitting?
Only around a year and a half.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I have an Amazon wish list.
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
I prefer fresh, clean scents and fruity, citrusy scents. I also like lavender.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Yes, unfortunately. I love chocolate (who doesn't?) and sour candies. I am also a fan of baked goods- both baking and eating them!
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
Knitting is taking up most of my free time now, but I also design greeting cards, sew...I like to make gifts for people.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I'm kind of all over the place with music. Some of my favorites are Coldplay, Jack Johnson, Sarah McLachlan, and I guess I lean toward "alternative" music, which really isn't alternative anymore.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I gravitate toward greens, but I'm trying to branch out. I prefer more saturated colors- I don't care for shades that are light and washed out. Like, not a big fan of "peach." I love charcoal gray for sweaters. I can't get enough!
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I live with my boyfriend, no pets.
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
To work for myself, doing something creative, to be debt-free (!), to be in a fulfilling relationship, and eventually be a mom.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I'm a very tactile person, so anything that feels good. There are a lot of yarns I haven't used yet but would love to try.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Cheap, squeaky acrylic! :p
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
I am currently obsessed with the idea of learning to knit socks.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Lately I've become really interested in sweaters, which is weird, because I've been working on the same sweater for months. But, I keep seeing cute sweater patterns. I just wish they didn't take me so long! I also like knitting scarves because they are quick. Instant gratification plays a big role in my life at times.
17. What are you knitting right now?
I'm working on the aforementioned UFO sweater and a tube-ish camisole.
18. What do you think about ponchos?
Part of me thinks that ponchos have run its course, but I also like them, because they're easy to knit, and throw on.
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
I prefer circular. But I also love Lantern Moon palm wood straight needles.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Anything, really. It depends on what kind of yarn I'm using.
21. Are you a sock knitter?
Not yet, but I'm dying to learn!
22. How did you learn to knit?
Two friends and I taught ourselves using a couple of books.
23. How old is your oldest UFO?
It's about 3 months old...but it seems much older! :(
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
I like penguins. They make me smile.
25. What is your favorite holiday?
Probably Thanksgiving.
26. Is there anything that you collect?
Magazines (it's an addiction), matchbooks (mostly for lighting candles- I don't smoke), lip glosses (still trying to find the best one), shoes...
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
None, yet- which is hard to believe considering my previous answer!
28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
There aren't any that I'm dying over per se, but there are some books on my wish list that I'm interested in checking out.
29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another??
Not at the moment, but I'm always open to new patterns. I've been looking for a pattern for a simple sweater, one that would keep me warm & cozy since Winter is right around the corner.
ETA: 30. What are your foot measurements, and what kind of socks do you like?
I wear size 6. I like warm winter socks.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Disentangled's SP6 Questionnaire
I thought I would post an updated version of my secret pal questionnaire. Just a reminder that there are two members of our blog participating in the SP6 so hopefully it doesn't get to confusing for our secret pals. This is my info and Whirlypurly will be posting hers shortly.
1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
I love natural fibers and high quality yarns. However, I wouldn’t be able to knit as much as I do, if I restricted myself to just the good stuff. (My first poncho cost me about $80 in yarn). I think there is a time and a place for acrylic, especially for articles that would be difficult or annoying to hand wash all the time. But, most of my larger projects have been made with good yarn.
2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I do not spin. Although in my profile it says one of my hobbies is spinning, but in this case, I’m talking about the stationary bike. I have taken an intro crochet class, but have only made one project and its not even done yet.
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
Not to any of those things – just good ol’ pollen.
4. How long have you been knitting?
For about a year and a half.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes, I have an Amazon wish list.
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Lavender. But then I’m not really picky, just not a big fan of vanilla.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Yes – I love chocolate with orange.
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I love scrapbooking, stained glass, collaging and various other art projects – I tend to have a short attention span and like to do lots of different things, but I’ve never become exclusive to one hobby – knitting is the closest I’ve ever come, but with all the different patterns, its something new all the time.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I love different kinds of music, but have a special interest in classic jazz from the 40s to 60s. I love trance, especially those that incorporate music from other cultures. I am a fan of the oh-so-descriptive “alternative” scene. My computer plays MP3s.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love blues and greens. I’m not a big fan of day-glow colors.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I am married with a mini Dachshund, Jenny, for a child – I mean doggie.
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
To be an artist, full-time.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I love anything that is soft, especially cotton and wool.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Scratchy wool and ribbon looking nylons.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Everything! I have a list of at least 10 future projects to knit.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Things for other people and things where you can see your progress quickly.
17. What are you knitting right now?
Knitty’s Kyoto, Glampyre’s One Skein Wonder, Interweave Knit’s Baby Kimono and a recycled t-shirt rug.
18. What do you think about ponchos?
I like certain styles of ponchos (like Cape Mod from SnB, but not the long triangley ones).
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
I like them both – but tend to use my Denise interchangeable needles a lot so my stitches can breathe – scrunched stitches are a pet peeve of mine.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Depends on what I’m knitting. So far, I have found each kind useful for different yarns and projects. I have a selection of each, but I love Lantern Moon needles.
21. Are you a sock knitter?
Haven’t tried to knit socks yet, but I’m sure I will some day.
22. How did you learn to knit?
Two of my friends and I learned to knit from a book.
23. How old is your oldest UFO?
That would be my Kyoto, which I started at the beginning of June.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
I love Butters from South Park and Stuart Little. I love monkeys and apes. My new favorite bird is the Kookaburra.
25. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas.
26. Is there anything that you collect?
I have been a prolific collector since I was a kid. However, I have tamed my collecting urges in order to save my marriage ;-)
So, right now I have two collections at the office: 1) unique and international paper clips – don’t ask; and 2) misfit toys – because every toy deserves a good home even if they aren’t perfect.
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Interweave Knits and Creative Knitting
28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
I have a couple that look interesting in my wish list, but I wouldn’t know which one to pick first since I haven’t seen any of them in person yet.
29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another??
Not really, except for the books listed in my wish list.
30. What are your foot measurements, and what kind of socks do you like?
I usually wear a size 8 shoe, but don't know what my foot measurements are. I like thinner socks that aren't itchy. To be honest, I've never worn a pair of hand knitted socks before.
1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Or is it all the same to you?
I love natural fibers and high quality yarns. However, I wouldn’t be able to knit as much as I do, if I restricted myself to just the good stuff. (My first poncho cost me about $80 in yarn). I think there is a time and a place for acrylic, especially for articles that would be difficult or annoying to hand wash all the time. But, most of my larger projects have been made with good yarn.
2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I do not spin. Although in my profile it says one of my hobbies is spinning, but in this case, I’m talking about the stationary bike. I have taken an intro crochet class, but have only made one project and its not even done yet.
3. Do you have any allergies? (smoke, pets, fibers, perfume, etc.)
Not to any of those things – just good ol’ pollen.
4. How long have you been knitting?
For about a year and a half.
5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes, I have an Amazon wish list.
6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Lavender. But then I’m not really picky, just not a big fan of vanilla.
7. Do you have a sweet tooth?
Yes – I love chocolate with orange.
8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I love scrapbooking, stained glass, collaging and various other art projects – I tend to have a short attention span and like to do lots of different things, but I’ve never become exclusive to one hobby – knitting is the closest I’ve ever come, but with all the different patterns, its something new all the time.
9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I love different kinds of music, but have a special interest in classic jazz from the 40s to 60s. I love trance, especially those that incorporate music from other cultures. I am a fan of the oh-so-descriptive “alternative” scene. My computer plays MP3s.
10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love blues and greens. I’m not a big fan of day-glow colors.
11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I am married with a mini Dachshund, Jenny, for a child – I mean doggie.
12. What are your life dreams? (really stretching it here, I know)
To be an artist, full-time.
13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I love anything that is soft, especially cotton and wool.
14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Scratchy wool and ribbon looking nylons.
15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Everything! I have a list of at least 10 future projects to knit.
16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
Things for other people and things where you can see your progress quickly.
17. What are you knitting right now?
Knitty’s Kyoto, Glampyre’s One Skein Wonder, Interweave Knit’s Baby Kimono and a recycled t-shirt rug.
18. What do you think about ponchos?
I like certain styles of ponchos (like Cape Mod from SnB, but not the long triangley ones).
19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
I like them both – but tend to use my Denise interchangeable needles a lot so my stitches can breathe – scrunched stitches are a pet peeve of mine.
20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Depends on what I’m knitting. So far, I have found each kind useful for different yarns and projects. I have a selection of each, but I love Lantern Moon needles.
21. Are you a sock knitter?
Haven’t tried to knit socks yet, but I’m sure I will some day.
22. How did you learn to knit?
Two of my friends and I learned to knit from a book.
23. How old is your oldest UFO?
That would be my Kyoto, which I started at the beginning of June.
24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
I love Butters from South Park and Stuart Little. I love monkeys and apes. My new favorite bird is the Kookaburra.
25. What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas.
26. Is there anything that you collect?
I have been a prolific collector since I was a kid. However, I have tamed my collecting urges in order to save my marriage ;-)
So, right now I have two collections at the office: 1) unique and international paper clips – don’t ask; and 2) misfit toys – because every toy deserves a good home even if they aren’t perfect.
27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
Interweave Knits and Creative Knitting
28. Any books out there you are dying to get your hands on?
I have a couple that look interesting in my wish list, but I wouldn’t know which one to pick first since I haven’t seen any of them in person yet.
29. Any patterns you have been coveting, but haven't bought for one reason or another??
Not really, except for the books listed in my wish list.
30. What are your foot measurements, and what kind of socks do you like?
I usually wear a size 8 shoe, but don't know what my foot measurements are. I like thinner socks that aren't itchy. To be honest, I've never worn a pair of hand knitted socks before.
Human Trafficking
It seems like I've been posting about serious (not-so-fun) subjects lately - I suppose that's the kind of mood I've been in. I went to a luncheon today that featured the founder of the Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition, an organization devoted to taking action politically and in the streets to combat human trafficking, with special focus on children smuggled into the US. You can check out their website at www.bsccoalition.org (some parts of the site are still under construction.) I cried listening to the horror stories of children as young as the age of three who are smuggled into the country for prostitution. Many of these victims won't snitch on their pimps because they are oftentimes threatened that their families will be hurt if they disclose any information to law enforcement officers. Apparently, 5000 T-visas are available each year, specifically for victims of human trafficking, but only ~500 petitions have been filed since these visas first became available. There are stringent requirements and victims must produce evidence regarding the perpetrators; most victims refuse to do so out of fear of retaliation.
There are groups throughout San Diego County that recruit children and teens (in Oceanside, for example); unfortunately, the children are placed in juvenile hall as pimps go scot-free. The US only recently (in 2000) drafted the Human Trafficking Act that recognized that the prostitutes themselves aren't the true criminals and shifted culpability to their predatory recruiters. There's a bill in the CA legislature (AB-22) that is currently going through a third reading (how many more readings do you need?) The speaker at the luncheon commented that the US has drafted anti-human trafficking legislation, but none has actually been ratified. If this is true, I am thoroughly appalled. I plan to volunteer my time to BSCC and see what I can do to help. Man, it looks like my school grades will suffer this year with everything I'm getting involved in...
There are groups throughout San Diego County that recruit children and teens (in Oceanside, for example); unfortunately, the children are placed in juvenile hall as pimps go scot-free. The US only recently (in 2000) drafted the Human Trafficking Act that recognized that the prostitutes themselves aren't the true criminals and shifted culpability to their predatory recruiters. There's a bill in the CA legislature (AB-22) that is currently going through a third reading (how many more readings do you need?) The speaker at the luncheon commented that the US has drafted anti-human trafficking legislation, but none has actually been ratified. If this is true, I am thoroughly appalled. I plan to volunteer my time to BSCC and see what I can do to help. Man, it looks like my school grades will suffer this year with everything I'm getting involved in...
Secret Pal Day!
I just wanted to give a quick shout out to my Secret Pal (who I will have the privilege of being spoiled by), who beat me to the punch. I'm sorry I'm lagging and don't have my questionnaire up yet- I promise to post it up here ASAP- please check back! I received the info for my SP (who I will have fun spoiling) , and it looks like we have quite a bit in common, which is really cool. This is my first foray into the SP world, I'm looking forward to it. Looks like it's going to be a fun few months!
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Thank you.
I just wanted to take a moment and thank everyone who has taken their time and/or resources to help others through the Katrina aftermath. We tend to hear about all the bad (especially outside the U.S. - all we heard in Australia was how bad everyone was being treated and how horrible the governments were). But, what does not seem to be mentioned all that much is all the good people are doing. So to the schools and organizations that are openning their doors to those who have been affected and to the people who are spending their time and money as well as openning their homes to those who need help, thank you.
Only 30
I've complained about not being carded before and other age related comments, but today was the best. I was at Vons and the bagger asked if I wanted help out to my car. I said - no, I'm good. Then 2 minutes later, he asked me again. So thinking maybe there had been confusion, I said - no, thank you, I'm good. So off he goes. Then as I am signing my receipt, the checker asks if I needed help out today. I was like - umm, no, thank you. Then, OMG if the bagger didn't come back and ask me a third time as I started to walk out! What the heck! And then I started laughing - boy I must look jet lagged.
Home, Sweat Home
We had a great time, but it is sure nice to be back at home. We slept so much today, its amazing how your own home will let you do that. Everything was in good order upon our return. It was the first time we tried holding our mail at the post office and it seemed to work out well - the best is they don't keep your junk mail, so the pile was probably less than a 1/4 of what it normally is when we return.
We spent the last few days in Brisbane at various parties and BBQs. Apparently Australian BBQs are a big deal. It was also nice to meet more of our friend's friends as well as other people. One thing is that everone was so friendly. All night on Saturday, we kept having people come up and introduce themselves and chat about all kinds of things. I love that! Especially, since I tend to be a bit reserved at parties and not all that outgoing, but I love it in others. You can meet some amazing and interesting people that way. I just wish it was in my nature to walk up to people and start talking to them like that.
Overall our experience was wonderful and we already know that we will be back to visit other parts of the country.
B's Cappuccino Count: 9 (including one Vietnamese coffee made with wiezel processed coffee beans - yes, in one end, out the other - So good! And I mean it - try it if you can find the coffee!)
Things we realized about Australia:
I am Austalian coin challenged - something about having $1, $2, and 50 cent coins really throws me off. I can't tell you how many times people rearranged the change I gave them to make the right amount that was needed - sheesh, its still the same concept, what's my problem?
The spiders you get in your house are too big, too fast and can disappear if you happen to look away for a second. (Yes, we found out by first hand experience with a brown Huntsman - yuck.)
We spent the last few days in Brisbane at various parties and BBQs. Apparently Australian BBQs are a big deal. It was also nice to meet more of our friend's friends as well as other people. One thing is that everone was so friendly. All night on Saturday, we kept having people come up and introduce themselves and chat about all kinds of things. I love that! Especially, since I tend to be a bit reserved at parties and not all that outgoing, but I love it in others. You can meet some amazing and interesting people that way. I just wish it was in my nature to walk up to people and start talking to them like that.
Overall our experience was wonderful and we already know that we will be back to visit other parts of the country.
B's Cappuccino Count: 9 (including one Vietnamese coffee made with wiezel processed coffee beans - yes, in one end, out the other - So good! And I mean it - try it if you can find the coffee!)
Things we realized about Australia:
I am Austalian coin challenged - something about having $1, $2, and 50 cent coins really throws me off. I can't tell you how many times people rearranged the change I gave them to make the right amount that was needed - sheesh, its still the same concept, what's my problem?
The spiders you get in your house are too big, too fast and can disappear if you happen to look away for a second. (Yes, we found out by first hand experience with a brown Huntsman - yuck.)
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Red Cross Emergency Relief Training
If you know anybody who may be interested in joining me...
RED CROSS TRAINING & CERTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY RELIEF WORKERS : On September 24 & 25, 2005, Southwestern University School of Law will sponsor a twelve hour training of emergency relief workers. Information about signing up to attend will be posted shortly. The Red Cross will provide free training and materials for up to 300 Southwestern students and others interested in becoming Nationally Certified Disaster Relief Workers. When final exams are completed in December, students will be deployed to the Gulf Coast Region to provide help and services to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. In addition to training, the Red Cross will provide transportation, lodging, and food for everyone willing to spend a minimum of 9 days working 12 hour shifts in "hardship conditions." Maximum deployment is up to 21 days.
People are needed to help with mass care (food and shelter), health care, counseling services, communications, information technology, transportation, human resources and all areas of disaster relief. Forty thousand (40,000) volunteers are needed by November 2005 and the Red Cross predicts the need to extend well into 2006.
Red Cross training is open to ALL students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and their friends and family. Participants must be at least 18 years old.
Student volunteers will deploy the day after final exams end in December. You decide how long you stay - from a minimum of 9 days to a maximum of 21 days.
Once you are certified by the Red Cross, you may volunteer to be deployed in Emergency Relief situations for the rest of your life.
Training has been expanded to include Family Case training in addition to Mass Care training. Volunteers will be able to help manage families' needs as a case worker and will have authority to providing emergency funds where necessary.
RED CROSS TRAINING & CERTIFICATION OF EMERGENCY RELIEF WORKERS : On September 24 & 25, 2005, Southwestern University School of Law will sponsor a twelve hour training of emergency relief workers. Information about signing up to attend will be posted shortly. The Red Cross will provide free training and materials for up to 300 Southwestern students and others interested in becoming Nationally Certified Disaster Relief Workers. When final exams are completed in December, students will be deployed to the Gulf Coast Region to provide help and services to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. In addition to training, the Red Cross will provide transportation, lodging, and food for everyone willing to spend a minimum of 9 days working 12 hour shifts in "hardship conditions." Maximum deployment is up to 21 days.
People are needed to help with mass care (food and shelter), health care, counseling services, communications, information technology, transportation, human resources and all areas of disaster relief. Forty thousand (40,000) volunteers are needed by November 2005 and the Red Cross predicts the need to extend well into 2006.
Red Cross training is open to ALL students, faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and their friends and family. Participants must be at least 18 years old.
Student volunteers will deploy the day after final exams end in December. You decide how long you stay - from a minimum of 9 days to a maximum of 21 days.
Once you are certified by the Red Cross, you may volunteer to be deployed in Emergency Relief situations for the rest of your life.
Training has been expanded to include Family Case training in addition to Mass Care training. Volunteers will be able to help manage families' needs as a case worker and will have authority to providing emergency funds where necessary.
Saturday, September 10, 2005
This Ain't No Top Ramen
I realize that I'm addressing one low-carb dieter and another gluten-adverse individual, but I need to share my parents' discovery - Myojo Chukazanmai. It's instant ramen but it's gooood. I bought a few packages at Mitsuwa today (I like the Oriental flavor) - just add some bean sprouts, and thinly-sliced cabbage/carrots/meat. Yum!
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Big Pineapple
So this is what a Big Pineapple looks like, complete with little worms looking out from under its gigantic spines - You have to look close.
Straddie
Here is a picture of Cylinder beach on North Stradbroke Island or "Straddie" as it is commonly refered to here. We made it to the beach two days and it was virtually diserted both times.
It's me again
Forgive my lack of updates lately, but we just returned from a week at North Stradbroke Island. We were able to rent a house from Monday through Friday for only A$300! Plus it had a very thoughtfully stocked kitchen, so with a little food that we bought at the super market, we were able to keep our trip very low budget. The island was amazing and because it was off-season, the beaches were almost completely empty. It rained on Tuesday, but otherwise it was a beautiful week. We were able to see whales and dolphins as well as our new favorite bird, the kookaburra. I had heard of these birds before, but had no idea what they sounded like – imagine what you think monkeys in the jungle sound like and that’s what a pair of kookaburras sound like together – ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh, ah-ah, ah-ah – crazy! Again we took advantage of the public transportation system to get us there and back, the return trip included a bus, a ferry, a bus, a train and another ferry.
The weekend before we left we took a drive through some of the food factories of the Sunshine Coast, including the Big Pineapple pineapple orchard, the Ginger Factory (like a mini ginger-themed amusement park – I know, but its true!) and we just missed the Super Bee honey farm.
Last Saturday night was the big kickoff of the Riverfest which included two flybys from a supersonic jet complete with flaming afterburners and 1/2 hour firework spectacular – and I don’t use that word lightly – OMG! The firework show was called Riverfire and apparently it is super popular with the locals. There were people converging on the riverbanks by the thousands. Although we didn’t make it to the front row seating for the show we had a pretty good vantage point from the second story balcony of a building close by. We were actually there for the test screening of a movie that our friend had co-produced. But fortunately we got to watch both, something we hadn’t expected on being able to do.
B’s Cappuccino count: 7
Things we realized about Australia:
People love to go barefoot, including while hiking and working
You actually see the wild animals from the zoo out and about
"I would like a round trip ticket downtown, please" = "I would like a return ticket to the city, please."
You can actually request not to have junk mail delivered.
The weekend before we left we took a drive through some of the food factories of the Sunshine Coast, including the Big Pineapple pineapple orchard, the Ginger Factory (like a mini ginger-themed amusement park – I know, but its true!) and we just missed the Super Bee honey farm.
Last Saturday night was the big kickoff of the Riverfest which included two flybys from a supersonic jet complete with flaming afterburners and 1/2 hour firework spectacular – and I don’t use that word lightly – OMG! The firework show was called Riverfire and apparently it is super popular with the locals. There were people converging on the riverbanks by the thousands. Although we didn’t make it to the front row seating for the show we had a pretty good vantage point from the second story balcony of a building close by. We were actually there for the test screening of a movie that our friend had co-produced. But fortunately we got to watch both, something we hadn’t expected on being able to do.
B’s Cappuccino count: 7
Things we realized about Australia:
People love to go barefoot, including while hiking and working
You actually see the wild animals from the zoo out and about
"I would like a round trip ticket downtown, please" = "I would like a return ticket to the city, please."
You can actually request not to have junk mail delivered.
Kindness and compassion
"Kindness, compassion, tolerance." The words my yoga instructor soothingly chants as we lay in our savasana pose. I witnessed evidence of kindness and compassion at my school's financial aid office yesterday - the dean brought in a law student who was studying in Louisiana so that he could be registered for this school year. USD is taking in some students from the San Diego/Imperial counties who were attending law schools in the New Orleans area so that they can continue their studies at our school. It always warms my heart and lifts up my spirits when I see people extending help to their fellow human beings.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Communal Sweat
And I thought my first yoga class was tough! It seems as though the yoga gods may have put that in my path to prepare me for my next class! OMG! My yoga advisor (yes, that's right- they are hardcore at this studio- every new member is assigned a yoga advisor. I think it's really helpful, actually) recommended a few classes/instructors to me, so I went to check out one on Friday. I had no idea what I was in for!
You know it's a bad sign when the class before yours (taught by the same instructor) let out and one by one people emerged, drenched in sweat. I couldn't help but stare, somewhat dumbfounded, as they looked like they had just run a full marathon. Being that I never intend to run a marathon, unlike my good friend Nasus, I started to worry that I am making a huge mistake by taking this class. Just then I started to feel a wave of heavy, hot air waft out of the studio. Are you kidding me? This is going to be a mistake of gargantuan proportions, I thought. Can I leave now? I couldn't. Not when I had been waiting with at least 20 other people for the past 10 minutes. Too late to chicken out now. Dangit! So after the last person left, my fellow classmates and I poured into the largest yoga studio I've ever seen. I tried to make a B-line for the side of the room with the windows, but no such luck. Next goal- to stake a space near the other wall. Better to be along a wall, as opposed to being surrounded by bodies, and close to the door in case I needed to leave the room suddenly to pass out in privacy. (I always try to think ahead.)
Well, I didn't pass out, but I did sweat more in that 1 1/2 hour session than I had in any other 1 1/2 hour block of time in my life. The sweat was literally dripping from my body. And from everyone else's, might I add. I couldn't decide if it was the grossest thing ever or really cool. I think I'm trying to focus on the latter aspect. Easy to say once the class is over and you are able to walk outside to breath some fresh air and dry off!
So, my second yoga class was grueling, but I felt really good to have completed such a challenging class - and with minimal flailing this time! Although I was in pain for the second weekend in a row, I was nonetheless left with feeling a great sense of accomplishment. I guess all I can hope for is that, with time and practice, the flailing will subside and the poses will flow with more grace. Namaste.
You know it's a bad sign when the class before yours (taught by the same instructor) let out and one by one people emerged, drenched in sweat. I couldn't help but stare, somewhat dumbfounded, as they looked like they had just run a full marathon. Being that I never intend to run a marathon, unlike my good friend Nasus, I started to worry that I am making a huge mistake by taking this class. Just then I started to feel a wave of heavy, hot air waft out of the studio. Are you kidding me? This is going to be a mistake of gargantuan proportions, I thought. Can I leave now? I couldn't. Not when I had been waiting with at least 20 other people for the past 10 minutes. Too late to chicken out now. Dangit! So after the last person left, my fellow classmates and I poured into the largest yoga studio I've ever seen. I tried to make a B-line for the side of the room with the windows, but no such luck. Next goal- to stake a space near the other wall. Better to be along a wall, as opposed to being surrounded by bodies, and close to the door in case I needed to leave the room suddenly to pass out in privacy. (I always try to think ahead.)
Well, I didn't pass out, but I did sweat more in that 1 1/2 hour session than I had in any other 1 1/2 hour block of time in my life. The sweat was literally dripping from my body. And from everyone else's, might I add. I couldn't decide if it was the grossest thing ever or really cool. I think I'm trying to focus on the latter aspect. Easy to say once the class is over and you are able to walk outside to breath some fresh air and dry off!
So, my second yoga class was grueling, but I felt really good to have completed such a challenging class - and with minimal flailing this time! Although I was in pain for the second weekend in a row, I was nonetheless left with feeling a great sense of accomplishment. I guess all I can hope for is that, with time and practice, the flailing will subside and the poses will flow with more grace. Namaste.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Hurricane Relief Part II
This was written by a relief worker with an organization affiliated with my church:
"I've done search and rescue operations for the past two days with various agencies. I was ordered to pull my boats out last night and left hundreds if not thousands screaming for help on rooftops and floating. Health conditions are unimaginable. Words will never be able to capture what my crew has seen. I've been reassigned, and search and rescue has become military ops only. Some places are out of hand. The hospitals are getting really out of hand as people become more desperate. Please pray for south Louisiana. Severity of the situation has been underestimated."
"I've done search and rescue operations for the past two days with various agencies. I was ordered to pull my boats out last night and left hundreds if not thousands screaming for help on rooftops and floating. Health conditions are unimaginable. Words will never be able to capture what my crew has seen. I've been reassigned, and search and rescue has become military ops only. Some places are out of hand. The hospitals are getting really out of hand as people become more desperate. Please pray for south Louisiana. Severity of the situation has been underestimated."
Hungry Koalas
It was fresh grub time for these Koalas at the sanctuary. You would have thought they were being starved, but no - they just really love those Eucie leaves.
Kanga Close Up
Look at those lashes! Such a pretty girl. Really she just wanted some food - which we didn't have.
Fuzzy Animals
Saturday September 3, 2005 11:17 am
As promised we made it through the botanical gardens in Brisbane. It was more like a big park than what I think of as a botanical garden, but still really nice and beautiful to walk through. The gardens encompass a corner of the city that forms a bend in the Brisbane River. They had built a bridge/pier type thing that started at one side of the coast walkway and curved through the water and up to another point on the walkway. This was an especially stunning walk because the tide was low and you could see the air roots of the mangrove trees that lived at the water’s edge – so basically we were walking out over the sand banks rather than the lake. It was very pretty and a little spooky, too. Afterward, we walked through the campus of the Queensland University of Technology, which flanked the park on one side. One of the other art galleries in the city is housed here and we happened to walk past on the one evening of the week that it is open late. It was a small gallery, but featured a really cool exhibit by Stephen Hart who’s work is mostly comprised of wood sculptures, several of which featured a very stylized and surreal bunny rabbit. We ended up back at a little café where we were planning on hanging out until after 7:00 pm when we could head back on the Ferry with our off-peak passes. However, a girl came up and asked if we were interested in using her extra free passes to see the Australian preview of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. A free movie? No problem. The movie was not as annoying I thought it would be (given the fact that neither of us feel that it was necessary to remake the last version of the movie), but it was done well and it was fun – but I think a lot of the humor went over the heads of most of the kids in the audience. We rounded out our evening with our first ride home at dark in the ferry. The lights from the buildings along the river were so pretty – we sat outside despite being a little chilly.
Our friend was also able to take the day off mid-week so we had a day off from public transportation. After getting delicious handmade sandwiches (there was a kind of feta on mine that was the ruler of all fetas - and juice from the local juice shop, Juicy Gossip, she took us to the real Brisbane Botanical Gardens. This place was amazing. There were plants from all over the world and also featured a fern garden, Japanese garden, various rainforests and a pond area. The gardens were also full of the local wildlife. I still can’t get over the “common” lizards that run around. They are the size of the lizards we usually see in zoos in the States. You will hear the bush next to you shake as if a small child had crawled beneath it then all of a sudden this foot and a half long meaty lizard comes running our doing its little shuffle run across the path. Needless to say we have lots of pictures of the lizards. She also took us up Mount Coot-tha to see the beautiful panoramic view of all of Brisbane. All I can say is – wow. I especially liked seeing how the river twisted through the city. Finally we rounded out the day at some of the fun shops around the city. There seems to be literally one LYS in all of Brisbane – crazy! But we found it and we went there. But because it seems to be the only one, they have a ton of stuff and offer a ton of classes. Yes, I got some goodies, too. We also went to an area called the Village, which housed a gourmet grocery store – kind of like if Whole Foods was split up into different smaller shops, but still under one roof. We also had some ice cream from the local shop in West End. That night she had a friend over from San Diego who had just moved here and was getting to know the area. It was really fun to sit in Australia and talk about the places we liked to go to back home.
<>On Friday, we decided to go out to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. They had more than 130 Koalas that the staff all knew by name. So cute! There were even two babies (obviously old enough to start venturing away from mom) who were down on the floor of the enclosure wrestling. Ok, think of the cutest thing you have ever seen. Got it? Then times that by 100 and you will have two baby koalas wrestling. Eventually, the mom’s decided it was time for a rest and they both made their way down to collect their respective kids. The younger one started to fall asleep after being back on mom’s back for less than 5 minutes – there’s a mother’s instinct for you. We were also mesmerized by the bats they had there. They were bigger than anything either of us had seen before and so cool to watch. I had no idea that their front hands on the end of their wings were really just a hook!B’s Cappuccino count: 4
Things we realized about Australia:
Liquor Store = Bottle Shop
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Hurricane Relief
I continue to be awed by the utter devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. If you're like me, you feel saddened and helpless. But there is something we can do. If you are so inclined, please consider joining me in making a contribution to the American Red Cross. Financial donations allow the Red Cross to provide shelter, food and clean water, counseling, and other critical necessities to the hundreds of thousands of victims in need. It may feel like a small gesture, but every little bit can make a difference. :)
Dis Sighting (well, sort of...)
From Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4), Chapter 6 "The Portkey," first sentence: Harry disentangled himself from Ron and got to his feet.
Okay, so it's silly- but it still made me think of my friend, currently in the land of Oz. :)
Okay, so it's silly- but it still made me think of my friend, currently in the land of Oz. :)
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