Viking Home Companion

2012: Goals

2012-01-24T12:28:00.000-08:00

Every year I choose a word that is my 'theme' and guides me through the year. This year I came up with my theme-word in October - early, but very fitting.

This year's focus is "patience". Over the past year I really did struggle with finding Balance in my life - but I made good headway. I don't just toss my themes aside at the end of the year; I'm still working on being bold, on finding balance, on taking good care of my self. But it became very clear in October that I need to develop my Patience. Toward myself, toward progress, toward others, toward just plain old 'living life'.

I also found it very helpful to check in on my goals quarterly (or so LOL) throughout the year. This helped me re-focus and evaluate my progress, and I feel very positive over the progress I made in 2011.

My goals also break down into four main 'areas' of my life: Personal/Health, Professional, Home, and Creativity. I do have some "general" goals to accomplish in each area this year, but I am also taking a different tack in 2012 - setting small goals each month to accomplish. Like little steps to accomplish the main goal(s) for the year.

Long Term Goals for 2012:
Professional
* Get licensed
* Publish one article
Creativity
* Finish 2 new quilts
* Create a SMALL craft space
* Make a pair of pants
* Turn 5 stash patterns into Tried N True (TNT) patterns
* Purge scrapbooking tools/papers/misc
Health/Personal
* Find 50-60 healthy recipes to use on a regular basis
* Put together a recipe binder
* Maintain my physical fitness
* Hit a healthy weight this year
Home
* Continue to menu plan weekly
* Continue to establish and use weekly routines
* Build a Household Notebook
* Set up an emergency plan
* Decorate the house into a "home"

Archive: Books 2011

2012-01-09T12:22:00.000-08:00

List of the books I read in 2011:
* Full Dark, No Stars
* The Girl Who Played with Fire
* Dirty Secret
* Tell-All
* Tightwad Gazette II
* The Robber Bride
* Handling the Undead
* 20th Century Ghosts
* Heart-Shaped Box
* Urban Picnic (recipes)
* Horns
* Cat's Eye
* The New Dead
* The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest
* Model Home
* The Girl's Guide to Homelessness
* Room
* The New Dead II
* The Black Dahilia Avenger
* Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
* A Stolen Life
* Bag of Bones (re-read)

Looking Back, Looking Forward (1)

2012-01-09T11:59:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking a lot (again!) about my goals for the year. Last year's focus was "Balance" - wow that was a hard one to work toward! This year's word came to me in late October, and it seems very fitting with where I'm at professionally and personally right now.

Here's a quick review of "where I was" last January, and the progress I made:
Career
* Get licensed (LCSW) - this didn't happen; setting it for a goal this year.
* Be open to new opportunities - yep.
* Complete CYC training - also didn't happen, but not for lack of trying.

Craft/Creativity
* Craft Stash diet until 3/31/11 (only buy specific supplies needed to finish UFOs) - yep. I also joined a group to work on UFOs over the summer - didn't really finish any, but made great headway!
* Scrapbook my wedding and honeymoon - nope.
* Complete 70% of UFO's during the Stash diet - nope, but I tried!

Physical Health - made a LOT of progress in this area by the end of the year!
* Work out a minimum of 4x per week
* Journal my meals
* Take my vitamins and suppliments daily, including 3-4L of water
* Get a minimum of 6 1/2 hours of sleep every night
* Hit a healthy weight by the end of the year - I am 20 pounds down from where I was, and that's a start!

Home
* Declutter bedroom and hall closets - some progress made.
* Take care of backyard - started and stopped.
* Use dining room table to EAT ON - met, just barely, by Christmas Eve!
* Maintain household routines, including Weekly Home Blessing - started and stopped here, too.
* Meal plan and make 90% of all meals at home - made great progress here (linked to my Health goals above, strangely enough!)

So my goals basically break down into the four areas of my life: Professional, Creativity, Health, and Home. This year I'm going to keep some broad, year-long goals BUT break them down into manageable, bite-sized steps to accomplish in a month. Reviewing my goals quarterly ::really:: helped me move forward (especially on the Health goals, I was really letting those slide the first half of the year!).

I am very happy with the progress I've made in 2011, and will follow up with a post on my focus word and goals for 2012!

10 on 10, Christmas Eve Edition

2011-12-26T22:04:00.000-08:00

It's technically a "Day in the Life" post, but that was the original 10 on 10. Here's my Christmas Eve in ten pictures, courtesy of Instamatic app on my iPhone.

Breakfast, around 10am

Christmas Eve Tradition

Dave & Busters pit stop

Beautiful weather!

Last minute crafting...(not mine!)

Gifts wrapped on the mantle

Eve dinner: pasta and seafood, and salad

It was also Caturday

*leisurely* crafting!

Forgotten Cookies in the oven, ready for breakfast!

Catch Up: First 5k!

2011-12-26T21:39:00.000-08:00

In an extended effort to meet some of my personal health/fitness goals this year, I started "training" for a 5k. Meaning, I started doing walk/jog training (via SparkPeople) as a way to work out outside and build some interval training into my workouts.

We "ran" our first 5k via a virtual race on 11/4 (ran at the local track and posted our times online), and then signed up for the Dana Point Turkey Trot for Thanksgiving morning!

I had such a good time - finished in 48:32 which is not a bad time for a first 5k. We're signing up for another one in 2012, and I already have a "friend" egging me on to run a half marathon (13.1 miles - NOT doing it! LOL)

Catch Up: Anni Trip

2011-12-26T21:34:00.000-08:00

We spent a wonderful weekend in Palm Springs in the middle of November to (belatedly) celebrate our first wedding anniversary!

Just like for our honeymoon, I did the majority of my "shopping" and planning for our trip online - using Kayak.com to book our hotel, Mapquest to plan the route, and lots of Yelp browsing to figure out just what we would do, where we would go, and what we would eat!

Accomodations

Street Fair - Thursday night

Bicycle rentals!

Tram to Mt. San Jacinto - at sunset (with snow!)

Lunch at Native Foods, and Dinner at Brgr Bar (forgot the camera that night)

We had so much fun looking around, being ACTIVE (three hour walk, four hour bike tour, walking around the Tramway in the snow), and celebrating our union. It was a wonderful weekend away!

Quick Check In

2011-11-29T16:51:00.000-08:00

Not a lot of posting going on here - there's been a lot of "life" going on though!

I plan to dump a bunch of posts in a very short time, summing up my November. Some things to post:
* Anniversary trip
* My Very First Ever 5k!
* Crafting gone good
* Crafting gone bad :(
* HOLIDAY crafting!
* Thanksgiving (will be picture-less as I misplaced my camera for a bit!)
* And the ever-popular Year End Wrap Up and Goal Setting posts.

As well as some general clean-up around the sidebar and such. It'll either get posted by tomorrow, or by the weekend (December already!)

ARCHIVE: Summer Celebration

2011-10-30T20:15:00.000-07:00

Moving over from the sidebar...the things we accomplished this summer:
* Go to a play
* Have a picnic
* Take Mom to dinner
* Go to a ball game* Go to the fair
* Go to a movie
* Come up with a summer drink
* Go to the farmer's market
* Make cookies

Aaand, the things we did not (some of which may become Fall/Winter plans!):
* Make homemade pasta
* Host a sleepover
* Go to the beach
* Make pizza on the BBQ
* Make ice cream
* Volunteer for a day
* Go camping
* Fly a kite
* Have a 'pj' day
* Go to a concert in the park
* Play a board game
* Build a model
* Visit the cemetery
* Have a popcorn fight
* Go mini-golfing
* Ding-dong-ditch the neighbors with a treat
* Do a puzzle
* Go fishing
* Watermelon smoothies
* Spend a weekend "away"
* Visit a museum
* Brew a batch of beer
* Get a foot massage/pedicure
* Get a massage

Corn Maze

2011-10-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

We missed it the past two years (wedding planning / wedding), but this year we were back!

The weather was very nice (warm but not too warm, sunny but also a little breezy), the corn..field?...was watered down so it was NOT dusty and bumpy like the last time.

I think they made the route "easier" this time - about 90 minutes in and out!

Afterwards we ate a picnic lunch, drove around Temecula but didn't get to shop because there was a car/motorcycle rally going on (who knew?) so half of the town was closed to traffic.

We found a nice little microbrewery and enjoyed ourselves for a bit, chatted it up with an older couple also sampling the beers (we meet the nicest people at microbreweries!), then eventually made it home.

It was a nice day trip on a lovely early-autumn day!

FNSI!

2011-10-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

I worked diligently last night - solo - on my Friday Night Sew In project. I would have said project*S*, but I spent 4 hours on one thing and got it completely done...then my back started spasming (it hates to sew apparently) so I had to sit down. I'll be working on the other project (just cutting out fabric etc) tonight.

Anyway. Anyone remember this:

Under the thick cording - the fabric + Palmer&Plesch book? From April? One of the MANY projects I planned to work on that night (and worked on NONE of them LOL)

Well, last night I finally got to work on it. I had EJ fit the tissue so I knew what I was working with, then I turned this:

Sleeve pattern (traced on waxed paper) that I split&spread to add more room...

and turned this:

My *very *first FBA (full bust adjustment) - again pattern traced onto waxed paper...

INTO THIS:

Simplicity / Built By Wendy 3835, with a full bust adjustment and widened sleeves.

The pattern still needs tweaking: I need to add about 1 1/2 inches to the sleeve (my adjustment managed to shrink part of the sleeve head), raise the back (too low partly because I had to cut some of it off to fit the sleeve!) and lower the front (it chokes me if I lift my arms), shorten the bust darts by 1 inch and maybe lower them? but I'm not sure about the lowering.

I am still over-the-rainbow THRILLED that this worked out so well! Four hours of work (which includes tissue fitting, redrawing the pattern with adjustments, and ironing all the fabric) for a fairly decent top that I could wear out of the house if I really wanted to!

I'll be making one more muslin with the adjustments before cutting it out of 'real' fabric. But I can see why this pattern has been such a hit, and once I get my 'tweaks' right I can see making many many more of these tops!

Birthday!

2011-10-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

I think this is the first time I've ever blogged about my birthday during Birthday Month. I *know* its the first time I've had pictures to accompany anything related to my birthday!

My BIL (brother in law, Shrek) and I share the same birthday. Which is awesome. He had a "landmark" birthday this year, so we celebrated with his choice of activity: mini golf and pizza.

We had a great time - BIL came in with the top score, and I came in second. Appropriate for the birthday people! I also scored T H R E E holes-in-one which was pretty awesome!

And at work it's been an office tradition (for the past year, ever since our department was formed) to surprise-decorate one's office for their birthday. Mine wasn't decorated until the afternoon (surprise!!!) but I'm keeping the decorations up til Halloween!

I also go some great gifts this year. From EJ:

Handmade sock blockers and a gorgeous hammered copper cuff (he made both of these gifts himself)

And from Mom:

A cross stitch project I've been wanting for over a year, and a *GREAT* ArtBin tote to put a bunch of my craft supplies in (it has 5 or 6 flat plastic boxes inside for floss or whatever).

It was a great celebration weekend - and since then I've had a gift certificate from work (for the agency store), two lovely birthday dinners, and will be celebrating with Dad for a third!

10210 +1

2011-10-11T10:04:00.000-07:00

We celebrated our one year wedding anniversary on the first Sunday of the month. It was a low-key affair, because we have a big(ger) activity planned later on, when life is a little less hectic.

It was simple, a day for sharing time together,

a small couple's giftie (bought from buttonempire on etsy, found via Pinterest) (slightly broke our "no gifts this year" rule but was told it was OK once the cuteness was revealled LOL)

A light picnic spread, partly bought, partly made.

I hate to admit that we don't get to spend enough 'couple time' together due to schedules, work, dishes, chores, cooking, bookstore/coffee (mostly that's parallel play and not together time)...

But the little break to hang out in a park, under a tree, and just "be" together was very refreshing.

It was a good way to start our second year of marriage.

update

2011-09-24T12:00:00.001-07:00

I turn around and ::whoosh:: September is almost over! I've talked with several people (both friends and random-people-in-stores chatting) and there is 100% agreement that this year has gone by FAST!

I signed up for FNSI last week, then got sick (miserable cold + fever) so Mom and I weren't able to get together to sew. That fever lasted until Tuesday of this week. But I didn't give it to anybody (that I know of).

I've been 'displaced' from my office at work for about 2 weeks - new flooring PLUS servers and computer systems going off/online at random times means it has been a hectic month on the work front. Hoping to get everything back under control this last week of the month! On a good note, I was able to get rid of some stuff I no longer use in my position, AND I rearranged my office. Better fung shui LOL

Spent another week dog/catsitting for a friend - lots of good animal energy, shorter commute, and we found a great pizza place (that offers gluten-free crust! it is delicious!). October looks free from petsitting, which is a good thing -birthday, family visiting, anniversary- we're going to be busy!

My sewing machine has been back to the shop (again) - Mom found that the recent tune-ups were more like f*ck-ups so she took them to a Janome dealer and is much happier with the results this time. She's got her machine back already, mine should be ready next week. Good thing, too, because I've got some vacation wardrobe sewing planned!

I've also been able to make more headway on some of my year's goals - eep it's almost time for a third-quarter review! I'm thinking there will be all sorts of positivity in that one!

So that's where I've been, where I'm at, and where I'm headed toward in the short term. A little bit of looking back, and a little bit of looking ahead!

Tuesday Trainer: Journaling

2011-08-30T22:04:00.000-07:00

The next step that I've gotten back into that is effective for me is: keeping a food and exercise journal. I'm not sure why (there are a lot of 'theories' out there to explain its effectiveness) but I seem to do better when I take time every day to jot down what I ate, when I ate it, how I was feeling (sometimes), sleep quality, exercise, ...and I think that's the bare bones.

Maybe I *am* more conscious of having to write it down (although honestly, I'm the only one who reads it, so I know what I've eaten anyway!), maybe it helps me see the 'big picture' of my habits...I do know that it helps me figure out 'what to eat' once I have a couple weeks written down LOL!

So as of yesterday I've pulled out one of my journals at work (meant for my clients, but hey they're mine anyway!) and started writing down when/what/sleep/exercise/generally how I felt for the past..two days now. I'm planning on continuing this habit so that I can make further headway on my BALANCE goals this year.

I've also started exercising again (which I hope will become 'on a regular basis') - but that's a whole other post, for another day!

This Week(end)

2011-08-30T09:41:00.000-07:00

This week(end) was a busy one.

* Dr appt - everything is good so far!
* Celebrated our 8th anniversary-of-the-first-time-we-met-officially with a late lunch/early dinner at, well, where we went on our first 'date'.
* V E R Y long workdays; I am So Glad that I stuffed the freezer last month - I'll be updating with reports of how different recipes worked out later in the month (after we've eaten down more of our 'stash' LOL)
* Brief afternoon of dogsitting.
* Picnic AND an open-air play on Saturday - very fun! We agree that we need to do more of these things together.

The picnic was a last-minute affair; within 70 minutes we shopped for groceries, prepped, cooked, packed, and put in the car our picnic spread. AND got to the play on time!
Our Menu (inspired by Real Simple's menu, as found on Pinterest):
(no pics, sorry):
Blue cheese dip with fresh veg
BLTA pasta salad (whole wheat macaroni dressed with white wine vinegar and olive oil; with fakin bacon, avacado, sundried tomatoes, and arugula)
Chilled sweet & spicy grilled salmon (chili powder, coconut sugar, olive oil, oregano)
Fresh sliced summer fruit (peaches and strawberries)

Everything turned out delicious, and it was the perfect combination of sweet/savory/hearty/fresh to fill our palates!

This week is looking like another busy one...I'll keep you posted!

WIP it Wednesday!

2011-08-24T22:56:00.000-07:00

Actually not a WIP - I made a skirt in about 3 hours using the tutorial from Running With Scissors. Stash fabric (bought in 1996? I think), random thread, lingerie elastic (only thing I had in the correct size!), and 40¢ worth of elastic thread.

EJ and I also celebrated our 8th anniversary with a nice late lunch/early dinner after a doctor appointment (everything is OK).

Friday Night Sew In

2011-08-19T23:52:00.000-07:00

This one snuck up on me, but I am chalking that up to the build-up and then execution of this week's events. I was smart and checked Heidi's website on Tuesday night, saw the date, texted Mom, and got ourselves signed up. Our plan: work on a quilt we planned waaay back in May. Here's my progress.

FNSI: Part ONE

We sewed, cut, ironed, trimmed, and cut some more. ((we also may have had a quilt-store run in there too, for "more fabric". because someone is a little obsessive over fabrics)) Good progress on this, and we are getting together on Sunday to work a bit more.

::then EJ and I went to the grocery, made dinner, and relaxed::

FNSI: Part TWO

Made some headway on a long-awaited and VERY SECRET project,

then, realized I DO NOT HAVE A WALKING FOOT and had to move on to a non-sewing project:

Crochet and glue gun. Part of my long-awaited christmas decor, I decided this was a good night to get at least these four trees completed. I found the pattern on Ravelry, and it is super-easy, AND I had all the supplies on hand (including the tree forms, they are empty yarn cones I was given with a bunch of "yarn my neighbor found in his garage, maybe you can do something with it?").

Why "Viking" Home Companion?

2011-08-18T17:37:00.000-07:00

You may be wondering why my blog is titled "Viking Home Companion". I changed the name last year after I got married, to reflect the 'upgrade' to my life. Which includes a new last name (my decision!), as well as a nod to my partner's ...obsession... with all things Norwegian.

We had a viking-themed wedding:

I've made viking-themed crafts:

And we have quite a few viking-themed elements to the house:

in our living room, with collected viking boats (as well as one of the centerpieces from our wedding) and my recycled-wool viking hat (awesome wedding gift, we got a matching set!), as well as some of our amber-colored glass

mcm viking fleet I bought for EJ off of etsy a couple years ago

stained glass panel EJ got when his old workplace closed down; he's put lights behind it on a timer as a 'night light' for the house ((yes it's not viking, but it's close enough!))

handcarved wooden viking warrior given to us by Sister (from England)

in the kitchen, chibi-Thor and his clan (as well as a Destroyer from 7/11) watch us cook on the range hood

aaand, I even got EJ the Thor school supplies from Target this year.

So we celebrate our interests and our last name (part of the Norse pantheon), *hopefully* without overdoing it! EJ found it humorous when I changed the blog's name, as it is also a tongue-in-cheek reference to a comedy bit styled after the Prairie Home Companion radio show (also called The Viking Home Companion)!

Finish(ed) It Up!

2011-08-16T14:14:00.000-07:00

So, for the past couple of months I've joined in with Meg to clear out some UFOs over the summer. I can honestly say that I had hoped to make PROGRESS on the projects listed below. I didn't manage any real finishes, but I still feel very pleased with my work this summer! To recap, these were my projects:

1. Mod Sampler QAL
Need to ( ) finish cutting the pieces; ( ) piece the blocks; ( ) assemble the top; ( ) buy backing fabric; ( ) get it quilted.

2. Wolfe's quilt
Handed over to the MIL for finishing. This is one I wanted DONE, and I am happy I did that!

3. Savannah's quilt
Need to ( ) machine-quilt it, and ( ) bind it.

4. My BQ Quilt
This also got handed off to Mom, to be sent to the long-arm quilter. I will need to pick a binding to finish it off, but my HOPE is that I can get my BIL's input when he visits for our birthdays in October (he helped me pick the backing fabric for this one). It was waiting over 5 years for next to NO work, so I am very glad to get this one out of my house!

5. J&B's Quilt
Need to ( ) fix some of the blocks; ( ) buy border fabric; ( ) make piano key border; ( ) buy backing fabric; ( ) send it to be quilted.

6. Christmas Lights Quilt
Need to ( ) machine-quit it, and ( ) bind it.

7. Picnic quilt
Need to ( ) assemble the top [this one has no binding, backing, or quilting involved] I did manage to FIND it last week - it's an UFO from waaaay back (6 years? but I've been saving the denim and planning since the late 1980s when I found the pattern), and it's going to remain so for a while longer.

8. Streak of Christmas quilt
Totally hibernating. I am not sure what to do with it, so I'm putting it back in the pile to figure out later on. Expect to see a post and requests for ideas on this one later on.

9. Beard Quilt
Need to ( ) sew what I've done together; ( ) sew bargello section; ( )sew virginia reel section; ( ) embellish backing; ( ) quilt and bind it.

10. Faire pants
Hibernating. My 'forever plan' is to work on Faire clothes in January, after I've pushed through the giftmas and in-laws' birthdays and face the winter 'lull'. So, hibernating.

11. Wedding vest
Need to ( ) sew buttonholes; ( ) sew on buttons.

Overall, made modest progress on a couple projects, and finalized a few others. I knew I was listing way more than I could handle in the 10 weeks, but I'm OK with that.

Honestly, the biggest payoff for me was being able to quilt and craft (even virtually) with other women (and men?). It is very frustrating for me to be basically the only crafty person I know (aside from Mom) - and when I do find them, they're usually, um, not my 'type' [aside: yes I do know how far-from-center I am, which I don't think really comes through on my blog? but I am, well, different than most and it is difficult to find other people who are like me AND craft (and are not 15 - that's a little awkward)]

So I would like to send out a HUGE thank you to Meg and all the other fantabulous people who stopped by here, shared their crafting on their blogs, and basically made this a great experience for me! Thank you all so much!

Cooking Day

2011-08-14T20:24:00.002-07:00

Waaaay back when I was in grad school, EJ and I would spend one weekend every quarter cooking and packaging lunches for the next 9 weeks - money saving and it ensured that I had healthy meals (that I didn't have to think about) to pack for school.

With the upcoming disruption(s) to our schedule, we agreed that now would be a good time to stockpile a bunch of dinners in the freezer that I can either bake off/reheat after work, or EJ can throw into the oven without much thought over the next few weeks.

Over Saturday and Sunday, we spent 90 minutes shopping, three hours prepping, and about six hours (both of us working feverishly) mixing/cooking/baking, to turn this:

Into this:

On Saturday night we stopped once we both stopped making any sort of rational sense - and resumed cooking for a couple hours on Sunday LOL *M*A*N* my feet and back hurt after this cooking session! I don't remember feeling quite this worn after our last session, but then, that /was/ about 6 years ago when I was younger LOL

In the freezer, we have the following 33 meals:
* Trees and Cheese quiche
* Black bean burgers for Taco Pockets (x2)
* Baked Pasta
* Tortilla Pie (x2)
* Oven Baked Fajitas
* Marinated Shrimp
* Marinated Fish (x2)
* Tamale Pie
* Pizza Pasta
* Twice Baked Potatoes (x2)
* Stromboli, and sauce
* Beef Stroganoff
* Broccoli Cheese Bake
* Stuffed Quesadillas
* Teriyaki Rice Bowls
* Sweet & Sour Tofu
* Garlic sauce (for shrimp)
* Lasagna
* Enchiladas (x2)
* Neatloaf (x2)
* Baked Scampi
* Fried Rice
* Pizza
* Taco Rice for Lawnmower Tacos (x3)
* Spinach Pie

It's a good mix of new recipes and tried n true (TnT) - we didn't cook in our own kitchen (dog/housesitting last week) so we struggled a bit with carting ingredients to the house and then running out to get 'forgotten' items. We spent just under $200 for the meals (including bags, foil, and pans). I made marinara, cooked rice, and made two pounds of black beans as 'early prep', and we bought block cheese that EJ shredded to save some money. The only other way I can think we could have saved would have been to make all the meat alternatives we bought ahead of time ourselves as well - I just ran out of time to make that much seitan.

The biggest payoff is: not having to worry about dinner for the next month! I will be doing some baking and soup-making over the next week (and probably on the weekends) but for now I'm very happy with my bursting freezer!

Stitch N Pitch

2011-08-13T15:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Mom, EJ, and I went to the Dodgers game and Stitch N Pitch with the Alamitos Bay Yarn Company. I've been wanting to go to a Stitch N Pitch for several years now and it never worked out - I had So Much Fun yesterday!

In the shop

We got to the shop early, hung out, got our tickets, bought some yarn, fondled LOTS of yarn, found yarn I really love but REALLY can't afford...then boarded the bus.

Bus Swag

We were given a tote bag with stitch marker and information about ABYC's charity project. On the drive (in LA traffic) we played three games - I came in one of the top 7 for game #1, top 4 for game #2, and W O N game #3 (prize was the pink magnetic book markers in the picture). There was also a goodie bag to grab from - I got yarn, EJ got yarn, and Mom got a really cool wrap pattern.

I Like To Knit While Slightly Lit

After getting in the gates (security was humored by our bags of knitting LOL), we made a quick-but-expensive trip through Consessions (FYI Dodger Stadium, you REALLY need some vegetarian options besides fries and chips&cheese. Not cool.) we settled down for some stitching and pitching.

Getting our knit on

We stayed through the middle of the 9th inning (ZERO runs for either team), then walked out to the bus. We found out that the Dodgers finally won with one run in at the bottom of the 10th - then we were back home.

It was a fun event, and I'm hoping we will get to do it again next year! (maybe even an OC yarn store could host S&P for the Angels...???)

10 on 10: BB Edition

2011-08-11T08:56:00.000-07:00

((sorry for the poor picture quality - it was a workday and due to my profession I can't take 'real' pictures with a 'real' camera, so the BlackBerry had to suffice!))

OC Fair!

2011-08-07T10:10:00.000-07:00

We went to the fair this weekend. It's the first time we've gone together, ever (fairE does not count, we do that every year). And I found out EJ hasn't gone since he was in elementary school - so this turned out to be a major event! The weather was nice (warm but breezy), and the crowds were not too bad!

The fair's theme was "Let's Eat!" Which we did! Some highlights:

Pig Races

Chainsaw Chicks (ice carving)

Livestock (this goat LOVED me)

View from the ferris wheel (we also went on the Giant Slide and the people-mover/ski-lift-thingie earlier in the day)

EJ played some games...

And won me an Angry Bird! (but not from the game pictured...this was from a water-shooting game)

All the food:

To get to & from, we took public transportation

which also got us in for $2 per person (saving us $18! w00t!)

We also bought some "stuff" - dip mixes, venison jerky (for EJ), coffee, and a sign I've been wanting since *long* before I figured I'd get married (at that time, name was TBA)

We came home late, sore, and stuffed (and me with a bellyache, although I did not eat nearly as much as EJ did!), and both agreed it was an awesome day!

Tuesday Trainer

2011-07-26T17:58:00.000-07:00

OK, so to move me forward on one area of my year's BALANCE goals, I'll be posting Tuesday (or Thursday) Trainer. Just a place for me to keep track of my self-care habits.

This week I'm going to talk about:
* Take my vitamins and suppliments daily, including 3-4 L of water.

The one thing I've found that has the biggest impact on my health is taking suppliments. I *really* don't talk about it here, but I've had all sorts of weird health problems since my late teens, and the most success I've had has been a combination of diet (i.e. cutting out foods that affect me in negative ways) and suppliments. In fact, the best I've felt "ever" was when I was on a very restricted (doctor-supervised) 'clean' diet and taking a handful (15-20 pills) of suppliments every day. I do think that with my digestive issues I just don't uptake nutrients properly on a daily basis, and my body needs the boost. As it were.

NOTE: This is what works for ME and MY BODY. Not a doctor, not making any reccomendations for anyone else.

So I've taken vitamins off and on since then. Last year I was really, really good and took them almost 100% daily for, like, 9 months. And REALLY felt overall good. But it's a drag to take pills 3x per day - especially the number of pills I take. So I fell off the wagon, then started feeling very very tired (I've blogged about that), tried taking them again, felt no 'magic', and just forgot about them.

But I do know that it has an overall affect on my health, so I'm back to it. Brought my little tupperware container of vitamins with me, have my water mug on my desk, and have been taking them with my meals.I'm taking my vitamins 3x per day (multi, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B complex, garlic, evening primrose, lysine, and fiber).**

NOTE: This is what works for ME and MY BODY. Not a doctor, not making any reccomendations for anyone else.

I'm also getting back into the 'habit' of drinking LOTS of water. I quit drinking sugared drinks ~7 years ago; and I stopped diet sodas in 2007 (that was really hard to do, I almost killed my coworker for her Diet Coke on day 2) - and when I don't drink soda, I drink a LOT of water. I also drink coffee (daily!), tea, iced tea, and juice (seldom - mostly when I'm sick). I have a (24 ounce? I think) mug on my desk that I fill in the morning when I come in, and I usually put away 2 of those during the day; then at night (when I'm mindful) I drink at least another liter of water when I'm at home. I try to keep from drinking it all before bed, but sometimes I end up staggering to the bathroom at 3 or 4am LOL I've found that I feel better too when I'm drinking lots of water, so I'm back to that again today.

** Yes, that may seem like a lot but it is what works for ME and MY BODY. Not a doctor, not making any reccomendations for anyone else.

Anyone else 'stumbled' upon healthy habits that really make a difference for you?

2011: BALANCE: Goals (mid-year review)

2011-07-24T18:44:00.000-07:00

Somehow I managed to remember at the beginning of the month that it's time to review the goals I've set for this year, then totally never did so.

My 3-month review is here, where I determined that my self-care goals were seriously lacking progress...and I'd made modest progress in other areas.

Here they are, with a brief commentary:
Career: almost ready to submit my paperwork to start the licensing process; and I've made a strong connection with my local CYC chapter - I'm getting trained at the end of this summer!

Craft/Creativity: still plugging along with the UFOs, indulged in some SEX (Stash Enhancement eXpeditions) but am still keeping to working on what I have laying around...feeling good about this still! I've also at least *sorted* my scrapbook supplies and picked the photos for our honeymoon book; really do want to get this done by the end of the year (first anniversary? doubtful!)

Physical Health: Yeah, still totally bombing on this area. In all aspects. I really need to pick this area up. I have written up a meal plan for after EJ's surgery, and hopefully that will help us get back on track. I also have an (unblogged, and actually not even mentioned to my partner!) event that I would like to participate in, and that involvement hinges ENTIRELY on this section.

Home: meal planning aside, still slowly working on this area. We are doing better and better, little by little LOL

So the overall theme is: I'm doing good in some areas (Craft/Creativity, Career) and totally sucking in others (Physical Health). Expect to see some blogging in that area here - if I type it I'll have to do it, right? Right!

Finish It Up @ Friday Night Sew In!

2011-07-23T09:41:00.000-07:00

Two birds with one stone, folks. I'm posting my Finish It Up progress (still no finishes...sigh) that I made during Friday Night Sew In this month!

Finish It Up is hosted by Meg at Fashioned By Meg, which is a challenge to finish up those UFOs we have lurking around (so far no 'finishes' for me but I've made a WHOLE LOT of progress that I would have otherwise not made); and Friday Night Sew In (FNSI) is hosted jointly by Heidi at Handmade By Heidi and Bobbi at Crafty Vegas Mom - I found this informal monthly group while surfing crafty blogs (sorry, I can't remember who posted it, I lurk waaay too much on the 'net) and have participated with my MIL "Mom" a few times now.

(disclaimer: I'm not sure if it's in 'poor taste' to post and link to two different online groups with just one post? I'm not good on blogger/internettique, I just learned recently to answer people's comments on my blog ON MY OWN BLOG instead of commenting on theirs...so sorry if this is improper!)

OK, our night went like this: *Grab a late lunch (starving!) *Visit the Borders that is closing *Find books, stand in line for 92 minutes to buy them, chat with line-neighbors *Realize we are running very late, get dropped off at home to grab my craft crap while EJ r-u-n-s to get to his standup comedy gig
*Arrive at Mom's
*Suddenly decide we MUST GO TO JOANNS (Mom is a huge enabler here)
*Work on a knitting project while we wait to put Grandma to bed

Clapotis pattern, yarn from Village Spinning and Weaving

*Buy fabric and dye (for tonight! no stash!), while Mom buys some random stuff too
*Get home and start the endless ironing process (thanks Mom)

*While I start cutting fabric for binding (two quilts)

*Oh yeah there was a Del Taco run in there too, not pictured (who wants to see me eating beans? No one.)
*Then Mom figured out all the math for cutting the backings, while I sewed the pieces together - she also watched me make bias binding (apparently she's never done that before???)

(gratuitous backing-fabric shot; ironed and sewn, then ironed again)

*And during all this I was busy dying Mom's washing machine a gorgeous blue - along with two onesies and a tee of mine that's seen better days

*EJ showed up after his gig, and helped us take a partial picture of my BQ quilt top (it's a monster, folks - 111 inches by 92 inches. I think it's bigger than my bedROOM)

It was my first quilt top, and I think it will be my last one to ever finish. Ever.

Mom kicked us out at 12:18am, apologizing for not getting any of the quilts pinned. I apologized that FNSI always becomes "help nessa with her projects" night - not sure how much of that is me needing help, and how much is Mom wanting to touch my fabrics LOL

So at the end of the night, here's my progress:
@ Wolfe's quilt: (finally finished hand quilting that bugger!) dropped off for Mom to add the binding.
@ Christmas Lights quilt: backing cut and sewn, binding made; ready to be pinned
@ Savannah's quilt: backing cut and sewn, binding made; ready to be pinned
@ BQ quilt: backing ironed, handed off to Mom to send to the quilters (I told her no hurry, she said she's doing it "this week")
@ Two baby gifts partially done (the onesies), along with a tee ready to be refashioned (it got dyed)
@ The Beard quilt made it out of the house. But no work done on it.
@ Started a new knitting project (no big surprise there)

Planning to visit Mom on Sunday to dye the other 3 onesies and pin the two quilts so I can start machine quilting them ::gulp::

WIP it Wednesday!

2011-07-20T21:26:00.000-07:00

Still plugging along on Wolfe's quilt this week.

It should be ready to be bound by Friday ((fingers crossed))

I also started a cross-stitch project that's been 'waiting in the wings' for the past year. Pattern & aida cloth come from stash, and I bought all the floss during 2010 while I was buying supplies for the wedding (I think I hit every coupon and sale last year!)

I also signed up for this month's Friday Night Sew In (FNSI). I'll be pinning Savannah's quilt and my Christmas Lights quilt; piecing parts of the Beard Quilt together, aaaand maybe working on something else.

Finish It Up-date!

2011-07-16T19:16:00.000-07:00

Back again this week, with some modest progress. Here's my list, as a refresher:

1. Mod Sampler QAL - Probability of finish: HIGH
Need to ( ) finish cutting the pieces; ( ) piece the blocks; ( ) assemble the top; ( ) buy backing fabric; ( ) get it quilted.

2. Wolfe's quilt - Probability of finish: HIGH
I have 15 hexagons left to hand-quilt, plus 4-6 on the border (I need to draw it out). Then I'm handing it off to Mom to bind. It doesn't look any different than the last time I posted a pic, so here it is:

3. Savannah's quilt - Probability of finish: HIGH
Need to pin, quilt, and bind this one. Still.

4. My BQ Quilt - Probability of finish: MEDIUM
Well, it fits so well into the 2 1/2 gallon bag I have it stored in..LOL! Maybe Mom & I will get the back pieced next Friday, then I can leave it in her hands for whenever she can get it quilted. (not a great pic, it is HUUUUGE and I don't have an appropriate amount of space to display it for a good pic - this is 'wrong side' anyway)

5. J&B's Quilt - Probability of finish: MEDIUM
Need to ( ) fix some of the blocks; ( ) buy border fabric; ( ) make piano key border; ( ) buy backing fabric; ( ) send it to be quilted.

6. Christmas Lights Quilt - Probability of finish: MEDIUM
GOT THE TOP PIECED! Buying backing fabric today, will try to machine quilt this one.

7. Picnic quilt - Probability of finish: LOW
Dudes, I cannot even find this right now. It should be in the closet, but it must be buried in there somewhere under all the other crap I have. Or maybe it was donated? - but I don't think so.

8. Streak of Christmas quilt - Probability of finish: LOW
Finally dug it out of 'storage'. I'm not sure if I'm going to just add the red/pink fabrics as a scrappy border along the two shorter sides, or do some other type of patchwork to it. It's inappropriately narrow, made from a Moda Jelly Roll that I can't add to (bought it ~4 years ago), so right now I'm stuck. Suggestions welcome!

9. Beard Quilt - Probability of finish: MEDIUM
Still in pieces (pieced pieces, at least). Need to ( ) sew what I've done together; ( ) sew bargello section; ( )sew virginia reel section; ( ) embellish backing; ( ) quilt and bind it. I did find another picture of one of the blocks.

10. Faire pants - Probability of finish: MEDIUM
Still in pieces, all over the apartment. Still need to draft a pattern from the lining I've already sewn up.

11. Wedding vest - Probability of finish: MEDIUM
Need to (X) find the vest (LOL!); (X) find the buttons; ( ) find the pattern; ( ) mark buttonholes; ( ) sew buttonholes; ( ) sew on buttons.

Fingers crossed for a mid-week update of (maybe???) further progress. On deck: Wolfe's quilt, EJ's vest, and the Christmas Lights quilt.

Happy / Crappy

2011-07-14T15:50:00.000-07:00

Happy: because we've gotten through the last week all right.
Crappy: because the worst + most worrisome is still ahead.
Happy: because we got at least SOME positive news.

Happy: just found out I've been "approved" for a long-overdue pay increase!
Crappy: got forced into that 'bad news' I mentioned in May.
Happy: because at least I have a job!
Happy: also because, slightly more money!

Crappy: all this stuff is really stressing me out - I've been craving sweets (and I do NOT have a sweet tooth) like crazy for the past week.
Happy: that we have several loving, supportive friends and family members who are making this all more bearable.
Happy: that we have the internet now - it makes it so much easier to gather information, research specifics, and help me feel more 'in control' of what is going on.

Happy: downgraded from The Boot, to a 'sports brace', to being discharged from physical therapy! Yay!
Crappy: foot is still swollen, and will be for 4-6 more weeks :(

Update

2011-07-07T07:27:00.000-07:00

We got the biopsy results and saw the doctor yesterday.

It is very bad news.

We are both trying to keep it together over here. EJ believes in 'business as usual' until it can't be so any longer. I'm just trying to keep myself together and get through the day.

Planning: L E O N

2011-06-26T21:45:00.001-07:00

So, yesterday was LEON. That is, 6/25 - exactly 6 months before Christmas (LEON = Noel backwards). EJ and I spent a little time planning out this year's holiday - our budget, who we will give gifts to, decorations, anything we want to add/change to our festivities.

The planning generally helps us have a smooth holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day (well, I technically count my birthday [and I guess now, our anniversary!] as the beginning of the holiday season!).

In addition to the Finish It Up challenge, I'm planning on using July as christmas-crafting time. I've learned that trying to make decorations as well as make gifts during November/December is a no-go, so this year I'm going the Christmas In July route. I'd like to knit/crochet a few (3-5) trees as decoration, as well as finally assemble an ornament wreath. Added to the two quilts I have in the works, I think we will have a decent amount of decor this year!

We're also planning out our gifts (for each other, we limit it to 1-3 gifts plus stocking stuffers; generally handmade items, and a strict budget); we bake every year (well, EJ does - I'm always too swamped with work to join in!), and as of 2009 instituted Christmas-Eve-Movie-Theater time (we've seen Sherlock Holmes and True Grit), which I'd like to continue as a tradition.

Our holidays are usually simple and relaxed; I'm hoping with a bit more forethought this year will be merry and bright as well!

Finish It Up-date

2011-06-26T20:35:00.000-07:00

No 'finishes' for me..yet. But I have been diligently hand-quilting Wolfe's quilt. I'm hoping to have it done by this weekend, so I can hand it off to my MIL for binding.

Next up will be Savannah's quilt (machine quilted, if I can) and Christmas Lights top assembly. Taking it one project at a time!

Solstice

2011-06-22T08:37:00.000-07:00

True to form, we celebrated Summer Solstice with a new beverage, the Lunchbox:

It's 4oz heffeweizen beer, 1oz amaretto, and 2oz orange juice (originally 1oz oj, but I upped mine and like it better - more creamy!)

I also managed to 'celebrate' by earning The Boot Of Shame:

Everyone who saw me at work, laughed. Thanks, team.
(I slipped down ONE STAIR at the office and got sent to UrgentCare. Yes it hurts, but not as bad as the embarrassment of The Boot. Promise I won't report any more injuries HR!)

We also got word back from EJ's biopsy (he had a biopsy last week); it was what we expected although we are waiting for specifics via email as well as a call from a specialist to set his next appointment.

New Summer Challenge!

2011-06-18T20:35:00.000-07:00

Meg, over at Fashioned By Meg, has started up a WIP-along on her blog. I can't figure out how to post a button over on my sidebar yet, but I've added myself to her flickr group and have been thinking about the sewing WIPs I'd like to finish up by the August 15 deadline.

In no particular order, here's what I have:
1. Mod Sampler QAL - started cutting it out....4 years ago? I think. I'd REALLY like to get it done this summer, as I can use it as a housewarming gift for the intended recipient. (no pics) Probability of finish: HIGH

2. Wolfe's quilt - started this year, I've stalled at the hand-quilting stage. I gave him other gifts for his b-day, but I'd like to get this off my shelf (and my conscience!) so I can start on his winter gifts! Probability of finish: HIGH

3. Savannah's quilt - this was started almost 3 years ago, as a first birthday gift. I got the top completely pieced earlier this spring. But. Um, she'll be three in August, just need to get it quilted. If I can figure out how to NOT break the thread on my machine, I'll have a nice gift for her! Probability of finish: HIGH

4. My BQ Quilt - I've had the top pieced since ::2005:: but I've been afraid to cut the backing fabric (??wtf??) MIL will have it quilted for me once I get my butt in gear. This should be a quick finish, money willing. Probability of finish: MEDIUM (no pics)

5. J&B's Quilt - another gift, started in 2005 again. I was in grad school; and I was working in a quilt store at the time. I need to re-sew some of the blocks then piece the top; buy border and backing fabric, then get it quilted. I'd like to at least get it to the send-to-the-quilter's stage. Probability of finish: MEDIUM (no pics)

6. Christmas Lights Quilt - this is only one year old; started it last year as a QAL, and it's mostly from stash. It needs two more rounds (making it lap-sized), then quilted and bound. Do-able. Probability of finish: MEDIUM

7. Picnic quilt - ALSO started when I was in grad school (thankfully, no required list of quilts-you've-bought-fabric-for-but-haven't-even-started-yet. I've got a LOT of those, too), saved the material over, oh, 6 years or so. Needs to be finished so we can use it. Probability of finish: LOW (no pics)

8. Streak of Christmas quilt - started at my FIRST quilt retreat. It ended up waaay too narrow (poor planning on my part), I want to add a wide border of pink/red fabrics, then quilt it with red perle cotton. Probability of finish: LOW

9. Beard Quilt - this was started last year as part of the Modern Quilt Guild's challenge, and then put aside for wedding crap. I've worked on it twice since November; I'd like to give it to EJ this Christmas (he doesn't know it's for him, although he does know his beard inspired it). Probability of finish: MEDIUM

10. Faire pants - promised to EJ for the past 3 years. I have the lining cut & sewn, lost the pattern, but I think I can fudge it. (he also lost weight so they'll probably need to be recut anyway). Probability of finish: MEDIUM (no pics)

11. Wedding vest - it's done, but the ONE SEWING MISTAKE I MADE THE ENTIRE WEDDING was making his d@mn buttonholes too small. I'd like him to be able to wear it without being sewn into it first (which is what Mom did before the ceremony). Probability of finish: MEDIUM (no pics)

Gah, now that I look at this list (and it is NOT comprehensive, I'm sure I'll be finding additional WIPs later on this weekend) it seems insurmountable. I'll shoot for at 70% completion rate, with the gifts at the top of my list. I guess the best sign is that I got my (newly tuned-up) machine back from Mom today, so I can get started ASAP!

Summer Plans

2011-06-08T09:32:00.000-07:00

Since I've joined Pinterest, I have gotten sucked into the world of "rad-ideas-I-must-replicate". One thing that I've seen over&over again is a summer to-do list. However, all the lists I've seen are aimed at kids, or families with kids.

Well, I am an adult *sans* kids, but I stll want a summer list! So I've tossed the idea out to EJ, we brainstormed, and came up with the following to do this summer:
(also in the sidebar)
* Go to the farmer's market
* Go to the fair
* Make homemade pasta
* Host a sleepover
* Go to the beach
* Make pizza on the BBQ
* Make ice cream
* Volunteer for a day
* Go camping
* Fly a kite
* Go to a movie
* Have a picnic
* Have a 'pj day' (brunch, stay in bed, watch movies, etc)
* Go to a concert in the park
* Play a board game
* Take Mom to dinner
* Build a model
* Make cookies
* Visit the cemetery
* Have a popcorn fight
* Go mini-golfing
* Ding-dong-ditch neighbors with goodies
* Do a puzzle
* Go fishing
* Come up with a new summer drink
* Watermelon smoothies
* Spend a weekend "away"
* Visit a museum
* Go to a play
* Brew a batch of beer
* Go to a ball game
* Get a foot massage/pedicure
* Get a massage

Now, to see how many we can get done before Labor Day!

ARCHIVE: Winter Soups

2011-06-08T09:29:00.000-07:00

Taking it off my sidebar to allow for other, seasonal content. Want to keep a record of what I made this year.

Soups I made this season:
* Pesto Soup with Gnocchi and Beans *NOM*
* Sweet Potato Chorizo *NOM*
* FFV Bean&Garlic Stew *NOM*
* (own) Lentil Soup *nom*
* 30DG Broccoli Cheese *NOM*
* CP365's Baked Bean Soup *nom*
* Isa's Chickpea-Rice Soup *nom*
* RR Green Minestrone *nom*
* Katzen Brussel Sprout Soup *nom*
* Katzen Carribean Black Bean Soup *meh*
* ppk Black Bean Pumpkin Soup *nom*
* Katzen Pumpkin Tureen *nom*
* Chili *NOM*
* Vcon Chickpea Noodle *NOM*
* Katzen Pumpkin Rarebit *nom* (less worstershire)
* Vcon French Beans *nom*
* Taco Soup *NOM*
* Vcon-ish Tomato *NOM*

Concert @ the Bowl

2011-06-07T19:23:00.000-07:00

On Friday we saw "Star Wars in Concert" at the Hollywood Bowl.

I packed a picnic dinner (after much discussion with a dear friend/fellow foodie - she was going the following night so we compared notes!) of which I took NO pictures as the rule was "no cameras inside the Bowl". Then I saw about 50 people taking pictures with their cameras, I was bummed. EJ took these pics with his cell phone (which takes much better photos than my BlackBerry).

The menu: cheddar-chive biscuits (NOM) with smoked salmon (purchased); blue cheese dip (NOM) with fresh veg; endive-avocado-onion salad with a lemon vinaigrette (NOM); cheesecake stuffed strawberries (idea from pinterest - NOM!!); and double-chocolate chip cookies (purchased).

There were several characters to take photos with; we chose the first Stormtrooper we ran across. There was a jawa, too, but s/he was ::mobbed::.

We took a shuttle from Lakewood to the Bowl; I lucked out and sat next to a wonderful woman (retired special ed teacher) and we chatted so the drive flew by. We also sat next to a great couple (also retired teachers!) at the concert, shared jokes and some of our sweets with them. It was a great experience.

The concert was great, I cannot believe the orchestra has NO speakers or microphones, all that sound is carried by the shape of the Bowl. It was nice and comfy with our blanket, not too cold. This was our first concert as a married couple, and it was a great outing!

Loong Weekend

2011-05-31T08:01:00.000-07:00

Ah, Memorial Day Weekend. The unofficial 'first' weekend of summer. It was also the first 'official' weekend of EJ-home-from-Faire (although he had to help break down and pack up the site, so Saturday he wasn't home until about 9pm).

We spent most of the weekend loafing; went out to brunch; went to a bookstore to hang out and have coffee; and were basically non-productive.

We did spend Monday with friends, and I made this:

for the BBQ. I found the idea on Pinterest and decided that we HAD to try it. It's simply cubed watermelon, cubed kiwi, and cubed feta...and, simply DELICIOUS! I also made chickpea cutlets (no pics), and we had hot dogs and potato salad as well as fresh veg&dip (a prerequisite at their house, always). There was a backyard bonfire when it got dark (no pics, again), and we drug ourselves home around 10pm to get ready for the week.

Nice and restful, a good way to welcome the summer!

WIP it Wednesday

2011-05-25T21:32:00.000-07:00

Working on a pair of socks.

Weekend Update

2011-05-22T21:28:00.000-07:00

::LOL for SNL reference!::

I spent about 90% of my weekend with the in-laws. It was nice and restful (plus, Mom always makes sure I'm well fed!), as well as productive. While we were eating lunch on Saturday a friend stopped by, found out Mom is working a quilt run in a couple weeks, and casually asked if she could 'pick up a blue&brown quilt' for his friend. After some 'casual' questions, Mom and I shared a look - the quilt was going to a man not much older than me who had just lost his wife (after a short and sudden illness). We both readily agreed that Mom could find "just the thing" up north, and as soon as the friend left, we began plotting.

Mom pulled out some books, I went online (generation gap, anyone?) and we quickly decided on a half-square-triangle quilt; shopped Mom's stash (due to the circumstances, Mom immediately volunteered her collection of batiks, which are precious to her), then hit 3 different fabric stores to pick up enough coordinating background fabric (and, of course, a few more blues&browns to 'round it out') and started cutting. Well, Mom cut while I marked the HSTs and laboriously drew up our 'pattern'.

No pictures of the progress yet, but we are getting together again next weekend/Friday to sew, iron, and trim some 500+ HSTs to ready them for assembly into rows and then a quilt top.

Well, no pictures of that process; I did find some fabric I went C*R*A*Z*Y for, and snagged a full yard:

See it?? It's by Michael Miller, and it's called Knit Pirate (or Pirate Knit, can't remember which and I'm just too lazy now to get up to check).

It is *particularily* fantastic because I was wearing THIS SHIRT when I spotted it:

It was meant to be!

The store also had a skull-and-scissors print (what I think of as "The Craftster Logo") in three different colors (pink, something, and something else-no green, or I woulda grabbed that too) that I will go back to get as well.

FNSI - May

2011-05-21T21:41:00.000-07:00

So, my Friday night started with this:

Dinner with the in-laws.

(Well, actually it started with this face that I was greeted by when I got home from work

A seriously lazy cat!

Anyway, MIL ("Mom") had us over for dinner in lieu of me making snacks this month. After a fortifying plate of pasta, we got down to business. Turning this:

into this:

a ragg baby quilt (for the baby in the picture in the first photo!)

As well as turning this:

into this:

a block for my ongoing beard quilt (which was going to be entered into the Modern Quilt Guild's contest...last November. Yeah, it's still not done.)

In my opinion it was a very productive night; and Mom seriously looked like she was going to steal that block (it ended up about 1" too small due to my weak math skills; I added some more patchworky-ness to it after this photo was taken - and offered it to Mom first; she almost took me up on it). Mom also got all the backing squares cut for the ragg quilt - now we just need another night to sew it together!

AND, she's already making plans for *next* month's FNSI - already asking me which day it is LOL! I'm glad to see this becoming our tradition.

WIP It Wednesday

2011-05-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

Working on that yarn I bought while on vacation/away from work....

Birthday!

2011-05-16T09:02:00.000-07:00

Today is EJ's birthday. We celebrated simply - he had two finals to take, and I had a 10-hour workday. I made his favorite-to-date crockpot meal (Mac & Beef), baked up some Caramel Apple Peanut Butter Bars (from Vegenomicon),

and gave some simple (i.e. handmade) gifts.

Edited to add:
(*) This picture of his cake decorations

(*) And, that he took pics & texted them to a bunch of friends to show off his handmade gifties. I love that he loves handmade!!

Caturday!

2011-05-14T22:04:00.001-07:00

Lazy day, lazy cats.

FNSI Plans!

2011-05-13T18:24:00.000-07:00

MIL & I are signed up to Sew In on Friday 5/20/11 (hosted here and here). Mom (reportedly) has a plan for next week...I'm still undecided (no birthday party to finish gifts for this month!) but I'm sure it will be fun!

IF my sister-in-law happens to check in here before next Friday, MAYbe she can join in? For just a little bit? She won't even have to sign up or post on her blog...just send me or Mom a picture on Saturday and I'll post it...just sayin'!

Vacation is Bittersweet.

2011-05-08T20:50:00.000-07:00

Sweet, because it gave me a lot of time to take care of myself. Bitter, because it has to end (or else it's not vacation, but "unemployment" LOL)

I had *exactly* the right amount of time off work - any longer and I would be itching to get back to the office. Strange, but true.

Sooo, I obviously overestimated the level of novelty and excitement in my week - no blogging for me, because who honestly wants to see that I cleaned, watched TV, and cooked (a LOT)? There were a few high points though:

* Went out for coffee&books several times

as well as going out to lunch with a dear friend not once but TWICE this week (she actually bookended my week, Monday and Friday lunches!)

* Went to the midnight release of "Thor", in 3D. It was fantastic, and the special effects were good. Well worth getting to bed at 3am on Friday and sleeping half the day away :)

* Finished three projects (2 UFOs and 1 new one)

* Cleaned house, got my hair done, bought new yarn (project already on the needles!), got back into a workout schedule, spent a lot of time with the inlaws.

* Cooked several meals (something I haven't done in a few weeks, due to work schedule), including two versions of a breakfast bread I *almost* have tweaked to perfection

Now I'm looking toward going back in to the office tomorrow. My schedule is shifting to more swing-like hours (late morning to evening), and I spent this weekend shopping, prepping, and cooking so I will have two meals + snacks for work hours, as well as making sure EJ has food too.

The best part about ending vacation? Knowing that in a few weeks I'll have earned enough comp time to take another week off (LOL)!

:(

2011-04-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

So I am now on a (much-needed and -earned) weeklong vacation. I was really, really excited and looking forward to nine days of not thinking about work.

Then on Thursday, something happened.

Remember this?

Yeah, almost the same thing. A little different. But has still cast a nasty pall over my festivities. I'm pulling out of it now, because d@mnd if I'm going to spend my nine days away from work THINKING ABOUT WORK.

FNSI!

2011-04-16T12:12:00.000-07:00

Well, we started with high hopes. I had one main project, a secondary, and two backups. As well as snacks to finish at MIL's (aka "Mom") while we were working. She had 2 projects and lots of backups (it's her house and sewing room, after all!)

Mom worked on her stuff for awhile,

then got sidetracked by mine.

Apparently I totally fail at machine quilting. She could get it to work, but I absolutely Could Not. (this is after 'breaking' the machine I use - apparently it needs to be serviced). So I worked on my backup projects.

And cooked up the snacks: pesto puffs (which we served as appetizers at the wedding - neither Mom nor I got any that day, so they were heartily enjoyed) and elephant ears (which turned into cones somehow. They were still tasty!)

We worked until 12:40am, when PawPaw got up and wanted to know what the hell we were doing LOL. I finally drug myself home to bed. But I got two projects done, which will be gifted out on Sunday.

It was a very productive night (sorry, Mom, you didn't get anything done on your projects!) and I'm looking forward to next month's FNSI!

WIP it Wednesday

2011-04-13T22:51:00.000-07:00

Making some headway on current WIPs:

Figured out what I did wrong on the first foot, frogged & russian-joined the yarn, reknit 8 hexagons; second sock just waiting for a toe and ribbing.

Finished stitching the green towel; adding detail to the blue. They still need crocheted edging and hang-loops; ::and:: 4 more are waiting to be started. I'll be glad when these are done and in use!

Friday Night Sew In

2011-04-12T13:51:00.001-07:00

So, since I regularly surf around for 'new' craft blogs to inspire me (not like I need that - looking at my mountain of UFOs *still*), I came across a link, to a link, to a link, to this fabulous online "sew in" hosted here (and I added her button to my sidebar).

I told the MIL about it, and we are signed up to Sew In this Friday night. We have discussed, oh, 23 different projects to work on throughout the evening, so it will be a big surprise to see what we actually settle on! I'm making treats for us, she's making tea, and we're putting Grandma to bed early (but probably not PawPaw, he goes when he's ready LOL).

::edited to add:: and maybe this will get me more traffic than people Googling "pictures of 2nd degree burns" - which is my biggest referral source LOL (yay for accidental burns!)

041011

2011-04-11T00:08:00.000-07:00

11:00

1:30

2:30

4:30

5:30

7:30

8:30

9:30

10:30

11:45

Photogenic

2011-04-03T21:19:00.000-07:00

And all that was left:

Quilt top got put together (cat approved); backing, thread, and batting purchased.

And some more (post) wedding crafting was accomplished this weekend.

2011: BALANCE: Goals (review)

2011-04-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

We are now one day into the second quarter of 2011. As one of my 'kids' would say, "What the {bleep}!!!" Yup. It's already April. Last month left me feeling like I wasn't really getting anywhere - I felt stuck. Maybe a review of my goals and notations of progress may help.

What I've Made Progress On:
Career: Be open to new opportunities
* I've made progress here; it's not been an easy year, but I'm striving to be open and continue to build on my professional self.

Craft/Creativity: Craft Stash diet until 3/31/11 (only buy specific supplies needed to finish UFOs)
* I did a ::very:: good job here. Got some sock yarn (=/= stash), got a few projects done, and more headway on a couple more; I think I'm going to continue to work on this, and expand my deadline a bit.

Physical Health: * Get a minimum of 6 1/2 hours of sleep every night
* I've been doing this; much better with my sleep schedule. Of course, I've been exhausted from my workload since January, so that probably helps...!

Amazingly, all the stuff I've made little-to-no progress on (or started out good, and have slid away from lately) can all be chalked up to my point above; too much work and too little time to take care of myself. Talk about a good opportunity to work on BALANCE in my life! Everything health- and home-related has really taken a back seat to my 45- and 50-hour workweeks (which bloats to 53-58 hours when you include commute time...and lack of regular lunch times, odd start/stop times, ::really:: bad!)

Based on my review, making a strong effort in self-care will be my focus for the next quarter. More BALANCE on the way!

Missing Wednesday (redux)

2011-03-31T21:49:00.000-07:00

Wednesday was the first day I was able to drive home with my window rolled down. And, not wear a jacket or sweater in the car.

We also slept with the window cracked at night.

If it stays warm, we may be replacing the flannel sheets for our regular cotton ones this weekend...

Pro Duc Tive!

2011-03-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

This was a very productive weekend. At least, I feel like it was productive. Despite the fact that I did no cooking, no grocery shopping, no cleaning, no vacuuming, and a very minimal amount of laundry (6 items total).

But! I did get all of the following done:

Pillow that's been languishing in my WIP stash for 3 years now.
((just watch, this will be the ONE TIME THIS YEAR my MIL visits the blog))

Remember that pile of fabric scraps from last week? They became this:

Well on their way to becoming a finished quilt top. This took me about 15 hours over two days.

Finally sewed on the straps I made to replace the worn out, broken straps on my workbag. It was a total pain to get them on (bag wouldn't play nice with the sewing machine), but now I can take it to work again!

I also finally replaced the cuffs on my (one and only) hoodie. The old cuffs weren't photographed as they were foul and tattered. Totally hand-sewn (blanket stitch to join, running stitch that shows on right side to hold down the seam allowances on the inside.

I also got my hair colored

(it really needed to be done - seven weeks is just too long)

bought some yarn (sock yarn =/= stash)

and got a great sweater at Savers that will be frogged for yarn over the week (unless I'm exhausted and pass out).

Blustery Day

2011-03-20T19:52:00.001-07:00

Today's weather has been blustery. Lots of windy gusts, some rain turning into MAJOR RAIN this afternoon/evening.

Yesterday, for National Quilting Day (and a coincidence), I went with the MIL to the Glendale quilt show (no pics - totally forgot). I got a couple of neato patterns, a dozen different velvet ribbons (to be used for a specific project), and lots of quality time with MIL and Dawn&Patrick as I helped their booth. (I also got paid in fabric again LOL)

Today, the Blustery Day, EJ was off faire (due to the weather) so we had a nice, kickback day together. We were able to get all the stuff done I was *not* able to get done last week.
(*) Knitting

Cut out lots of fabric for a quilty gift
(*) Bookstore read&coffee visit

Wedding thank-you cards...almost complete!
(*) Taxes! (at least, our federal ones)

This is what I got done last week:

New patterns from JoAnn's

Thrifty scores

::huge:: amount of grocery shopping

Before I ended up here:

UrgentCare visit, followed by an after-midnight ER trip...because I managed to throw my back out, pinch my sciatic nerve, and almost pass out from pain.

I'm doing better now (leg is still occasionally painful and my thigh is still numb, but I'm managing with just OTCs), and I'm glad I was able to have a more productive weekend!

Now I need to figure out what I can plan for Discardia, which starts today...

WIP it Wednesday

2011-03-16T22:12:00.000-07:00

Hoping *this* project won't end up getting frogged!

A Month of Weekends

2011-03-06T20:09:00.000-08:00

That's what this week has felt like. Well, that, and the flu. Which I came down with Monday night/Tuesday morning: 1am, up with horrible stomach pains et al. I was sick almost all week. This weekend was (obviously) not long enough to finish up what was left undone/uncleaned/unorganized from being sick - as well as the nice benefit of dragging myself to work on Friday only to find out my battery was dead at 7pm (yay for AAA!) - so the past two days has been a lot of searching for motivation.

I got a lot accomplished in "Fable III" though! LOL

But I did manage to clean the kitchen, clear off my desk, fold clothes, put away a bunch of random craft items, and make a goodly pile for donation. So it's onward and upward with the week!

February

2011-03-02T18:54:00.001-08:00

A lot got *done*, but not a lot got *accomplished*. Dig?

WIP it Wednesday (the sad edition)

2011-03-02T18:32:00.000-08:00

Sad, because we visit the frog pond for these projects:

Frogged, because there is not enough yarn to make 2 full socks. I finished one, got past the heel flap on the 2nd, and even if I shorten the first sock by one whole rep on the leg I still won't have enough yarn to finish the foot/toe. Bummer.

Second time this has been frogged. It's a self-designed cowl I'm trying to figure out - first go was a stranded pattern that was a little too floppy and didn't show the yarn to full effect; second go is a nice stitch pattern (herringbone, in the round) but is WAAAY TOO NONSTRETCHY and I can't get it over my head. Boo.

I think I'm going to fall back on some partially done projects so I can actually finish something(s) this month...

WIP it Wednesday

2011-02-23T21:26:00.000-08:00

A long-awaited project I've stashed to help decorate our kitchen.

Pattern from one of my favorite blogs, here.

WIP it Wednesday

2011-02-16T21:00:00.000-08:00

Fair isle sock; 3/4 of one sock done. Knitpicks yarn, Knitpicks pattern; both waiting to be made for about 3 years.

VDay: Meal & Movie

2011-02-14T23:04:00.000-08:00

True to our annual tradition, we watched the last in a long string of "Saw" movies

and had a nice night of snackiness: corndog muffins, cheese sauce, roasted asparagus, and smilies (potato things we bought at Fresh & Easy). The asparagus was because we NEEDED a veg.

January

2011-02-03T19:46:00.000-08:00

Word to sum up January: exhausting. Some wet weather, some very warm weather; lots of home-cooked meals; 2 of 3 WHBs, 4 UFOs completed.

Here's hoping February's word is "restful", but just as productive!

Giftmas Recap

2011-01-30T17:00:00.001-08:00

It's almost February - I should probably post pictures of our giftmas pressies!

For EJ, I made

a hat

a bag

and a shirt.

I also made my MIL

a felt photo of her hometown's landmark.

EJ made me

a quilt ruler/cutter caddy

and a quilt hanger (not pictured, the warming mittens he sewed but didn't finish yet).

Now that our holiday is all packed up (although our gifts are definitely being used and enjoyed!), our mantle has returned to a more sedate everyday-look.

Weekend Recap

2011-01-30T16:44:00.000-08:00

I have been exhausted for the past week (well, the past four weeks, but who's counting at this point?). But I did post a list of 'what I want to do' for *last* weekend (this weekend it's been sleep and sleep, mostly), so here is what I accomplished:

Goal #1: Cooking

Goal #2: Thrift Shopping

#3: New Knitting Project

I carried my camera around with me all weekend, and took lots of pictures to upload. I also went shopping at Michael's and bought some yarn (for two different projects) and some adhesive for our thank you notes; and I slept (no pictures of that LOL). I packed a lot into my weekend, and felt fairly rested to start my week...but man do I need some time off! I'm hoping February is more restful.

Weekend Plans

2011-01-21T18:11:00.000-08:00

It has been a long, long week (50 hours at work), and an even longer three weeks (two 45-hour weeks). I am looking forward to this short break.

* I am going to sleep
* I am going to cook a fantastic dinner on Monday (only going in to the office for 3 hours-wOOt!)
* I am going to thrift shop
* I am going to repair the strap on my bag that BROKE ON THURSDAY
* I am going to find a new knitting project
* I am going to figure out a way to buy some stuff at Michael's (not craft stash, but decor items)
* I am going to take some pictures and upload them

That is all. (and, I think that's enough for 2 days!)

WIP It Wednesday (on Thursday)

2011-01-20T19:01:00.000-08:00

27 rounds left to go...

Weekend In Review

2011-01-17T21:57:00.001-08:00

Ah, the longed-for Three Day Weekend. I know I just had two weeks back-to-back with long weekends, but they were coupled with holidays (and *not* preceded by two 45-hour workweeks), and I ::really:: needed to spend some time recharging my batteries.

And that is what I did this weekend!

On Friday we had plans to go to the library when I got home from work, but EJ had to go rescue a friend, so we ended up spending some 'quality time' at our local bookstore. On Saturday, it was ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS, and we walked to the library

We hadn't been to this branch before, and spent some time browsing. Since we walked that meant we had to carry everything back, so I limited myself to 3 books (2 leisure, one 'business').

Then we stopped for lunch (and both agreed that packing a lunch to eat in the park after the library would be a great plan in the future). EJ had plans for the evening, so I spent some time crafting and watching Netflix.

On Sunday we spent a LOT of time at home, finally venturing out so I could run to the fabric store with MIL, then cooked a fantastic dinner (of which I did not take any pictures - pot pie is not exactly photogenic) and watched a movie. EJ also did some crafting:

On Monday we went for a nice long walk to a local thrift store, picked up some clothes, then walked to MIL's to celebrate her birthday and grabbed a coffee at a local coffee house. I also got 'nailed' by one of the cats early early (he jumped from the window onto my face, then onto the floor) and have a nice scratch by my eye.

Lots of house cleaning (WHB, anyone?), cooking (breakfasts, overnight yogurt, chocolate cake, dinners, and pots&pots of coffee), and reading (thanks to the library).

It was a relaxing, not-too-busy and active weekend. I'm glad, because I feel ready for the week ahead!

WIP it Wednesday!

2011-01-12T22:58:00.000-08:00

I'm steadily working on my UFO's; here's what I'm finishing up this week:

A Baby Surprise Jacket (BSJ) for Cousin Sam's new baby. Just need to finish 2 rows, bind off, and find some buttons!

A First

2011-01-06T20:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I drove out to Hesperia for work.

It was the first time I drove in snow.
((the snow I drove through was just in my client's driveway, but it was still Driving! and in Snow!))

Last FOs of 2010

2011-01-01T11:55:00.000-08:00

I managed to finish up three knitting projects last night before the 'ball dropped' (which we couldn't find on TV, nor on the internet! So we guessed at the exact time LOL)

Based on "Tempest" from knitty.com; it still needs buttons but it is done.

My NaKniSweMo sweater, called Raddichio. It needs blocking to look really good, but it fits!

Striped Circle socks, from a pattern found on Ravelry. I just needed to kitchner the toe on ONE of them...they were knit back in May I think.

Now I'm starting on a self-designed cowl for the New Year!

2010 in Review - the Pictures

2011-01-01T10:59:00.000-08:00

2011: Balance: Goals

2010-12-29T09:42:00.001-08:00

I have spent a LOT of time 'thinking' about my goals for the next year; really it shouldn't be so hard! I posted over on Glitter in response to "what are your goals for 2011" and figure if I can post SOME of them there, then surely I can come up with a list for myself NOW! So, here they are, broken into categories:

Career
* Get licensed (LCSW)
* Be open to new opportunities
* Complete CYC training

Craft/Creativity
* Craft Stash diet until 3/31/11 (only buy specific supplies needed to finish UFOs)
* Scrapbook my wedding and honeymoon
* Complete 70% of UFO's during the Stash diet

Physical Health
* Work out a minimum of 4x per week
* Journal my meals
* Take my vitamins and suppliments daily, including 3-4L of water
* Get a minimum of 6 1/2 hours of sleep every night
* Hit a healthy weight by the end of the year

Home
* Declutter bedroom and hall closets
* Take care of backyard
* Use dining room table to EAT ON
* Maintain household routines, including Weekly Home Blessing
* Meal plan and make 90% of all meals at home

Blue Sky

2010-12-22T17:27:00.001-08:00

After all this rain I thought it would only exist in my memory...

The Longest Night

2010-12-22T08:56:00.000-08:00

Last night, winter Solstice, was productive in our own separate ways. EJ spent the night working on a giftmas present, then baking into the wee hours. I spent about 3 hours working on EJ's last present, then sleeping off&on while listening to the rainstorm outside.

Looking Back At 2010

2010-12-19T10:54:00.000-08:00

So I found my list of 2010 goals. Like most years, I had some hits and some misses. Here they are (in no particular order):

* Craft stash diet until (no date specified) For most of the year I was pretty true to this; most of my focus was on wedding supplies and crafts. I think I originally set a date for this but didn't write it down. ::this will be repeated in 2011::

* Sewing I made *great* improvements in this area, including finishing one quilt and making my outfit + EJ's vest for the wedding. The vest in particular really got me through my fear of sewing (as well as EJ's encouragement that everything I make turns out well, I just don't feel as secure in my skills as I do with other crafts)

* Scrapbooking I did NO scrapping this year. Maybe one day? That's going to have to change next year...

* Reduce craft stash Did not happen. Hoping to finish a bunch of bought-supplies-then-never-made-them stuff in the next few months (coupled with a Stash Diet above)

* Refashion clothes Also did not happen.

* Maintain house routines We did a much better job this year, will build on our momentum for 2011.

* Menu plan Also did much, much better especially since October (when we haven't had any money, tight planning and eating in has been a necessity!)

* Plant a garden Annual goal, never fulfilled. I have a Black Thumb, but hope springs eternal.

* Couch reno I *want* to recover our couch (and fix the sagging bottom), but we have literally nothing else to sit on. And if it goes bad? We are screwed. I have all the denim to recover it, however...

* Plan/buy for wedding! Yeah, this got done, and beautifully.

* Card to grandma 2-4x per month The intention was there, but I am terrible with 1) noting the passing of time, and 2) mailing things. This is why I do all my bill paying online, and use text and email as my favored forms of correspondence.

Overall, I would say I made very good progress on my goals for this year. A few will be reappearing for 2011 (as they always do), and I am glad to see improvement in many areas of my life! Now, to plan a little more for next year!

Looking Toward 2011

2010-12-17T12:49:00.000-08:00

Every year in December I start making changes and looking toward the next 12 months. I've made major (and some not-so-major) changes, decisions, and set goals at around this time for the past...14 years, I think.

There's something about December; shorter days, longer nights, Solstice, new calendar...that start me thinking, planning, and *doing* new and/or different stuff at this time. For years and years I set New Year's Resolutions on Dec 31/Jan 1 (with obvious mixed results, as we all do). But with the passing of time and just settling into the groove of being 'me' December became a more organically genuine time for me to set a plan and start working on goals for the next year.

A handful of years ago I ran into a blog post by Christine Kane which inspired me to yet again to alter my direction just a bit with planning (I blogged about it in 2008 here...managed to not address my planning for this year *at *all). The first year I picked "Be Bold!" as my focus; last year it was "Take good care!", partly due to all the medical woes I had been experiencing. I also did a great job listing out all of my goals for 2009 and reporting on my progress; I haven't done that this year but will do a year-end wrap up (I set a handful of general 'self-care' goals under my mantra).

This year I was mulling it over for the past 2 weeks - Thanksgiving time starts the ball rolling for me. I wasn't sure where I was going to head in 2011, and then driving to the freeway one day after work, thinking about all the changes of the past year and all the related ups&downs, it came to me: "BALANCE".

So as I frantically try to wrap up last-minute crafting, baking, and preparing, I will also be considering how BALANCE will come into my life over the next 12 months, and be back with a nice list of goals.

12 days of Illness

2010-12-12T12:47:00.000-08:00

I managed to celebrate exactly 365 days' worth of surgery-free-living, to come down with what has basically been the cold from Hell. Everyone got it in my office (thanks, new Supe!), EJ got it (one day before me), and everyone *else* managed to get over it fairly quickly. I was sick in bed for 3 days, stumbled through 2 days at work before I ended up in bed for another 4 days. Ridiculous. And it's only a ::cold::, not even the flu.

I'm 13 days away from giftmas and have completed NO gifts at this point. In fact, the best crafting time I would have had (last weekend, when EJ was working an odd job) I was too sick to move out of bed. So I'm frantically trying to figure out just how his gifts will be completed when I work 45+ hours per week, am now seriously behind at work, and have one weekend left to the holiday. Argh!

November in Review

2010-12-12T12:45:00.000-08:00

Some celebrating, a lot of nesting and cuddling time due to weather and the time change.

greatful

2010-11-25T10:01:00.000-08:00

* for my health
* for my husband
* for the work I do
* for the awesome and loving people who surround me
* for my self-made family

::bleh::

2010-11-10T12:45:00.000-08:00

Not much to update, but I still think I need to update with *something* I've been 'under the weather' since Monday night; making little headway with NaKniSweMo *and* my Modern Quilt Guild entry; and watching Netflix whenever I get a chance.

Hopefully a healthier, more energetic post this weekend!

Edited to add: in my lethargy I decided to add a list to the sidebar of soups I have made this year - with ratings (*NOM* to *BLEH*, hopefully more of the *NOM* type LOL)

Halloween

2010-11-01T09:24:00.000-07:00

We spent another great Halloween with J+B.

I tried making Brain Hemmorages for us (which turned out poorly),

(the Bailey's was supposed to float at the top, but all I could get it to do was sink and pile up. Not attractive)

We carved pumpkins

Handed out candy, had a *great* dinner, and watched "The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow".

(taken with a flash, just at dusk. Smoke machine + dry ice in the cauldron = lots of kids were freaked out by the house)

October in Review

2010-11-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

How I Spent My Wednesday

2010-10-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

15 minutes into my commute, everything ::halted:: so my car could be towed to the mechanic's. Bleh.

Single Weekend

2010-10-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

While I was spending a "single girl" weekend at home (replete with cooking, shopping, sewing, bookstore-visiting, and a little cleaning thrown in), EJ spent his weekend up North fishing with his menfolk.

It was an early morning trip off Pismo Beach, deep-sea fishing. EJ caught a bunch of fish, and came back with with 5 bags of cod, as well as a side (? - it was half the fish, longways) of barracuda that one of the deckhands caught.

It sounds like they had a great time - EJ even has a "one that got away" story (natch!), and spent some long-needed time with his dad and brother.

(taken at arm's distance, hence the shakiness of the photo)

I'm glad that they got the time together, and I hope that it doesn't take another wedding (or funeral!) for the family to get together again.

Facelift

2010-10-24T16:27:00.001-07:00

Just a quick note: updated a few things on the template (mosaics for 2008 and 2009 FOs), and changed my blog's title - to reflect my recent leveling up in life LOL

I will be adding a picture behind my title banner once I find something suitable...

Current Projects

2010-10-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

Now that the 'bear' of my 100th post is over, I can write a bit about a current project I'm working on!

Since I've done (comparatively) So Much Sewing this year, with EJ's vest really taking me over the top into fear-no-sewing land, and one of my long-time goals (set about 15 years ago) to sew a dozen quilts, I've thrown my hat into the ring with The Modern Quilt Guild's current challenge to make a quilt inspired by a photograph.

I've got my inspiration, my fabric (culled from my scraps, recent projects, stash, MIL's stash, and a few newly-boughten pieces), and my plan...no pictures, though, because EJ has the camera out of town at the moment and I don't want to take a crappy cellphone pic.

It was a bit of a challenge to figure out what I define as "modern" quilting. When I was a teenager (and a non-quilter, but learning to sew) I was taken by Amish quilts, and especially the modern-culture spin on them. I've been in and out of the quilting world for awhile, and my MIL dragged me slowly back in - but "modern" quilting means a whole different thing in the online world (of which my MIL stays smartly out of - too much temptation LOL!)

After some perusing of other sites, flickr groups, and fabric stores, I've come to a basic definition of what "modern" quilting means to me.
#1: New Ways of Using Traditional Blocks. The first time I saw this (Drunk love, anyone?), I thought that Denyse Schmidt was on to something. And apparently does everyone else, as this type of 'tweaking' of traditional blocks has become very common. It's exciting to me, and innovative.

#2: Lots of White Space. Many of the quilts I have seen use a lot of white space in their design. No longer carbon-copies of blocks stacked on top of each other and side-by-side, white space (whether it is white, or linen-colored, or whatever) that gives your eye a 'rest' and lets it meander over the quilt top is prevalent in newer quilt designs.

#3: Wonkiness (see Drunk Love reference above). Immaculate piecing but seemingly haphazard cutting - straight lines, but not at the strict 90*, 45* angles that are de rigueur in Traditional Quilting. Changes proportion, changes perspective, changes the overall mood of the piece.

All of these opinions have influenced my own design. I'm excited to get some "me time" this weekend (EJ is gone until Sunday) that I can use to cut, sew, and hopefully assemble parts of my quilt top. ::fingers crossed::!

Good Things!

2010-10-19T08:46:00.000-07:00

Since this is my Post #100, I have been dragging my feet a bit trying to figure out what would be the "best" to write about. I've decided to go with mini-recap/good things list!

#1: We had a Very Good honeymoon in SF
#2: I had a GREAT birthday (while we were in SF)
#3: EJ made me a birthday gift this year

hand -knit and -felted coffee cozy with heart buttons, embroidered napkin, and handsewn carrying case. Magnificent!
#4: I'm starting to realize (and accept) that I have wonderful people in my life.
#5: When I drove into work today there was a big rainbow over the freeway.
#6: Ikea shopping trip = fun new office decor!
#7: When I came back from my 'vacation' my office was decorated up in a wedding/birthday theme...AND they had a brunch for me!

101010

2010-10-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

We were travelling back from our honeymoon in San Francisco, but I decided I wanted to participate in the "10 on 10" event...even more 'special' for this particular date. EJ set his alarm to go off every hour so I could take a pic; I chose the best 10 out of our 16-hour day ;)

09.22.10

2010-09-23T10:15:00.001-07:00

This is how EJ and I celebrated the first day of Fall - with twin head colds. At least we are getting it out of the way before our wedding...

3 Month Recap: Words

2010-09-13T20:29:00.000-07:00

Suffice to say, this summer went by *quick*. I can't believe its already fall (I felt the weather change the week before Labor Day - its crisping up in the mornings!), and right now its 18 days until I move on to the next level of life - I'm getting my Mrs.!

Back to this summer. We spent a lot of time with friends and family - lots of time with the grandparents, a couple family parties hosted by the aunt+uncle. I spent a full week in Oregon in the middle of July getting trained up for a new program our agency is building from the ground up, met my 2 new coworkers (one new-hire, one transferring from another department like me). I got to spend the weekend working the Long Beach quilt show with fMIL and Dawn; went to Santa Barbara with the J of J+B and Ren (to buy wine for the wedding); went to Idyllwild twice with EJ scoping out potential rentals; and have spent time hanging with friends on the odd weekend.

We also celebrated our 7th anniversary - EJ "almost forgot" this year (usually its me) and said he went to add the date to his calendar then realized he will have a "more important date to remember" next year - our wedding anniversary! We also got our marriage certificate (on 8/12) - one more step and we will be h + b! I'm hoping everything slows down a bit in October!

A Bit of A Recap

2010-09-13T17:23:00.000-07:00

The Photo Edition

June Highlights:

July and August Highlights:

I did a WHOLE lot (words coming soon), but managed to not take a lot of pictures nor upload a lot of pictures for the past 2-3 months.

Work/Vacation

2010-07-20T18:49:00.000-07:00

Mobile-blogging from my phone, from Eugene, OR. I'm out here for a weeklong work training. Taking pictures, but I can't upload from my camera and don't know how to post pics I've taken with my phone, so this is All Words No Pictures.
The flight out was exhausting, but we got in in time for me to walk up to the local hippy-dippy grocery and grab some supplies. Things I've noticed:
* blackberries growing wild on the side of the road
* the talking Walk/Don't Walk signs (we have these at home, but here when u have the Don't Walk it scolds, "Wait! Wait!")
* apparently walking one mile is considered outrageous.
** but everyone BICYCLES everywhere. Or so it seems.
* U of O is a ::beautiful:: campus. Makes me want to go back to college - as a professor!
* they really like cheese.

More to come - I found out from a U of O grad student there are nutria (like a gopher/beaver) that hang out around the water, and I'm gonna try to get a picture!

805

2010-06-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

We spent last weekend in Buellton (hence the "805" - that's the Santa Ynez Valley's area code LOL). We had planned a *lot* of festivities, but the main reason we went up was to visit the Creation Station's "Saddlebag Saturday" quilter/biker event. But since we did SO MUCH on the drive *to* Buellton, we totally missed the event and just got to help out afterwards in the shop (still good times!)

So, no pictures of the bikers or quilters; we did manange to win a raffle item (giant piece of onyx set into a necklace that EJ wanted, along with some other Guatamalan jewelry and a bag of Guatamalan coffee, great prize all around!) and Mom gave us a second (4 bottles of wine - she can't drink). We also got to help call all the other raffle prize winners and that was a lot of fun - especially when one of the men would NOT take EJ's call for his wife...LOL! Dawn had to call them herself!

What were we doing beforehand? Well,it was World Wide Knit in Public Day, and I knew there was no way we could both attend the Long Beach WWKIP Day picnic and be out there, so I googled "yarn stores in Santa Barabara" and found the Loop and Leaf, which was holding a WWKIP Day event.

They had alpacas; EJ took pictures for me because I ended up getting trapped by (a very nice, but very lonely) woman who Would Not Stop Talking. Two other knitters came by to talk/rescue me, and it wasn't happening. We were finally able to get away under threat of having the Jeep towed...I hadn't planned to be there so long, and that is what started putting us behind...

Well, actually the horrid traffic into/through/out of LA was what really put us behind to begin with...almost 3 hours to get to Santa Barbara! Anyway, I digress...

So after that we stopped by Telegraph Brewing, where we had won a gift certificate while at the Homebrewer's Association weekend campout thingie in May.

Will, the owner, was very nice. We got the 4-beer tasting (and shared it!), which came with four 3-oz tastings and one 10-oz pour of your choice. We also totally chatted up the other guy sitting at the tasting bar, he was a great guy but I kept thinking in my head, "Gah - Santa Barbara men! ::rolls eyes::" We bought a growler of their California ale (which is refillable! for $10, and an excuse to drive up more often!) and a bottle of their...something else that EJ liked. It was very fun, but I am a bit spoiled by J+B's homebrew LOL! There are lots of people in the pic because about 15 minutes into our visit a H U G E crowd of people came in; Will said it happens every Saturday at 3pm (tasting ends at 4pm) and it was a madhouse! But totally worth it, and we will be going back often...

Then we sat in traffic to Buellton, checked in at Motel 6, and got to the shop. I love love love Dawn and Patrick (as well as all the 'hangers on' who work and help them out!). We crashed early, got up early to have breakfast with Mom before she drove home (totally did NOT get our money's worth in the hotel!), hit three of the Solvang thrift stores (the two in Buellton were closed on Sundays - I was totally surprised that any of them were open!) and managed to get a huge set of dishes for the wedding (plates, saucers, mugs) for $3. They were not marked, when I asked she said $8 which is a totally good price, then when we brought our stuff up to pay she denounced the dishes as "too dirty" and would only accept $3. wOw! We also got 3 forks and a pretty amber-and-white swirled candle holder, total cost was $4.85 including tax. I feel like I stole from her...

We walked around Solvang, got the requisite danish and coffee for EJ,

hit the Royal Copenhagen but the owner wasn't in so we chatted up the woman who was there for the day (visiting for three weeks from Sweden! totally cool), hit the Creation Station one last time for some fabric and hugs for Dawn and Patrick, then sat in traffic all the way home.

Despite the traffic (and not following along with my planned timetable - I hate chaos!) we had a very nice, relaxing weekend. I got little sleep, so I totally crashed on Sunday night and have spent the past week trying to recharge my batteries. We aren't sure when we will make it back up there (probably after the wedding), but with a soon-to-be-empty growler staring at us, we will have to plan accordingly!

Solstice

2010-06-24T21:17:00.000-07:00

Monday was the Solstice, and we enjoyed the most daylight of the year by sipping Shandies and spending a relaxing evening at home.

::right now::

2010-06-24T19:52:00.000-07:00

I feel like I'm living in a Joseph Heller novel.

Mini Road Trip: Menu

2010-06-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

We're headed out on a weekend trip (turn around trip, basically) with lots planned, including a picnic lunch.

The menu:
* Ceasar Shrimp wraps (in lettuce)
* Quick Carrot Pickles
* Quinoa Pasta Salad
* Watermelon

All of these are new recipes (well, not the melon!). Reviews once everything has been tasted!

May Is Over

2010-06-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

It was a productive - but busy! - month. Lots of small crafts completed, LOTS of weekend trips, plans, and activities.

Faire Weekend 3.5

2010-05-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

EJ's birthday has fallen on either a Faire Saturday or Sunday for several years now (I have no idea how that happens); for the past three years I've gone out with him to celebrate the weekend. That means garb, hot+sweaty days, helping in the kitchen, and general merriment. This year I even managed to make all my own garb.

EJ's wearing the doublet I made him 2 years ago. Some day I will make him more garb (yah, right). The pike line (i.e. the English volunteer army) always puts on fun gigs (somewhat-improv skits and jokes) and the guys are always more than willing to demonstrate and explain about their period weapons that are available in camp. While I was out, they decided to demonstrate the use of all the weapons against: grapefruit. It was kind of like baseball, and kind of like Gallagher. EJ (who plays the camp cook) ran out with his cast iron skillet and demanded a try with his "weapon of choice":

The skillet won.

EJ also got some birthday gifties from me; I haven't made him a cake for his birthday in about 3 years, since the peanut butter cupcake debacle (Martha Stewart totally let me down with that one). This year I made him a carrot cake:

And while Mom and I were in Solvang/Buellton the week before EJ's birthday I found this little ceramic trinket box in a thrift store:

We had a nice weekend, I got to enjoy Faire from 'behind the scenes', and I think EJ had a good birthday!

Viking Home Companion

2012: Goals

Archive: Books 2011

Looking Back, Looking Forward (1)

10 on 10, Christmas Eve Edition

Catch Up: First 5k!

Catch Up: Anni Trip

Quick Check In

ARCHIVE: Summer Celebration

Corn Maze

FNSI!

Birthday!

10*2*10 +1

**update**

Tuesday Trainer: Journaling

This Week(end)

WIP it Wednesday!

Friday Night Sew In

Why "Viking" Home Companion?

Finish(ed) It Up!

Cooking Day

Stitch N Pitch

10 on 10: BB Edition

OC Fair!

Tuesday Trainer

2011: BALANCE: Goals (mid-year review)

Finish It Up @ Friday Night Sew In!

WIP it Wednesday!

Finish It Up-date!

Happy / Crappy

Update

Planning: L E O N

Finish It Up-date

Solstice

New Summer Challenge!

Summer Plans

ARCHIVE: Winter Soups

Concert @ the Bowl

Loong Weekend

WIP it Wednesday

Weekend Update

FNSI - May

WIP It Wednesday

Birthday!

Caturday!

FNSI Plans!

Vacation is Bittersweet.

:(

FNSI!

WIP it Wednesday

Friday Night Sew In

04*10*11

Photogenic

2011: BALANCE: Goals (review)

Missing Wednesday (redux)

Pro Duc Tive!

Blustery Day

WIP it Wednesday

A Month of Weekends

February

WIP it Wednesday (the sad edition)

WIP it Wednesday

WIP it Wednesday

VDay: Meal & Movie

January

Giftmas Recap

Weekend Recap

Weekend Plans

WIP It Wednesday (on Thursday)

Weekend In Review

WIP it Wednesday!

A First

Last FOs of 2010

2010 in Review - the Pictures

2011: Balance: Goals

Blue Sky

The Longest Night

Looking Back At 2010

Looking Toward 2011

12 days of Illness

10210 +1

update

041011

greatful

101010