THE REAL RED

Another New Year

2012-01-28T10:28:00.002-05:00

I said I was going to stop buying bread, make it all from scratch.... and I did.

I said I was going to learn to make cheese.... it was inedible.... so it's a work in progress!

I said I was going to reign in our budget some more.... I think we're on the last hole on the belt.

I said I was going to stop being negative... I'm trying.

I said that I was going to make more time for myself... now I take Friday's off.

I said I was going to quit my part time job and look for something better to help pay for school... I did and by grace I found something much better.

I said I missed blogging... and I do.

Surrey Stripes

2011-10-24T16:05:00.001-04:00

Surrey Stripes by therealred featuring enzo angiolini boots

Madewell sailor t shirt
$85 - madewell.com

Cardigan
$20 - target.com

Long sleeve cardigan
$20 - target.com

Marc Jacobs black skirt
€798 - veryeickhoff.com

Levi Strauss & Co boot cut jeans
$35 - macys.com

Enzo angiolini boots
$100 - piperlime.gap.com

Nine West round toe pumps
$69 - macys.com

Turquoise jewelry
$17 - amazon.com

Forever21 diamond jewelry
$2.80 - forever21.com

Forever21 bangle bracelet
$2.80 - forever21.com

Forever21 rhinestone jewelry
$1.50 - forever21.com

Red shawl
$40 - affordablescarves.com

Bacco Bucci Studio Tiguan Driving Moc - Black
$70 - dsw.com

Where have you been?

2011-10-06T13:18:00.007-04:00

In the same place you left me.... well, kind of...

Our life has completely turned over, in the last nine months, it seems.

We moved north, out of the city, to Mr. M's teeny tiny home town (albeit bigger than my own) in Northern Michigan into a house that his great-grandfather built. With beautiful woodwork of local wood, early craftsman style plaster work and so much potential, I'm in love with this little house and my adopted hometown, which we affectionately refer to as Mayberry (for obvious reasons).

At work, I was promoted twice and of choice took a giant step down to part time to pursuit GRAD SCHOOL!! I'm 7 weeks into my first semester and have days mixed with terror and inadequacy, and others where I feel like queen of the world and that I am and will truly make a difference. I would suggest not calling our house on day like the former. I'm also a Graduate Assistant for the most brilliant, tiny, perky professor who brings joy to every day I work.

Mr. M ran out his contract with the state (the reason for our move) which we were glad was not renewed. A moment of pure grace led to him ending his contract on a Friday, having an interview on the following Monday for a new job, having an offer made the next day (Tuesday) and his first day being Wednesday morning. He loves it there, and I love him being happy about his work!

A parting glance from our "Big Day" parade in August. Can you tell what our tractor preference is in this town?

5 Essential Household Items

2011-03-11T04:59:00.002-05:00

Apartment Therapy ran a post asking readers what their 5 essential household items are. These are my 5. What are yours?

1. Alternative Down Comforter (I LOVE real down, but Mr. M is terriably allergic)

2. Oxo Wooden Spoon

3. Chef's Knife

4. Fan (runs all night at our house for air circulation in our little bedroom and white noise)

5. Sewing Machine

FREE YARN

2011-03-08T12:18:00.003-05:00

At Chromatic Yarns I'm testing out a new line of dyes for our yarn.

I need some test knitters to try the new product, give me some feedback and do some blogging about your experiences.

This translates into FREE YARN for you!

If you are interested in being a test knitter, please leave a comment.

Thanks!

Thinking Spring!

2011-02-19T11:47:00.004-05:00

With the beautiful wheather this week, I've been dreaming of spring in beautiful Northern Michigan. Can you blame me?

Spring! by TheRealRed featuring crew tees

Spring - 2 by TheRealRed featuring crop tops

Spring-3 by TheRealRed featuring distressed jeans

A Few of My Favorite Things

2011-02-13T19:13:00.003-05:00

Julie Andrews singing... anything.

Quick pasta alfredo after getting home from work late.

A fresh coat of paint.

Vacuuming!

A sparkly clean kitchen

February days so warm you can open a window (and wear a sweater..)

The smell of roasting chicken

Rolling out cookie dough

The smell of country air

Handmade quilts

Knitting and reading a novel at the same time

2011-01-28T10:47:00.005-05:00

One of my favorite things about the new house is the way the light comes through the windows in my office/studio. Mr. M picked out this room for me and took the one on the other side of the landing as his office, after living with the light for a few weeks, I love him more.

When not enjoying the light in the office I'm working on a lovely pair of Spring Socks as the January project for the Long Distance Sock Club that Cindy and I formed. Due to some sizing problems when I decided to modify the patter and knit it toe up there is NO POSSIABLE way that they will be done by the end of January. Maybe one sock, we'll see. It's my first ever project from Noro. I know! As a knitter of 10 + years how can this be possiable?! After checking out the Mason - Dixon blog's entry about Noro Silk Garden today, I'm quite excited to block these lovely silk garden socks!

Looking forward to the snow this weekend, and not having to drive in it!

-Kristina

Snow

2011-01-25T09:44:00.005-05:00

We are here!

2011-01-17T15:26:00.003-05:00

November until now have been pure chaos, and not the good kind either (yes, there is a good kind of chaos). However, the concolation prize is that Mr. M and I have finally made it, along with both cats, and all of our worldly belongings (except for the things in the bedroom closet at my parents, my mom will be sure to remind me of that) to the great white north of Michigan. No more of that city living, capitol district, pizza after 9pm delivered to your door hoopla for us. No siree! Up here boots are a fashion statement (evidently mine are "super cute!"), shoveling is the only form of winter cardio, "the factory" here has all to do with logging not cars and you better make your decisions about take-away pizza and movie rentals before 9pm on friday night, and then drive to pick it up, no delviery. But we love it here. I will love it even more when my office is again unpacked and I can figure out where my camera is (the cord, magially is sitting on my desk mocking me, how does that happen?).

Digging out of the snow and the boxes,
-Kristina

Good Bye Fall

2010-11-22T23:34:00.002-05:00

75%

2010-10-02T14:54:00.002-04:00

We are 75% of the way through 2010. After reading Crazy Aunt Purl's recap of October, I thought I should go back to my blogged resolutions in January and see where things stood. That way if I was not doing so hot, so to say, maybe I could cram 12 months worth of good behavior into 3 months?

These were my resolutions for 2010:

- Keep up the good progress made in 2009
-Learn to seperate work and home
- Read more!
- Create a household budget and use it (put more money in savings)
- Only knit with natural fibers.

At the 75% mark:

-Keep up good progress made in 2009

Yes and no. I gained weight early in the year, lost most of it by now, and my health was positively corrilated with that, so in the end I'm not doing too bad. The other part of that "keep it up" goal was organization, which went pretty well all the way through, considering I moved in July and that's always an organizational nightmare. I'll give it a half check, more work to be done before December.

- Learn to seperate work and home

Less than 30 days after my new years resolution post, I lost my job, the one that caused me to have that resolution. It was sucking the life out of me. Phone calls at all hours of the day, night and weekend, a boss that was the mistress of the underworld and people that constantly made me feel inferrior in beauty and intelligence. It was a blessing to be out and to not have to have the guts to walk away myself (because I dont' know if I could have). I took some time to put my life back together and joined the desperate job hunters in Michigan. My retail job now is not a dream position, but I love it for now. My bosses are kind and inspiring, my co-workers are friendly, welcoming and all around good people and when I clock out for the night I am DONE. Not phone calls, no worries, no second guessing, a whole evening for my enjoyment. Check that one off the list!

- Read more!

Check! The week after I lost my job I read 3 novels. Things have kept up at that pace most of the year. I've been devouring books and found so many that I really love.

- Household budget & savings

After loosing my job and being unempolyed for six months I know what it means to compleatly start over. My generous saving account kept me afloat for 6 months (I overdrew my account, 24 hours before my first paycheck at my new job, by $5). I'm now attempting to build it back up as much as possiable working only part time. Our rent will drop dramatically in February so that will help. I see this as a continuation goal for next year.

-Knit with only natural fibers.

After knitting the acrylic blanket for Mr. M's mom last December I made this hasty resolution. I've amazingly stuck with it unconciously, and had a great time. Check!

I feel a lot more accomplished than I thought I would at the end of this. Not too shabby. How are your new years resolutions panning out?

Fail

2010-09-21T19:48:00.002-04:00

Fail... all the way around.

Dyeing fail: Blue was going amazingly poorly, in an attempt to save the yarn I tried to overdye it in purple (yes I have done this before without epic failure, it can be done), well it didn't happen that way this time. The color was so-so, I rinsed, and spun it dry and when I pulled it from the machine, lo and behold it felted a little in the dying process. So now it's a kind ugly, purple, a little felted skein of sock yarn. Joy of joys. Can it be salvaged? We'll see tomorrow.

Knitting fail: Failure to try sock on at all points results in 9 inches of leg when you realize that the foot is too small (toe up). Ripped back, added 1/2 inch onto the foot, re-turned the heel and back onto the leg.

Keep your knitted loved ones away from me this week, I am on a roll, and not in a good way!

Sunday Morning

2010-09-20T00:15:00.003-04:00

Views of a Sunday...

Sneak Peak

2010-09-03T11:27:00.002-04:00

Yellow

2010-08-21T12:22:00.005-04:00

I have to admit, I've never been a huge fan of yellow. I think part of this was dictated by the fact that as a redhead, yellow is not the best color selection in clothing or accessories. However, the skein of yellow yarn that I dyed this week, is my favorite thing to surface from the dye pot yet.

It reminds me of the beautiful glass work of Dale Chihuly, which ironically is on tour at the Fredrick Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, MI in September and is deffinatly on my list of things to do. I've never seen Chihuly's work in person, but I remember as a teenager spending hours pouring over the photos my grandparents brought back from one of his exhibitions at the Gardens almost ten years ago. I'm really excited to see his work in person, nestled along side the beauty and wonder of the spectacular gardens.

First Tomatoes of the Season

2010-08-15T16:22:00.004-04:00

These are "Big Boy" heirlooms. They didn't really reach the epic size their name claims.

These were growing when we moved in and the previous residents said that they didn't plant them this season. Slowly, as the summer progressed, they took over the back flowerbeds. We should have about a million of these cherry tomatoes by the end of the summer.

Have you ever seen the rain?

2010-08-11T12:00:00.004-04:00

This week my work schedule (which isn't exactly the most regular thing) has been totally turned on end and I'm working second shift, due to some changes in departmental staffing. Next week, things will be back to my early day usual. In the mean time I'm understanding what it's like to be my Dad, going into work when the rest of the world is getting out and arriving home in the dark, to a dark house, and trying to make a meal as quietly as humanly possiable. It's been an eye opening experience and I'm so greatful that he and my mom made those sacrifices when we were kids so that dad could be home with us during the day.

Not being at work has given me the pleasure of watching the thunderstorm roll in this morning. I love a good storm more than just about anything, especially when I'm safely settled in at home with all of my creature comforts...

Like, knitting. Working on my first project of my venture into hand-dying. Also, my first pair of toe up socks, hoping to utilize every last inch of yarn, which I think went quite well (sorry for the fuzzy photo).

2010-08-02T16:23:00.004-04:00

"There is a hunger beyond food that's expressed in food, and that's why feeding is always a kind of miracle."
- Sara Miles
from Take This Bread

How the Plumber Saved the Day

2010-07-23T10:57:00.003-04:00

So this story started a few weeks ago when we got our first bill from the Board of Water and Light. For a mere 12 days worth of usage (for the end of the month when we moved in) we had used 10 CCU's. 1 CCU = 750 gallons of water, so that's 7,5000 gallons of water, for two people in a little house, who do not water their lawn.

Today, on this glorious day, the plumber our landlords schedule had arrived! Huzzah!! He has replaced the flickers and stoppers on ALL of the toilets in our house and is currently solving the problem of why my kitchen sink regurgitates into the utility sink in the basement.

The plumber is my favorite person of the week. And to think I was going to post about my friend's baby today. The plumber is clearly more exciting!

The Rambling Rose Bush

2010-07-20T11:32:00.004-04:00

We have a giant rose bush off our back deck at the new house. It has been neglected for many years and will benifit greatly from some pruning at the end of the season, but meanwhile it's blooming like crazy right now. With the bouts of heavy rain we've been getting, that compleatly beat up the flowers I've been cutting them by the handfulls and filling vases and bowls in the house. They smell heavenly and brighten up the grey days we've been having.

Getting back at it...

2010-07-17T17:55:00.002-04:00

Things here have been turned on end this past month, which explains my absence. We suffered the hospitalization and loss of a loved one, Mr. M and I moved into the new house and we're trying to dig out from under the boxes now.

Things are slowly falling into a routine and the house seems a little more like home every day. Today I sewed pillow shams for the guest room, hung art in the living room and started sorting through the misc. that has been abandoned in the mudroom. For now, that seems like good enough progress. Hopefully tonight it cools down enough to continue working on the nearly finished sweater.

Hope you're all staying cool!

Everything Old is New Again

2010-06-21T20:06:00.002-04:00

We're officially in the new house (even though all of our stuff is not)!

Tired and sore after two days and many pick-up truck loads of my belongings being ferried across town. More posts when we get settled (ie I find the silver wear) and have internet at the house.

Tea for Me

2010-06-15T16:21:00.003-04:00

More tea, I'm sure that will fix everything.

Mr. M was sick all day yesterday, through the night and today as well. It made for a long sleepless night for both of us. So, tea for him to settle his stomach and tea for me to wake me up this morning.

After dealing with the phone/internet/cable company, tea for me to keep me from throwing the phone across the room.

While packing up the apartment to keep me from falling asleep, more tea for me.

And of course, when it all becomes too much to handle, take a break, make some buttery toast and a hot cup of tea!

(Mug from BlackSheep Co.)

Retrospective

2010-06-12T10:47:00.007-04:00

Although I will spend the day packing and cleaning for the quickly approaching move (more on that next week). Here are some of my favorite photos from my 4-day retreat to the lake.

The view from the 2nd floor balcony the day I arrived. Also where I ate most of my meals.

A beautiful sunset.

The lonely dock.

The signs labeling every room according to ships quarters. This would, of course, be in the basement.

The sunset from the end of the dock on the last night. I laid on my back on the dock to take pictures of the beautiful shaded clouds.

Distruction

2010-06-11T12:02:00.003-04:00

This tree was struck by lightening across the pond from Mr. M's place last weekend during the storm. We're wondering if the reminants are going to make it or not.

This week I found peace within myself.

2010-06-10T17:55:00.002-04:00

ON / OFF

2010-05-24T14:55:00.004-04:00

I have lived in my apartment nearly a year and I still have a firm belief that the HVAC unit has 3 settings: HEAT ON, AC ON, EVERYTHING OFF. So as the temp. rose in Michigan today I had a decision to make.... AC ON or EVERYTHING OFF. At this point I should mention that I'm a wimp when it comes to hot weater. I think it has something to do with being a redhead and growing up in an old house without AC. Not to say I can't handle the heat, I'd just rather not. I'm more of a sweater kind of girl.

At 1pm when the weather channel said we were at 85 degrees I decided to go out to the patio and take a picture of the blanket in progress and determine if it was A) too hot for a run and B) time for AC ON. That would be a "yes" to both and then there is C) Why is it this hot in Michigan in MAY?? Just some thoughts to ponder while I'm literally "chilling" in my air conditioned apartment.

And a picture of one of the few things I've been working on lately, a 1/2 way through shot of my blanket. The colors are much more saturated in life. It was pretty sunny outside and it distorted them a little.

She's an odd one.

2010-04-28T13:08:00.005-04:00

I have concluded that after today's performance on the balcony, my new neighbors probibly think I've lost it.

I had a the pleasure of working from home today, which ment I didn't get around to showering until about noon, and only then so I could make my afternoon appointment. It was beautiful and sunny when I got out of the shower so I decided to make good use of it and get out on the balcony and take some knitting photos, in my bathrobe, while my neighbors underneath me were moving in...

The Featherweight Cardi I've been working on in KnitPicks Shimmer Laceweight (so yummy), Apartment Therapy by Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan (loving it) and my brand new shiny KnitPicks options needles (how did I ever live without them?!).

And on another odd note, now I'm not only allergic to band-aids with latex, but all band-aids.

See my awesome, itchy little band-aid outline from my latex-free, fabric, hypoallergenic band-aid?

We're moving!

2010-04-26T17:58:00.003-04:00

As many of you may know, Mr. M and I have been looking at houses, townhouses and apartments for the last month trying to find something to rent for our next (and hopefully last) year of having to be close to the university.

After many tours, drawing of floor plans and arranging "furniture" in them and weighing location v. square footage v. price we made a decision this weeked. I went into the leasing office was instantly approved (office girl: WOW! You're credit is GOOD!) and put our security teposit down this morning.

It's a beautiful two story townhouse. 1,800 square feet for a marginal amount more than what I'm paying for my fancy one bedroom apartment. Our move in date is June 15, which gives me two weeks to move stuff across town before my current lease expires, and Mr. M has all of July to move in. And the work (painting, carpeting and cleaning) will be done on Wednesday, so we can go walk through the actual unit and take some pictures!

I have boxed up office supplies thus far. How do you pack when you move? What get's packed first? What get's packed last? I've been reading some great articles over at Apartment Therapy but I'd love more input.

Yah right....

2010-04-22T16:19:00.002-04:00

It has been a BEAUTIFUL day here. After being shut up inside all day for Mr. M's grandmother's funeral, and the lunchon, and going through her house with all the grandkids and 5 hours in the car going too and from, I need some outide time, prefferably a run.

I loaded a new playlis on my iPod put on my shoes and was off. On the retun part of the run, in the area I was in, the local police have put up one of those carts that has a radar gun to tell you how fast you are approaching the cart, if you're going too fast it flashes. I was the only one out, not a car to be seen and I look at the radar cart as I'm approachign it and it's flashing, in red 48. 48!! What do you mean 48?! Me? the little redhead girl who's huffing it and puffing it?

I wonder what it will say when I pass it doing the posted 35 on the way to knitting tonight?

Oh My Chicago!

2010-04-12T14:22:00.005-04:00

Does anyone remember those commercials from the mid 90's for Chicago with the blues singer? Or is it just me?

I just returned from a weekend Episcopal Young Adult retreat in Chicago. We stayed a a Catholic run conference center north of the city that would not allow ANY photographs to be taken of, in or around the bulidings. So there are absolutely no pictures from the retreat except those I took in the city.

The theme this weekend was "The Art of Christianity" and included a docent from the Chicago Art Institute (who is also the wife of one of our former bishops) giving a thought provoking lecture on art, symbolism and religious expression and then the next day a trip to the Institute to see the art for ourselves.

A few of my favorites outside the religion section:

Monet

A Frank Lloyd Wright window

I can't remember who this is by, but it was my absolute favorite thing from the day.

Summer.... already?

2010-04-02T14:06:00.002-04:00

It looks like record setting temps here in the capitol city for the first two days of April. 75 degrees yesterday and 79 today by noon... although they are predicting low 80's for this afternoon.

In this weather it seems odd that I find myself knitting and baking. Yesterday I made my first angel food cake from scratch. It was a test cake that I brough in for my knitting girls last night. There is another one in the oven as we speak for my mom's birthday party tomorrow. I was really scared to try making one. Especially this part:

but it turned out to be much less painless than I thought. The only minor glitch being that I couldn't find a NON - nonstick pan anywhere in town. So, I ended up buying a nonstick tube pan and sanding some of the finish off. From the extensive reading I did, I found out that the cake can't "climb the walls" of a nonstick pan. All in all it turned out to be a big success, the knitting girls loved it and I even had some (not usually a huge fan) and enjoyed it. The recipe I used was from "The Baker's Dozen Cookbook" edited by Rick Rogers. I bought it for a dollar at a Friends of the Library sale recently, but after having used it, I would deffinatly have bought it for full price. It talks quite a bit about the chemistry of baking and how to tweak things accordingly. I would highly reccomend it.

Before the angel food cake marathon began, Cindy came over and we dyed yarn! I had never dyed before and was amazed by how quick and easy it was. The most time consuming part was waiting for the yarn to dry after it was dyed. Then, at knitting last night she taught me how to do two socks at one time on magic loop so I can knit the blank up into two identical socks at the same time. The technique is taking some getting used to after being a loyalist to double points for the last ten years, but I'm glad I've learned how to do something new.

Updated: 12am - Frogged whole magic loop thing, was getting huge holes in side of sock. Must wait for Cindy.

My kitchen timer is beeping, that means I'm off to precaiously perch another angel food cake on the top of a soda bottle.

Yarn Fairy

2010-03-25T16:11:00.007-04:00

While I was up north visiting family the yarn fairy came to my apartment!! It's been a few days and now that the injury sustained to my little finger (over zelous first time mandolin use) is healed enough to type I thought I'd share all the yummy photographs.

The KnitPicks design-you-own-sweater kit in green and white Wool of the Andes. How could I resist a green and white striped rugby sweater..."Sing our love for alma mater and thy praises MSU"

Shadow Laceweight yarn in Midnight for the Featherweight Cardigan

Shimmer (alpaca and silk) in Blue Glass for another Featherweight Cardigan

A sock blank to dye,

and a skein of Stroll Kettle Dyed in Ivy?

Weekend Whirlwind

2010-03-15T16:18:00.007-04:00

It's been quite a weekend here. Busy, busy, with no signs of letting up anytime soon. On top of the usual routine of job hunting there was Brad's going away party, a visit from the Yarn Harlot and preperations for Mr. M's birthday.

Friday night was Brad's going away party. Brad and I met in freshman college at church and also ended up serving on our university's student government together as upperclassmen. Brad was accepted into the Peace Corps and will be in Albania for the next two years teaching English, as he speaks Russian fluently. A bunch of friends of his from high school, along with our church friends and people from out student government days all met up at a landmark dive bar, Crunchy's, downtown. We had a few drinks, watched our Alma Mater narrowly loose in the semi finals basketball game, ate way way too much fried food, sang karaoki and laughed ourselves silly. I can't belive how far the group has spread geographically since we graduated a year ago. In a way it makes me sad, but it also makes me happy that dreams are being persuited and potential is being fufilled.

Brad in the middle in the stripes and our friend from church, Chris on the left of the photo.

Saturday I awoke bright and early to meet Pavelry at 8:15 to trek to the Detroit Public Library to see Stephanie Purl-McPhee speak! Jenn and Elizabeth from the Thursday Night Knitting Group met us there. We sat patiently for 3 hours in the auditorium and knit. I finished a sock.

My first Flussy sock from Regia Sock Yarn that Mr. M bought me for Christmas. I got about half way through the leg on the second sock before we headed for home. Meanwhile, Pavelry was knitting some amazingly bright and beautiful socks from her first hand dyed sock blank!

Then the Yarn Harlot took the stage. She delivered a wonderful talk, read from her newest book and answered questions.

Pavelry got to use Stephanie's "if you have a baby inside you or outside you, you can cut to the front of the line" clause to get her book signed and photo taken. Looking back I wish I would have had mine signed, but I felt like a prick having mine signed with Pavelry when I was sans-baby. I have one from her last tour, so that will pull me through.

Pavelry and the Yarn Harlot.

Sunday, I hit my snooze button so many times, it turned off my alarm, and I slept through church. I spent the day working on a few of Mr. M's birthday presents and planning the menu for his birthday dinner on Wednesday night.

Ravelympics Update

2010-02-22T10:56:00.003-05:00

We are snowed in up to our butts here! This weekend was beatutiful, so beautiful that I wore a spring coat when I went over to Port Huron with the girls on Saturday. Then Mr. M called this morning, woke me up, to ask if I could see the road at my place. I crawled out of the bed, opened the curtains and was shocked that I couldn't even see the CARS at my place, let alone the road! Not to mention all the cars are still in my parking lot at 11am on a Monday, which means NO ONE went to work today, not just the unemployed.

It looks like it's going to be a quiet day at home. I plan to start cleaning out another closet (this one a much greater undertaking), do a little baking and work towards my Olympic gold in Curling Cables. One legwarmer is complete and the second one is almost half way there. Lots to do, and no where to go. I see a pot of tea in the near future...

Tomorrow I will post the yarn from our trip to Port Huron on Saturday and the Mary Maxim store!

Just Another Monday

2010-02-15T22:58:00.006-05:00

It's been a productive couple of days around the Castle Red. A friend of mine introduced me to The Fly Lady's website. Amazing! The Castle keeps up good appearences but the closets are deadly. I found this woman's outlook on decluttering very refreshing, and I have lots of time to take on these projects and hopefully develop better closet habits before I start a new job. In short, I've spent equal amounts of time on her site and cleaning. It's a very cathartic experience.

Before and After's of my Laundry Closet

There was actually so much room after the declutter and reorganization, I actually found myself pulling things from other closets and cabinets and putting it INTO the laundry closet. Amazing how much space there is on that shelf!!

Amidst the snow and cleaning I decided it was probibly time to really break in the dutch oven I got from Mom and Dad for my birthday and baked up a loaf of dad and my favorite bread, the No Knead recipe from Mother Earth News from years ago. It makes amazing bread every time, without fail. I think this week I'm going to attempt a rosemary and olive oil variation....

Gray Garmets

2010-02-11T21:35:00.002-05:00

I love this video! These women are brilliant, beautiful patterns, funny, amazingly photographed books and then they come out with this amazing blog fodder. Great work girls, keep it up. We're all in this together.

Compensations & Benifits

2010-02-09T19:28:00.002-05:00

The blizzard here has started! I havn't left the house all day, but from what I hear, traffic on the highways is backed up due to accidents, people are in ditches everywhere and not suprisingly MSU did not cancel classes. Many of Mr. M's classmates are commuter students working on their Master's at night, so this provided great difficulties to many of them. His Compensation and Benifits professor is doing lecture as streaming video online, due to weather, so I get to sit in on class tonight! Very exciting!

As promised I have knitting pictures as well. The finished Pink Pink Pink Socks. I can't remember what brand of yarn this is, but I remember it being Merino with a bit of silk, they are wonderfully soft and fit to a tee!

A Reason to Get Up....

2010-02-08T21:16:00.002-05:00

I've been hermitting away for a while now. You see, I lost my job a little over a week ago and I havn't wanted to show my face in the world, real or internet. 12 days later, I'm coming up on the other side.

In my attempts to give myself something positive to do with my time (three novels and 5 movies in a week dosn't quite count as productive) I turn to the blog, again. My goal is to give you lovelies something to read every day, a pretty knitting picture to look at, baked goods to salivate over or something of the likes.

Today I finished the Citron and the Pink Pink Pink Socks. Pictures of knitting will commence tomorrow!

A Little Bit of Cure

2010-02-01T22:13:00.004-05:00

Just a little something for the mondays, or a crappy week or whatever ails you.

I love the song, but the crazy dancing is too much fun!

To Those Who Wait

2010-01-15T22:03:00.003-05:00

I've never been good at waiting. Impatience could pretty much be my middle name, so this week has been hard. At work and home, I've been waiting for things I simply had no power to speed along. Like Cindy's baby, no matter how much we wish it was all Saturday to find out if it's a boy or girl, Saturday will come when it's good and ready and not a minute sooner! Also sitting in the wings are my French Press Slippers. They have been drying for 25 hours post felting and they are still not quite dry enough to pass as wearable! In a fit of impatience I decided that dry to the touch ment dry, when I got home from work tonight and slammed those babies onto my feet only to wonder why my socks suddenly felt wet when I started to walk in them. They are back on the bathroom counter where Simon Kitty will not bother them for another 24 hours of dry time.

Patience, patience, patience.

Books upon Books

2010-01-11T20:27:00.003-05:00

I have finished the first book of the new year and in doing so am already making positive progress towards one of my New Years resolutions!

I loved this book and would highly reccomend it to others. It made me think about how much influence I allow people, especially those I admire to have over my life. A very enjoyable and thought provoking read. And another book I can check off on the top 100 books of the 20th century list.

The books I ordered from the gift card that Bob and Barb sent for Christmas (thank you thank you thank you!!) came in on Friday and I'm so excited to get into them.

On the to read list:
- Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf (half finished at the moment)
- The Maltese Falcon by Dashell Hammett
- The House of Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne
- The Complete Sherlock Holmes (Vol. I & II) By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- Atlas Shrugged By Ayn Rand
- The Fountainhead By Ayn Rand
- Catch - 22 By Joseph Heller
- A Clockwork Orange - Anthony Burgess
- The Autobiography of Henry VIII By Margaret George
- Things They Carried By Tim O'Brien
- The Skrewtape Letters By C.S. Lewis

I'm sure there will be more to come, but those are what is on my mind this month.

Any other suggestions?

Everything Old is New Again

2010-01-01T13:54:00.002-05:00

It seems like an odd start to a new year. Nothing will change next week, which has always been the way my new year starts. There will be no books to buy or new classes to resolve to buckle down in. Come Monday I'll put on a sweater I've wore before and my little black high heels and go back to the office. Despite all of that I'm optimistic about the new year. With my job held as a constant in my life, I feel like this will be the year where other things around me are going to change for the best. I'm not sure exactly what or how it will change, but I can smell something good coming and I'm excited.

I compiled my list of resolutions so that when Mr. M and I meet this evening I will have them ready for our yearly exchange of good intentions.

In 2010 I want to:
- Keep up the progress made in 2009
- Learn to compleatly seperate my work and home life
- Read more!
- Create a household budget and use it (put more money in savings)
- Only knit with natural fibers

On that positive note, I wish you all the best for the new year, and remind you not to make promises to yourself that you can't keep.

The Best Christmas Gift of All

2009-12-26T19:35:00.003-05:00

I took Thursday off of work to finish up the odds and ends of Christmas on the road. Put bows on everything, packed it all up, tidied up the house and Mr. M and I were off by early afternoon for Traverse City. Luckly we made it there as the nasty weather began and left this afternoon before it started again.

We spent Christmas day at his brother and sister-in-law's house with his family, had amazing surf and turf for Christmas Dinner (porterhouse and crab legs anyone?)and then showered each other with gifts.

We still have 3 Christmas swarees left with other groupings of family, but the best Christmas moment for me so far (and I doubt it will change after all is said and done) was giving Mr. M's mom her blanket. She cried, and I cried and everyone else got a little misty eyed. From the moment she opened the box she knew it was her mother's yarn. It was beautifully unexpected and could not have been better timed. After loosing her mother and their family having had Murphy's Law tested on them the last six months, I hope it will be a comfort and a warm reminder of her mother.

Tuesday Addendum

2009-12-15T20:04:00.002-05:00

I forgot that I promised a little Top Gear motorhome racing today.

One of my all time favorite segments they've done.

Tuesday

2009-12-15T19:53:00.004-05:00

A very quiet day at work today ment that I had lots of energy when I got home to work on all things holiday. I baked a batch of molasses cookies (the rolled-in-sugar kind) and have another batch (the cut-out-and-frost kind) chilling in the fridge.

Mr.M's Mystery Gift - lots of garter stitch. Any guesses?

I am also finished, finished, finished with knitted Christmas gifts (Yes, I still have a scarf on the loom. Yes, Rae wants the loom back by Thursday. I know.)

My favorite holiday decoration - my cookie jar!

Most of the gifts are wrapped and piled in a corner of my bedroom. If I stack them under the tree all pretty-like, Simon will chew the corners off all the boxes. This is the voice of experience talking. Christmas 2008 had no corners.... or ribbon. This year I plan to arrive with both!

This one's for you, Daddy....

2009-12-14T20:15:00.004-05:00

As you have probibly concluded by now, I'm not your typical 20-something woman. To add to this thought, you should see my queue on my DVR: Holmes on Homes, The Magic School Bus (don't you dare laugh!), Mythbusters and my new favorite the British gearhead series Top Gear.

For sometime I've been trying to catch the episode with the indestructable Toyota truck on it for my dad to watch. We once had the same truck that eventually (after 2 decades) just fell to pieces. Well, here it is dad. Just the Toyota bits from that episode for your enjoyment.

Tomorrow: Motorhome Racing!!!

Pink Candles or The Third Week of Advent

2009-12-13T17:49:00.002-05:00

The Kindergardeners in my Sunday School class were very excited because we got to light the pink candle this week. This was quickly followed by a few very teary children when one little girl informed us her Jewish friend told her Christian's don't celebrate Haunakah, at this, every child felt left out and we spent sometime explaining the Christmas v. Haunakkah questions. John the Baptist was promptly fogotten and I'm sure many parents were very confused when their Kindergardener informed them that we learned about Haunakkah in Sunday School this morning!

We have finally gotten snow in Michigan. The first snowfall being a blizzard that The Weather Channel covered on location. We all made it thorough with just minor hicups. The greatest of all being my newly lisenced brother sliding my mom's car into a ditch (no harm, no damage to boy or car).

I went all out this year decorating the new place. Mom made a beautiful wreath for my front door (people in my building are very into wreaths and door mats.... I have the best of both, in my humble opnion). The hand-me-down tree is making it's finale appearence, and tilting a little more towards the kitchen every day. And Simon has not eaten or broken anything yet. I did catch him packed into a bag from my local book store.

Mr. M calls it the shopping turtle picture.

I'm knee deep in holiday cheer, and will probibly be even more so when Mr. M finishes his grad school finals next week. We're headed up to Traverse City for Christmas at his brother & sister-in-law's house. I'm so excited to see the city all dressed up for Christmas. Also to visit Hidden Arts Yarn, run by the most wonderful little German woman, who carries the most beautifully dyed sock yarn I've ever knit. And since my Christmas knitting is only 40 little rows from being finished, you bet I'm going to treat myself to some sock yarn while we're in Traverse City!

Happy Rose Sunday everyone! Hoping the holiday's find you all well!

The View from Here

2009-11-13T13:32:00.002-05:00

I've been absent for a while. I did end up buying a new computer. A beautiful, fast, light, HP notebook. However, I bought it prior to windows 7 and now am waiting for my upgrade to come in the mail. In the meantime, for fear of loosing anything, I'm not putting things on it (like photos). Hopefully, we'll get a chance to work on that this weekend.

I'm looking forward to a weekend home. Dad is up north for opening day of gun season and Trent is busy being a teenager, so it's some quailty time with mom.

Here in the city,the Thursday Night Knitting group has been my haven these past few months. They've encouraged me to finish several projects, including but not limited to lots of Christmas gifts and my first sweater! Our amazing LYS owner helped me block it last night and I'm going to pick it up after work tonight and go pick out some buttons tomorrow!! Maybe I can convince mom to help me with a photo shoot.

Life is a good level of busy. Gearing up for the holidays and my favorite time of year. I'm off to the land of dial-up. Have a great weekend everyone!

Tech Support

2009-10-19T11:51:00.002-04:00

Yes, I've been MIA for a long time. Not of my own choosing I will note.

I'm currently blogging from my work computer (Hi IT guys that are reading this via spy-on-your-staff technology!). The Dell is on what appears to be it's last leg. For as many problems as I've had with it, I've decided to take this as my sign to buy a new computer (although a small part wonders if it's worth taking to the repair guy to squeeze some more time out of it....). I'm shopping for computers, and will be out of IT based touch for a bit.

Have a great week everyone!

The Power of a Mother

2009-09-15T21:03:00.002-04:00

On Sunday at church I saw a mother perform tasks I would have thought impossible, until I saw it happen and in that moment I got a glimpse of the power of a mother when her child is in distress.

For the gospel reading, our minister, a processional cross bearer and two acolytes with "torches" (processional candles in glass globes), come halfway down the isle. During the reading one of the acolytes (who was in my Sunday school class last year) passed out and toppled sideways into a pew and fell head first onto a kneeler.

Before the congrigation could intake a collective breath his mother was there. At the beginning of the reading she was six rows in front of him on the other side of the church. Somehow, she lept pews and was underneath him almost before he hit the floor. At that moment, I knew I would never doubt that woman anything ever again.

The young acolyte came around nicely by that evening, but the mother will forever hold an elevated position in my mind.

Things I've Learned at Work

2009-09-03T20:35:00.003-04:00

The line painter who does The parking lot needs nearly 4 feet on either side to paint a 4inch line.
When people are both angry and at a loss for words, more often than not they will call you incompetent.
When something reads "Starting at 3pm" evidently most people read that as "If you show up at a quarter past there will still be stuff left." When I wrote that memo, by the way, I did mean starting at 3, that's why I wrote it!
When your boss says she's taking Thursday and Friday off, what she really means is that she'll be coming in late on Wednesday and leaving before lunch, and you won't see her again for a week.
It freaks your assistant out when you ask to sit in his office and cry/simmer with anger because there are too many people watching if you do it at your desk. However, he will comply and usually provide kleenex and chocolate they took from your desk earlier that week.
According to corporate your assistant needs an office, but you don't (if you can figure that one out... let me know).
The less you like a co-worker, the greater the chances you will be in charge of organizing their birthday party (NEVER EVER forget someone's birthday... that is, evidently, part of your job)
Everyone (except your boss, obviously) really needs a vacation, and after a while you all get used to yelling at each other for no reason all the time, and it even gets a little bit funny.

Evidently

2009-08-17T20:13:00.003-04:00

The Real Red is turning out to be a girl of all work and no play. I started my new job the first week in July and have yet to work less than 45 hours a week, the next two weeks it will be closer to 70 hours a week. Things will calm down a bit after the 28th and will be beautifully quiet sliding into the holiday season (after mid-October). Until then, I'm knitting all garter stitch patterns, reading relaxing, fun books and drinking lots of tea to get through the busy period

Until I get some more free time, I leave you with a parting glance of July's vacation.

A beautiful Saturday night sunset over Lake Michigan at the public beach in Frankfort.

It has come to that point.

2009-06-30T19:41:00.002-04:00

That would be the point where I have so much packed I have resorted to eating out of containers or only food I can eat with my hands (let's not lie, I eat Ben & Jerry's from the container EVERY time... I live alone, I can do that).

Today I had my last lecture of my undergraduate career. Tomorrow and Thursday I have one exam a piece. Friday I have off from work and my brother is coming up to help Mr. M and I move and is then spending the holiday weekend with me (yay!!).

I have so much to be excited about. Being done with school, sometimes I can't believe I made it (with a respectiable GPA and no criminal record even), moving into my first place all by myself (and it is a beautiful one at that), and working full time at a job I love (p.s. my business cards came in yesterday and I feel so grown up and powerful!!).

All in all, it's been a good run, and I'm lacing up my shoes and stretching for the next one.

I have a 401K!

2009-06-12T21:10:00.003-04:00

I'm not really sure how it works yet, as I've never had one before.

However, as of 5:30pm today I am gainfully employeed with my first post-college "real" job! I'm a regional leasing manager for a massive residential property rental company here in Lansing. I have a lunch meeting on Monday and training starts part time on Wednesday. In the meantime I'm still finishing up two classes and actively apartment hunting now.

Pictures of the completed evil socks tomorrow and the ones I started with the pink yarn.

Apartment Therapy: Week 2

2009-06-07T14:36:00.002-04:00

This week looks like it's going to be a little more work than last week, but it's all stuff that has needed to be done for a while. So here we go!

Week 2

Fix one thing
Completely clean kitchen (fridge and cabinets included)
Start an "outbox"
Find a new recipe and cook it at home

Apartment Therapy: Week 1 Wrap Up

2009-06-07T14:22:00.005-04:00

Apartment Therapy
A few notes on week 1:

I have decided that I have been sitting on the wrong side of the dinning room table for a year.
I have also decided that cut flowers are for the most part a waste of money. I'm considering buying a nice big, low light house plant instead of buying the suggested cut flowers every week.
I got rid of a lot of stuff.

3 Bags awaiting Goodwill

Life in General
In other life things, mid terms for Summer I start tomorrow. I'm having a hard time believing that the semester is half over, but I'm compleatly okay with that!

I'm near completion of the Yarn Bee socks. I really hated the twist on this yarn and will probibly not buy it again, but for the price I figured it was worth a try once, and they have really pretty saturated colors (photo is a little washed out from the flash).

My resolve fizzled last night and I headed over to ThreadBear to check out the Summer Sale. Not suprisingly, all the sock yarn I loved was not on sale (but there were some AMAZING prices on other stuff; if you're in the area head over) but I bought some anyway. After really tightening my budget last semester and having spent less than $30 on yarn in the last 6 months, I figured it was okay, and it wasn't too expensive. I don't know what drew me to this yarn, I blame it on Mr. M's attempts to make me like pink, but I LOVE this yarn. I don't remember what the company or colorway is (I'm at the coffee shop and it's at home). So when I dig up the ball band I'll let y'all know.

Nice summery yarn.

Happy June everyone!!

Apartment Therapy: Week 1

2009-05-31T18:11:00.003-04:00

A few months ago I was turned onto the Apartment Therapy website. It was there that I heard about the 8-week apartment cure. Don't get me wrong, I love my place, especially now that it's just Simon kitty and I, but there are things that could use some attention. I figure it will be a good way to clean out and streamline before I move in 9 weeks, and hopefully will make the transition a little easier.

Week 1: There are some things on these lists that I do every week (like vacuuming) so I will only list the things I intend to do.

Remove one item from your apartment and get rid of it!
Buy fresh flowers.
Sit for 10 minutes in an area of your apartment that you usually do not.

Update on Friday night.

Bicycle, bicycle...

2009-05-26T10:58:00.006-04:00

Yesterday was a beautiful May day in Michigan. Mr. M and I decided to take advantage of it and go on a bike ride out to a local lake and have a picnic for supper.

So, we loaded the cooler bag into my basket,

stopped for air,

and we were off!

We explored an unpaved trail, but it was a little too rough for my road bike.

Finally, we ended up at the beach. We sat down by the lake and had supper, then took the short way home.

Biorhythms or Bad Luck?

2009-05-17T13:22:00.004-04:00

Have you ever had one of those weeks where by the time you go to bed on Sunday you really wonder what is left to go wrong? That has been this week for me.

Saturday- My tire goes flat. I have a tire iron, but the jack is missing from my car. I have to call a towing service to come change the tire. They put on a flat donut. I have to wait another hour for them to come back to put air in it. I wait the rest of the day at the tire store, to find out that my old tire (which is NEW) is not repairable. I have to convince them that since I have been waiting for 4 hours, they ARE going to put the new tire on, even though they are closing in five minutes. It rains all the way home to my parents house (a one hour drive).

Monday - Financial Aid says there is ANOTHER problem with my FASFA (which mysteriously fixes itself on Friday when my loans go through!).

Wednesday- I catch my toe on the molding around the bathroom door and do some serious damage. Mr. M decides we need to go to the ER and have it looked at. I get the most EXCRUCIATING pain killing shots ever (and then wonderfully numb) had x-rays and 3 stitches. Smashed the end of the bone to bits, the toe nail is in pieces that will fall off and it was bleeding profusely.

Sunday (today) - Even with my parking pass, my car get's towed from the church parking lot and to add insult to injury, also has a parking ticket on it. Yes, I was irate. Yes, it is being taken care of as I type and I will be reimburse.

Mr. M suggested when I broke my toe that I might have the worst luck ever. My dad thinks my biorhythm is bottoming out. What do you think? I added my biorhythm chart for the last 4 weeks for your enjoyment.

Btw, the whole biorhythm thing fascinates me at the moment.

Dancing in my Nuddey Pants

2009-05-16T14:58:00.004-04:00

Not really, but I said that I was going to do that when AQ moved out and I had the apartment to myself.

Well, AQ moved out Thursday. I have since been cleaning, reorganizing the kitchen, moving (thanks Trent!) and rearranging furniture, etc.

My mom and brother came up last night and moved in my living room furniture and helped me build two book cases I bought.

Life has been pretty dull to someone from the outside, but I love tinkering around the house. And the upside is that I got to break out all the stuff I was waiting to use until AQ moved out (wine glasses, new cook wear, etc.)

Sparatn Alumna

2009-05-12T17:43:00.006-04:00

...like pastor Kit said, remember your Latin!

Melissa and I walking away as new graduates.

Our Convocation speaker, the Archbishop Desmond Tutu!!!!
(more on this later)

Mr. M and I on the balcony at my apartment. Just as I finish, he's going back!

I now (with the completion of 6 credits in May/June) have a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a minor in Philosophy (ethics) and a specialization in Health Promotion. Mouth full?

And now that grades have been released today, I'm happy to say that I had as close to a 4.0 semester as is possible without actually having one! A strong finish that now makes me competitive for graduate school!

On to taking my GRE.

Why I love the BCP

2009-05-03T16:02:00.002-04:00

BCP = Book of Common Prayer

Today my college Chaplain came in to talk to my Sunday School class (K-2nd) about the Book of Common Prayer and how we as a church use it. Because it is spring and they were obviously pumped full of sugar before they were dropped off at church, they were WILD. We got less than 9 minutes of undivided attention out of a total 50. They ended up looking through the book for dirty words or anything that sounded like a curse word. This is why I love the book of common prayer. For a primary school kid, the most controversial word in the whole book is "death." You can't even say that about the bible, if you're looking at words only (out of context of course, think like a 7 year old boy). Just another reason to love being an Episcopalian. Return to your daily routine.

Grafted: Senior Art Show

2009-04-30T12:57:00.008-04:00

This is a little late getting posted, but these are a few pictures from the gallery opening for Heather's Senior art show.

Mr. M engaging with one of the interactive exhibits.

Heather's work. They're photographs with multiple transparent layers stacked on top of them before they're printed. Some have documents, or other photos. It's clearest, in my photograph is the one on the top right. The second from the top on the right is a picture of me Heather took at the Holocaust Museum in Berlin last summer. Yay.

A picture of the artist (sorry it's not so great Heather, but we can't all be trained photographers!).

Click any of the images to enlarge.

Evidently this is a sign.

2009-04-23T22:01:00.002-04:00

My computer no longer recognizes my camera, among other things. The speakers also went out last week and the shift keys are hit and miss, sometimes I have to use caps lock to capitalize. There is the prospect of a new one in the future... for graduation.

P.S. I'm graduating soon. I walk in 2 weeks! Then just six credit hours to finish.
And much to our joy, Mr. M got into grad school here, his first choice.
In a nutshell, things are going well.

Someday when my computer and my camera are on speaking terms again, I will upload knitting pictures (of course) and pictures of Heather's gallery opening!

One more tiny thing...

2009-04-05T15:44:00.002-04:00

I try to keep on the down low about my exact location and my university, for myself and the few people I regularly talk about here, but this is too amazing not to share. We'll be playing UNC on Monday night at 9pm. Here's hoping playing 90 miles from home will give us the advantage.

Go Green!

I wonder...

2009-04-05T15:02:00.002-04:00

why my lower back is constantly rebelling and if I'm going to have to have Sarah move in to do manipulative med on me every day
why it's taking longer to write the last 2 pages of my term paper than it did to write the first 10
if I will ever be able to write a history of philosophy paper in the 7 day allotment on top of holy week
when we will decide what we're actually doing for Easter
what I did with my challah recipe
where all the stuff in the closet came from, surly it's not mine!

Belated Birthday

2009-03-26T13:36:00.004-04:00

I never got around to putting up pictures of Mr. M's birthday, and since I'm beyond frustrated with my February Lady Sweater (can not bring myself to give up, but it will probably be out of style by the time I'm done!), I'll be giving you pictures of the party.

Mr. M's St. Patty's Day Birthday

Simon looking thrilled in his party hat, with Mr. M, who is thrilled!

Simon rolling in all the wrapping paper.

And finally, a big slice of oatmeal birthday cake. Mr. M loved it, but next time I think I'll grind the oatmeal before I make it. It had good flavor, but I really don't like texture of whole pieces of oatmeal in cake.

Saturday morning Mr. M's delightful parents stopped on their way through to Gulf Shores, AL to take us out for birthday brunch. We had just enough time to take naps and showers, and then we met a bunch of Mr. M's friends from high school and college for dinner at Olive Garden and all came back to his place for drinks and dessert. We all stayed up way way too late, but we all had so much fun, the sleep deprivation was worth it.

Fail

2009-03-23T22:52:00.002-04:00

I've watched this multiple times today and I laugh harder every time.

We be jammin'

2009-03-19T15:43:00.005-04:00

(that's the slogan on all of Jamaica's souvenirs)

12 students and 2 clergy spent 7 days in Kingston, Jamaica working in children's homes for high school aged children. I was in the girls home all week. 17 girls, ages 11-19 (for the privacy of the group home, not exterior pictures of the building or any of it's residents will be posted).

Fresh coconut Milk from a street vendor.

David teaching us about Caribbean music.

Painting the multi purpose room. My project for the week.

On our last day, we took a day off and climbed Dunn's Falls. One of the top 5 most amazing things I've done, ever.

Actual color of the water.

At the Miami airport on the way home. Yes, we are tired.

(I got upgraded to first class on the Miami-> Detroit flight.... wow!)

Sleep like Food

2009-03-18T16:48:00.003-04:00

I read a research article called "The Second Shift" based on research and a book written by Hoschild. In synopsis, it discussed how with woman's addition to the workforce since the 60's they have been working two eight hour shifts, one at work and one at home (taking care of the house and kids). My favorite part in the article, is also the part I find most troubling, Hoschild says that out of 50 women surveyed, 39 talk about sleep the way a starving person talks about food.

Today, I'm there.

For the time being, I will say that Mr. M's birthday was lovely. He said his cake was as good as his mom makes (yess!) and he loved his gifts: a stainless sauce pan (he asked for it), a new down alternative duvet and a bottle of aged scotch I got at the duty free.

Duty free? Oh yah, did I mention I was in Jamaica last week doing outreach work? I'll tell you about it later. Right now I'm leaning towards a nap.

Ruth's Oatmeal Cake with Fluffy White Frosting

2009-03-17T14:11:00.003-04:00

Cake

1 Stick of Butter
1 1/4 c Water
1 c Oatmeal
1 c Granulated Sugar
1 c Brown Sugar
2 Whole Eggs
1 1/3 c Flour
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Cinnamon

Boil water and butter on stove top. Remove from heat. Add oatmeal and cover. Set aside.
Cream sugar and eggs. Add dry ingredients. Once oatmeal has absorbed all the liquid, add to egg mixture. Mix well. Evenly divide between 2 9-in round cake pans (or a 9x13... but the baking time will be slightly longer) bake at 350 degrees for approx. 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted to center comes out clean.

Frosting

2 c Confectioners Sugar
2 tbl Milk
1 Egg White
1/3 Vegetable Shortening
2 tbl Flour
1/2 tsp Vanilla

Combine all ingredients on low speed. Once confectioners sugar is fully combined, turn to high speed, mix for 8 - 10 minutes. Frosting will become very fluffy.

Happy Birthday, Darling!

2009-03-17T10:14:00.003-04:00

Today is Mr. M's 26th birthday. We'll be going out to dinner and doing gifts later tonight.

Happy Birthday Mr. M! I hope that this year is even better than the last!

(this is oatmeal cake with creamy white frosting, the recipe courtesy of Mr. M's mom. It's a family tradition)

Three Things: Day 5 (a wee bit late)

2009-02-27T13:09:00.002-05:00

Yarn. Sock yarn. Knitting socks. Double pointed needles... see a trend here?
Rain. I love the rain.
Simon doing well at Mr. M's house.

Three Things: Day 4 (Ash Wednesday)

2009-02-26T16:12:00.002-05:00

Seeing my Sunday School kids in their "natural setting," running around and hollering with their brothers and sisters.
The ease of making a really decent dinner for 2 in less than 30 minutes on a week night.
We had that lovely London drizzle weather today, wonderful compared to the snow and sub-artic temps last week. Plus if you want to add to the fun, carry a black umbrella and use you're best Yorkshire accent!

Traverse City: Take 2

2009-02-25T19:10:00.007-05:00

Thursday late morning, Mr. M and I left his parent's house and headed further up north.

We arrive at his brother and sister-in-law's house to find the driveway about 10 in deep in snow. There was no way the Jetta was going to be able to plow through to the garage (mind the uphill gradient) so Mr. M found a shovel and started the long task of digging us in. Note that these pictures were taken by me from inside the heated car at the end of the drive.

It doesn't look like much snow, but it's deceivingly deep. Trust me.

Hades was SO excited to see Mr. M, we didn't get any further than the kitchen door. Yes, he is a HUGE cat.

We splurged for dinner and bought two tenderloin steaks, which I paired with twice baked potatoes and meyer lemon roasted asparagus. It was the best meal we've had, probably, ever.

After dinner, we settled into the living room for the evening with the kitty (sitting on Mr. M's lap) and watched reruns of Ask! This Old House, and had warm cookies and milk and ignored the snow accumulating outside. We had a fire, who cared?

Hades was disappointed to see us leave, but judging by his moping and his affinity for his owners' bed. I bet he was happy to see his mommy and daddy come home from Mexico. Mr. M and I were on our way home the next afternoon and left Hades to fend for himself one last evening.

Three Things: Day 3

2009-02-24T21:28:00.002-05:00

My amazing "church family" and pancakes for Shrove Tuesday. Get well soon Kit!
The great honor of being able to represent my college on the university's student government this year.
Simon, and his affinity for laying on my lap while I work at the computer.

Three Things: Day 2

2009-02-23T20:44:00.002-05:00

Mr. M and his constant driving force, love and support in my life.
My mom and her willingness to do just about anything for me if she's bored at work ;)
The church pancake supper tomorrow for Shrove Tuesday.
Light Therapy three times a week, to pull me through this miserable Michigan winter.
The ring Mr. M gave me for Christmas, which I love more every day.

So, a few more than five, but it's been a good, if taxing day.

Three Things: Day 1

2009-02-22T15:18:00.002-05:00

The beautiful music from our church's organ, with it's new "lungs." We are so fortunate to belong to a parish that can afford such a luxury.
Opening my linen closet and being able to have a choice of nice sheets and towels.
Marija and Claudia, their child like wonder, beautiful voices, and ability to make my whole day worth while with a smily hug.

In the Moment

2009-02-22T15:08:00.002-05:00

Things I'm loving right now:

Re-reading Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's books. My official night stand reading, it's a lovely way to end the day on a good note.
Trekking XXL Sock Yarn: I bought some with a return I made to my lys. I'm just exhausted enough by daily life that the wonder of what the next stripe will be keeps me on the edge of my seat (and awake during lectures...). Also, a ball of Trekking is over 500 yards and I only paid $16 for it at my LYS. That's a darn good deal. And did I mention that it's really pretty?
Black tea... but that's nothing new, it's a constant ongoing love affair.
All the chocolate Mr. M bought me for Valentine's day.
Flannel Sheets... as it seems to be getting colder again. And in that same thought wave, rubber boots (mine are black with white polka dots).
The thoughts of upcoming of spring break in a warm climate.
Novels: I'm an avid reader, but lately I can't read enough. Currently reading: Knitting Rules! and Stone Creek. Both simply amazing and impossible to put down.
Quilts. Planning, making, lounging under.
Lenten Resolution Number 1: To blog three things I'm thankful for or found God in, every day.

A Reason to Be Excited

2009-02-14T11:22:00.003-05:00

It started to snow again last night (no that's not the reason, unless you're AQ). We got a good 4 -6 inches during the night. Did I mention that the weather has been so unseasonably warm the last two weeks, we turned the heat off in the apartment... and didn't know it was going to snow last night?

The reason to be excited will surely involve snow, probibly more than we have, because it's further up north. Mr.M's brother, Dr. N and his wife Stacie are leaving today for vacation (seven days in sunny Mexico, don't you hate them?) and we're doing a time share thing with Stacie' s sister on watching the new Traverse City house. So, Mr. M and I will be leaving, hopefully Wednesday afternoon when I get out of class, for a few glorious, free vacation days in Traverse City, in exchange for cat-sitting for Hades (yes, that's really his name. yes, I will take pictures of him).

In parting, a picture from our last trip to Traverse City in early October (when there was not snow yet).

Behaving Like an Adult

2009-02-13T23:18:00.002-05:00

Every once in a while I do something and think "geez, I'm acting like an adult. Fancy that! Sometimes I forget that I am an adult. But today was one of those days.

Tuesday after my light therapy appointment, I stopped at the university surplus store. Basically, everything the university doesn't want anymore goes to this warehouse where the general public can buy it at stupidly marked down prices. For example: Last fall I bought a solid wood desk for $10, an office chair for $5 and a wooden chair for $1. Among other things they had this week were huge round cafeteria tables, a farm tractor, about 50 office chairs and over a thousand cafeteria trays (pink).

The thing about the surplus store is that if you're looking for something specific you have to go in every week (sales on Tuesday and Friday). If not, it's fun sometime to just go in and putter around. In preperation for my move in 4 months, I've started buying things for the apartment that I don't have (ie things that we have now, but belong to AQ and will leave with her). Today, I hit pay dirt! I bought a dark brown sofa and a super cute comfy little arm chair (that needs to be recovered) for... get ready for it... $30 TOTAL (and the sofa is almost brand new!).

So yes, adult day. I now have living room furniture.

Another Wavy Scarf

2009-02-11T18:40:00.003-05:00

Now that Betsy has recieved it, I can post pictures of the second wavy scarf (the first one having gone to Mr. M's mom for Christmas).

Sadly, I never got a good color representation photo. It was golden yellow, dark fuchsia pink, purple and a little brown (if I remember correctly). As soon as I pulled it out of the stash I knew it was meant for Betsy's creamy complexion and chestnut hair. The yarn is Cheery Tree Hill Cotton Sock Yarn (what was I thinking with that one?! Hence it's presence in the stash). The colorway was Indian Summer.

This was the second rinse. This should give you a better idea for color. I love this pattern. It's quick and addictive, which is good, because I still don't have one for myself yet! I hope you love it Betsy. Just don't get caught in the rain!

Better than Bruggers... almost

2009-02-08T19:36:00.006-05:00

There is this great local bagel place, on the main drag in town, right across the street from campus, Brugger's Bagels. Their coffee is horriable, but they make these rosemary olive oil bagels that I have been know to wait up to 30 minutes to come out of the oven. However, it's right around $3 for a bagel with cream cheese. Which I personally, think is CRAZY! Especially considering how hard I'm trying to trim down my budget.

The cookbook Mr. M got me for my birthday has a recipe for bagels and I decided with a free Sunday afternoon (for a change) that I would give it a try. I substituted the malt flavoring (anyone???) with good EVOO and added about 3 tsp. of chopped rosemary.

Mixing in the stand mixer. Sorry about the dark photos. Although it was a beautiful warm sunny day in Michigan, my kitchen is interior and has no windows.

Ten little bagel dough blobs resting.

In the oven, after being boiled (that's what makes the chewy centers... mmm). Lots of rotating of pans and changing of heat commenced. It was a bit of a pain, but totally worth it.

Cooling down. I ate two right from the oven with a good blob of cream cheese. (they're not that grey in real life... again, just the overhead lighting)

Not as evenly colored as the ones from Brugger's, but every bit as delicious. Plus it cost me less than $3 to make 10 of them! This is only the first batch. I love the recipe, understand what to do different (a little more yeast and handle with oiled not floured hands) and will defiantly try again.

They got high marks from Mr. M, and we discussed all the awesome things you could mix in the basic dough to make sweet or savory bagels. I'll probably end up making these every week, along with our standard two loaves of whole wheat bread (one for his house, one for mine). Sadly, I just bought two bags of bagels from the store on sale last week, so there are 12 store bought bagels to finish too. Maybe I'll freeze them to have on hand for a busy week....

After 7 months....

2009-02-06T15:45:00.002-05:00

How did I miss this? Evidently, Mr. M has a slight wool allergy! OMG! OMG! OMG! Do not hyperventillate, Kristina. Do not! I found this out last night when I talked him into letting me measure his feet to make sure the socks would actually fit (he fit the charted measurements EXACTLY), and he asked if I was making him socks. When you have his foot in your lap and are wielding a bright yellow measuring tape it's pretty hard to deny. He then says "They're not wool are they? Wool give me skin problems."

In the meantime, I'm left scrambleing for the perfect, low budget Valentine's gift. And looking for non-wool sock yarn that won't loose all memory the first time he wears them. Anybody know of anything?

I love fake Fridays!

2009-02-04T21:07:00.004-05:00

As I'm sure you all have caught on by now, I'm done with classes on Wednesday. Although, this week I have so much stuff going on Thursday, it isn't really the end of the week yet. I really wish I had no papers to finish or chapters to read so I could quilt and knit the rest of the week. Life is life though.

My day was rather grueling. Somewhere around the end of my 8:30 class or the beginning of the one directly after it, I started having shooting, searing pains in one of my top front teeth. It felt like being drilled without Novocaine. It hurt to breathe, to drink and eat, to talk (due to the movement of air), to be outside in the cold. I broke down and called my mom and begged her to deal with things since I was about an hour into 5 1/2 hours of classes (you have to take advantage of the parent card while you're still in school!). She called my dentist, who phoned in an antibiotic of all things, which Mr. M is picking up for me after work tonight. Evidently, the dentist thinks it's a bacterial infection (in my tooth?!), and hopefully, the meds will work and I won't have to go in next week and have work done. In the meantime, I'm downing Motrin and drinking barely tepid tea. Not great.

To distract myself from pain (and homework... bad bad bad), I finished taking pictures of the WIP at my house. Please don't total them up and give me a number, it will make me feel bad, especially because there are many you don't know about, hiding out in my closet or under my bed with Simon.

Mr. M's second Valentine's day sock, but the first one in grey (see previous post about bad luck). For as rediclously long as these socks are, they knit up fast, plain stockinette has a way of doing that. It's the Basic Formula for Men's Socks from Ravelry. It's not really a formula, but a pattern, either way, it's free and I'm liking it a lot so far. I plan on putting in an after thought heel, I like how they look and fit, and they're really easy to replace, which I'm sure will be necessary at some point. Hopefully they are done in time and they fit!

And lots of fabric half yards for a big surprise project, which will probably not make it's reveal until late this summer, but it's so pretty, I had to share. This is more of what I came home with from the football widow's sale.

A Work in Progress

2009-02-03T14:34:00.007-05:00

That seems to be the theme of things lately. In regards to class, I feel like I no more than complete one test/paper, only to have another one to begin, or finish. It is never ending. Tomorrow, I will be 1/3 of the way through the semester, marching along towards spring break (in March) in Jamaica and eventually the luxury of only 1 class this summer.

Beyond classes, I do have other things I'm working on to keep me sane. A few pictures to catch you up on some of the projects going on, and a few more tomorrow once I get around to taking pictures.

The first (January) square for my Ravelry "Blanket in a Year" group. They'll all be the same, and I'm thinking that I might make 16 instead of 12.

These squares are SOO addictive. They're a 120 st. cast on mitered square 'ala Mason-Dixon Knitting. I was making just under one per day of classes/lectures. I had to put them on hold to get Mr. M's Valentine's Day gift done though (pictures of that tomorrow). These are three of the completed blocks (foot for comparison). It looks like I'll be getting 4 blocks from 3 skeins of Cascade 220 (one of my favorites). The garter knit squares are plush and waffley, and the blanket will be a great addition to the back of the couch in my new apartment (July).

A project not yet started ( I really need a free weekend, perhaps late in February). The quilt will be this pattern without the black sashing (which I think is a pain in the butt and will break up the abstract chaos of the fabric I chose).

Some of the fabric I picked out, all from Moda. I did supplement with a few other pieces bought on a trip with my mom to a football widows sale. I love the big chaotic floral and pasely prints. These colors are not usually my style, but they're so bright and beautiful, it will make a wonderful spring and summer piece. All of this was a gift from Mr. M's quilting grandmother. I got to pick out everything. She's such a sweet sweet lady. Which seems to be the pattern with his whole family.

Finally, I've been wanting this book for a few years, I mentioned it to Mr. M one day at the book store and he surprised me with it for my birthday! I've made a few things from it. Today I modified a scone recipe (something I've never made successfully) and they were amazing. I'm planning on making some to take up north with us when we go to visit Mr. M's parents this weekend.

Simon

2009-02-02T19:31:00.008-05:00

With the addition of the new dog to the household, I can understand Simon harboring some resentment. I baby him more than I did before, if that's even possible. He loves it when it comes time in the evening for me to retire to bed with a cup of tea and a novel, like I do every night, he comes in, we shut the dog out and he cuddles into the blankets with me. Amazingly, for being so young ( 19 months), he does sleep with me all night most of the time (he is a cat though and is prone to late night wandering... especially if he can annoy the dog). And I do love him like my little furry child. So, for my poor little dejected kitty, a whole blog post. I give you: Simon in January.

Ringing in the New Year.

The amazing legless kitty. I love it when he sits like this. We call him kittylump or sausagekitty. He is clearly concerned about this photo getting out.

Keeping an eye on that overly friendly dog, that is too close to his mommy.

"RAWR! Mr. M and I are coming to eat you!"

As you can see, it's been a very tiring month to be a cat.

(I may or may not be a crazy cat lady)

Wait. Wait. Not done yet!

2009-01-31T09:37:00.003-05:00

My dad always said bad things happen in threes.

For Friday:

1.) See post below

2.) Met up with a few girlfriends to go see the opening night of "New in Town" with Renee Zellwiger and Harry Conick Jr. It was too funny for words, and has been added to the list of movies to buy when they come out on DVD. However, about 15 minutes into the movie, once everyone was settled, the fire alarm went off. Everyone in the 18 screen theater was evacuated and stood in 7 degree weather waiting outside. The fire trucks came (15 minute response... we could have been dead!) After about 30 minutes they cleared everything and let us back in. Someone just pulled a fire alarm! They restarted the movies and gave everyone a voucher for a free movie. Looks like Mr. M and I will have a cheap date one night!

3.) On the way to drop Caitlin off on campus, I was pulled over for expired plates that were not actually expired. As I pointed out to the officer, it is not expired until the 1st of February. His partner almost shattered my passenger window trying to get Caitlin's attention to get her ID (why did they need my passenger's id?), buy rapping on my frozen window with his FLASHLIGHT. Smart. They let us go a few minutes later with no hassle, it was just stupid. Don't the police have something better to do in a large university town at nearly midnight on a Friday night?

And that makes three, so here's hoping today is much better! My mom is on her way up to go to the "football widows" sale at my local quilting store with me, and then to my LYS to pick up another skein of yarn for Mr. M's Valentine's Day socks!

~Happy Weekend~

Wait. What?

2009-01-30T18:16:00.002-05:00

I had a job interview today for a sectary position on campus, nothing huge, but something to help ends meet until graduation. So, I put on tights and a skirt and prepped well and off I went. The guy that came out to usher me back for the interview was wearing jeans and a over sized zip up sweatshirt, and it turns out he was the interviewer (I was a little confused at this point).

We started the interview with the basic questions, then he launches into tech speak. I had no idea what was going on! My favorite question of the interview was: If your hard drive on your own computer crashed, what would you do? Ummm... this is a no brainer. Been there, done that! You take it into FRAG Center and throw money at the problem and cry! Duh!

By the end of the interview, boy in sweatshirt looked horrified. When he asked if I had questions, I asked what the actual job title was. Technical Assistant. WHAT?! I'm applying to be a secartary, that's what the job discription said. Well, due to some TECH problems, my resume went to the wrong person. The position I was applying for was filled already, and they offered me a job as a manual laborer (which I was also unqualified for).

Verdict: Wasted 2 hours and $2 in meter money to feel useless and overdressed.

Quickie

2009-01-26T20:56:00.002-05:00

Having minor camera issues again. I think the laptop is just getting old and might be suffering from dementia; occasionally it doesn't notice that the camera is even plugged in, let alone let me upload pictures from it. When I phoned home to ask my tech savvy, 16 year old, brother about it, I explained my plight, the line went quiet, "so?" I said, quiet, "your screwed." Nothing like a little brother.

So, just to keep everyone's interest level somewhere above zero and reassure everyone that Senioritus has not killed me (yet). I'm working on these socks for Mr. M. Hopefully to be finished by St. Valentine's Day. Nothing says "beat commercialism" like hand knit wool socks :)

Long Weekend

2009-01-15T16:05:00.006-05:00

I have what is undoubtedly the best semester schedule ever. I have class from 8:30am - 2:30pm Monday and Wednesday. That's it! Which means I am a day into my weekend, and in honor of MLK Day we get Monday off next week. So, I get my birthday off school, and a 6 day weekend! Don't hate me.

I decided to take my first day off to catch up, and in some instances get ahead on everything, so that I can spend the rest of my weekend reading, watching movies and knitting. Which means it's time for a little photo catch up on the blog. It's going to be crazy, quick and seemingly disordered.

Simon. He's feeling a little dejected after the new addition to our household...

Foxie. AQ's Christmas present. She's a 2 1/2 year old Welsh Corgie. Yes, she's wearing a diper (she arrived here and went into heat the next day).

I rearranged my room the first week of the new year. Once I get things all in order the way I want them, I'll devote a whole post to it. (I made the quilt the week Mr.M was on a fishing trip this summer in Canada with his dad)

One of the many things Mr. M's parents gave me for Christmas/Birthday, when they came down for dinner last weekend. It reminds me of my grandparent's house when I was little, Grandma always had (and still does) Swiss Miss in the pantry. Mr. M's mom really went to town shopping for me and got me some of the most amazing luxurious, comforting gifts. She's such a sweet lady.

Here we go, kids!

2009-01-02T18:21:00.002-05:00

After some contemplation, I've come up with my new years resolutions. I'm not normally the resolutions kind of girl, but I love a good list, and I'm hoping by putting them somewhere public, people will hold me to them!

In no particular order:

Work out more: It give me more energy and I feel better.
Spend LESS!: See Crazy Aunt Purl's spending moritorium Very seriously considering something this drastic.
Keep up the spending/savings plan for the house: Saving up for things for my own place next year. Put a little money away every time I have "found money" or "store dollars" from work. Last time it bought a stand mixer and a 10 piece set of pots and pans!
Do not buy cloths, unless they can be part of an office wardrobe: no copping out and buying black. Someday I will have a job that does not have a black dress code. Don't want to be the "scary girl" at the office.
Keep using the library!
Spent more time with family.
Mandate an hour of "me" time everyday: to recapture my sanity
Focus on people, not things.
Be happy with what I have.

2009 Please Stand By

2009-01-01T21:56:00.000-05:00

So, I didn't make my resolutions yet, does that make them null and void when I do get around to making them? Mr. M tried to encourage me, but I was not in the mood for 12 month promises to myself, that were doomed to failure. I'll work on it.

Meanwhile, a few photos of the tail end of 2009.

Some of us ate fondue:
(which is perched atop the pizza stone)

Others opted to just go to bed early:

Happy 2009 from all of us here at Sticksn'Loans: Kristina, Mr. M, Simon Kitty and the Amazon Queen.... and her new puppy Foxie!

Bells, Baubles and Breads

2008-12-16T15:22:00.006-05:00

I did a little bit of shopping after finals. The store I work for offers "store dollars" as rewards for incentives met. I've been saving mine away for awhile and on Wednesday after my last final, I bought a few things I've been longing for, a 10 piece set of Cuisinart stainless steel pots and pans and this, my beloved, something I have wanted for years:

Thus far, I've made 2 loaves of yummy whole wheat bread (that Mr. M and his friend Matt LOVED), a batch of orange flavored marshmallows (the coolest thing I've EVER made, but very messy), a batch of my favorite Christmas cookie, Russian Teacakes and finally, today, I'm making brioche... or at least I hope I am. We'll see if it turns out.

Since term break has started I also finished the Christmas scarf for Mr. M's mother. The Ravelry link is here. It was made of bamboo yarn. The details are on my Ravelry account.

That is Simon below, licking his foot it appears.

The hat I designed for Mr. M's father is almost done, as well. I hope to finish it today. Time willing, I will type up the pattern tonight and post it tomorrow. It's a basic stocking hat, but made a little longer to align with the taste of older men. I had the hardest time finding anything that was not a beenie or a skull cap, so I just did some basic math and designed my own. It is out of yummy charcoal alpaca. I'm going to have a really hard time giving both these gifts away!

And a little more holiday cheer, Mr. M came over to help me set up the Christmas Tree Sunday evening. And after it was all up, Simon knocked it down. So it's now gye-wired to the curtain rod and the ceiling. (Picture before the wires)

Count your blessings instead of sheep

2008-12-03T21:53:00.002-05:00

Today's blessing: Comfort

- A simple supper of homemade macaroni and cheese with someone I love, yesterday.

- Mr. M's sweatshirt, that is big enough on me to be super cozy.

- The feeling of accomplishment.

- Studying under a favorite quilt my grandma made me.

- Knitting a scarf from YUMMMY bamboo yarn in an easy mindless pattern.

- Bed. Layered between a feather bed and a down duvet, all wrapped in silky soft cotton sheets and a quilt I made this summer. Topped with feather pillows.

Sorry! We're Closed!

2008-12-02T08:39:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving weekend was a hit. That being said, the blog will be left unattended until after finals are over next week.

For those of you taking finals soon, good luck, I'll see you on the other side. For the rest of you, enjoy your holiday season. I'll be back in a week or so.

Three Grown Men and a Hampster in a Jetta

2008-11-26T13:26:00.003-05:00

Today was one of those days where I was given two options: take the easy way out now and have it hurt you greatly later, or make the hard decisions, fess up to what you have to and feel better afterwords. I went with option two, what my mother would call "acting like an adult," and let me tell you people, acting like an adult is not fun.

Luckily, after I go to my last class for the week, in an hour, I can act like a kid this weekend. After much duress I finished two of my three term papers and am well on the way to finishing the few ambiguous assignments floating in the recesses of my to do list. A few more hours of work tonight and I'm declaring a paper free weekend (Greek studying is a must though).

Mr. M took today off and left for home a day early. He packed two of his best friends from home and his hampster into the car, they should be half way there by now. I would have given GOOD money to see all three of them (plus a rodent) fit into that car, with luggage.

My parents and brother are coming here for thanksgiving tomorrow, as I have to be at work at 4:30am on Friday (doorbusters...blah). Tonight I will be making pies, and tomorrow morning, side dishes and rolls, and my mom is bringing the turkey. I'm looking SO forward to a big slice of pecan pie!! mmmmm....

And after my crazy day at work, I'm trucking it up to Matt's hometown for a wedding he is in on Saturday. I love weddings. I know it's the girly girl in me, but I LOVE them. They give me hope that people are still really finding "the one" and it's not just a myth.

And I've been doing a little knitting. Sock 2. Modified Thuja pattern.

Procrasinating with my girl Betsy

2008-11-19T19:12:00.002-05:00

The rules: one word answers.

Where is your mobile phone? Close

Where is your significant other? Home

Your hair colour? Red
Your mother? Devoted

Your father? Relentless

Your favourite thing? Books

Your dream last night? None

Your dream goal? Love

The room you’re in? Living

Your hobby? Creating

Your fear? Failure

Where do you want to be in 6 years? There

Where were you last night? Work

What you’re not? Ludic

One of your wish-list items? Nano

Where you grew up? Climax

The last thing you did? Cooked

What are you wearing? Fleece

Your TV? HBO

Your pets? Simon

Your computer? Dying

Your mood? Ambivalent

Missing someone? Yes
Your car? Little
Something you’re not wearing? Mittens
Favourite shop? Book

Your summer? Undecided

Love someone? Many

Your favourite colour? Plum

When is the last time you laughed? Greek

When is the last time you cried? Weeks