This is going to sound like a commercial, and I don't care.
On Friday Mac & I went to the Step Up Women's Network Inspiration Awards Luncheon. Which, wow, that's a mouthful, huh? Step Up is a really cool organization, though. They do a lot, but primarily focus on helping young girls living in challenging environments (like, say, south central LA) to build their confidence, engage in healthy activities, improve their education, and ultimately go to college. The goal is to break the destructive cycle so many at-risk youths find themselves in today.
While we were there, we saw a row of young teenagers declare they were going to college for all different reasons--and they'd all be the first in their families to do so. We heard from one girl who, although she used to be painfully shy and down on herself, got up in front of a room full of people and unabashedly informed us all that it is NOT easy to be a teenager. Another girl read the essay that won her a college scholarship, in which she talked about how her biological mother chose drugs over her and her two siblings. And her adoptive parents told her that she'd never amount to anything, and probably just end up knocked up and on drugs just like her mother. Her parents. And yet, because of Step Up, she's getting out of that environment, and going to college.
Needless to say, it was an emotional, amazing event. There were some celebrity guest speakers too, but really they weren't nearly as cool as those kids. If you haven't clicked through already, check out their website to see if there are ways you could get involved, and help change a young girl's life for the better!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Interesting
I take a lot of these online quizzes, I rarely post the results. But I've been thinking lately, would I ever go back to school? If I did, what would I study? What if I could have done it over? As it is, I completed my undergrad in 4 years and got a degree in Journalism, from a school that didn't have the best journalism department. By the time I was a junior, I'd figured out that I should have switched to Communications because their classes/profs were better, but that would have extended my overall stay at university and well. No, thank you. I was done after almost 3 years, 4 was pushing my patience. So I stuck with Journalism.
Anyway, I took this quiz. I find the results interesting.
The top pick? Is because, of everything they asked me about, Dancing was the one I was like, YES! I love dancing! Which, it's kind of funny. I pretty much took all the dance classes I could in college without becoming an proper athletic dancer/dance major. I'd say it's time to take more dance classes, wouldn't you?
Anyway, I took this quiz. I find the results interesting.
You scored as Dance. You should be a Dance major! Like a lithe ballerina, you dance because you believe there is beauty in expressing the physical form.
What is your Perfect Major? (PLEASE RATE ME!!<3) created with QuizFarm.com |
The top pick? Is because, of everything they asked me about, Dancing was the one I was like, YES! I love dancing! Which, it's kind of funny. I pretty much took all the dance classes I could in college without becoming an proper athletic dancer/dance major. I'd say it's time to take more dance classes, wouldn't you?
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
I'M HUNGRY
I wish that I'd gotten all my girls together to go see Music & Lyrics. Every time I listen to the soundtrack I laugh and sing along. It truly is some of the funnest new music ever.
That said, I have started listening to the mixes Amy and Mike made for me. They are absolutely sensational.
Amy's mix is all duets. Depending on my mood, I'll listen to certain tracks on repeat and pretending I'm doing a duet karaoke with one of my guy friends (Mac is not down with The Karaoke). How have I never had the Iggy Pop/Kate Pierson classic "Candy" in my collection until now? I don't know, but I'm in love. Also, this band Faux Jean that Amy's put on a couple mixes for me is absolutely fabulous. I think they're local to Minnesota, but they should be big nationwide in my opinion. There are 18 tracks of goodness on this mix, those two are just highlights off the top of my head.
Mike's mixes are totally different. One is more high energy, one is more dreamy. I have a hard time getting all the way through the energetic one, because it kicks off with KT Tunstall's "You're Not the One For Me," and goll-darnit-to-heck I DON'T CARE how uncool KT Tunstall is. That is some damn catchy shit, and I keep listening to it on repeat and not playing the rest of the CD. I want to listen to this song on every road trip ever.
Mike's dreamier mix sounds like the Rocky Mountains to me. Or any mountains. I spent 10 years in Colorado so maybe this is just my take from my own experiences, but this collection of songs sounds like, I don't know... It sounds like winding roads with switchback turns, wind tickling delicate gold Aspen leaves, crisp mountain air, elks in the distance, crackling bonfires and snow falling at night. It's wild and inspiring and relaxing. It was especially soothing over this past week.
Which, okay. I have a lot of news. I'm not going to blog all of it yet.
I got my wisdom teeth out! That was a weird experience. I went in, they stuck a needle in my arm, and the next thing I knew I was laying on a gurney with my mouth full of gauze and tears in my eyes from the anesthetic. My recovery has been painful, but I'm getting there. The whole "knocked out for surgery" thing really threw me for a loop, too. I'm glad I finally got it done, but I am so ready to be recovered. For one thing? I'M HUNGRY! This liquid/soft foods diet sucks. (HA! I'm awesome. Wait, was that only funny to me and my mom? Oh, fine.) I've already started to make a list of food I'm going to eat when I get back on solids. That list so far:
BBQ - all kinds. Ribs, brisket, chicken, whatever. With a side of cold cole slaw.
A BLT - on white, with mayo. I haven't had one of these in ages, where did this craving come from??
Cajun food - I suddenly require gumbo, jambalaya and etoufee.
Steak - A petit filet would suffice.
Mexican food - Oh, all of it.
I'm sure the more soup and Slimfast I consume, the longer that list will get. I am going to make myself some decadent mashed potatoes, though. Oh, yes I am.
I have so much more to blog, but it's going to have to wait. You'll see.
That said, I have started listening to the mixes Amy and Mike made for me. They are absolutely sensational.
Amy's mix is all duets. Depending on my mood, I'll listen to certain tracks on repeat and pretending I'm doing a duet karaoke with one of my guy friends (Mac is not down with The Karaoke). How have I never had the Iggy Pop/Kate Pierson classic "Candy" in my collection until now? I don't know, but I'm in love. Also, this band Faux Jean that Amy's put on a couple mixes for me is absolutely fabulous. I think they're local to Minnesota, but they should be big nationwide in my opinion. There are 18 tracks of goodness on this mix, those two are just highlights off the top of my head.
Mike's mixes are totally different. One is more high energy, one is more dreamy. I have a hard time getting all the way through the energetic one, because it kicks off with KT Tunstall's "You're Not the One For Me," and goll-darnit-to-heck I DON'T CARE how uncool KT Tunstall is. That is some damn catchy shit, and I keep listening to it on repeat and not playing the rest of the CD. I want to listen to this song on every road trip ever.
Mike's dreamier mix sounds like the Rocky Mountains to me. Or any mountains. I spent 10 years in Colorado so maybe this is just my take from my own experiences, but this collection of songs sounds like, I don't know... It sounds like winding roads with switchback turns, wind tickling delicate gold Aspen leaves, crisp mountain air, elks in the distance, crackling bonfires and snow falling at night. It's wild and inspiring and relaxing. It was especially soothing over this past week.
Which, okay. I have a lot of news. I'm not going to blog all of it yet.
I got my wisdom teeth out! That was a weird experience. I went in, they stuck a needle in my arm, and the next thing I knew I was laying on a gurney with my mouth full of gauze and tears in my eyes from the anesthetic. My recovery has been painful, but I'm getting there. The whole "knocked out for surgery" thing really threw me for a loop, too. I'm glad I finally got it done, but I am so ready to be recovered. For one thing? I'M HUNGRY! This liquid/soft foods diet sucks. (HA! I'm awesome. Wait, was that only funny to me and my mom? Oh, fine.) I've already started to make a list of food I'm going to eat when I get back on solids. That list so far:
BBQ - all kinds. Ribs, brisket, chicken, whatever. With a side of cold cole slaw.
A BLT - on white, with mayo. I haven't had one of these in ages, where did this craving come from??
Cajun food - I suddenly require gumbo, jambalaya and etoufee.
Steak - A petit filet would suffice.
Mexican food - Oh, all of it.
I'm sure the more soup and Slimfast I consume, the longer that list will get. I am going to make myself some decadent mashed potatoes, though. Oh, yes I am.
I have so much more to blog, but it's going to have to wait. You'll see.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
And yet, I am an a**hole
When I was in Hawaii, my sister gave me a mix CD of male-female duets because she remembered me mentioning (in December) how much I loved them. It ranges from Sonny & Cher to Faux Jean and it is fabulous.
When I got back, there was a padded envelope waiting for me with two mix CDs in it from my dear friend Mikey in DC. Really groovy, personal compilations.
These are my love letters, the things that make me happy the most.
And yet, I am an asshole because the only thing I really want to listen to right now is the soundtrack for Music and Lyrics. *sigh* I can't help it. It's freaking awesome.
When I got back, there was a padded envelope waiting for me with two mix CDs in it from my dear friend Mikey in DC. Really groovy, personal compilations.
These are my love letters, the things that make me happy the most.
And yet, I am an asshole because the only thing I really want to listen to right now is the soundtrack for Music and Lyrics. *sigh* I can't help it. It's freaking awesome.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Over it, Under it, Next to it: Installment 1
Over it: Friendster
Under it: iLike
Kind of over it, but using it anyway: Myspace
Over it: Pirates. Ninjas.
Under it: Monkeys. Zombies.
Standing next to it: Robots. Robot Chicken.
On notice: All movies made from 80's shows, toys, and cartoons.
Over it: Right? Amaaaaaazing. For reals. For realsies. For serious. -style. As in, "I'm dealing with my vague annoyances in language blog-style."
Under it: Dude. Seriously. Totally. For cute! Because really.
Standing next to it, feeling a little taller: Awesome.
Over it: Gay. Retard. Fatty. Loser.
Under it: Dump truck. Clock.
Undecided: Douche bag.
Over it: Being poor, pretending it's somehow noble and therefore acceptable. Being well-paid, pretending it makes a total lack of nobility okay.
Under it: Having a job with meaning, working with passion, AND receiving fair compensation.
Over it: Supposedly “cute” or “pretty” things combined with “shocking” phrases or swear words.
Under it: Successful combinations of things mean and cuddly, diabolical and cute, shocking and funny, or kickass and pretty.
Depends on the thing and my mood: Skulls.
Over it: Ellipses. Apostrophe's in the wrong place (that was intentional). Commas in, the wrong place (also intentional). Ironic use of text or IM spelling in non-text or IM forums, like it's somehow hip to mock, I don't know, words? People who can't spell?
Under it: Semicolons. Spelling bees. Giving books to kids as presents. Proof-reading things before they're turned in, specifically in professional or academic environments.
Over it: ALL CAPS for EMPHASIS, like, ALL THE TIME.
Under it: Italics.
Kind of "whatever" about it: Bold.
Over it: "I don't really watch TV/have a TV. I'm more of a reader." (And, therefore, smarter and superior to all you TV-watching drones.)
Under it: Heroes. Grey's Anatomy. Battlestar Galactica. The Office. 30 Rock. Veronica Mars. The Daily Show. The Colbert Report.
Still under it: Books. Some of us TV-watching drones enjoy both.
Under it: iLike
Kind of over it, but using it anyway: Myspace
Over it: Pirates. Ninjas.
Under it: Monkeys. Zombies.
Standing next to it: Robots. Robot Chicken.
On notice: All movies made from 80's shows, toys, and cartoons.
Over it: Right? Amaaaaaazing. For reals. For realsies. For serious. -style. As in, "I'm dealing with my vague annoyances in language blog-style."
Under it: Dude. Seriously. Totally. For cute! Because really.
Standing next to it, feeling a little taller: Awesome.
Over it: Gay. Retard. Fatty. Loser.
Under it: Dump truck. Clock.
Undecided: Douche bag.
Over it: Being poor, pretending it's somehow noble and therefore acceptable. Being well-paid, pretending it makes a total lack of nobility okay.
Under it: Having a job with meaning, working with passion, AND receiving fair compensation.
Over it: Supposedly “cute” or “pretty” things combined with “shocking” phrases or swear words.
Under it: Successful combinations of things mean and cuddly, diabolical and cute, shocking and funny, or kickass and pretty.
Depends on the thing and my mood: Skulls.
Over it: Ellipses. Apostrophe's in the wrong place (that was intentional). Commas in, the wrong place (also intentional). Ironic use of text or IM spelling in non-text or IM forums, like it's somehow hip to mock, I don't know, words? People who can't spell?
Under it: Semicolons. Spelling bees. Giving books to kids as presents. Proof-reading things before they're turned in, specifically in professional or academic environments.
Over it: ALL CAPS for EMPHASIS, like, ALL THE TIME.
Under it: Italics.
Kind of "whatever" about it: Bold.
Over it: "I don't really watch TV/have a TV. I'm more of a reader." (And, therefore, smarter and superior to all you TV-watching drones.)
Under it: Heroes. Grey's Anatomy. Battlestar Galactica. The Office. 30 Rock. Veronica Mars. The Daily Show. The Colbert Report.
Still under it: Books. Some of us TV-watching drones enjoy both.
Monday, March 12, 2007
I must have done something right
Since my last entry? Oh, my. Lots has happened though, and I'm going try to move through it all very quickly.
We celebrated a lovely early Valentine's Day on Feb 12 at Crustacean, and stole forks. Well, Mac stole them. I am a horrible thief.
I went to San Francisco for the day on Valentine's Day--in in the morning, out at night--for work.
My brother came to visit President's Day weekend, and we enjoyed a fabulous lazy bbq with some friends complete with full-contact speed croquet and Karaoke Revolution, as well as a trip to the comic shop and a whole day of pretty much nothin'. A relaxing and fun weekend!
We threw another fabulous Oscar Party on 2/25, and I got 9 out of 24 categories correct. My butterscotch chip cookies were far more successful. Check out the whole menu, with pun-tastic names and Mac's mad photoshop skillz HERE.
I discovered my new favorite website/online community: iLike.com. Love music? Listening to music right now, in fact? Come play on iLike with me!
We went to London! It was my first time in London, and it was all I could do to restrain myself from going all, "Pip pip! Allo guvna! Wot wot! Oy!" And so on. (Why must I be so ridiculous?) Had a marvelous time, drank tea, saw many, many friends (more on this below), and got to hang out with my brother in law who was in town at the same time, because the world is just that small. Pictures are still in the camera, but I got some beauties.
Finally, last night Mac & I had dinner with my friend Stephanie and her boyfriend Matt. Unremarkable, you might think, but I've known Stephanie since we were 4 or 5, she just happened to be in town from Chicago and, oh yeah--we hadn't seen each other for 17 years.
I don't think that has enough emphasis on it.
SEVENTEEEEEEEEEEEEN YEEEEEEEEEEARS DUUUUUDE!
Which you'd think is nerve-wracking and weird-feeling and all, and it kind of was as we were approaching the restaurant? But then it was totally fine, and then it was just awesome and I was just so happy to see her again, and chat about Evansville and what funny, creative, happy weirdos we were as kids.
It's made me think a lot about the connections I've made in my life, these recent experiences. In London, I visited my London office (NERD! I know) and saw some work friends. I took the tube to Chiswick (pronouced Chissick, by the way, in case you ever go) to visit a couple of my dearest college friends who'd just had a baby on Feb 16. I went to lunch twice with a woman I met online, actually, and it was not only NOT creepy and NOT weird, it was rad and just like meeting an old friend for the first time. And I had drinks with a guy who used to be one of my best friends ever. When we weren't trying to date, or recovering from the whole "trying to date" thing, or fighting, or trying not to fight even though he and my other best friend were dating, and really? It's convoluted, and we have a lot of history, and we've been through a lot, and there was a time when I wasn't sure if we'd ever be friends again. But then I pinged him before we went to London, all "Hey, um, are you going to be around?" And he said YES! And made a trip to London from his small England town, and we went to a pub for pints and he showed me pictures of his beautiful wife and little girl, and we caught each other up on everything, and it was just so lovely.
Before we left for London, Stephanie had emailed me to see if I'd be around when she was in town, even though it had been 17 years since we saw each other last. I also got an email from my brother in law's sister that she & her partner are going to be in town and want to see us. AND a potential new friend from New Zealand, a friend of one of our Australian friends, arrived yesterday. We've promised to hook up with her while she's living here and take her around the city.
It's just really cool to me that in the time I've been on the earth, I've connected to people in such a way that I can let them know I'll be in town, or they can let me know when they (or their Kiwi friends) are in town, and we can get together for a meal and some conversation like it's the easiest thing in the world. For the millionth time, I feel lucky and grateful for these connections and friendships. And I can't help but think, for all the things I've done wrong in my life, if I've got people reaching out to me over miles and time, and responding to me when I do the same, then at some point, I must have also done something right. Right?
These are the things I've been doing and these are the things that have been on my mind.
We celebrated a lovely early Valentine's Day on Feb 12 at Crustacean, and stole forks. Well, Mac stole them. I am a horrible thief.
I went to San Francisco for the day on Valentine's Day--in in the morning, out at night--for work.
My brother came to visit President's Day weekend, and we enjoyed a fabulous lazy bbq with some friends complete with full-contact speed croquet and Karaoke Revolution, as well as a trip to the comic shop and a whole day of pretty much nothin'. A relaxing and fun weekend!
We threw another fabulous Oscar Party on 2/25, and I got 9 out of 24 categories correct. My butterscotch chip cookies were far more successful. Check out the whole menu, with pun-tastic names and Mac's mad photoshop skillz HERE.
I discovered my new favorite website/online community: iLike.com. Love music? Listening to music right now, in fact? Come play on iLike with me!
We went to London! It was my first time in London, and it was all I could do to restrain myself from going all, "Pip pip! Allo guvna! Wot wot! Oy!" And so on. (Why must I be so ridiculous?) Had a marvelous time, drank tea, saw many, many friends (more on this below), and got to hang out with my brother in law who was in town at the same time, because the world is just that small. Pictures are still in the camera, but I got some beauties.
Finally, last night Mac & I had dinner with my friend Stephanie and her boyfriend Matt. Unremarkable, you might think, but I've known Stephanie since we were 4 or 5, she just happened to be in town from Chicago and, oh yeah--we hadn't seen each other for 17 years.
I don't think that has enough emphasis on it.
SEVENTEEEEEEEEEEEEN YEEEEEEEEEEARS DUUUUUDE!
Which you'd think is nerve-wracking and weird-feeling and all, and it kind of was as we were approaching the restaurant? But then it was totally fine, and then it was just awesome and I was just so happy to see her again, and chat about Evansville and what funny, creative, happy weirdos we were as kids.
It's made me think a lot about the connections I've made in my life, these recent experiences. In London, I visited my London office (NERD! I know) and saw some work friends. I took the tube to Chiswick (pronouced Chissick, by the way, in case you ever go) to visit a couple of my dearest college friends who'd just had a baby on Feb 16. I went to lunch twice with a woman I met online, actually, and it was not only NOT creepy and NOT weird, it was rad and just like meeting an old friend for the first time. And I had drinks with a guy who used to be one of my best friends ever. When we weren't trying to date, or recovering from the whole "trying to date" thing, or fighting, or trying not to fight even though he and my other best friend were dating, and really? It's convoluted, and we have a lot of history, and we've been through a lot, and there was a time when I wasn't sure if we'd ever be friends again. But then I pinged him before we went to London, all "Hey, um, are you going to be around?" And he said YES! And made a trip to London from his small England town, and we went to a pub for pints and he showed me pictures of his beautiful wife and little girl, and we caught each other up on everything, and it was just so lovely.
Before we left for London, Stephanie had emailed me to see if I'd be around when she was in town, even though it had been 17 years since we saw each other last. I also got an email from my brother in law's sister that she & her partner are going to be in town and want to see us. AND a potential new friend from New Zealand, a friend of one of our Australian friends, arrived yesterday. We've promised to hook up with her while she's living here and take her around the city.
It's just really cool to me that in the time I've been on the earth, I've connected to people in such a way that I can let them know I'll be in town, or they can let me know when they (or their Kiwi friends) are in town, and we can get together for a meal and some conversation like it's the easiest thing in the world. For the millionth time, I feel lucky and grateful for these connections and friendships. And I can't help but think, for all the things I've done wrong in my life, if I've got people reaching out to me over miles and time, and responding to me when I do the same, then at some point, I must have also done something right. Right?
These are the things I've been doing and these are the things that have been on my mind.
Monday, February 12, 2007
stitchin' fool
I know I haven't blogged much lately, and y'all are probably tired of looking at my sushi embroidery pictures. The solution, of course, is MORE embroidery pictures! That's right, in the last few weeks, I've been a stitchin' fool. I've been experimenting with different patterns, fabrics and threads with mostly good results. Check it out:
Kitchen towels for Amanda & Eyad.
Amanda loves owls; Eyad is a record collector and DJ. They enjoy cooking together, so I created the most literal gift ever. The headphones and records are a Sublime Stitching pattern ("Rock & Roll"). The owl was photocopied from a Fossil watch tin, blown up on my computer, printed out, and transferred on with white transfer paper. The transfer for both of these designs came out really light, so there was a lot of eyeballing and free-hand work in these endeavors. Also, I tried out a couple new stitches on these as well (stem stitch and back stitch).
Kitchen towels for Erica & Jeff.
I haven't sent these yet, so if they're reading this they probably just got really excited about their present. Yes, it's the same towel set (I was totally enamoured with the oversized houndstooth pattern). The flaming martini is from the Sublime Stitching "Las Vegas" pattern.
Silver Surfer boxer shorts for Eyad.
Why? Why Silver Surfer? Why boxers? It's kind of a long story so I'll shorten it by offering, simply: we thought it would be funny. mAc and I hunted down Silver Sufer images until we found one we liked.
I converted it to a black & white image on the computer and resized it, printed it out, and transferred it onto the shorts with white transfer paper. I used about 5 different silver or metallic threads on this design. Metallic thread, by the way, can bite me. My hands hurt by the time I finished, but I feel like the end result is pretty much awesome.
Current projects: baby onesies for my baby momma friends. Stretchy knit fabric is almost as fun as metallic thread!
Kitchen towels for Amanda & Eyad.
 |
| From 2007In Stitches |
Amanda loves owls; Eyad is a record collector and DJ. They enjoy cooking together, so I created the most literal gift ever. The headphones and records are a Sublime Stitching pattern ("Rock & Roll"). The owl was photocopied from a Fossil watch tin, blown up on my computer, printed out, and transferred on with white transfer paper. The transfer for both of these designs came out really light, so there was a lot of eyeballing and free-hand work in these endeavors. Also, I tried out a couple new stitches on these as well (stem stitch and back stitch).
 |
| From 2007In Stitches |
 |
| From 2007In Stitches |
Kitchen towels for Erica & Jeff.
 |
| From 2007In Stitches |
I haven't sent these yet, so if they're reading this they probably just got really excited about their present. Yes, it's the same towel set (I was totally enamoured with the oversized houndstooth pattern). The flaming martini is from the Sublime Stitching "Las Vegas" pattern.
 |
| From 2007In Stitches |
Silver Surfer boxer shorts for Eyad.
 |
| From 2007In Stitches |
Why? Why Silver Surfer? Why boxers? It's kind of a long story so I'll shorten it by offering, simply: we thought it would be funny. mAc and I hunted down Silver Sufer images until we found one we liked.
I converted it to a black & white image on the computer and resized it, printed it out, and transferred it onto the shorts with white transfer paper. I used about 5 different silver or metallic threads on this design. Metallic thread, by the way, can bite me. My hands hurt by the time I finished, but I feel like the end result is pretty much awesome.
 |
| From 2007In Stitches |
Current projects: baby onesies for my baby momma friends. Stretchy knit fabric is almost as fun as metallic thread!
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Downward facing dog
Every morning I get up, and the dogs run to greet me and get their morning pets. Captain then does my favorite thing:
Downward facing dog.
Sometimes, if mAc or I bend over to stretch, or do pushups, or even yoga, he'll join in with this move. Because he's pretty much the cutest dog ever.
Downward facing dog.
Sometimes, if mAc or I bend over to stretch, or do pushups, or even yoga, he'll join in with this move. Because he's pretty much the cutest dog ever.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Best Movies of 2006
This post is nothing but a straight-up pimp of mAc's blog. I love that his list ranges from Dreamgirls to the Descent; I love the pithy reviews of each movie even more. To know mAc even a little is to understand his love of movies. I think his 2006 list really showcases not only his passion, but his knowledge as well. What else can I say? I'm impressed. I think you will be too.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
I have become a woman obsessed.
So I have a new hobby. I've just started, and I'm not all that great at it yet, but I really enjoy it and can't wait for all the other patterns & books I ordered to arrive. Plus, there are all these rad vintage patterns you can find on eBay? And you know I'm going to figure out how to trace every other design that strikes my fancy onto fabric so I can stitch it.
For my first project, I used the sushi pattern my dear friend Amanda gave me for Christmas, and some old cloth napkins--I wasn't sure how they'd turn out, you know? Next up: tea towels, baby theengs for all the new baby mommas in my life, pillow cases, and pretty much anything else I think up or get my hands on. And I'm going to HAVE to learn how to sew now, if only so I can make my own bags and stuffed animals and blankets to stitch on.
I have become a woman obsessed.
Anyway, here's the start! I can do a split stitch (aka chain stitch?), a bad satin stitch, and what I believe is called a French knot (I just called 'em "knots.") Let me know what you think.
The complete set of 8 Sushi Napkins.
My very first attempt. I'm not thrilled with the stitching on the heart, but wasn't sure what else to do.
The easiest one by far.
This simple design used four different stitches.
The darling patterns help my fledgling stitches look good.
Okay, now I'm just hungry.
These were SO HARD. The chopsticks took forever, and trying to stitch the hands so the back didn't look like a ridiculous mess was near impossible.
I love how these turned out, especially the bits where I combined the orange and white floss.
For my first project, I used the sushi pattern my dear friend Amanda gave me for Christmas, and some old cloth napkins--I wasn't sure how they'd turn out, you know? Next up: tea towels, baby theengs for all the new baby mommas in my life, pillow cases, and pretty much anything else I think up or get my hands on. And I'm going to HAVE to learn how to sew now, if only so I can make my own bags and stuffed animals and blankets to stitch on.
I have become a woman obsessed.
Anyway, here's the start! I can do a split stitch (aka chain stitch?), a bad satin stitch, and what I believe is called a French knot (I just called 'em "knots.") Let me know what you think.
The complete set of 8 Sushi Napkins.
My very first attempt. I'm not thrilled with the stitching on the heart, but wasn't sure what else to do.
The easiest one by far.
This simple design used four different stitches.
The darling patterns help my fledgling stitches look good.
Okay, now I'm just hungry.
These were SO HARD. The chopsticks took forever, and trying to stitch the hands so the back didn't look like a ridiculous mess was near impossible.
I love how these turned out, especially the bits where I combined the orange and white floss.
holiday summary
Sweet fancy Suri Cruise I haven't blogged in AGES. At first, it was because I was enjoying The Lull, which is a lazy time when work demands ease up a bit and I, well, slack off a little. Which means reading everyone else's blogs. If you were doing the same, and wishing I'd had a little more reading material here for you, I apologize.
And then, of course, I didn't blog because life quickly reverted away from The Lull and back to The Crazy, and then I just didn't have time. Hence me updating my stuff late at night when I should be sitting comfortably on the couch enjoying the return of my regular TV programming.
So, quickly: holiday summary, and then I'll put the rest in separate posts.
Xmas: AWESOME. We threw the tiniest party ever, which I suppose means it was more a "gathering" than a "party." Whatever, we had a kickass cheese platter and pomegranate cosmos and espresso martinis and then Kim brought those chocolate-covered peanut butter cracker things? And it was rad.
We got stuff shipped out on time, but due to the super extreme Colorado weather, they didn't all show up on time. We got a real tree, and decorated the crap out of our house. For the holiday itself, we went to Santa Barbara where we spent almost an entire day opening copious amounts of gifts, and the rest of the day on a scenic walk with the dogs.
Overall, it was a glorious holiday, and I was reminded again how lucky I am to have all My People in my life, and what a beautiful thing it is to be loved.
New Year's Eve: Due to the inherent suckitude of this crappy holiday, we decided to discard our LA party plans and take off for beautiful Seattle.
We cooked dinner, we played Karaoke Revolution, I kicked ass.
And we rang in the new year like the hard-core party animals we are.
Since then, it's been, well. The Lull, followed by The Crazy. Mostly Crazy. I didn't make resolutions this year, per se, but I did make a mental list of Stuff I Want To Do, which I think is different. I've started some things on my list already, crossed off others, not started most of them, and instead started things that weren't on the list, because I am nothing if not a Master of Procrastination. Overall, not a bad start to the year. If I find a little more balance in my life in 2007, I'll put the whole darn thing in the Win column.
Next up: New hobby! The Best Songs of 2006!
And then, of course, I didn't blog because life quickly reverted away from The Lull and back to The Crazy, and then I just didn't have time. Hence me updating my stuff late at night when I should be sitting comfortably on the couch enjoying the return of my regular TV programming.
So, quickly: holiday summary, and then I'll put the rest in separate posts.
Xmas: AWESOME. We threw the tiniest party ever, which I suppose means it was more a "gathering" than a "party." Whatever, we had a kickass cheese platter and pomegranate cosmos and espresso martinis and then Kim brought those chocolate-covered peanut butter cracker things? And it was rad.
We got stuff shipped out on time, but due to the super extreme Colorado weather, they didn't all show up on time. We got a real tree, and decorated the crap out of our house. For the holiday itself, we went to Santa Barbara where we spent almost an entire day opening copious amounts of gifts, and the rest of the day on a scenic walk with the dogs.
Overall, it was a glorious holiday, and I was reminded again how lucky I am to have all My People in my life, and what a beautiful thing it is to be loved.
New Year's Eve: Due to the inherent suckitude of this crappy holiday, we decided to discard our LA party plans and take off for beautiful Seattle.
We cooked dinner, we played Karaoke Revolution, I kicked ass.
And we rang in the new year like the hard-core party animals we are.
Since then, it's been, well. The Lull, followed by The Crazy. Mostly Crazy. I didn't make resolutions this year, per se, but I did make a mental list of Stuff I Want To Do, which I think is different. I've started some things on my list already, crossed off others, not started most of them, and instead started things that weren't on the list, because I am nothing if not a Master of Procrastination. Overall, not a bad start to the year. If I find a little more balance in my life in 2007, I'll put the whole darn thing in the Win column.
Next up: New hobby! The Best Songs of 2006!
Friday, January 05, 2007
Cavity-free since 2003
THAT'S RIGHT.
Today I went to the dentist, after avoiding those drilling harbingers of pain and guilt for three years. I was certain that I would have cavities. I was having nightmares about my teeth falling out. I was dreading this appointment the way some people dread, well, a trip to the dentist.
Back in the summer of 2003 I had to get fillings. Lots of fillings. I went from no cavities to multiple cavities in something like six months, it was wretched. So, whatever, I got the fillings. Thing is, the cavities turned out to be bigger than the dentist thought. And they had to drill WAY more than expected. And they didn't give me enough novacaine at first, so I could totally feel it and had to get their attention so they could drug me more to make the pain stop. And after they drilled the hell out of my tooth, they held up a mirror, for reasons unknown to me, and showed me my hollowed-out shell of a tooth.
AAAAAAAAAAH!
Yeah. I've had NIGHTMARES about that tooth. After that experience I was shaken. I started being a little more vigilant about brushing & flossing, so I wouldn't have to go back. I had nightmares about all my teeth. I was convinced they were all going to rot and fall out.
And then, you know, we moved from Seattle to LA and finding a dentist just wasn't at the top of my list. Like, the last guy totally traumatized me, and you want me to find someone new to do this? No, thank you. So I just didn't go. Until mAc found a dentist he absolutely loved and, today, I gave them a chance.
They were awesome. Really, really nice and understanding about my dread and worries. Really thorough and professional as well.
But that just makes it easier to go back. The best news of the day, though, is that my teeth are FINE. I don't have any cavities! I'm Cavity-free since 2003, baby! Wooooo!
Of course, I have to get my wisdom teeth out still, but that's a whole other thing. Bring on the Vicoden, I say.
Today I went to the dentist, after avoiding those drilling harbingers of pain and guilt for three years. I was certain that I would have cavities. I was having nightmares about my teeth falling out. I was dreading this appointment the way some people dread, well, a trip to the dentist.
Back in the summer of 2003 I had to get fillings. Lots of fillings. I went from no cavities to multiple cavities in something like six months, it was wretched. So, whatever, I got the fillings. Thing is, the cavities turned out to be bigger than the dentist thought. And they had to drill WAY more than expected. And they didn't give me enough novacaine at first, so I could totally feel it and had to get their attention so they could drug me more to make the pain stop. And after they drilled the hell out of my tooth, they held up a mirror, for reasons unknown to me, and showed me my hollowed-out shell of a tooth.
AAAAAAAAAAH!
Yeah. I've had NIGHTMARES about that tooth. After that experience I was shaken. I started being a little more vigilant about brushing & flossing, so I wouldn't have to go back. I had nightmares about all my teeth. I was convinced they were all going to rot and fall out.
And then, you know, we moved from Seattle to LA and finding a dentist just wasn't at the top of my list. Like, the last guy totally traumatized me, and you want me to find someone new to do this? No, thank you. So I just didn't go. Until mAc found a dentist he absolutely loved and, today, I gave them a chance.
They were awesome. Really, really nice and understanding about my dread and worries. Really thorough and professional as well.
But that just makes it easier to go back. The best news of the day, though, is that my teeth are FINE. I don't have any cavities! I'm Cavity-free since 2003, baby! Wooooo!
Of course, I have to get my wisdom teeth out still, but that's a whole other thing. Bring on the Vicoden, I say.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Nice!
Hee!
Tonight mAc & I went to see Dreamgirls which was totally fantastic and everything I hoped it would be. Yeah, uneven & all the other things critics have said but whatever. The songs were great, the cast was great, the costumes were sensational, the choreography was outstanding and that Jennifer Hudson totally blew me away. Good on ya, girl!
What made me giggle, however, was when they panned past a building as though it was the outside of a recording studio, and I realized--hey! That's my office building! Look, there's my office! Eddie Murphy's singing like Marvin Gaye in it! Nice!
Sidenote: every time we go to the Arclight to watch movies (the only good place to watch movies in LA, with nary a screaming kid or ringing cell phone to be heard, and a pretty good restaurant & bar to boot) we see a celebrity. Usually a "Hey, it's that guy" type person, although once it was Tom Hanks. Tonight? Dita von Teese, looking fabulous in those ubiquitous, red-soled Louboutin pumps.
Tonight mAc & I went to see Dreamgirls which was totally fantastic and everything I hoped it would be. Yeah, uneven & all the other things critics have said but whatever. The songs were great, the cast was great, the costumes were sensational, the choreography was outstanding and that Jennifer Hudson totally blew me away. Good on ya, girl!
What made me giggle, however, was when they panned past a building as though it was the outside of a recording studio, and I realized--hey! That's my office building! Look, there's my office! Eddie Murphy's singing like Marvin Gaye in it! Nice!
Sidenote: every time we go to the Arclight to watch movies (the only good place to watch movies in LA, with nary a screaming kid or ringing cell phone to be heard, and a pretty good restaurant & bar to boot) we see a celebrity. Usually a "Hey, it's that guy" type person, although once it was Tom Hanks. Tonight? Dita von Teese, looking fabulous in those ubiquitous, red-soled Louboutin pumps.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)