Saturday, September 30, 2006

Can you love a mall?

As of yesterday, I do. The newest shopping mecca of San Francisco opened it doors to the public on Thursday. While I wasn't able to see it that day, I had the day off on Friday, and my friend and I went to see the largest shopping mall "west of the Mississippi".



We already had San Francisco Center - a decent sized, multi-level mall with the second largest Nordstrom in the U.S. Now, the old Emporium building, which had been shut down for over 10 years, has been converted into an additional home to some of the public's favorite stores and boutiques. It connects to the SF Center. It also connects to the second largest Bloomingdale's in the U.S.

Why am I happy? Because since I've moved, it takes 20 - 30 minutes to drive to Stonestown (another mall, but it's on the other side of the city). This new Westfield San Francisco, is a mere 5 minute trolley ride away. Not that I shop a lot anymore, but I like having the option.

The simple pleasures of a girl. Ah...


I think what made the experience special was that I spent the day with an old childhood friend, whom I haven't seen in years. We write letters and emails to each other a lot, and we've talked on the phone a few times, but it's not the same as actually spending time with her. We've know each other since we attended a summer camp together when we were eight years old. We met for lunch and then walked around for hours. Neither of us were really interested in buying anything. Just spending time together. It was great!

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

A moving tribute

Haven't been feeling very 'bloggy' lately. Been busy with work, and then trying to catch up on our TV shows over the weekend. In addition to our old favorites that are starting up again, we've been 'testing' the new shows. So far, I like Standoff and Shark. I'm still undecided on Justice. I've got several other new shows on tape that we haven't watched yet - so testing season isn't over yet.

I've also been busy trying to book a beach house in Santa Cruz for a bachelorette party. Found plenty of gorgeous homes right on the beach. Problem is that many don't want to just rent it out for one night. Most have a two or three night minimum requirement. And what is with this 10% additional lodging charge??? Getting stressed out, but trying not to let it get to me too much. It's just booking a place - the fun will happen once we're there. I can't make it perfect for everyone.

I watched the memorial for Steve Irwin last week on Animal Planet. I only caught the last 20
minutes or so, but it was very sad. I was bawling for a few minutes when his 8 year old daughter gave her little speech. What a brave girl! In a way, because he was "The Crocodile Hunter" their children will get to see their father in videos, doing what he did best. And they'll get to look back and see what an impact he had on the world.

Anyway, before I get depressed again... I've been working on my sweater. One sleeve is done. The other is about half. So, I'm getting there!!! Soon, I'll be able to stitch on the two sleeves, and then finish up the hood - and that's it!!!

Monday, September 11, 2006

A moment of silence please...

It's hard to believe that it's been five years today that our nation suffered a tragedy beyond our imagination. The entire world watched as thousands of people died in a horrific act of terrorism that one only thought could happen in movies.

So, I ask, in your own way today, let's take a moment to remember those who lost their lives in New York those short few years ago, and for their families who live on with only the memory of their loved ones.

It was a sad day for humanity as a whole. Is this what we've come to? Why is it so necessary to hurt one another?

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Farewell to a crazy man

I've never really sat down and watched a full show of Steve Irwin's, but I knew his work. I knew he was an animal conservationalist who was so full of enthusiasm that half the time I thought he was crazy to be doing half of what he was doing. But you know what? He brought awareness to his cause for animals. And it's so heartbreaking to hear he died while filming a new show for kids. At least that's what the latest news report I read wrote. Struck in the heart by a startled stingray.

I was never a huge fan, but I'm still sad for the loss. I guess we never understand people who are so enthusiastic about something that they live and breathe it. But in the end, see all the reaction from his death, he really touched a lot of people. I feel so sorry for his wife and two young children.

Farewell Steve Irwin.

Monday, September 04, 2006

Busy with projects

I haven't posted much about my projects lately, but I swear I've been working on something every night!!!

Still working on my 'Under the Hoodie' sweater from the Stitch N' Bitch book. I had put it aside for a while, but now I'm really going forward with it. The back is all done and waiting. I've completed the front. I'm working on one sleeve now. Once that's done, I'll have one more sleeve, the hood, and the fun of sewing it all together. And that will be done!!!





Another project are the matching baby booties to the 'Umbilical Cord Hats' (also from SNB). I actually found a pattern for a baby Ugg bootie. Very cute, but it came out much bigger than I would have liked - so I'll keep this as my sample. These will be Christmas gifts.

Friday, September 01, 2006

Another series caught up

We started watching The 4400 a couple of weeks ago. It's another series that I heard a lot of talk, so I had to see for myself what it was about. It's pretty good. The show itself, I mean. The acting needs work. It's no Battlestar Galactica, but I liked it. We just finished Season 2 last night.

My friend lent me two animation movies recently too. I didn't think I would like them, but you know what? I really did.
Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle. Both are by director Miyazaki. According to my friend, he has many anime movies out there. So, now that I know what his style is like, and I do like it, I'll have another set of movies to watch.