Somehow, I've never heard of Mr. Brooks, the new Kevin Costner film. I guess in my craze of catching up with Doctor Who, I haven't been watching much regular TV lately- so I missed the commercials for this movie.
We went to see it today. It was actually good. It's not on my favorite movie list, but I really enjoyed it. Kevin Costner and William Hurt were very good. Kevin plays Earl Brooks, a man with a seemingly perfect life - who literally wins a 'man of the year' award. But he suffers from what he calls an addiction - to murder. It's a clever movie and I would recommend it.
A few weeks ago, I saw Miss Potter, with Renee Zellweger. I really like this movie - though I don't recommend it for everyone. It's a talker - about the life of Beatrix Potter, who wrote the Peter Rabbit tales. It's a wonderful little movie that makes you want to pack your bags and move to the English Countryside. The scenery is so beautiful. It's a clever movie about a woman whom I knew nothing about - and I came out of it with a new respect for her and her works.
It's been a busy time at work. I've actually been getting some work done this weekend as well. I'm just so thankful that I can login from home and not actually have to go to the office. I'm looking forward to two mini-vacations coming in the next few months. Our annual trip to Lake Tahoe is in July (can't wait). Three full days of just relaxing by the pool and doing NOTHING.
August brings a trip to Las Vegas for my birthday. I've missed Vegas - haven't been there since my birthday last year. My hubby went a few months ago for a bachelor party - so I've been craving the City of Sin. I want to try some new restaurants and finally go see the Cirque du Soleil show, Love. I've reserved the room, now I need to get plane tickets and reserve restaurants and show tickets. Lots of planning, but totally worth it!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Friday, June 08, 2007
Is it really Friday?
Is the weekend really here? Is it? This week has been so busy, I can't even imagine that I really don't have to get up early tomorrow and then sit through nine hours of meetings. That's all my week has been. Meetings. I get about an hour of 'me' time when I get to work to get my coffee, answer a few emails, catch up with my supervisor... then at 9am I'm off to a conference room. I'm still on this huge project for my company with a deadline of July 31st looming in the not so distant future. So much work to do. So much detail to watch out for. Too much!
At night, I just veg. I'm caught up on my Doctor Who, and now I'm starting on season one of Torchwood. It's a spin-off from Doctor Who. In fact, the word Torchwood is a anagram of 'Doctor Who'. when the Doctor Who series was first starting up again in 2005, the producers would pass on tapes of the show with the code name of Torchwood. Clever!
I'm loving the BBC shows right now. I've found so many shows that I need to watch this summer. I just think they're a refreshing change from the shows that I've been so loyal to during the fall season.
So, aside from a birthday party we're going to on Sunday, the rest of my weekend will be spent watching BBC shows and knitting. I'm either productive at work or at home - not both. HAHAHA! Since I had no choice this week but to really work at work, I will be a lazy bum the next two days. Yep.
At night, I just veg. I'm caught up on my Doctor Who, and now I'm starting on season one of Torchwood. It's a spin-off from Doctor Who. In fact, the word Torchwood is a anagram of 'Doctor Who'. when the Doctor Who series was first starting up again in 2005, the producers would pass on tapes of the show with the code name of Torchwood. Clever!
I'm loving the BBC shows right now. I've found so many shows that I need to watch this summer. I just think they're a refreshing change from the shows that I've been so loyal to during the fall season.
So, aside from a birthday party we're going to on Sunday, the rest of my weekend will be spent watching BBC shows and knitting. I'm either productive at work or at home - not both. HAHAHA! Since I had no choice this week but to really work at work, I will be a lazy bum the next two days. Yep.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Love it
Lookie what I found!
It's a vintage pink stove. PINK!!! I love these vintage stoves and for the first time actually started looking them up online. Turns out there are a lots of places that restore and sell these vintage appliances.
Of course, my first thought when I saw this was that I had to have it. How awesome would this stove look in our future home. But then reality set in and I know that this would be taking my pink obsession a bit far. I've already got the pink mixer AND pink pots and pans. I think that's the limit my hubby would tolerate. Now, if I were single and lived on my own, that would be another story. I guess having my hubby is worth giving up the pink appliances. ;)
I have finished watching the first two seasons of Doctor Who. They got rid of another character that I liked. I'm rather disappointed. I know it's important to keep the show 'fresh', but they've already changed the main character once, and now they've replaced another lead character. I'm not used to that much change. I don't know if I'll like the new girl on the show during this third season, but I guess I have to give her a chance. The problem I have with her - from just seeing her in the previews - is that it's a girl who was killed in an earlier episode already. What the heck is she doing back???
Anyway...
Got caught up on our favorite shows. Lost, Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy - all are put to bed for the summer. I must say, I was not thrilled with the way they ended things off on those three shows - but I'm looking forward to the new season. There were some surprises, and some very predictable 'cliff hangers', but I still love these shows.
I'm so greatful for the long weekend. I'm working on another knitted elephant, and will try to finish up a doggie sweater that I've been working on and off the past few months. I also should get back to the baby blanket I started in January for my college roommate.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Getting back into the knit of things
It's been crazy at work. Meetings upon meetings.
On my weekend, I spent hours catching up on a newly discovered show. Doctor Who. I remember it from the late 70's/early 80's when it was on PBS. It starred Tom Baker - a Howard Stern'ish kind of guy who had curly hair and a striped scarf (a la Harry Potter). And he travelled around in an old English phone booth. I think when most people mention Doctor Who, they think of this guy.
I had no idea what was going on back then. I was too young. But now in watching the new revamped 2005 version, I understand it's about time travelling and the many adventures our beloved Doctor Who encounters along the way. I also didn't know that the Doctor Who series has been around since 1963 - and we are now on our 10th Doctor (played by David Tennant).
Some of it's quite cheesy - but I love it. The first season from 2005 (the last show was with the eighth Doctor in 1996) had a great actor playing the Doctor - Christopher Eccelston. And wouldn't you know it? He ends up playing the guy with powers of invisibility on Heroes two years after leaving Doctor Who.
Anyway, while having my own marathon TV weekend of watching all of Season One, and about half of Season Two of my new favorite show, I knitted like a madwoman to finish this:
Yes, she's very similar to the elephants I've done in the past - but this one was by special request from someone who saw the original Ellie sitting on my friend's desk - and wanted a little purple skirted elephant of her own. So, here she is. She's knit on size 2 needles, so my hands get cramped up after a while and I keep having to stop.
I've since been asked to make two more elephants, but wearing Oakland A's baseball uniforms. Uh... right. I'll have to figure that out. I just enjoy making things and giving them away. I just like the satisfaction of having made them. But I keep getting request after request to make these - maybe I should start charging.
I also attempted to make a pair of socks for the first time in my life. I read so many blogs and so many people are into sock knitting, I had to finally try it myself. I just used some left over blue yarn from another project - found a simple pattern online and just plowed ahead. It was very simple knitting - quick satisfaction indeed.
First of all, this color of blue for these socks - way too bright (much brighter than the picture shows), but the yarn is oh so soft. The socks themselves... ugly as all heck, but I did it. I made a pair of socks. HA! I rarely wear socks, so this is a 'been there, done that' deal. I think these will have to be donated. I think if I had made them with a more wearable color - I would have kept them. Ah well, they'll make someone's feet cheerier.
On my weekend, I spent hours catching up on a newly discovered show. Doctor Who. I remember it from the late 70's/early 80's when it was on PBS. It starred Tom Baker - a Howard Stern'ish kind of guy who had curly hair and a striped scarf (a la Harry Potter). And he travelled around in an old English phone booth. I think when most people mention Doctor Who, they think of this guy.
I had no idea what was going on back then. I was too young. But now in watching the new revamped 2005 version, I understand it's about time travelling and the many adventures our beloved Doctor Who encounters along the way. I also didn't know that the Doctor Who series has been around since 1963 - and we are now on our 10th Doctor (played by David Tennant).
Some of it's quite cheesy - but I love it. The first season from 2005 (the last show was with the eighth Doctor in 1996) had a great actor playing the Doctor - Christopher Eccelston. And wouldn't you know it? He ends up playing the guy with powers of invisibility on Heroes two years after leaving Doctor Who.
Anyway, while having my own marathon TV weekend of watching all of Season One, and about half of Season Two of my new favorite show, I knitted like a madwoman to finish this:
Yes, she's very similar to the elephants I've done in the past - but this one was by special request from someone who saw the original Ellie sitting on my friend's desk - and wanted a little purple skirted elephant of her own. So, here she is. She's knit on size 2 needles, so my hands get cramped up after a while and I keep having to stop.
I've since been asked to make two more elephants, but wearing Oakland A's baseball uniforms. Uh... right. I'll have to figure that out. I just enjoy making things and giving them away. I just like the satisfaction of having made them. But I keep getting request after request to make these - maybe I should start charging.
I also attempted to make a pair of socks for the first time in my life. I read so many blogs and so many people are into sock knitting, I had to finally try it myself. I just used some left over blue yarn from another project - found a simple pattern online and just plowed ahead. It was very simple knitting - quick satisfaction indeed.
First of all, this color of blue for these socks - way too bright (much brighter than the picture shows), but the yarn is oh so soft. The socks themselves... ugly as all heck, but I did it. I made a pair of socks. HA! I rarely wear socks, so this is a 'been there, done that' deal. I think these will have to be donated. I think if I had made them with a more wearable color - I would have kept them. Ah well, they'll make someone's feet cheerier.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
EW!!!
I am totally disgusted. I just read this news article about doctors finding spiders inside a boy's ear!!! (cold chills!) Just nasty.
Apparently, he kept hearing a 'rice crispy' type sound on his ear, so his mother brought him to the doctors. They found that what he had been hearing was the spiders walking on his eardrum. Unbelieveable.
Sorry, not much else to contribute to this except that I HATE spiders. Absolutely hate them. Even the teeny tiny baby ones I use Raid to kill them. I can't do the tissue thing - my heartrate goes up immediately and I just feel terrified. My husband hates the smell of Raid - so I've resorted to household cleaning products like Tilex. That kills them and doesn't leave a greasy stain on the walls. HA!
Yuck, yuck, yuck. I just can't get over it.
Apparently, he kept hearing a 'rice crispy' type sound on his ear, so his mother brought him to the doctors. They found that what he had been hearing was the spiders walking on his eardrum. Unbelieveable.
Sorry, not much else to contribute to this except that I HATE spiders. Absolutely hate them. Even the teeny tiny baby ones I use Raid to kill them. I can't do the tissue thing - my heartrate goes up immediately and I just feel terrified. My husband hates the smell of Raid - so I've resorted to household cleaning products like Tilex. That kills them and doesn't leave a greasy stain on the walls. HA!
Yuck, yuck, yuck. I just can't get over it.
It's picture Sunday!
Just finally downloaded all my pics from my camera, so now I can share!
Here are the delightfully pink and purple knitting needles I bought yesterday from Daiso Japan. I love them. Haven't tried them yet - but I love them. These are size 6mm and 7mm needles (Japanese sizing). I figured the 6mm is equivalent to a US size 10, and the 7mm is maybe 10.75 US. There is no exact size that matched the 7mm Japanese needle. Ahh well. It's pink, I don't care. Hee hee...
And check out these weird food items!
This is Dragon Beard Candy. Can't believe I found a website on this, but it describes it the best. Click on the video to see it created! This is from my anniversary dinner with my parents.
And here are some pictures of very weird fruit that my dad bought us. I have no idea what either of them is called, but aren't they just... well, odd? The red one was absolutely gorgeous. It was a maroon collor on the outside - very smooth skin, and the inside was bright, bright white with black seeds. It was delicious. Not too sweet, but very juicy. You simply scrape out the flesh right up to the pinkish skin.
The green thing - well, not so good. It was also a fruit, but too dry inside. And I wasn't sure what I was supposed to eat, and what not to eat. There was a layer of something that was almost like a cream between the skin and the fleshy part of the fruit - no clue. And it didn't look very appetizing inside either. I like the heart shape though.
Here are the delightfully pink and purple knitting needles I bought yesterday from Daiso Japan. I love them. Haven't tried them yet - but I love them. These are size 6mm and 7mm needles (Japanese sizing). I figured the 6mm is equivalent to a US size 10, and the 7mm is maybe 10.75 US. There is no exact size that matched the 7mm Japanese needle. Ahh well. It's pink, I don't care. Hee hee...
And check out these weird food items!
This is Dragon Beard Candy. Can't believe I found a website on this, but it describes it the best. Click on the video to see it created! This is from my anniversary dinner with my parents.
And here are some pictures of very weird fruit that my dad bought us. I have no idea what either of them is called, but aren't they just... well, odd? The red one was absolutely gorgeous. It was a maroon collor on the outside - very smooth skin, and the inside was bright, bright white with black seeds. It was delicious. Not too sweet, but very juicy. You simply scrape out the flesh right up to the pinkish skin.
The green thing - well, not so good. It was also a fruit, but too dry inside. And I wasn't sure what I was supposed to eat, and what not to eat. There was a layer of something that was almost like a cream between the skin and the fleshy part of the fruit - no clue. And it didn't look very appetizing inside either. I like the heart shape though.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
My new favorite store
Well, not really, but it's my new favorite place to browse. Daiso Japan is a store that has everything and anything you can imagine in terms of knick knacks. They've got stationary, cookware, basic kitchenware, billions of tupperware like storage boxes, wrapping paper... It was amazing.
I found these great plastic knitting needles in a light pink and purple. I've been using mainly bamboo needles, but these were just such a pretty color. And they became the "no question" items for me when I asked how much they cost. $1.50 each pair. HA! They had nice bamboo needles for the same low price, but I really wanted some pink needles. Yes, I'm still on my pink kick.
The store was packed. and I don't mean just with products, but with people. Geez! Couldn't go down any aisle without waiting for someone to move first. As I learned from asking about my knitting needles, anything without a pricetag was a $1.50. And a lot of what I looked at didn't have prices on them.
So anyway, I was very good today. I only spent a total of $3.25 for two sets of needles. Whoo hoo!
I found these great plastic knitting needles in a light pink and purple. I've been using mainly bamboo needles, but these were just such a pretty color. And they became the "no question" items for me when I asked how much they cost. $1.50 each pair. HA! They had nice bamboo needles for the same low price, but I really wanted some pink needles. Yes, I'm still on my pink kick.
The store was packed. and I don't mean just with products, but with people. Geez! Couldn't go down any aisle without waiting for someone to move first. As I learned from asking about my knitting needles, anything without a pricetag was a $1.50. And a lot of what I looked at didn't have prices on them.
So anyway, I was very good today. I only spent a total of $3.25 for two sets of needles. Whoo hoo!
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Happy Anniversary!
Six years ago today, my hubby and I got married. It was a beautiful wedding and I still remember every detail of it. I don't think I could ever forget. For the first time in years, our anniversary actually falls on a Saturday, same as our wedding day.
As I write this at almost 10pm, we would have been dancing six years ago. The party won't be stopping until the last guest leaving our hotel suite at 3am.
Today was a beautiful and sunny day in San Francisco. I think it was in the 70's. Fabulous. After a quick appointment at the vet for Monte (who is undergoing hyperthyroid treatment - he's ok), we had lunch at our favorite Indian buffet restaurant. Then we headed out to Corte Madera mall and walked around. It's rare when we can sit outside and enjoy a nice frappucchino and just relax together.
Dinner tonight was at Jack Falstaff. It was ok. I don't think we'll be going back there. I don't think I've ever encountered this, but there wasn't a single thing in the appetizer section that either of us was interested in. And then the entree, I had their special - pork shoulder over polenta, and my hubby had a chicken pot pie. Mine was pretty good, but I've had better. And my hubby was not impressed with his pot pie. Pretty disappointing. We skipped dessert and went home. Well, Gavin Newsom wasn't there - or maybe that would have made it a more memorable experience there. The place was packed when we left, so maybe we just ordered the wrong thing. I don't know - but we're not going back to find out.
As I write this at almost 10pm, we would have been dancing six years ago. The party won't be stopping until the last guest leaving our hotel suite at 3am.
Today was a beautiful and sunny day in San Francisco. I think it was in the 70's. Fabulous. After a quick appointment at the vet for Monte (who is undergoing hyperthyroid treatment - he's ok), we had lunch at our favorite Indian buffet restaurant. Then we headed out to Corte Madera mall and walked around. It's rare when we can sit outside and enjoy a nice frappucchino and just relax together.
Dinner tonight was at Jack Falstaff. It was ok. I don't think we'll be going back there. I don't think I've ever encountered this, but there wasn't a single thing in the appetizer section that either of us was interested in. And then the entree, I had their special - pork shoulder over polenta, and my hubby had a chicken pot pie. Mine was pretty good, but I've had better. And my hubby was not impressed with his pot pie. Pretty disappointing. We skipped dessert and went home. Well, Gavin Newsom wasn't there - or maybe that would have made it a more memorable experience there. The place was packed when we left, so maybe we just ordered the wrong thing. I don't know - but we're not going back to find out.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Commute
It's been a while. I've been so busy at work, I have to check my calendar each week to be sure which city I'm supposed to be in each day. Crazy, huh? This week, I've been trekking to San Ramon every morning. I don't mind it too much though. I get good knitting time for 40 minutes in the mornings and evenings. Last week, I was in Sacramento.
I guess it's good and bad. I recently joined a huge project that will change the way my company does business internally - which in turn will provide better service to our customers outside in the real world. It's an awesome experience for my resume - and I appreciate being asked to join this team. On the flip side, my 'real' job is still lingering there waiting for me. I wasn't crazy about that. I looked on the job boards today and saw several Tech Writer positions open. One of them is a Senior position that I am PERFECT for. I mean, the job description was written describing me practically. What timing.
Of course, as a tech writer with limited web design experience, it may put me in a position where I'm stuck and can't move up anywhere. The project I'm in now could lead to big opportunities for me - changes that I'm hoping will be good, but I don't know. It could also just dump me back to my old position when all is said and done.
Oh the drama of it all. :( I don't want to burn my bridges with the higher ups who wanted me on this project. But I don't want to miss out on any opportunities either.
What to do? What to do?
I guess it's good and bad. I recently joined a huge project that will change the way my company does business internally - which in turn will provide better service to our customers outside in the real world. It's an awesome experience for my resume - and I appreciate being asked to join this team. On the flip side, my 'real' job is still lingering there waiting for me. I wasn't crazy about that. I looked on the job boards today and saw several Tech Writer positions open. One of them is a Senior position that I am PERFECT for. I mean, the job description was written describing me practically. What timing.
Of course, as a tech writer with limited web design experience, it may put me in a position where I'm stuck and can't move up anywhere. The project I'm in now could lead to big opportunities for me - changes that I'm hoping will be good, but I don't know. It could also just dump me back to my old position when all is said and done.
Oh the drama of it all. :( I don't want to burn my bridges with the higher ups who wanted me on this project. But I don't want to miss out on any opportunities either.
What to do? What to do?
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Babies, babies, babies!
My favorite roommate from college is a mommy now! She had her baby boy, Gavin, on her birthday this past Sunday. What a wonderful birthday present - and kind of unexpected. I say unexpected because the original due date was April 1st - and the doctor pushed it back to April 10th. And even when she felt contractions on the Friday and Saturday before the birth, the doctor kept thinking it was false labor. So, E was able to get one more baby shower party in before going to the hospital for real. Funny. Of course, this makes me think what the doctor was checking to be THAT off on the timing and insisting the baby wasn't ready yet. But I'm not a mom, so I have no idea.
Anyway, E lives in So. Cal - so I'm not able to go see her unfortunately. I was able to visit with her in January, so I did get to see her in all her pregnant glory. I'm so happy for her. I know she's going to be a wonderful mom.
Congratulations E and R. Welcome baby Gavin!!!
I also found out, about a week ago, that another friend had a baby girl. Sofia. Her dad is the brother of my hubby's business partner. This is their second girl. Sofia and her family also live in So. Cal. I think they're actually in a neighboring city to my roomie.
Hmmm, maybe my hubby and I should do another road trip.
Anyway, E lives in So. Cal - so I'm not able to go see her unfortunately. I was able to visit with her in January, so I did get to see her in all her pregnant glory. I'm so happy for her. I know she's going to be a wonderful mom.
Congratulations E and R. Welcome baby Gavin!!!
I also found out, about a week ago, that another friend had a baby girl. Sofia. Her dad is the brother of my hubby's business partner. This is their second girl. Sofia and her family also live in So. Cal. I think they're actually in a neighboring city to my roomie.
Hmmm, maybe my hubby and I should do another road trip.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Why do people do this?
I received a letter postmarked from the U.K. today. They said that someone had opened some kind of account back in 1990, and died in 1999. Since then, this auditing company has been searching for the next of kin. There was no will or anything, and since I happen to have the same last name - they're assuming I'm family. (I only have one of the most common Chinese last names, by the way) They're asking me to contact them to arrange for transfer of $15.5 million dollars to my account. Uh, right.
I did a little search online and found that someone else received this exact same letter. The initials of the deceased weren't even changed. Only the last name. People are so pathetic.
Not much to report on the knitting front these days. I've gotten over my flu, and it has turned into a nasty cold. Lately, I've been going to bed at midnight and then waking up at 11am the next day - don't know why I'm so exhausted, but geez, I didn't think I could sleep 11 hours straight! And I could also get very used to this not working thing. Of course, I'm much better at this moment, so I'm most likely going back to work tomorrow (right in time for Friday).
Oddly enough, I've spend my entire 3 sick days at home watching The Real Housewives of the OC marathons, and anything on the Food Network. In my illness, I've been inspired to cook again. I made beef and cheese stuffed manicotti, raspberry cream cupcakes, and sausages and lentils. Anything from Everyday Italian or Nigella Bites - you know it will be gooooood.
Hubby is at his bowling night - and then will go play poker with some friends afterwards. I think I'll do some laundry and then take my meds and conk out earlier tonight. 6:30am alarm tomorrow again. I hate work.
I did a little search online and found that someone else received this exact same letter. The initials of the deceased weren't even changed. Only the last name. People are so pathetic.
Not much to report on the knitting front these days. I've gotten over my flu, and it has turned into a nasty cold. Lately, I've been going to bed at midnight and then waking up at 11am the next day - don't know why I'm so exhausted, but geez, I didn't think I could sleep 11 hours straight! And I could also get very used to this not working thing. Of course, I'm much better at this moment, so I'm most likely going back to work tomorrow (right in time for Friday).
Oddly enough, I've spend my entire 3 sick days at home watching The Real Housewives of the OC marathons, and anything on the Food Network. In my illness, I've been inspired to cook again. I made beef and cheese stuffed manicotti, raspberry cream cupcakes, and sausages and lentils. Anything from Everyday Italian or Nigella Bites - you know it will be gooooood.
Hubby is at his bowling night - and then will go play poker with some friends afterwards. I think I'll do some laundry and then take my meds and conk out earlier tonight. 6:30am alarm tomorrow again. I hate work.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Farewell to our little Cocoa
Almost seven years ago, my mom witnessed our neighborhood stray, Cheetah, give birth to three adorable kittens. Since then, my mom has raised Toby and Chelsea to the tubby cats they are today. The third kitten, Cocoa, was eventually given away to a family friend.
Last week, mom called me and said that Cocoa was not feeling well. The children of the friend had called for help because they had never had pets before and wasn't sure what to do. Within the three days of the news, Cocoa had a stroke and passed away in her sleep at the pet hospital. It's a great shock and so sad. The children are devistated.
I remember when my mom took the kittens in - just about two or three weeks old. We bottle fed them formula, helped them find their way to the sandbox, tucked them in at night. I could hold all three babies in my two hands, they were that tiny.
Cocoa went to a good family who loved her very much, and I'm sorry their time with her was cut so short and abruptly. Cocoa would have turned seven years old this May 12th.
Rest in peace little Cocoa. We will miss you.
(Here is the family before we took the kittens in. From top to bottom: Cheetah, Chelsea, Cocoa, and Toby.)
And here's a picture of the whole clan, with Bubbles, Tiny, and all three cats together.
Last week, mom called me and said that Cocoa was not feeling well. The children of the friend had called for help because they had never had pets before and wasn't sure what to do. Within the three days of the news, Cocoa had a stroke and passed away in her sleep at the pet hospital. It's a great shock and so sad. The children are devistated.
I remember when my mom took the kittens in - just about two or three weeks old. We bottle fed them formula, helped them find their way to the sandbox, tucked them in at night. I could hold all three babies in my two hands, they were that tiny.
Cocoa went to a good family who loved her very much, and I'm sorry their time with her was cut so short and abruptly. Cocoa would have turned seven years old this May 12th.
Rest in peace little Cocoa. We will miss you.
(Here is the family before we took the kittens in. From top to bottom: Cheetah, Chelsea, Cocoa, and Toby.)
And here's a picture of the whole clan, with Bubbles, Tiny, and all three cats together.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Various Projects
Unfortunately, I forgot to charge up my camera, so no pictures of my recent WIP pieces. But I'll post some soon, I promise.
I'm still working on the multicolored baby blanket. I finally got sick of all the hanging yarn, so I weaved in all the ends of yarn that wouldn't been used in the rest of the design anymore. That made it a little more manageable, but it still takes me about 40 minutes to complete one row. Geez!
I started another project. The doggie sweater from the Stitch 'N Bitch book. It's fairly easy knitting, but I've gotten to the part for the arm holes and I'm trying to figure that our now. I'm also having to make adjustments because the width wise, I'm following the large dog measurements. And length wise, I have to adjust it to the medium dog size. I hope it will fit!
The third and last project I'm working on is my favorite. Why? Because it's brainless knitting for me. I'm knitting squares for charity. I found it on the Knitty Gritty site. You knit simple squares with any kind of worsted weight yarn. Send them to the address on the site - and they knit them all together into blankets for the homeless. How wonderful! So, when I feel the mood to knit, but don't want to sit there with the book and follow a pattern, I'm just knitting 7"x9" squares.
Not much else going on lately. I didn't get the job I interviewed for two weeks ago. It was basically a promotion from the position I'm in now. I was so disappointed, because I was given a lot of false hope for this position. I came in 'second' on my interview. Story of my life. Second time I came in second for this same position. Unbelievable. Anyway, I get upset whenever I think about it, so I won't go into details.
I'm still working on the multicolored baby blanket. I finally got sick of all the hanging yarn, so I weaved in all the ends of yarn that wouldn't been used in the rest of the design anymore. That made it a little more manageable, but it still takes me about 40 minutes to complete one row. Geez!
I started another project. The doggie sweater from the Stitch 'N Bitch book. It's fairly easy knitting, but I've gotten to the part for the arm holes and I'm trying to figure that our now. I'm also having to make adjustments because the width wise, I'm following the large dog measurements. And length wise, I have to adjust it to the medium dog size. I hope it will fit!
The third and last project I'm working on is my favorite. Why? Because it's brainless knitting for me. I'm knitting squares for charity. I found it on the Knitty Gritty site. You knit simple squares with any kind of worsted weight yarn. Send them to the address on the site - and they knit them all together into blankets for the homeless. How wonderful! So, when I feel the mood to knit, but don't want to sit there with the book and follow a pattern, I'm just knitting 7"x9" squares.
Not much else going on lately. I didn't get the job I interviewed for two weeks ago. It was basically a promotion from the position I'm in now. I was so disappointed, because I was given a lot of false hope for this position. I came in 'second' on my interview. Story of my life. Second time I came in second for this same position. Unbelievable. Anyway, I get upset whenever I think about it, so I won't go into details.
Monday, February 19, 2007
New Vet
We took our baby to the vet today for his annual checkup. Instead of Pets Unlimited, we took him to a new pet hospital in Laurel Heights. We had a pretty big scare with Monte last year when his surgery to remove a tooth didn't go as planned - and as a result, Pets Unlimited charged us an arm an a leg for all the tests we had to do after the surgery.
Long story short, Monte had a tooth that needed to be removed. He has a history of heart arrhythmia. When they put him under for the surgery to remove the tooth, his blood pressure dropped so low that they had to bring him back immediately. So, of course, we authorized a bunch of tests for his heart.
What we found out later that:
#1 - his tooth didn't have to be surgically removed. It would fall out on its own in time (which by the way, one year later, is still there).
#2 - they used a different anesthetic than what had been used on him before. The new stuff gave him a bad reaction.
#3 - they charged us full price for all the tests they did on his heart - only to find that everything was the same as his records from previous tests that had been done years ago. So, if not for the surgery, we wouldn't have had to do these tests.
#4 - we almost lost Monte because of these bad decisions.
So, to round it off - we ended up paying nearly $300 to get his teeth cleaned - which is all they did during the surgery prep time.
With all that said, this year, Monte got a new vet. Anna is very nice and blunt. Straight to the point, Monte's heart condition is rare, and something we need to monitor. Though he shows no symptoms, as he gets older, we just have to watch out in case somethings does go wrong. We have the name of a cardiologist that will do regular checkups on Monte from now on.
What can you do? Pets become your children. There's nothing I wouldn't do for my little Monte kitty.
His new favorite spot.
Long story short, Monte had a tooth that needed to be removed. He has a history of heart arrhythmia. When they put him under for the surgery to remove the tooth, his blood pressure dropped so low that they had to bring him back immediately. So, of course, we authorized a bunch of tests for his heart.
What we found out later that:
#1 - his tooth didn't have to be surgically removed. It would fall out on its own in time (which by the way, one year later, is still there).
#2 - they used a different anesthetic than what had been used on him before. The new stuff gave him a bad reaction.
#3 - they charged us full price for all the tests they did on his heart - only to find that everything was the same as his records from previous tests that had been done years ago. So, if not for the surgery, we wouldn't have had to do these tests.
#4 - we almost lost Monte because of these bad decisions.
So, to round it off - we ended up paying nearly $300 to get his teeth cleaned - which is all they did during the surgery prep time.
With all that said, this year, Monte got a new vet. Anna is very nice and blunt. Straight to the point, Monte's heart condition is rare, and something we need to monitor. Though he shows no symptoms, as he gets older, we just have to watch out in case somethings does go wrong. We have the name of a cardiologist that will do regular checkups on Monte from now on.
What can you do? Pets become your children. There's nothing I wouldn't do for my little Monte kitty.
His new favorite spot.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Friday, February 09, 2007
What did I get myself into?
My #1 goal for the beginning of the year was to complete a baby blanket for my college roommate who is due April 1st. Well, I thought starting it in February would give me two months to get it done and shipped off. WRONG!
I had chosen a very cute design that basically is a border of a solid color, with blocks of either stripes or polka dots (big ones and small ones). I don't know what I was thinking because I had never done anything with four colors before. I didn't know that you're supposed to start a new color chain with every new color section on the blanket.
You see this mess?
That's only half of it.
It doesn't look too bad from the second picture, but this was taken a few days ago. Since then, I've added double the loose ends of yarn to it. My goodness. It takes me 45 mins to knit one row. It's not a huge blanket, but my time is used when I have to untangle the bobbins of yarn, and switch colors every few stitches.
I think it will be very cute once it's done, but at this rate, I think it will be baby's first Christmas present. I haven't given up yet, but most nights, I do one row and I'm sick of the sight of the thing already. Maybe I'll knit another umbillical cord hat. That was a big hit last baby gift.
I had chosen a very cute design that basically is a border of a solid color, with blocks of either stripes or polka dots (big ones and small ones). I don't know what I was thinking because I had never done anything with four colors before. I didn't know that you're supposed to start a new color chain with every new color section on the blanket.
You see this mess?
That's only half of it.
It doesn't look too bad from the second picture, but this was taken a few days ago. Since then, I've added double the loose ends of yarn to it. My goodness. It takes me 45 mins to knit one row. It's not a huge blanket, but my time is used when I have to untangle the bobbins of yarn, and switch colors every few stitches.
I think it will be very cute once it's done, but at this rate, I think it will be baby's first Christmas present. I haven't given up yet, but most nights, I do one row and I'm sick of the sight of the thing already. Maybe I'll knit another umbillical cord hat. That was a big hit last baby gift.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Unpublished comments
I finally broke down and upgraded my Blogger to the new 'Googlized' version. Man, I didn't know I had so many comments that I never saw! And I feel bad about not answering any them. Honestly, I didn't know I had them!
So, to Kuky - I thank you so much for all your words of support and for your prayers during that very difficult time with Bubbles! I wasn't ignoring you!!!
It's been a very weird week. Reconnected with an old friend who called me out of the blue - we talked on the phone for over an hour. Then another friend that I 'broke up' with about 5 years ago, wrote me an email, bascially apologizing for what had happened and explain a little of what was going on with her then and over the past few years. I guess the bottom line is, she's wondering if there a chance for us to become friends again. It will take time, but I think that is probably the directing we'll be taking. I know it won't be the same, but I'd like us to try to be friends again.
The ultimate mood killer on top of everything is that my aunt passed away last week. We went to her funeral yesterday.
Being that is was Superbowl Sunday too, my hubby went off to his party after the funeral, and I stayed home and watched a marathon of my new favorite TV show - Knitty Gritty. What is it about? Knitting, of course! All kinds of projects and tips & tricks. I happened across it while channel surfing at my roommate's house during the LA trip. It's on the DIY channel. It was a marathon, but after about 6 episodes, they started repeating. I looked online and apparently it's in their 3rd or 4th season, so why the repeats? I don't know.
During the show, I also started on the baby blanket I wanted to make for my Roomie. It consists of different colored squares with either stripes or dots. With all the twisted yarn, it's a complete nightmare, but I think I'm getting it. I'll post a picture when I clean it up a bit.
So, to Kuky - I thank you so much for all your words of support and for your prayers during that very difficult time with Bubbles! I wasn't ignoring you!!!
It's been a very weird week. Reconnected with an old friend who called me out of the blue - we talked on the phone for over an hour. Then another friend that I 'broke up' with about 5 years ago, wrote me an email, bascially apologizing for what had happened and explain a little of what was going on with her then and over the past few years. I guess the bottom line is, she's wondering if there a chance for us to become friends again. It will take time, but I think that is probably the directing we'll be taking. I know it won't be the same, but I'd like us to try to be friends again.
The ultimate mood killer on top of everything is that my aunt passed away last week. We went to her funeral yesterday.
Being that is was Superbowl Sunday too, my hubby went off to his party after the funeral, and I stayed home and watched a marathon of my new favorite TV show - Knitty Gritty. What is it about? Knitting, of course! All kinds of projects and tips & tricks. I happened across it while channel surfing at my roommate's house during the LA trip. It's on the DIY channel. It was a marathon, but after about 6 episodes, they started repeating. I looked online and apparently it's in their 3rd or 4th season, so why the repeats? I don't know.
During the show, I also started on the baby blanket I wanted to make for my Roomie. It consists of different colored squares with either stripes or dots. With all the twisted yarn, it's a complete nightmare, but I think I'm getting it. I'll post a picture when I clean it up a bit.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Click
My hubby and I recently saw Click, the comedy from Adam Sandler. I was skeptical at first because I'm not a huge Adam Sandler in terns of his comedy movies, but one of my favorite movies is Spanglish. It's still a comedy, but with a dramatic edge to it. Very good movie.
Wouldn't you know it? I loved Click too. At one point of the film, I was bawling. There are very funny moments, yet there are very sad moments too. It's a clever movie. I like Adam Sandler a lot more when he's in a more serious role and there are funny situtations that he's placed in. Not when he's a complete idiot throughout the film.
I guess it's the same as Jim Carrey. I like him in the more 'not trying to be funny' roles. And he's excellent in The Truman Show and especially Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind.
Wouldn't you know it? I loved Click too. At one point of the film, I was bawling. There are very funny moments, yet there are very sad moments too. It's a clever movie. I like Adam Sandler a lot more when he's in a more serious role and there are funny situtations that he's placed in. Not when he's a complete idiot throughout the film.
I guess it's the same as Jim Carrey. I like him in the more 'not trying to be funny' roles. And he's excellent in The Truman Show and especially Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Performance ratings
Every quarter at work, we have to write up examples that justify why we are either proficient or show strength in several categories called a 'Competency Model'. These categories include things like "Acts with Ethics and Integrity", "Teamwork," or "Community and Environmental Responsibility."
I have such a difficult time with these because all the categories ultimately are the same. I give the same examples, the same reasons - every quarter, every year. I'm so busy at work every day, surely I must have some great examples to show my strengths!?
This quarter, I've been having a doubly hard time - why? Because if I put down that I feel I have 'strength' in something, I have to come up with TWO examples, and in a specific format. If I feel I'm 'proficient' then I only need to come up with ONE example.
So, do I just say I'm ok with everything to save me some time? Or do I say I'm strong in everything and then lose sleep over what on earth to say? I go through this 4 times a year. At this moment, I'm working on it at 11:55p on a Saturday night - you know I'm hating life right now.
Why do I fret over this and not just say I'm proficient in everything? Because this helps our boss justify our annual bonus and raises to the higher ups. The more you show you do, the less questions our boss gets on why he feels we should get 'this much' raise next year.
I think I'm tapped out for the night though. I guess my Sunday morning will be dedicated to this too. Great.
I have such a difficult time with these because all the categories ultimately are the same. I give the same examples, the same reasons - every quarter, every year. I'm so busy at work every day, surely I must have some great examples to show my strengths!?
This quarter, I've been having a doubly hard time - why? Because if I put down that I feel I have 'strength' in something, I have to come up with TWO examples, and in a specific format. If I feel I'm 'proficient' then I only need to come up with ONE example.
So, do I just say I'm ok with everything to save me some time? Or do I say I'm strong in everything and then lose sleep over what on earth to say? I go through this 4 times a year. At this moment, I'm working on it at 11:55p on a Saturday night - you know I'm hating life right now.
Why do I fret over this and not just say I'm proficient in everything? Because this helps our boss justify our annual bonus and raises to the higher ups. The more you show you do, the less questions our boss gets on why he feels we should get 'this much' raise next year.
I think I'm tapped out for the night though. I guess my Sunday morning will be dedicated to this too. Great.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
In need of vacation
What they say is so true - the person most in need of a vacation, is the person who just came back from one. This is what my schedule has been the last few weeks. Had time off between Christmas and New Years. Went back to work from 1/2 - 1/4. From 1/5 - 1/9 went on trip to LA (details to follow) and then just three days of work. Now it's a long weekend for MLK, Jr. day. I totally did what I set out to do during the Christmas break. I stayed in my jammies almost the entire time, only going out when I needed to. I cleaned the house, did laundry, knitted, watch TV and movies. Yep, the ultimate lazy vacation. And I loved every minute of it. I'm pretty sure Monte was loving all this attention 24/7 too.
(This is when I was trying to wrap up a baby gift for my friend before the trip)
Oh, and here is the completed pair of Ugg boots for my roomie.
We took an extended trip to LA, #1 to attend a college friend's wedding. #2, visit all my buddies who live in So Cal. We drove down last Friday - had dinner with one friend (who used to live in SF) and chatted the night away with her and her husband. They made yellow chicken curry - YUM. She also made this baked squash with sage and olive oil that was so good! I'm going to have to try it. Saturday (all day) was dedicated to wedding festivities. Met up with several friends from college. It was basically a reunion, but one friend had the flu and didn't make it. It was a beautiful wedding. G looked so beautiful in her gown. And check this out - this was the cake topper. I love it! Looks just like them.
Sunday, had lunch at The Ivy (whoo hoo) with a good friend from high school. Nice restaurant, but it was definitely pretentious. My hubby observed, as we were leaving, a guy who couldn't be more than 20 years old, got out of a really REALLY nice Jag, dressed in the bummiest clothes possible. You know his family was RICH, but dang, he looked like crap. Cigarette hanging out of his mouth, hair all mussed up. Looked like he just rolled out of bed - and now he's have lunch at The Ivy. Whatever.
What I witnessed was one woman who couldn't maneuver her baby stroller around a corner to where her girlfriends were sitting. A waiter offered to help, and she just walked away and let him take care of it without so much as a 'thank you'. DANG! I guess the nanny was busy that day? I know that sounds mean, but it just wasn't right what she did. And she was so frustrated with the stroller. She just didn't know what to do. All it was was a turn around a corner.
Anyway, the food was good. Overpriced, but good. I had the most perfect Fish & Chips. Didn't see any celebrities though. Oh well. I probably would have had better luck on a weekday. It's a really nice area too with lots of cute little boutiques.
After lunch and strolling through the boutiques, we hung out with my friend at her condo for hours, just chatting away. Before you knew it, it was dinner time - so we headed to Century City mall (name?) and ate dinner there. After that, we said our goodbyes and drove to Port Hueneme to visit with my roommate from college.
I love my roommate. She's about 6 months pregnant now. I've always told her I just couldn't believe she was pregnant until I saw her. Well, I saw her - and I still can't believe it! My roomie! Anyway, she's got the mother-to-be happiness glow. No more morning sickness, she's loving food again. She's enjoying pregnancy now. I wish I were closer so I could see the baby when he's born. Yes, they're having a boy! Gavin. We stayed with there until Tuesday. It was fun.
She and her hubby had to work Monday, but she took a half day and went with us to the Camarillo outlets. Then for dinner, we all drove to Calabasas and at King's Fish House. I love their mac & cheese!!! I admit, I first saw this place on Newlyweds and have been dying to try it ever since. I love seafood. I love mac & cheese. This was a must try place. And I was not disappointed. I think next drive to LA, we'll have to eat there again.
We said our sad goodbyes and drove back home on Tuesday. We only had three days of work, but man, it still felt like a full week of work. I'm so bad! Still on vacation mode.
Tomorrow is my hubby's birthday. I don't have anything planned, because his parents wanted us to go out there for dinner, so we'll probably head out early. I like the Michaels stores out there better (they're much bigger) so we'll do a pitstop. I have lots of projects planned for this year already. Two more pairs of baby ugg boots, a stuffed monkey, doggie sweater, a cap, and one more apron. WHEW!
(This is when I was trying to wrap up a baby gift for my friend before the trip)
Oh, and here is the completed pair of Ugg boots for my roomie.
We took an extended trip to LA, #1 to attend a college friend's wedding. #2, visit all my buddies who live in So Cal. We drove down last Friday - had dinner with one friend (who used to live in SF) and chatted the night away with her and her husband. They made yellow chicken curry - YUM. She also made this baked squash with sage and olive oil that was so good! I'm going to have to try it. Saturday (all day) was dedicated to wedding festivities. Met up with several friends from college. It was basically a reunion, but one friend had the flu and didn't make it. It was a beautiful wedding. G looked so beautiful in her gown. And check this out - this was the cake topper. I love it! Looks just like them.
Sunday, had lunch at The Ivy (whoo hoo) with a good friend from high school. Nice restaurant, but it was definitely pretentious. My hubby observed, as we were leaving, a guy who couldn't be more than 20 years old, got out of a really REALLY nice Jag, dressed in the bummiest clothes possible. You know his family was RICH, but dang, he looked like crap. Cigarette hanging out of his mouth, hair all mussed up. Looked like he just rolled out of bed - and now he's have lunch at The Ivy. Whatever.
What I witnessed was one woman who couldn't maneuver her baby stroller around a corner to where her girlfriends were sitting. A waiter offered to help, and she just walked away and let him take care of it without so much as a 'thank you'. DANG! I guess the nanny was busy that day? I know that sounds mean, but it just wasn't right what she did. And she was so frustrated with the stroller. She just didn't know what to do. All it was was a turn around a corner.
Anyway, the food was good. Overpriced, but good. I had the most perfect Fish & Chips. Didn't see any celebrities though. Oh well. I probably would have had better luck on a weekday. It's a really nice area too with lots of cute little boutiques.
After lunch and strolling through the boutiques, we hung out with my friend at her condo for hours, just chatting away. Before you knew it, it was dinner time - so we headed to Century City mall (name?) and ate dinner there. After that, we said our goodbyes and drove to Port Hueneme to visit with my roommate from college.
I love my roommate. She's about 6 months pregnant now. I've always told her I just couldn't believe she was pregnant until I saw her. Well, I saw her - and I still can't believe it! My roomie! Anyway, she's got the mother-to-be happiness glow. No more morning sickness, she's loving food again. She's enjoying pregnancy now. I wish I were closer so I could see the baby when he's born. Yes, they're having a boy! Gavin. We stayed with there until Tuesday. It was fun.
She and her hubby had to work Monday, but she took a half day and went with us to the Camarillo outlets. Then for dinner, we all drove to Calabasas and at King's Fish House. I love their mac & cheese!!! I admit, I first saw this place on Newlyweds and have been dying to try it ever since. I love seafood. I love mac & cheese. This was a must try place. And I was not disappointed. I think next drive to LA, we'll have to eat there again.
We said our sad goodbyes and drove back home on Tuesday. We only had three days of work, but man, it still felt like a full week of work. I'm so bad! Still on vacation mode.
Tomorrow is my hubby's birthday. I don't have anything planned, because his parents wanted us to go out there for dinner, so we'll probably head out early. I like the Michaels stores out there better (they're much bigger) so we'll do a pitstop. I have lots of projects planned for this year already. Two more pairs of baby ugg boots, a stuffed monkey, doggie sweater, a cap, and one more apron. WHEW!
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