I've typed, deleted, typed, deleted - and nothing I write seems right tonight.
Today is a day to remember.
To cry if you want to.
To appreciate.
To say a prayer for those we've lost.
To say a prayer for those who have lost.
A cheer to the heros.
A cheer to our country.
In whatever way you feel like, I hope you take a moment to remember our past - and look forward to our future.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Long needed vacation
Our Las Vegas weekend has come and gone. It was a great trip. We didn't win a million dollars, but we didn't lose everything we brought - so to me, that was a successful trip.
We got a great offer at the Wynn, and we were able to enjoy several of the restaurants there. Our first night, we met up with some friends who happened to be in Vegas at the same time. The four of us enjoyed a delicious dinner at Corsa Cucina. I had a filet with lobster gnocchi. Oh my goodness that gnocchi was good. There wasn't much of it, so I ate them as slowly as possible.
The next night, we had dinner at Daniel Boulud. My hubby had had their signature braised short ribs over a year ago and he had been drooling over the thought having it again ever since. We both ordered it. The meat was delicious, but instead of the rich red wine sauce we expected, they served it with some sort of carrot puree. It was yummy, but was a little odd. And we found out that they used white wine to braise the meat. They were going for a lighter "summer" flavor. It was good, but the red wine sauce with the meat would have been so much better.
We got a wonderful table outside with a view of the Wynn's grand waterfall - but it was so damn hot and humid, we finished our meal as quickly as we could and went back into the air conditioning. It was 86 degrees at 11pm at night - that's how hot it was. We didn't eat at 11pm, but we went out for a walk - and hurried back after walking around two nearby hotels.
To round off our all meat weekend (totally unintentional) we had our last dinner at the SW Steakhouse. If ever a filet with a side of creamed spinach and potatoes au gratin could be ever so yummy, this place was it. Wow - it was expensive, but it so worth every penny. We shared a portabello mushroom and corn soup and crab cake (yes, just one crab cake) for appetizers too. We were sooooo full that we didn't even look at the dessert menu. WHEW!
As they say, the person most in need of a vacation is the person who just came back from one. I definitely need another vacation. I love Vegas - but maybe next time we'll get an offer in the months where the temp doesn't go over three digits during the day.
We got a great offer at the Wynn, and we were able to enjoy several of the restaurants there. Our first night, we met up with some friends who happened to be in Vegas at the same time. The four of us enjoyed a delicious dinner at Corsa Cucina. I had a filet with lobster gnocchi. Oh my goodness that gnocchi was good. There wasn't much of it, so I ate them as slowly as possible.
The next night, we had dinner at Daniel Boulud. My hubby had had their signature braised short ribs over a year ago and he had been drooling over the thought having it again ever since. We both ordered it. The meat was delicious, but instead of the rich red wine sauce we expected, they served it with some sort of carrot puree. It was yummy, but was a little odd. And we found out that they used white wine to braise the meat. They were going for a lighter "summer" flavor. It was good, but the red wine sauce with the meat would have been so much better.
We got a wonderful table outside with a view of the Wynn's grand waterfall - but it was so damn hot and humid, we finished our meal as quickly as we could and went back into the air conditioning. It was 86 degrees at 11pm at night - that's how hot it was. We didn't eat at 11pm, but we went out for a walk - and hurried back after walking around two nearby hotels.
To round off our all meat weekend (totally unintentional) we had our last dinner at the SW Steakhouse. If ever a filet with a side of creamed spinach and potatoes au gratin could be ever so yummy, this place was it. Wow - it was expensive, but it so worth every penny. We shared a portabello mushroom and corn soup and crab cake (yes, just one crab cake) for appetizers too. We were sooooo full that we didn't even look at the dessert menu. WHEW!
As they say, the person most in need of a vacation is the person who just came back from one. I definitely need another vacation. I love Vegas - but maybe next time we'll get an offer in the months where the temp doesn't go over three digits during the day.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Zombie
That's the best way to describe me right now. I got up at 5:15am today. Got ready and then got my new fave flavor coffee of the month from Starbucks (white mocha latte - YUM) and headed out to Sacramento for a meeting. I can't complain. I got there in an hour and a half from San Francisco. No traffic at all. I just blasted the radio and had a good old sing along.
After an eight hour meeting (yes, eight wonderful hours - with 30 mins for lunch) I finally headed back to the city around 4:30p. That trip took me over 2 hours.
I'm exhaused. I think for the first time in years, I may conk out before 11pm. I know that's late to some people, but I usually start winding down around midnight. Bad habit. I only get a few hours sleep, but I just get a second wind come 11p or 12a.
I think I'll start getting ready now. I'm too tired to even read Harry Potter tonight. I stayed up until 2:30a this past Sunday reading it. Totally screwed up my schedule.
Oh, and I restarted that stupid poncho for the 10th time last night. I don't know what I was thinking. I was doing the Backward Loop cast on, instead of a yarn over. What the heck was I thinking? So, now with effort number 10, it's as it should be. Knock on wood. If I have to start over again, the poncho will be retired and I'll make something else with the yarn. ARGH!!!
After an eight hour meeting (yes, eight wonderful hours - with 30 mins for lunch) I finally headed back to the city around 4:30p. That trip took me over 2 hours.
I'm exhaused. I think for the first time in years, I may conk out before 11pm. I know that's late to some people, but I usually start winding down around midnight. Bad habit. I only get a few hours sleep, but I just get a second wind come 11p or 12a.
I think I'll start getting ready now. I'm too tired to even read Harry Potter tonight. I stayed up until 2:30a this past Sunday reading it. Totally screwed up my schedule.
Oh, and I restarted that stupid poncho for the 10th time last night. I don't know what I was thinking. I was doing the Backward Loop cast on, instead of a yarn over. What the heck was I thinking? So, now with effort number 10, it's as it should be. Knock on wood. If I have to start over again, the poncho will be retired and I'll make something else with the yarn. ARGH!!!
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Feeling sheepish
Well, I restarted that baby poncho almost 9 times during my Tahoe trip. NINE!!! I was so frustrated that I even joined a knitting forum for help. As I was writing my plea for help, it suddenly dawned on me what had been wrong and why the pattern wasn't working for me. I was adding an extra stitch to one of the steps. DUH!!!
It's amazing how my eyes played tricks on me for this one. Geez. Now I feel so silly. Yes, I screwed up and misread the pattern. My bad.
So, now I'm working on this beautiful little poncho that I hope to have completed by next Saturday. I'm going to meet my friend for dinner and I want to be able to give this poncho to her daughter.
What else have I been working on? Well, we saw Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (FINALLY). I loved it. Then I finished rereading Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Now I'm starting on the seventh and final book of the saga, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I'm taking my time - I don't want it to end.
I've also been working on other projects. I get bored easily, so I always have a few things going at the same time.
1. Doggie sweater
2. Stuffed airplane
3. Another version on the stuffed elephant - this one will be in an Oakland A's baseball uniform.
Of all things, I don't have any picture of the poncho yet. I'll get one posted soon.
It's amazing how my eyes played tricks on me for this one. Geez. Now I feel so silly. Yes, I screwed up and misread the pattern. My bad.
So, now I'm working on this beautiful little poncho that I hope to have completed by next Saturday. I'm going to meet my friend for dinner and I want to be able to give this poncho to her daughter.
What else have I been working on? Well, we saw Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (FINALLY). I loved it. Then I finished rereading Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. Now I'm starting on the seventh and final book of the saga, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I'm taking my time - I don't want it to end.
I've also been working on other projects. I get bored easily, so I always have a few things going at the same time.
1. Doggie sweater
2. Stuffed airplane
3. Another version on the stuffed elephant - this one will be in an Oakland A's baseball uniform.
Of all things, I don't have any picture of the poncho yet. I'll get one posted soon.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
I think I can!
From the moment I got this book, I told myself that I was going to make every single item in it. Everything is so cute. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's the holiday theme. Maybe it has great pictures that make everything just so appealling. Whatever it is, despite my very busy schedule, I decided to take a break today and knit the baby poncho.
I am not an advanced knitter, but I'm not a beginner either. Other than something just taking time, I can follow a pattern and complete my projects.
Let me tell you, I must be having a very bad day or something because I started that poncho over three times, and finally gave up. Then I tried a baby bootie. That has also been frogged. The needles have been put back in there place. The used yarn wrapped around the remaining skeins. It was very frustrating. The patterns weren't clear and didn't make sense.
The pictures in this book are gorgeous. The book itself is not cheaply made - nor was it cheap. The designs in there are just yummy - but the patterns. Geez!!! I wish I were good enough at my knitting where I could get an idea for something and make up my own pattern. I depend so much on instructions that this really frustrates me - because I don't know how to make all these things I want to make now.
Maybe I'll be brave and try it again another day. Knitting usually relaxes me. Not tonight unfortunately. Bummer.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Ain't life funny?
OK, this isn't the funny part. I don't know what is going on with my Blogger. I can't add titles to my posts! The title field is there, but I can't click into it or type into it. Frustrating. So, I'm manually creating a "title" within my entry.
Now, my real blog. One boring evening, I decided to search on loom knitting on You Tube. Don't ask me why, because I have no idea what made me even think of loom knitting. I was surfing on You Tube, so I probably saw it as a link on something else. Anyway...
I came across these instructional videos from purlingsprite that just made me completely fascinated with loom knitting. I had no idea what that colorful round frame with all the little pegs sticking out of it could do! Or what it was for. I've seen them forever at the craft stores.
Last night, I was catching up on my taped episodes of Knitty Gritty, and who should be a guest on the show??? My loom instructor from You Tube, Isela Phelps (I figure since she was on TV, it's ok to reveal her name on my little blog). Turns out she has her own blog and has published a book on loom knitting. In fact, she and her husband create and sell looms! What a small world.
So, what am I doing tonight? Happily catching up on the Purling Sprite blog and reminding myself that I have way too many WIPs to even think about starting to take up looming.
OK, this isn't the funny part. I don't know what is going on with my Blogger. I can't add titles to my posts! The title field is there, but I can't click into it or type into it. Frustrating. So, I'm manually creating a "title" within my entry.
Now, my real blog. One boring evening, I decided to search on loom knitting on You Tube. Don't ask me why, because I have no idea what made me even think of loom knitting. I was surfing on You Tube, so I probably saw it as a link on something else. Anyway...
I came across these instructional videos from purlingsprite that just made me completely fascinated with loom knitting. I had no idea what that colorful round frame with all the little pegs sticking out of it could do! Or what it was for. I've seen them forever at the craft stores.
Last night, I was catching up on my taped episodes of Knitty Gritty, and who should be a guest on the show??? My loom instructor from You Tube, Isela Phelps (I figure since she was on TV, it's ok to reveal her name on my little blog). Turns out she has her own blog and has published a book on loom knitting. In fact, she and her husband create and sell looms! What a small world.
So, what am I doing tonight? Happily catching up on the Purling Sprite blog and reminding myself that I have way too many WIPs to even think about starting to take up looming.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
I'm feeling a little down today
Actually, the day itself was not bad, but there has been a little cloud of sadness over me. Today would have been Bubbles' 16th birthday. Which mean, in another 7 days, he would have been gone from us for one year. One year already!
It brings back memories of what a difficult time it was for me and my family last year during these very same days. Bubbles was diagnosed with cancer, then it seemed to be in remission. Then it came back in full force. He was not able to stand or walk at this time, and my parents lovingly hand fed him all his meals every day. It was a very sad time for all of us.
I hugged his picture today and cried a bit. I still miss him very much. Sigh...
On a happier note, we've been catching up on movies this summer. We just watched Blood Diamond. Very good movie, but since I know those things happen in reality, it was disturbing. I'm sure diamonds are not as rare as the distributors want the world to think, but they control it. And to think of all the carnage that happened in the last, God only knows how many, years - it's just sickening. Anyway, good performances by Leonardo DiCaprio and Djimon Hounsou.
Tonight, I felt like a comedy, so we watched First 50 Dates with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. I liked it, but it was sad at times. I really like both actors, and there were some very funny scenes. If you ever watch it, be assured that the comment they make about a Walrus' (eh em) private parts, is true. Years ago, I went to Sea World with some friends and while visiting the Walrus exhibit... well, let's just say, I have a very funny picture that is evidence of what they talk about in the movie. Hey, if you ever saw it live, you'd break out your camera too.
Earlier this afternoon, I watched Volver, with Penelope Cruz. It's actually very good. I was surprised that I enjoyed it so much. Unlike other films, this was completely in Spanish, so I couldn't knit and watch at the same time. I actually had to pay attention and read the subtitles. It's not the best film in the world, but it was good. Penelope Cruz is so pretty, even though she has raccoon eye make up throughout the film.
The All Star Game festivities have begun. My hubby and I just ran outside to watch a short fireworks show near AT&T Park. They're closing off streets and traffic is going to be crazy here. I think I'll be ok getting to work in the mornings, and I can always walk home from work. My hubby has to get to Redwood City. He may try to take the CalTrain. It would be a nightmare for when he tries to get home by car. On Monday, he wants to go to the park, because they're doing something called the Home Run Derby. Should be interesting.
Actually, the day itself was not bad, but there has been a little cloud of sadness over me. Today would have been Bubbles' 16th birthday. Which mean, in another 7 days, he would have been gone from us for one year. One year already!
It brings back memories of what a difficult time it was for me and my family last year during these very same days. Bubbles was diagnosed with cancer, then it seemed to be in remission. Then it came back in full force. He was not able to stand or walk at this time, and my parents lovingly hand fed him all his meals every day. It was a very sad time for all of us.
I hugged his picture today and cried a bit. I still miss him very much. Sigh...
On a happier note, we've been catching up on movies this summer. We just watched Blood Diamond. Very good movie, but since I know those things happen in reality, it was disturbing. I'm sure diamonds are not as rare as the distributors want the world to think, but they control it. And to think of all the carnage that happened in the last, God only knows how many, years - it's just sickening. Anyway, good performances by Leonardo DiCaprio and Djimon Hounsou.
Tonight, I felt like a comedy, so we watched First 50 Dates with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. I liked it, but it was sad at times. I really like both actors, and there were some very funny scenes. If you ever watch it, be assured that the comment they make about a Walrus' (eh em) private parts, is true. Years ago, I went to Sea World with some friends and while visiting the Walrus exhibit... well, let's just say, I have a very funny picture that is evidence of what they talk about in the movie. Hey, if you ever saw it live, you'd break out your camera too.
Earlier this afternoon, I watched Volver, with Penelope Cruz. It's actually very good. I was surprised that I enjoyed it so much. Unlike other films, this was completely in Spanish, so I couldn't knit and watch at the same time. I actually had to pay attention and read the subtitles. It's not the best film in the world, but it was good. Penelope Cruz is so pretty, even though she has raccoon eye make up throughout the film.
The All Star Game festivities have begun. My hubby and I just ran outside to watch a short fireworks show near AT&T Park. They're closing off streets and traffic is going to be crazy here. I think I'll be ok getting to work in the mornings, and I can always walk home from work. My hubby has to get to Redwood City. He may try to take the CalTrain. It would be a nightmare for when he tries to get home by car. On Monday, he wants to go to the park, because they're doing something called the Home Run Derby. Should be interesting.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Our Mr. Brooks
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!
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!
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.
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