And for Jane
Waiting
Things are happening (being forced to happen), and I may not be able to update tomorrow. But I figured while I'm still able I would knock out a post and at least get to 7 for NaBloPoMo 2011.
I'm starving and may not be able to eat for some time. Hoping that things go quickly and smoothly. Prayers for discernment to know exactly what to do.
And for any blog readers who have no idea what this means -- all will become clear in a couple days time.
I'm starving and may not be able to eat for some time. Hoping that things go quickly and smoothly. Prayers for discernment to know exactly what to do.
And for any blog readers who have no idea what this means -- all will become clear in a couple days time.
Undefeated
Geaux Tigers and Go Pokes! Both teams remain undefeated this season. I flipped back and forth last night watching their games -- both on at 7 p.m. central on national television. The streets were full of screams and fireworks after the Tigers won -- it was reminiscent of election day 2008 in NYC when Obama won. NYU students don't get excited about sports -- they get excited about politics. Anyway.
We watched the games on mute on our tiny TV. I'm not a big fan of the commentation, although our TV is so small it's not always easy to see how much time is left -- and when there's a penalty ... forget about it! Maybe someday we'll have a bigger TV. What worked in our studio apartment isn't as conducive to watching in a bigger living room. But it gets the job done and I enjoy many an hour of TV each week on it..
No writing prompts over the weekend -- it's for "free writing." One of the prompts I didn't use this week was this: When you are writing, do you prefer to use a pen or a computer?
The answer depends on what I'm writing. For note taking purposes, I'm a handwriter all the way. I can write much faster than type, at least in shorthand. But composing things like blog posts and emails, obviously typing is better. I like to hand write my letters and cards though.
Hair update: looks the same straight as it did before the haircut. It looks so long when straightened. At least no troubles with pony tails in the near future.
No writing prompts over the weekend -- it's for "free writing." One of the prompts I didn't use this week was this: When you are writing, do you prefer to use a pen or a computer?
The answer depends on what I'm writing. For note taking purposes, I'm a handwriter all the way. I can write much faster than type, at least in shorthand. But composing things like blog posts and emails, obviously typing is better. I like to hand write my letters and cards though.
Hair update: looks the same straight as it did before the haircut. It looks so long when straightened. At least no troubles with pony tails in the near future.
Saturday Yard Work
The house itself creates chores too. Cleaning is the big one, but also laundry and groceries (my main weekend tasks that are obviously less about the house and more about the people residing here). Shawn takes care of home maintenance. He is the best husband -- and house owner -- I know.
Big game tonight. Very glad it's an away game, should we need to get somewhere tonight (most likely we won't).
Disappointment (Another Hair Post)
Tip #1: don't choose a hair salon based on convenience to your house.
Tip #2: don't go to a salon called "Rage" because you may every well end up leaving ENraged.
My hair has been recovering from the weird haircut in January. It's still got super short pieces as layers on the top back from the weird stacked thing that girl did. I had a trim at a mall in Florida in May, and I think that made it even worse/puffier. But at least it was a cheaper cut.
Basically I wanted to go get a haircut that would add some shape back to the bottom of my hair, which has grown out considerably, maybe get some razored ends added back for the rock star look and mostly to get a really good blow out.
Instead of picking a chain haircut place I made an appointment at a salon that I drive by every day. A SALON, where I expect the stylists to have some modicum of training beyond snip, snip and an ability to shape hair/add layers.
The stylist was nice enough, although weird (who brings a little dog to work? the whole place seemed a little grungy). I got shampooed, which was nice, and we talked about my hair and she said she would cut some of the back off and try to blend in the layers better. It seemed straightforward, and I did emphasize that I wanted to keep the length to still be ponytail-able. She asked if I usually wear my hair curly, and I said yes, not thinking that the way I usually do it would be the way I walked out. The weather has changed here -- yesterday morning was exactly like Vancouver in July -- so it really isn't too humid for my hair to go straight, which was something she said as she was looking at my hair.
Shaping/styling didn't really happen, and the cut was about the level of a Supercuts or Fantastic Sam's visit (only twice as expensive). She just did a bit of trimming with scissors for maybe 5-10 minutes and that was that. She put some smelly stuff in my hair, searched for 5 minutes for a diffuser and then used it to dry my hair. I paid for a "style" that was really bad, i.e. so dumb I could do it myself. And my hair in the end looked like one big curly triangle.
The worst part? I still tipped her!
My hair went right back into its pony tail when I got in the car. And I raged and raged at myself for my stupidity (because really it's my fault -- I could have easily asked her to please add more layers/shaping and blow it out -- but I was ready to get out of there).
This weekend I'll wash and blow dry it myself, just to see if it's at all different than it was before once it's styled straight (because it definitely doesn't look any better when styled curly).
TL;DR? My hair woes in Baton Rouge continue...
Tip #2: don't go to a salon called "Rage" because you may every well end up leaving ENraged.
My hair has been recovering from the weird haircut in January. It's still got super short pieces as layers on the top back from the weird stacked thing that girl did. I had a trim at a mall in Florida in May, and I think that made it even worse/puffier. But at least it was a cheaper cut.
Basically I wanted to go get a haircut that would add some shape back to the bottom of my hair, which has grown out considerably, maybe get some razored ends added back for the rock star look and mostly to get a really good blow out.
Instead of picking a chain haircut place I made an appointment at a salon that I drive by every day. A SALON, where I expect the stylists to have some modicum of training beyond snip, snip and an ability to shape hair/add layers.
The stylist was nice enough, although weird (who brings a little dog to work? the whole place seemed a little grungy). I got shampooed, which was nice, and we talked about my hair and she said she would cut some of the back off and try to blend in the layers better. It seemed straightforward, and I did emphasize that I wanted to keep the length to still be ponytail-able. She asked if I usually wear my hair curly, and I said yes, not thinking that the way I usually do it would be the way I walked out. The weather has changed here -- yesterday morning was exactly like Vancouver in July -- so it really isn't too humid for my hair to go straight, which was something she said as she was looking at my hair.
Shaping/styling didn't really happen, and the cut was about the level of a Supercuts or Fantastic Sam's visit (only twice as expensive). She just did a bit of trimming with scissors for maybe 5-10 minutes and that was that. She put some smelly stuff in my hair, searched for 5 minutes for a diffuser and then used it to dry my hair. I paid for a "style" that was really bad, i.e. so dumb I could do it myself. And my hair in the end looked like one big curly triangle.
The worst part? I still tipped her!
My hair went right back into its pony tail when I got in the car. And I raged and raged at myself for my stupidity (because really it's my fault -- I could have easily asked her to please add more layers/shaping and blow it out -- but I was ready to get out of there).
This weekend I'll wash and blow dry it myself, just to see if it's at all different than it was before once it's styled straight (because it definitely doesn't look any better when styled curly).
TL;DR? My hair woes in Baton Rouge continue...
Google-y Changes
I wouldn't call myself a power user of Reader, because I've never really used all the sharing functions to their full advantage. But I certainly do use Reader every day and have hundreds of blogs that I'm able to keep up with thanks to the tool.
I followed a few people on Reader, most of whom I know in real life and therefore am connected to on G+ or am easily able to add. But there were a couple people who were strictly Reader-only connections. I was worried that because I didn't write their names down I wouldn't be able to find them and "circle" them on G+ so I could still get their recommended RSS items.
My basic questions: Where are my Google Reader Shared Items? and How can I find who I was following on Google Reader before it changed?
My shared items are still at the same URL (which I luckily have access to from my blog sidebar). New items that I share via G+ do not get added to it though, and eventually (soon?) it won't work at all.
I was also able to find them on G+ (not public, but as part of my profile) -- click profile at the top (icon looks like a person in a circle), then click Buzz on the right of the menu bar under your name. This is also where I was able to see a list of the people who I followed (and who followed me, in theory, although it never would load for me) on Reader.
So I circled the couple of people I had been following in Reader, and hopefully will remember to check G+ once a day or so to read any shared items. (I guess it would be wrong to ask for an RSS feed of my G+ feed so I could read it all in one place, i.e. Reader, which is almost always open on my computer?)
I also did the Google Takeaway option for Google Buzz (a link on that same part of G+ described above), creating an archive and downloading it. And I'll be darned -- it created a ZIP file of all the things I've shared on Google Reader. So if one of your questions is "How do I save all of my Google Reader Shared Items?" this seems to be the way to do it. Although I guess if you did other things on Buzz (what other things could you do on Buzz?) those might be created in the ZIP file as well. I saved my ZIP file in Google Docs, and I don't think I'll ever actually need it/want to review it. But if I do, it is there.
I'm sure I'll get used to these changes and maybe even start to like G+. I am intrigued by its ability for "hangouts" -- web chats with multiple people and multiple cameras. If I figure that out it could be another service-y post. Hope this one is helpful to some people. I was so excited when I figured it out yesterday!
The Memory-Keeper's Daughter
The Mom Creative is also great about sharing online deals related to memory keeping (cheap photo prints, free photo books, etc.) -- it's how I made the ABCs of Owen book over the summer for the cost of shipping at Paper Coterie. Good stuff.
I don't know that I'll ever consider myself a successful memory keeper, but I've had a lot of fun making things for Owen. And our wedding book is one of my favorite things (although I certainly wish I'd spent more time lightening/adjusting the photos in that book).
We have many a photo album at my mom's house and grandma's house that catalog my and my sister's childhood. And I think about the weekly letters my mom wrote to her mom and wonder what memories those held, and if they survived the years (I'm guessing not). I have my own journals to see about my life from my perspective once I could write (ca. 2nd grade).
So blogging is one way that I'm keeping memories and it's an outgrowth of my childhood journaling. But my blogging is selective ... and I have been falling away from it so much that when I left a comment on The Mom Creative to thank Jessica for her series I got my blog URL wrong! (blogger vs. blogspot)
Perhaps this November effort will get me back in touch with what I liked about having a blog in the first place. Or maybe not...
Today's NaBloPoMo blog prompt: If you knew that whatever you ate next would be your last meal, what would you want it to be?
Sort of easy: Gran's fried chicken or chicken-fried steak, new potatoes and white gravy, loaded salad w/ Catalina dressing, Sonic vanilla diet coke, millionaire pie.
November One
I've taken part in National Blog Post Month (NaBloPoMo) for the last few years. I have plenty of time on my hands right now, so I figured why not give myself a challenge? I may will likely not make it the entire month, but I can give it a shot. It remains to be seen if I will write about the most important parts of my life, or if those will remain in offline mode.
If you'd like to join Zulilly use my referral link and I get $15 credit. I've ordered a couple things from it but not sure it's actually worth anything. Quite the ringing endorsement, huh?
So the writing prompt for today is What is your favourite part about writing?
Does anyone have an answer for that? I think partially it's reading my writing later -- not for the quality of the writing but for the memory keeping itself. I also like to choose words, and I like grammar and punctuation. Probably a lot of it has to do with navel gazing.
If you'd like to join Zulilly use my referral link and I get $15 credit. I've ordered a couple things from it but not sure it's actually worth anything. Quite the ringing endorsement, huh?
So the writing prompt for today is What is your favourite part about writing?
Does anyone have an answer for that? I think partially it's reading my writing later -- not for the quality of the writing but for the memory keeping itself. I also like to choose words, and I like grammar and punctuation. Probably a lot of it has to do with navel gazing.
Rebound
Still haven't discussed my personality results further, but am less
stressed by them/they're not keeping me up nights anymore. One of the
things the guy said was "these are all strengths" -- a regular line, but
whatever. And really I don't doubt myself -- I'm a kick ass employee
and typically pretty highly valued. I'm in unique circumstances now, but
still encouraged.
One of the things the guy asked me was about a perfect day -- at work and off work. For work it's about getting a lot of tasks to do and plowing through it, getting feedback and clearance quickly, until it's time to go home (maybe with a good lunch break with coworkers thrown in). Perhaps I'd answer that differently if I wasn't so starved for tasks (again, it's the unique, temporary circumstances dictating that mostly). Hrm.
My response to the "off work" perfect day was basically spending time with Shawn and/or our families (can any day be perfect without a squeeze from Owen Jay?!). But the more I thought about it, the more I thought I'd like a perfect day in New York. In some crisp fall air, with a street festival, some Mercado's pizza slices and a Diet Coke, a stroll through Washington Square Park (assuming construction is all finished by now) and a look up 5th Ave through the arch. Maybe a matinee Broadway show (drama or musical ... just something good). Maybe a sushi dinner after the show and a ride down 5th Ave on the bus to get "home" -- or maybe ride all the way to the Staten Island ferry for a night time ride in the cool air before ending the day.
What is my perfect Baton Rouge day though? I don't have any activities I really love that are exclusive to BR like my NYC memories. I LOVE our house -- so puttering around here is fun. Actually my perfect day now would involve my couch, comfy temps (read almost chilly in the room with a cozy blanket), something good to eat and drink, and a full DVR of shows to watch, heavy on the Psych. Oh, and maybe something good to read too ... because I'm seriously bored much of the time as I wait ... and wait ... and wait.
One of the things the guy asked me was about a perfect day -- at work and off work. For work it's about getting a lot of tasks to do and plowing through it, getting feedback and clearance quickly, until it's time to go home (maybe with a good lunch break with coworkers thrown in). Perhaps I'd answer that differently if I wasn't so starved for tasks (again, it's the unique, temporary circumstances dictating that mostly). Hrm.
My response to the "off work" perfect day was basically spending time with Shawn and/or our families (can any day be perfect without a squeeze from Owen Jay?!). But the more I thought about it, the more I thought I'd like a perfect day in New York. In some crisp fall air, with a street festival, some Mercado's pizza slices and a Diet Coke, a stroll through Washington Square Park (assuming construction is all finished by now) and a look up 5th Ave through the arch. Maybe a matinee Broadway show (drama or musical ... just something good). Maybe a sushi dinner after the show and a ride down 5th Ave on the bus to get "home" -- or maybe ride all the way to the Staten Island ferry for a night time ride in the cool air before ending the day.
What is my perfect Baton Rouge day though? I don't have any activities I really love that are exclusive to BR like my NYC memories. I LOVE our house -- so puttering around here is fun. Actually my perfect day now would involve my couch, comfy temps (read almost chilly in the room with a cozy blanket), something good to eat and drink, and a full DVR of shows to watch, heavy on the Psych. Oh, and maybe something good to read too ... because I'm seriously bored much of the time as I wait ... and wait ... and wait.
Assess Me
I took a personality test -- or something like it -- at work a couple weeks ago, and on Friday I got my "results." Nothing too shocking. I mean, I know I'm detail-oriented and impatient. But what was a surprise was my "score" on manageability.
I like to think that I'm a really good employee -- I follow directions, offer suggestions but know my place once a decision is made and go do my work. Apparently not, at least according to this test. Perhaps it's a reflection of how I FEEL rather than what I DO, because sure I might grumble about directions or projects that don't make sense, or when a decision doesn't go my way ... but I don't think that makes me unmanageable when I keep the grumbling to myself and ultimately do the work as assigned. So I've been tumbling that around in my head for a couple days now.
The results also showed that I would not likely be happy or good in a leadership role, i.e. leave me alone in my work. I can see that, but I also want to think of myself as having room to grow into a leadership capacity. Maybe not in the cards, but if not I would like to think it's my choice rather than a personality trait.
So what I came away with is that I can't be managed and I can't lead -- so what am I do to for an occupation? Blurgh.
I still have to talk with someone who actually works with me/has seen me in action (results were given by a nice third-party guy). Also funny to note: I am totally different personality/traits wise than everyone else that I work with in the region. The third-party guy was really confused how I fit in ... until I explained to him my communications role and journalism background (and then he thought skepticism was the bees knees for me rather than a possible hindrance). Oh me.
I like to think that I'm a really good employee -- I follow directions, offer suggestions but know my place once a decision is made and go do my work. Apparently not, at least according to this test. Perhaps it's a reflection of how I FEEL rather than what I DO, because sure I might grumble about directions or projects that don't make sense, or when a decision doesn't go my way ... but I don't think that makes me unmanageable when I keep the grumbling to myself and ultimately do the work as assigned. So I've been tumbling that around in my head for a couple days now.
The results also showed that I would not likely be happy or good in a leadership role, i.e. leave me alone in my work. I can see that, but I also want to think of myself as having room to grow into a leadership capacity. Maybe not in the cards, but if not I would like to think it's my choice rather than a personality trait.
So what I came away with is that I can't be managed and I can't lead -- so what am I do to for an occupation? Blurgh.
I still have to talk with someone who actually works with me/has seen me in action (results were given by a nice third-party guy). Also funny to note: I am totally different personality/traits wise than everyone else that I work with in the region. The third-party guy was really confused how I fit in ... until I explained to him my communications role and journalism background (and then he thought skepticism was the bees knees for me rather than a possible hindrance). Oh me.
Domestically Disinclined
On Saturday I did a big grocery shop to make a bunch of casseroles to freeze. The shopping wasn't too bad (although getting to the store was -- stupid timing on our part re: game traffic). But the cooking has been exhausting. So far I've made six dishes, and we've eaten one of them (a spinach and cheese strata that I realized probably would not freeze well, although I'm not actually convinced any of them will taste good).
When the inlaws were here my m-i-l took me to Sam's and one of the things we bought were these throw away foil pans for casseroles. But I'm realizing they have a weird smell to them, so we'll see if that affects the taste (I made the strata in a regular pan).
Here's what I've made, none of which look as good as the recipes, of course:
I've come to the conclusion that I should have just relied on takeout ...
Random song/video for fun:
Road rage got me this morning on the way to work. I need to revisit my defensive driving materials from work. To be fair I was provoked/the guy was tail-gating me, but I'm really lucky nothing actually happened. Good grief.
When the inlaws were here my m-i-l took me to Sam's and one of the things we bought were these throw away foil pans for casseroles. But I'm realizing they have a weird smell to them, so we'll see if that affects the taste (I made the strata in a regular pan).
Here's what I've made, none of which look as good as the recipes, of course:
- Baked Penne with Sun Dried Tomatoes (we actually ate half of this one on Sunday and it was pretty good)
- Chicken Enchiladas Verdes
- King Ranch Casserole
- Best Macaroni and Cheese
- Shepherd's Pie
I've come to the conclusion that I should have just relied on takeout ...
Random song/video for fun:
Road rage got me this morning on the way to work. I need to revisit my defensive driving materials from work. To be fair I was provoked/the guy was tail-gating me, but I'm really lucky nothing actually happened. Good grief.
Spending Trending
I've had to commandeer Shawn's computer to write this post (which could really be three separate posts) because my computer WILL NOT recognize my camera as a valid drive. For that and other reasons I'm in the market for a new camera and trying to decide between a DSLR or another point-and-shoot. I love the portability of P&S but dig the kick-ass pictures that I can take with my work camera.
Not shown is the matching ottoman, because I took this picture before it was delivered (yeah, two separate deliveries). We really need to figure out a new placement for that framed print, either slide it over to be centered over the couch or maybe add another, similarly sized print to its right. The blue in the mat and picture itself goes really well with the pillows for the couch (although who knew we'd get so many pillows?! and they are SO FIRM). It's a great place for a nap -- took my first one today!
I also still need curtains/drapes for the living room (plus get similar or matching valances for the window and door in the kitchen), and I'm thinking red or black/white graphic. Red would match/mimic/complement the dining room wall, or black and white would go with my dishes and still be OK with the blues in the couch pillows and image. Because my parents-in-law and aunt/uncle-in-law have been here I've learned all about drapery hooks/pins and pinch pleats, etc. for my options, because the curtain rod that's here is one of those that you can open and close with the pull of a cord.
The inlaws have also been invaluable in doing some work around the house. They trimmed a TON of shrubbery mess around the house, and once the debris is hauled off we'll have the prettiest house on the block. They also helped Shawn pull down the shower doors in both bathrooms. Now the rooms seem so much bigger, the shower is so much nicer and with more light. Delighted! Now Shawn is painting a room (pictures to come eventually) and we're contemplating dinner... We'll probably eat the sausages that came free from the dealer where Shawn bought ...
A MINIVAN. Yeah, that's probably the lead of this story. I haven't taken pictures of it, and it's raining now, but it's really nice and a great purchase for us. It means he can leave for work earlier than me and stay later without issue (in the apartment he could just ride the bus or his bike, but neither is really an option here). It also is great for shopping -- we can load that sucker up with whatever we want, and it's been very handy to travel with everyone at once -- seats six adults very comfortably, and probably seven uncomfortably.
Unrelated, a couple crochet projects to share:
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| How now, brown couch?! |
I also still need curtains/drapes for the living room (plus get similar or matching valances for the window and door in the kitchen), and I'm thinking red or black/white graphic. Red would match/mimic/complement the dining room wall, or black and white would go with my dishes and still be OK with the blues in the couch pillows and image. Because my parents-in-law and aunt/uncle-in-law have been here I've learned all about drapery hooks/pins and pinch pleats, etc. for my options, because the curtain rod that's here is one of those that you can open and close with the pull of a cord.
The inlaws have also been invaluable in doing some work around the house. They trimmed a TON of shrubbery mess around the house, and once the debris is hauled off we'll have the prettiest house on the block. They also helped Shawn pull down the shower doors in both bathrooms. Now the rooms seem so much bigger, the shower is so much nicer and with more light. Delighted! Now Shawn is painting a room (pictures to come eventually) and we're contemplating dinner... We'll probably eat the sausages that came free from the dealer where Shawn bought ...
A MINIVAN. Yeah, that's probably the lead of this story. I haven't taken pictures of it, and it's raining now, but it's really nice and a great purchase for us. It means he can leave for work earlier than me and stay later without issue (in the apartment he could just ride the bus or his bike, but neither is really an option here). It also is great for shopping -- we can load that sucker up with whatever we want, and it's been very handy to travel with everyone at once -- seats six adults very comfortably, and probably seven uncomfortably.
Unrelated, a couple crochet projects to share:
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| A Bubbles Pattern baby blanket for Maelee |
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| A crocheted pumpkin hat, from this pattern |
Reflecting
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| Manhattan from Governor's Island, Summer 2010 |
"I was in my car on the way to class at OSU. Heard the news on KATT and thought it was a weird joke."Today's sermon was on forgiveness (the 77 times passage in Matthew), and it rattled at least one guy in church who cornered the pastor afterward to ask him how that could be that we should forgive. Why, if we did that, we'd just give up the country and be under terrorist's rule. I didn't stick around to hear the conclusion, maybe because I didn't hear the same message as far as how forgiveness is defined.
We didn't talk about 9/11 at all in Sunday school, which I think is in part a reflection of the class ... it seems all very much to be about what's happening in our lives today/rehashing our weeks, although without actually applying any scripture (seriously, we didn't even read a passage today). It's almost like we're trying to find our way without using the road map sitting right in front of us. And I'm not sure how to suggest another way.
Broken Weather
I hesitate to write about this, knowing we could easily shoot back into the 90s with insane humidity, but for now at least the heat has broken. We have fall-like temperatures (Shawn compared one evening to October in New York, so nice), perfect for walks around the new 'hood. (OK, we've taken one walk, but that's a start.)
We survived Tropical Storm Lee unscathed -- just lots of rain last weekend and then beautiful clear mild days this week. It's been oddly comfortable, and downright cool in the mornings.
In other news, the first home football game is this weekend, so getting home was even more of a nightmare than usual. RVs rolling in, extra traffic from pre-tailgating tailgators. We made it home, and I don't intend to go out again tonight. Maybe not tomorrow either, although we'll see how I do on that.
Our couch has been ordered, and probably once it's here I will take pictures of our living room to post. I've hesitated to do a room-by-room post of our house or house video tour because of the idea of setting up a blueprint for potential thieves (I think someone at Maryland told me a story about that back in the day). But hopefully showing one room of furniture (and by no means decorated or styled) would be OK.
Oh ... still need curtains for the LR and kitchen and SERIOUSLY hoping that I can get something cool, black and white, and graphic from the Missoni for Target line launching next week ... although maybe I'll want something a little more swirly and a little less stripey. Or perhaps just solid curtains are the way to go for someone like me (someone so design challenged I mean).
We survived Tropical Storm Lee unscathed -- just lots of rain last weekend and then beautiful clear mild days this week. It's been oddly comfortable, and downright cool in the mornings.
In other news, the first home football game is this weekend, so getting home was even more of a nightmare than usual. RVs rolling in, extra traffic from pre-tailgating tailgators. We made it home, and I don't intend to go out again tonight. Maybe not tomorrow either, although we'll see how I do on that.
Our couch has been ordered, and probably once it's here I will take pictures of our living room to post. I've hesitated to do a room-by-room post of our house or house video tour because of the idea of setting up a blueprint for potential thieves (I think someone at Maryland told me a story about that back in the day). But hopefully showing one room of furniture (and by no means decorated or styled) would be OK.
Oh ... still need curtains for the LR and kitchen and SERIOUSLY hoping that I can get something cool, black and white, and graphic from the Missoni for Target line launching next week ... although maybe I'll want something a little more swirly and a little less stripey. Or perhaps just solid curtains are the way to go for someone like me (someone so design challenged I mean).
Life, of Late
We have NOT been blown away by Tropical Storm Lee so far, and I hope we remain as lucky. Oddly my work is asking that I check in daily. I guess safety as a priority is OK, but do I really need to do ANY type of work, even if just 30 seconds, on a long weekend? I guess I should be glad they care? Meh.
So today has been a lazy, hang around enjoying the rain day. I did go out to buy some juice for church tomorrow. Our Sunday school class is responsible for coffee hour and I signed up for juice, thinking that would be easiest. It's also the heaviest. And I hope that what I bought can last us throughout the month, so I don't have to buy juice every single week.
I am finally using up my iTunes gift cards of last Christmas ... on the two Adele albums that I was reminded to buy by that VMAs video. I think I still have a bit leftover, which can pay for part of another album whenever I think of it next. I still don't buy apps or anything like that. Mostly because of lack of interest on my part, but also because my iPod touch is getting old and cranky. I'm lucky when it can connect to my wifi on its own. You get what you pay for (and it was free/I won it in a contest several years ago). It still plays tunes, i.e. serves its main purpose.
We had grand plans to couch shop today, but the rain and general attitudes made us decide to stay home. Maybe we can take advantage of sales on Monday if we're feeling up to it. The couch is the last BIG thing I really want to get soon. I'd also like drapes for the living room and new curtains for the kitchen soon. I should online shop.
Sorry for the non-post post. Trying out Blogger's new look and ... it's going to take some getting used to, but it probably is better overall. Ta.
So today has been a lazy, hang around enjoying the rain day. I did go out to buy some juice for church tomorrow. Our Sunday school class is responsible for coffee hour and I signed up for juice, thinking that would be easiest. It's also the heaviest. And I hope that what I bought can last us throughout the month, so I don't have to buy juice every single week.
I am finally using up my iTunes gift cards of last Christmas ... on the two Adele albums that I was reminded to buy by that VMAs video. I think I still have a bit leftover, which can pay for part of another album whenever I think of it next. I still don't buy apps or anything like that. Mostly because of lack of interest on my part, but also because my iPod touch is getting old and cranky. I'm lucky when it can connect to my wifi on its own. You get what you pay for (and it was free/I won it in a contest several years ago). It still plays tunes, i.e. serves its main purpose.
We had grand plans to couch shop today, but the rain and general attitudes made us decide to stay home. Maybe we can take advantage of sales on Monday if we're feeling up to it. The couch is the last BIG thing I really want to get soon. I'd also like drapes for the living room and new curtains for the kitchen soon. I should online shop.
Sorry for the non-post post. Trying out Blogger's new look and ... it's going to take some getting used to, but it probably is better overall. Ta.
Adele: Someone Like You
I didn't watch the VMAs ... actually can't remember the last time I would have watched that, or even the last time I've looked at MTV ... but I did watch this video when it came up on a blog I read. Yowza. Not so much the song itself, although it's lovely. But her voice. No lip syncing there.
Mario DS Cover
Someone special is turning seven this week. SEVEN!
Lately his passions have included Mario Brothers and Transformers. I can't crochet a Bumblebee or Megatron, but after perusing Etsy one day I found something that I COULD crochet: a Mario Nintendo DS (like a Game Boy for us olds) cover.
My version isn't as great as the Etsy one, but I was able to use salvaged yarn from Gran. Mine looks wonky because the blue thread is thinner than the red. I'm hoping that his DS fits (otherwise I'll have to try again -- it isn't a project that takes very long to put together). The wonky buttons and velcro look like a crazy aunt made it -- TRUE! There's one pocket in the back for a DS game or two.
I really hope a certain seven year old likes it! AMLBO!!!
Edit: Update! He likes it! He really likes it!
Lately his passions have included Mario Brothers and Transformers. I can't crochet a Bumblebee or Megatron, but after perusing Etsy one day I found something that I COULD crochet: a Mario Nintendo DS (like a Game Boy for us olds) cover.
My version isn't as great as the Etsy one, but I was able to use salvaged yarn from Gran. Mine looks wonky because the blue thread is thinner than the red. I'm hoping that his DS fits (otherwise I'll have to try again -- it isn't a project that takes very long to put together). The wonky buttons and velcro look like a crazy aunt made it -- TRUE! There's one pocket in the back for a DS game or two.
I really hope a certain seven year old likes it! AMLBO!!!
Edit: Update! He likes it! He really likes it!
Blog Improvements
My favorite feature on her site is the weekly Blog Critiques -- there's always a lot to learn by reading her advice to other bloggers. And I've found some interesting new blogs to peruse at the same time. I don't think I've put much, if any, of her advice to work on my blog, mostly due to lack of interest in writing blog posts made me think why bother making the blog better? Content is king!
But one thing I am going to try is affiliate marketing to promote the DIY Blog Critique e-book that Momcomm has produced. I bought the e-book myself and am reading through it, possibly to improve my own blog in some ways. If you're a blogger you might consider purchasing it too. If you do, let me know what you think.
Parking Perilous
Most of my coworkers pay $250 per year to have a parking spot closer to our building. I've just been parking in the free student lot that's across the street. Probably a 5 minute walk if I'm doing it leisurely. I was joking with one of my coworkers that Shawn didn't want me to get the closer-in pass because I need the exercise. The coworker was appalled, even though I was laughing. It's true I need the exercise (and a lot more than that), but that's not the real reason I don't spring for the pass. It's really me being cheap -- why pay for something that I can have for free? It is a little more frustrating to find a spot during really busy times (say if you need to leave for lunch and come back after). But it is what it is. I wish my employer just paid for it (especially because our rent in this building is so low), but they do not.
One thing that could sway me to pay for the closer spot is the fact that sometimes when crossing the road to the other parking lot cars nearly mow me down. It has been worse this week since school is back in session. Pedestrians have the right of way, and I'm even in a cross walk. There's something so unnerving about a car speeding behind you or in front of you when you're halfway through the walk. I really think cars should wait until you're completely across before proceeding into the crosswalk, at least at breakneck speeds. What if I suddenly turned around or tripped forward? I shudder to think about the near misses I've had, and the obnoxious teenagers speeding by on their cell phones, oblivious, just as they are when they're the pedestrians and walk out in the crosswalk without looking. It's a wonder there aren't more accidents, especially on this particular road at the edge of campus. I would think a few days of regular monitoring and tickets for speeders could help things -- but obviously the parking/police department at this university has better things to do than assure my safe crossing...
Rubber Stamping
My love of all things stationery has manifested itself in moving announcements this week. I took that house sketch, made the door red (like it actually is) with layers in Gimp and added some red text on the grass with our new address. (Only thing I would change about the "design" is to not center the text ... I don't like centered text, but for some reason I put it on this -- BOTHER.)
I used the same fonts as on our wedding materials. I ordered the flat cards from VistaPrint, which came with white envelopes. I worried I ordered too many (60), but actually that has turned out to be the exact right number. VP tossed in 30 extra flat cards so I could even send some extras if I wanted/found more addresses of people who might like to be pen pals.
For the return address I re-purchased the rubber stamp I had when we lived in 8G in NYC: Paperwink's Flapper stamp. I like our NYC one as a souvenir of our time there. So in preparing the moving announcements to be sent it was so satisfying to ink up my new stamp and press the design onto each envelope (after I sealed them with a wet washcloth instead of licking -- can't help but think of Susan from Seinfeld when I do a big mail batch like this).
I think the ink-stamp-dry process was bringing out my latent librarian genes. Do librarians these days even need to use rubber stamps anymore, now that everything is digitized? Whatever the case, it was a lot of fun and I'm glad to have added to my stationery arsenal.
I used the same fonts as on our wedding materials. I ordered the flat cards from VistaPrint, which came with white envelopes. I worried I ordered too many (60), but actually that has turned out to be the exact right number. VP tossed in 30 extra flat cards so I could even send some extras if I wanted/found more addresses of people who might like to be pen pals.
For the return address I re-purchased the rubber stamp I had when we lived in 8G in NYC: Paperwink's Flapper stamp. I like our NYC one as a souvenir of our time there. So in preparing the moving announcements to be sent it was so satisfying to ink up my new stamp and press the design onto each envelope (after I sealed them with a wet washcloth instead of licking -- can't help but think of Susan from Seinfeld when I do a big mail batch like this).
I think the ink-stamp-dry process was bringing out my latent librarian genes. Do librarians these days even need to use rubber stamps anymore, now that everything is digitized? Whatever the case, it was a lot of fun and I'm glad to have added to my stationery arsenal.
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