I know I said I would post a photo of the gingerbread cookies, but it's going to have to wait. I have not been feeling so good and so I never got around to getting the photo on to my site. And I don't have my laptop with me here at my parents' house, so I can't get the photo from it to post now. Actually, I am not sure anyone really cares to see them.
I still need to finish up a few gifts. All of my shopping is done and that feels really good since I am usually one of those people still looking for something on Christmas Eve. Go me! posted by kristar 8:25 AM
Tuesday, December 17, 2002
Being crafty
Over the weekend I worked on a couple of homemade gifts. These were obviously not my own ideas. When I am at a loss for ideas, I like to turn to Not Martha for some help. She also includes lots of resources on her craft pages. Anyhow, I ended up making the following:
marble magnets...
...and this lovely set of stemware markers for my friend Juli
Last night Juli and Carolyn and I made lots of cookies: Holiday Treasure cookies, frosted/decorated sugar cookies, and some anatomically correct gingerbread people (I'll post their pictures tomorrow). Now what do we do with them all?
I've been plowing through the small stitches of the scarf I am making for Carolyn. I still have about 18" to go, though. Argh. posted by kristar 9:12 AM
Sunday, December 15, 2002
SNL
Last night's Saturday Night Live was the funniest I've seen in a while. I had no idea Al Gore could be so hilarious. Though it's a little scary to know that politicians can be such good actors, I suppose it's no surprise. I particularly enjoyed the West Wing sketch. The whole show was great! Well, perhaps I was swayed a little by the choice for musical guest...
I know it could be considered early for bedtime, but I am an insomniac and you'd think sooner or later it would catch up with me and I would get tired. But no. About an hour and a half ago I doubled my prescription sleeping pill dosage and I am still wide awake. What the fuck is wrong with me?! I just finished watching a DVD and now I am just plain bored. I can't even knit. I'm not even interested in any of the projects I've got going. What to do... Everyone in the house is asleep, so I must find something quiet to busy myself. Maybe I will read a book. I am starting to feel paranoid. I should hide out in my bedroom now.
It's not like I am pumping out the knitgear, so I thought I would post a couple of pictures of things I finished recently, but haven't photographed until now.
First the dishcloth (pattern here) that I think everyone and their mother/brother/sister/grandmother has made because it's so simple...
And then the first pair of socks I've ever knitted:
I need to get myself dressed for the gym. See ya! posted by kristar 3:42 PM
Tuesday, December 10, 2002
Mitten Pattern
Spent the weekend with family. Usually my mom's side of the fam gets together to celebrate Thanksgiving on the weekend following T-day, but this year it didn't work out. So, we scheduled it for this past weekend instead. It was a nice time - especially because I had someone with whom to knit. When Jackie, my cousin's wife, saw the pair of mittens I knitted, she wanted to try the pattern too. We found the pattern on the web and printed it out and I just happened to have the DPNs I used with me. By the end of the day she had finished one mitten and everything but the thumb on the second one. They knit up so quickly! AND, it was the first time Jackie had ever knit in the round!
If you're interested in the pattern for these mittens, go here. I modified the pattern ever so slightly: I used two strands of Sirdar Supernova #912 yarn and where it called for size 9 DPNs, I used a size 11 and where it called for size 11 DPNs, I used size 13. I also knitted the hand to a length that just reached the tip of my fingers. Though, I think they would still be cute if they were a little longer. I was afraid of running out of yarn because I really wanted to get one pair out of a single skein. And I did manage to do just that with a small ball of yarn leftover (I'm using it as ribbon for my holiday gifts).
Don't forget to check out the latest edition of Haypenny.
And I received Issue 5 of ReadyMade magazine over the weekend. Lots of excellent projects in there, including a felted hat made from leftover sweaters! posted by kristar 9:48 AM
Friday, December 06, 2002
Last night I drank a little too much and passed out quite early. In my alcohol-induced state, I dreamt that I woke up and went to my computer and found the second issue of Knitty was up. When I actually did wake up this morning, I kind of freaked to see a message from the editor in my inbox letting readers know about the new issue! So fun! Much good reading and lots of exciting patterns to try. I love you, Knitty.
I am supposed to be babysitting right now and I think I can hear the little one getting into trouble. Gotta go! posted by kristar 8:19 AM
Wednesday, December 04, 2002
Lazy me. I finally put my comments back up. I guess that makes me not lazy today. posted by kristar 11:28 AM
Monday, December 02, 2002
Here are the mittens I made on Saturday. Yippee! I finally have mittens. All of my mittens are packed away in boxes, so I thought it would be easier to whip some up on my circular needles. And I was right! I finished them up at the local Krispy Kreme doughnut shop over a cup of their Bold blend coffee. Perfect!
I was out of town last week. Went to Indianapolis to visit a friend. While there I lost my driver license and because I flew I didn't think I would be able to get back home, but sure enough the airlines will let you fly without an ID. I got on my flights and made it home without one. Wow. Actually, I did have to go through a little extra security, though if you get pulled out of line at the gate you would have probably gone through a more rigorous search than I did. Hmph.
I finished the poncho commissioned by my hair stylist. Here it is (modeled by my pregnant friend Carolyn):
On Monday I got together with 4 others to knit as a group. One is a very experienced knitter; one has been knitting for a while, but never learned anything but garter stitch; one learned about 6 months ago; and one was there to learn how to knit. We had a nice time drinking wine and coffee and gabbing about work (or lack thereof).
I currently have the following WIPs (some are very close to becoming UFOs, but I am hoping to resurrect a couple):
camouflage purse (90% complete)
yellow microspun purse (95%)
black/brown scarf (85%)
red scarf (5%)
child's sweater (35%)
green socks (50%)
New stuff on Haypenny as of yesterday. As Martha might say, "It's a good thing."
Finished my first sock over the weekend. It's awesome! I can't wait to make its twin. I'm also working on the second poncho. It's looking good, but coming along slowly since I put it off for a little too long. I bought tons of yarn over the weekend. I went a little crazy considering I have no income and should be trying to make my savings last as long as possible. Oh but I love the yarn!
So, what to do about my income problem and my lack of motivation to go back to work? Still trying to come up with a solution. Here are some possibilities:
-apply at 7-11 (pros: i'm a shoe-in, i like the hours. cons: my mom thinks it's unsafe, friends think it's un-cool.)
-retail (pros: discounts at some of my favourite stores just in time for the holidaze. cons: i swore i would never work retail again.)
-start my own business (pros: i don't have to interview. cons: i would really have to work.)
I enjoyed the sock knitting class. There were 5 of us there and our instructor was great. I am working on my first real pair now! Woohoo!
A little over a week ago Carolyn found out she's having a boy. So, on Saturday I made this:
I'm really in a holiday gift making mood. It snowed most of this morning, though now it's just getting wet and slushy. Anyway, it's got me in the mood to knit warm things for others and myself!
Knitting/crafty related news:
Taught my sister to knit over the weekend
Started knitting another freaking scarf
Taught my mom needle tatting
Selected yarn for a poncho commisioned by my hair stylist
Picked up needles for my sock class next week
Bought yarn for no project in particular, but just because I liked it
New issue of Haypenny out today. Check it out for a few (or more) laughs.
I've decided that it's too late for me to learn a new craft in time for the holidays, so I am planning to swap some knitted goodies for other crafts (made by my friends who are crafty in non-knitting ways) and get some varied gifts. This year it's all about homemade giving!
Let's see...over the weekend I finished a scarf in Homespun and I started a purse. I also (finally!) got the unfinished child's sweater out of the basement so I could continue working on it. I only got a few rows done, though. Another project in the works: a white scarf for Hannah to wear to school.
Erik returned to the States from Ghana. He is actually home on medical leave. He's in DC being checked out by doctors there because he had some problems with his asthma. The one good thing about this is that I will get to see him when I am in DC this weekend visiting my friend Theresa (also a former Peace Corps volunteer).
Tomorrow is Carolyn's birthday. Her husband brought an awesome present home for her today. I had to help lift it into the garage. It's a huge antique chest. He bought it so she'd have something to keep her paints and easel in when not in use.
Juli and I will be preparing dinner for the birthday celebration. Here is the menu:
baked goat cheese over mesclun greens
vegetable curry
saffron rice
chicken (for the non-vegetarians)
naan
pumpkin cheesecake
Yum!
I quit my job back in June in hopes that I might take some time to figure out what I really want/need to do and I still have no clue. I haven't worked in months and I feel like I've accomplished very little. I am still planning to apply to the Peace Corps, but beyond that...I don't know. I figure I will buy myself some time by volunteering overseas and hopefully gain some experience as well. I do, however, need to find a job before the money runs out. I'm thinking temp work, but Carolyn also suggested some holiday retail work. Something I swore I would never do again. I also picked up an application for 7-11. Most everyone I've mentioned it to thinks I am crazy for even considering working at a convenience store, but I think I might like it. I can always quit, right? posted by kristar 7:14 PM
Sunday, October 13, 2002
My apologies to anyone perusing the knitblogs webring when my link was wrong. That's what I get for copying code from another site and not taking the time to think about what I was doing. Sorry. posted by kristar 3:03 PM
Tuesday, October 08, 2002
This is total crap. I couldn't post my entry for October 4th because of some "internal error" and I couldn't modify my template because it disappeared. Argh! So, I finally chose a new template and I was able to publish my entry from the 4th. Blogger is making me mad. I think I need to leave it. I don't even like this template (no offense to the person who created it, but it's just not me). Not that I liked the previous one either. Oh well. posted by kristar 7:44 PM
Friday, October 04, 2002
I've obviously been doing a terrible job of keeping this blog up to date. I didn't even realize all of my photos were missing. Turns out my domain expired and I didn't even realize it. And that was a month ago. Oops!
My Adobe Photoshop class was so boring I had to drop it. The rug hooking workshop was good, but I don't really love it the way I love knitting. Needle tatting, however, is another story. It's so much fun! Not sure what I will do with all of my doilie-looking things, but I love doing it. It's a great activity with quick results.
Signed up for a beginner sock knitting class. I have wanted to know how and I am finally making the move to figure it out. Yes!
I am still working on the poncho for my friend whose birthday is this month. It's more than halfway there. I just find it hard to knit it without her knowing about it while I am living in her house. So, I usually do a couple of rows at bedtime. Yesterday I got quite a bit done while hanging out with Juli at her house.
Erik is in Ghana now. All of the Peace Corps volunteers have been pulled out of Cote d'Ivoire indefinitely. So, the Peace Corps will try to place them elsewhere. Erik wants to go back to Tanzania. I hope it works out for him. I am also thinking about applying to the Peace Corps. It's the perfect time in my life: no commitments, no debt, no job, no plans.
I absolutely must go to the gym today. I did go on Wednesday for some weight training, but I have been slacking in the aerobic activity. I was down 17 pounds, but I gained one back. Sucks! My eating habits haven't been as good as they were either. I am on the "living with a pregnant woman" diet now. This is not good. She is sick all the time and so she has to constantly eat to feel better. So, I am eating right along with her. Not good.
I am working on a scarf in Homespun and the poncho in Lamb's Pride Bulky right now. I need a new project. Then again, maybe I ought to get my ass down to the basement and pull out that UFO sitting in my yarn box. I started a child's sweater before I left Austin and it's not been picked up since I moved to Michigan. I must get on it again!
Yesterday was so much fun! Carolyn and I stopped by an Indian restaurant/market for some lunch, but the restaurant part was closed. So, we just looked around the shop. I found a couple of Indian movies I've wanted to see and Carolyn picked up a compilation of musical numbers from the big Bollywood flicks of this past year. Well, we rented them - I got myself a membership card to rent DVDs there. When we got home Carolyn's daughters and I danced like crazy. We picked up some sweet moves. Those Indian women dance so sexy and they have really got their groove on! Anyway, I love Indian movies and I was glad to finally find a place here from which to rent.
My eyebrow jewelry fell out. So weird. I had a barbell in the piercing and the top ball must have slowly come unscrewed because it just fell off one day. So, I flipped the barbell over so it would stay until I found another one. And while I was in the shower (or sometime shortly after) I lost the remaining parts of the barbell as well. It took a while (and 3 pieces of jewelry later) before I found the right gauge barbell. Thank you to Off The Wall (and no thanks to that other color-coded head shop) for helping me out. Woohoo!
I had an excellent time in Las Vegas. Can't wait to go back. I took the train to/from Chicago (where I flew out from) and got mucho knitting done. I finally finished the scarf I'd been working on. I know I need to get a photo up. I still need to take one.
My next project is a poncho for my pregnant friend. She wanted a specific sweater, but I'm afraid it won't fit her now. So, I am making the poncho instead. I think it will make a great October birthday gift.
I started my Adobe Photoshop class on Tuesday. It will be good for me. I am also signed up for a rug hooking workshop next week. And I am taking a needle tatting class the following week.
Yesterday we celebrated Hannah's birthday. She turned five. She's such a big girl now. Right now her sister and mommy are taking a nap, so she and I have been hanging out. She's on the other computer right now playing with her new princess CD-ROM.
I booked a flight to DC to visit some friends. I am excited to go. I kind of like traveling without being forced to do it. Theresa has promised to cook up some of the African foods she learned to make when she lived in Guinea. I can't wait!
Tonight I will be heading to the gym for some weight training. This new diet and health regimen is kick ass! I've already lost 16 pounds. Yippee! posted by kristar 1:15 PM
Sunday, August 18, 2002
Just got back from NYC yesterday. It took all day to get home because of a delayed flight and a missed connection, but I am glad to be back. I came down with yet ANOTHER virus and I just couldn't enjoy the last half of the vacation like I would have wanted. Oh well. This coming weekend I will be going camping and the following weekend I am going to Vegas to hang out with some college friends. No more travel plans after that. I think it will be nice for a change.
I've been knitting a scarf. I am using a dishcloth pattern and some funky cotton yarn. I think it's starting to look really cool. Photos soon to come.
My first letter from Erik arrived yesterday. Sounds like he is enjoying Cote d'Ivoire. He is about finished with his training and will be moving to an area away from the coast. He will also be learning a new local language which I think he's excited about. :) posted by kristar 10:55 AM
Sunday, August 11, 2002
In NYC with internet access. 'Lovin' every minute of it!' posted by kristar 2:24 AM
Monday, July 15, 2002
I am back from my trip - have been for a few days now. I'm really excited to get into my new, unemployed life. Especially my knitting. Today my mom was showing me a baby sweater she made just recently. It made me want to get back to work on the sweater I was knitting before I left. And Jackie was showing me her latest work and I felt like I've been away from my knitting for way too long. When I go back to my new home tomorrow (visiting the 'rents today), I plan to pick up some knitting. Woohoo!
Need to get high speed internet access too... posted by kristar 4:45 PM
Thursday, June 27, 2002
Chinatown was fun! I even found a great vegetarian Chinese restaurant there. Yum! I went into Central Market, but didn't buy anything because I am too intimidated to haggle. I saw a lot of things I might be interested in buying, so I think I might take a local with me next time. Elsewhere in Chinatown, I found a really beautiful shop called the Purple Cane Tea Art Centre. The sales lady offered me a small cup of tea while I looked around. It was delicious. They had zillions of beautiful tea cups ranging in price from the very cheap to the very expensive. They also had a large selection of tea to purchase as well. Unfortunately, I left with nothing.
That evening we watched Turkey lose to Brasil. Good game.
Yesterday it poured rain. I spent most of the day alone in the apartment. My friend was in Brunei meeting with a prince for her work. She really, truly was meeting with a prince. She said he was very nice (and handsome). She brought his business card home. It was kind of funny because it looks so normal, but says: HRH (his name) According to my friend, he has quite a showroom of cars. She said he could go out in a new car every time he drives. When she returned we went out to Devi's for some Indian food. I had dosai masala (which I actually eat quite often in the States) and she had the roti chanai (sp?).
Today I might try to get out of KL and see a little more of Malaysia. I hope it doesn't rain again. I keep hearing thunder... posted by kristar 9:00 PM
Tuesday, June 25, 2002
So little time and so much to tell... The night market I mentioned in my last post was really quite amazing. The street was filled with vendors and tables and lights. The lights were strung from umbrella to umbrella and they made the street look so beautiful. There were vendors selling everything: wallets, clothing, bags, toys, illegally copied CDs and DVDs, fruit, vegetables, fish, and all sorts of cooked foods. We bought some fruit (rambutan and mangosteens) and some other items to eat. It was almost too much for me to handle. I was still a bit jet lagged and so it was diffcult to take it all in. I nearly started crying at one point because I was so overwhelmed by it all and I was also so tired and everyone kept asking me what I wanted and I just didn't know since I hadn't experienced most of it before. We finally had to find a place to sit down and get a cool drink. I felt a little better after we had some dinner. I slept very well that night and I even slept late into the morning. I think I am finally over my jet lag.
Today I went into KL to see the Petronas Towers. They are quite magnificent although they don't seem so tall when you see them in person. While I was taking some photographs a man from Mauritius Islands approached me to find out where I was from. We ended up talking for a while and the two of us set out to the KL Tower. I took the elevator to the top of the tower and was impressed with the spectacular view. I later returned to the Petronas for some shopping and some food. It was a good day. I finally called for a taxi (teksi) on my own and I also rode the LRT (train system). I also learned a new word: keluar (exit).
Tonight we will be going out to watch some football. This time should be more fun since I (hopefully) will not be so tired. posted by kristar 4:57 AM
Sunday, June 23, 2002
I'm in Malaysia! It's so beautiful and interesting. And I feel like I've experienced so much since I arrived yesterday morning. Yesterday I saw (on the television) the Prime Minister attempt to resign, but then retract the resignation just a short time later. The news was quite shocking to everyone here. Last night we also went out to watch Turkey and Senegal battle it out. This place has World Cup fever! It's so much fun. My friend here is Turkish, so it was very exciting to be with her when Turkey won. She was also the only person in the bar cheering for Turkey. Today I enjoyed more of the local scene at a lovely restaurant named La Bodega. I also went to the grocery and I tried durian! If you know anything about this fruit, but have never tried it, you will find out it's very much how people explain it to be. Though some say you will either love it or you will hate it, I found that I was a bit indifferent to it. It has a very stong odour and it tastes pretty much the same way. But what I found to be more unappealing was the appearance and texture of it. I still wouldn't say I hated it. And I have even decided to try it again before I leave. It's so unique. This evening we will be meeting up with some others for coffee and then we will head off to the "night market" for fruit and who knows what else.
Oh! I nearly forgot to mention that I had my eyebrows threaded. This young girl used a thread to remove the stray hairs. It's so wild! She holds the thread in her mouth while she rubs the other end over my brows in order to shape them. I can't describe it well since I really couldn't see exactly what she was doing, but my brows really look good!
Okay, well, I need to write a bit in my paper journal/scrapbook. Talk to you later! posted by kristar 4:05 AM
Tuesday, June 18, 2002
I have so much to do to prepare for my trip and what do I do instead? I read about knitting. I have been reading all of the knitting blogs and looking at free patterns and perusing yarn sales.
The drive from Texas to Michigan to Chicago was kind of long, but it went by quickly with the company of my friend Juli. I couldn't have done it without her. I dropped my belongings off in Michigan and then made my way back to Chicago. I need to organize all of the things I brought with me and select only the basic essentials for travel. Of course, I discovered that I forgot some important items. Like my camera and my Lonely Planet guide book. Argh! How could I forget them. In the middle of all that I had to get done over the weekend I got a little disorganized. So, now I am going to rent a car and drive myself to Michigan and back again tomorrow. It's not like it's very far, but it will probably be about 8 hours roundtrip. A bit of a waste of a day just for a camera. But, I love my camera. So, I will trek a few hundred miles to get it.
No knitting news to report. posted by kristar 4:35 PM
Friday, June 14, 2002
Yesterday was my last day at the office and I felt pretty good walking out of that place. I'll be sad to leave Austin, but I know I can always visit. Right now I am sitting in my corporate apartment, dreading the fact that I still have so much to pack up and clean. I guess it's good that I took the day off. This evening my friend Juli is flying in from Michigan just to make the long drive (that we should have made a couple of weeks ago, but didn't because I was sick) back to Michigan. My plan is to leave early tomorrow morning and hopefully make it to Grand Rapids by Sunday afternoon.
This Microspun yarn doesn't like the little plastic needles I am using. The yarn was just sitting on the couch next to me and the needles were just sitting there too. So, I picked them up and just started knitting without a final something-or-other in mind. Well, I can't deal with the way the yarn is sticking to the needles. So I'm going to frog the *thing*. I'm just so bored with this guernsey sweater. I have only about 2 inches left to knit on the back and I just don't feel like doing it. Of course, I still have to knit the front and the sleeves. There's really so much more to do. And I am quite sure it's not going to be completed before I leave for Malaysia.
Speaking of Malaysia, my friend called me from Kuala Lumpur two nights ago to confirm the details of my trip and answer any questions I might still have. Talking to her got me really excited about the trip. She really loves it over there. She asked me what I want to do, though. I am up for anything! Beaches, hiking, Singapore... The only thing I am dreading about this vacation is the the long flight. I get bored on my 2-1/2 hour flights between Chicago and Austin. How am I going to survive 20 hours of flying?! When I've flown to Europe, I traveled with a friend or two, so the time we spent on the plane didn't seem quite so long. I actually hope that I sit next to someone who wants to talk. I usually dread sitting next to those people, but this trip I don't think I will mind at all.
Okay, I really need to get this packing done. posted by kristar 9:41 AM
Wednesday, June 12, 2002
I am going to take Wendy's advice and pick up my knitting again. Maybe the fact that I haven't been knitting is actually the cause of my somberness. I know I need to finish packing, but tonight I am just going to knit and watch TV. I think I may even skip going to the office on Friday so I can get my things together. There's really nothing left for me to do there anyway. I am so ready to be done with this job. One more day! posted by kristar 7:03 PM
Tuesday, June 11, 2002
I am down in the dumps and I don't know why. Seems like I've just been a big bummer lately. I guess I have nothing much to write about. Not sure why I am even blogging right now. posted by kristar 10:46 PM
Monday, June 10, 2002
Check out the latest Haypenny update. It's fresh and exciting! Go there now and read some stories. posted by kristar 10:30 AM
Sunday, June 09, 2002
I'm back in Austin. It was a pretty nice weekend. The weather couldn't have been more perfect for an outdoor wedding. Now I just hope the photos turn out.
No knitting for me. I am still trying to recover from whatever it is that I've got. And I've got about zero energy right now. My mom, however, knitted a baby bonnet and I watched. I really need her to teach me how to knit the way she does. She knits like her grandmother and I knit like my grandmother (my mom's mom).
Let's see...where to begin...I guess I might as well start where I left off. I am still sick, but I can say that today is the first day that I've actually felt better than the day before. I guess this means I am getting better. I hope!
My apartment is looking like a huge dump. I haven't done any cleaning in over a week. I actually did one load of laundry last night because I was running out of clean clothes for work. My wastebaskets are full of wadded up tissues, there are clothes everywhere, and I have boxes of stuff stacked all over the place.
Okay, well, this leads me to the reason there are boxes stacked all over the place. On Monday I gave my two weeks' notice. I don't have another job lined up, but I decided I really need some time to figure out where this life of mine is headed. I've put tons of thought into my decision and I have spent many months preparing to leave. I have some money saved up and my friends have offered me a place to stay (in exchange for helping to care for their children). It's a little bit scary, but I have absolutely no regrets about it. One of these days I will explain more about my reasons for leaving. My family knows about my decision. I haven't spoken to my dad since I quit. I know he's disappointed. My mom hasn't really talked about it too much, but at least she hasn't made me feel bad about it. For the most part, everyone in my life has been very supportive (even if deep-down they really think I am a fool).
Needless to say, I haven't done much knitting. I've been pretty doped up and just kind of zombie-like. And I still have to pack for the coming weekend. A college friend is getting married in Michigan on Saturday and I am the photographer. Tomorrow evening I fly out of Austin and I arrive in Michigan quite late. Then I have an hour drive to my parents' house. Yucko. On Friday I have to find something to wear to the wedding and I also need to buy the film for the photos. I will also be seeing Erik for the last time before he heads off to Côte d'Ivoire next week. I am so happy that he is doing what he wanted to do despite what he thought other people thought he should do.
I am excited about my trip to Malaysia. I bought this journal for the trip:
posted by kristar 10:35 PM
Sunday, June 02, 2002
Booked my flight on Singapore Airlines yesterday. It's a much better schedule than the one I posted on Friday. It has only two stops and doesn't require I spend the night in Bangkok.
Chicago to Amsterdam to Singapore to Kuala Lumpur. 20+ hours. 10,000+ miles.
It's been a no-knitting weekend. Today is about the worst I've felt since I came down with this virus. I am hoping it's finally peaked. I am ready for it to be over already!
Chicago to Los Angeles to Tokyo to Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur.
That is the route the woman at United Airlines cobbled together for me. She also said I might have fewer stops if I fly Singapore Airlines. So, I suggested we try that instead. But, she couldn't get a confirmation from them and I have to call back tomorrow. I have the other itinerary on hold.
Cough. Cough.
I am going to hack up a lung pretty soon.
I like lying in bed with my laptop (and the tissue box).
Photo of one nearly finished bootie:
The incandescent lighting makes it look a bit more pinkish than it actually is. Light is funny that way. posted by kristar 11:14 PM
Thursday, May 30, 2002
So much for my road trip to Michigan and back. I have had to postpone it. I am feeling worse and hardly slept last night because of this nasty sickness. Driving that far on almost no sleep is not a good idea. I'm hoping to make the trip in a couple of weeks when, I assume, I will be feeling better. At least most everything is packed up and ready to go. posted by kristar 9:30 AM
Wednesday, May 29, 2002
After thinking I had misinterpreted the baby bootie pattern, I knitted the second one up the way I thought the designer meant it to be. Woops! Still turned out funky. So, I checked out the "errata" section of her website only to discover the pattern was wrong and I was not. I am not going to frog the booties, though. I showed them to a couple of people who told me they actually prefered them the way I knitted them. So, even though I am not sure I agree (that they look better), I think I will leave them the way they are. Here's a picture of the un-finished item:
Feel my pain I am at work despite the headache, sore throat, cough, and general lack of energy. The cold medicine I took seems to be kicking in right now and I am feeling a little out-of-it. There was a small electrical fire in my cube and the smell of burning plastic isn't helping my head.
My friend in Malaysia gave me the OK on the dates I would like to visit. Now it's just a matter of booking a flight. I spent some time this morning looking for decent itineraries. I am not sure if I want to use my frequent flier miles or pay for it. I think I have some vouchers I might be able to use. Decision, decisions...
I was hoping to sew up the baby booties last night, but I just wasn't feeling up to it. Maybe tonight I will make some time to knit. If not, I will at least take a photo of the pre-made up booties. posted by kristar 11:24 AM
Tuesday, May 28, 2002
Sucks! I am sick! Overnight the symptoms set in and now I feel like hell. I need to pack up my things to haul them from Texas to Michigan this weekend. Shit. This is going to be a horrible week. posted by kristar 9:44 PM
Monday, May 27, 2002
I'm sick of traveling for work. Tomorrow I have a 3-1/2 hour layover in Chicago. Yuck! I probably won't get to work before 2pm. Why do I even bother showing up?
Please check out Haypenny, the world's greatest on-line funmaker and bear eatery, for their latest *menu*.
I've finished knitting the baby booties, but I have yet to sew/make them up. Photos soon to come!
What happens when you type the words "loser", "sour", and "target" into the Google search engine? Try it and find out! Okay, lazyass, here's the link. So, why did I type those words in anyway? To be honest, I really have no idea.
Okay peeps, I just spent way too long surfing the knitting bloggers webring. I gots to get off this and pick up my knitting sticks! posted by kristar 7:02 PM
I'm spending my holiday weekend in Michigan. I left Austin early Friday morning on a flight to Chicago where I made my Michigan connection. When I arrived at my parents' house I found the package of soaps I had ordered from the knitbloggers' very own Crafty Girl! These soaps are wonderful! I must say, I favour the Lemongrass Peppermint Scrub. And the lovely Nag Champa lotion bar is excellent! It brings back memories of college where I went through many a stick of nag champa incense. Please check out her website. I am all about supporting small businesses that provide quality goods and services.
I spent a cool and cloudy Friday with my parents. On Saturday, I went to Grand Rapids to spend time with my friends. Today is a gorgeous day. I got in a little hiking and gardening and my parents and I enjoyed a lovely lakeside brunch.
Some photos from my mom's gardens:
I've been working on the child's guernsey and have nearly completed the back. This evening, though, I think I will make a set of baby booties. posted by kristar 5:31 PM
Thursday, May 23, 2002
Useless fun I know I am supposed to be working, but my friend sent me this time-wasting link and now I am can't get away from it. It makes me think of HotOrNot.com, but it's way better. posted by kristar 11:42 AM
Tonight I made a baby bootie. It didn't turn out quite right, though. The pattern was a little vague which caused me to make some incorrect assumptions. A bit frustrating. Anyhow, it's a quick knit and I have learned from the experience. I used DaleSvale (color 5403) which, when knit up, is so much softer than I expected. I'll most definitely take a photo of the next one I knit.
BTW, I just watched The Man Who Wasn't There. Great movie. posted by kristar 12:41 AM
Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Today is boring. I want to go home and knit. posted by kristar 5:26 PM
And next year I am off to Côte d'Ivoire to visit my friend Erik. He will be leaving the U.S. in mid-June. I am very excited for him. He's wanted to be a Peace Corps volunteer for a long while. He loves Africa (he's spent a lot of time there) and he speaks French fluently (as a matter of fact he talks to my mom in French - I don't even get to do that). He's now my third friend to travel to Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer. The other two worked in Guinea and Mali. Other close family friends volunteered in Jamaica in the 1960s. It's something I always thought I would do too. But, once I completed a few years of college, I realized I wouldn't be able to handle it. It's not even for physical reasons. Mentally and emotionally it would be too much of a challenge for me. Perhaps one day that will change. Maybe I will think differently when I visit next year. Or perhaps the trip will reinforce how I already feel. posted by kristar 10:13 AM
This morning before leaving the apartment, I checked my email and discovered a message from my good friend who works in Malaysia. She asked if I'd thought anymore about traveling to visit her. Why, yes, I had! Now I just have to work with her to plan the dates to be there. I can't wait to go! posted by kristar 9:52 AM
Monday, May 20, 2002
I've been working on the Child's Guernsey from Debbie Bliss's How To Knit for what seems like an incredibly long time. Well, that's due to the fact that almost two weeks ago I had to frog the entire back which I had nearly finished. Sucked! I had looked at the wrong measurement (yes, I marked the correct one before I started working the pattern) and ended up knitting 9 inches of stockinette stitch rather than 11 inches. It's not like the sweater was coming along so quickly anyway. So, I guess it wasn't a major setback. I put my positive thoughts into my work and now I have nearly reached the point at which I was when I ripped it all out. Yippee!
before frogging
current state
Okay, well, it's almost time for the Six Feet Under episode I missed last night. Gotta go! posted by kristar 8:59 PM
Sunday, May 19, 2002
The weather here (in Austin) has me feeling a little guilty about watching movies indoors. Fortunately my movies don't have to be returned to the store until Wednesday. I have the sliding door to my porch open right now. It's warm (not hot), sunny, and breezy. Absolutely perfect weather. I'm glad I'm not in Michigan right now. Sorry Tonya. *wink* posted by kristar 8:56 AM
Saturday, May 18, 2002
Today's movie:Reality Bites Oh the memories this flick brings back. posted by kristar 12:37 PM
1. What shampoo do you use?
-- Aveda Rosemary Mint
2. Do you use conditioner? What kind?
-- Aveda Rosemary Mint
3. When was the last time you got your hair cut?
-- December 2000. Yes, that's right, it's been well over a year since I had my hair cut or trimmed or coloured.
4. What styling products do you use?
-- None. Once in a great while I will use some sort of pomade to keep my hair smooth when I am trying to look nice.
5. What's your worst hair-related experience?
-- I can't really think of anything. I usually have no regrets since my hair grows pretty fast and I can usually change it if I don't like it. I guess the closest to anything bad was when I had some of my hair woven with pretty, coloured floss and eventually had to have it cut out. It left a small stub of hair on my head. It was more amusing than anything. Sometimes it's okay to wear hats. posted by kristar 2:58 PM
Thursday, May 16, 2002
Okay, after all of the promises I made, I did finally update my knitting galleries with some FOs. Check out the hair tube and the dishcloth. Maybe this evening I will update the WIP section. posted by kristar 5:35 PM
I don't want to go to work today. It's 9:03am CDT and I am still sitting here, unshowered, in my pajamas. What is wrong with me?!
I know I bitch a lot... I changed the domain name servers for my domain on Monday and I received a message that I would get a confirmation email. It also said it would take 48-72 hours to change it. Okay, fine. Well, I thought the confirmation email would have appeared first, but I have yet to see it. So, I'm waiting the full 72 hours (until sometime this evening) to see if it arrives, but I am losing hope. I wanted to be able to post inline photos to my blog and I can't until they get this change made. I am so sick of waiting! Argh!!!!
So, I am still seriously thinking about quitting my job. I was talking to Jackie (my good friend, fellow knitter, and also married to my cousin) about it. She suggested I look into some career counseling...possibly through my alma mater. So, I did a little searching and found some good info that I hope to investigate further. Thanks so much for the help, Jackie!
While I was in college some of my friends traveled around the globe by working on Organic Farms. It's called WWOOF-ing. I think this is something I'd like to do. Maybe for next year. Possibly after my trip to Côte d'Ivoire to visit my friend, Erik. Learn more about The International WWOOF Association. It's an especially good way for vegetarians to see the world. Anyone interested in joining me? posted by kristar 4:56 PM
The weather is so nice here today -- again! The last three days have just been gorgeous in Austin. Warm and sunny with a cool breeze blowing through. I just love it! Every morning I walk out of my apartment and think I should just skip work and laze about in the out-of-doors. Instead I am holed up in a cubicle with no natural light and no view of the outside. And now you wonder why I leave the building to eat at an outside restaurant everyday... posted by kristar 10:28 AM
Monday, May 13, 2002
"I have known since I was a child that my fate held three great promises for me. Firstly, and most importantly, I am destined for a Great Love with one woman ..."
"Secondly, I have always known that great wealth was in my future..."
"Thirdly, I have always believed that I will become President..."
-M. H.
Somehow I got to looking at the website for the Nicole Kidman *stalker* and I couldn't stop reading! I could be wrong about him, but he doesn't seem all there. Check out the Boycott Nicole Kidman section too. It's quite amusing. posted by kristar 6:02 PM
To add some goofiness to your day, go check out the latest Haypenny update. Go therenow! posted by kristar 3:35 PM
Sunday, May 12, 2002
Yesterday's Chicago Cubs game was rained out. It was supposed to be my sister's 30th birthday celebration activity, but it just poured cats and dogs here in Chicago. Instead, we (her husband and several of her friends included) hung out at her condo and snacked on Potbelly's sandwiches and other munchables. I also picked up a 6-pack of my favourite beer: Bell's Oberon. I used to drink it in college. I would save up what little cash I had for a single bottle of the stuff and I would usually end up splitting it with one other person. It's sooo good! And from a great brewery in Michigan.
Tomorrow morning I will fly back to Austin. I'm once again thinking about quitting my job. If I can make it until June 2nd, my 5-year anniversary, when my 401K will be 100% vested I think I might do it. Then again, maybe I will change my mind.
I frogged everything I'd done on the child's guernsey. I took some before and after photos. I also started knitting the piece again. I'm not quite to the yoke pattern yet. I will hopefully post some photos this afternoon.
Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms out there! posted by kristar 10:06 AM
Tuesday, May 07, 2002
Oh man! It's been a while since I posted anything on my blog. I feel bad for anyone who has had to waste any time passing by via the web ring. So sorry.
On the knitting front: As this is primarily a knitting blog, I thought I should get my knitting adventures out of the way first. On my train ride to Michigan last Friday, I worked on the Wheatfields dishcloth which I had kind of blown off for a while. It is all finished and I need to post a new picture of it in the galleries. I also knitted more of the guernsey sweater, but I have decided to pull out all of the yoke pattern and add the 2 inches of stockinette stitch I missed. It will be sad to see it go. And it will be even sadder to re-knit the pattern. I'll take some photos to document what I did.
I've also been a slightly evil knitter. Well, not really evil...just a little devilish. I have been hanging out with a couple of my friends here in Michigan. Juli and Carolyn. I taught them both how to knit and they are each working on projects right now. I find that I can't help myself when I see their projects lying around and I pick up the item and I start knitting it! I have a terrible addiction! It's like I can't help myself. If I don't have knitting in my hands I take someone else's! Is that bad? Last night I crawled into bed and decided to start something new because I wasn't in the mood to frog the guernsey. So, I decided to make a tube top for a friend of mine. It may end up being a wrap if I screw it up. I am not working from any pattern. I just picked up some cheap yarn and started knitting it to keep myself from knitting other people's work.
I also finished the hair tube of which I will post a photo very soon. I need to recharge the batteries in my digital camera.
Gardening: I have the coolest succulent garden going on! My mom took me to her friend's greenhouses and gardens over the weekend and I bought some excellent plants for a very low price. I will be sure to get some photos posted soon. Promises, promises...
Work: This week I am working from Michigan. I'm really enjoying my time away from the office. It's going to be difficult going back. If I could only convince *them* to let me work from here every week. The one thing I miss? High speed connectivity. I am working over a dial-up connection and I am realizing how spoiled I have been! Of course I connect to the network at the office, but I have a very reliable cable modem in my apartment in Austin as well. If I hang out here on a more permanent basis I will probably get DSL and a second phone line.
Life: I really love living with my friend. It's so wonderful to spend time with her and her daughters. They call me "Aunt Kika". They are sweet and challenging and playful and frustrating and very, very loving. I see how much work being a mother/mom is and I see how rewarding it is too. I wonder if I will ever feel ready for it. I think I am still a little too irresponsible to consider it any time soon. Speaking of...I think I am going to Malaysia in June. Another friend is living in Kuala Lumpur and she wants a visitor. I just need to get some specific dates from her and then I need to book a flight! I am so excited!
Okay, well I'm sure I could go on and on about everything that's been happening over the last few days, but it might get boring for you, dear reader. I will stop for now. posted by kristar 10:09 AM
Thursday, May 02, 2002
This page needs some work. I am now seeing it on my sister's monitor with a different resolution than my own. It's not looking too good. Things need to be more dynamic. I'll work on this when I have some time because scrolling sux! Changes soon to come.
My flight to Chicago went very smoothly. Now I must take the dog for a walk. posted by kristar 11:03 PM
It was cool to see everyone knitting on TV this morning! I plan to get in some good knitting time during the train ride from Chicago to Michigan. I also suffer the motion sickness problem that Dangerous Chunky mentioned in her blog today. I have to take Dramamine whenever I travel...whether via plane, auto, or boat. Sometimes it makes me sleepy, but it's the only way I can knit or read on the move. posted by kristar 1:47 PM
Ha HA! I am flying out of here today. This week I decided to fly into Chicago and then take the train to Michigan. I've had enough of missed flight connections. This plan means I will spend the night in Chicago tonight and then catch a train tomorrow morning. I'm excited to see my parents this weekend. I'm also hoping to work on a succulent garden. A week away from the office - awesome! My laptop is all set up to work remotely. I am going to set up an office in my friend's house for a whole week! I can't wait to have friends around. Anyway, after my week in Michigan I will return to Chicago for the following weekend -- also my sister's birthday weekend. I have been invited to join her at a Chicago Cubs baseball game! I'm almost embarassed to say that in all the years that I have lived in Chicago I have never been to a Cubs game. I've never really been a huge fan of traditional sports. Though, I did enjoy a Chicago Fire soccer game once. But, everyone seems to have a great time watching the Cubbies and I hope I do the same.
Ohmigosh! I don't know how I am going to get this suitcase on to the plane let alone the train! It's so heavy and full of yarn, needles, knitting books...oh yeah, some clothes too.
Well, I have the Early Show on right now and Jane Clayson keeps mentioning the knitting segment. Can't wait to see my fellow knitbloggers. Let's get it on already! I'm still waiting... posted by kristar 8:44 AM
Wednesday, May 01, 2002
Changed the appearance of my blog. It's still quite dull, but it seems easier on the eyes than the old one did. Soon I will find a place to host my domain and then I will be able to have inline pictures. Maybe next week?
I've also changed over to YACCS comments now that sign up is open again. posted by kristar 12:10 PM
Tuesday, April 30, 2002
co-worker: National Make It Yourself with Wool Contest encourages personal creativity in sewing, knitting, and crocheting with wool fabrics and yarns. Ages 12-adult.
National Make It Yourself with Wool, Box 175, Lavina MT 59046, (406) 636-2731, www.sheepusa.org.
co-worker: http://www.sheepusa.org/features/contest.shtml me: where did you find that?
co-worker: a calander in the guys rest room was talking about funny places you can get scholorships from and that was one of them
me: that is odd posted by kristar 11:25 AM
Monday, April 29, 2002
So, I noticed that my blog got a hit from Côte d'Ivoire and I had to tell my friend Erik about it. He will be relocating there this coming June. Erik says there's a knitting revolution going on. That is quite possible. Well, anyway, Erik is going into the Peace Corps and will be living over there for at least a couple of years. He's constantly inundating me with information about it and links to even more information about it. I especially liked this one: MyMudhut.com. It's the site of a current Peace Corps volunteer and he has a pretty decent (though irregularly updated) photo journal.
I am working on a new project using Lion Brand Woolspun in the colour Granite. You can see it here.
Haypenny has a new update! If you enjoy The Onion you should enjoy the writing at Haypenny. I am the on-again/off-again copy editor, but I will not take the blame for any errors in the current stories as I haven't edited them due to the tight deadline the editors had going on for the last two issues. Nevertheless, they are usually quite funny. Go check it out!
My latest edition of Punk Planet arrived in the mail today! Some reading material for this weekend's flight. Woohoo! posted by kristar 10:46 PM
Okay, so I was away from my computer all weekend. I just finished catching up on all of the posts to the knitblogs Yahoo group. So many posts! Fun reading, though. Now I am on to catching up on my fellow knitbloggers. Can't wait to make my way through the web ring. Well, here goes... posted by kristar 2:27 PM
Rant: Airport hell! I have just arrived home after too much time spent in airports dealing with all sorts of problems (long story, I won't go into it). I called my mom and vowed that I will work from home rather than fly again. If the company doesn't like it, they can go ahead and fire me. I have had it with the travel. No more. Tomorrow (well, I guess it's today) I am going to talk to someone in the office about this. I am so sick of it!
So, I spent the weekend in Michigan with my friends. I knitted quite a bit and even started a new project. Spent lots of time knitting in public. It was so much fun!
I just watched this dude on TV make some wonderful things from chocolate. I learned that white chocolate is cocoa butter flavoured with vanilla (well, kind of). And he made this cool decorative chocolate bark-like stuff by pouring chocolate over bubble wrap and then pulling the wrap away to show the cool design. Pretty neat! You can read about all of it here! posted by kristar 8:56 AM
Wednesday, April 24, 2002
Okay, so I am annoyed easily... But, today another cubicle wall neighbor spent the ENTIRE day clicking the container for those minty strips (the things that dissolve on your tongue and make your breath fresh)! It's okay to do it for a couple of minutes, but why would you do this ALL day long?! I told him yesterday to cut it out. Today he continued to do it. So, I waited until I saw him walk away from his desk and I slipped into his cubicle to grab the offensive item. But, it wasn't there! He had taken it with him. Later, I heard him get up and at the same time heard something *click* against his desk. So, again I snuck into his cubicle and there it was with a companion noise-maker. He had TWO of them. So, I took them both and placed them under some of the papers on his desk. I wonder how quickly he will find them. He he! posted by kristar 4:48 PM
Maybe this is the kick in the pants I need to stay away from the bad stuff. Thanks for the link, Ron. posted by kristar 4:27 PM
Rant:
I don't know what my problem is...my mood has turned very sour. It seemed like things were going my way during the drive into work this morning - almost too good! I made every light and where I normally have to sit and wait for the construction guy to give me the "SLOW" sign, I cruised right through. I knew something bad was bound to happen. I'm just not sure exactly what it is. I just know I am in a bad mood and everything is getting on my nerves this morning! The guy making the slurpy/sucking noise is STILL at it and I can't get my music loud enough to drown it out! I'm getting annoyed with my job and everything related to it. I couldn't get through to a stupid conference call yesterday, I can't find the new helpdesk number so that I can call in to get my laptop upgraded, it's taking 5 zillion years to connect to our employee website. Ugh! I think I am just tired of traveling. I just want to quit. Or work from home (wherever home is now). I want to be closer to my friends. I don't fit in here at work. Don't get me wrong, most of the people are nice, but I just don't have a lot in common with them other than the fact that we are all stuck here together. I can't make friends outside of work because I either fly somewhere else on the weekends (when I actually have time to socialize) or I don't commit to anything because I think this project is going to end any day. For the last two years I've thought this project was going to end at the end of each month (well, that's what *they* keep telling me). And at the end of each month I get extended. I would have taken a class here or done some volunteer work had I known I was going to be in Austin for so long. I can't even commit to anything at home because I never know if I might have to stay in Austin for the weekend. I love Austin, but I miss having a social life. If my friends would move here I'd be happier. I'd also be fine with moving back near my friends. Sorry about this complaining. I don't blame anyone if they quit reading this gripe after the first sentence. I just had to let it out. posted by kristar 10:51 AM
I can't believe I am at the office this early. This used to be normal - before daylight savings time kicked in. I do not wake to an alarm, so my body hasn't been having an easy time adjusting.
This morning I checked some of the knitting blogs. Crafty Bitch has a revamped site. Tons of content too!
Tomorrow afternoon I am heading to the airport to catch a flight to Michigan. Looking forward to some weekend knitting with my friends Carolyn and Juli. I got them hooked on it just so that I would have someone else with whom to knit.
Bad girl: Last night I ordered some Rowanspun DK with which I plan to knit a little girl's dress from Debbie Bliss' Easy Knits. posted by kristar 8:55 AM
Tuesday, April 23, 2002
Okay, so I was trying to be more prompt with my updates. But, now it's about 30 minutes from quitting time and I am only just now adding something to my blog.
I finally posted a photo of the yoke pattern detail for the guernsey sweater. In the same location, I also added a photo of my latest WIP - a light blue cotton dishcloth.
Oh! And I've also discovered (from yesterday's comments), that AmethystMuse is also of Puerto Rican descent. How cool is that?!
So, last night I finally watched the latest episode of Six Feet Under (I know, it's supposed to be TV Turnoff Week, but I am terribly addicted to this one show). And I loved the final scene of Nate speeding off along the California coast on a motorcycle to Blue Oyster Cult's "Don't Fear The Reaper". So, I burned it on to a CD and sped my way over the lovely Austin hills to the office this morning. Too bad I don't have a hog rather than this Oldsmobile Aurora rental car. Anyway, one of the cool things about the Six Feet Under website is that they provide artist and song names for all of the music in each episode. Just check out the episode guide. Of course, I knew the BOC song, but there have been quite a few other cool tunes that I didn't know, but was able to look up oh so easily. And, if you are hooked on the show and not watching TV this week (you are better than I am), you can get your fill of each episode at the site as well. Of course, that probably defeats the purpose of TV Turnoff week. Eh, you'll at least spend less time reading about it than you will watching it. posted by kristar 5:53 PM
Monday, April 22, 2002
I just discovered that this page looks really funky in Netscape. That is not cool. I will have to also check it in my Opera browser when I get home from work. posted by kristar 2:13 PM
I didn't knit at all yesterday. I wanted to, though. On Saturday I discovered that I read the wrong measurement from my pattern for the guernsey sweater. I was planning to make the middle size (4-6 year old, I think). You see, prior to starting the sweater I went through and placed little x's above all of the numbers I was to use for this pattern. Well, apparently the little x's weren't obvious enough and I used a wrong number. Why didn't I just go through and HIGHLIGHT all of the measurements?! Argh! So, it turns out the section of the sweater that is all stockinette stitch should have been 2 inches longer (11 inches instead of 9 inches). This wouldn't have been a huge problem if I had noticed this error before I started the yoke pattern and had gotten more than halfway through it. Argh! So, anyway, I really don't want to rip out all of that work. My solution? I've decided that I am going to add the missing 2 inches to the top of the sweater where it calls for garter stitch. If, at that point, I discover that it looks like crap, then I may frog the yoke pattern and start over again. But, if I discover that I don't have to, then I think I will be better off. Well, anyway, at least this mistake forced me to start something new. I was so frustrated with the sweater that I decided to work on a new project (I was also afraid I might do some damage to the sweater in my frustration). The new item is small, but cute. It's a dishcloth from the Dishcloth Boutique! I selected the Wheatfields design. I'll post pictures of it in the galleries sometime this evening.
Yesterday I flew to Dallas for the birthday of my co-worker, Cathie. There was also a baby shower for her daughter along with a housewarming party. They had a keg and the guys were frying fish and Cathie, who's originally from Scotland, was making fun of her daughter's friends. She kept telling me I was getting to see what a real redneck shindig was like. To be honest, other than the cowboy hats, the country music, and the Texas accents the party wasn't too different from some of the summertime parties I've been to in Michigan. Well, I might have also selected a darker beer for the keg. I was surprised that they even cooked up some veggie burgers for the few vegetarians there. All in all, it was nice to do something different and to spend time with some of my co-workers away from the office. posted by kristar 11:04 AM
Saturday, April 20, 2002
Knitting. Drinking coffee. It's Saturday. I even slept until 10am.
Last night my dad asked if I'd like to go visit Puerto Rico with him. I really would like to go see my family there as it's been about 16 years since my last trip. So we'll see. We need to plan a time to go. He talked about going last year and then nothing ever happened. I am sad that I don't know my family there very well. My dad is the youngest of 20 children and so it's difficult to keep track of everyone anyway. As a child I remember my cousins were more like aunts and uncles to me since I was so much younger. I want to go back. My grandparents lived in the mountains. It's so beautiful!
Some other interesting facts about my family in P.R.:
both of my grandparents lived to be at least 100
of the 20 children born to my grandparents, there were 8 sets of twins
all of the twins were girls
all of the single births were boys
my grandpa drank milk fresh from the cow every morning
I actually have some new work to do today. It's not like I haven't had work to do all week, but it's the same stuff everyday. Fixing problem code. Today I actually was asked to write some ColdFusion code from scratch. I am so happy about this. Of course, this would come on a Friday. I was kind of hoping I could sneak out of here early. But, it doesn't look that way.
At lunchtime I stopped by Barnes and Noble to peruse the knitting mags and books. Nothing new. Oh well. I did, however, buy a soy latte in their cafe. Yum! I also bought David Rakoff's Fraud on CD so I can listen to it on the drive back from Dallas on Sunday evening. posted by kristar 1:14 PM
This morning I had to find something light to wear to work, so I selected a pink linen shirt. Of course, it needed to be ironed. As I started ironing I noticed oily streaks across the fabric. It's from the Verbena linen water I am using. Now why does that happen? It seems to be dripping out of the steam holes. It left a nice big spot on the back of the shirt. Fortunately (or unfortunately) the office is very cool and I usually wear a cardigan. But, I just don't understand why the oil seeps out. I am using it according to the directions. Could my iron be too hot?
Posted an updated photo of the guernsey sweater in my knitting galleries. Of course, I am still only working on the back side. So much more to go. posted by kristar 10:20 AM
Thursday, April 18, 2002
I am soooooo excited right now! My package of licorice arrived this morning here at the office. It's amazing how quickly it arrived. I ordered it yesterday morning and it was packaged and shipped yesterday afternoon. And I selected the cheapest ground shipping.
So, I just opened the box to find it safely protected from the Texas heat in a special foam box and covered in a pretty decorative German flag coloured ribbon. As someone with a degree in Packaging this sort of stuff makes me very happy.
Oh! They even sent me a small package of Gummi Bears! I love small stores and the personal service they provide. posted by kristar 10:42 AM
I looked for something new to knit last night and everything that I thought looked cute to wear seemed b-o-r-i-n-g to knit. I guess I like simple designs for wear, but as far as knitting goes I think I am ready for something a little more complex. Anyway, I did decide a while ago to knit a blanket as a gift for a friend who is getting married. I suppose I ought to get on the ball since the wedding takes place in August (which will be here before I know it!)
So, tonight a friend of mine will be in Austin to meet with a client and then meet me for dinner. I suggested Curra's Grill because they have the best avocado margaritas ever! If you've never had one, you should try either getting yourself to this restaurant or making them at home using the following ingredients (don't ask me what the proportions are):
avocado
frozen limeade
water
ice
triple sec
tequila
cilantro
It's a very fresh-tasting drink. My friends and I made them last New Year's Eve and they were super yummy! posted by kristar 10:21 AM
Wednesday, April 17, 2002
Yum! I just ordered some of this delicious licorice. The last time I had it was in college when a Danish friend (Cristina) of my roommate (Heather) brought us several bags of it. I hope it's as good as I remember. At the time, I was quite scared of salty, hot licorice. But, I soon discovered that I loved the stuff! I'm not sure what made me think of it again...maybe it was all the varied licorice that Carolyn's (college roommate) in-laws brought back from New Zealand. Anyway, I have had a craving and I discovered a place in Texas that sells it! And I also learned that it's actually a Finnish licorice. That is extra special to me since my grandmother was Finnish. I also think the Puerto Rican side of me likes the spiciness!
So, I knitted last night. And I am just really slow. Stockinette stitch. Boring. I am supposed to knit until the piece is 9 inches long and right now it's only about 6-1/2 inches. This sweater is going to take forever. So, since it won't actually be worn until this fall (at least) I have decided to start knitting something else. I have been perusing my pattern books. I'll let you know when I find something. For the time being I should probably re-knit the curled brim on the cable hat. posted by kristar 11:07 AM
Tuesday, April 16, 2002
Do you think it would be okay for me to walk over and apply duct tape to the mouth of a co-worker? Every single morning I come in and hear this sucking noise coming from his cube. It's like he has a cough drop in his mouth and is trying to suck all of the flavour from it. IT IS DRIVING ME NUTS!!!!! I really need to bring some headphones in to completely drown it out. For the time being I am turning up my punk music...thank you Jade Tree. posted by kristar 10:51 AM
Switching between morning TV shows I found out that P. Diddy will be touring with N*Sync. And one of the N*Sync-ees is hoping to go into space with the Russian Space Program. Are you kidding me?! Why do I watch these shows?
More excuses...I spent last night talking on the phone and replying to IMs and so I only got in a few rows of the guernsey sweater. Okay, tonight I will buckle down and try to get to the chest pattern. Photos will be going up once it looks like I've gotten somewhere.
Enjoy the warm weather wherever you are. posted by kristar 8:37 AM
Monday, April 15, 2002
Screw the state of Illinois! They wouldn't let me electronically file my stupid tax return because they say I am a new filer. Even though I've been filing the freaking thing there for the last 5 years?! Ugh! posted by kristar 3:14 PM
Argh! I opened up my suitcase this morning to pull out some shoes I had packed for last weekend (and no, I didn't even consider unpacking when I got in last night) and the yarn for my current WIP got caught in the suitcase zipper! Fortunately I was able to pull it out without totally destroying the yarn. I will have to take a closer look at it when I get home this evening.
Well, my sister drove me out to Schaumburg to check out the car. I have to say, I was disappointed. The interior was really cheap-looking. It felt cheap too. Hollow plastic on the doors and the backs of the seats. It just wasn't anything special. The outside of the car is still spectacular. Very cute! Maybe I will wait until they have the Cooper S on the lot so I can see how it compares. I guess I expected more from BMW. Oh well.
Other than the long drive to the car lot, I haven't done much else. I'm spending the evening with my sister's dog. He is a Coton de Tulear. I saw him catch a frisbee today! And now he is licking my hand... posted by kristar 8:33 PM
Friday, April 12, 2002
Woohoo! It's Friday! I am so happy. I get to head back to Chicago around 5pm. Fortunately the weather is much nicer than it was last Sunday when I flew down here. I don't want to go through that again!
This weekend my sister (hopefully) will drive me to the 'burbs to look at the car! I am so excited I can hardly stand it. I've been (shhhh) looking up car information on the web all morning. :)
The guernsey sweater is coming along rather slowly still. I was only able to get in a few rows of stockinette stitch last night. Of late I've been a bit obsessed with the new scanner and digital camera.
Minor tragedy: This morning I was sitting on a pillow on the floor in front of the TV eating my bowl of cereal when I attempted to set the bowl on the coffee table. My reach wasn't quite far enough and the bowl only caught the edge and then proceeded to spill soy milk, bananas, and cereal on me, my pillow, and the floor. I was really wanting the jeans for this weekend. So, I threw them into the laundry and changed my clothes before I headed off to work. I am planning to drop by my apartment now on my way to the airport to pick them up. A wonderful excuse to get out of here early.
Okay, I guess I should look at that Perl program now. posted by kristar 11:49 AM
Thursday, April 11, 2002
This week is just dripping in boredom...well, at least while I am in the
office.
While it's nice to have the extra daylight in the evening, I am really having a
difficult time waking up in the morning. I have had to resort to setting my
alarm again. At least until my body adjusts to rising at a reasonable hour.
Today is a gorgeous day in Austin. Sunny and very warm (but not hot). I would
rather be playing hooky today. I can't even see the sun from my cubicle. This
sucks so much.
I'm still not too far along on the guernsey sweater. I'm just
about finished with the bottom edge ribbing for the back, though. So far it looks good,
but it's hard to tell at this point. I finished the scarf for my sister last weekend and I am planning to give it to her this
weekend in Chicago.
Another link for the knitter: Getting Yarn Sizes for unknown yarns posted by kristar 11:36 AM
Wednesday, February 27, 2002
I am going to Europe again this May. Flying into Marseilles and slowly making my way (with my friend and her Dad) to Prague and back again. We are planning to do a lot of exploring in the Provence region of France. I hope to visit Aix-en-Provence where my mom lived when she studied in France. I was there once in the middle of the night when my friends and I had to detrain because there were no unreserved seats available. We slept in the train station for a few hours until the next train arrived. But, we never got out of the station. Anyway, I'm going to try out this useful site recommended by Becky at mybluehouse.com: Eurotrip.com posted by kristar 10:05 AM
