new concepts

I have to admit, I have a weakness for "the latest gadgets" blogs like Gizmodo, Shiny Shiny, and Cool Tools (thanks, Dad!). I find them endless sources of fascination and entertainment. As with anything else, sometimes there are really good ideas, and sometimes there are bad, bad ones (not for the eye-squeamish). (Sorry I didn't describe the links further, but you really have to click on them to get the full impact!) I think this one -- an electronic Braille book -- looks great; I hope it catches on soon! Then maybe they'd make it so that people can transmit not just Braille books, but letters as well! (Eh, Kristen?) :)

Currently Reading:
	TITLE: Knitting Rules! AUTHOR: Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
	TITLE: Collapse AUTHOR: Jared Diamond
	TITLE: Gone Tomorrow: The Hidden Life of Garbage AUTHOR: Heather Rogers
	TITLE: The Art of Interactive Design AUTHOR: Chris Crawford

okay, this isn't funny anymore...

So yesterday in the mail, besides receiving two fantastic letters (one from Chandra & one from Sarah K, yay for both!), I pulled a small, soft, company-wrapped package out of the mailbox. I quickly wracked my brain to try to remember if I had ordered something recently, but I hadn't. Tearing open the package with my curiousity mounting every moment, I pulled out ... a t-shirt! With the most adorable image ever:


I was in love with it on sight...but also terribly confused, as there was nothing else inside the package except the packing slip. I deduced that the t-shirt itself came from a fun site called nerdyshirts.com, because that's where I found the shirt via a Google image search. There are no other clues. The only information on the outside of the vinyl envelope is the name of the company used to ship the product (SureShip), and the name of the company that processed the postage (endicia.com). So. I am left with very little.

The only odd clue here is that the original shipping label indicates someone tried to mail it to my current street address, my current state, and my current zip...but they put my parents' (and my former) city, instead of Boston. Clearly the P.O. was able to figure it out via the zip code, but that probably delayed things a bit (as they had to paste a new label over the old one with the correct city on it...). The only other information I have is that it was mailed on April 19.

So, please step forward, you rogue package-sender!! I am incredibly curious. I'd guess that it was a birthday present, but it seems so early. I know already that it wasn't Dan, Jen, Sarah, or Bethany. So, who???

It's clearly someone who knows of my reverence of and love for clever-yet-adorable shirts. It's clearly someone who knows me well.

This reminds me all too eerily of the mystery bouquet I was mailed during my freshman year of college...I still to this day haven't figured that one out. It was a gorgeous bouquet, too, and (when I looked up the flower company online) pretty expensive. Seems like a lot for someone to do when they never took credit for it!! -- I do hope that someone actually comes forward, this time.

Sigh. I love the shirt, but I hate mysteries. Please enlighten me! xoxo

Currently Reading:
	TITLE: Knitting Rules! AUTHOR: Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
	TITLE: Collapse AUTHOR: Jared Diamond
	TITLE: Gone Tomorrow: The Hidden Life of Garbage AUTHOR: Heather Rogers
	TITLE: The Art of Interactive Design AUTHOR: Chris Crawford

another book

I forgot that I've kind of been picking my way through the Yarn Harlot's latest book recently, too...I'll have to add it to my list.

Hopefully this'll inspire me to get in gear and actually get through something soon!!

It's definitely Collapse's 500+ pages that are slowing me down these days....

p.s. Ah, I adore Natalie Dee:


You can buy t-shirts and bags of hers here; I just bought 4! (Some were presents...)

Currently Reading:
	TITLE: Knitting Rules! AUTHOR: Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
	TITLE: Collapse AUTHOR: Jared Diamond
	TITLE: Gone Tomorrow: The Hidden Life of Garbage AUTHOR: Heather Rogers
	TITLE: The Art of Interactive Design AUTHOR: Chris Crawford

ah, sunshine again

I can't believe I forgot to mention my favorite part of last Sunday: Fuck! ...Dan & I went to see that movie (preceded by Zombie-American) at the Coolidge Corner theater. They were being shown as part of the Boston IFF, and I really enjoyed both! They each covered very interesting topics rather amusingly. The one thing that stood out was poor editing -- you know that's something that would strike me: in a part when Janet Jackson's infamous wardrobe malfunction was being discussed, they said that she "beared her breast" or something along those lines. Eep! I don't really want the seriously ouch mental image I'm having of a grizzly clawing her naked breast. I hate to see something that's so professionally wrought have such a glaring error. The film itself was great, otherwise. I just can't take anything entirely seriously if it's presented as a finished product and has poor grammar! I'll be the first to admit I make my mistakes, but were I submitting a paper or filming a movie, I'd be sure to have someone double-check my editing (and I'm sure I'd be quadruple-checking it, myself!).

In any case, I'm glad we got to see part of the IFF -- next year, I hope to hear about it earlier. What I'd like is to see more of a breakdown of the films being shown -- the website is great, but I would never have sorted through all of those movies listed! Instead, I kind of found the ones we went to see inadvertently, by first noticing Zombie-American on the Brattle site, and then finding out that it was playing with another film I was quite interested in seeing!

Yesterday after work, I rushed to complete my errands in Downtown Crossing, stopping first at the pen shop (I love that store!), then running to get to Windsor Button before it closed. As usual, I wandered around in pure bliss for a few minutes (particularly near the yarn section) before settling down to business. I purchased 9 small containers (blue, green, and white) of fabric paint for the banner CodePink'll be making tonight for Sunday's march, as well as several yards of ribbon (purple, blue, green) to use as streamers. Fun! (I also managed to resist the burning temptation to purchase some Noro Kureyon (yarn); I have made the resolution to come back once I've finished a few more things using my stash. For now, I don't really have the money.) And as for the real reason I went there: the store doesn't carry safety eyes, but I did pick up some buttons with shanks on the back that I'll use instead.


But, only when I make other toys, for older children. I went through all that waiting, just to realize that I probably shouldn't put swallowable eyes onto a doll that a very small child might carry around. So I decided to embroider not only the mouth, but also the eyes. I've never embroidered anything before, but I figured "Ah, I'll just wing it, how hard can it be? I'm just stitching a face on."

And, I learned a very important thing yesterday...


...that I have no idea how to embroider. None whatsoever. I think I'll take to calling her Lucy Lopsided, because of her sad little uneven face! (And yes, she will have legs - she just doesn't, yet.) Oh, well. I guess I'll learn a little more each time I knit one of these dolls. --Anyone out there know how to embroider, and feel like teaching a poor knitter?

I just hope the doll won't scare the baby too much...

Currently Reading:
	TITLE: Collapse AUTHOR: Jared Diamond
	TITLE: Gone Tomorrow: The Hidden Life of Garbage AUTHOR: Heather Rogers
	TITLE: The Art of Interactive Design AUTHOR: Chris Crawford

rainy Sunday, partie deux

To finish up the weekend post quickly, Saturday night was DiRo's pirate party up in Salem, and Dan decided to stay in, so I caught a ride up north with Brian, which was a lot of fun -- it's been ages since we've really gotten a chance to talk. We caught up on everything regarding ourselves, our families, and our friends. I can't believe sometimes that I've known these guys since I was 15 -- that's 10 years. Wow.

The party itself was pretty fun, and I got a little drunk but nothing bad...I remember everything that happened (which is no surprise, really, as I've never blacked out!), particularly talking a lot with "the guys" while the girls (their wives/fiancees) did girly things, heh. And then chatting with 2 very nice girls who hadn't known Mike very long. And I remember looking at my watch, and noting that it was 12:30...and then getting in the car with Brian & exclaiming about it being 2am. I didn't forget what happened in those 1.5 hours, I just didn't realize so much time was passing when we were all talking! I guess it's been a while since I've been to a party...particularly one where I was so comfortable, and either knew everyone or wasn't intimidated by not knowing some. I hope my upcoming birthday gathering (that I hope to have) will feel that same way....

Sunday morning was spent sleeping in (a rarity for me, although usually I'm not up that late, either), and then rushing around frantically trying to get the breads baked before my meeting (which I was an hour late for; shame on me!). I also squeezed in a bit of knitting and watched some of what was once (when I was about 11) my favorite movie ever, My Girl! As always, it made me cry, but it's definitely no longer a favorite. Just a good, cute movie.


Oh, and here's the torso and partial head of the Jess Hutch doll I've been working on; I'm sort of stymied until I head to Windsor Button today to pick up a pair of safety eyes, since I failed to procure those before I started (and was quite frustrated with myself that I was stopped mid-project because of it!). I hope to get some more done tonight, after the WB run. I'm making it for the baby of a friend of my sister (did you follow that?).

Okay I can't write any more right now; ciao! xoxo

Currently Reading:
	TITLE: Collapse AUTHOR: Jared Diamond
	TITLE: Gone Tomorrow: The Hidden Life of Garbage AUTHOR: Heather Rogers
	TITLE: The Art of Interactive Design AUTHOR: Chris Crawford

rainy Sunday

Breads #3 and #4 are taking too long to come out of the oven; I am running late for my book club meeting! And I am very annoyed. I was going to take one with me to the group, but it'll still be way too warm when I take it out of the oven, arg. They are delicious strawberry breads, though; I made 2 yesterday, and another 2 this afternoon (but clearly too late in the day!). Yesterday's were made with wheat instead of regular flour; today's are made with applesauce instead of oil (and I think therin lies the problem -- it always seems that applesauce substituted for oil takes longer to cook, as it is more moist).

Friday night was so pleasant; Dan & I just hung out at home and did nothing in particular. I really love nights like that. We had discussed either going to see Brick or American Dreamz, but we completely forgot about that. I do hope we can see both sometime in the next few weeks, though. I am especially excited to see a new take on film noir! I feel like the last attempt at that was Chinatown in the 70's. (With an adorable Jack Nicholson.)

Saturday morning I met Jess for breakfast at Theo's, just like old times! It's been a while, so we had a lot to catch up on. So much fun! I do hope we get to hanging out more often again, though. Once every few months just doesn't cut it. :)

Afterwards, I dropped a few letters off at the post office and then picked up some veggies at Haymarket (I've never gotten so much male attention in one place in my life, ugghhh -- next time Danny comes along). I went back home and hung out for a bit -- reading, knitting, watching movies -- actually, more like a few hours (I kept expecting we were going out, but we decided not to as the weather got worse).

...and I'm going to finish this up later. Well I mean, I'll post again, finishing up with what I had to say. I just have to go -- the bread is finally ready! xoxo

Currently Reading:
	TITLE: Collapse AUTHOR: Jared Diamond
	TITLE: Gone Tomorrow: The Hidden Life of Garbage AUTHOR: Heather Rogers
	TITLE: The Art of Interactive Design AUTHOR: Chris Crawford

poetry corner

Okay, so, this morning I wrote the first poem I've written in years. Are you ready for it? ...Here:


I cannot write a haiku
With this second line:
Trockenbeerenauslese


Haha, sorry if I disappointed. I never claimed it was any good!

I gave it to Dan, since he likes botrytisized wines (I have been wanting for us to try Trockenbeerenauslese; we'll have to find somewhere that sells it!).

Nothing much has been happening, really. Wednesday night was a fun birthday dinner (with Bethany, Ashu, and Rachel) for Claudia, at the Chilli Duck (yes, sic - we all questioned the odd spelling, but that's how it is!), on Boylston. I had crispy crab wonton (their version of crab rangoon) as an appetizer, and pad thai as a main course - both very good, but not the best I've tasted of either (although I am inclined to rave about their crab wonton because it's the first I've found here that rivals the Green Tea's - sweeter than most, and with a very good ratio of filling-to-outer-shell...mmm). I still prefer Green Tea's, but if I had a hankering and wasn't in CT, I'd head to the Chilli Duck, I think.

Yesterday night, I cooked Frankie's Chicken, Broccoli, and Ziti Alfredo. It took longer to make than I had expected, but it really did turn out delicious! I can't wait to have leftovers for lunch...

/me drools in anticipation

Currently Reading:
	TITLE: Collapse AUTHOR: Jared Diamond
	TITLE: Gone Tomorrow: The Hidden Life of Garbage AUTHOR: Heather Rogers
	TITLE: The Art of Interactive Design AUTHOR: Chris Crawford

weekend wrap-up

This past weekend was busy but a lot of fun. Friday night, Dan & I had dinner with his friends Corey & Liz, who were in town for a conference-type thing. Saturday morning, we kicked around the house until it was time for our Shag appointments - cut & color for our hair, yay! I really like the color I ended up with, and my hair is significantly (to me, anyway) shorter, and much healthier-looking. And feeling. I really have to remember to cut my hair more often....

Right after Shag, I grabbed all of my bags (I had brought them to the salon so I could leave right from there), kissed Danny good-bye, and raced up to Porter Square to meet Tanya. Once we finally found a gas station and were able to get ourselves going in the correct direction on Mass Ave., we were on our way back to CT! We had a great time catching up during the 2-hour drive home. Ah, I love that girl. (And thanks for the ride, T!)

I arrived back in Unionville fairly late, but it was still early enough to play a few rounds of one of my new favorite games, Apples to Apples, with the family & Liam. As usual, hilarity ensued. :)

The next morning I awoke to the customary Easter basket on the floor by my bed (okay, I'll be honest: I was actually still up when my mother dropped it of in my room the previous night, but I promise I didn't look in it until Sunday morning!). As usual, Mom did an excellent job of customizing the baskets to us girls. She is so great at being a mother -- I hope I am half as good at it when and if I have children!

We attended church as usual (it was odd to have all of us girls - Mom, Sarah, Bethany, and me - in church together again, like it used to be). Of course Sarah & I spent most of the mass joking around and browsing the hymnals, but it was mostly just like old times. I also stopped before the mass to say hello to an old high school friend, Christine -- and I finally got to meet her fiance!! He seems like a very nice guy -- I'm looking forward to the wedding in September!

The family arrived for Easter shortly after we got back from church, and as usual it was nice to see everyone...well, almost everyone. Several of the cousins were missing due to out-of-state commitments, which was sad! Since there are so few of us. But Josh & Nick were there, and we of course played Apples to Apples again, hehe. And gorged ourselves on chocolate, courtesy of Aunt Lori!

Sunday night when everyone was gone, Jen came over to pick me up & we went to get coffee and catch up in person. We talk on the phone a lot, but it's always so nice to see her & chat face-to-face. Ah, yet another girl I adore. :)

Monday, I went in to the office (in Woodbury, CT) with my boss. It was good to be back there and I got a lot done while I was there. I was thisclose to finishing another small program, but I found a few things I wanted to clean up before I "release" it. Sigh. That's always the way.

Monday night I had a lovely dinner with Mom & Dad before catching the (really crowded!) bus back to Boston. We arrived around 10:55pm, and needless to say, I was exhausted -- definitely ready to get home & fall into bed! Which I did.

And...now you're pretty much caught up. Oh! Except for, yesterday evening, Danny & I went to see Against Me! and Alkaline Trio at the Avalon! It was a very good show -- I was singing along with most of the songs, which rocked. And, I ran into an old college acquantance (Pulin) who was working for PETA2! That was a neat surprise. He gave us some great (free!) stickers that I plan to use in upcoming letters.

This morning it was kind of hard to wake up for my shift at the Women's Lunch Place, but I'm glad I did -- we were severely short-staffed today! It was all rather surreal, because the doors were locked when I arrived at 7 -- normally, there are already plenty of people there, and half of the setup work is already done! We definitely had our work cut out for us. But I also got to really "bond" a bit more with one of the Wednesday regulars, Jean. She's very sweet, but at first she was very quiet and I found her rather standoffish. Now I feel much more comfortable talking to her and asking her questions. It's interesting, the odd first impressions one sometimes gets.

Okay, now I'm finally done. Ugh, I never seem to learn my lesson about putting entries off for a long time. Sorry for the long post! xoxo

Currently Reading:
	TITLE: Collapse AUTHOR: Jared Diamond
	TITLE: Gone Tomorrow: The Hidden Life of Garbage AUTHOR: Heather Rogers
	TITLE: The Art of Interactive Design AUTHOR: Chris Crawford

happy late Easter

Hey everyone, I hope you guys had a good holiday weekend! Whatever you celebrated. :)

I had been meaning to post this much earlier, but I wasn't near any computers that I could do this on until now. I received this Easter email sometime last year (I think it was from my Dad) and had all planned on sending it out as an Easter email this year, because I think it's adorable.


But, lo and behold, check out the picture I received from Renee on Saturday!


It's okay, because like I said, I wasn't really on a computer much this weekend, and thus probably wouldn't have managed to send it out. I find it more oddly coincidental & amusing than anything else!

I will write more soon, but for now I have to get settled back in, after a weekend in CT! xoxo

Currently Reading:
	TITLE: Collapse AUTHOR: Jared Diamond
	TITLE: The Art of Interactive Design AUTHOR: Chris Crawford

so many FOs!

I meant to post this last night, but we went to dinner with Christine & Paulo at the Elephant Walk, and I had a couple of drinks (pink lemonade martinis, yum), and was more sleepy than anything else upon our return home.

So, for those of you who aren't knitters (which, for my blog, constitutes the majority of you, I'd guess), FO = "finished object". Of which I have three to share with you all! I bit the bullet and did all of the weaving the ends in (my absolute least favorite part of knitting - I just want to be done when I am done!) while watching The Man Who Knew Too Much (Hitchcock's 2nd version) the other night. (And ever since, I've had Doris Day's version of "Que Sera, Sera" stuck in my head...go figure!)

Anyway, first up is the Honeymoon cami I did for Christine, as sort of a late Christmas present. I got to present it to her last night, which was exciting!



I also completed the baby pixie hat that I was making for Knit for the Greater Good, although I'm kind of confused...the pattern and picture made it sound like it was a hat for small babies, but it came out looking like it'll only fit a very large-headed child! Granted, I haven't tried it on any babies yet, but I'm still upset. I used the correct needles and yarn! I hope I'm just grossly underestimating children's head sizes.



And, last (and also least, because I haven't yet actually finished weaving in the ends for this one...but sshhh!) we have Stephanie's baby shower blanket (pattern here), long overdue. (Since it's almost 4' square, I can't see any feasible way to take a picture of it unfolded, so here, it's nestled in the bag I carted around just about everywhere while I was working on it!)


Next up: yet another baby blanket (I got a ton of free yarn from my mother & I think creating donatable objects is the best way to use it up!), a Hello Kitty doll for one of my sister's coworkers (who adores anything HK), and perhaps a Jess Hutch toy, socks for Dan, a sweater for Dan (I know, I know, wrong season, but I'd better get started now or else!), and/or the hourglass or Rogue sweaters.

Yeah, I've got my work cut out for me. But I love it! xoxo

Currently Reading:
	TITLE: Collapse AUTHOR: Jared Diamond
	TITLE: Hawkes Harbor AUTHOR: S.E. Hinton
	TITLE: The Art of Interactive Design AUTHOR: Chris Crawford