Happy Holidays!

Ro cat likes water

A cat that likes water? Rare.

Third time is not a charm

Just a quick note. I was rejected from Winter Knitty. Amy already had a wire and bead project (the earrings).

Here are some photos. If you want to purchase the pattern, see the link on the right.

Meow

I have been busy! So more details soon...

Until then I will leave you with a picture of my new friends, Uno Blanco (Ubi, the black one) and Ro.

cough, cough

Well, it feels like Monday. I am recovering from nasty flu-ish symptoms and my work computer was hosed last night and has a virus. IT has had it for 4 hours and it still isn't better.

Anywho...

Halloween/apartment warming went well. Special guest... all my friends and Adam Ant.

VRC is showing classic movies... Breakfast at Tiffany's on Wednesday, December 10th at 7:45. Huge Audrey Hepburn fan! Yeah!

Also, train ride along the Willamette in Portland? Oh yes... how lovely! I will get to see the new baby elephant at the zoo and there will be loads of lights.

Knitting... Finished shawl 1 of 4 for the craft fair on December 4th... Will I make it in time? Stay tuned!

a new look

Well, I accidentally deleted my blog template. I didn't have a backup. Hello new look. Pictures in title bar and of my self are courtesy of Alan. Thanks.

:)

Enjoy some recent pics from my baking and outdoor adventures...

Boxes?

I am moving again. Pictures will be posted when I have them.

Blah.

FINALLY finished both sets of arm warmers... I started on a shawl for the craft fair. My goal is to have 4 done and some pictures framed... We will have to wait and see.

To do: learn to knit two items at the same time on circular needles

Violated

Well. My apartment was robbed yesterday. The person stole my laptop, Nintendo DS, external HD, DVDs, CDS, etc... wow. Thanks. You now are the proud owner of a laptop that is worthless (5 years old) and photos from my grandfather's funeral.

In the middle of an apartment complex in the middle of the day...

If anyone in Eugene, Oregon comes across an old, dented Apple G4 12" I am offering a small reward for return of the photos and/or laptop.

Mondays rock. Seriously.

to the theater

Heading to Ashland this Friday to see a play. Finally, I have lived here 10 years and have never seen a play there. I'll be staying at a B&B for the first time too. The play is Comedy of Errors.

I haven't had much free time to knit but those arm warmers will be finished soon. I need to move onto preparing items for the craft sale at work. That is only a couple months away!

I wanted to let you know a friend of mine just started a new site. Bikepacking.net. Check it out.

Blind Pilot made it to CA, riding bikes with their instruments... hee, hee.

I have already made a stuffed pumpkin, roasted the seeds, and wore a turtleneck. Happy October!

Oh, don't forget that Bitty Boo has been out in the world one year!

Roots

It is tough to be back in my hometown.

My grandfather was a terribly funny man, a prankster so full of love. A poet so full of beautiful words.

Gramps, I miss you.

Cornelius Francis Green, Jr.
February 19, 1928 - September 14, 2008

Yoga? Dance?

I went to an open house today for a new belly dance and yoga studio that my friend just opened. It is a great space and you should check it out. It is called Celebration Belly Dance and Yoga.

Here is a preliminary website where you can look at the schedule. I will be at yoga Wednesday night with my buddy Carey.

YEAH!!

Also, finally, I am done traveling for now. I am actually going to go to Science Pub. I cannot remember the last time I went! Topic: E. coli. Sweet.

just an update from the islands

Travel blog is here.

Pattern is submitted.

We found the camels.

:)

All is sunny. Later.

aebleskivers

Time again for me to travel... An update on the past 2 weeks...

Knitting: Pattern is coming along. Examples are knit and photo shoot happens tonight. I will type this one up while relaxing on a beach in the Canary Islands. How often do you get to say that?

Eating and enjoying life: Scandinavian Festival has come and gone. Alan and I did make it there and found a feast of tasty treats. Aebleskivers, rosettes, meat pies, caramel apples, kettle corn... mmm. Makes me want to bake!

I will be blogging on the travel blog so... catch you later alligator. I am off to ride a camel.

oh my ears!

So, I have been busy with icky life stuff and work but I have managed to get in a couple trips to Portland for some music. July 19th at the Aladdin Theater in Portland we had the opportunity to see Blind Pilot and Aimee Mann. Blind Pilot is the best opening act I have ever seen. I even downloaded their album from iTunes. Go check them out! September 3 at Sam Bond's!

This past Sunday I went to the Crystal Ballroom for the first time to see The Faint and I will definitely go back. Very cool venue. The show... well. The first opening act was Shy Child. Not memorable but not incredibly awful either. The second opening act was Jaguar Love. OMG. AWFUL. SOMEONE NEEDS TO TELL THEM TO GET A REAL SINGER BECAUSE I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW PEOPLE WHO CAN PLAY MUSIC CAN HAVE THAT GUY STAND IN FRONT OF THEM AND SCREAM AND SCREECH. He kept flicking his hair around like he had fleas or was trying to imitate Steve Tyler... Bleck. Seriously. I was so happy when they left the stage. The people behind us were screaming 'you f**king suck!' No very nice but making us sit through that excruciating experience wasn't nice either.

The actual band we went to see just rocked. The Faint. GO SEE THEM. Get their music. Love 'em.

Oh, the links to my patterns are fixed. Sorry about that. I am working on writing up another pattern. Knitty is my goal. Cross your fingers!

I'm back!

Well... I have been back a while but it has taken me time to adjust and well, blogging everyday in Europe was enough. If you want to read about the trip you can here. Pictures of the trip are here.

These days I am busy with work and friends but my next big trip with Alan is coming up at the end of August. We are off to the Canary Islands. My goal is to ride a camel!

A big hug goes out to the folks at A Photo a Day from Planet Earth for selecting a photo of mine to feature (third one!). It is from the big trip and Paris was my favorite.

Tomorrow night is the big Stitch and Pitch here and I will be knitting away as the Em's play their hearts out. BBQ and ice cream on the menu... mmm. It will be good to have designated knitting time because I have't been very good about it this summer. I still have one more pair of arm warmers to knit and then I can move on to my projects. I do have a plan for a Knitty submission but I am still working it out.

If you want to see some of my other favorites and pics from the Crab Feed at Marche Provisions (months ago) and the big trip, you can scroll through a select group of photos here. There is a photo of me staring at the most beautiful orange sunset in Venice. That is all for now. Thanks for the nudge Sarah. Hope all is well with you, M, F, and cats.

TTFN

Ok, we leave tomorrow am. I will be posting to our travel blog. If you want the blog and you don't have it, leave a comment here and I will get it to you...

:)

Later taters.

It might be grey...

Oh... part 2 of my birthday. Lovely new kitchen friend and a double batch of oatmeal scotchies.

My weekend consisted of last minute shopping, yoga, breakfast, untangling yarn, and cooking/baking. Traveling and Country Fair are fast approaching!

Another year older

We'll last we talked I was a year younger. My birthday has passed. It was a lovely day and the best birthday I have ever had! My family and friends are so kind and giving.

What did I do on my big day? Contemplated my existence while painting. Here is photo proof.

It was lovely and I spent it with people who made me feel very special.

Science Pub!!!

Well, I missed Science Pub in May because I was working in Bend. I am looking forward to the upcoming Science Pub. I do miss Luna. Sorry, just not a fan of Cozmic Pizza or beer.

I miss you Kara Cosmo and you yummy almondy chicken strips...

Here is the date and topic:

Thursday, June 12
Black Holes: From Science Fantasy to Strange Reality

See you then!

May Flowers

Hi. Long time no post. I am done moving. My apartment is a new space and will take some time getting used to it. I will fill it with new memories and old friends.

I hope to post more now but my blog is now private. You can only read it if you have been invited. Sad but true.

Always forward, never back.

April showers bring May flowers

Boo! Long time no type. I am in the middle of moving (well, more towards the end) and I don't have great access to the internet yet. I have some much to share! Crab feed, a trip to Belknap, a trip to the coast, a trip to Portland and IKEA (OMG!) and a Science Pub in a new location... wow, I have been busy.

For now I leave you with a pic from Belknap Hot Springs...

and she marches on...

It is the end of March. Wow.

Work has kicked my butt and I still have one major project that isn't quite done yet. There is one word to describe how I feel right now. Checklist. Create one. Have one. USE ONE.

Knitting...

I designed, knit and gifted a new project but can't really share it with the world yet. I am deciding on what to do with it (submit it for publication or share it on Ravelry or take that nice lady up on her offer to get the items to the folks at the store Twist). I am still working on the arm warmers. They will be lovely but it seems like the are taking forever.

What did you all do for Earth Hour? Crab tacos, avocado salad, homemade Angel Food Cake with homemade lemon curd and blueberries by candlelight... all of this and fun card games with friends. Ahh. Good times.

April looks to be interesting... of the most interest... a new apartment.

where have I been?

Well... Things happen. Life is funny and things change.

I have been busy with work and will be until April 1. Writing and numbers... ah.

I have also been busy with friends. Watching movies, playing Nintendo (Wii and this cool little toy called a DS)... Tetris and original Zelda... what could be cooler you might ask? That it is portable and colorful and thoughtful...

Knitting... I have been working on the arm warmers for my friends and nothin' else. Not even my Forest Jane :(.

The weekend cannot get here soon enough.

Spring has sprung

The flowers are here. I have been working so I haven't really taken time to enjoy them.

Knitting... I am working on several projects (see my Ravelry progress bars) but 2 projects are not listed yet. I was asked to knit some arm warmers for a couple of my co-workers. I guess mine we soooo cool that everyone wants a pair. ;)

Another picture of mine made it to the A Photo a Day from Planet Earth so go check it out (leave comments too).

Science Pub is this week too! Eeck!

Topic: Bringing Fossils to Life at the John Day Paleontology Museum

This is the last month at Luna. In April, Science Pub will be the first Thursday at Cozmic Pizza. In May, they go back to the second Thursday. So Cozmic Pizza will be the new location. Yah!

Oh, I finally broke down and got a cell phone. I have never had one. First impression... ugh.

taking a break

I am not going to be posting for a while. Feel free to post comments here if you need to reach me.

Until I return.

M


I am here again. My second pattern, "Tiny Bubbles," is now available in the March issue of Magknits.

about 2 years ago...

a small group of us started the knitting group. We meet every couple of weeks, knit, drink coffee/tea/wine depending on the time of day... we have field trips...

Two years, can you believe it? Quite a hoot really.

erased

I visited my 'second home' from when I was an undergrad today. I used to be the Program Manager for a resource center on the campus of my school. Since I graduated, they have remodeled the space. I remember goofy, comfy chairs... movie nights, laughing with my friends as I tried to learn various languages... my boss at the time was so kind to let me experiment with various events and programs to get people involved and talking about their cultures... I packed a room with 103 college students on a Friday night who just wanted to watch Amelie... popcorn... Friday 4-6 coffee socials... For 4 years I made great friends, world connections and found out that I truly love to plan things. I am getting all flustered remembering how much fun I had.

Today I walked up those stairs and entered a room of a different sort. No smiling faces... no laughing language groups... no big screen with the faint smell of popcorn in the air... my boss is no longer there behind her desk with her fantastic African art pieces... no goofy, comfy chairs. No more film festivals or international art shows... stark and cold.

Things change I guess...

Tonight I will look up and just remember the good. Magid, Anne, Siska, Emily, Alex, Kaz, Sarah and Michael... I miss you guys! Thanks for the memories.

Laser Retro

I love 80's music. I was a bit young to experience it when it came around the first time but I swear I was just born at the wrong time. For those of you who missed my earlier post, you will be glad to know that Laser Retro was a hoot. They played 2 of my favorite songs (Message in a Bottle - Sting and Just Like Heaven - The Cure), we had a good time and we ate Pop Rocks and Pez. I actually bought the Pez 'cause it looked like Planet of the Apes but it turns out to be some recent squirrel-like character from some lame cartoon. Pshaw.

The Science Factory had such good turn out for the shows that they might bring them back in September/November... If you are looking for a way to contribute to your community? Do something, anything, for the Science Factory. I know we can't compare it to OMSI but...

On another note, I found this pic (move slider to the right to see the night time color shot) on Photo a Day from Planet Earth and wow. I would love to see this in person.

W00t Science Pub!

This week was the much anticipated topic of "What's Love Got To Do With It: Sex for Social Bonding in Bonobos" presented by Dr. Frances White. First off, she is a fantastic speaker. Very knowledgeable and a PowerPoint presentation that doesn't suck. It actually fit in the screen with no weird overlap and boxes. (jeesh, take time to look at your own presentations. If you are giving a presentation, I don't care if it is ugly and boring, don't have weird inconsistent font and overlapping boxes.)

I did take most of my Anthropology classes (including Dr. White's class on the Evolution of Human Sexuality) a while ago so I was a bit nervous about the trivia. We (my peeps) have just been trying for a prize for a while with no luck. Wednesday was a good night though. The food at Adam's/Luna was great, the wait staff good, the crowd polite, Amanda had good screens and working equipment (totally typical for equipment to not work when you need it to so we don't blame her at all), AND I finally answered enough trivia for a prize!!! 8 of 10 right. The questions I missed... How many words does Kanzi have in his vocab? Answer: 500. I guessed 350. How frequently do bonobos have offspring? Answer: Every 2 years. I don't know why but I thought 5 years.

What did I win? A book about Lonesome George: The Life and Loves of a Conservation Icon! How cool is that?! What a hoot.

Next month, Ted Fremd will present on the topic "Bringing Fossils to Life at the John Day Paleontology Museum."

a word to my peeps

I know some really fantastic people. We care about each other, check in during rough times and get a good laugh out of each other (hopefully) during the good times. I have moved around a lot in my life and never before have I been apart of a network of people I could count on as much as my friends here.

As everyone moves, changes jobs and focus, or just stays the same, just knowing you are but an email away makes me smile.

A big hug to you all. I wouldn't trade you for all the glitter pens in the world.

for the love of caffeine

I'll drink coffee. Specific coffee. Stumptown. My Stumptown first was at 3rd and Stark. Today was a great Monday because I discovered that they now use Stumptown in the Market of Choice on Franklin. Seriously.

My next knitting pattern is working itself out in my brain. Something small, for summer, intricate... we'll see.

Science Pub is in two days... 'bout freakin time!

blah

Over the weekend, I stayed in for the most part. I watched Deliverance for the first time and still feel a bit creapy over it. I finished a book and knit too.

I started a pair of these arm warmers. I managed to finish the first one last night. I will start the second one today, maybe. Right after I sleep some more.

measurements

Ah, life. I had my first measurements taken. Some people may be surprised by this but it has never come up. I am not a girly girl but I will be a bridesmaid in a wedding of a dear college friend. I have only been to one wedding and it was for an family member and I was maybe 4 or 5.

I wasn't nervous really until it happened. Now I can quantify myself. I am taller than the average female, in fact, I am an inch shy of being as tall as the average male. I weigh less than the average female too. Why is it that I am not uncomfortable with having a defined number for my size? I have always just worn clothes that fit, not really caring about the size. I will be uncomfortable in myself for a while and then be over it (hopefully).

Now some stranger in another city has my quantified self on file. I almost asked if they would shred the measurements once the dress was ordered, to protect my security/sanity of course!

I have 10 inches of my herringbone poncho done. It is slow going because I haven't been knitting as much. I may even start a quicker project just for some instant gratification.

Science Pub is soon, cannot wait for that.

what happens when...

As I asked in my previous post, could life get any better?

Ha!

My Sunday started out like so...

I woke up to a lovely snow day. It never snows in Eugene. Ahhh beautiful! The only bad thing was that we canceled knitting group.

After trying to waste away the day reading a book and well, knitting without the gang, I decided to venture out and go to my favorite bakery...

mmm... potato donuts...

I discover that Hideaway Bakery now has indoor seating! We can know knit in the cold!

Continuing on with my Sunday adventure...

Now I am completely happy and full of coffee and donuts. We decide to check out the home and garden show at the fairgrounds. I couldn't tell the difference between this one and the last oh, 3 shows but anyway...

After the fairgrounds we decide we better head for Jerry's (to do somethings around the house) and then Costco...

Here ist he interesting part... Just as we are about to reach Jerry's we pass under Beltline Hwy (we are on Hwy 99) and out of the corner of my right eye I see very large chunks of snow and ice falling from above. Thank goodness AF was driving because he managed to stay on the road as it all came down on our windshield and hood. Here are the results!

We managed to flag the snowplow driver down as he was exiting by Jerry's. Monday will be spent contacting ODOT (who really do a fantastic job, seriously). We then had to drive all the way home.

Every drop of water, every breath and little chunks of the windshield fell onto the dashboard. I swear I laughed all the way home thinking it was just going to fall into my lap!

No injuries but definitely shaken.

Ha, I heart Sunday still.

A movie must see!

Just back from U2 3D IMAX and it was FANTASTIC! I could see Edge's fingers on the chords of his guitar. I will never have the chance to see those terrific musicians so close.

AND Stumptown coffee on 3rd and Stark you rock! You artists you, who else could draw such a perfect peach in the foam of my breve cap?

And of course, a side of Voodoo Donuts maple bar with bacon... mmm.



Now the more serious news I must report...

Soft Horizons Fibre will be open on Sundays from 12-5 starting February 3.

Could life get any better?

thank you kind soul

Isn't this a fantastic pic? I knit that turtle but did nothing to produce such a charming young one.

In the madness that is my life I have had no time to do anything terribly exciting.

I went to soak at Belknap on Sunday and that was a relief.

Other than that, just work. My fingers might fall off from all the typing!

I do want to say thank you to the kind person who found my really expensive sunglasses and set them on the hood of my car. I was so bummed yesterday because I thought I had lost them. I cannot begin to describe how I felt when I found them this morning. Good karma to you!

picture of the day from Planet Earth

Blogger is experiencing difficulties and so my blog looks weird... don't panic...

All fixed!

oh yeah, a plug for myself (Thursday, Jan 17)... I don't take photos well because I am a very shaky person... always have been... but I have a few that I think are alright.

a plug for my favorite comic strip

Oh yeah, xkcd... I have read every single one, including the mouse over comments... This is one of my favs.

I act 30!

I am not 30! Not that 30 is bad but I have got several years to go. Wow, that just harshed my mellow...

You Act Like You Are 30 Years Old

You are a thirtysomething at heart. You've had a taste of success and true love, but you want more! You're responsible, wise, and have enough experience to understand a lot of the world. You're at the point in your life where you understand yourself pretty well. You are figuring out what you want... and how to get it!

What Age Do You Act?

must see movie: Juno

I ventured to the theater this weekend and it was crowded but fun. I give Juno a thumbs up but you can read a good review here. Maybe I will order the music from the movie... I would like to track down individual CDs of the artists but don't have the time... I'd rather be knitting...

nothing else to report right now.

set your phasers to stun

Sorry, no phasers here. Just the schedule of the upcoming Laser Light Shows at the Fruit Stripe Gum Factory... cough... the Science Factory.

I am only posting the ones I care about... If you want the full list go to their site.

Fridays, February 1, 8 and 15
8:15 PM	Laser U2
Saturdays, February 2, 9 and 16
7:00 PM	Laser Retro (Tears for Fears, Depeche Mode, The Cure, Duran Duran)
Sundays, February 3, 10 and 17
3:00 PM	Laser Beatles*

A side note:
Fruit Stripe Gum is still available AND listed under the category of gourmet food on Amazon... weird, huh?

Science Pub was last night and very fun. We had demonstrations for the first time... apparently similar to the diet coke and mentos thing... My mojito was disappointing but the company and food made up for it...

Next month it is bonobos on a Wednesday...

gaming

Sorry for the delay... I will be double posting for a while as I have started a blog for my weekly gaming group.

I have about 2 1/2 inches of my poncho finished... now I have 55 1/2 inches to go... ;)

Science Pub is tomorrow! It was hard to go a whole month without. A definite happy thing to report is that I have been to Sushi Domo twice in the past week ...

mmm crunchy scallop roll...

Also, it snowed a bit here. The photo is proof!

Work is keeping me busy so I must go back to it...

when all else fails...

open the random forwarded message for a laugh...

or DAMNITOL - Take 2 and the rest of the world can go to hell for up to 8 full hours.

And in other news...

Science Pub returns with an exciting line up for then next couple of months. I am sooooo looking forward to a mojito and lava talk. And in February, Dr. White and the love of bonobos... Her class on the Evolution of Human Sexuality was a favorite of mine during undergrad. So many memories... I should have gone on to study primates... I hate computers... grr... and on that note, sorry, must go back to work.

Oh and my friend Sarah is expecting a girl this April. Happy, healthy thoughts to you and yours.

memorization

Less than 2 days of off and on knitting and I have this... The last time I knit this pattern it took 3-4 attempts and about a year of my time. The pattern was much easier this time... was it memorization or just the pressure of time (getting it finished while it still made sense weather-wise to wear a scarf)? It has been shipped off to the intended recipient. It was very hard not to keep this one...

Ok, I just ate an entire package of Red Vines and feel a little sick.

Back to work and whistling...

Another year gone

So... 2007. A quick review couldn't hurt...

Some of the good:

* My friends rock. 'nough said.
* I had a knitting pattern published in Magknits.
* My photo made it to the honorable mention gallery of the Knitty Calendar Photo Contest.
* My job was/continues to be challenging and entertaining.
* I received volunteer of the year AND was elected to the Board of Directors.
* My first year as co-coordinator of a crew for the Oregon Country Fair didn't go so badly.
* I went to Canada.
* Science Pub!
* I taught several knitting classes, including one for kids.
* I can now admit that I love the rain.
* I've learned that sometimes it is ok to be selfish and do things to make myself happy.

Some of the bad:

* AF wrecked on his bike and it wasn't pretty. 11 months later and he finally has teeth again.
* My computer hard drive went *&$^% and I only had some things backed up... ugh.
* I didn't see any of my relatives, not even my brother or sister.
* One of my dogs got really sick and almost died because of a clueless vet. Don't worry, she is alright now thanks to Bush Animal Hospital!

Ok, getting irritated so enough of that...

I rang in the New Year in Portland. Thank you Pink Martini for a fantastic show. Thank you Voodoo Donuts for a wonderful midnight treat...

Plans for 2008? Well... you'll just have to stay tuned... it could be very interesting...