It's been a while since I posted the original Professional Organization news, and I've had a couple people ask why I hadn't marked it off my list, so...I'll 'fess up: I just finally got my applications submitted today! It took me a while to get the paperwork together, and take the time to fill them out, etc. Also, I've decided to hold off on the STC membership because I don't wanna push my luck.
Now I play the waiting game with the administration at Morehouse and see if/when they approve the applications. I'm planning to cross this item off the list after I've been accepted to each, so stay tuned.
My Mitten Progress
Tasha inspired me! Well, that—and I realized that if she finished her mittens before I got a chance to work on mine again—I wouldn't have anyone to knit them with. The photos aren't great, but they show some of the work I did today. I still have to complete the thumb, but that will have to happen tomorrow—I've burned out on knitting tonight. I can't wait to finish the set!
Tasha's Mitten Progress
Let me just say: Tasha is a knitting fool! I received these photos from her via text this morning at about 2:00 a.m.
In her defense, she's been sick and after napping all day, she couldn't sleep anyway. Happily, she's made a lot of progress on her (my) mittens though! I can't wait to see them in person!
In her defense, she's been sick and after napping all day, she couldn't sleep anyway. Happily, she's made a lot of progress on her (my) mittens though! I can't wait to see them in person!
Fudpucker's Volleyball Tournament
The Fudpucker 4-Player Beach Volleyball Tournament is held every Spring as the anchor for the Emerald Coast Volleyball Week (a week-long series of beach volleyball events that culminates with the Fud 4-Player) in Destin, Florida.I've always wanted to play in the tournament—but have never been able to due to scheduling, lack of a team, or my general fear of outdoor volleyball. When you have allergies and asthma, outdoor sports can be a challenge, particularly with the humidity here in the south. A couple of years ago, I played in a doubles outdoor grass tournament with my friend Suzanne, and nearly died. All I can remember is being really hot, exhausted, crying nearly the entire way home, and then sleeping the entire next day.
I put this tournament on my list, expecting to register for the 2011 event with Suzanne, but she's leaving me! She's been accepted to an amazing Ph.D. program in Los Angeles and will be moving this summer—so it's now or never.
Here's where it gets interesting—about an hour after committing to the team yesterday, I tripped down the stairs and tore a muscle in my foot. Today I'm unable to put any weight on it, and the doctor put me in an Aircast a.k.a "the boot." The tournament is 26 days away, so I'm hoping to make a full recovery by then. Next check-up is on the 12th, and I hope I'll have good news to share.
Mittens: Day 1
I spent yesterday afternoon knitting with Tasha—we got a great start on our mittens! This project was especially daunting because it involves a couple of skills that I don't have yet. 
The first of which is knitting cables—I've always heard they were easy, but never really believed it. The second skill I needed to learn (which Tasha and I learned together yesterday) is called Magic Loop knitting. Magic Loop is when you use one large circular needle to knit small diameter rounds, rather than using three or four double-pointed needles.
It turns out, both of these skills were pretty easy to pick up. We knitted away while watching New Moon for inspiration. I promised to blog about the progress of the mitts, so here they are after day one! Tasha is using the "denim" yarn, and I'm using "milk chocolate."
The first of which is knitting cables—I've always heard they were easy, but never really believed it. The second skill I needed to learn (which Tasha and I learned together yesterday) is called Magic Loop knitting. Magic Loop is when you use one large circular needle to knit small diameter rounds, rather than using three or four double-pointed needles.It turns out, both of these skills were pretty easy to pick up. We knitted away while watching New Moon for inspiration. I promised to blog about the progress of the mitts, so here they are after day one! Tasha is using the "denim" yarn, and I'm using "milk chocolate."
Book 13: From Dead to Worse
I'm glad that this is eighth in the series, because if it had been the first, I don't know that I would have kept reading.
All in all, the book was okay, it tells some good stories, fills us in on some details that we were waiting to find out, and hopefully set us up for the future of the series.
Mittens!
I started knitting a couple of years ago under the instruction of my dear friend Tasha. Though I no longer consider myself a beginner—I still have a long way to go, and some projects really intimidate me. One of the most intimidating projects happens to be one of my favorite knitted items: mittens! I'm not sure why, but I've always loved mittens—and I'm more determined than ever to make them.I've scoured Ravelry (a great knitting resource/social networking website) for free and easy beginner mitten patterns, but even the beginner level patterns appeared to be too complex. Knitting mittens is difficult because it requires knitting small diameters in the "round." While I was searching for patterns, I came across a great mitten pattern (can you guess where I saw/fell in love with these?!). Since I knew this pattern was way over my head—I convinced Tasha to knit them for me.
Yesterday, she and I went to Knitch (a local knitting shop) to pick up the yarn she would need—because she is amazing and is making them in time for my trip to Washington. While there, she and the sales guy convinced me that I would be able to make them on my own based on the skills I already have. So, I picked up an extra skein of yarn and vowed to give it my best shot. We are going to make them simultaneously, so that I can learn as I go without the pressure of finishing mine by May. We are hoping to get started this weekend. I'll be sure to send updates along the way, since this is sure to be an interesting—and possibly infuriating—journey!
Another Fair Isle Project
Sometimes I feel like I'm never going to get through my list if I keep re-doing the things I've already completed! In addition to repeating movies and re-reading books—here's my second attempt at a Fair Isle project. I'm really happy that I took the time to redo this cowl though, I'm much happier with the second version.
Movie 7: Brooklyn's Finest
Not one of my favorites, but I'm glad I saw it. The story revolves around three Brooklyn police officers who are completely unaware of each other, although they work in the same precinct. Each have their own set of issues and do whatever it takes to make it through each day. Ethan Hawke was incredible.
At several points in the movie I thought to myself, "what time is it? This has to be almost over" which, as you know, is not a good sign. All in all, it was okay. Not worth $10.50, but if you like the genre, you may want to catch it on DVD.
Movie 6: Remember Me
Okay, I'll admit that the main reason that I was interested in this movie was because of Robert Pattinson, but it turned out to be so much better than I expected. Of course, Pattinson was amazing, too. As much as I love Twilight, it's not a very good sample of his skill--he really has so much more range as an actor, an Remember Me turned out to be a great venue for him.
The movie kept me interested throughout, with great performances by Pierce Brosnan and Ruby Jerins. The movie ends with a pretty powerful scene, so be prepared.
I would definitely recommend this movie. I can't wait to pick up the DVD!
Update from 3/11 Day
So, before I go to bed (they started late, and I'm on EST—not PST), I wanted to be sure to post a little something from the experience.
So far the show is AMAZING! I truly wish I could have gotten tickets, and I'm really excited about the 2012 show now. Here's a (low quality) video I managed to get from the webcast. It's a new song that they decided to premiere tonight called "Sun Come Through" — Enjoy!
So far the show is AMAZING! I truly wish I could have gotten tickets, and I'm really excited about the 2012 show now. Here's a (low quality) video I managed to get from the webcast. It's a new song that they decided to premiere tonight called "Sun Come Through" — Enjoy!
Happy 3/11 Day!
So, as you know from my previous post about 3/11 Day, I wasn't able to attend. At the last minute, 311 decided to offer a webcast of the show, so of course I registered to watch! The show starts at 10pm eastern, and runs for about five (5) hours. I'm not sure how much I'll be able to stay awake for tonight, but my subscription includes a replay tomorrow just in case I doze off.
Here's a screen shot from Mandalay Bay about 30 minutes before the show began. I'll see what else I can capture as I go. Yay!!
Here's a screen shot from Mandalay Bay about 30 minutes before the show began. I'll see what else I can capture as I go. Yay!!
The Countdown!
As you can see, I'm REALLY excited about my trip to the Olympic Peninsula, Washington. I've spent hours researching, cross-referencing, mapping out routes, and planning itineraries. It's not that I want the trip to be planned down to the minute (which it already is) but I'm so afraid that I'll miss something! There's so much to see, and so little time!
I found the picture below in one of the guide books online, it's one of the beaches we're planning to hit. Absolutely gorgeous.
Book 12: All Together Dead
In the first couple of books, it looked as though Bill and Sookie would remain a couple. That didn't exactly work out though, and the whys are still being revealed here, in book 7. Now, Bill is regretting his actions (why he initially began dating Sookie, and his subsequent betrayals of her) and trying to get back in her good graces. Eric, on the other hand, looks like the strong contender to win Sookie's heart for good, by this point in the story. Although they have had a rocky relationship thus far, it's become clear that love with Eric is by far the better path for Sookie's heart to follow.
On a platonic note, it's great how Pam and Sookie's relationship has evolved into an actual friendship. It can't be what either of them would ever have expected, but is really a pleasure to see happen. Their mutual acceptance of each other has gradually morphed into genuine fondness, and it feels real and believable, too.
This book continues to explore all of the inter-woven relationships in Bon Temps amid assassination plots, and murder trials, AND show how the whole Louisiana community (both human and supernatural) was affected so deeply by Hurricane Katrina.
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