Crochet Goodies

One Skein Package

I got my first skein in the mail today. It's a beautiful silky sock yarn made out of soybean fiber. I'm excited - I've been interested in the soy-based yarns, but hadn't found them in any shops. And this is a great colorway too. Right up my alley. It also came with a little plastic tote bag, and some very cute stitch holders. Thank you Secret Pal!!

Now, I need to get off my butt and send out one of the skeins to my secret pal...

Felting Progress

I finished up that Tote Bag I found a couple of weeks ago and felted it while at my Dad's. (Didn't want to attempt to felt it at the apartment complex laundry room...) It came out taller and skinnier than I had expected, but I'm happy with the overall outcome. Actually, the Manos del Uruguay yarn felted really well! I love the curly look of it (see the close-up). I'm definitely going to use this yarn again for another felting project. If I can find the old FiberTrends pattern, I'd use this to make the felted crocheted hats. I haven't made those in a while. (Haven't been able to find the pattern.)

Here's a close up shot of the texture. Isn't it cool?

Dental Adventures

Tomorrow afternoon I get the root canal done. I've been having that lack of appetite problem again, and think it might be related to the abscessed tooth. I'm hoping that's what it is. If it is, the root canal should take care of it. Not that I'm necessarily looking forward to it, but it needs to be done. And I've had a couple other people say they either had the same appetite problem when they had an abscess or knew someone who did. That makes me feel a little bit better. Okay, a whole lot better. My big fear is that I'm feeling not right because my anxiety issues are getting worse. I would much rather it be that my body is fighting an infection.

Wish me luck!

Weekend Whirl

Well, another holiday weekend is now a blur. I spent Saturday morning and afternoon with my good friend Joie, who takes the train tomorrow morning for her new home in Lakewood, CO. I'll miss her, but we'll keep in touch. We have to, she owes me a tea! (hehehe...)

After hanging out with Joie, I drove out to San Andreas to visit my Dad. I hadn't been out there since mid-April. I didn't think that I'd get to see my baby brother (he's 2) this weekend, since my step-mother was on a business trip and the grandparents were watching Gino (my Dad had to work a few shifts this weekend). So, I went armed with yarn and hooks, to entertain myself while Dad worked. He had Saturday night and all of Sunday off.

Sunday we went over to my brother's apartment in Angel's Camp (not the 2 year old, the 28 year old), which I'd never been to before. It's a whole lot smaller than I expected! No wonder he left so much stuff here when he moved out. We walked down to the theater and saw X Men III, which was really good. (And even if it wasnt...there was Hugh Jackman to look at the whole time.)

My stepmother came back Monday morning, and brought Gino back too, so I got to see him after all. So cute! But he doesn't look like a little baby anymore. :( He does look like a miniature of my father, which is almost a little creepy. And that kid loves his little Kenmore Elite play vacuum. He pushed it all over the house. If it only had a little more suction (it does have a little) then Dad and Annamarie wouldn't ever have to vacuum! Anyway, that kid is adorable, but he does wear me out. I was exhausted yesterday on my way home.

Then back to work today... Way too much to do there. And not enough motivation. Argh...

Anyway, here's a cute shot of my little brother, the yarn helper. He saw the ball of yarn on the table (still attached to the sock I had just finished), and got all excited and was pointing at it saying, "ball, ball." It was cute, but I did get it away from him before he started throwing it around the room or anything.

You Tarzan...Me Jane

You're Jane Eyre of Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte!
Take this quiz!

Withdrawal Pains

I have been without TV for 3 whole days now. 3 WHOLE DAYS!!! I'm starting to hallucinate...(okay, not quite, but I can feel it coming!) Tuesday night when I got home and turned on the TV, the sattelite was searching for a signal. It had been raining that day, so I figured the weather was screwing with the system and popped in a DVD, sitting down to crochet with my cat.

Last night, I didn't get home until 11pm, after helping my friend pack up for her move. I turned on the TV just to see if the dish was working. It was still searching for a signal. But, it was late, so I turned off the TV, fed the cat and went to bed.

Today, still no signal. And yes, I paid my bill. I've checked the online manual, and none of the troubleshooting is helping. Everything is plugged in and connected, I've reset the receiver (numerous times...). I'm starting to wonder if the apartment managers screwed something up. The satellite dish is provided through the complex, and we dwellers have individual receivers and accounts. I am stymied...and I can't exactly run out and adjust the dish...well, especially since I have no idea where it is located! I'm about to give up and call customer service...but I want to make sure it's not something simple and easily fixed (ha!) before I call.

It is just way too quiet around here. (Which means none of the neighbors have their TVs on either...I'm thinking we are all screwed here...) And my next door neighbor always has her front door open in the evenings when I get home, with her TV almost always on. All is quiet from next door... (Yeah, I know, I should go ask her if she knows what's going on...but she's not in her living room, and I don't want to disturb her.) I'd call the apartment office, but they're not open anyway so it wouldn't do me any good.

Anyway...I suppose I shouldn't be so dependent on my TV for entertainment, but heck, I am paying for it, so I feel like I should watch enough to make it worth my while. And believe me...I do... I'm not totally proud of that, but it's the truth. Plus, I use it for background noise while I'm doing other stuff. I am rarely just sitting watching TV, without some kind of craft or something in my hands. And, it's not like I'm home (and awake) more than 4 hours each day. But wait - I don't need to justify it! I'm an adult. :)

Busy Wednesday...

Today began with an hour and a half training session on a new web-based application for one of our investors. Sound exciting? That's because it's not...especially not at 9am. But I did manage to get into the office 10 minutes early today. (A big feat for me.)

I talked to my mother this afternoon, and she is feeling much better. I can tell, since she was highly talkative this time (which is more like normal). She did mention that she weighed herself after getting discharged, and she had gained 21 pounds since the surgery. (We're sure it was mostly excess fluid, from the trauma, and the IVs they'd had her on.) She actually had to go out and buy pants, because none of hers fit her. Mind you, she's on vacation in IA (step-nephew's wedding - which she ended up missing due to the hospitalization), so it's not like she's got the closet full of backup sizes. My poor mother! She tells a good story though. She and her husband figured that she'd be in the hospital until last Monday (since that's what they were initially told), so my step-father had taken her clothes back to their place, intending, I assume, to bring her fresh clothes before her release. But, my mother (the overacheiver) was doing so well that they decided to discharge her on Sunday night. So, the nurse (or doctor, can't remember) told her to go ahead and put on her clothes and go home. My mother responds that she doesn't have any clothes. And the nurse says, "Well, I knew you were from California, but don't you at least wear something?" uh...or something like that (in a joking fashion). So, Mom ended up leaving wearing a hospital gown, a pair of paper/mesh panties (that's seriously how she described them to me!), hospital socks with non-slip bottoms and her robe (which she thankfully did have with her). She told me she thought she looked like a baglady. I told her she probably looked like an escaped mental patient. (Aren't a good little daughter - good thing my mother has a sense of humor.)

Tonight, I am heading over to visit my friend who is moving to Denver, and helping her finish up packing. From the e-mail she sent me earlier today, she's got some stories to tell about her last encounter with the mother in law...(that woman - the MIL - is a serious nutjob...)

Anyway, no pearls of wisdom today, and no real point to the post. But isn't that just like me anyway? hehe

Yarn Porn & Cats

I was able to run down to the LYS at lunch today with my co-worker, and picked up some goodies for the One Skein Exchange. The shop is relatively new (opened before last Christmas), and it looks like the selection has grown quite a bit. A cute little shop in downtown Novato. Devries Knitterie on Grant Ave. Anyway, I picked up 2 skeins for the secret pal exchange - so far, I'm not sure what I'm making yet, and I'm leaning towards working the project with the Auburgine Nashua Handknits Creative Focus. I love the color. I'm thinking maybe I'll felt a purse or something. (Still thinking about it.) I just couldn't resist the Manos del Uruguay - something about that colorway spoke to me. Had to buy it... And yeah...I finally picked up a copy of the One Skein book. There's not too much crochet in it, but lots of inspiration.

And Gracie was showing a bit of an interest in the new stash... She's been frisky this evening, and apparently this yarn is as good as catnip.And it makes a great kitty pillow... Now I know how to make this little kitty happy! (None of my yarn is safe!)
Don't worry, I got it away from her before she caused any damage...Good thing my secret pal doesn't have any allergies. I'm going to need to pick the "extra natural fibers" out of this skein though.

Rockin...

Hmm...I found this quiz on Dagny's site, and not sure this theme song really fits me... What do you guys think?

Your Theme Song is Back in Black by AC/DC

"Back in black, I hit the sack, I've been too long, I'm glad to be back" Things sometimes get really crazy for you, and sometimes you have to get away from all the chaos. But each time you stage your comeback, it's even better than the last!

What's Your Theme Song?

And it was funny that the quiz asked about how I handle rough times in my life...since this whole year has been up and down for me so far. Another down - My mother called me from the hospital last Friday, and told me she had an emergency appendectomy the night before. I know that when she called she was doing well, and the surgery went fine. But for some reason it bothered me - I think being faced with the thought of losing a parent got to me. Both of my parents are great - and supportive in their own ways. I count myself incredibly lucky to have them, and am really glad that I've re-established a strong relationship with my father since the divorce. (I wasn't too happy with him for a while.) So, I freak out sometimes when that realization that they're not immortal hits me.

And oddly enough, it comforted me that my 24 yo brother was freaked out too. (Misery loves company?) The funny thing is that Tony and I are the ones that are always paranoid that every stomachache we have is appendicitis...but my mom never worries about that... (And from now on, it won't be a possibility.)

So, on top of that (which shouldn't really have bothered me, knowing that she was already recovering well), I talked to another friend on Friday night who will most likely be moving to Atlanta in around a month (her husband was flown out there by an interested company for an interview). It sounds like he has a good chance of getting the job, and I wish them well. But, I don't want them to move! Unfortunately for selfish little me, there is absolutely no good argument for them to stay in CA. It is just too expensive out here for a family of 5, let alone little old me! They'd be able to buy a nice house in GA, and have $$ for food, instead of living check to check here and not being able to save up anything.

And another friend is off to Denver (probably at the end of the week). Her husband is already there, working the new job and hopefully securing a lease on an apartment...long story. I've come to terms with their moving though, since she's been talking about it for over a year, and has wanted to move to Denver since I met her 12 years ago in college. (Wow, has it been that long??)

Anyway, it's just all making me feel lonelier. Even though I still have plenty of local friends around.

Um, wow, I really went on a lot longer than I had planned to...Sorry about that!

Random Thursday Thoughts

Today was a good day - I even felt like I made progress with my workload at the office. I got the permanent crown put in today, so no more rough plastic tooth for me. But, I do need a root canal on that dead front tooth (no horror stories please - that means you Christyn!).

I also talked to my boss about taking vacation in the middle of June, and she approved. I haven't finalized the dates yet, but it will be encompassing the weekend of June 17th, as that's when my cousin's wedding is. So, my plan is to fly out to Buffalo, NY and spend some time with my youngest aunt (she is 13 years older than me, and more like a big sister). We'll drive down to Altoona, PA (where the wedding is taking place), and then back to Buffalo. My aunt has a business meeting in Syracuse the following Monday, and had the idea that I accompany her and then we can visit one of my great-aunts in Canastota (where my mother lived until her senior year of high school. I was born there and we moved to the greater Buffalo area when I was 5). I'd love to go visit Aunt Stella - she's my grandfather's youngest sister, and man is she a kick! A fiesty one. Hmm...possibly my idol. So, um, to sum it up - I'm going on vacation and am excited! Woo-hoo! (I am not, however, excited about plane ticket prices...)

My cat tried to climb me today. I guess it's fitting since my name (Tamara) means palm tree. I guess I never really felt like it until today. I do think she may have ruined these pants though. Which is okay, since trees don't wear clothes. (I guess I'm really not a tree after all - I do not bare my body!!)

Okay - the other day at Target I found some body lotion on sale (2 for $5!!). So, I bought the body lotion and hand lotion. I'm 30 now, and starting to notice that my hands aren't looking as youthful anymore (my mom always used to compliment me on my hands...so I've been aware of them because of that). Well, the lotions I bought were Vaseline Intensive Care Renewal Age Redefining (hand & body). The back of the hand lotion bottle states that in 4 weeks the appearance of age spots, fine lines and wrinkles will be diminished. I've decided to test this...I'm going to take an initial picture of my hand, and see if I notice any difference in the next 4 weeks. Mostly, I apply the lotion before bed. I'm really not good at applying it during the day... So anyway...here's the first shot:

Lookie What I found!

Ever since my mother came over and cleaned (after the breakup, she went on a spree - and it was very helpful!) I have not been able to find this one particular WIP...I started it about a year or so ago, maybe longer. This is the makings of a felted tote bag (obviously not yet felted). I had finished the body of the bag, and was working on the straps, which were tedious...just long strips, so I put it down and worked on a whole bunch of other stuff since. Well, I've been looking for it for the last 2 months, and finally found it today while searching for wool in my stash. (I want to crochet a Kitty Pi, and thought I'd have enough Brown Sheep Wool left over from my hat-making phase of a few years ago - turns out I have one ball and that's it - oh well, time to go shopping!)Anyway, I loved the colorful yarn in this bag - it's Manos Del Uruguay, but I don't know the name of the color, since the label is long gone. (Actually, from the sites I found with the google search, it doesn't look like they're making this color anymore.) The black is by the same company. And some Cha Cha thrown in at the top for fun.

Lemon Tree, Very Pretty...

I have this lemon tree that the ex bought for me for our 2nd or third month anniversary (I can't remember which one it was now). Anyway, the relationship didn't last, but amazingly enough (considering how awful I am with plants), the lemon tree is still growing.

But (and I don't know if you can tell by that first picture) some of the flowers are looking a bit shrivelly... And, sometimes after they bloom, the whole flower dries up and falls off instead of producing any fruit. Does anyone out there know anything about lemon trees? I'm trying to keep it watered, but don't know how much is enough...

Help! (Please!)

I'll leave you with a picture of Gracie inspecting the bottom of the pot (I know, I should probably transplant the thing, but I'm afraid of shocking it and causing further damage.)

Secret Pal Stuff

Today I got a cute card in the mail from my One Skein Secret Pal - cute huh? My stepgrandmother has one of these dogs. French bulldogs? I'm not sure.

Anyway, continuing in the spirit of the Secret Pal vein, I thought I'd give some answers to the sacred questions the IP people sent out...forgive me if my answers are lame or boring...I can be that way sometimes.

1. Which yarn is most like your personality (you can be specific or general with your answer- brand, type, color, fiber, whatever)? ----Hmm...tough questions...Probably a nice soft cotton, since I like to think of myself as pretty natural and low maintenance. Then again...I also think I'm slightly twisted, so that works with most yarns! (I'm pretty flexible.)

2. What is your favorite color yarn to knit/crochet with? ----I gravitate towards purples and deep reds for myself. But I seem to end up making a lot of things in blues for other people. Personally, I prefer a rich deep color palette, with some nice variegation for fun.

3. Have you ever used variegated, or magic, yarns? --- Yes, and I love 'em!

4. Do you tend to favor certain fibers when choosing yarns? ----I make a lot of baby gifts, so use a lot of the acrylics (no danger of allergic reactions and easy care for the baby stuff). Fiber notwithstanding, I go more for the individual feel of the yarn. The softer and cozier, the better.

5. Do you prefer to work with center-pull or traditionally wound balls of yarn? ---- Center pull, just so the ball of yarn doesn't bounce around the floor.

6. Have you ever worked with organic yarns or are you interested in trying them? ---- I've never worked with organic yarns, but would like to try them. (Harder to fit into my tiny little budget.)

7. How many and what projects have you made in the last year? ---- Hmm...now I have to think. I'm guessing 6 or so finished projects...I think. I've made a pair of socks, a capelet, a bolero sweater, a large afghan, a baby afghan, and a few scarves (not sure how many).

8. Will you be knitting any gifts this year? ---- Only if I can figure out the needles before the year is up...(I've made a couple of successful swatches, but not comfortable enough knitting yet to start any real projects.) I'll be crocheting lots of gifts this year though, I'm sure. I've done 2 already. :)

9. What is your favorite one skein project? ----I like cute little purses that work up fast.

10. How much yarn do you have in your stash and how do you store it? -----I have some in bags, some in plastic bins, some in dresser drawars and some in baskets. I do not have a good way to keep track of it (bad Tami!). I know that I have a lot of it...but it would take way too long to go through it and count! One day though....one day...

11. Do you have a yarn in your stash that you love so much you can never use it or part with it? ----Nope - but I have yarns in my stash that I'm not so fond of, and probably won't use. I'm not sure why I'm keeping them...

12. Do you knit less or differently in the summer? ----I'll go with this question as if they said crochet. I do fewer large afghans in the summer because it gets way too hot out here in Northern California to sit around with yards of yarn in my lap. I probably crochet less in summer as well, since there are more summertime gatherings to attend.

13. Do you belong to any knitting groups (online or offline)? ----Not yet, but I've thought about joining one or starting one. I just haven't gotten to it.

More Stuff

Well, I stayed home from work again today (weird gag reflex issue this morning, even though I didn't feel that bad...but still had to force myself to eat all day - I need to get back to eating like normal - and for me, that means struggling to keep on my diet! This is so bizarre for me. And, I'm hoping I'm back to "normal" tomorrow.)

The good news: I got my camera and my computer to cooperate, so here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

First, one of the world's ugliest couches, which is now in a thrift shop...(this is the loveseat...and believe it or not, used to be in my family's formal living room!!)


Here's Gracie - trying to help me out with my crocheted socks by standing sentinel over my pattern book - in my lap...

Here she is again, lounging on the new (less ugly, but more comfortable) couch. Isn't she cute?

And here she is on my computer chair, wondering why I'm not scratching her ears. And why aren't I?

Just for fun

I've still not been feeling well, and have been down lately - and wallowing, it would appear. I'm not sure how much is emotional stress and strain and how much is possibly a virus (my boss is sick today, and another co-worker is out sick with something else).

But I want to say again that I am really really lucky to have such awesome and supportive friends! (You know who you are!) I cried a couple of times at work today, briefly. And it wasn't all because of Fred either. (Though some was. It's been a tough week for me on that score, and yesterday I broke down and e-mailed him simply asking how he's been. I don't know why I bothered, he won't respond. It's been three months as of last Saturday, and tomorrow would have been our 1 year anniversary).

It also hit me today that in 4 years I will have lived half of my life without my sister in it. It's been 14 years today since her car accident (some guys coming home from a party, with "open containers" in the car. They survived. I am very anti-drinking-and-driving as a result. Imagine that).

Sorry for going on like that up there...I really had meant to just paste this fun little naming quiz in here, that my co-worker buddy sent me to cheer me up. Have fun with it!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (middle name and current street name)
- Ann Southampton (gee…how I rock thee)

2. YOUR MOVIE STAR NAME: (grandfather/grandmother on your dad's side, your favorite candy)
- Theresa Licorice (or Tret Licorice, to use her nickname)

3. YOUR "FLY GIRL/GUY" NAME: (first initial of first name, first two or three letters of your last name)
- T. Al or T. Alt (these both suck…can I pick something else? J. Lo I am not)

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal)
- Scarlett Cat (or Violet Feline? Too hard to choose one color)

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born)
- Ann Oneida

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (first 3 letters of your last name, last 3 letters of mother's maiden name, first 3 letters of your pet's name)
- Altd'amgra

7. JEDI NAME: (middle name spelled backwards, your mom's maiden name spelled backwards)
- Nna Ocima'd

8. PORN STAR NAME: (first pet, street you grew up on)
- Zeke Jerge (not very feminine sounding…I don't think I want to be in this movie)

9. SUPERHERO NAME: ("The", your favorite color, the automobile your parents drive)
- The Red Grand Cherokee or The Violet Focus… (different parents…different favorite colors?)

Melancholy

I didn't have a great weekend. I suppose it started Friday afternoon. Friday morning was fine, and I was in a great mood, and feeling productive. I went to lunch with some co-workers and had a good time - Mexican food in the spirit of Cinco de Mayo. All was fine and we shared lots of laughs and giggles.

Then later at work, that food was just sitting in my stomach like a load of bricks. And I haven't felt quite right all weekend. Weird. But I also think it has to do with some emotional stuff going on. High emotions, stress, etc...all manifest themselves in my gut and make me feel physically ill. (I have actually been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, and am on meds for it. They have helped tremendously - I can't imagine how bad the break-up would have been without them.)

Yesterday was the 3 month anniversary of my break-up. I was really hoping I'd be over it by now (or back together with him). And I know I had a tough weekend last weekend too. But all week I was fine, and actually feeling pretty darn good mid-week, like I was free and the possibilities were endless. And I was seeing how the two of us probably never would have worked out anyway. But for some reason, it hit me again this weekend. Probably because of the timing. Plus, I'm always pretty melancholy around this time of year, as the anniversary of my sister's death is also looming. (She died 5/10/92 at the age of 18, in a car accident - it was Mother's Day.)

So, all of this together is difficult. And when I get this way, I am convinced that I will be alone forever. As if I lost my only chance for love. I need to stop letting myself think that way. I know that I deserve better, and that there has to be someone out there for me. But, dating is so nerve-wracking, and I am not good at it. I am just not the type who meets people, I guess. Men do not approach me. And so, I am afraid it will take me another 29 years to find someone else. (I am hoping that this is a ridiculous fear, but time will tell, right?)

Gracie is here now. I've never seen a cat get used to a new home so quickly. She didn't run off and hide or anything. She did explore quite a bit (not that there's much to explore.) She is very affectionate - but she drools more than any cat I've ever met. She likes to sit with me on the couch and follow me around the house (in advance...she tries to beat me to wherever she thinks I'm going). I would have pictures in this post, but the computer and my camera are not currently getting along. I'll keep trying. (Hopefully I can get them online tomorrow night.)

And I've also been paranoid that something is going to happen to the cat, and I'm not going to be able to handle it. (I think I've been reading a little too much Crazy Aunt Purl...) I had a very sick cat before - the vets couldn't figure out what was wrong with her, but she had constant diarrhea and couldn't keep any food down. And I know it had nothing to do with me, but I felt like I was a terrible mother to her.

So, um, anyway, my mother and stepfather did come up Saturday morning with the new, less hideous couch. And we hauled the old ones away to a thrift store in town. I wasn't sure they'd take the couches, seeing as how ugly and old they are. The place had told me on the phone that they'd need to see them before deciding whether or not they'd take them. Well, my stepfather was pulling the truck around so the guys could assess the couches, and my mom and I were wandering around the shop. Well, we wandered into the room where they had the furniture...I turned and looked at my mom and said, "I don't think we're going to have a problem." Wow, there were some awful pieces in there... Amazingly ugly...made mine look great in comparison!

But a few hours after they left, I started not feeling so great again. And I fell asleep in front of the TV, which is not something I do often.

This morning, I still wasn't feeling great, and ended up cancelling the plans I had to go hang out with some friends (even though it would have been good for my psyche - I just didn't feel up to it). So, I made a quick run to the library (not far from home) and store, but spent most of the day curled up with the cat and a book, with the TVLand Good Times marathon going in the background. And I started the 2nd Lorna's Laces Sock.

I hope this week is an improvement! (Though the 10th will still probably suck...)

TGIF!!

(Okay, so technically, it's not Friday until tomorrow. But, I'm assuming that my vast readership, all 5 of you, will not read this tonight...)

Weekend

I spoke to my mother last night, and she confirmed that she and my step-father are definitely coming up this Saturday with the couch and the kitty. Yay! Gracie's coming! (That's the cat.) And yay!! The ugliest couches ever made are leaving!! (Of course, I need to call the Salvation Army and make sure they'll accept them...)

And in preparation, tomorrow night will be spent in fervent bursts of random cleaning activities.


Recap of Today

So, they say you learn something new every day. I guess "they" are right. I was all worried about going in for the permanent crown today, because I was afraid I'd pass out again, even without the epinephrine. Um, but apparently, the procedure doesn't require any anesthetic, so I was all worried about nothing.

But, I didn't end up getting the permanent crown on anyway, since I've been having the aching in my gums. The dentist and endodontist thought I should wait 2 more weeks to see if the pain stopped or got worse. If it gets worse, I'll need a root canal. If it stays the same (and I think I can live with it), I don't need one. So, I'm back there on the 18th, and I've still got the funky plastic tooth in my mouth.

More than you wanted to know? I thought so...

'Chokes!

Artichokes

I love Trader Joe's. I got 4 little artichokes the other day for $2.14, and cooked them up yesterday. My first time actually preparing them myself. (We used to have them quite a bit when I was living with my parents, but one of them always cooked them.) Tonight when I got home from work, I was craving a stuffed artichoke, like Mom & Dad used to make. And I lucked out! I actually had the recipe! Unfortunately, it's for 6 artichokes, so I had to scale it down for 1. I think I did a pretty good job (especially since I did very little actual measuring). And it was delicious! Though next time I think I'll scale down the parmesan and olive oil a little bit.















Survey

I'm starting to accept the loss of my beloved hairdresser... No, it's not like that. She didn't die or anything. She had a 2nd baby, and went on maternity leave. Then she didn't renew her lease at the old salon (I knew she wasn't going to - we'd discussed it). She was supposed to call the clients she wanted to keep and let them know where she was moving to (work-wise) when she came back from leave.

Well, it's been over 8 months, and no phone call...so I don't know if that means I wasn't of the select clientele (though I doubt she'd have mentioned it to me if I wasn't) or if she's not working again yet. In either case, I desperately need a haircut. (Just ask Christyn!) My dilemma is this - do I just trim it and keep the current length? It hasn't been this long in years.






Or, do I hack it back down to short again? (It was much easier to deal with short, but took getting used to.)

Any opinions? (The long hair shots are not the most flattering of me...but you get the idea.)

No rush...I haven't called a new hairdresser yet. Though Christyn did give me the number of her guy. (I've never had a male hairdresser...)





Coronation

Tomorrow at lunchtime I go back into the dentist's office for the permanent crown. Even though they've marked my chart for no Epinephrine, I'm still kind of afraid I'll pass out on them. I'm trying to think positive...I'm just hoping I don't work myself up over it. (Happy thoughts, happy thoughts...)

I'm also afraid I'm going to need that root canal after all. My gums under the affected molar have been achey on & off still, but people keep telling me that a temporary crown never really fits right, so it might just be that. Well, we'll see.

Wish me luck!!

Sweet Southern Style

My mother has repeatedly told me that I should have become an editor. I always find the grammatical errors in things (except my own writing of course...until it's too late), or mispelled words, etc. And I know y'all is a regional term, and I'm not Southern... (though my grandmother was...and my great aunt used to say y'all quite a bit living in Texas).

So, I'm currently reading "Little Altars Everywhere" by Rebecca Wells. She also wrote "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood", which I haven't read (nor have I seen the movie). Anyway, the book is set in Louisiana, and it's pretty good, once you get past the fact that each chapter takes place in a different year, and is from another character's point of view. (That was a bit confusing for the first few chapters.) And although I am enjoying the book, the author uses "y'all" a lot, but spells it "yall." It bugs me EVERY time! (Yes, I AM neurotic, I know, and I embrace it.)

Does this spelling of y'all bother anyone else out there? Is it just me?

Miles o' Files

Work Stuff

Tomorrow there are big wigs floating around my office...The CEO of our parent company and the head of the company that is acquiring us in the beginning of the 4th quarter (I think that's when it's supposed to go through anyway). So, an e-mail went out basically telling everyone to dress appropriately (which they should be doing anyway) and to clean up our respective areas... Well, I'm not too worried about the dressing thing (I'm not one of the ones who shows up in cropped tops and low-rise jeans - and yes, there are people around the office that have been known to do that - just not in my department).

Um...I did spend the last half hour of work today cleaning my desk though. It's cleaner than it has been in months, even though I still have some piles of files on my floor (total loss control issue, I know...not allowed at all at my previous company, which was insurance, where my father was in the Loss Control department). Anyway, I finished with the desk (which could have used a little more work, but I was done!) and it immediately lifted my stress level. Funny how that works. (Now - the key would be to keep working on my apartment to de-clutter and de-stress!)

I am hoping that now my desk is less cluttery, I'll be more motivated to get more stuff done at work. (I've not been really motivated lately, but now I've got a lot of new loans to work on, so that's motivation too.)

Crochet Stuff

Well, I've finished one whole sock. I have not weaved in the ends yet (have I mentioned before how much I hate doing that?) and haven't started the second one yet. Soon though...maybe later tonight, while I watch someone get fired on The Apprentice...but, if I'm sucked into the show I'm more likely to make mistakes and end up ripping out row upon row...