I hurt. I think I'm coming down with a cold. The other night I had a bit of a sore throat. (I can't remember any more if it was last night or the night before.) Last night I thought my allergies were bothering me. Tonight my nose is ucky, my throat is ucky, my neck is sore, and my body aches. Plus, I wanted to sleep all day. (I didn't, but I sure wanted to.)
Perhaps I should actually let myself sleep all day tomorrow... except for when I have to drive my folks and uncle and aunt downtown for the symphony. And pick them up, of course.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Resume
In an attempt to avoid making a decision between my boyfriend and my PhD, I thought I'd apply for a job round these parts. ('Cause a minimum wage part-time job proves my ties to Canada oh so much better than my family living here.)
So, applying for a job at the LYS and bookstore requires a resume. (Don't ask me why. It's not like there'll be anything on it that'll interest them.)
Resume... resume... no old resume on my computer.
...Flip through back-up cds...
...2003... nope, nothing there.
...1999... aha! Hmmm... I guess it needs some updating.
La, la, la... hmmm... Education: three lines (left off high school and earlier); employment history: thirteen lines; awards: seventeen lines. (It seems to me there's something wrong with this...!) References: entire Chapel Hill SNB group (for the yarn store).
Besides the references, I'm guessing everything after my address is pretty useless. *sigh*
So, applying for a job at the LYS and bookstore requires a resume. (Don't ask me why. It's not like there'll be anything on it that'll interest them.)
Resume... resume... no old resume on my computer.
...Flip through back-up cds...
...2003... nope, nothing there.
...1999... aha! Hmmm... I guess it needs some updating.
La, la, la... hmmm... Education: three lines (left off high school and earlier); employment history: thirteen lines; awards: seventeen lines. (It seems to me there's something wrong with this...!) References: entire Chapel Hill SNB group (for the yarn store).
Besides the references, I'm guessing everything after my address is pretty useless. *sigh*
Friday, September 29, 2006
Mystery Tools
I recently received a box of craft stuff that L was clearing out of her Aunt's place. In it was these two bizarre tools (click for biggy view... get biggest view by then clicking "all sizes"):
Mystery tool(s) #1:
Mystery tool(s) #1 are around six inches long (I forgot to measure them this morning), and appear to come as a pair. (They were attached together with a decaying elastic or two.) Each of the two appear to be identical and double-ended, but with the two ends different from each other.
Mystery tool #2:
Mystery tool #2 is closer to a foot long, and has an "x" cross-section its whole length.
One of them actually came with instructions, so I know what it is. The other, I haven't a clue, and am really curious. No, I'm not going to say which is which. Not yet, at least.
I think this calls for a contest, but give me a chance to look through my stash to see what I can offer for prizes. (I had to run for the bus this morning as it was... no time to go stash-diving!) Assuming I can find prizes (I'm pretty sure I can), here's what the contest will be: tell me what you think the mystery tools are or what they're used for. Hopefully I'll find sufficient prizes so that I can offer one each in each of these categories for both tools:
(A) correct (or most plausable) answer, and
(B) funniest answer.
Feel free to submit an entry for each category. Submit entries either in the comments or by using the "e-mail comment" link on the post page. If there are multiple correct answers, I'll draw a name from a hat.
The contest is open until... um... I'll decide that when I locate prizes. (I'll update this post.) More details later...
Mystery tool(s) #1:
Mystery tool(s) #1 are around six inches long (I forgot to measure them this morning), and appear to come as a pair. (They were attached together with a decaying elastic or two.) Each of the two appear to be identical and double-ended, but with the two ends different from each other.
Mystery tool #2:
Mystery tool #2 is closer to a foot long, and has an "x" cross-section its whole length.
One of them actually came with instructions, so I know what it is. The other, I haven't a clue, and am really curious. No, I'm not going to say which is which. Not yet, at least.
I think this calls for a contest, but give me a chance to look through my stash to see what I can offer for prizes. (I had to run for the bus this morning as it was... no time to go stash-diving!) Assuming I can find prizes (I'm pretty sure I can), here's what the contest will be: tell me what you think the mystery tools are or what they're used for. Hopefully I'll find sufficient prizes so that I can offer one each in each of these categories for both tools:
(A) correct (or most plausable) answer, and
(B) funniest answer.
Feel free to submit an entry for each category. Submit entries either in the comments or by using the "e-mail comment" link on the post page. If there are multiple correct answers, I'll draw a name from a hat.
The contest is open until... um... I'll decide that when I locate prizes. (I'll update this post.) More details later...
Whoops!
Crochet Socks
I finished crocheting H's socks on the bus this morning, then reached for the yarn needle to weave the ends in so she'd have something cheerful for this incredibly hectic day in her incredibly hectic week.
The yarn needle wasn't there. It's been living in my lace bag, so I can insert lifelines with it. Aaaaargh!
H will have to wait until Monday for her socks.
I will need to make a second needle-holder, so I can have one in *both* my sock and lace bags.
I should probably post a photo of my needle-holder... it's a really cute little idea. Inexpensive, and *very* practical.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
THAT Sunday
Okay, to start, I'll let you know that I was just talking on the phone to the Custom and Border Protection people here in Winnipeg, (*much* friendlier than that other jerk), and here's what I need on my next trip to the US (and no, I can't sort things out *before* I travel, from what I gather):
And now back to my scheduled blogging: THAT Sunday
This is a photo-heavy post. I'm sorry if you're on dial-up.
Montreal to New York
I wanted to go to the Knit-Out, so we left Montreal bright and early, after what may have been a very late night. (What happens in Montreal stays in Montreal.)
The day started off bright and promising (even though it was way-too-fricking-early):
but, as I mentioned before, the gloom quickly descended.
There isn't really much more to go into there... the guy was a jerk, and didn't believe anything I said. Now I need a pile of documentation for my next trip. Blech. After the border I cried a bunch in the car... leaving your boyfriend for a month is hard enough, but not knowing when you'll see him again? Tragedy! (I miss my J!)
Gee... I thought *Mini* was small!
Knit-Out New York
We arrived in New York later than I had planned (due to the fun at the border), so, instead of going to the apartment to pick up my books for signing, J dropped me off at the Knit-Out. J then went to the apartment to unload the car, and we agreed to meet at Union Square (where the Knit-Out was) in an hour or so to go grocery shopping and then back to the apartment to pack. Since I wasn't sure when I'd be able to come back, my plan to leave some stuff I didn't need in Winnipeg with J was scratched, and I had to fit *everything* in my carry-on and checked luggage. Remember that we drove to NY, and so didn't really have to worry about stuff fitting in suitcases? Yeah. Fun. But, back to the Knit-Out!
I watched a bit of the amature fashion show:
but not much, because I wanted to see as much as possible before J came to meet me.
I documented stuff I wanted to remember with my camera... like this:
Hey, you friends who are constantly looking for purse handles? Leisure Arts has some really nice fake leather ones!
I also saw the book Knitting Loves Crochet... from my quick skim, it looks awesome! It's definitely going on my Christmas wish list. (I make one for my family mainly to help my father, who usually hasn't a clue what to get me.)
Look! Famous people!
That's Cara and Kay. Kay graciously signed a piece of paper for me to stick in my Mason-Dixon Knitting book. Bloggers in action:
Stephanie also graciously signed a piece of paper for me. (I still have a bit of that "they're famous, and *talking* to me!" thing to get over. They're all really nice people, from what I can tell. Hopefully they don't think I'm too much of a star-struck dork.) I also passed Stephanie's Canadian test. Boy, was it ever easy! (For a Canadian.) I was paranoid that it would be hard, and I'd fail. (After all, I aparently don't live in Canada, according to Mr Jerk at the border.)
There were lots of neat demonstrations:
awesomely crafty people:
and cool creations:
This Lily Chin sweater is neat too:
(The book it's in is the one in the photo. What ever did I do before I had my camera to replace my memory?)
Tomkins Square Park
On our way home we saw a circus performing in Tomkins Square Park:
Their schtick was mocking Bush, the US, etc. Very funny, with both subtle and outright jabs. Plus lots of acrobatics and clowning around for the kids. It was somehow very appropriate, given how I was feeling kind of anti-American that day.
The audience also did not appear to be made up of Bush supporters:
Hoboken & Stevens
J wanted to show me Stevens, where he did his undergrad. Since we weren't sure when I'd be back, that night seemed like a good time to go. We decided to drive, figuring it would be faster.
Hmmm... looks like Mini could really do with a bath!
By driving, I also got to see some more of New York along the way. New York does not appear to be pro-Bush.
However, when we got near the tunnel, things slowed to a standstill. "No Standing" sign notwithstanding.
J decided to have Mini compute our average speed starting at that point. At first, Mini was confused and had problems figuring our average speed out:
Then we got to lurch forward a wee bit, and actually *had* a speed to average:
(Yes, that's a whopping zero-point-nine miles per hour... less than a mile per hour. I didn't know they could register speeds that low.) However, our average speed went down...
and down...
and down...
and down...
I decided this called for some spreading of joy, to counteract traffic miserableness. (See Mr Jerky Border Guy? Aren't I a bad person you want to keep out of the US? People might *smile*!)
Luckily Mini comes with some smile-inducing goodies:
I spread an awful lot of smiles with that Mini Messaging Kit. (I mostly used "nice smile" to induce smiles, but I also resorted to "hey sexy" a few times too.) This went over very well with the neighbours:
Oh... sorry about the blurry photos in this post. It was getting dark enough that my camera wanted to flash, but the type of photos I wanted to take weren't ones that a flash would help with (too far away, reflections, etc). Plus, there seemed to be some correlation between me wanting to take a photo and the traffic allowing us to move another foot.
This guy had a great business:
That sign on the front says "we deliver to cars." I was getting hungry, and couldn't resist a $2 pretzel Yum!
It was *soooooo* good! Soft and chewy! I *love* those things!!! Also, we hadn't expected our trip to take so long, and thus hadn't eaten dinner. (Lunch consisted of two doughnuts, so that didn't help either.)
By the time we got to Stevens, it was rather dark:
(That's J in front of some of the dorms... I forgot to turn my flash off.) However, there was still enough light that I could get a decent shot of the NYC skyline with my flash off:
See that tall tower in the foreground on the extreme right hand side? That's "Big John." Heh, heh, heh. It's filled with toilets, to test them under pressure prior to building the World Trade Center.
After seeing Stevens, we took a walk through picturesque Hoboken (it's aparently changed a lot from how it used to be). If I have a kid, I'm definitely making it one of these:
(I saw this in a store window while we were walking.)
Packing Up
Eventually it was time to head home and pack. It took me *forever*! However, I did eventually get nearly everything in my bags:
By then it was the wee hours of the morning, and I only got a few hours of sleep before I had to get up and go to the airport.
Leaving was sad. :( I miss J!
- proof of residence (ie a letter from my mom that I live in her basement)
- proof of Canadian bank accounts (I have two plus a credit card, check!)
- how I support myself (look! I have savings! Really! I'm *not* lying!)
- money with me to last my trip (I forgot to ask if it had to be cash, or how much is considered sufficient... will my bank cards and credit card be sufficient, since they work down south?)
- an e-ticket return date (yup, I'll be getting one of those... I forgot to ask if one out of Montreal is good enough.)
And now back to my scheduled blogging: THAT Sunday
This is a photo-heavy post. I'm sorry if you're on dial-up.
Montreal to New York
I wanted to go to the Knit-Out, so we left Montreal bright and early, after what may have been a very late night. (What happens in Montreal stays in Montreal.)
The day started off bright and promising (even though it was way-too-fricking-early):
but, as I mentioned before, the gloom quickly descended.
There isn't really much more to go into there... the guy was a jerk, and didn't believe anything I said. Now I need a pile of documentation for my next trip. Blech. After the border I cried a bunch in the car... leaving your boyfriend for a month is hard enough, but not knowing when you'll see him again? Tragedy! (I miss my J!)
Gee... I thought *Mini* was small!
Knit-Out New York
We arrived in New York later than I had planned (due to the fun at the border), so, instead of going to the apartment to pick up my books for signing, J dropped me off at the Knit-Out. J then went to the apartment to unload the car, and we agreed to meet at Union Square (where the Knit-Out was) in an hour or so to go grocery shopping and then back to the apartment to pack. Since I wasn't sure when I'd be able to come back, my plan to leave some stuff I didn't need in Winnipeg with J was scratched, and I had to fit *everything* in my carry-on and checked luggage. Remember that we drove to NY, and so didn't really have to worry about stuff fitting in suitcases? Yeah. Fun. But, back to the Knit-Out!
I watched a bit of the amature fashion show:
but not much, because I wanted to see as much as possible before J came to meet me.
I documented stuff I wanted to remember with my camera... like this:
Hey, you friends who are constantly looking for purse handles? Leisure Arts has some really nice fake leather ones!
I also saw the book Knitting Loves Crochet... from my quick skim, it looks awesome! It's definitely going on my Christmas wish list. (I make one for my family mainly to help my father, who usually hasn't a clue what to get me.)
Look! Famous people!
That's Cara and Kay. Kay graciously signed a piece of paper for me to stick in my Mason-Dixon Knitting book. Bloggers in action:
Stephanie also graciously signed a piece of paper for me. (I still have a bit of that "they're famous, and *talking* to me!" thing to get over. They're all really nice people, from what I can tell. Hopefully they don't think I'm too much of a star-struck dork.) I also passed Stephanie's Canadian test. Boy, was it ever easy! (For a Canadian.) I was paranoid that it would be hard, and I'd fail. (After all, I aparently don't live in Canada, according to Mr Jerk at the border.)
There were lots of neat demonstrations:
awesomely crafty people:
and cool creations:
This Lily Chin sweater is neat too:
(The book it's in is the one in the photo. What ever did I do before I had my camera to replace my memory?)
Tomkins Square Park
On our way home we saw a circus performing in Tomkins Square Park:
Their schtick was mocking Bush, the US, etc. Very funny, with both subtle and outright jabs. Plus lots of acrobatics and clowning around for the kids. It was somehow very appropriate, given how I was feeling kind of anti-American that day.
The audience also did not appear to be made up of Bush supporters:
Hoboken & Stevens
J wanted to show me Stevens, where he did his undergrad. Since we weren't sure when I'd be back, that night seemed like a good time to go. We decided to drive, figuring it would be faster.
Hmmm... looks like Mini could really do with a bath!
By driving, I also got to see some more of New York along the way. New York does not appear to be pro-Bush.
However, when we got near the tunnel, things slowed to a standstill. "No Standing" sign notwithstanding.
J decided to have Mini compute our average speed starting at that point. At first, Mini was confused and had problems figuring our average speed out:
Then we got to lurch forward a wee bit, and actually *had* a speed to average:
(Yes, that's a whopping zero-point-nine miles per hour... less than a mile per hour. I didn't know they could register speeds that low.) However, our average speed went down...
and down...
and down...
and down...
I decided this called for some spreading of joy, to counteract traffic miserableness. (See Mr Jerky Border Guy? Aren't I a bad person you want to keep out of the US? People might *smile*!)
Luckily Mini comes with some smile-inducing goodies:
I spread an awful lot of smiles with that Mini Messaging Kit. (I mostly used "nice smile" to induce smiles, but I also resorted to "hey sexy" a few times too.) This went over very well with the neighbours:
Oh... sorry about the blurry photos in this post. It was getting dark enough that my camera wanted to flash, but the type of photos I wanted to take weren't ones that a flash would help with (too far away, reflections, etc). Plus, there seemed to be some correlation between me wanting to take a photo and the traffic allowing us to move another foot.
This guy had a great business:
That sign on the front says "we deliver to cars." I was getting hungry, and couldn't resist a $2 pretzel Yum!
It was *soooooo* good! Soft and chewy! I *love* those things!!! Also, we hadn't expected our trip to take so long, and thus hadn't eaten dinner. (Lunch consisted of two doughnuts, so that didn't help either.)
By the time we got to Stevens, it was rather dark:
(That's J in front of some of the dorms... I forgot to turn my flash off.) However, there was still enough light that I could get a decent shot of the NYC skyline with my flash off:
See that tall tower in the foreground on the extreme right hand side? That's "Big John." Heh, heh, heh. It's filled with toilets, to test them under pressure prior to building the World Trade Center.
After seeing Stevens, we took a walk through picturesque Hoboken (it's aparently changed a lot from how it used to be). If I have a kid, I'm definitely making it one of these:
(I saw this in a store window while we were walking.)
Packing Up
Eventually it was time to head home and pack. It took me *forever*! However, I did eventually get nearly everything in my bags:
By then it was the wee hours of the morning, and I only got a few hours of sleep before I had to get up and go to the airport.
Leaving was sad. :( I miss J!
Blanket Explanation
There's a bit of confusion over my blanket, so I thought I'd explain. Yes, what I currently have is a triangle:
Once it's the right size, I'll do another three. Then I'll assemble all four with the top points together, like so:
Except my triangles will, of course, end up all different.
I'm doing this to avoid having to wrestle an entire blanket sitting on my lap at the end. At worst, I'll only have a quarter of a blanket on my lap at any time... except during the final seaming, of course.
Once it's the right size, I'll do another three. Then I'll assemble all four with the top points together, like so:
Except my triangles will, of course, end up all different.
I'm doing this to avoid having to wrestle an entire blanket sitting on my lap at the end. At worst, I'll only have a quarter of a blanket on my lap at any time... except during the final seaming, of course.
Wants!
Me... wants... Durrow! Now!!
*sigh* ...I keep telling myself about the great sweater yarn in my stash, but the longing isn't going away! ...must ...resist!
I put Durrow on my mental "to do" list when that issue of MagKnits came out, but then I forgot. (A poor memory can be both a blessing and a curse.) However, a blog I read linked to it, and now I MUST KNIT IT NOW!
I think I should pet my stash tonight, to remind myself that I felt the same way about other projects sitting there, and I really should do them first. I know of at least two sweaters in my stash, and both will be lovely when they're done.
But DURROW! Wants Durrow!
Why are there always more great projects than there is time or money for?
*sigh* ...I keep telling myself about the great sweater yarn in my stash, but the longing isn't going away! ...must ...resist!
I put Durrow on my mental "to do" list when that issue of MagKnits came out, but then I forgot. (A poor memory can be both a blessing and a curse.) However, a blog I read linked to it, and now I MUST KNIT IT NOW!
I think I should pet my stash tonight, to remind myself that I felt the same way about other projects sitting there, and I really should do them first. I know of at least two sweaters in my stash, and both will be lovely when they're done.
But DURROW! Wants Durrow!
Why are there always more great projects than there is time or money for?
Ouch!
I demonstrated needle felting to some friends at lunch today. I jabbed myself at least three times. Ouch! (Enough to draw blood if I squeezed, but not enough to stain the project if I didn't.)
Travelling Stitch Markers
pig sts marker
Hmmm... I just saw a bunch of my stitchmarkers show up in iamsparkli's photostream on Flickr. I wonder if I sent them to her and forgot, or if one of the people I swapped with has swapped some of hers further on? I must admit I'm curious! I shall have to e-mail iamsparkli. :)
What fun!
PS: Bethany, some of yours are in there too.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Coming Soon
Pink Boa?
Before we left Montreal, there may or may not have been a party. I can neither confirm nor deny the existance of a pink boa.
I will blog about that day a week ago Sunday very soon... probably tomorrow. I had planned on doing it tonight, but it's now past my bedtime. Good night!
Monday, September 25, 2006
I'll Take Door Number One
Wasp Traps
For some reason, the wasps nearly unanamously prefer the trap on the left. There's nearly an inch of floating carcasses in there. Sorry... I don't know what the secret is. Perhaps it has nothing to do with the trap, but is some social aspect of wasps? (Gee, all my friends are there, it must be the place to be!)
Presenting Fuzz-Butt the Wonder Goat.
Angora Goat
Somehow mine doesn't look quite like the picture on the website. (Scroll down a bit.)
However, I like Fuzz-Butt the Wonder Goat. She has *personality*! And superpowers. With hair like that, she's *got* to have superpowers. She just hasn't told me what her superpowers are yet.
(Wonder Goat: as in "I wonder what that could be... a goat? Are you sure?)
Funny, But Cruel
I got this "spam" from my uncle, and decided to share. ;)
.... 40 THINGS YOU'D LOVE TO SAY OUT LOUD AT WORK ....
1. I can see your point, but I still think you're full of shit.
2. I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce.
3. How about never? Is never good for you?
4. I see you've set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public.
5. I'm really easy to get along with once you people learn to see it my way.
6. I'll try being nicer if you'll try being smarter.
7. I'm out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message.
8. I don't work here. I'm a consultant.
9. It sounds like English, but I can't understand a damn word you're saying.
10. Ahhh...I see the screw-up fairy has visited us again...
11. I like you. You remind me of myself when I was young and stupid.
12. You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers.
13. I have plenty of talent and vision; I just don't give a damn.
14. I'm already visualizing the duct tape over your mouth.
15. I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you
16. Thank you. We're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view.
17. The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.
18. Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.
19. What am I? Flypaper for freaks!?
20. I'm not being rude. You're just insignificant.
21. It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of Karma to burn off.
22. Yes, I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.
23. And your crybaby whiny-assed opinion would be...?
24. Do I look like a people person?>
25. This isn't an office. It's Hell with fluorescent lighting.
26. I started out with nothing & still have most of it left.
27. Sarcasm is just one more service we offer.
28. If I throw a stick, will you leave?
29. Errors have been made. Others will be blamed.
30. Whatever kind of look you were going for, you missed.
31. I'm trying to imagine you with a personality.
32. A cubicle is just a padded cell without a door.
33. Can I trade this job for what's behind door #1?
34. Too many freaks, not enough circuses.
35. Nice perfume. Must you marinate in it?
36. Chaos, panic, & disorder - my work here is done.
37. How do I set a laser printer to stun?
38. I thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted a salary.
39. Who lit the fuse on your tampon?
40. Oh I get it... like humor... but different.
.... 40 THINGS YOU'D LOVE TO SAY OUT LOUD AT WORK ....
1. I can see your point, but I still think you're full of shit.
2. I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce.
3. How about never? Is never good for you?
4. I see you've set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public.
5. I'm really easy to get along with once you people learn to see it my way.
6. I'll try being nicer if you'll try being smarter.
7. I'm out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message.
8. I don't work here. I'm a consultant.
9. It sounds like English, but I can't understand a damn word you're saying.
10. Ahhh...I see the screw-up fairy has visited us again...
11. I like you. You remind me of myself when I was young and stupid.
12. You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers.
13. I have plenty of talent and vision; I just don't give a damn.
14. I'm already visualizing the duct tape over your mouth.
15. I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you
16. Thank you. We're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view.
17. The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.
18. Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.
19. What am I? Flypaper for freaks!?
20. I'm not being rude. You're just insignificant.
21. It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of Karma to burn off.
22. Yes, I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.
23. And your crybaby whiny-assed opinion would be...?
24. Do I look like a people person?>
25. This isn't an office. It's Hell with fluorescent lighting.
26. I started out with nothing & still have most of it left.
27. Sarcasm is just one more service we offer.
28. If I throw a stick, will you leave?
29. Errors have been made. Others will be blamed.
30. Whatever kind of look you were going for, you missed.
31. I'm trying to imagine you with a personality.
32. A cubicle is just a padded cell without a door.
33. Can I trade this job for what's behind door #1?
34. Too many freaks, not enough circuses.
35. Nice perfume. Must you marinate in it?
36. Chaos, panic, & disorder - my work here is done.
37. How do I set a laser printer to stun?
38. I thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted a salary.
39. Who lit the fuse on your tampon?
40. Oh I get it... like humor... but different.
A Bit Nippy
We've been getting lovely, crisp fall weather recently. This morning, I got the following e-mail from my brother:
I gave the compost pile another turn this morning before work. There weren't any wasps there at the time. You know, it's amazing what 24 hours will do to a freshly turned compost pile... nice and loose and lots of decomposition! I still have some apples to bury, but it's considerably better than it was. Tonight I'll open the bottom, and shovel some of the fullly decomposed stuff on top. I didn't have time this morning.
So I had an interesting experience this morning. I went upstairs to close the windows, since it got a bit brisk overnight...Methinks the bird didn't like the crisp air last night! (It went down to 6C overnight.)
I closed the east window, all fine and dandy, then I went over to the west window, and I was like "oh hey, there's a bird sitting on the screen".
So I did what any normal person would do, I walked up to it and expected it to fly away.
But it didn't.
So I looked in reeeeal close at it, and he just sorta sat there.
So I blowed on him a little, thinking he'd smell my evil humanness and fly away. Nope.
So I poked him. *poke* *flutter*... *poke* *flutter again*.
So I got my camera.
http://ubb.ca/~nicoya/2006-09-25-Bird/2006-09-25-Bird.html
I finally got him to fly away after poking him about 20 times.
I gave the compost pile another turn this morning before work. There weren't any wasps there at the time. You know, it's amazing what 24 hours will do to a freshly turned compost pile... nice and loose and lots of decomposition! I still have some apples to bury, but it's considerably better than it was. Tonight I'll open the bottom, and shovel some of the fullly decomposed stuff on top. I didn't have time this morning.
What will they think of next?
Hypoallergenic cats.
My first thought upon reading the title was that I'd probably manage to be allergic to them anyway. Then I saw this line:
My first thought upon reading the title was that I'd probably manage to be allergic to them anyway. Then I saw this line:
The cats will not cause the red eyes, sneezing and even asthma that some cat allergy sufferers experience, except in the most acute cases.Yep... that would be me. *sigh*
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Blanket WIP
Blanket WIP
My arms aren't long enough. Of course, the low basement ceiling gets in the way too.
I now have four squares made from yarn that Shelly sent, one from Deneen, and part of one from Vicki. Next up is another Deneen square, red this time. Thanks, ladies!
Reward
Needle-Felted Angora Goat WIP
After working all weekend on the paper, I let myself work on something fun. I *finally* got out the needle-felted angora goat kit that Trish RAOKed me with so long ago and gave it a try. Fun! It's not done yet, of course. Next up is adding the hair, then ears, horns, and a tail. But not tonight. ;)
Sunday Morning Compost
We have a compost bin that gets added to frequently, but is turned irregularly. (Mom and B only do it occasionally on adding kitchen scraps, and I only think of it when I'm gardening.) Wasps have discovered this delectable buffet. Step 1 (a few days ago): place a bunch of root-beer-baited pop bottle wasp traps to reduce their numbers. Step 2 (this morning): turn the compost first thing in the morning while they're still sluggish.
Safety precautions: Mom and B watching from the window, in case I get stung. (I've got allergies to tons of stuff, but I've never been stung before... so I have no idea what sort of reaction I would have, if any.)
Thankfully I still haven't ever been stung. :) I stayed calm (I think that's a key in not getting stung, but it could just be my dumb luck), and the wasps were pretty sluggish.
The compost still needs some more turning, since it's hard to deal with a backlog all in a single turning. Plus I stopped when I unearthed a number of wasps that had gotten buried... I figured they wouldn't be in a good mood if they managed to get going. However, there are a lot fewer deadfall apples exposed, so this should improve things quite a bit. I'll go out again in a day or two for another turning, and I'll add a bunch of green stuff on top from dead-heading and pruning as well. (Much less tasty than apples.)
The abstract (due last Friday) still needs composting. We have something submitted, but I need to read over and add to it. (My advisor got fed up and wrote the thing, but I'm the one who knows what's going on. So I need to check that what he wrote makes sense, and covers everything.)
The sock-yarn-scraps-turning-blanket is also coming along (write a bit, knit a bit). I did a few calculations, and I think my blanket will have 364 squares when it's finished. Since I'm currently on the 36th square, that means I'm around 10% done. (Not counting finishing.) I'll post a photo after I've done some more paper-composting.
Safety precautions: Mom and B watching from the window, in case I get stung. (I've got allergies to tons of stuff, but I've never been stung before... so I have no idea what sort of reaction I would have, if any.)
Thankfully I still haven't ever been stung. :) I stayed calm (I think that's a key in not getting stung, but it could just be my dumb luck), and the wasps were pretty sluggish.
The compost still needs some more turning, since it's hard to deal with a backlog all in a single turning. Plus I stopped when I unearthed a number of wasps that had gotten buried... I figured they wouldn't be in a good mood if they managed to get going. However, there are a lot fewer deadfall apples exposed, so this should improve things quite a bit. I'll go out again in a day or two for another turning, and I'll add a bunch of green stuff on top from dead-heading and pruning as well. (Much less tasty than apples.)
The abstract (due last Friday) still needs composting. We have something submitted, but I need to read over and add to it. (My advisor got fed up and wrote the thing, but I'm the one who knows what's going on. So I need to check that what he wrote makes sense, and covers everything.)
The sock-yarn-scraps-turning-blanket is also coming along (write a bit, knit a bit). I did a few calculations, and I think my blanket will have 364 squares when it's finished. Since I'm currently on the 36th square, that means I'm around 10% done. (Not counting finishing.) I'll post a photo after I've done some more paper-composting.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Great T-Shirts
Heh, heh, heh! Katy (who is also doing a mitered square blanket) told me about Threadless, a really nifty t-shirt shop! She pointed out there was one with the slogan "Canada: Living the American dream without the violence since 1867". I couldn't help myself (the power of procrastination), and had to look around at their other t-shirts. Here are some of my favourites, and ones I had to point out to friends. ;)
This sheep counting one is adorable... I'm thinking my fiber-friends will get a kick out of it!
For Sale by Parents... perhaps this is what my mom needs to get rid of me? (Just kidding... she seems to like having me at home again.)
Take a closer look at the outline of Big Fish Wins... heh!
This fake panda is adorable in a bizarre way.
I wonder if cifarelli knows about Mob Musicians?
I *wants* a Hypotamoose!
Oh! Oh! And some nice boobies too!
Hmmm... I have a shrub that needs pruning...
I see this is where the R-rated unicorn tee came from. (I saw another student wearing it at the last conference I was at. Did I mention our conferences are pretty casual?)
And while I'm at it, here's another great t-shirt I saw in New York a week ago:
Update: If only these two tees weren't out of stock!
This sheep counting one is adorable... I'm thinking my fiber-friends will get a kick out of it!
For Sale by Parents... perhaps this is what my mom needs to get rid of me? (Just kidding... she seems to like having me at home again.)
Take a closer look at the outline of Big Fish Wins... heh!
This fake panda is adorable in a bizarre way.
I wonder if cifarelli knows about Mob Musicians?
I *wants* a Hypotamoose!
Oh! Oh! And some nice boobies too!
Hmmm... I have a shrub that needs pruning...
I see this is where the R-rated unicorn tee came from. (I saw another student wearing it at the last conference I was at. Did I mention our conferences are pretty casual?)
And while I'm at it, here's another great t-shirt I saw in New York a week ago:
Update: If only these two tees weren't out of stock!
Friday, September 22, 2006
Contest Alert
january worm
one wool sock warms
a piratey heart
Taking a break from paper writing, I wrote a haiku. You can too!
one wool sock warms
a piratey heart
Taking a break from paper writing, I wrote a haiku. You can too!
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Not So Fast...
Oops
I missed a decrease several rows back. I picked up the correct stitches, then riiiiiiip!
Since the mistake was in the middle of the row, and this is simple garter stitch, I picked up stitches on two different rows, saving half a row of knitting. Yeah, it's not like it was a long row, but it's also not like it was difficult to pick them up that way either. ;)
Crochet Socks
Crochet Socks
Summer of Socks pair #6... a day late?
I cut it close on the yarn too. Looks like I correctly guessed when to start the second sock! (Dang... none left for my blanket!)
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Strange
In The Pit
I while back I blogged this photo with the caption "because God likes angry religious people." Aparently someone found this photo on flickr and liked it...
Hi noricum,Strange. I clicked the link they sent me, but currently Schmap is only for Windows, so I have no idea what it's like. I'll check it out on one of my parents' computers tonight. If it's interesting, I'll consider posting that linky-thing they sent me.
I am delighted to let you know that one of your photos with
a creative commons license has been selected for inclusion
in our newly released Schmap Raleigh Guide. ...
Winding Yarn
Winding Yarn
Hopefully I'll get time to blog about Sunday soon... it may take a bit, because I have a paper deadline on Friday. For now, I'll leave you with this cute little decoration I saw at P's.
Monday, September 18, 2006
Wow!
I won the Summer of Socks photo contest! Wow! Thanks to everyone who voted for me. :)
(It seems that my head is now spinning even more than before!)
(It seems that my head is now spinning even more than before!)
Border Update
I'm safely back in Canada now, and have a nice stamp in my passport proving it. I turned in my I-94 before bording the plane in MSP. My dad has a friend who works for US customs here in Winnipeg, so I had a short chat with him. Here's a brief run-down of the conversation:
1. The guy (at the MTL-NY border) is indeed an a-hole (Dad's friend didn't use the abbreviation).
2. The guy jerked me around as much as he could... in order to refuse me entry, he would have had to *prove* that I was living in the US.
3. A bill that I pay regularly which is sent to my MB address is supposed to be sufficient... my credit card bill will work fine.
4. There's definitely something on my file, so I'll definitely be questioned the next time I cross.
I haven't made any long term plans yet. I think I will still apply for a part-time job... better safe than sorry. I have a ton to blog about from yesterday, but let me get settled. I need to unpack and do some laundry first. And let my head stop spinning, and figure out where I am. ;)
1. The guy (at the MTL-NY border) is indeed an a-hole (Dad's friend didn't use the abbreviation).
2. The guy jerked me around as much as he could... in order to refuse me entry, he would have had to *prove* that I was living in the US.
3. A bill that I pay regularly which is sent to my MB address is supposed to be sufficient... my credit card bill will work fine.
4. There's definitely something on my file, so I'll definitely be questioned the next time I cross.
I haven't made any long term plans yet. I think I will still apply for a part-time job... better safe than sorry. I have a ton to blog about from yesterday, but let me get settled. I need to unpack and do some laundry first. And let my head stop spinning, and figure out where I am. ;)
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Footloose and Fancy-Free
Or not. Fancy-Free that is. It turns out the situation that leaves me free to visit J also prevents me from visiting J: I can't prove that I have stronger ties to Canada, and intend to leave the US. We got a twit at the border today, and I'm not sure when I'll be able to visit J again... I think the guy wrote a long note in my file, I have an I-94 good until tomorrow, but I haven't screwed up my chance to get a PhD: the twit did at least let me enter. Had I been refused entry, I wouldn't be able to return for many years. :(
The guy is a twit. When another guy in immigration saw him coming, his comment was that "I'm screwed."
I'll post more later... for now, I'm enjoying my last night with J. Oh... and if you were planning on mailing me something here, *don't*. If you already have, don't worry, I'll make arrangements with J to forward it to me. However, it would be nice to minimize the double-mailings. (Vicky and Regina: I did get the orange yarn and sari silk, thanks! I'll post more about that later too.)
The guy is a twit. When another guy in immigration saw him coming, his comment was that "I'm screwed."
I'll post more later... for now, I'm enjoying my last night with J. Oh... and if you were planning on mailing me something here, *don't*. If you already have, don't worry, I'll make arrangements with J to forward it to me. However, it would be nice to minimize the double-mailings. (Vicky and Regina: I did get the orange yarn and sari silk, thanks! I'll post more about that later too.)
Where Am I?
Do you ever have those mornings where it takes you five minutes to remember what city you're in? No? Perhaps it was due to being woken up by my alarm clock. Off to New York now.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Tabernac!
There's a(n English-speaking) guy outside who seems quite adept at using the f-word as an expletive, adjective, and adverb. He uses it a lot too. Loudly. You'd think such a clever man could manage a larger vocabulary. Or perhaps he has Tourette's syndrome. I wonder if his mother ran out of soap.
Liesel
Seven repeats done on the pink lace scarf now. I'm starting to get the rhythm of this lace. (Although I still can't multitask.) Seven repeats gives me somewhere around a foot of scarf, pre-blocking. I'm guessing I'm going to want to do at least four feet pre-blocking, which means 4x7=28 repeats total, and 21 to go. However, this does mean I'm possibly 25% done. Whee! And 21 repeats doesn't sound *too* bad. Heck... I can probably do that given, um, another 21 hours or so... :P
Sunrise in NY
Sunrise in NY
While I was getting the lace and sock photos off my camera, I found a few more sitting there. I happened to wake up around dawn the other day in New York (to pee... you don't honestly think I would actually get up that early voluntarily?), and noticed the dawn light was painting the buildings pink. In my sleep-fogged state, I managed to snap a few photos before crawling back in bed. (Thank goodness for automatic cameras!)
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