After such glorious weather earlier this month is it very strange to be walking into the building and notice that I can see my breath! It could be worse, of course. It could be raining and it's not. But it's not far behind. Ah well ... that's the way it goes in Seattle, isn't it?
I had a busy day yesterday but I did finally make an appointment for Tink to have the surgery to remove the small growth on her lower eyelid. I made the appointment for next Thursday the 30th but after some thought last night, I believe I'll try to move it to Friday the 31st. I have to proctor two exams on that Thursday besides getting her dropped off in the morning. If I had a car it wouldn't be a problem, but my car-less options are less than ideal on a busy day. Taking the bus is not a good option because it would be right in the middle of rush hour both getting her there and taking her home. ZipCar would be an okay option if I didn't have to rush right to work. There are two drawbacks to the ZipCar solution. First is that I can only have her in the car if she's in a carrier, which currently it in my storage room, under a stack of boxes and full of my bike clothes and accessories. Perhaps not the best place for it, but needs must. The second drawback to the ZipCar solution is that it would be very expensive to rent one for the entire work day. I could take a taxi both ways in that case and still save money. Therefore if I were doing this on a normal day I could get the ZipCar from near my place, take her to the vet, take it back to my place and then work from home until I pick her up. I'm going to try to arrange that. It just seems a lot more logical.
On my way home from the weekend I stopped at the grocery store and one of the things I bought was some flowers. It was a stupid move. Even though I examined them carefully for freshness it turns out I was not that observant. I love the little spray roses -- the barely pink ones. They looked good for a few hours and now this morning they are gone. I should know better than to buy flowers so close to Mother's Day. I seem to be making quite a few stupid mistakes these days.
I finished my audiobook - Life After Life. I really enjoyed that
book. It had an interesting twist on the idea of reincarnation in that
it was built around the premise that we don't live different lives, but
rather keeping living the same life over and over until we get it right. I like that idea. I can think of a few mistakes I most likely would not make the second .... or maybe third .... time around.
For noon knitting today I brought the socks. If I can get those decreases started I'm much more likely to pick them up at home. Plus I really need to figure out how I can make my current sitting situation more comfortable for knitting. I think my problem could be fixed with a well placed table at my elbow. As it is now, I have no easy and comfortable place to put a beverage. I do have a combination storage basket/table but it is wicker and the top is not exactly flat, even with a coaster. So I'm always afraid whatever it is I'm drinking is going to fall on the floor. Well ... more thought is needed.
22 May, 2013
21 May, 2013
When is a blues festival not a blues festival?
Answer: When there is no blues being played. Okay - slight exaggeration. I do believe there may have been three blues bands at the festival. And it was pointed out to me that the exact name of the festival is the Rhythm and Blues Festival which does leave it open to interpretation. Let's just say then that it was mostly rhythm. Not great. I was expecting something entirely different. It is water under the bridge and I did get to get out of town for a few days, which is always nice. The company was pleasant, the food good, and drink plentiful. The weather was best yesterday, the day we left. It was decent on Sunday but Friday and Saturday there were periods when it was raining and windy. You can't expect great weather in the springtime.
I brought my socks to knit on and had plenty of time, but it is the start of the toe decreases and I was afraid that if I started I would mess it up so I will start them tonight. I would dearly love to get those socks off my needles. I shall keep plugging away at Mariah during noon knitting, but I need a simple, TV knitting project to start when the socks are done. Hopefully I can come up with something other than another pair of socks!!
It is a short week since I took Monday as a vacation day. Then it's Memorial Day weekend so next week will be short as well. It's very quiet around here again. Time for the students to study up for their finals.
It was difficult getting out of bed this morning. It's raining here and dark. It is supposed to be like this all week. Ah well, we did have some awesome weather earlier.
I brought my socks to knit on and had plenty of time, but it is the start of the toe decreases and I was afraid that if I started I would mess it up so I will start them tonight. I would dearly love to get those socks off my needles. I shall keep plugging away at Mariah during noon knitting, but I need a simple, TV knitting project to start when the socks are done. Hopefully I can come up with something other than another pair of socks!!
It is a short week since I took Monday as a vacation day. Then it's Memorial Day weekend so next week will be short as well. It's very quiet around here again. Time for the students to study up for their finals.
It was difficult getting out of bed this morning. It's raining here and dark. It is supposed to be like this all week. Ah well, we did have some awesome weather earlier.
15 May, 2013
Bad decisions
I am no stranger to bad decisions. I have, after all, been married three times. But what I did last night ..... I was tidying up and gathered together a bag of recyclable things to take to the trash room. On each floor of our building is a room with two chutes - one for trash and one for recycle. And here's what I did -- I went out into the hall and into the trash room without shoes. It's always so very clean in my building that I didn't think anything of it. That is until I felt the sharp pain on the bottom of my left foot. Immediately, instinctively, I brushed that foot across the top of my right to rid myself of whatever I had stepped on. I thought perhaps a small piece of gravel. I headed right back to my apartment and into the bathroom to wash the foot and realized I had stepped on something much sharper - most likely a piece of broken glass. Well, it serves me right! What kind of stupid person goes to the trash room barefooted??!! I washed the wounds, put on a generous amount of Neosporin and bandaged them. Good news is that I am not hobbled this morning, so that's a bit of luck considering I'm heading out of town tomorrow. What an idiot though.
It's time for another bus driver rant. The driver of my afternoon bus is the target today. He is always early, and I don't mean a minute. Always at least five minutes. But I've gotten used to this and I am waiting when he arrives, only to drive two more stops and sit by the side of the road to catch up to his schedule. Plus he drives like a maniac, so no wonder he's early. Anyway, the bus that is ahead of him picks up a disabled woman and that takes some time. Typically he sits behind the stop and waits for that bus to finish loading up and then drive to the stop. He is, as I said, always early so he's not trying to catch up to his schedule. Yesterday he drove around the bus, didn't even hesitate and drove off! Oooooo! I was SO mad! I would have to wait another 30 minutes for the next one so off I went to catch up at his waiting spot so I could give him a piece of my mind. Ah! Perhaps I gave him the piece that would have stopped me from going to the trash room without shoes. He said he had looked and not seen anyone. Which is ridiculous. That stop had at least 20 people standing there. How could he have known who was for him? I need a vacation. Oh. Good luck then, because I'm out of here early today and that's when vacation starts.
I worked on the flasks again last night. What a tedious business. Next time I get a bright idea like that I'm going to ignore it. It's very difficult to get the initials and things centered and even. Yes, I use a guide but still. Knitting is as crafty as I get. Yay! Noon knitting today. That's a nice way to start a vacation. I brought the socks rather than the Mariah because I don't think I have the patience today for anything but easy knitting.
The extended forecast shows good weather for the blues festival. Let's hope the music is good as well as the weather.
It's time for another bus driver rant. The driver of my afternoon bus is the target today. He is always early, and I don't mean a minute. Always at least five minutes. But I've gotten used to this and I am waiting when he arrives, only to drive two more stops and sit by the side of the road to catch up to his schedule. Plus he drives like a maniac, so no wonder he's early. Anyway, the bus that is ahead of him picks up a disabled woman and that takes some time. Typically he sits behind the stop and waits for that bus to finish loading up and then drive to the stop. He is, as I said, always early so he's not trying to catch up to his schedule. Yesterday he drove around the bus, didn't even hesitate and drove off! Oooooo! I was SO mad! I would have to wait another 30 minutes for the next one so off I went to catch up at his waiting spot so I could give him a piece of my mind. Ah! Perhaps I gave him the piece that would have stopped me from going to the trash room without shoes. He said he had looked and not seen anyone. Which is ridiculous. That stop had at least 20 people standing there. How could he have known who was for him? I need a vacation. Oh. Good luck then, because I'm out of here early today and that's when vacation starts.
I worked on the flasks again last night. What a tedious business. Next time I get a bright idea like that I'm going to ignore it. It's very difficult to get the initials and things centered and even. Yes, I use a guide but still. Knitting is as crafty as I get. Yay! Noon knitting today. That's a nice way to start a vacation. I brought the socks rather than the Mariah because I don't think I have the patience today for anything but easy knitting.
The extended forecast shows good weather for the blues festival. Let's hope the music is good as well as the weather.
14 May, 2013
Fabulous Lady Day
I had a busy busy weekend, the highlight of which was my visit to the Derby Salon for a lovely facial and a salt glow. Oh .... it was SO nice! The facial was more like a face massage with a foot and leg massage thrown in. And then the salt glow ..... I was so relaxed by the time I was done there. Plus soft all over.
Tink had an early appointment at her own spa for a much needed grooming, so I was up super early to get her there by 7:30. It's always so nice to be able to see her face again.
The rest of the day and evening was taken up with a party and thankfully the weather was still fine. It turned much more seasonable Sunday evening and yesterday it was raining and blowing very hard. It's not so bad today though.
I must stop planning vacations that start in the middle of the week. It is incredibly difficult to be productive when I am thinking of what I'm going to be doing later in the week. I had a dentist appointment yesterday morning, so the day went by fairly quickly. Today I will take a long walk at lunchtime to the Apple store for a new pair of ear buds and tomorrow I will have noon knitting and then be off around 2. But I have a feeling this is going to be a long long LONG day!
Tink had an early appointment at her own spa for a much needed grooming, so I was up super early to get her there by 7:30. It's always so nice to be able to see her face again.
The rest of the day and evening was taken up with a party and thankfully the weather was still fine. It turned much more seasonable Sunday evening and yesterday it was raining and blowing very hard. It's not so bad today though.
I must stop planning vacations that start in the middle of the week. It is incredibly difficult to be productive when I am thinking of what I'm going to be doing later in the week. I had a dentist appointment yesterday morning, so the day went by fairly quickly. Today I will take a long walk at lunchtime to the Apple store for a new pair of ear buds and tomorrow I will have noon knitting and then be off around 2. But I have a feeling this is going to be a long long LONG day!
10 May, 2013
All this beautiful beautiful weather!
Oh how very lucky we are with this gorgeous spring weather! I can't get enough, nor can anyone else it seems. The square at Thornton Place is full all the time. I was working from home yesterday and I swear the fountain had children squealing and playing in it all day. I'm not complaining. There are much worse and more annoying sounds out there.
We managed a couple of walks yesterday in the sunshine and I had to trek to the pharmacy. And in the evening I went to watch a 55 and over soccer game. It started rather late - I suppose because the geezers get last pick at the pitch times. They were quite a spry bunch but there wasn't all that much scoring going on. Tink was happy to get lots of attention and in the end spent the last 30 minutes on my lap. It was WAY past her bedtime.
If I don't get any knitting done tonight - and I would really like to start the toe decreases on those socks - then I won't get any done until next Wednesday noon knitting. I have a massive weekend ahead of me. Thursday morning it's off to the blues festival for four days so I suspect the first of next week is going to be a bit of a drag. But I've lots to do today, so I'd better get on with it.
We managed a couple of walks yesterday in the sunshine and I had to trek to the pharmacy. And in the evening I went to watch a 55 and over soccer game. It started rather late - I suppose because the geezers get last pick at the pitch times. They were quite a spry bunch but there wasn't all that much scoring going on. Tink was happy to get lots of attention and in the end spent the last 30 minutes on my lap. It was WAY past her bedtime.
If I don't get any knitting done tonight - and I would really like to start the toe decreases on those socks - then I won't get any done until next Wednesday noon knitting. I have a massive weekend ahead of me. Thursday morning it's off to the blues festival for four days so I suspect the first of next week is going to be a bit of a drag. But I've lots to do today, so I'd better get on with it.
08 May, 2013
A picture at last
Today is noon knitting and I've brought my Mariah sleeves in to work on. I have started the increases, which means they are now a few rows longer than six inches.
The yarn is lovely and squishy. It's Debbie Bliss Fez, which is a merino/camel blend. I just love it. I really do need to figure out how to cable without the needle and I think if I do that it'll go a bit faster. I have the cables on the far ends memorized but the Celtic knot section in the center of the sleeve is a bit trickier. Once the sleeves are done and put on holders, the rest of the project will go much faster since it's just stockinette with the little cable on the ribbing portion and around the raglan. It's not really warm weather knitting, is it?
The day yesterday started out like it is today - a little chilly and cloudy. By 11 it was sunny and gorgeous and I had another run, this time even better! I am sore though. I felt just fine yesterday morning but as the day wore on my muscles got more sore. I had a good stretch before my run but still in the afternoon I was hobbled. No matter. I've got the day off today and tomorrow I'll be set and ready for an even better time. I'll need to start looking around for a race to sign up for soon.
Because of this heat -- we were actually as warm as Phoenix on Monday -- the lilacs are blooming and fading right away. The best I have been able to do this year was take a sniff on my way to my appointment last Friday. I am afraid I will not have another chance this year. I will have to make a more concerted effort next year to get some blooms in my house!
I'm supposed to be going to a 9 am meeting but even though I sent an email yesterday afternoon, I've yet to receive an agenda. Perhaps I'll make a phone call.
The day yesterday started out like it is today - a little chilly and cloudy. By 11 it was sunny and gorgeous and I had another run, this time even better! I am sore though. I felt just fine yesterday morning but as the day wore on my muscles got more sore. I had a good stretch before my run but still in the afternoon I was hobbled. No matter. I've got the day off today and tomorrow I'll be set and ready for an even better time. I'll need to start looking around for a race to sign up for soon.
Because of this heat -- we were actually as warm as Phoenix on Monday -- the lilacs are blooming and fading right away. The best I have been able to do this year was take a sniff on my way to my appointment last Friday. I am afraid I will not have another chance this year. I will have to make a more concerted effort next year to get some blooms in my house!
I'm supposed to be going to a 9 am meeting but even though I sent an email yesterday afternoon, I've yet to receive an agenda. Perhaps I'll make a phone call.
07 May, 2013
Record breaking weather
This morning we have some low clouds, but we are still expected to see 80 degrees today! The weather has been just spectacular. I decided to take last Friday off as a vacation day and I'm so glad I did. I just knew I wouldn't be able to concentrate with all the sunshine and nice weather plus I really wanted some uninterrupted knitting time. My friend Peggy showed me how to fix my backwards stitches on the Mariah and I was ready to get some real work done on it.
Tink and I had a nice sleep in and then a walk. I had a 10:30 appointment 2 miles away and walked it rather than get a ZipCar or fiddle with the bus, which didn't go straight there anyway. I was back home before noon and Tink got yet another walk, then I was off to the mall. I wasn't planning on it but I dropped in to the Nordstrom Rack just to poke around and came out with two pairs of pants and two summer tops. My original errand was a pair of footless tights and that's what I went for next but Macy's didn't have any except white and black and neon ... NEON .... pink or orange. Pass. I really wanted navy but ended up with a nice grey from Nordstrom's.
I grabbed a sandwich and then I couldn't put it off any longer - it was time to do some cleaning. And oh, I did. I cleaned that apartment from top to bottom. One of the nicer things about living in 660 square feet is that it's easy and quick to clean. And finally, when it was all cleaned up I sat down and did some knitting on the Mariah. I also did some more later in the weekend. I should have taken a picture ... well, I will for sure tomorrow. I have started the sleeve increases and I am starting to know the symbols for the cables so hopefully I can start doing them without the cable needle. I will start with the simple 2x2 on the edge of the super intricate sleeve cable. Once I get that technique down I'll move on to the other ones.
I purposefully wanted to have a lower key weekend, especially since this one coming up is going to be super jam packed and then Thursday it's off to the blues festival. It was perfect weather for riding around in a convertible. Something that we get much too little of here in Seattle. Tink was going to get groomed but when I got to the groomers it seems they had written our date down for the following - this coming - Saturday. Which couldn't be worse but they were already very frazzled so we'll make do. I had to give her a wash in the meantime though. Oh she was SO dirty!
Yesterday I went straight to the doctor for my annual exam, although I've seen him so much in these last 6 weeks it seemed pretty silly. But he did want to check my chest again and we got two thumbs up. So I ran yesterday for the first time in 7 weeks!!! It felt so good and I made my entire 30 minutes with only a couple of short walking intervals. The worse thing that happened is that the zipper on the leg near the ankle rubbed a little blister on my ankle above my heel. I'm not even sore today! I can't wait to get back to it this lunchtime.
Tink and I had a nice sleep in and then a walk. I had a 10:30 appointment 2 miles away and walked it rather than get a ZipCar or fiddle with the bus, which didn't go straight there anyway. I was back home before noon and Tink got yet another walk, then I was off to the mall. I wasn't planning on it but I dropped in to the Nordstrom Rack just to poke around and came out with two pairs of pants and two summer tops. My original errand was a pair of footless tights and that's what I went for next but Macy's didn't have any except white and black and neon ... NEON .... pink or orange. Pass. I really wanted navy but ended up with a nice grey from Nordstrom's.
I grabbed a sandwich and then I couldn't put it off any longer - it was time to do some cleaning. And oh, I did. I cleaned that apartment from top to bottom. One of the nicer things about living in 660 square feet is that it's easy and quick to clean. And finally, when it was all cleaned up I sat down and did some knitting on the Mariah. I also did some more later in the weekend. I should have taken a picture ... well, I will for sure tomorrow. I have started the sleeve increases and I am starting to know the symbols for the cables so hopefully I can start doing them without the cable needle. I will start with the simple 2x2 on the edge of the super intricate sleeve cable. Once I get that technique down I'll move on to the other ones.
I purposefully wanted to have a lower key weekend, especially since this one coming up is going to be super jam packed and then Thursday it's off to the blues festival. It was perfect weather for riding around in a convertible. Something that we get much too little of here in Seattle. Tink was going to get groomed but when I got to the groomers it seems they had written our date down for the following - this coming - Saturday. Which couldn't be worse but they were already very frazzled so we'll make do. I had to give her a wash in the meantime though. Oh she was SO dirty!
Yesterday I went straight to the doctor for my annual exam, although I've seen him so much in these last 6 weeks it seemed pretty silly. But he did want to check my chest again and we got two thumbs up. So I ran yesterday for the first time in 7 weeks!!! It felt so good and I made my entire 30 minutes with only a couple of short walking intervals. The worse thing that happened is that the zipper on the leg near the ankle rubbed a little blister on my ankle above my heel. I'm not even sore today! I can't wait to get back to it this lunchtime.
02 May, 2013
A cat or a dog??
I haven't owned a cat as an adult, but my sister has and when I visit I notice that the cat runs around and plays in the middle of the night. Dogs don't do that. Well, not usually. For some reason Tink was doing it last night though and it woke me up! It was a little scary at first because I couldn't figure out what the noises were. I thought it might be the blinds hitting the window, but it wasn't windy out. And then I heard a familiar sound, that of her chewy hitting the kitchen floor. Silly dog. It's not like she didn't get any walks either. She had a really long one in the late afternoon and then went with me to dinner - dining al fresco now that the weather is nice. If a restaurant has a rail, rather than a wall, around their outdoor dining area I can take her. And she's very well behaved.
I'm getting a little fed up with Facebook. I don't spend a lot of time on there. Mostly I do a quick scan in the morning to see what pictures my friends in Europe have put up or to see what my cousins are up to. It's my high school friends that make me craziest. I guess I should put friends in quote - "friends", because the majority of those people were not my friends in school and they're not my friends now. I try not to get sucked into their super conservative christian BS, but sometimes they are just SO stupid that I can't help myself. From time to time I un-friend people who continually post saccharine crap ten times daily, or the "Click 'like' if you have the most wonderful (brother/sister/cousin/daughter/blah blah blah)". Can you tell I am fed up?? I guess it's time to delete a few more people.
At noon knitting yesterday I did some very good work on the Mariah. I'm now at the spot where I am going to have to get a third counter to do the sleeve increases. I did find another mistake where I have purled when I should have knit. Peggy is going to help me fix it again and this time I'm going to pay special close attention so that I can do it myself next time. It's not rocket science, after all.
Today at lunch I'm going to walk up to Trader Joe's. I bit the bullet and wore footless tights and sandals and it wasn't so bad. It's warmer and warmer in the morning and this weekend it's going to be HOT. It's opening day of boating season and the big rowing race. Last year it was pouring rain and cold. What a change this year!
I'm getting a little fed up with Facebook. I don't spend a lot of time on there. Mostly I do a quick scan in the morning to see what pictures my friends in Europe have put up or to see what my cousins are up to. It's my high school friends that make me craziest. I guess I should put friends in quote - "friends", because the majority of those people were not my friends in school and they're not my friends now. I try not to get sucked into their super conservative christian BS, but sometimes they are just SO stupid that I can't help myself. From time to time I un-friend people who continually post saccharine crap ten times daily, or the "Click 'like' if you have the most wonderful (brother/sister/cousin/daughter/blah blah blah)". Can you tell I am fed up?? I guess it's time to delete a few more people.
At noon knitting yesterday I did some very good work on the Mariah. I'm now at the spot where I am going to have to get a third counter to do the sleeve increases. I did find another mistake where I have purled when I should have knit. Peggy is going to help me fix it again and this time I'm going to pay special close attention so that I can do it myself next time. It's not rocket science, after all.
Today at lunch I'm going to walk up to Trader Joe's. I bit the bullet and wore footless tights and sandals and it wasn't so bad. It's warmer and warmer in the morning and this weekend it's going to be HOT. It's opening day of boating season and the big rowing race. Last year it was pouring rain and cold. What a change this year!
01 May, 2013
Curly or straight?
My hair is naturally curly and for the longest time I wore it that way. And then a year or so ago, I started blowing it straight and that's how I wear it now. Except once in a while, like last week when I was still so sick and too tired to blow it dry, I let it go natural. The problem I have with that is that my hair looks dry and dull, especially the next day. So when I was at the salon on Saturday I asked my stylist about what I could do to make my curly hair look better and healthier. I am thinking about the blues festival coming in in May. I just know that it's not going to be on my list of priorities to dry my hair straight, especially since it's likely to be humid and/or hotter than here and I expect I'll be drinking and dancing a lot, which is not conducive to keeping a straight hair-do looking good. My hair curls at the slightest hint of moisture, so often times when I run and it's warm my hair poofs out. Same when I'm dancing a lot. She suggested a product and gave me a sample, which I tried last night. I must say that my hair is shinier than it typically is when I go natural, and I also sprayed it with something other than scrunch spray, and that gave it a little more curl and it's not so dry. Of course, I can always keep it in a pony tail, but that's not such a good look, especially if it's sunny and I'm wearing a hat. Options. Now I've got options.
Speaking of options -- it's May (hurrah!) and we are, thankfully, getting the gorgeous Seattle spring weather. This morning the sky is blue and by the end of the week we're going to be very warm. But for now, the mornings are still quite chilly. Oh how I wanted to wear sandals today. But it was only 39 degrees! So I had to go with boots. Hopefully one morning soon I can go with sandals.
Noon knitting and I brought my Mariah. I did work on the socks last night while watching the return of Warehouse 13. I was somewhat disappointed with the episode. Maybe because they're running out of artifacts or something. It just seems a little too .... too much. Maybe I'm just getting tired of the premise? I'll give it another few episodes before I write it off. I have enjoyed it since it started, so maybe they're just having a slow start this year.
And before I go:
Hurrah Hurrah
The First of May
It's Outdoor Intercourse Day!
Speaking of options -- it's May (hurrah!) and we are, thankfully, getting the gorgeous Seattle spring weather. This morning the sky is blue and by the end of the week we're going to be very warm. But for now, the mornings are still quite chilly. Oh how I wanted to wear sandals today. But it was only 39 degrees! So I had to go with boots. Hopefully one morning soon I can go with sandals.
Noon knitting and I brought my Mariah. I did work on the socks last night while watching the return of Warehouse 13. I was somewhat disappointed with the episode. Maybe because they're running out of artifacts or something. It just seems a little too .... too much. Maybe I'm just getting tired of the premise? I'll give it another few episodes before I write it off. I have enjoyed it since it started, so maybe they're just having a slow start this year.
And before I go:
Hurrah Hurrah
The First of May
It's Outdoor Intercourse Day!
30 April, 2013
Better and better
So here it is, the last day of April and I still have the cold symptoms. BUT ... but I am definitely getting better and that is a wonderful thing. It's been six week since I've been able to run. Six weeks since I got that original chest cold. I predict that I will be 100% back to normal by the weekend. And oh, it is supposed to be a glorious and hot weekend! It rained last night, but it is blue sky and puffy clouds this morning. Pretty spring weather. Yesterday for my lunchtime walk I had to go to the store and that's not such a pretty route. Today I'll go to upper campus and walk in the gardens.
Sleep was my number one priority last night, but before bed I got lots done. I ran the dishes and did a big load of laundry and Tinkie got her two walks. I had soup to heat up so I didn't have to cook. I almost reached for my socks -- I am getting very near to the toe decreases -- but I was interrupted by the phone and then I decided to read in bed and that's what I did. I dropped off super early, but I really needed the sleep. I feel great this morning.
Another thing I was planning on doing last night was downloading another audio book. But I've gotten so hooked on the sports talk pod casts (!) that I don't miss the books. That is until I've listened to all the episodes in a day and then I've got either music or nothing. That's when I miss the books. So tonight I'll do that for sure. Kate Atkinson has a new one. I read (heard) all of her other books - a detective series set in Scotland - and I loved them. This one has a little sci-fi bent to it and sounds pretty interesting.
Noon knitting tomorrow and I think I'll bring my Mariah in and get back into that. I just can't seem to carve out the hours or silence and solitude I need for that at home. I should get a little more proactive about that or I'll never finish it. Actually ... once the sleeves are done it's going to be TV knitting, more or less. So I'll keep that at the front of my brain and perhaps I can get a few rows every day or so.
Sleep was my number one priority last night, but before bed I got lots done. I ran the dishes and did a big load of laundry and Tinkie got her two walks. I had soup to heat up so I didn't have to cook. I almost reached for my socks -- I am getting very near to the toe decreases -- but I was interrupted by the phone and then I decided to read in bed and that's what I did. I dropped off super early, but I really needed the sleep. I feel great this morning.
Another thing I was planning on doing last night was downloading another audio book. But I've gotten so hooked on the sports talk pod casts (!) that I don't miss the books. That is until I've listened to all the episodes in a day and then I've got either music or nothing. That's when I miss the books. So tonight I'll do that for sure. Kate Atkinson has a new one. I read (heard) all of her other books - a detective series set in Scotland - and I loved them. This one has a little sci-fi bent to it and sounds pretty interesting.
Noon knitting tomorrow and I think I'll bring my Mariah in and get back into that. I just can't seem to carve out the hours or silence and solitude I need for that at home. I should get a little more proactive about that or I'll never finish it. Actually ... once the sleeves are done it's going to be TV knitting, more or less. So I'll keep that at the front of my brain and perhaps I can get a few rows every day or so.
29 April, 2013
Lilacs
I really noticed them this weekend, and riding in to work this morning. There is a downside to my new apartment that I hadn't considered when I first moved in. I no longer have the neighborhoods to wander through when the lilacs are in bloom. For so many years I've always had places I could walk and if not snag some to bring home, at least get a few deep breaths. Not so now. And I don't currently have any friends or acquaintances with them either. That scent really says spring to me.
As usual these days, I had a jam packed weekend. I managed to get a decent sleep Friday but Tink was up way too early Saturday morning for my liking. She needed to go out so of course we went, then I tried to get back to sleep but that wasn't happening. The mall doesn't open until 10 on Saturday and I had a few things I needed to pick up, and also have my manicure touched up, so I did a little tidying and took Tink for another little walk and then headed over to the mall around 9:30. I was under the mistaken impression that DSW opened at 9, but it's only the Bed, Bath and Beyond that opens early. I didn't have to wait long though because I had stopped at the Starbucks for a nice coffe and an 8 grain roll -- which I love because it's full of raisins. Mission accomplished and I had a few minutes to grab a sandwich at home before it was off to Derby to get my hair done. And while I was there I booked myself a fabulous lady day for the Saturday before I take off for the blues festival. I had gotten an email with May specials and noticed they have a salt scrub for $65, which is a bargain and I have been wanting one for so long. I just decided to splurge - the salt scrub AND an hour facial. Oh my, I can hardly wait for May 11th!!
My final item for Saturday was going to be practicing driving a truck. On Sunday I was going to go with my friend when he picked up a new car. But I haven't driven anything that large since my sister had the big SUV when she had her art gallery. So we're talking probably 10 years. I wanted to practice, but that went out the window because an impromptu meeting was set up at a restaurant for us five to talk about what we're bringing to the condo for the blues festival. We met at a Mexican restaurant and the food was just out of this world. Not to mention the drinks which were .... wow ... very strong. The truck driving had to wait.
So Sunday morning before the mall opened I drove that truck around the parking lot before I dared to venture out onto the streets. Actually it wasn't difficult at all. Mostly I was distracted by the big mirror on the driver side, which seemed to block a lot of my view. I got a little scared on the freeway but otherwise it was (mostly) smooth sailing. I did have a bit of a problem backing out of the parking lot at the car dealership. It was a tight spot and I was backing and turning right towards a row of brand new cars. It's nice to know that if I ever had to, I could drive a truck.
Add in a few chores and whoosh -- there went the weekend. I managed to get a few more rows done on the socks. I sure miss my comfy purple chair. That was the perfect knitting spot. But oh well - no room for it now. I have a spot on the couch that isn't bad. It isn't perfect and I think if I could just come up with a way to make it a bit more comfortable perhaps I could do a bit more knitting. Anyway just an inch or so more and I can get the toe decreases started.
It's a little cloudy today but by the end of the week we're supposed to have some great weather. Maybe even as soon as Wednesday. My cold is still hanging in there. I am getting better but oh so slowly. I don't think I'll be able to run this week either. But I can walk and I'm going to have a nice long one at lunchtime, since I managed to forget a couple of key things at the grocery store this weekend. Let's hope the rain is through for the day by then because I forgot my umbrella!
As usual these days, I had a jam packed weekend. I managed to get a decent sleep Friday but Tink was up way too early Saturday morning for my liking. She needed to go out so of course we went, then I tried to get back to sleep but that wasn't happening. The mall doesn't open until 10 on Saturday and I had a few things I needed to pick up, and also have my manicure touched up, so I did a little tidying and took Tink for another little walk and then headed over to the mall around 9:30. I was under the mistaken impression that DSW opened at 9, but it's only the Bed, Bath and Beyond that opens early. I didn't have to wait long though because I had stopped at the Starbucks for a nice coffe and an 8 grain roll -- which I love because it's full of raisins. Mission accomplished and I had a few minutes to grab a sandwich at home before it was off to Derby to get my hair done. And while I was there I booked myself a fabulous lady day for the Saturday before I take off for the blues festival. I had gotten an email with May specials and noticed they have a salt scrub for $65, which is a bargain and I have been wanting one for so long. I just decided to splurge - the salt scrub AND an hour facial. Oh my, I can hardly wait for May 11th!!
My final item for Saturday was going to be practicing driving a truck. On Sunday I was going to go with my friend when he picked up a new car. But I haven't driven anything that large since my sister had the big SUV when she had her art gallery. So we're talking probably 10 years. I wanted to practice, but that went out the window because an impromptu meeting was set up at a restaurant for us five to talk about what we're bringing to the condo for the blues festival. We met at a Mexican restaurant and the food was just out of this world. Not to mention the drinks which were .... wow ... very strong. The truck driving had to wait.
So Sunday morning before the mall opened I drove that truck around the parking lot before I dared to venture out onto the streets. Actually it wasn't difficult at all. Mostly I was distracted by the big mirror on the driver side, which seemed to block a lot of my view. I got a little scared on the freeway but otherwise it was (mostly) smooth sailing. I did have a bit of a problem backing out of the parking lot at the car dealership. It was a tight spot and I was backing and turning right towards a row of brand new cars. It's nice to know that if I ever had to, I could drive a truck.
Add in a few chores and whoosh -- there went the weekend. I managed to get a few more rows done on the socks. I sure miss my comfy purple chair. That was the perfect knitting spot. But oh well - no room for it now. I have a spot on the couch that isn't bad. It isn't perfect and I think if I could just come up with a way to make it a bit more comfortable perhaps I could do a bit more knitting. Anyway just an inch or so more and I can get the toe decreases started.
It's a little cloudy today but by the end of the week we're supposed to have some great weather. Maybe even as soon as Wednesday. My cold is still hanging in there. I am getting better but oh so slowly. I don't think I'll be able to run this week either. But I can walk and I'm going to have a nice long one at lunchtime, since I managed to forget a couple of key things at the grocery store this weekend. Let's hope the rain is through for the day by then because I forgot my umbrella!
26 April, 2013
Silence
Wow ... it is SO quiet here at work. So many people are on vacation and/or out sick. Seriously, I can't hear another human right now. Well, it is early, but still. It's kind of eerie.
I'm very happy it's Friday. I made it through an entire day at work yesterday and it wasn't all that bad. The sun was shining and I got out for a little walk in the sun at lunchtime. It's just so crazy -- I haven't been able to run since March 15!! I was hoping to start back up this week but we know what happened to that idea. Now if I have a good weekend and this cold finally goes away then I can start next week. Slowly, but at least I can suit up and walk and run to get my wind back. I bought new running pants when I was in Oregon a couple weeks ago and I can't wait to get them on. My other ones were getting so ratty. These are nice Nike ones with a clever zipper pocket at the small of the back for my iPhone. That'll be so nice to have the headphones behind me and the cord out of the way.
I was quite tired when I got home last night and I had a perfect relaxing geek evening planned. After walking Tink and doing a few chores I turned the NFL draft on. It wasn't a very exciting one, but surprising. And even though our team doesn't have any first round picks, it's fun nevertheless. At least for an hour or so. I knew I needed to get some good sleep (for a change) so I went to bed early and read and then actually had a pretty decent night. I didn't wake up coughing, which is a bonus these days.
I still haven't booked Tink's eye surgery. She has a benign growth on her lower eyelid and I need to have it removed because it is irritating her eye. I was going to book it right away but then I realized that I'm going to be putting her into a kennel in three weeks when I go to that blues festival, so I must talk to the surgeon to find out how much time I need to consider for her recovery. It's probably better that I put it off until I return.
We've had such gorgeous sunny weather while I've been sick this week and it looks like we have to say goodbye for the weekend. That's okay. There's plenty of spring and summer to come!
I'm very happy it's Friday. I made it through an entire day at work yesterday and it wasn't all that bad. The sun was shining and I got out for a little walk in the sun at lunchtime. It's just so crazy -- I haven't been able to run since March 15!! I was hoping to start back up this week but we know what happened to that idea. Now if I have a good weekend and this cold finally goes away then I can start next week. Slowly, but at least I can suit up and walk and run to get my wind back. I bought new running pants when I was in Oregon a couple weeks ago and I can't wait to get them on. My other ones were getting so ratty. These are nice Nike ones with a clever zipper pocket at the small of the back for my iPhone. That'll be so nice to have the headphones behind me and the cord out of the way.
I was quite tired when I got home last night and I had a perfect relaxing geek evening planned. After walking Tink and doing a few chores I turned the NFL draft on. It wasn't a very exciting one, but surprising. And even though our team doesn't have any first round picks, it's fun nevertheless. At least for an hour or so. I knew I needed to get some good sleep (for a change) so I went to bed early and read and then actually had a pretty decent night. I didn't wake up coughing, which is a bonus these days.
I still haven't booked Tink's eye surgery. She has a benign growth on her lower eyelid and I need to have it removed because it is irritating her eye. I was going to book it right away but then I realized that I'm going to be putting her into a kennel in three weeks when I go to that blues festival, so I must talk to the surgeon to find out how much time I need to consider for her recovery. It's probably better that I put it off until I return.
We've had such gorgeous sunny weather while I've been sick this week and it looks like we have to say goodbye for the weekend. That's okay. There's plenty of spring and summer to come!
25 April, 2013
Round two
The weekend started out so well. Friday night I had a girlfriend over for dinner and it was a 3 hour gab fest. A perfect girlie evening. And the next day was my knitting brunch. Everyone brought something delicious to eat and a project or 2 (or 3) to either rip out or finish. I finally finally finally got the facings knit for my Cloisonne Jacket! yay! Now I need to sew them and re-block the sweater. Yes, I did block the pieces before I sewed it together, but it's been sitting in my basket for two or more years so it needs another go 'round in the wash and re-blocking. Everybody had a nice time though and I want to do it again soon.
So I woke up Sunday with a terrible head cold. I couldn't believe it! AND a sore throat to boot! I had been coughing a bit more since I had finished one of my medications but ignored it. I couldn't ignore this. Headache and body ache all over again! So first thing Monday I called my doctor and they fit me right in. He says it's another entirely different virus. Oh yay me. This one has given me a sinus infection so it's back on antibiotics. It's Thursday and I'm back to work but seriously, I'd rather be in bed.
On a positive note, the weather has been extremely gorgeous. Not that I've been able to take advantage of it. I did have to walk Tink every day so at least I got to be out in it for a while. Mostly I slept Monday and all of Tuesday. Yesterday I worked from home. I can almost do everything on my iPad but not quite. But since my apartment is so compact, it's easy enough to sit up to the desk and get a little work done. Not much walking needed.
And so -- with my head all stuffed up here I sit, trying not to cough all over my nice clean computer screen. I wish I had a futon so I could curl up under my desk for a little nap.
So I woke up Sunday with a terrible head cold. I couldn't believe it! AND a sore throat to boot! I had been coughing a bit more since I had finished one of my medications but ignored it. I couldn't ignore this. Headache and body ache all over again! So first thing Monday I called my doctor and they fit me right in. He says it's another entirely different virus. Oh yay me. This one has given me a sinus infection so it's back on antibiotics. It's Thursday and I'm back to work but seriously, I'd rather be in bed.
On a positive note, the weather has been extremely gorgeous. Not that I've been able to take advantage of it. I did have to walk Tink every day so at least I got to be out in it for a while. Mostly I slept Monday and all of Tuesday. Yesterday I worked from home. I can almost do everything on my iPad but not quite. But since my apartment is so compact, it's easy enough to sit up to the desk and get a little work done. Not much walking needed.
And so -- with my head all stuffed up here I sit, trying not to cough all over my nice clean computer screen. I wish I had a futon so I could curl up under my desk for a little nap.
19 April, 2013
Love/Hate relationship
Generally speaking, I'd say my car-less life is going quite well. But every once in a while .... like yesterday morning ... it can be frustrating. I have an app on my iPhone called "One Bus Away" and it is supposed to let you know if your bus is running on time. Yesterday the app was showing that the bus I was taking to my 9 am appointment in Ballard was running quite late. So I called them, saying I am running late and should we re-schedule, perhaps when I have reserved a ZipCar. The woman said to just come along whenever I could. And as soon as I terminated the call here came the bus, on time! It was nice I got there in time, but I could have done without the fire drill.
My latest infatuation with podcasts is eating up my iPhone battery at quite an alarming clip, however it is fine since I can just plug the phone into my computer here at work and oh I do so love listening to football talk when I'm doing tedious tasks. I found a couple more yesterday - Rich Eisen and Dan Patrick both have their own podcasts. I don't spend the evenings in front of the TV watching ESPN or the NFL Network, so this is perfect.
We are now into the spring rainy weather -- April showers. I haven't run all week since I'm still coughing and I'm supposed to be running indoors anyway. But I have had a few nice walks, besides my normal doggie walks. Today I'll go up to the grocery store at lunchtime so I can get the ingredients for my brunch dish for Saturday. Plus I'm having a girlfriend over for dinner so I need to get something for that as well. I still don't know what I'll make. I am hoping for inspiration at the store.
At noon knitting Wednesday I got a good hour in on the socks and last night another hour. I need to measure because I should be getting pretty close to starting the toe decreases. I am looking forward to finishing up the Cloisonne Jacket tomorrow. I dragged the big bag of sweaters home last night and actually during the day I was wearing the Trellis Shawl since it was pretty cold here in the office. Maybe I won't frog that one after all. I always get compliments on it.
Oh I am SO glad it's Friday. If only it were Friday afternoon and not 8:30 am!!!
My latest infatuation with podcasts is eating up my iPhone battery at quite an alarming clip, however it is fine since I can just plug the phone into my computer here at work and oh I do so love listening to football talk when I'm doing tedious tasks. I found a couple more yesterday - Rich Eisen and Dan Patrick both have their own podcasts. I don't spend the evenings in front of the TV watching ESPN or the NFL Network, so this is perfect.
We are now into the spring rainy weather -- April showers. I haven't run all week since I'm still coughing and I'm supposed to be running indoors anyway. But I have had a few nice walks, besides my normal doggie walks. Today I'll go up to the grocery store at lunchtime so I can get the ingredients for my brunch dish for Saturday. Plus I'm having a girlfriend over for dinner so I need to get something for that as well. I still don't know what I'll make. I am hoping for inspiration at the store.
At noon knitting Wednesday I got a good hour in on the socks and last night another hour. I need to measure because I should be getting pretty close to starting the toe decreases. I am looking forward to finishing up the Cloisonne Jacket tomorrow. I dragged the big bag of sweaters home last night and actually during the day I was wearing the Trellis Shawl since it was pretty cold here in the office. Maybe I won't frog that one after all. I always get compliments on it.
Oh I am SO glad it's Friday. If only it were Friday afternoon and not 8:30 am!!!
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