Iggy's Stuff

Manicure of the Week & Stuff

2012-01-24T09:12:00.009-05:00

Nails

So far I'm keeping up with my reinvigorated love of keeping my nails cute. Here's this week's manicure:

(I know this pic it crazy small. I did something funky with the editing and will fix it later.)

There, that's better.

I love this look! It's two coats of China Glaze Icicle topped off with the excellent China Glaze Crackle color Black Mesh. I remember first seeing crackle polish over a decade ago and I guess it didn't quite catch on then. It's in full swing now, or it might be getting played out. I'm old enough to only care if I like something, not if the masses think that something is still cool.

Being busy and all (have to still do housework even with pretty nails), in order to maintain my manicure I put a clear coat every other night and touch up the color as needed. I do a cuticle oil massage every day and the entire process only takes minutes.

Books
On the reading front, I'm currently listening to Rob Lowe's autobiography.

I only selected this book because of the great reviews and several recommendations. Rob does the reading and so far it's a very cool "read". Rob has never really been a blip on my radar because he's impossibly handsome and I like my guys to be less traditionally gorgeous (y'all know how I feel about a slight overbite, or long nose). In fact, I think I preferred his brother, Chad because he had a little goofiness mixed into his looks. So other than starring in some great "Brat Pack" fare, I wouldn't have gravitated to his biography.

But again, I'm finding it interesting to learn how he got into the business. I'll post a proper review later.

Crafting

My mojo is a bit off right now but the wax and wane of feeling like crafting is normal. I'm still trying to finish the gift for my latest yarn swap which was supposed to be mailed by Saturday. I'll throw in some extra goodies to make up for my tardiness. I also committed myself to knitting some chemo caps in colors for men, because they often get forgotten about when the call for caps is made. Men undergoing chemo lose their hair too, so a nice, soft cap should be a nice charity knit.

That's all for now!

What I'm Working On (and Nails!)

2012-01-17T11:52:00.005-05:00

Below is my current knitting WIP (work in progress). A pair of fingerless gloves for a swap partner. For those not up on the goings on of Ravelry. There are many groups, with varying interests. Some of these groups host thematic swaps, where you get a package together based on your partner's favorite things (and I'll receive a package as well from my secret partner). This swap is based on your favorite color, but there are others, tea swaps, dishcloth swaps, ones that have a inexpensive dollar limit, etc. This one is the "Color Swap" and my partner's colors of choice are red and aqua. The gloves a nice 100% cotton, which is her favorite fiber.

The project bag the knitting is resting on matches very well, but is not a part of her package. I won that bag by entering a drawing from one of my favorite video knitting podcasts, "Craft Stash".

For this week's manicure I used the base coat and top coat of choice, Orly Bonder and Seche Vite which provides a nice shine. The actual polish is Zoya's Suvi. I tried the sandwich method of polishing, in hopes my polish won't chip as badly as the China Glaze mani from last week. Base coat, color, another layer of base coat, color, then top coat. I also was careful to wrap my nails good, which is putting some of the polish on the edges and under the nails to create a nice seal. I adore green and really like the shiny, shimmer for this color.

That's it for now. I plan on using a different color each week and posting.

I'm Fancy, Huh? Hair Done, Nails Done, Everything Did...

2012-01-13T11:20:00.004-05:00

Look at me all up-to-date with the Drake lyrics, lol. My daughter would be proud, or embarrassed one or the other.

Alrighty, I got my hair done in kinky twists with extensions:

It goes without saying that I hate this picture. What am I doing with my mouth? I can't stage a photo if my life depended on it. However, I love my hair. The girls used a different color this time, a mix of reddish-brown and black. They layered it quite nicely too.

(Is that a look of sanity? I don't think so. Plus, Photobucket did something weird with the picture, but whatevs)

After my hair grows out of this style I'll be giving it a rest from the braids to prevent hair loss. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with it, but I'm researching now.

On my lips is some Cover Girl lip stain. I don't know exactly which line because I got it out of the clearance bin. Somehow my lips evolved to kind of hate the feeling of lipstick or lip gloss but I love the stain. I can't feel it on my lips, but they are soft (which they always were even when I wasn't wearing lipstick. No crusty lips here)and have color to them.

I'm totally flipping out on the nail polish, I'm picking them up whenever I shop, I'm checking out the blogs on the new colors. You know a geek has to go all the way with whatever they do. It's fun! I've worn tips before but I prefer my own relatively short nails and I have some crazy colors on the way.

I'm wearing China Girl Ruby Pumps with an Orly Bonder basecoat to prevent yellowing and chipping (which didn't stop the chipping) and a Seche Vite top coat, that is supposed to be fancy, but seems like just another top coat to me.

I recently bought those silver stackable rings at a great discount from a co-worker. I think I'll buy more, you can get lots of looks from stackables.

Ok, until next time!

2012 Plans

2012-01-02T09:25:00.010-05:00

It's 2012, a brand new, fresh year. Last year I hopelessly overcommitted myself to all sorts of goals. I had crafting goals, wanting to learn how to sew, quilt and make jewelry. The sheer ridiculousness of the book challenges I intended to finish is laughable now. I think I signed up for seven book challenges and didn't complete even one. I didn't walk a 5K last year, much less the two half-marathons I had penciled myself in for.

When a new year rolls around, it's natural for a person to look back, evaluate the previous months, with a view to making improvements in the twelve months ahead. But I got weary, overwhelmed with the sheer number of tasks I set out to accomplish and didn't follow through.

For 2012 I still have my sights on challenging and improving myself, but I have a more streamlined vision.

Crafing a.k.a.: the new spelling of Crafting obviously

I love crafting. For most of my life I considered myself to the type of person who had zero aptitude for being crafty, so to learn how to knit in my late thirties, fall in love with my needles and branch out to other crafts has been a joy. I want to do it all, more crocheting, knitting techniques, learn to sew, etc. But there's only so much time in a day and money in my wallet, therefore I need to temper my enthusiasm with a bit of rational planning.

Last year I did quite a bit of knitting, participated in some KALs (knit alongs), knitting swaps. This year I want to continue to knit consistently, using more yarn from my ever-growing stash. I want to focus on shawls this year. I have lots of yarn for shawls and a list of people I want to make them for..including myself. Conservatively, I'm thinking six shawls in 2012.

I've begun crocheting more, making my first hats last month. This year I'd like to crochet at least one afghan and one shawl or vest. The more complicated projects I'll have assistance by taking some leftover classes I have on credit at my LYS.

One of my crocheted hats. I love it! Go Lions!

I've collected a whole slew of cross stitching projects with all the materials to go with them and my goal is to finish at least one project. I'm setting my sight on the Pretty in Pink pattern (yay 80's!).

My crafting future looks bright for this year.

Reading

I discovered Audible last year and it rocks! At first listening to books seemed a bit like cheating, but I've been able to "read" while working, going grocery shopping, cleaning and exercising. I listen to the unabridged versions and while I'll never give up holding a book (or e-reader, on my wishlist for this year), it's another option to partake in literature with my super busy schedule.

I hope to get through least six books this year, a conservative amount. I have a few unfinished books as well, which I never used to do, so I'd like to complete those. With audiobooks I'm sure I'll be able to get in more reading and I'm thinking of doing one book challenge.

Health and Well-Being

I need to lose weight, period. I'm not getting any younger and I have a daughter I need to be around for. Exercise is going to be a top priority, mainly walking, cardio and a bit of weight training. I want to walk the two half-marathons I planned on doing last year. The half I walked in 2010 wasn't too taxing, but still very challenging and crossing the finish line was one of the most exuberant experiences in my life. I have the support of my co-workers who walk regularly. I also foresee a bike for this summer to get out more, be more active with Alexis.

Finally, I want to focus on my appearance. I've been in a funk when it comes to the outer me. Some of this neglect is due to me not being in a active relationship. I think there's been this underlying, "Who am I getting dolled up for?" sentiment. That's not the point, not at all. Looking good should be about putting my best foot forward for myself.

I need and will buy some clothes, 'nuff said. I'll spend money on yarn and that's fine, but I need to balance it out with some outfits.

I polished my nails for the first time in forever and the process made me happy. Seeing the glint of color on my hands while I crocheted made me happy. Back in the day, I had a polish obsession, rarely going out for a manicure because I, quite frankly, did a fabulous job on my own. I changed color once a week and you'd never see my nails bare. So this Friday I'm going out to get new polishes and equipment. I'm also going to get some contacts and wear eyeliner and lipstick whenever I go out.

I still don't know what I'm going to do with my hair. Right now it's in two-strand twists with extensions, but I love natural hair. I'm clueless as to what to do with it since it's longer now, but wearing braids continually can mess your hairline up with a fierceness. This is a plan in progress.

So that's my very long post for the new year. Oh, and speaking of posts. I plan on updated my blog much more often. I get caught up in wording, wanting to be witty and comprehensive. I want to blog more often, quick posts, pictures of projects, finished manis, etc.

2012 is going to be a blast.

Your Knitting and Crochet Time - 2KCBWDAY7

2011-04-03T18:00:00.012-04:00

When do I knit and crochet, or the newest edition to my crafting obsession, cross stitching? My crafting time is anytime. Whenever the mood hits, whenever it's most convenient, whenever I can. I don't have a special time or place. During my lunch hour at work, while at home sick or just at home chilling, waiting for an appointment. While watching television, late at night or early in the morning, listening to podcasts on my iPod, listening to music. For hours or minutes. At baseball games, basketball games, while shopping. Usually an easier project in a social setting, like with a group at the LYS or chatting at a friend's house. On vacation, at the airport, on the airplane, in the hotel, on the beach.

There's no ritual, nothing special needed, just needles (or hook), yarn and a pattern. However, if I'm knitting something complicated, like lace, I require absolute silence. :) Oh, and no food. I'm a messy eater anyway so that would mean crumbs in the finished objects and that just won't do. I can handle a drink nearby though.

Me knitting on my couch, while someone is making me laugh. My fingers look odd, don't they? Well, they did to me when I first looked at the picture. At a closer glance I see I'm wrapping the yarn around my pinkie to start the row (I knit Continental :). Hmm, I don't think I've ever taken a picture without my bra strap showing and what's up with my chins? Ok, I'd better stop looking too hard before I delete this!

Well, this is the final post for Knitting and Crochet Blog Week. It's been so much fun coming up with ideas to fit each day's theme and reading posts created by lots of talented persons who share my love for yarn crafting. Thanks to Eskimimi for organizing this event. I can't wait for next year! :)

Somthing to Aspire to - 2KCBWDAY6

2011-04-02T22:37:00.009-04:00

Today's theme focuses on a pattern or skill that one aspires to. One that you may not feel ready to tackle, but hope to. It makes your mind boggle at the awesomeness of it.

A pretty easy one for me because there are two patterns that have been in my sight, they have been on my radar and I feel once I've completed both, in my mind I will have truly mastered knitting.

Central Park Hoodie

I'll have to make guage, which is a basic knitting skill that eludes me. Also, it's a large enough project to require thought and dedication. Shaping, cables, setting in sleeves, these things make me nervous, but one day soon I will tackle this very popular pattern. Sometimes I just pull the pattern out and read it for fun.

Shipwreck Shawl

Pictured above is a thing of sheer beauty. It's a true lace pattern, no plain rows in between. Five thousand beads will be strung and knitted into this massive shawl that is composed of three separate lace patterns in fingering weight yarn. This shawl is no joke and gorgeous. I'm not even knitting it for me; I have the perfect recipient in mind who I know will adore it wholeheartedly, but I want to be able say that I accomplished this project.

Right now I'm training like a runner preparing for a marathon with smaller projects, a couple of lace shawls and a top down sweater. When I'll actually try my hand at these projects remains to be seen, but I'm hoping within the next twelve months.

And Now For Something Completely Different – 2KCBWDAY5

2011-04-01T17:44:00.003-04:00

"An experimental blogging day to try and push your creativity in blogging to the same level that you perhaps push your creativity in the items you create. This post should look at a different way to present content on your blog."

Minimal words would be very different for me.

Iggy and The Nostepinne

Where are they now? - 2KCBWDAY4

2011-03-31T09:54:00.014-04:00

Today's blog theme focuses on the fate of past knitting projects.

These are my very first socks! My LYS has wonderful instructors, so upon undertaking the much feared heel turn, I thought I’d take a class to get some supervision. (The heel turn would be the least of my sock knitting problems!) My daughter loved those things. Being knit out of a worsted weight yarn she really couldn’t wear them with her fashionable shoes but you wouldn’t find them off her feet while in the house. The yarn was an wool/acrylic blend not best yarn for socks and she wore unfixable holes in both heels and the toe. I think we might have tossed them. There are ladders and a messy gusset but I think I did OK.

Lol, Alexis is trying to work her best serious, America’s Next Top Model pose, but you can see that grin is curling up on her lips. Tyra would have something to say about that! She’s wearing my first ever knitted project, a sampler scarf designed by the owner of my LYS. A great pattern which had all the basic stitches to get me accustomed to my needles, garter, stockinette, reverse stockinette and ribbed. It’s the project that let me know that knitting would be a perfect fit for me and as I worked those last stitches, I could foresee a love affair for the craft that lasts until this day and thanks to Ravelry it’s been fueled into a full blown obsession. Alexis still wears this scarf; it is well loved.

The second item is first pair of non-class socks in Plymouth Happy Feet. What’s wrong with this picture? For one, it’s missing its mate..tear. Also, it’s huge! If someone can explain to me how to make a sock that fits I’d love them for life. I’m still working on really learning guage. But anyway, the sock hates the single life and is pilling but overall it’s not too shabby.

That’s it for today’s blog. If I think overall about my past knitted items, I find that I rarely knit for myself. I’m very much a process knitter and I like gifting handmades to those who appreciate my efforts.

Tidy Mind, Tidy Stitches - 2KCBWDAY3

2011-03-30T13:09:00.009-04:00

What is this “organization” that you speak of? Let me look it up in the dictionary. Ah, here it is:

1.) A group of persons organized for some end or work; association.

Yes, yes, like Greenpeace or Volunteers for America. Ok, there are other definitions listed.

2.) The state or manner of being organized.

Hmm, no. Cannot compute...

3.) The act or process of organizing.

Now I’m confused!

4.) Something that is organized. Don’t have a clue.

Today’s theme for Knitting and Crocheting Blog Week is: Tidy minds, tidy stitches.

Honestly, I don’t have the talent for organization, the mere concept almost evades me completely. I know there should be “a place for everything and everything has its” place, so I’ll go out and buy “places” only to end up with clear containers stacked up adding to the clutter. Aggravating the situation is a small house, with a full family….aargh!

However, I try to keep a few things tidy. Those areas are smaller therefore easier for me to figure out how to put in order. My purse and tote bags are neat and clutter free and my yarn and knitting supplies are also pretty together. Although it can get out of hand at times, my stash and accessories are at a manageable level so when things are a jumble, I can take a half-hour to straighten everything out. My stash organizational tools aren’t elaborate. I have my straight needles in an adorable tin jug I bought for cheap and a home ware store. My yarn is almost getting out of hand for the clear plastic used for storage, but everything is still neatly stacked in it. I love Ziploc bags, which I use to separate the stash into categories, sock, acrylic, etc. I also use Ziploc bags for projects as well. Although I own a few cute, sewn project bags, but it’s nice to be able to see the project and what I’ve stored inside with it. A wicker basket is used to house circular needles and DPNs and a plain old plastic pencil case is for my on-the-go accessories and a crafting tote for the miscellaneous. Knitting and crafting books/magazines are on a bookshelf (running out of room quickly!!!)

Now if someone could assist me in figuring out what to do with this mountain of clothes and everything else I’d be a happy camper.

Above, The tin jug with needles. Extreme close up so you don't see other items on the dresser (except the neatly stacked Nintendo DS games - mine and my daughter's combined).

Some other organized items. A plastic bin for most of the stash, wools, acrylics, sock yarn, lace weight all in the appropriate Ziploc bags with a few UFOs on top. Orderly box of cotton for dishcloths, etc. Wicker basket with circs and plastic crafting tote for the extras. See the bit of total mess in the upper right corner...that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Skill + 1UP - 2KCBWDAY2

2011-03-29T20:30:00.012-04:00

This day's theme is to reflect on the past year's knitting/crocheting to see what progress you've made. I’ve been knitting for three years and as much as I chastise myself for sometimes letting fear make me hesitant to take on a new skill, when I look back at last year I see that I actually have enhanced my skills by trying and succeeding at a few new techniques.

Knitting with beads:

Below is the Odessa hat, which I knit for a close friend of mine who loves it dearly. Knitting with beads was really fun and seeing the embellishments as the project moved along was quite rewarding. It wasn’t as hard as I thought it was going to be:

Fair Isle knitting:

I took a class at my LYS so the teacher could start me off and oversee how I handled the multiple colors, but I only needed the one class. I held my yarn in both hands and since I knit Continental it was a challenge to work that right side in English, however, it was much easier than holding both yarns in my left hand. Also, I had a ball knitting with different colors as it kept the project interesting. Next go around I’ll need to work on tension, not pulling so tightly to prevent puckering. My teacher showed me how to knit with the project inside out which should help greatly. This is the infamous $30 hat I knit for my daughter out of Karabella Aurora, which is so yummy to work with. If I start saving my pennies now I might be able to afford enough for a sweater in a few years, lol.

Crochet:

Crocheting has always been on my radar. My dear, deceased great-grandmother was an expert; I still have her intricate doilies crocheted with thread to prove it. In my teens, I tried to pick up the hobby myself, but that was before the age of the internet and being a visual learner I couldn’t get the hang of it. My long latent crocheting skills is why my knitting teacher, seeing how I held my needles, suggested that I learn to knit Continental. With knitting squarely under my belt I’ve been wanting to get my hands on a hook.

So far I’ve learned the basic, single, double, half-double, and etc., stitches but obviously crocheting offers more complexity than that. My main challenge is learning how to read and understand a pattern and learning how to read and count my stitches. Learning these aspects in knitting offers a helpful foundation in this area, but crocheting is still a horse of a different color. My first attempts at a pattern I found that I thought I understood the directions, until I actually started working it. Or eventually I'd get a firmer grasp of the pattern but find that my work didn't match the project picture. Even worse is knowing there's a mistake based on comparison, but not having a clue as to the location of the mistake, and even less of a clue of how to fix it. Several frogged coasters later I was able to finish these to a desired result. I really enjoyed the experience though and have plans on many more crocheting projects.

I feel the past year was pretty productive as far as learning new skills. The coming year I want to tackle even more, first and foremost mastering guage so I can knit my first sweater (finally!) and make socks that actually fit. Two-at-a-time and toe up socks, plus a crocheted afghan are alson on the horizion.

I love crafting. The possibilities to learn something new are endless!

It's Itchy! A Tale of Two Yarns - 2KCBWDAY1

2011-03-28T10:56:00.008-04:00

What does my tale of two yarns have to do with the title of this post? Well, a lot. My family is plagued by sensitive skin. You’ll find nary a fragranced body wash, lotion or clothes detergent in my household and this sensitivity also applies to fiber. Not just wool, but any number of things can cause itchiness, non-wool fiber like linen or even man-made clothing that has an unfortunate placing of elastic or a ruffle. And it’s like pulling teeth to get my daughter, while wearing a skirt, to put on the softest pair of tights in the dead of winter. Even I am susceptible to such skin discomfort, so naturally that means I have to be very careful when selecting yarn when knitting for my family and myself.

Enter the world of acrylic yarn. Acrylic is often frowned upon amongst knitters and I can understand why. It’s cheap, squeaks on the needles, doesn’t block well and isn’t very breathable. Plus, with the internet and off season sales at one’s LYS a knitter can find many ways to purchase natural fibers at a great price, so why not go for the better quality. Not to mention there is natural non-wool yarn a plenty but shall we go back to the $30 hat for my daughter? Non-wool yarns can get expensive as well, and the thought of a hat being balled up on the floor, lost, thrown amongst dirty clothes, or splurging only to find out that it still itches my mother (she’s the itchiest of us all), brings me back to less expensive acrylic as a great option.

But I digress; this is a tale of two yarns. I chose two from a company famous for acrylic, work horse, inexpensive yarn in a million colors and quite a few brands, Coats and Clark’s Red Heart line, wanting to focus on the two opposite ends of the spectrum because I loved one and hated the other and yes, I used the word hate.

Red Heart Soft True to the name this yarn is soft has a nice drape and subtle sheen. The stitch definition is pretty good and as with all 100% acrylic yarns you can just throw it in the wash (which is great for those above mentioned hats and other items that I’ve found way, way under the dear daughter’s bed, you know where the dust bunnies live or for a baby/toddler when you know the item is going to get grubby.)

Red Heart Super Saver Yuck! Just yuck! My very first yarn purchase outside of my LYS; having to purchase yarn from the store to go with my class projects (they pretty much only carry mid to higher end yarns as most LYS do). I figured was advanced enough in my knitting skills to buy my own yarn; I was going to buy something that wasn’t expensive and knit a scarf for a couple of bucks instead of fifteen, “I’ll show you LYS and your required yarn purchases!!!!” A skein in a purple variegated colorway caught my eye, I snatched it up and took it home ready to start my first non-class project. As I unraveled the yarn I immediately noticed how scratchy it felt, surely it wouldn’t past the itchiness test, but I cast on anyway. Yup, it squeaked, which I could have dealt with as I do now, but I was also using bamboo needles and talk about sticky! Those stitches would barely move down the needle and the yarn just felt too artificial, it was as if I could feel the plastic, the chemicals used to make the fiber and it grossed me out completely. I've heard that this yarn is great for afghans, that it gets softer after its washed, but I'll never know...I haven't picked up that skein since I frogged the two rows I knit with it. (But it was actually in my stash for notstalgia sake until recently.)

There are so many options if you’re looking for less expensive yarns, non-wool yarns, even if you frequent the chain stores you can find many acrylic blends with soy, silk or cotton that are pretty nice to use if you’re itchy like us. Not that I only knit with this kind of yarn (ask Jimmy Beans Wool). I’ve had the fortune to knit with more expensive cotton, I can handle wearing some superwash merino for socks, a few wool blends aren’t that bad for a few of us in the family and I’ve had the pleasure of knitting for others without any fiber-related issues, using wonderful, yummy and more expensive yarns. So even with some of my fiber-related challenges I can be amongst the knitters of this world in their adoration of yarn.

What's in a Name Book Challenge 2011: The Giant's House

2011-03-27T22:23:00.005-04:00

Um, no.

This is the story of a lonely librarian, Peggy, who forges a friendship with a young man, Jimmy, who is tall, very tall. In fact he starts out tall when they first meet, over six feet at age eleven and eventually he grows to be over eight feet tall. The fact that he doesn't fit in with society draws her to him as emotionally she feels just as much of an outcast.

There were things to love in this book, ideas I connected with, that really hit home. Passages about love, wishing you could find love just so you could finally think about something else, not wanting to listen to love songs because love feels so out of your reach that those romantic melodies pain you to hear. The voice of Peggy had wit, and sometimes humor as dry as a bone, that I liked...at times. However, that just wasn't enough for me to fully enjoy this read.

I had issues with this book. I didn't like Peggy. As I kept reading I kept wanting to like her, expecting to like her, but I didn't. Well for one, if you read the description on the back of the book, you'd be led to believe that this was a friendship which evolved into a romance, but Peggy pretty much set her sights on Jimmy during their initial interactions when he was that tall kid. There was nothing inappropriate about her actions, but in her heart she'd decided he was her soulmate well before he had even made it to his mid-teens. It was unsettling to me how much she'd devoted her heart to him and no, not just as a friend, but as her one, true love. Had it been a man as the protagonist, with his attentions on a girl, I think that there would have been a very different reaction to this story.

I moved past those feelings once Jimmy became of age (as I mentioned there wasn't any appropriate conduct), but I never connected to the romance. Trust me, I love quirky, eccentric, off the beaten path, but some of the writing seemed to try and force this upon me.

I know this book was critically acclaimed, but I just wasn't feeling it.

2 out of 5 Iggystars

The 2nd Annual Knitting and Crochet Blog Week!

2011-03-27T22:09:00.004-04:00

Howdy all!

For the first time I'll be participating in the 2nd Annual Knitting and Crochet Blog week. This event is for knitters and crocheters who blog, each day posting simultaneously on the same fiber-related topic. This year the event runs from March 28th through April 3rd. I'm really excited to be taking part in this celebration of the hobby I've grown to love and I hope that I'll get a few persons to navigate to my little corner of blogverse for the week.

2011 Dystopian Book Challenge review: The Handmaid's Tale

2011-01-31T10:12:00.004-05:00

This terrific novel is set in the near future, where the government as we know it is overthrown by a strict totalitarian regime based on religion. In this system men rule supreme, distinct classes are formed and women no longer have freedom, even to read, independence or control over their own bodies. The story is told from the viewpoint of a handmaid, a woman whose only purpose in life is to procreate for her owner and his wife as fertility is now a rarity. The handmaid in question, Offred (“Of Fred” as she is stripped of her very name and is now the property of a commander named Fred), gives an interesting glimpse of a woman at the turn of this governmental upheaval. She clearly remembers her former life and the people who inhabited it, the memories of that life fresh enough for her to long for it, with great detail as she now acquiesces to her daily, bleak existence. Attempts of insemination by the commander himself, where even a hint of emotion is not allowed, not that she would want any as she is a mere vessel, an object used to further the human race and to give birth to a trophy for the wife to show off. This new world has been formed under guise of helping society based religion, a most dangerous thing when twisted by the hands of persons with an ulterior motive. I enjoyed The Handmaid’s Tale very much. It’s not about a grand story of troops and wars, but one of a single woman and how she must shape her new hopes and dreams in a world that won’t allow her to pursue the things and people she truly loves. The ending was surprisingly abrupt, which jarred me at first, but after I read the epilogue that made the finale all the more poignant. I give this novel 4/5 Iggystars

Crusin' thru the Cozies Book Challenge 2011

2010-12-23T12:34:00.011-05:00

Ok, that's it! My final challenge for 2011:

Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2011

There's a really great description of what a cozy mystery is at Cozy-Mystery.com along with a million very helpful suggestions (bookmarked, yes!). The reading sounds nice, relaxed and more lightweight than other genres of mystery, like noir or hardboiled. Sure, those have their place, but sometimes I want a chill little read, infused with some humor, set in a quaint town, with the local yarn store owner or baker solving the mystery without reading each blow-by-blow gory detail of the crime to get my adrenaline pumping so hard that I can't sleep after I've put it down. Something I can curl up with while drinking some hot tea and eating cookies while wearing my handmade socks. Doesn't that sound so very...cozy? I thought so, so I just had to join this challenge. I'll be participating at the Snoop level (1 - 6 books)

My selections (no one should be surprised that I have a couple of knitting themed cozies):

Knit One, Kill Two by Maggie Sefton

Death by Cashmere by Sally Goldenbaum

Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen

Murder has a Sweet Tooth by Miranda Bliss

To Love and to Perish by Laura Durham

I was recently gifted a lovely cozy mystery from a knitting pal of mine that I'm adding to the list:

Murder on the Ol'Bunions by LaTisha Barnhart

So that completes the listing of my reading challenges for 2011. If I finish all of the books I intend on reading I'll have read 20 books for the year. I don't think I've ever counted the number of books I've read in one year, but 20 doesn't sound ridiculous. I haven't been watching nearly as much television lately and my 'going out on the weekend' days have dwindled so I'm sure completing all of these challenges will be doable and fun!!!!

*books I already own

What's in a Name Challenge 2011

2010-12-23T11:23:00.007-05:00

As previously posted in 2011 I want to read...more. So here's reading challenge number four:

What's in a Name Challenge

You can click on the above linky for more details, but in short you have from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011 to read a book in each of the following categories. Creativity with your choices is encouraged and I already have some tentative selections listed below in bold.

A book with a number in the title: Life of Pi by Yann Martel (this one is a bit of an imaginative stretch) Possible substitute: Match Day: One Day and One Dramatic Year in the Lives of Three New Doctors by Brian Eule

A book with jewelry or a gem in the title: Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier Possible substitute: The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson or A Pearl in the Storm by Tori Murden McClure

A book with a size in the title: The Giant's House by Elizabeth McCracken

A book with travel or movement in the title: Run for Your Life by James Patterson Possible substitute: The Long Run: A New York City Firefighter's Triumphant Comeback from Crash Victim to Elite Athlete by Matt Long and Charles Butler

A book with evil in the title: Known to Evil by Walter Mosley Possible substitute: Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley (I've always wanted to read a book written by him.)

A book with a life stage in the title: The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

I have a few non-fiction substitutions ready in case I need a change of pace from the many other fictional, themed books I have to read for other challenges. This is a really popular challenge and I'm happy to be joining for my first year. I'm already having fun combing through the other participant's selections. Yay for books!

The Dystopian Book Challenge

2010-12-22T14:52:00.007-05:00

My third book challenge for 2011 is, The Dystopian Book Challenge!

According to Wikipedia, the source of all accurate and legit information (LOL), dystopian literature is, "in literature, an often futuristic society that has degraded into a repressive and controlled state, often under the guise of being utopian."

I've dabbled in this and in the similar post-apocalyptic genre reading, "1984" by George Orwell which is terrifying, "Parable of the Sower" by my all-time favorite female author, Octavia Butler and most recently "The Road" by the master of lean prose, Cormac McCarthy among others. The genre is so fascinating because usually it seems like a future that can actually happen under the "right" (or should I say wrong) circumstances.

I'm aiming for the Asocial level of 5 books, but I had so many options that I've settled on 7. This could change though with all of the challenges I've joined, but I'm going to give it a college try, especially since several of these books have been on my "to read" list for a long time. I'll also try to blog reviews on each, even if it's a short one.

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Uglies by Scott Westerfield

The Postman by David Brin

Idlewild by Nick Sagan

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

The Running Man by Stephen King

The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson

If you're interested click on the picture which will link you to the page where you can sign up too. The more the merrier!

*books that I already own

POC Reading Challenge 2011

2010-12-17T23:15:00.013-05:00

This is the second challenge I'm signing up for 2011.

"The persons of color reading challenge has been put in place to highlight and celebrate authors and characters of color."

It never hurts to diversify ones reading, since the written word can open a window to a completely different view of the world. For me, since I'm African-American I will be choosing books by persons outside of my particular race to make the most out of this challenge. I'll come back and edit my post with my choices, but due to the number of challenges that I'd already planned on participating in for 2011 I'll shoot for a Level 1 which is 1 to 3 books.

Click on the above link if you'd like to expand your horizons and join the challenge.

(Edited to add my selections.)

I've chosen books by authors of two races that I've never read about before:

Swimming Lessons: and Other Stories from Firozsha Baag by Rohinton Mistry (Indian)

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (Native American)

I'm looking forward to it. :)

Time Travel Book Challenge 2011

2010-12-17T10:54:00.010-05:00

In accord with my reading goals for 2011, I present my first book challenge for the year:

Time Travel Reading Challenge 2011

I love the theme of time travel, the consequences of going back in the past or racing to the future. Will things be better or worse? Will the simple action of stepping on a butterfly cause Hitler to win the war?

Time travel in movies and books can be so complicated and confusing, but if you stop thinking about the "how" and go with the premise you'll usually find one amazing story.

Alyce is hosting this challenge (Thanks, Alyce) and the rules are very flexible. Choose the number of time travel themed books you want to read and do so between January 1 through December 31st 2011. She has also included a very nice list if one needed help chosing appropriate material. I was happy to see that two of my favorite books, not just with the time travel theme, but of all time are mentioned, Kindred by Octavia Butler and The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, hopefully some other participants in the challenge will discover these gems!

Me, I already had several books on my "to read" list and I've decided to finish five:

Replay by Ken Grimwood

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

About Time: 12 Short Stories by Jack Finney

Doomsday Book by Connie Willis

The Accidental Time Machine by Joe Haldeman

I tried to get a nice mixture of serious and light-hearted and hopefully I'll love each one. Click on the above link if you'd like to join in on the fun.

A brief blurb about 2011

2010-12-17T10:17:00.003-05:00

Shortly 2011 will be here and I've been thinking of things I want to accomplish in the coming 12 months. Not resolutions, because I don't subscribe to coming up with a list solely based on a new year rolling around. These are projects for myself, my growth that I'm already working on for the most part, just tweaking and expanding a bit. Here is what I'm going to focus on:

Being more consistent with my knitting, finishing more projects (at least 11) and trying my hand at a few more techniques (two-at-a-time socks, entrelac, my first sweater).
Learning how to crochet using the four classes I have left at my local yarn store.
Losing weight. A common enough goal which I've already started (14lbs. since November). I'm thinking of at least 30 - 40 more pounds slowly would be very good for my health.
Along with the weight loss goal, increasing my physical fitness. I walked my first half-marathon in October and my plan is to finish two in 2011 along with a few 5K runs and fun walks with Alexis. So consistent exercise is going to be a must.
Playing casual games for relaxation...and finishing some of the backlog of games I have for my DSi.
I want to read more in and I'm planning on participating in about four book challenges to keep me movitivated.

Those are my goals mainly relating to hobbies, there are others, keeping a cleaner house, etc. If I focus on the above I'll be plenty busy in 2011!

I DID IT --- How? (Part 2 of The Detroit Free Press Marathon)

2010-10-22T16:37:00.000-04:00

I get up early Sunday morning to meet Michelle so we can leave at 6:00am. Surprisingly, I’m not all that nervous now. I dress, put on the yellow lanyard bracelet Alexis made for me (I told her I would kiss it when I got tired and I did.) head to the Ren Cen to wait for her in the hotel lobby of the Marriott. We happily give each other big hugs and it’s like old times again.

As we make our way to our place amongst the thousands of others waiting to start the race I pepper Michelle with questions about all of the little things that would help a novice like me. Such things as, the best time and how to efficiently use the gross port-a-johns, how to keep out of the serious runners’ way, marathon etiquette, the normal signs of fatigue and symptoms that signal it’s time for me to stop. She’s a wealth of information that aids in keeping me calm.

The co-worker, the one who wasn’t sure I’d actually show up , found me and soon after we’re off as Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” was playing on the loud speakers. It was a chilly morning as Michelle and I began at a nice, slow pace (it was my co-worker’s first marathon as well, but she’s a little burst of energy and was gone in a flash). I was actually feeling really good as we approached the Ambassador Bridge to head over to Canada. I was also proud that right there, at the 3-mile mark, I’d finished my first 5K!

Mind you, we’re not trying to break any speed records. Michelle, just off that full marathon and not 100% healed up from the experience, has an even better reason to keep it slow. So we’re hovering at pretty much the back of everyone. Michelle has her fancy GPS watch calculated to show our pace and that our 17 to 18-minute miles will be good enough for a decent 4-hour finish. However, our calculation differed a bit from our pacer’s. A pacer is there to indicate the time you’re currently running/walking. There are several throughout the race with signs to show who they are and to keep at that steady pace throughout so you’ll know how many minutes you’re taking for each mile.

There’s a problem though due to the way the organizers changed the race start. This year they start everyone in “waves” to keep down congestion at any one point on the course. The fastest persons are in the first wave and somehow they didn’t calculate that the slower persons in the last wave actually started a half-hour later. What does this mean for us bringing up the rear? Well, the bridge and tunnel were closed to traffic only until 9:30am, and while the first and faster wave of runners/walkers were probably already back to Detroit well before that time, we’re now behind. We have to get up that bridge and through the tunnel or else be forced on the Last Chance Bus I spoke about in the previous entry. This matter of minutes is really a huge difference as we start our ascent. The slower people have to move quickly while going up a steady incline!!!!

Our Last Chance Pacer Jim, needs to make sure his people make it through the tunnel and into Detroit by 9:30am and he’s doing his job, I tell you. “Ladies, we need to pick up the pace or you’ll have to board the bus!”, he keeps yelling. I know I’m not as prepared as I should be, but I don’t want to get on the bus just yet. We try a little jogging to put some distance between Freddy…I mean Last Chance Pacer Jim and us. The incline is still inclining, in fact in my mind it never stops inclining, it just keeps right on up to the heavens! Did I mention how fearful I am of bridges? Hate driving them and never imagined I’d be walking one over such a large body of water, but as we’re being chased by Pacer Jim and that darn bus I couldn’t care less. I’m jogging and walking and inclining and this is the only time I thought to myself, “Self, you aren’t gonna make it!” I’m out of breath and my legs burn from the exertion. I do a mental check though to see if I feel in a danger zone as far as my health…nope, just darn tired!

After what seems to be an eternity the incline turns into a gentle decline and we make it off the bridge (But I keep asking Michelle to see how far LCPJ is from us. I was too scared to turn back for my own look, lol.) Thankfully, we put some more distance between us and him and start to relax a bit but now I feel like an ocean is in my bladder and I have to go..badly. Oh, I really have to, but I don’t because he’s still behind us. I hold it as we decline into the tunnel, where I swear I keep hearing the motor of The Bus tailing us (it was another vehicle altogether, but it sounded ominous), and incline (!!!!) back into Detroit, home free and able to use it (not as disgusting as one would think when you have to go….badly) and resume our slow pace. Come to find out, Last Chance Pacer Jim happened to be pretty nice. He came up to us and chatted a bit, gaving us his well wishes he then vanished from the road in a puff of smoke. Lol, he actually just trotted off ahead of us to finish the race having completed his job (since we were last, obviously we weren’t really concerned with our minute/per mile time).

Once we slowed down we were able to enjoy the course more. The weather was a perfect autumn day with no humidity, warm and not too hot. We walked along the Detroit River’s shore on the Canadian side, through some quaint little neighborhoods in the heart of the city I’d never seen in my four decades of living here, parts of Corktown where people were sitting on their lawns cheering us on. As much as Detroit has it’s well-documented blight, you forget that there’s still beauty here. Beauty found even in some of the vacant buildings like our famous and empty, Michigan Central Depot.

Michelle and I caught up about our lives, comfortable just like we were walking through the halls of our high school back in the day and we just laughed the whole time. Sometimes there would be a band playing on the corner, or a group of volunteers with water and Gatorade (which I partook of at each stop) or just random people with signs cheering you on. “Good job!”, “You’re almost there!”, “Keep going!”, were words of encouragement we heard often. We got a treat when Michelle’s husband and three adorable children met us at mile eight. The other racers were just as supportive, smiling and chatting with us. It was amazing to see that marathoners come in so many sizes and ages. You have the seriously fit runners to the walkers that are a bit rounder, like myself, old, young and in-between. It was very encouraging to see.

And we all kept on walking.

We walked and one hour turned into two. The Detroit Marathon isn’t a fun walk, so even once you’ve made it back to Detroit you’re expected to finish within a reasonable time or else you could still be required to get off the course. But at mile 9 I told Michelle, “It would take the police to get me off this course after I’ve walked this far and if they decided to come for me they’d have to catch me through the side streets!!!”

Nine miles turned into ten…I’d walked ten miles straight!!! There were other smaller inclines that I cursed and I kept walking. I was surprised that with my exercised-induced asthma I wasn’t really winded,, it was my legs and thighs that were so fatigued they felt like lead. Surprisingly the shoes, with the $25 insoles the shoe guy talked me into, were amazingly comfortable and my feet were pretty OK. At one point I told Michelle, “Once we get to mile 11, I’ll be joyful and get a push of adrenaline”. The sign for mile 11 came and I wasn’t really as happy as I’d thought I’d be and adrenaline, not so much. At mile 12 we weren’t the very last in the race, but darn close. Even that far in, my body was screaming for me to stop with my mind yelling, “Shut up!!! We only have one mile!!!” They started reopening a few of the streets, we saw runners going back to their hotels or stopping at the coney island. I didn’t care I was ONE mile away from walking a half marathon!!!!

We turn the corner we see the finish line!!!!! Are you kidding me? Did I really finish what I’d set out to do hours ago? Then the mile 13 sign. Hey! Aren’t we done yet? I’d forgotten about the .1 mile left to cross, to accomplish this feat of pure determination.

At 4:29:48 I DID IT!!!! My total time was 4:04:57. I crossed the finish line with my hands in the air and it is surreal. A very heavy and beautifully decorated medal put around my neck with cheers and fanfare all around me. I don’t cry when I’m happy, I smile and I had a smile to rival sunshine at that moment. Then I heard someone scream my name from the crowd. It was the co-worker who inspired me to consider undertaking the marathon in the first place, Lovica. She’s a short little spitfire prone to language that would make a sailor blush but when she cheerily commented on how proud she was of me, it warmed my heart. Renee hugged me with tears in her eyes, just as happy as I to finish her first.

We moved along toward the celebration event where you could eat, get goody bags, massages, etc. I took a goody bag, ravished the banana, string cheese and other contents in it and we moved to find Michelle’s family since she had to check out of the hotel pronto.

Eventually we find our way back, half walking, taking the People Mover the other half. Giving each other sweaty good-byes we promised to not allow another decade to pass before we see each other again (the next marathon perhaps?).

I head to my car to go home and something beyond tired, exhausted or fatigue is the word. The bad thing is I realize in my morning excitement I couldn’t remember which parking structure I’m in!!! I know that there are at least two at the Ren Cen, where I’d parked to be close to Michelle, but which and what floor? I wander and wander some more, too exhausted to be mad or sad, for about fifteen additional minutes when somehow some repressed memory guided my directionally challenged body to the right spot.

After I got home to my empty house I ate the huge fast food meal I’d purchased on the way back, took a warm bath in Epsom salts and lounged around. Now the adrenaline was apparent. I couldn’t go to sleep! I didn’t even take my nap and I love naps. My family came home with kisses and congratulations and I watched television, knit a bit, ate some more but didn’t go to sleep.

What an experience, one that I will always cherish. And now I have the marathon bug! I plan on entering into several smaller 5K races and a couple of half marathons (still walking though) in 2011. I’ve learned how important a positive and determined mental frame of mind (and some prayer) is in an endurance race, that’s what got me a good portion of the way. I also learned about my body. I can’t believe my body, this body needing some work and weight loss, carried me 13.1 miles in a few hours. That I have health and physical potential I never knew I had. That’s not bragging, but due to a previous bad experience with a gym employee I was convinced, until a few years ago, that I wasn’t even healthy enough to join a gym or exercise at all, much less that I could ever finishing a half marathon even walking!!! So with this one under my belt, I will not ever attempt another race without decent preparation….I did it this time, but I’m not going to push it. Along with this training I’m going to make changes to my overall health and diet which should give me the weight loss I need and am looking for as well.

I’ll be posting pictures and linking video later.

I DID IT --- Why? (Part 1 of the Detroit Free Press Marathon)

2010-10-22T16:34:00.003-04:00

I want to start with a disclaimer. On 10/17/10 I finished the Detroit Free Press Half-Marathon (walking, people!!!!!) without proper training. If you want to start any exercise program you should consult your physician first (I did and was given the OK to train) and if you want to participate in a half-marathon you need to prepare adequately. If you continue reading you’ll see that I made sure that at NO TIME was I in any physical danger.

Ok, now that that’s out of the way here’s my tale…..

Back in May I posted of my plan to walk the Detroit Free Press Half-Marathon. Yes 13.1 miles, more than I’d ever walked at one time in my entire life. I did lots of research, printed out the perfect training plans, found this great running store to buy custom fitted shoes, etc. and so on. Then I took that information, put it neatly in a folder and let it sit for a few months while the only practicing I did was my regular routine of procrastination.

Right in the beginning I told a high school best buddy my plan. She’d already run about 8 or 9 full marathons and was going to attempt her 10th, the Chicago Marathon on 10-10-10 (which she accomplished…look at that date!). We hadn’t seen each other in over a decade and she’d always wanted to participate in the only marathon that crosses international borders. Plus she thought it would be a fun way to see each other and catch up, so she decided to join me in walking.

By now everyone is excited, my co-workers, my high school chum is filling out her passport application (needed since we’re crossing to Canada). Fun times lay ahead.

So the summer rolls around, school lets out, life happens, am I exercising? Randomly, I put in thirty minutes at the gym, a walk during lunch, or one after work with the little one and even that tapers off closer to race day. Soon I’m a month away and getting nervous. All of the plans I’d checked advised to allow a minimum of twelve weeks to properly get ready and now I have four. I have a doctor’s appointment at this time where I’m sure when I mention that I’d be trying to prepare for such an event in such a short period of time he would save me, tell me I wasn’t healthy enough to train in a few weeks. Nope! I get his full support to give it a go. I have no doctor’s note to present to all of these people I’d hyped myself to - that I’d be ready with bells on for this race.

Now it’s crunch time and I actually start getting sick…migraines one weekend, a cold another, lazyboneitis the other and I’m getting seriously worried. As the weeks before the race turn into days I express my doubts to my co-workers and my friend. It goes something like this:

“I’ve been getting headaches lately.”
“I was sick this weekend.”
“I don’t know…..”
“I feel exhausted.”
“My training sucks/is almost nonexistent.”

Michelle, the expert, assured me that I’d be fine since, although she’s a marathon running vet, when she walks, she walks very slowly. My co-workers just aren’t hearing my nonsense at all, they are confident that I have the physical ability to participate and finish.

Now I’m lamenting in being weaksauce, chastising myself severely. Instead of trying to get some cardio, walking, doing any kind of last-minute preparation, I spend the final week curled up in a fetal position whining about all of the wasted days I let pass by, trying to figure if I should fall down the steps or have someone hit me across the back with a two-by-four so I can have a legitimate way out. (Not seriously, but I’d be lying if I said the thought didn’t cross my mind.) The Friday before the event I’m in full blown anxiety attack. Was I really going to be lame and be a no show? It was only because of me that my friend signed up and even got a passport!!! She’d be bringing her husband and kids driving 5 hours from Chicago, staying in a hotel just for this event!!!

The last thing one of my co-workers, Renee, said to me before she left work on Friday was, “You’d better show up!”

At that very moment I made a choice. This quote came to mind: “A loser is someone who’s so afraid of not winning that they don’t even try.” The fact is I’d neglected my training program and I couldn’t change the past, but I was reasonably sure that I could complete at least 3 or 4 miles of this race (which I’d done at the gym before). I’d attempt more miles and if my body gave me any symptoms that it was overly taxed: lightheadedness, wheezing, pains around the chest area of any kind, I would bow out and take the “Bus of Shame” back to the start, actually called the Last Chance Bus. Not that it’s shameful to get on the bus, which takes participants to the end of the marathon if they can’t finish from either not feeling well, or not keeping up, but I knew I’d be getting on it because me being trifling and my ridiculous procrastination.

So I get my head together determined that, if I wasn’t physically strong enough, I’d at least have a bit of mental toughness. Saturday I spent the day loading up on the carbs needed to keep up my energy throughout the race. I went down to Cobo Hall, picked up my race packet and then went on to buy race gear. You’re not supposed to try out new things before a race. Everything, from pants, to what you’ll snack on while you walk, is supposed to be tested prior so there won’t be any surprises and you can make adjustments if necessary. Obviously I hadn’t done this. Everything I purchased was brand spanking new, the shirt, hat, pouch, pants were bought that day. Even the most important piece….the shoes, the day before a 13.1 mile walk I’d be walking in new shoes, shoes not broken in…who does this? Me.

I took my rest that night, excited and nervous about what was to come on Sunday and very happy to be seeing my old friend, Michelle. There was no turning back now!

Knitting: I'm Bummed

2010-05-07T11:20:00.005-04:00

So basically, no matter what I do to prevent pain, knitting is aggravating something. I haven't been overdoing it by any means. I keep the sessions down to 15-30 periods, stretching before, good ergonomics, even making sure I don't knit everyday, but all this to no avail. The tightness in my fingers and soreness in my wrist is always the outcome.

I'm still not giving up though. I have an orthopedic appointment on May 17th and I'm looking for answers. I've done the internet research on ruling out carpal tunnel syndrome based on the location of the pain. It might be tendonitis, tenosynovitis or some other ailment which I'll let the doctor diagnose.

Whatever the diagnosis I'm ready to closely follow any treatment plan suggested because this is making me sad. I want to knit and I miss it terribly. I've been doing alot of gaming on my Nintendo DS, which is it's own bit of fun, but nothing can replace some yarn flowing through my fingers.

I CAN Do It!

2010-05-05T09:50:00.002-04:00

I CAN do it!

Henry Ford ~ “If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.”

Getting philosophical on ya!

October 17, 2010, I will join thousands of participants in the Detroit Free Press Marathon. Yup, a marathon.

Now let me clarify as I’m no uber-athlete. I’m doing the half-marathon and I’ll be walking. A few of my co-workers have participated for the past five years in a row. The other day, Lovica came in the kitchen with this cool looking medal, being nosey I asked her about it and she explained she’d received it from walking the Martian Invasion Half-Marathon (green ribbon with a martian in the middle, neat!). Ok, being the sci-fi geek that I am, I thought the name of the event was awesome by itself so I began to question and compliment her, praising her for such a feat and she encouraged me to join them. She said that with some training a half-marathon is a challenging and completely doable goal.

When it comes to physical activity, I’ve come a long way. Some years back a bad experience at a gym convinced me that working out was impossible for me. Then one day my job held a health fair where I explained my issue with the trainer who was signing up members at the same local gym. He apologized for what happened previously but stressed that regular activity is not beyond anyone to handle. I joined that day and quite frankly, I love that gym and have been a member ever since. A trainer customized a workout plan for my fitness level which I gradually increased. I was in the gym all the time at one point and having a blast, taking classes, working with weights all of that.

Since then I’ve fallen off the wagon, but I’m still a member of that gym and haven’t forgotten how good it feels to sit in the sauna after a long walk on the treadmill, or a vigorous step class. I learned that I can push my body to fitness.

So after talking with my co-worker I started mulling over the prospect of me doing something I’d never dreamt of undertaking. Even with an increased fitness level, a half-marathon, really? As I’m in the habit of doing with everything, I immediately started researching. Obviously, 13.1 miles is not as hard as 26, but it’s still no joke and I didn’t want to spend money on registering for something I had no chance of completing.

Turns out there are plenty of training programs for walking the half-marathon. Programs aimed at the beginner such as myself. They run from about 12 to 15 weeks in length, start and increase moderately and stress consistency. Since I have about five months before the race, I know I can do this!!!!

Now I’ll need to invest in a suitable sweat wicking outfit (to keep moisture at bay) and some decent walking shoes (usually the same as runners wear) and get them from store for runners so I can be fitted properly. Then I just have to get my physician’s bill of health and follow the program! It will be a challenge because consistency is very difficult for me, but with my co-workers cheering me on, walking during lunch, etc. I should be ready by fall. I’m looking forward to the health benefits, weight loss, finishing with a medal and the sense of accomplishment I’m sure to feel.

Hmmm, I’m not so jazzed about the portion of the race that crosses the bridge, but with the crowd of people with me I should be OK. Oh, and this isn’t a “fun” walk. You have to finish within the allotted four hours because they have to open up traffic eventually. If you’re lagging too far behind, a bus picks you up and takes you to the finish line. I do not want that to happen!

I’m excited and will update periodically.

Getting Yourself Killed on Vacation Isn't Cool - Vacation Part 2

2010-04-29T08:46:00.007-04:00

Ah, me and Ericka. For as long as we've been friends we've traveled together. Over a decade of fun times and adventures (Toronto + rickshaw = a whole other blog entry). Hilarious adventures that only seem to happen to us. Our Cancun vacation was no exception during our excursion to Xel-ha

Xel-ha is a beautiful water park about 2 hours from Cancun. As water parks tend to have, there were many water-related activities to choose from, swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, rope bridges suspended over a lagoon. Ok, I don’t know how to swim, but there was food and a trail and drinky drinks to keep me happy and occupied. Did I say I can’t swim? Yup. So why did I let Eri talk me into a floating tour of the river on Xel-ha via inner tube? I don’t know. She sounded kind of convincing when she explained that we would "just be floating", along water that "wasn't deep at all". We’d have a life vests. One didn’t have to know how to swim to enjoy it. I say “kind of convincing” because I wasn’t totally buying it, but what the heck it's vacation.

So we took the train to the starting point of the tour. It was suggested that we rent fins so you could direct yourself and move forward through the river more easily, but we didn’t bring our money with us and I was told, by someone with the name starting with an “E”, that we wouldn’t really need them. So, per standard practice, we shipped all of our belongings, our shoes and cover ups to be picked up after we got to the end of the tour. Remember….I said shoes.

The minute I get into the inner tube I’m nervous, but I didn’t near panic attack until some minutes later. We started in this narrow area of the river with mangrove trees. I couldn’t direct myself well and kept bumping into the trees. I felt like I would tip over at any moment and find myself in Davy Jones’ Locker (and the cutie from The Monkees would not be there!). I could see the bottom of the river, but it didn't seem too shallow, but deep. Still, I wasn’t panicking….yet. THEN the narrow passage broke out into a larger area of the river. Now I’m bumping into the people snorkeling and I’m freaking because beyond this larger portion is an even larger area of the river that looked like huge ocean, a calm ocean, but very ocean-like nonetheless. My first thought is to get the heck out of there somehow. The tour was a total of an hour and I was about to have a heart attack at a measly 15 minutes in. I started crying out to anyone who would listen, begging them to snorkel me to the dock that I’d just eyeballed. Some nice gentleman obliged (probably to keep me from smacking him in the head with my inner tube at some point as I drifted wildly about.) Boy was I grateful and told him he was my hero. Oh and he was my hero because I have no doubt that I would have DIED during some part of that tour.

Now what was my best friend doing during this? Was she feeling my pain? No, she was laughing hysterically at me!!! Probably because I was giving her the gas face of a lifetime. Seriously, she was concerned and totally apologetic because with any of our adventures, they can be idiotic as well as side-splittingly funny!

I get to the dock and I’m completely relieved, but now I have to walk the trail to the end point of the tour. Guess what? Shoes. My shoes were removed at the starting point to be delivered to the end of the tour, remember?! So I start walking the trail and thank heavens it’s paved, but crap the trail is paved! Concrete paved. I’m walking and walking, walking some more and walking. My feet hurt. There are animals on this trail which I could hear in the bushes. Various iguana would be lounging smack dab in the middle of the trail I as I trudged along. Being a city girl I should have freaked but my feet hurt like the dickens and I was frustrated. I’m walking up to the iguanas daring them to do anything, I didn’t care. (The critters seemed to sense this vibe because they would very calmly saunter out of my way.) You should have seen the looks from the other people traveling on this trail. A barefoot black woman with steam coming from her head stomping angrily down this path, what?

So I make it back to the designated area, collect my shoes and head directly to the bar and order some cold and fruity drink with extra alcohol to sip while I sat in a sun chair catching rays while waiting for Ericka. Another drink, another 15 minutes. I can see the people coming through the river and I start to look for the cocoa-colored girl in the aqua-colored swimsuit, who should be easy to spot. I see other people that we started the tour with, but no Ericka. Now I’m panicking again, surely my bestest friend has tipped over somewhere along the way unnoticed and has DIED. What am I going to tell her mother? Why is my buzz being killed so harshly?

Finally we meet up, I did a little more stomping, we ate, drank, and then went to some hammocks where all was good with life. It’s vacation! Are you really going to be truly mad on vacation? Not me!

The hammocks were lovely. You could hear the birds chirping in the trees and I fell asleep peacefully. There’s a picture of me doing this but I look like a Butterball turkey wrapped in its plastic wrapping and no one will see that photographic proof....ever. Just believe that I look like I’m taking the nap of my life.

So that was The Xel-ha Adventure and I survived to tell the tale!

Vacation was a Blast!

2010-04-26T11:41:00.003-04:00

(Had to crop this bad boy, my arm was looking ginormous!)

Hey! I’m back from vacation!

Ok, it was two months ago, but I had a blast in Cancun and I feel I must devote a little blog space to the fun times.

Cancun is my ultimate vacation spot. I’ve always gone with my BTF (best traveling friend) Ericka, who I’ve been on countless of vacations with because we travel well together. We go right before the spring breakers come and tear up the town and the deals are great, all-inclusive, pay one price and everything is included. Air, hotel, food and drinks on the resort (drinky drinks too). Basically we sleep, sun trying to get as dark chocolate as possible, eat and drink, repeat the next day. Add an excursion or two and that’s it. It’s ridiculously relaxing and if you’ve never jumped calm waves in the ocean, slept to the sound of them crashing against the shore while bathing under a warm tropical sun and breathing in the salt air, then you haven’t lived!!!!!

So this time we stayed at the Oasis Viva Beach and Cancun being such a tourist area the hotels are usually very nice, this resort being no exception. We had a great ocean view, the room was clean and pretty, the food was great, the service was awesome, the drinks plentiful, all that.

A few notable events:

The weather was, for the first time since I started going to Cancun, kind of rainy. Rain and Cancun doesn’t cross ones mind since it’s sunny there like 364 days a year. So the days it rained me and Ericka would sit looking stupefied because we didn’t know what to do with ourselves. We just stayed in the room, watched movies and ate during those days, which is exponentially better than being at work for sure.

We also went to the flea market to shop and got lost on a bus on the way there (a scary yet minor inconvenience). The market itself was crazy chaotic! Music blaring and colorful merchandise everywhere! As soon as you entered everyone wanted you to check out their wares, see that they had the best prices and were willing to deal. We quickly found out you’d be a fool to pay what anyone asked at first! If a price was too high, they’d go down…which we found out as we tried to leave several shops. Our intent was to browse several stores and go back to our favorites, but that was an almost impossible undertaking. The store owners basically didn’t want you to leave without buying something, anything. Say you like an authentic Mexican purse, the first price quoted would be seriously high, like $35 for a cloth bag. You didn’t even have to counter as the price would drop to $30. As you’re walking away the bag gets cheaper $25…you still haven’t decided if you really want the purse because you just glanced at it in passing in the first place. So if you include the tactic of a counteroffer, well, well, now you’re bartering until you’ve bought something within your budget.

And every trick in the book was used by the sellers. You’re everyone’s sister from another mother, you’re being outright flirted with, and I even had one who tried to dupe me with some exchange rate trickery. In the end there were good deals to be had, although you know you still paid more than you probably should have, but it’s vacation and you need to bring back souvenirs, right?

We took two excursions. One was the Pirate Cruise where you get a dinner and pirate show, complete with dueling ships and cannons. There was this great game that Eri was picked to play where she competed with two other contestants to see how many pairs of shoes they could collect from the passengers. The one with the most pairs was the winner. Then you went and tried to find you shoes in this pile of 80 pairs of shoes and really, it is fun. Ericka won, yay! I didn’t get seasick because I was hopped up on Dramamine, but someone neglected to take some and should have. ;) There was lots of drinking, dancing with strangers and gorgeous faux pirates, huzzah!

So my Cancun vacation was a pure blast and if everything goes as planned there will be yet another in 2011.

Junior High Frustration!!!

2010-03-18T08:10:00.002-04:00

I am beyond irritated right now.

Detroit Public Schools is driving me crazy. The school system has been in turmoil for the past few years. Declining population in Detroit has been the major cause for this and I totally get it. Less children, less need for schools.

Yesterday Robert Bobb, the emergency financial manager for DPS announced major school closings, including Alexis' current school and the school where is Alexis was supposed to go for junior high. I have many problems with this plan, but I'm addressing the ones that directly affect us.

The reason I chose her junior high school, Hally Open, is because it's a "school of choice", meaning you have to apply with decent grades and keep up those grades to remain a student. In such schools, academics are the primary focus and for the most part, problems i.e. troublesome students, aren't as much of an issue. Mr. Bobb is closing two very good schools in this area and leaving Barbara Jordan School which is bascially like the one Morgan Freeman had to bust down in "Lean on Me".

How do I know this school is a madhouse? My mother works there as a secretary and I listen to her daily accounts of fights, kids cursing out teachers, gangs and general bad behavior. My mother has stated that homeschooling would be better than letting Alexis go there.

Then there's the issue of childcare. Another reason I chose Hally is due to the location, being very close to her grandparent's house who have a more flexible schedule. They pick her up from school so I can keep a job. No, most schools in Detroit don't have any before or afterschool latchkey programs for working parents, which is sheer stupidity.

Due to these reasons I sent in applications to this one school. It's a good school that's been around for decades, close to her grandparents, surely if there were going to be school closings we'd be given plenty of time to adjust and apply to other schools, right? Wrong!

So at the 11th hour I'm applying for other DPS schools and charter schools. I hadn't considered a charter school before because they aren't in DPS' jursidiction but are administered by the State of Michigan, whose guidelines are different and not always up to the strict guidelines of the city. In other words, anyone can open a charter school, lots of them are very new and just trying to establish themselves. I don't want my daughter's education to be some kind of schooling experiment.

Now I'm in a bind, most of the application deadlines for the other schools of choice have past. I've done some research on a few of the charter schools that I've sought recommendations for from friends and their application guidelines and deadlines are even stricter involving lotteries even when your application is on time. None of these schools are in convenient areas so they must have some kind of childcare. Aaargh!!!!

Tomorrow we have an appointment with Burton International a DPS school with a pretty good reputation and I'll be putting in applications just about everywhere else. If all else fails there's private school which is an expense I'm not ready to handle, but will if I have to.

I'm hoping for the best here...

Oh, shall we even get into the fact that these school closings will probably cause my mother to be laid off...again. For the fourth time in about five years?

Catching Up

2010-03-16T09:30:00.002-04:00

A whirlwind of activity has prevented me from posting in almost a month, so in the next week or so I plan on getting back on the horse and providing updates on my adventures. I finished my Ravelympic projects, went on my Mexican vacation, took a trip with Alexis and her classmates to a school tournament in Grand Rapids, MI, etc.

So be looking out for entries and pictures too!

Procrastination!

2010-02-18T09:52:00.003-05:00

I'll be leaving for Cancun on Saturday morning and am I ready? Of course not!!! I've got a million things to do still, including a marathon shopping trip after work today.

Sigh....this is what I do, wait until the last minute. The best I can hope for is to be finished tomorrow evening.

I'm really excited though!

Monday Ramblings

2010-02-15T08:06:00.005-05:00

First, let me thank everyone who has taken a moment to read my blog and and another thanks to those who have left comments. What's that saying about a tree that falls in a forest when no one is around? Whenever anyone decides to read an entry, that means I really did post it!

The Ravelympics are going well. My wrist feels much better and I'm making sure to stretch before knitting, taking frequent breaks and making sure to knit ergonomically. Great news!

....however, I have some new body quirk that presented itself last week. My hand are itching and there is no rash. Just the top of my hands, too. I get no relief from scratching either and sometimes it feels more like a pinprickly pain than itching. I've searched every internet resource I could think of and I've decided either I'm going completely insane or just falling apart. Seriously, it could be nerve damage, a bad liver, allergies, B12 deficiency, any number of things. If it doesn't get better I'll go to the doctor and let him google it and tell me the same, but until then I'll just deal.

Oh, I've discovered that Benadryl is useless. It only makes you so drowsy that you don't care about annoying itching and you pass out like an addict.

I have five more days before I'm headed out to Cancun. I think I'll ignore the weather forecasts because it's gonna shine my entire vacation and that's that. Being the procrastinator that I am, I've done ZERO packing and have only manage to compile a to-bring list in which I know something is missing. Whatever...I'm determined that I'll have everything completed by Thursday! I did manage to purchase my vacation reading material which is as important as the passport, IMO.

Until next time...

The Ravelympics Are Here!

2010-02-12T08:51:00.004-05:00

Wait, are there any of my two readers who don't know what Ravelry is?

Ravelry - Ravelry is a free social networking website. It functions as an organizational tool for a variety of fiber arts including knitting, crocheting, spinning, and weaving. Members share projects, ideas, and their collection of yarn, fiber, and tools via various components.

Basically it's an addictive, social site that sucks hours of time from you. Not just with chatter, but with endless patterns to browse, yarn suggestions and help forums, etc. It's loads of fun.

Alrighty then..

It's the opening day of the 2010 Winter Olympics and I'm waxing nostalgic. My daughter was born during the 1998 Winter Olympics and I fondly remember watching the events all day while I was in the hospital.

So what are the Ravelympics? It's a time where knitters are invited to challenge themselves by starting and finishing projects during the 2010 Winter Olympics. How you decide to challenge yourself is entirely up to you. There are teams to choose from and events to participate in, with many knitters joining in on the fun and supporting one another. I'm signed up with three teams, Team K'nerd (the nerdy knitters), Team Michigan and Team City Knits (my local yarn store of choice).

In a previous post I mentioned the problems with my wrist, which has affected my project/event choices. Since I rested from knitting starting Monday, iced and exercised, it feels better, but not 100%. Therefore, my alternate projects are much smaller, but that's OK I'm happy to compete and will be challenged just by completing these without hurting myself.

Here's Bob, the overall Raverly mascot and ambassador of this year's Ravelympics.

I'll be blogging about my first experience as a Ravelete as I progress.

Only 10 Days Left!

2010-02-10T11:42:00.004-05:00

....before I am sunning on a tropical beach.

Last night, here in Detroit, MI it is snowed a few inches, not nearly enough to close my job down (in the 20-years I've worked here I can only remember them closing maybe once due to the weather). This morning I took my time clearing off the car, the driveway, yuck! I've lived in Michigan my entire life so you'd think I'd be used to snow, which I am, but I still don't like it, not even a little bit. (Well, it's fine if I'm curled up in the house with a book and/or remote not having to venture out for the day.)

Actually, I should be grateful as it hasn't snowed here that much...yet. We still have the rest of February and March before we're out of the woods.

That's OK because in less than 2 weeks I'll be in Cancun, Mexico where it's currently 76-degrees (F) out!

Taking a Break

2010-02-09T06:13:00.003-05:00

I'm completely putting down the needles for a few days to see if my aching wrist gets better with some icing and stretching. I'm seriously ill about this too, but last night my poor hand felt very stiff, like a set of guitar strings pulled too tightly. It was even difficult for me to make dinner. I need to listen to my body and let it mend itself. I'll be making a doctor's appointment if these home remedies don't help.

The vacation projects are officially on hold right now. I'm hoping that I'll be OK to do the Ravelympic projects, even if I have to change them to some even more simple patterns.

Oh well, it's less than two weeks before I hit the beaches in Cancun where I'll have complete rest from typing. But right now, I'm totally disappointed.

Ouch!

2010-02-08T11:56:00.003-05:00

My wrist hurts and it's bumming me out.

I'm not shocked since my job has included lots of typing and data entry for the past 20 years. There are times when my wrist gets sore then heals on its own, no biggie. But due to some less-than-ergonomic knitting sessions last week, no breaks and holding my needles with a death grip, all of this activity has produced a dull ache in my right wrist which has completely dampened the fun in my crafting sessions. I'm not at all happy about this turn of events at all.

I'm trying to rectify this situation by exercising my hands, icing, making sure I'm sitting correctly, knitting with as little motion as possible, wearing crafting gloves and although my discomfort isn't getting worse, it isn't getting better either. I guess there's only one solution...taking a break. I have three small projects for the Ravelympics and two to complete before I go on vacation then I guess I'll have to slow down or stop...even if it's for a few weeks.

I don't want to slow down! I've got my knitting mojo back, I've reorganized my Ravelry queue for goodness sake! I have projects lined up with reasonable timeframes to complete them. I'm feeling confident that I can complete 2010 goal of pushing my skills. Sigh...

Hopefully a break will allow me to heal completely. I have two other things I'm going to try on my own, a nightly ice dip and a little weight strengthening (very, very, light weights). If I'm still hurtin' then I'll have to see a doctor. Now that would be a major bummer.

My interview with the Knit Dangerously Blog

2010-01-29T10:01:00.005-05:00

In a previous entry I mentioned joining a great Ravelry group called A Year of Knitting Dangerously. Its purpose to encourage timid knitters to put on their "big girl pants" and face those challenging projects which according to the description "there's no crying in knitting"! Thanks to my bestest cyber-buddy, Tilandra, I have the super-sweet 2010 Vogue Knitting calendar in which I've organized and detailed the knitting adventures that I will embark this year...yay!

I was interviewed by one of the mods from the YKD group, AmyGlassNeedle. Check it out and "meet" me. :)

http://knitdangerously.blogspot.com/2010/01/dangerous-knitter-interview-meet.html

P.S. Her blog is very cool, btw. :)

Knitted Gifts: Setting the Record Straight

2010-01-26T13:42:00.007-05:00

The following is the longest post ever. Usually I try to keep it short, so as to not indulgently ramble on, but I had to get my soapbox out and to get this off my chest. Hopefully if you’re a knitter you’ll take the time to read and leave a comment with your own opinions on the matter.

I love knitting for others. Since I learned to knit about two years ago, only a few of my completed projects have been for me and those I’ve presented with knitted gifts have been more than gracious and stoked about their presents. My daughter wore out the first pair of socks I made and has demanded more. She’s been known to sleep in the first hat I knit for nights on end and when she sees me casting on something new, she always asks, “What are you knitting? Can I have it?” (She is 11 though and I’m sure there will come a time when a hand knitted garment from Mom will be the…worst…thing…ever.)

My best friend, Ericka, has also enjoyed her hand knit gifts. There’s one hat that just didn’t come out how I liked it, I felt it looked obviously handmade, but she chastised me one day when I teased that she only said she liked it to be nice. “Excuse me? You don’t tell me if I like something or not!” This past weekend she made my evening recounting the numerous compliments she’s received on that rolled brim hat and basket weave scarf knit out of the same yarn. Someone even asked if I sell my wares. I grinned from ear-to-ear.

Then there’s my brother and mother. Both have requested specific items (hats, gloves, and a shawl for Mom) and have lovingly worn these items that I made them with pride.

So why do I need to set the record straight? There are others, beloved friends, teachers at my daughter’s school, even virtual strangers who don’t “get it”.

I'm not there yet...

I pretty much know my own knitting skills. I don’t mind a challenge, but I’ve had requests for projects that I know are way out of my league and will be for some time. I’m not ready for a sweater with six different types of cables (or any sweater for that matter) and when I am, it’s going to be that famous Central Park Hoodie…for myself. All others will have to wait in line for something that complex.

Time is a most valuable thing…

I work full time, am a mother full time, a part time housekeeper and cook. There are errands to run, shopping to be done and groceries to purchase. I love staying at home and relaxing, there’s reading, playing on my DS, television to be watched but I’m not a hermit…yet. I’m still like to catch a movie, go out to dinner, and get some fresh air. Knitting is on the top of my list as a great stress reliever but as much as I’d love to, unfortunately I don’t have endless hours to play with my yarn. Did I mention that I’m a rather slow knitter with quite a few projects in my queue? I might not get to your request for quite some time (try next year).

It’s the thought that counts…right?

I think this is what burns me the most. I have several friends with very discriminating tastes. Basically, they’re picky. I’m not mad, there’s nothing wrong with that. I have a few things I’m picky about as well, purses for one. However, if I have an inkling that someone might not enjoy what I knit for them, that it might get thrown in the back of their closet, that the item might never be worn, said person is not getting a knitted item for me…period. For one, see the above paragraph, my time is valuable. Plus, at the minimum a very basic hat is going to take a few hours to knit and if there’s any complexity to the pattern at all, sometimes many more. I don’t knit to sell my items and I usually don’t even request that a person purchase the yarn. But trust me, I’m not desperately combing the streets, “Please, I need to knit you something and I hope you’ll wear it at least once!” I don’t require the spoilee to think my gift is the next best thing since sliced bread, just a give a showing or two, wear it once or twice (even if it's in the privacy of your home. I won't know the difference) and show a bit of gratitude.

This is especially true after a recent incident. One of my neighbors was going through chemo treatments and lost her hair. I thought I’d whip up a really soft, cotton chemo cap in a lovely shade of lavender. It turned out really large so I worked out a braided cord to make a drawstring so she could make it fit and in the end I thought it was very pretty (pat on the back). When I presented her the gift bag (in a matching color no less), she kind of looked at it blandly, thanked me and said, “Oh, you made this for me because you heard I’d lost my hair, huh?” She even hinted that the hat might not look right without hair on her head (which totally defeats the purpose of a chemo cap, btw). My feelings were hurt. It was as if I’d been snooping about, when her illness was common knowledge. Granted, she’s older and I’m sure she wasn’t feeling her best, plus it’s normal for her to be difficult at times. Still, I really thought she’d appreciate wearing something pretty to her therapy sessions instead of a bland hat. Oh well.

Edited to add: My neighbor did wear her chemo cap and she looked lovely in it. I should have given her a break for two reasons (kind of mentioned above, but obviously I wasn't feeling it then). First and foremost, she was sick! Second, as my mother reminded me, she is always sourfaced even when she wasn't sick. So I'm glad to add, that she's recovered very well and continues to be her grumpy self. I don't know if she loved the hat, she could have hated it, but she wore it once and that's all the gratitude I need.

Don’t talk to strangers...

Again, see the above. If I’m not close to the person (unless it’s charity knitting), if it’s a friend of a friend of a friend, a co-worker that only converses with me in passing, they aren’t getting my knitted items. Like I said, I’m not even accepting offers of being paid right now (maybe one day). How do you calculate the time spent on a project? What would one charge? Sometimes I’ll see a hand knit piece and incredulously turn my nose up at the price, but I get why, I really do.

It’s just….I can choose my own yarn, in my favorite color, and make it myself. ;)

Rant over. Soapbox put away in storage.

Hey! It's 2010!

2010-01-19T13:09:00.007-05:00

I just realized that I haven't posted this year. It's 2010 which is great, but shouldn't we have hoverboards by now? What's up with that?!

Not too much has been going on in my world except the daily grind that was the same in 2009. I'm currently working on a couple of projects to take with me on vacation (which is exactly 1 month and 1 day according to the ticker today). One of the projects is in line with my fearless knitting goal for this year and so far I'm totally in love with it.

However, on the frustrating part of knitting let me say I curse the pattern that's Odessa. Yes, see that little hat over to the right in the WIP section? Deceptively simple looking, no? For some reason it's been getting the best of me, but I'm going to tame that beastie, perhaps cast it on for the tenth time soon (literally). I shall prevail as a few beads and yarnover stitches will not defeat my more than adequate knitting skills for a pattern of that level.

Hmm, I can't think of anything else worthwhile to post right now, so I'll get back to work.

Craft Night

2009-12-21T08:28:00.003-05:00

I've almost given up on trying to infect my friends with the knitting bug. It's cool. Hobbies can be intensive so it really has to be a personal decision whether to invest the time and money into a new one. Still, I don't really have anyone to knit with. I could head up to my LYS, but I thought it would be nice to have some close buddies to enjoy some designated knitting time with.

So I've settled for the next best thing....Craft Night.

Two of my good friends, Ericka and Perrin agreed to get together once a month to work on any craft of our choosing, rotating between our cribs. We had our second Craft Night this Saturday at Eri's house and it was a blast!

Ericka cooked a delicious dinner of Chicken Florentine Ring (a Pampered Chef recipe), tossed salad and a white wine sangria. I know, friends don't let friend knit (or craft) while drinking, but who can resist sangria? Really? For dessert we had a divine cinnamon streusel cake with ice cream and apricot preserves. To...die...for. Then before I went home Eri made me hot chocolate with Irish creme! I ate/drank like there was no tomorrow, seconds, thirds, I lost count.

Oh yeah, we crafted as well.

I worked on the second mitten for my brother, who's been waiting on his hat/mitten set since before it was actually cold (hopefully he'll get it before it gets warm again). Then I cast on for the Odessa hat, which you can see listed in my works in progress on the side of my blog. Yup, I'd frogged it before and started over on Saturday, only to get home and try to knit at 2 a.m. in the morning. Obviously if one shouldn't knit under the influence, they really shouldn't do so under the influence and sleep deprived. I'm sitting here at work determined to cast on that darn hat once and for all!!!

Ericka did a little brainstorming for a scrapbook project. I'm determined that scrapbooking should be her hobby of choice. She has mad journaling skills, is crafty in general and is great with photography. As a matter of fact, I haven't taken a picture on vacation, which we usually take together (see Cancun ticker), in years. My best friend can't be pushed into anything, so with gentle prodding and purchasing of some scrapbooking materials as a gift, I think she might come around to my purpose for her. Mwah, ha, ha! Seriously, once she gets started she's going to make the most awesome scrapbooks ever!

Perrin, who is the crafting goddess, worked on repurposing a purse made out of wood. She was sanding and priming it so that she can design and paint it for a customer, bringing win over whatever me and Ericka were piddling with. I keep encouraging her to open an Etsy account because her stuff is fabulous, especially her jewelry which is simply stunning.

It was a night full of fun, food, drink and lots of talk of men, celebs, movies, etc. Next month is my turn to host so I have to get a menu together. :)

2010 is the year of knitting dangerously!

2009-11-10T15:04:00.010-05:00

In a previous entry I mentioned how my knitting projects revealed that I am, in fact, scared of two sticks and some yarn. I've come to the realization that fiber plus needles does not equal vaporization and the most that will happen is I'll have to, gasp, frog a project. In my determination to accomplish much more in 2010 I joined I joined a wonderful group on Ravelry for support.

There are lots of wonderful knitters, who like me, want to tackle an unfamiliar technique/project and just need encouragement. There will be "resident experts" to offer advice and challenges throughout the year to keep everyone on track.

I've already chosen some projects for the challenges. Mind you, none of these patterns are earth shattering, but considering I've been sticking to projects the equivalent of plain hats in the round, I think they're pretty good.

Sweater Challenge

"Wicked"- a top down sweater with a cabled pocket

Sock Challenge

"Monkey" - the popular pattern by Cookie A.

Chart Challenge

"Springtime Bandit" - a very pretty, worsted weight "lace" scarf. (I've already tried to figure out the chart...I'm sure it will be Spring before I understand it.)

That's it for now. Like I said, these aren't the most advanced patterns but I want to pace myself. Right now I've got some super easy projects to finish. Plain gloves, a garter triangle shawl...oh, I'm casting on my first beaded project soon. I'll post pics of the progress.

New Knitting Goals

2009-10-25T00:25:00.000-04:00

Tonight I finally updated my projects on Ravelry...finally, and upon looking through my finished projects I feel a need to do more. My knitting is pretty neat, with even stitches, etc., but it's boring, safe. I've been knitting for about a year and a half now, trying my hand at cabling, a little bit of lace, knitting from a chart, a few pairs of socks with success. That's not bad at all, but I need to attempt more complex patterns. I'm so used to choosing based on whether I can watch television while knitting. Sure, there's nothing wrong with a quick and easy project, but I also need to challenge myself with more intricate knitting, advanced stitches, a full-on lace project and colorwork. I know how to read patterns, in fact, it's a hobby of mine, reading knitting patterns so I can see if I understand them. All well and good, but it's time to put into practice some of that "book learning".

I think subconsiously I've been holding back, afraid of having to frog, afraid of making mistakes. I convinced myself that I'd gotten past being a fearful knitter, but when I look at my projects it tells the true story, a story of perfectly nice and snooze-worthy finished items. That changes as of now. The knitting will not explode if I make an error or the item comes out bigger than planned, and I'll never get better if I don't put away the fear of messing up and ripping back. Mistakes, plan and simple, are a part of the knitting experience.

So short term I'd like to learn toe-up and two-at-a-time sock construction, focusing on detailed stitching when making socks and finish a larger lace project from a chart. In 2010 I want to knit more in general, for longer periods (concentrate, Vicky!) complete a sweater and do colorwork, which should seem simple, but for some reason is daunting to me.

Finally, I've hired my 11-year old daughter, Alexis as my permanent model and she's not going to charge the the going rate (isn't she sweet?). She's getting older, looking more mature and cute and the pictures are blurry enough without me trying to pose while taking a picture of myself. I also need to get a new camera because those existing pics are from a horrible 3.0 megapixel camera that's old as dust.

Check out my Rav project page from time to time for snazzy new finished projects. :)

Doing something different...

2009-10-20T10:35:00.000-04:00

I'm starting to feel drained, the days are getting shorter, I'm taking more and longer naps on the weekend, plus this season is around the anniversary of my sister's passing. I can feel myself thinking, "I don't feel like *insert normal daily task like, throwing a load of clothes in the washing machine*." Thoughts easily lead to emotions, so to fend off a seriously blue period I've decided that I need to throw a monkey wrench in my routine. I don't want to be bawling because I have to brush my teeth.

Today I put in my contacts instead of wearing my glasses. I turned on the light at my desk. I've printed a new side dish recipe that I'm going to fix tomorrow. But more importantly, I'm switching my thinking from, "Don't feel like it." to "I want to." Easier said than done, but daily tasks need to be accomplished and "I want" to take care of these duties. Hobbies, such as knitting, are joys in my life, not drudgery. I have a low-key way of life and a routine and if I need a change of pace, it's up to me to take care of that.

Taking the bull by its horns and "being here now".

A Night of Stars

2009-10-17T13:08:00.000-04:00

Last night I attended an award dinner honoring employees with 15 or more years of service at my job. I started working at HAP (an HMO here in Michigan) right out of high school, so I'm celebrating 20 years. It was nice, I got a neat pin, but what I was most impressed with was the menu. When I have the extra money to dine out, it's usually a chain restaurant, so I was really happy to be treated to something different and a little more upscale.

Baby spinach salad with chopped egg, toasted almonds, mandarin orange segments and warm Brie vinaigrette (I don't know how long it's been since I've eaten a salad that didn't consist of Romaine or Iceberg lettuce!)

Sauteed chicken breast with Michigan Cherry Chutney

Dauphanoise (didn't know what that was) potatoes (however it was absolutely delicious)
Blistered tomato (mmmm, yeah didn't like that as much)
Roasted root vegetables
Asparagus & Parisienne Carrots (i.e. really tiny carrots...tiny)

Butterfiner Bombe (I still don't know what to make of dessert. It had a hard shell and mousse inside which didn't taste butterfingery. I enjoyed it though.)

That was highlight of the evening. I took my mother and we left once the dancing began.

Today, I had so much planned but since I slept late I'm lounging around the house today, keeping my brother company. (He's out of commission for the next five weeks after ACL surgery.)

You Never Blog Anymore....

2009-10-16T09:53:00.000-04:00

I know. Honestly, if there was more going on in my life I would. As it stands I could, for the most part, post this entry today and in three months all you would need to do is input the new date. I guess that's not a horrible thing, I certainly don't mind my routine, but I don't think "I stayed home this weekend and watched television", is really blog-worthy reading.

So here's the quarterly update of some new stuff:

I'm knitting consistently now. I'm slow as a turtle in finishing projects, but they're getting done. I don't have too many UFO's, but my stash is growing faster than my finished items. My ADHD won't allow me to do anything for long periods of time (I'm self-diagnosed, mind you :), so I knit for 20 minutes, read, play my DS, surf the net, check Ravelry for 45 minutes, look at knitting magazines for 30 minutes and then get back to my project. Yes, I spend more time researching knitting than actually knitting, which is ridiculous, but it's what I do.

I think I've grown much more confident in my knitting. I don't feel the dire need to run to a class everytime I want to try something new. This was proven during the last series of classes I purchased at my LYS. I wanted to learn how to knit socks and thought I required a teacher's assistance. Not that the class didn't help, but I found I really only needing it for a few parts of the pattern. If I got stuck at home I'd go to Knittinghelp.com, YouTube or one of the 15 reference books I own. I still have four classes left which I'll use to learn a toe-up cast on and two-at-a-time. I'm sure those will be enough to demystify both of those techniques and I'll follow up at home.

Same for crocheting. I wanted to dust off some ancient crocheting skills, so I signed up for a class at Joann's. The teacher wanted to hold my hand, but I wanted to move forward. By the end of the hour I had half a scarf of single crochet, double crochet and half-double crochet stiches, while my poor classmate had a mess of yarn at her hands. (I encouraged her to sign up for other classes, if I can be crafty, anyone can.). If I can't figure out more advanced stitches, granny squares, etc., on my own, I'll sign up for one or two crochet classes at my LYS to fine tune my home training.

So that's about it for now. I'm playing Scribblenauts on my DS, which I have a love-hate relationship with that I'll detail in another blog.

Until then, happy knitting/crocheting/crafting/gaming!

I am Elinor Dashwood!

2009-07-21T11:54:00.001-04:00

Take the Quiz here!

You are Elinor Dashwood of Sense & Sensibility! You are practical, circumspect and discreet. Though you are tremendously sensible and allow your head to rule, you have a deep, emotional side that few people often see.

Hmmm, I guess of all the Austen heroines, this one suits me best.

A Year In....Knitting

2009-07-07T14:40:00.000-04:00

Since it's been well over a year since I've blogged I thought I'd give an update on what I've been doing since my last post.

I'm still knitting, yay! I find it an extremely enjoyable and highly entertaining hobby. It's great because you can get into a relaxing knitting rhythm while watching television or listening to music. Or with a more difficult project, you can challenge your mind while executing an intricate pattern. Join a knit group and chit-chat and get tips on a project. Go to the local yarn store to feel the different fibers, with a feast of colors. Don't even get me started on the online community that is Ravelry! Knitting is not just the "neighborhood cat lady's" hobby, it's hip, it's chic and it's totally addictive.

One thing though, I was not warned that knitting wouldn't necessarily be cheap. I should have known that any hobby that included a variety of fun accessories, sale items, hoarding said sale items, yummy and very expensive yarn, would put a big dent in my pocket book. However, any damage to my funds is due to my own lack of self-control. Knitting can be as inexpensive or expensive as one likes, really. You'd never have to pay for a pattern there are so many free ones available on the internet and inexpensive yarn can be found at yarn store sales, or at chains like Joann Fabrics and Michael's (if you're not a yarn snob, that is), even online.

So I love knitting and I've included a few of pictures of some of my projects. I started with a very easy class scarf and have since moved on to knitting other scarves, hats and even socks! I know how to knit on straight needles, circulars and DPN's and have even added cables and lace into my reprotoire. Eventually I'll be brave enough to try a sweater..

Some adorable little baby booties.

A cool, rasta hat.

The current work in progress, a lace scarf worked in a pattern called "Liesel".

There are other pictures that I'll post once I get the gumption.

Same Stuff...Different Year

2009-07-04T00:33:00.000-04:00

Hmmm, my last blog post was well over a year ago and you know what? I really don't have too much in the way of news.

I'm still going to movies, reading, geeking, parenting and knitting. I've only been knitting a little over a year, but I'm trying new things and gaining experience.

When the mood strikes I'll post some pictures of projects and perhaps be a little more chatty. My goal is to at least update every month or so.

Peace!

Book Review - Neuromancer

2008-03-31T06:23:00.001-04:00

I couldn't spoil this book if I wanted to.

Let me say right off, I loved this book. This is a story: "Case was the sharpest data-thief in the Matrix, until an ex-employer crippled his nervous system. Now a new employer has recruited him for a last-chance run against an unthinkably powerful artificial intelligence" Quoted from the book, my mind is too numb-happy to come up with something on my own. I can say that I loved the atmosphere, the world, fully realized. It is a dark and grimy future, but not depressing, just real.

This book is so much more than the story, and trust me, while I understood the overall concepts, there were times I was lost in the details. The details of the deals, the arrangements made, the futuristic landscapes, heck, even the nature of the characters, at times evaded me. And while usually, that would drive me insane..the need to understand each word, each plot direction, the ride was so incredible, that I did not care.

Gibson wrote this book in 1984, pretty much before "cyber" anything, he coined the phrase "cyberspace", but there is nothing prophetic about the writing, no, you knew while reading this piece was not only the inspiration for Blade Runner, The Matrix and so much about science-fiction in all avenues, but that in his writing, he brought about the technologies described. How? Because you know people read Neuromancer and set out to create the imaginations on the page, in atmosphere, clothing and technology. Now, that is awesome.

Gibson has found another fan, late in the game, but better late than never. I can't wait to read his other books.

5 out of 5 Iggystars

Lunchtime Knitting

2008-03-05T15:02:00.000-05:00

Detroit got snowed in today, but I made it to the lunchtime knit class where I'm learning to knit...City Knits.

I learned how to purl (awwww, aren't I cute?), how to fix some of my twisted stitches...yeah basic stuff, but big for me. I feel like a baby taking her first steps, I don't even know what to want, what I could make. I see all of these complex shawls and scarves, hats and sweaters...it's hard for me to believe that so much comes from your basic knit and purl stitch, or that I can master the technique.

More to come!

New Hobby Alert!

2008-03-04T19:54:00.001-05:00

With my love for reading rekindled, my bookcase overflowing with new reads and my participation in two book challenges under way, I thought to myself, "What more can I do to solidify my destiny as the neighborhood cat lady?" Take up knitting!

Just kidding, reading is cool and knitting is also quite the fun, hip hobby, not just for your grandmother anymore.

With encouragement from one of my geek buddies, Diela (holla girl), I went to this lovely place here in Detroit, called City Knits and signed up for six weeks of classes.

So far so good. My first class was last week, I finished my knitting homework and it doesn't look too bad, if I say so myself. It is enjoyable and calming, but I can't wait until I really know what I'm doing. I'm not at yarn obssession yet, but I've heard from established knitters that this disease is inevitable.

I'll keep you posted.

Book Review: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan

2008-02-09T13:13:00.001-05:00

Book number three in my Expanding Horizons Challenge!

In 19th century China, a young girl is paired in a lifelong friendship with Snow Flower, her “laotong”. They communicate in a secret language called “nu shu”, one created by women, by writing on a beautiful fan that is sent back and forth between the two. As they get older, they share their struggles and joys, but their committed relationship is put to the test because of a misunderstanding that threatens to completely demolish their friendship.

This book made me recall the theme of this challenge, more than the others I’ve read. I was brought into the world of foot binding (OUCH!), arranged marriages, family customs, festivals, where women and men were kept separate in conversation and daily activities. Women during this time were viewed with such little value, only as good as the children they bore (you’d better hope it was a boy). However, through the interactions between Lily and Snow Flower, you see just how strong and smart women have always had to be.

Friendship is also an important theme; actually it’s the central theme. As Snow Flower and Lily get older, their lives become different, as is the case with many life-long friends. This is very relatable if you’ve had the privilege of such a relationship. Expectations and attitudes shift, and this book shows the challenges of such changes.

Some of the book, particularly dealing with the friendship during the later years, feels a little rushed, but other than that I felt this was a good choice to expand my horizons.

3.25 out of 5 Iggystars

Book Review: Love in the Time of Cholera

2008-02-09T11:51:00.000-05:00

The second book from my Expanding Horizons Challenge.

Ok, right off the bat I'm going to admit that I'm pretty conflicted about this book. There is a disturbing turn, which I won't go into complete detail, but will alert by way of a spoiler warning towards the end of my review.

A young Florentino Ariza falls madly in love with the beautiful Fermina Daza and his affections are returned, however, Daza later decides to marry a young, successful doctor. Ariza, with fiercely held devotion, still loves Daza over the decades and makes love to many women (yeah, like hundreds) to cope with his pain. Some fifty years later, he is allowed once again to profess his love to the true woman of his dreams.

There was so much I loved about this book. This book is about love. That first love before you knew what physical love was about. You wanted to be with a person, and you didn't know what you'd do with them once you got them. The love of family. Love out of duty. Love that's tempered with reason. Love that is steady. Love that burns in your heart, makes you get goosebumps or allows you to tend to a person when they are sick. Love when you're older. Secret love. Loving with your body, but not your heart. All written with such beauty.

All these subthemes about love are explored in this book that flashes back and forward while focusing on several different characters, but mainly Ariza and Daza. Ariza pines for Daza and some have expressed that he seemed like a stalker. I think that anyone who feels this way is obviously in a good relationship. If you're alone, if you haven't found your true love, who do you think of? That first love, the love that isn't tarnished by real life, it's completely idealistic (and unrealistic). Through that reasoning, I understood this character.

However, I totally got Daza as well. Real love isn't a fantasy and the decision she makes to marry well was a good one.

Spoiler Warning**********

Ok, I have to express my disappointment in the decision to have Ariza get into a relationship with a much younger...girl. Many have argued that the book is set in a time where young girls were considered women at an early age, many marrying in their teens. Well, I almost bought that theory. I wanted to buy it. However, in the book, this relationship is set up so that Ariza is a grandfatherly figure to the girl, and uses his position to take advantage of the situation. Not cool, I don't care when the time period, this turns a character that I had so much sympathy for, into a creep and from that point on, it was hard for me to root for him. I like my antiheroes to be a little less grimy.

Another theory is that the story is to be more about the theme of love, than the actual characters. Nope, still not buying it. Too much literal storytelling for that to be true and if it is allegorical, then this plot could have easily been left out.

Spoiler Ended*************

Overall though, I enjoyed this offering from Marquez. I can't wholeheartedly recommend it...oh, I want to so badly, but it has to get knocked down a point or two because of the one glaring problem I had with it.

3.5 out of 5 Iggystars

Book Review: The Kite Runner

2007-12-10T14:40:00.000-05:00

This is the very first book I’ve read from my very first book challenge and I think it's a pretty good start to the world of challenges.

The Kite Runner tells the story of Amir, a child of an affluent business man and Hassan, a servant of the family and their life-long friendship set in a changing Afghanistan. The book details their lives, their love and loyalty, deceit and ultimate redemption.

The subject matter for this challenge (Expanding Horizons, link to the right) was daunting, which is why I chose it. I want to expand my knowledge of places completely foreign from my own. What better way to do this than to immerse yourself in a good yarn? However, would I fully grasp tales from different lands, about different cultures? To Hosseini’s credit, The Kite Runner’s foreign terms, concepts and customs were very well-defined and assessable. The historical content was set as a back drop to the compelling human drama, allowing me to fully grasp the details of the country’s political upheaval enhancing what I’d learned about Afghanistan while watching the news over the years.

I have a few complaints that have been shared with the book’s detractors. Some of the plot seemed to be a little contrived, making it feel a slightly like a soap opera at times. But, honestly, as I looked at some of the ironic and heartbreaking nightmares of my own life, I guess Kite’s turns could be possible, so I was able to push that minor quibble aside. Also, the main characters, especially Hassan, are portrayed in morally black and white terms, which isn’t always realistic, but again, the story was well-written enough to overlook this as well.

In the end I found myself drawn to the characters and their stories. My heart ached and I cared about their outcomes. I also learned more about a culture that was previously mysterious to me and my horizon was expanded by this great book.

3.5 out of 5 Iggystars.

Next book….I Am Legend by Richard Matheson

Book Review: Alek

2007-12-01T18:30:00.001-05:00

This is the cover that launched model, Alek Wek, into the supermodel stratosphere and the book, Alek, tells the story of her amazing rise from a Sudanese refugee to the fashion runways of Paris.

Alek was a quick and enjoyable read. This is not a insider's view of the fashion biz, as a matter of fact, that aspect is not given much attention at all. The main focus is on Alek's childhood, her family and their struggles in the war-torn city of Wau. Alek's young life was filled with uncertainty, as their family had to move from their home and try to survive while civil war raged in their country.

The things that really impressed me about Alex the person, is how down-to-earth and unaffected she is. She is strongly grounded by the traditions and love shown by her amazing parents who taught her to be appreciative of life and to work hard. Another really amazing fact is that Alek suffered from a horrible case of psoriasis as a child, one that caused her to have flaky lizard-like skin. This is particularly hard to imagine as her dark, rich, smooth and very beautiful skin is one of her trademarks (I would love to have such a perfect complexion). Due to this disease, Alek was often ostracized, but on the other hand, this shaped her view of beauty in general. She mentions that she thinks it very ironic that she makes money off of her looks, as she was considered ugly as a child....it's the same Alek on the inside, nothing has changed.

Indeed, as she made it through the ranks of the fashion industry it is clear that this career, one she fell into by chance, is a way for her to be a voice for her native country, Sudan. She hasn't got, "the big head" from being a model, but approaches modeling as she would any other job, to her it's very much like any other job. She's just a hard worker, again, learned from her parents.

In the end I found this book to be eye-opening more about Alek, not as much about modeling and that's fine. After I finished I immediately went on the 'net to look at some of her pictures and she was more beautiful than I'd ever thought, all because I'd learned a bit about the inner beauty of this fashion model.

Review - Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

2007-11-28T13:31:00.000-05:00

"Life, loathe it, or ignore it, you can’t like it.”

That, my friends, is now my all-time favorite quote from a book. It encapsulates to perfection my feelings on my own life. The book it’s from is my last read, “The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy” and I this is my rambling review.

Prior to actually reading it, I knew of Douglas Adams’ famous comedy/sci-fi epic as early as high school. The group of people who loved Monty Python, Red Planet, British humor in general, also loved Hitchhiker’s. They’d walk around with “42’s” scribbled on their jackets and doodling “Don’t Panic” on their binders…a cool and sometimes weird crew, but I didn’t get British humor or fully understand the crowd that worshipped the comedy from across the pond, so I just wasn’t interested.

British humor is the polar opposite of gross-out humor. If you don’t enjoy gross-out humor, you feel more intelligent and so above laughing at a fart joke. But with British humor, if you don’t get it, you feel a like your IQ dropped a few points (it’s the accents you see), which is frustrating and actually makes you a little mad.

Fast forward a decade or so to the movie adaptation. The one where I was mildly entertained at some points, irritated at other times or just asleep. I didn’t enjoy it much at all. So when my geek friends and my book friends were all telling me “READ THE BOOK, you’ll love it. It’s better than the movie.” I didn’t much believe them of course, but I got it for free at a used book sale and set about reading it.

Let me say, I LOVED this book so much. Just a few pages in I felt like I’d gotten a refund for the money I paid to see the movie. It was laugh out loud funny, imaginative, whimsical, absurd and just plain witty. If somehow I were to get struck by lightning and became super-smart, I think I would write in a style very similar to Adams.

The book tells the story of Arthur Dent and his travels across the Galaxy with his alien friend Ford Prefect and few other zany extraterrestrials (who actually aren’t extra at all since Arthur himself becomes an alien when the Earth is blown up to make way for a new galactic highway, he’s just hitching a ride after that). There is a depressed android, Marvin (who uttered my now-favorite quote) and even a nuclear bomb that turns into a sperm whale (how hilarious is that? Very.). What is the Ultimate Question in life? Just read the book, you’ll roar with laughter at how Arthur and his crew get to the answer.

The movie makes a few glaring errors which the book does not. First and foremost, Sam Rockwell, whom I usually love, as Zaphod Beeblebrox did not do justice to the character. In the book Zaphod is a bit egotistical, very much daft, but likable. Sam doesn’t play him that way, so basically he’s this alien prima donna that is very annoying and you could care less about. Also, why does Hollywood feel the need to force a romance on the audience in every movie? I didn’t care for that storyline involving Arthur and the female lead, Trillian, in the movie and to my pleasant surprise it wasn’t featured in the book at all.

I guess if there was one complaint, it was the movie invading my brain as I was reading, forcing Sam’s face into my imagination. Sure, it can’t be helped that you compare movie to book and vice versa, but if the movie isn’t interesting then you have to overcome your negative preconceived ideas (I will be reading I Am Legend and No Country for Old Men before I see the movie). But Adams did wonders with his writing so I was able to overcome my negative thoughts. Oh, another nitpick is my read ended rather abruptly, but that means I need to get the sequels a.s.a.p.

My edition also had a 100-page guide on the making of the movie and being the completist that I am, I read it. The information was revealing, if a little dull. It really made me appreciate how much Adams wanted a good movie to be made and how much the makers of the movie cared very much that they did just that. Yes, they missed the mark, but their hearts were in it and they tried.

Ok, so I give HHGTHG a solid 4.5 out of 5 Iggystars.

Next book is the autobiography of African model Alek Wek called Alek. She was a Sudanese refugee as a child and is now an international supermodel with a very unique and highly sought after look.

P.S. A special thank you goes out to Kookiejar as she was the main reason I finally decided to read Hitchhiker's.

MP3 Top 25

2007-11-15T08:54:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love music with a passion. This is something very important to know about me and since you’re here reading my blog I assume you want this information. You know that person who says, “I love all kinds of music.”, then goes on to list thirty-five R&B artists and that one Bangles song for 1989 to prove their diversity? That’s not me. I literally listen to every genre, Rock, Pop, Alternative, Jazz, Classical, Easy Listening, Country, Metal, Ska, Rap, World, R&B, New Age, Neo Soul, 80’s, 90’s, you name it, I probably listen to it. Admittedly, within those categories I still skew towards the more mainstream and there are certain genres I’m fonder of, but I’m rather proud of my ability to be very open-minded about music.

Usually, I attend about seven to ten concerts a year (more if my money is right) and thankfully my brother has inherited his musical sense from his big sister, so I now have a partner to hit the shows with.

Ok, now I’m at work and decided to pick up my iPod, list the top 25 songs played. No editing. It is what it is and it doesn’t give the full range of my collection, but is merely a sampling. Please feel free comment with your own list.

Father Figure – George Michael
Heaven Knows – Robert Plant
Useless – Depeche Mode
Run Baby Run – Garbage
Why Do You Love Me – Garbage
One Last Cry – Brian McKnight
Let Me Fall – Josh Groban
U + Ur Hand – Pink
My Confession – Josh Groban
Shake the Disease – Depeche Mode
Hymne L’Amour – Josh Groban (he’s so romantic)
Can’t Change Me – Chris Cornell
Square One – Coldplay
Diamonds Are Forever – Kanye West
1,2 Step – Ciara
Thieves in the Temple – Prince
Stay the Night – Chicago
World in My Eyes – Depeche Mode
Til the Day I Die – Garbage
Jesus to a Child – George Michael
Un Amore Per Sempre – Josh Groban
When You Where Young - The Killers
Umbrella – Rihanna
Seal – Colour
4 Seasons of Lonliness – Boyz II Men

The Expanding Horizons Book Challenge

2007-11-12T22:21:00.000-05:00

This is my very first book challenge! Once I'm finished with my little paint project, I'll be curling up with books as a great way to unwind and keep myself out of trouble with impulse spending. :)

Ok, so this challenge is very cool. The details are linked under my "Books..." list, but basically you choose an author of varying ethnic backgrounds, one African author, one Chinese, and so on. My personal library could use more diversity to be sure, so this sounded like a very interesting proposal.

I'm really excited. I bought the first book from my list (20% Borders coupon + $5 Borders Bucks = a cheap deal) today and the challenge starts at the beginning of the year. Six books in four months, I think I can manage.

Here are my selections:

African - Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Asian - Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
Hispanic - Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Marquez
Indian - A Fine Balance by Rohintin Mistry
Middle Eastern - The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Native - The Bone People by Keri Hulme

Introducing...me!

2007-11-12T18:56:00.000-05:00

Ok, why be fake? I'll admit, I've been blogging on My Space for awhile now, but I felt the need for an alternate, a more mature space to discuss interests where they will be better appreciated. Interests such as a more fervent appreciation for literature. I've discovered that great books can be bought for cheap at used book sales and now I've got a new little library going on.

Props to Kookiejar, her blog and list of a million read books was the spark that lit my fire. I actually had a paperback that had fallen apart, it split in two from the loooong time I spent picking it up and putting it back down.

That's it for now. You'll learn more about me later.

Peace,
Iggy