Friday, October 30, 2009

I'm pretty sure I've seen it all, now.

This morning I was minding my own business surfing the web, when I stumbled across this fabric by Alexander Henry. Isn't it a riot? What exactly do you make from fabric that has foot tall Ken dolls on it?

Here's a close-up of the pirate:

And, it comes in blue! Wow. I'm very nearly speechless.

I think I'll go get ready for work. I'm dressing as Betty Suarez, by the way. Pictures to come!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

We've got some catching up to do!

The highlights: I had a birthday and I finally took the PE exam! But rather than bore you with long stories about what I did/did not do during October, I've decided to bore you with pictures!

First up, I made some cards. This was the cutest (in my opinion):

October was notable for the number of sweets I ate (and the tight jeans I have to prove it). Here's a particularly beautiful cupcake, even after I dropped it!

I encountered this surprise on my way to work one morning. Come to think of it, I didn't have any celebratory ice cream, and this guy is worth a sundae, at least!


I cultivated a healthy appreciation of bedhead as well - saves time on grooming. Just kidding, but I did wake up with the best hair I've EVER had:


I decided to eat up food before buying more, so here's a delicious little something I whipped up with baby potatoes, sour cream, broth, chipotle puree and cheese. Yes, it was good.


The cutest part about my birthday? My cupcakes, custom made by Firefly herself! So cute.


The first post-test celebration involved quilt shops and my mom. Very good combination. Here are the patterns and fat eighths I got:


I got a bit of fabric for my stash while I was at it... A couple fat quarters, a couple quarter yard cuts and a couple half yards. All in all, very successful.


So, that was October, as told by 8 photos. Hope you enjoyed!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

New 'Puter!

I am the proud owner of a new HP mini. It's cute. It has a substantial hard drive and it's got pearly white little keys. Very fun.

So, one week from now I'll be quietly worrying about my test, because it's one week from tomorrow. It's the final push - and I think I'll work on environmental tonight. It's going to be fine, and I'm just really excited to be done with it! Would you like to hear what I'm going to do when I'm done? Here goes:
  • The quilt of Mary Heatherness
  • Fix my Monterrey Sweatshirt
  • Cover Madeleine (my KitchenAid)
  • Learn to play Joplin Rags
  • Exercise
  • Use up food in my cupboards
  • Finish my French quilt
  • SCRAPBOOKING!!!
  • Keep in touch with friends
  • Sew knit clothing
  • Make an apron
  • Acheive major things on Beatles Rock Band
  • The cutest ever PJ Pants
  • Boozy Cheesecake (Grand Marnier - it bakes out...)
  • Walk my Dog
  • Ride my bike
  • Catch up on House, M.D.
  • And more!!!
I'm pretty sure this list will take me quite a while to accomplish, but I will be happy to be trying! But, I suppose I ought to study now so I don't have to do this again in 6 months. So, signing off... MH

Monday, September 28, 2009

A Placeholder Post

I realize this is my second time doing this... but it'll stop soon, I promise. I just want to let you know I'm still here.

I'm studying like mad for the PE exam.

It's on my birthday (October 23) and it occurred to me today that I'm not going to be able to plan a fabulous birthday for myself this year, unless I celebrate a little later. So, I'd now like to open the floor for discussion of when/how I should celebrate this year. I'll be done with the test, and I'm not 30 yet! Both things to celebrate. :)

I'll be back before long.

Sunday, August 16, 2009

A Day in the Park & Baby Sized Burritos

Yesterday I loaded up my car with friends and drove to the ferry. Our ultimate goal? An Improv Party that I saw an email about... We listened to a few new CDs (Needtobreathe, Group 1 Crew, Above the Golden State) as we made our way to Gas Works Park in Seattle. It took a long time, but it was sooo worth it. I have a new favorite place.

It was a beautiful day, and the park is so totally my speed. It's got a big mound where people were flying kites, there were two weddings going on, numerous photographers throughout, really cool pipes and industrial leftovers, and it didn't feel crowded at all!

We got straight to work exploring the park and found the "play barn" where a young man was having senior photos while mom and dad provided bits of encouragement. Seth nearly got blown away in a windstorm.Then, we ran into a person I know! We were in the right place for the Improv! :) As happens sometimes, there was a switching around of sunglasses/glasses. Turns out, I missed my decade:

I soooo should have been in the 50's.

After that bit of exploring and socializing, we got to enjoy the work of Clean Slate Improv. I laughed so hard I gave myself a headache.

I am very pleased to report that they used my suggestions several times.

When they were done, we all stood around talking until the sun was going down and a couple people were so hungry they actually ate the Clif Bars I brought with me. So, we caravanned to Gorditos, home of the infant sized burrito. I didn't have one, but what I did have was delicious. (A veggie taco.) This is half of the burrito that the guys across from me had:

Gives new meaning to "food baby".

By then it was getting late, so we headed back to the ferry, and hence home. Long day, but so wonderful.

Beautiful, but Disappointing...

I chopped. I diced. I peeled. I seeded. I made a thing of beauty, a chopped salad.

The disappointing part? The cucumber was the most bitter thing I have ever tasted. And I forgot to taste it before I mixed it thoroughly with the other veggies. Boo.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Garage Voice's Album: Let Us Reconcile

I know I've written about these guys a couple times before, but bear with me one more time: there's free music in it for me. :)

I've been thinking about the difference between experiencing a band live and listening to their recordings, especially after Creation, where I found out I don't like a band in person that I do like on CD. Some bands are better live, and others are great recording artists - the fun part about Garage Voice is that they're both. The thing is that their music really should be played in a place that you have the option of getting up and dancing because it really makes me want to move (and other people, I assume). Thus the benefit of the CD - you can listen to them anywhere!

Let Us Reconcile has all the things I liked about Garage Voice when I first heard them: Great lyrics, fun bass lines, intelligence, humor, and general "listenability" (did I just make that word up?). I think the album has broad appeal - a little bit of something for everyone.

Probably the thing I like the best (besides the pleasant eardrum tickling) is the lyrics. My favorite phrase comes on the third song, Repentance:
"Every time I hear the word of law
The love of God just blows my mind
Tells me I can be confident His love is really enough"

Another gem? In Tips of Your Hands, they say:
"Habits are structured by what often occupies the mind
It builds up a highway and keeps it prioritized"
which makes me wonder, "What often occupies my mind?".

My favorite song when I first got the CD was Mercy Came a Runnin' - it's got some great accapella bits and guitar... Then, it was Book It. Today? Maybe Cropper - I was groovin' whilst mixing up a blueberry lime desert and enjoyed the music as much as the sweetness. Or perhaps In My Iniquity - any song that can gracefully combine tuba, organ, and guitar is to be recognized!

Find Garage Voice online at garagevoice.com

Okay, thanks for reading - I know I don't have the encyclopedic knowledge required to write a proper review with allusions and comparisons, but the bottom line is: It's a great album from a really great band. Listen. Posthaste.