-Ali
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Vera
Today, we got a new kitten from the APL. After much deliberation, we've decided to call her Vera. For those who have seen Firefly, think of Jayne's gun. Anyway, here's her debut!
She's super cute, playful and kind of attached to me. In other words, she's perfect! Plus, her back legs are very long and her feet kind of point inward, so she's really awkward and goofy. I love it.
-Ali
She's super cute, playful and kind of attached to me. In other words, she's perfect! Plus, her back legs are very long and her feet kind of point inward, so she's really awkward and goofy. I love it.
-Ali
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Filbert
For those who haven't heard, Filbert was put to sleep yesterday morning. He was 13 and had an abdominal tumor and just wasn't doing well at all, so we decided it was time.
I could write a novel about how much I adored this cat and how much he meant to me, but I'll refrain. I'll just say that he was, in my opinion, the best cat there ever was. Seriously. I will miss him terribly, but I am glad that he will never have to be in pain again.
I could leave you with a classy headshot of Filbert looking all distinguished, but that's not my style. I will instead leave you with a picture that always puts a smile on my face and I hope that it will put a smile on yours as well.
-Ali
I could write a novel about how much I adored this cat and how much he meant to me, but I'll refrain. I'll just say that he was, in my opinion, the best cat there ever was. Seriously. I will miss him terribly, but I am glad that he will never have to be in pain again.
I could leave you with a classy headshot of Filbert looking all distinguished, but that's not my style. I will instead leave you with a picture that always puts a smile on my face and I hope that it will put a smile on yours as well.
-Ali
Friday, May 15, 2009
Hot Hair
This morning I woke up with the hottest hair ever. I felt compelled to take a picture of it. You don't quite get the sense of how hot this hair was, but you get an idea...
P.S. I swear I'm not that pale! It's just the sunlight.
P.S. I swear I'm not that pale! It's just the sunlight.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Lawn Mower Assembly
I'm mostly posting right now so I don't see "Gay Porn?" every time I look at my knitting blog. It's highly distracting. My hopes get all high for a moment and then I am sorely disappointed... You know how it is.
Friday, Jenny and I went to Home Depot to purchase a lawn mower. I had it picked out from reviews I'd read online, so I didn't actually have to shop or anything. That was nice. It took a while to figure out how to actually get the mower (big, heavy box... small carts... no employees around... chivalry fails, etc). When we got it home, I wanted to put it together immediately so I could mow before the imminent rain. It was more confusing than I had foreseen, so I gave up for the night.
Yesterday, I actually put the thing together. To be fair "putting the thing together" didn't involve much. But I had to search for a tool to loosen a nut (hehe), which took forever. Then, I had to line up the handle part just right while I re-screwed the bolt thingies, which meant that I was crouched, with the handle on my shoulder, trying to stabilize it with the side of my head, screwing this thing back in. If it doesn't sound difficult, I assure you it was. I also had to put on the mulch bag thing, but that really couldn't have been easier.
The point is... I put together a lawn mower. I can do anything!
-Ali
Friday, Jenny and I went to Home Depot to purchase a lawn mower. I had it picked out from reviews I'd read online, so I didn't actually have to shop or anything. That was nice. It took a while to figure out how to actually get the mower (big, heavy box... small carts... no employees around... chivalry fails, etc). When we got it home, I wanted to put it together immediately so I could mow before the imminent rain. It was more confusing than I had foreseen, so I gave up for the night.
Yesterday, I actually put the thing together. To be fair "putting the thing together" didn't involve much. But I had to search for a tool to loosen a nut (hehe), which took forever. Then, I had to line up the handle part just right while I re-screwed the bolt thingies, which meant that I was crouched, with the handle on my shoulder, trying to stabilize it with the side of my head, screwing this thing back in. If it doesn't sound difficult, I assure you it was. I also had to put on the mulch bag thing, but that really couldn't have been easier.
The point is... I put together a lawn mower. I can do anything!
-Ali
Monday, May 4, 2009
Gay Porn?
So, I paused an episode of Buffy today while I left the room. When I came back, this is what I saw on the TV:
Does this not look dirty?
-Alison
Does this not look dirty?
-Alison
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Hair
I dyed my hair today. I think I'll go ahead and pay professionals to do it from now on. I didn't totally mess it up or anything, but it's a serious pain in the patoot and I know I missed a bunch of hair in the back. Luckily, I was just dying it a shade darker (you know, to cover up the gray and random blonde strands) so I'm sure it's not noticeable. I think there's a bit of a red tint to it, though, which I'm not a fan of.
Now I just need a haircut. And I'm thinking about going a little crazy and going an inch or so shorter than usual. Who knows. It's seriously shaggy now, so anything would help.
Ali
Now I just need a haircut. And I'm thinking about going a little crazy and going an inch or so shorter than usual. Who knows. It's seriously shaggy now, so anything would help.
Ali
Monday, April 20, 2009
Yeah...
Dude. Time moves slow and fast at the same time. It's blowing my mind. Here's what I've been up to...
-I've been getting more hours at work. This makes me sleepy sometimes, but I sure do like money.
-Filbert is rapidly losing weight and he has to go to the vet. This worries me.
-All jokes aside, I'm beginning to think yarn is like my crack. Seriously. I want it.
-I've officially turned into a cranky old man. I wish teenagers would shut the fuck up and I hate how everyone drives. Plus, I use the word "hooligans" far too often.
-I finished the Harry Potter re-read and I'm sad now.
-Jenny's wedding is ripping our family apart and making me die inside.
And how have you been?
Ali
-I've been getting more hours at work. This makes me sleepy sometimes, but I sure do like money.
-Filbert is rapidly losing weight and he has to go to the vet. This worries me.
-All jokes aside, I'm beginning to think yarn is like my crack. Seriously. I want it.
-I've officially turned into a cranky old man. I wish teenagers would shut the fuck up and I hate how everyone drives. Plus, I use the word "hooligans" far too often.
-I finished the Harry Potter re-read and I'm sad now.
-Jenny's wedding is ripping our family apart and making me die inside.
And how have you been?
Ali
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Cupcakes!
Today, I made cupcakes for knitting night because we had two birthdays in the group this week, Pam and Tammy. Unfortunately, Tammy didn't show, but we celebrated Pam's birthday nonetheless! I made two varieties of cupcakes: vanilla with vanilla bean frosting and chocolate with chocolate mousse frosting. This is how my day went...
Around midday, I decided on the recipes I wanted to make. I made up a shopping list, which was pretty extensive since our baking ingredients were low (flour, sugar, etc.). The only tricky ingredient I had to find was a vanilla bean. I knew the local Sparkle wouldn't have it and I doubted Wal-Mart would, so I set off for Trader Joe's.
The drive was fantastic - I love to drive on a nice day with the windows down and the music cranked up. Good stuff.
At Trader Joe's, I was sorely tempted. They have so much cool food, and at reasonable prices, too! Unfortunately, they didn't have a lot of my ingredients, including the ever so elusive vanilla bean. I thought about it and, as I was pulling away from Trader Joe's, I realized... Heinens. They have some of the more hard-to-find foods. So, I journeyed to Avon and found my vanilla beans and the rest of my ingredients at Heinens! Yay!
The baking went surprisingly well. Nothing went horribly wrong, nothing caught fire. My only issue... When the recipe says something along the lines of "until a toothpick comes out clean", that's such bull. My toothpick came out clean and my cupcakes looked like this when cut open...
So, I stuck them back in for a few more minutes.
The frosting had me a little concerned, especially the chocolate mousse frosting. I was very worried it wouldn't set up because it seemed pretty runny before I refrigerated it. Plus, my egg whites never quite got "stiff". But, in the end, it set up pretty decently! Hooray! The vanilla bean frosting was very simple. So much so that I thought it couldn't be that good if it was that easy, but it turned out delicious! The vanilla bean was a MUST - totally added to the flavor.
And this was my finished product...
The vanilla cupcakes were the favorite, I think. I must say this about them: The vanilla cupcakes are VERY vanilla-y and the chocolate cupcakes are VERY chocolate-y (and very rich!). You have been warned.
Here come the recipes...
Vanilla Cupcakes
*I halved this recipe, which made about 12 cupcakes*
-1 3/4 cups cake flour
-1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
-2 cups sugar
-1 tbsp baking powder
-3/4 tsp salt
-1 cup unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch cubes
-4 large eggs
-1 cup milk
-1 tsp vanilla extract
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line cupcake pans with paper liners; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine flours, sugar, baking powder, and salt; mix on low speed until combined. Add butter, mixing until just coated with flour.
2. In a large glass measuring cup, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla. With mixer on medium speed, add wet ingredients in 3 parts, scraping down sides of bowl before each addition; beat until ingredients are incorporated but do not overbeat.
3. Divide batter evenly among liners, filling about 2/3 full. Bake, rotating pan halfway through, until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 17 to 20 minutes.
4. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat process with remaining batter. Once cupcakes have cooled, use a small offset spatula to frost tops of each cupcake. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired. Serve at room temperature.
Vanilla Bean Frosting
-1/2 cup softened unsalted butter (one stick)
-1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
-3 3/4 cups confectioners sugar
-2 tsp vanilla extract
-pinch of salt
-Seeds from one vanilla bean
In a small bowl, combine butter and whipping cream. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the butter. Beat until smooth. Beat in sugar 1/2 cup at a time, scraping down sides of bowl occasionally. Finally, beat in vanilla extract. If frosting is too soft to work with, refrigerate 10 minutes.
Chocolate Cupcakes
-1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
-1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-1 cup sugar
-3 large eggs
-3/4 cup all-purpose flour
-1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
-1 teaspoon baking powder
-1/8 teaspoon salt
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a standard cupcake pan with liners.
In a large heat resistant bowl, combine the chocolate and butter over a pot of simmering water, without letting the bottom touch the water. Stir gently until melted and well combined. You may use a microwave, if preferable.
Remove chocolate from heat and stir in the vanilla. Add the sugar. Beat with a handheld electric mixture until smooth and combined, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, mixing for 20 seconds between each egg to incorporate.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix until well blended.
Using ladle or small measuring cup, fill the cupcake cups 2/3 of the way full. Bake until the cupcakes are firm to the touch about 20 minutes.
Chocolate Mousse Frosting
-16 oz semisweet chocolate *I used 12 oz semisweet chocolate chips and 4 oz milk chocolate chips - that's all I had!*
-1/2 cup unsalted butter
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
-8 egg yolks
-8 egg whites
-4 tablespoons white sugar
Melt 16 ounces chocolate and 1/2 cup butter over double boiler, stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt and 2 teaspoons vanilla, whisk in yolks. In a separate bowl, beat whites until foamy, gradually add sugar, and continue beating until stiff. Fold into chocolate mixture. Whip the 1 1/2 cup cream in a separate bowl and fold into chocolate mixture.
*The chocolate cupcakes came out kind of sunken-in. I made a little hole in the middle of them and filled it in with the frosting and then filled up to the edge. The frosting is pretty runny until you refrigerate it for about 15 minutes, so it's kind of messy.*
The cupcake recipes both made about 12 cupcakes - the chocolate probably would have made about 16 if stretched. The frosting recipes, however... I made the full amount for both recipes and I probably could have frosted my house with all the frosting that made. Especially the chocolate mousse frosting... Oh my goodness. Here's a picture of the leftover frosting (mind you, this is after lots of "tasting" and me saying "screw it, we have way too much anyway" and throwing out what was left in the bowl).
Unless you're frosting a giant wedding cake, cut that recipe in half! At least! I probably used about 1/4 of it for 12 cupcakes. If that.
Sorry this post is so long... Geez. I can ramble.
Ali
Around midday, I decided on the recipes I wanted to make. I made up a shopping list, which was pretty extensive since our baking ingredients were low (flour, sugar, etc.). The only tricky ingredient I had to find was a vanilla bean. I knew the local Sparkle wouldn't have it and I doubted Wal-Mart would, so I set off for Trader Joe's.
The drive was fantastic - I love to drive on a nice day with the windows down and the music cranked up. Good stuff.
At Trader Joe's, I was sorely tempted. They have so much cool food, and at reasonable prices, too! Unfortunately, they didn't have a lot of my ingredients, including the ever so elusive vanilla bean. I thought about it and, as I was pulling away from Trader Joe's, I realized... Heinens. They have some of the more hard-to-find foods. So, I journeyed to Avon and found my vanilla beans and the rest of my ingredients at Heinens! Yay!
The baking went surprisingly well. Nothing went horribly wrong, nothing caught fire. My only issue... When the recipe says something along the lines of "until a toothpick comes out clean", that's such bull. My toothpick came out clean and my cupcakes looked like this when cut open...
So, I stuck them back in for a few more minutes.
The frosting had me a little concerned, especially the chocolate mousse frosting. I was very worried it wouldn't set up because it seemed pretty runny before I refrigerated it. Plus, my egg whites never quite got "stiff". But, in the end, it set up pretty decently! Hooray! The vanilla bean frosting was very simple. So much so that I thought it couldn't be that good if it was that easy, but it turned out delicious! The vanilla bean was a MUST - totally added to the flavor.
And this was my finished product...
The vanilla cupcakes were the favorite, I think. I must say this about them: The vanilla cupcakes are VERY vanilla-y and the chocolate cupcakes are VERY chocolate-y (and very rich!). You have been warned.
Here come the recipes...
Vanilla Cupcakes
*I halved this recipe, which made about 12 cupcakes*
-1 3/4 cups cake flour
-1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
-2 cups sugar
-1 tbsp baking powder
-3/4 tsp salt
-1 cup unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch cubes
-4 large eggs
-1 cup milk
-1 tsp vanilla extract
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line cupcake pans with paper liners; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine flours, sugar, baking powder, and salt; mix on low speed until combined. Add butter, mixing until just coated with flour.
2. In a large glass measuring cup, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla. With mixer on medium speed, add wet ingredients in 3 parts, scraping down sides of bowl before each addition; beat until ingredients are incorporated but do not overbeat.
3. Divide batter evenly among liners, filling about 2/3 full. Bake, rotating pan halfway through, until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 17 to 20 minutes.
4. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat process with remaining batter. Once cupcakes have cooled, use a small offset spatula to frost tops of each cupcake. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired. Serve at room temperature.
Vanilla Bean Frosting
-1/2 cup softened unsalted butter (one stick)
-1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
-3 3/4 cups confectioners sugar
-2 tsp vanilla extract
-pinch of salt
-Seeds from one vanilla bean
In a small bowl, combine butter and whipping cream. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the butter. Beat until smooth. Beat in sugar 1/2 cup at a time, scraping down sides of bowl occasionally. Finally, beat in vanilla extract. If frosting is too soft to work with, refrigerate 10 minutes.
Chocolate Cupcakes
-1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
-1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-1 cup sugar
-3 large eggs
-3/4 cup all-purpose flour
-1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
-1 teaspoon baking powder
-1/8 teaspoon salt
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a standard cupcake pan with liners.
In a large heat resistant bowl, combine the chocolate and butter over a pot of simmering water, without letting the bottom touch the water. Stir gently until melted and well combined. You may use a microwave, if preferable.
Remove chocolate from heat and stir in the vanilla. Add the sugar. Beat with a handheld electric mixture until smooth and combined, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, mixing for 20 seconds between each egg to incorporate.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix until well blended.
Using ladle or small measuring cup, fill the cupcake cups 2/3 of the way full. Bake until the cupcakes are firm to the touch about 20 minutes.
Chocolate Mousse Frosting
-16 oz semisweet chocolate *I used 12 oz semisweet chocolate chips and 4 oz milk chocolate chips - that's all I had!*
-1/2 cup unsalted butter
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
-8 egg yolks
-8 egg whites
-4 tablespoons white sugar
Melt 16 ounces chocolate and 1/2 cup butter over double boiler, stir in 1/4 teaspoon salt and 2 teaspoons vanilla, whisk in yolks. In a separate bowl, beat whites until foamy, gradually add sugar, and continue beating until stiff. Fold into chocolate mixture. Whip the 1 1/2 cup cream in a separate bowl and fold into chocolate mixture.
*The chocolate cupcakes came out kind of sunken-in. I made a little hole in the middle of them and filled it in with the frosting and then filled up to the edge. The frosting is pretty runny until you refrigerate it for about 15 minutes, so it's kind of messy.*
The cupcake recipes both made about 12 cupcakes - the chocolate probably would have made about 16 if stretched. The frosting recipes, however... I made the full amount for both recipes and I probably could have frosted my house with all the frosting that made. Especially the chocolate mousse frosting... Oh my goodness. Here's a picture of the leftover frosting (mind you, this is after lots of "tasting" and me saying "screw it, we have way too much anyway" and throwing out what was left in the bowl).
Unless you're frosting a giant wedding cake, cut that recipe in half! At least! I probably used about 1/4 of it for 12 cupcakes. If that.
Sorry this post is so long... Geez. I can ramble.
Ali
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Public Apology
Okay, I have to get this off my chest...
Last night, while driving home, I forgot to turn my brights off while passing another car. I didn't realize it until a minute later and I felt so guilty. I still feel guilty because I always gripe about people who don't turn their brights off (and people who don't turn their lights on in the rain and people who don't use their turn signals and people who just in general don't drive well). So, when I do those things, I feel horrible!
So, if you were driving down Russia Road last night a little after 11 and some asshole didn't turn their brights off... I apologize and I assure you that I'm not usually an asshole driver.
Ali
Last night, while driving home, I forgot to turn my brights off while passing another car. I didn't realize it until a minute later and I felt so guilty. I still feel guilty because I always gripe about people who don't turn their brights off (and people who don't turn their lights on in the rain and people who don't use their turn signals and people who just in general don't drive well). So, when I do those things, I feel horrible!
So, if you were driving down Russia Road last night a little after 11 and some asshole didn't turn their brights off... I apologize and I assure you that I'm not usually an asshole driver.
Ali
Monday, March 16, 2009
Job Improvements
Job update: I e-mailed my team leader to inform her of the incorrect scheduling and she replied saying she didn't so the scheduling. Interesting. I don't really know why I gave her my availability then, but hey. Why not? So, she said I needed to contact another lady. I figured I'd wait and see if it happened again before trying to find a phone number or e-mail address for her. But, this morning, she was there and said she got my e-mail... my team leader must have forwarded it to her. And the lady was very nice about it and said that my availability was wrong in the computer and she'd change it.
So, I have hope. It was a rocky start, but people have been friendlier since then. And I did better today than last time. You're supposed to scan a certain number of pieces per hour and I'm still not there, but there's definite improvement.
That said, I'm still looking. I'm not seeing an increase in hours at this job yet, so yeah. Still looking.
Ali
So, I have hope. It was a rocky start, but people have been friendlier since then. And I did better today than last time. You're supposed to scan a certain number of pieces per hour and I'm still not there, but there's definite improvement.
That said, I'm still looking. I'm not seeing an increase in hours at this job yet, so yeah. Still looking.
Ali
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Hate
Question. Do you hate anyone?
I hope most people would answer no. Someone has to be pretty downright despicable to deserve to be hated. And I hope that most people don't know anyone that bad.
I hate someone. Really. I'm not just talking about anger... I am thoroughly disgusted with this person and I wish they had never entered my life, even for the short while they did. I don't like the feeling. I'm sure the hate will fade and eventually I just won't give a shit about them, but right now... hate.
Sorry. I'm a downer today.
Ali
I hope most people would answer no. Someone has to be pretty downright despicable to deserve to be hated. And I hope that most people don't know anyone that bad.
I hate someone. Really. I'm not just talking about anger... I am thoroughly disgusted with this person and I wish they had never entered my life, even for the short while they did. I don't like the feeling. I'm sure the hate will fade and eventually I just won't give a shit about them, but right now... hate.
Sorry. I'm a downer today.
Ali
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Job Whining.
What is it with new jobs?!
When I applied, I wrote out my availability on their little form. Then, I had to confirm this with my team leader over the phone a couple weeks later. I said mornings during the week and whenever on the weekends. (Apparently they don't have a lot of Saturday morning stores, so they pretty much forced me to be available at night on weekends.
I got my new schedule today... I have 2 stores. Monday at 5 AM and Monday at 10 PM. Same day. I really don't mind this- the approximate time for each store is about 4 hours, so it's not a big deal. But I said mornings during the week! Why do they go through the trouble of asking and confirming if they're going to ignore it?!
I'm losing faith in this job, but I have no choice but to stick with it and hope it gets better. It's very frustrating because I would like the actual job, if only the people were nicer and more on top of things. Urgh.
Ali
When I applied, I wrote out my availability on their little form. Then, I had to confirm this with my team leader over the phone a couple weeks later. I said mornings during the week and whenever on the weekends. (Apparently they don't have a lot of Saturday morning stores, so they pretty much forced me to be available at night on weekends.
I got my new schedule today... I have 2 stores. Monday at 5 AM and Monday at 10 PM. Same day. I really don't mind this- the approximate time for each store is about 4 hours, so it's not a big deal. But I said mornings during the week! Why do they go through the trouble of asking and confirming if they're going to ignore it?!
I'm losing faith in this job, but I have no choice but to stick with it and hope it gets better. It's very frustrating because I would like the actual job, if only the people were nicer and more on top of things. Urgh.
Ali
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Working Gal
I had my first day of work on Sunday. The actual work wasn't so bad... I actually kind of liked it. But, it was still kind of a crappy first day. And here's why...
-Not a single person introduced themselves or asked me what my name was.
-There was about a month between my day of training and my first day.
-My superior (still don't know who she was) was not terribly eager to help me when I needed it.
-I forgot my belt thingy and a pen and had to borrow these things.
-3 hours of sleep.
But the good news is that I like the work, so once I get the hang of it, everything should be just dandy. Other good news: I only had to work about 3 hours because we got done early.
Non-knitters, you can stop reading now.
I'm almost done with my first not-shit baby sweater! I believe it will be done in time to take it to knitting Thursday. It is adorable. Not perfect by any means, but still adorable.
And now I'm ready to tackle a full sized sweater. I have picked out a pattern (Wicked) and a yarn (Cascade 220) and I will begin as soon as I get some money. I'm expecting money from 3 different sources (tax refund, Wii, person who owes me money) and when the first arrives, I shall treat myself to the yarn and pattern. I think it'll only cost about $40. Not bad, eh?
Ali
-Not a single person introduced themselves or asked me what my name was.
-There was about a month between my day of training and my first day.
-My superior (still don't know who she was) was not terribly eager to help me when I needed it.
-I forgot my belt thingy and a pen and had to borrow these things.
-3 hours of sleep.
But the good news is that I like the work, so once I get the hang of it, everything should be just dandy. Other good news: I only had to work about 3 hours because we got done early.
Non-knitters, you can stop reading now.
I'm almost done with my first not-shit baby sweater! I believe it will be done in time to take it to knitting Thursday. It is adorable. Not perfect by any means, but still adorable.
And now I'm ready to tackle a full sized sweater. I have picked out a pattern (Wicked) and a yarn (Cascade 220) and I will begin as soon as I get some money. I'm expecting money from 3 different sources (tax refund, Wii, person who owes me money) and when the first arrives, I shall treat myself to the yarn and pattern. I think it'll only cost about $40. Not bad, eh?
Ali
Friday, February 20, 2009
Boys!
I have a crush on a boy I haven't seen in 5 years. He is apparently married now. Oh well.
I am so affected by my dreams. I have one dream about some guy and I suddenly have a crush on him.
Ali
I am so affected by my dreams. I have one dream about some guy and I suddenly have a crush on him.
Ali
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Traveling & A Lesson In Gauge
Jenny had a workshop in Columbus (Upper Arlington) today, so we drove down last night, spent the night at Nicole's, then Jenny had this workshop from 9:30-3:30 today. So,I had all that time to do whatever. This is how my day went...
-Took Jenny's directions to find Grandview and, instead, saw the OSU campus. And lots and lots of students.
-Went to Caribou for coffee.
-Drove through Grandview to see what that was all about.
-Drove back to Upper Arlington and went to Half Price Books. Bought some books and $1 calendars after browsing for an hour.
-Drove back to Grandview. Had lunch at Aladdin's. Yum.
-Went to Jeni's Ice Cream down the street. Had the Honey Pistachio which was heavenly.
-Drove back to Upper Arlington. Went back to the same Caribou for more coffee and internet usage.
-Waited in the parking lot for Jenny to finish for 1 1/2 hours. Nearly froze to death. (We had not confirmed when the workshop was supposed to end, but I thought I remember 2:30. It was, in fact, 3:30 and she got out 15 minutes later than that.)
We then drove home, which took 4 hours due to snow and taking a weird route to avoid highways and secluded country roads that wouldn't be plowed or salted.
On this trip, I brought several things to amuse myself, including my knitting. I brought two projects: My second Monkey sock and a green alpaca hat. The story of the green alpaca hat is this...
I bought two skeins of Alpaca about two years ago, when I first showed a real interest in knitting. One in a lighter green, one in a darker green. I also bought an Addi circular needle for this hat. I got about halfway done with the hat when it disappeared. Two years later, I assumed it was gone forever when it popped up while I was cleaning out a closet. So, I started knitting the hat again today. After a few rows, I looked down and realized that the recent knitting was much tighter, making a sort of scrunched band.
Lesson learned: Your gauge may change after a couple of years. Either rip back and reknit more loosely or hope the blocking goes well.
Then I whipped out me Monkey. I was knitting along when I thought I should check how many repeats I had to go before starting the toe. I knew it wasn't close because it was much shorter than the finished sock, but it's good to know ahead of time. So, I counted the repeats on the finished sock and then on the in-progress sock. According to my counting, I was ready to started the toe. I recounted for the hell of it, just in case I had forgotten how to count to 10. I hadn't. I swear to you, this sock (without the toe) is 4 or 5 inches shorter than the finished one... Subtract 2 inches for the toe and I've got a sock that's 2 or 3 inches shorter. And much narrower. It looks nicer than the first, but it will be far too short. I think I'll try it on, see how bad it is, then decide what to do from there. I will be so sad if I have to frog it/them.
Lesson learned: Cast on the second sock immediately! Your gauge doesn't always take 2 years to change... it can change within 2 months.
Ali
-Took Jenny's directions to find Grandview and, instead, saw the OSU campus. And lots and lots of students.
-Went to Caribou for coffee.
-Drove through Grandview to see what that was all about.
-Drove back to Upper Arlington and went to Half Price Books. Bought some books and $1 calendars after browsing for an hour.
-Drove back to Grandview. Had lunch at Aladdin's. Yum.
-Went to Jeni's Ice Cream down the street. Had the Honey Pistachio which was heavenly.
-Drove back to Upper Arlington. Went back to the same Caribou for more coffee and internet usage.
-Waited in the parking lot for Jenny to finish for 1 1/2 hours. Nearly froze to death. (We had not confirmed when the workshop was supposed to end, but I thought I remember 2:30. It was, in fact, 3:30 and she got out 15 minutes later than that.)
We then drove home, which took 4 hours due to snow and taking a weird route to avoid highways and secluded country roads that wouldn't be plowed or salted.
On this trip, I brought several things to amuse myself, including my knitting. I brought two projects: My second Monkey sock and a green alpaca hat. The story of the green alpaca hat is this...
I bought two skeins of Alpaca about two years ago, when I first showed a real interest in knitting. One in a lighter green, one in a darker green. I also bought an Addi circular needle for this hat. I got about halfway done with the hat when it disappeared. Two years later, I assumed it was gone forever when it popped up while I was cleaning out a closet. So, I started knitting the hat again today. After a few rows, I looked down and realized that the recent knitting was much tighter, making a sort of scrunched band.
Lesson learned: Your gauge may change after a couple of years. Either rip back and reknit more loosely or hope the blocking goes well.
Then I whipped out me Monkey. I was knitting along when I thought I should check how many repeats I had to go before starting the toe. I knew it wasn't close because it was much shorter than the finished sock, but it's good to know ahead of time. So, I counted the repeats on the finished sock and then on the in-progress sock. According to my counting, I was ready to started the toe. I recounted for the hell of it, just in case I had forgotten how to count to 10. I hadn't. I swear to you, this sock (without the toe) is 4 or 5 inches shorter than the finished one... Subtract 2 inches for the toe and I've got a sock that's 2 or 3 inches shorter. And much narrower. It looks nicer than the first, but it will be far too short. I think I'll try it on, see how bad it is, then decide what to do from there. I will be so sad if I have to frog it/them.
Lesson learned: Cast on the second sock immediately! Your gauge doesn't always take 2 years to change... it can change within 2 months.
Ali
Monday, February 16, 2009
Quick Update
Valentine's Day kicked my ass. What an awful holiday. Skip cooked us a lovely dinner... Steak and fries and wine and strawberries and chocolate. Very kind of him. I just wish my romantic Valentine's dinner hadn't been made for me by my sister's fiance.
I've actually been practicing my guitar playing lately. My new favorite song is "Where I Stood" by Missy Higgins and I've been trying to learn it. I'm trying to actually learn new chords instead of playing the same 6 over and over. It's just difficult with short fingers. Until now I've avoided anything with a F or B in it.
I can't wait for knitting tomorrow night. It is the highlight of my week.
Ali
I've actually been practicing my guitar playing lately. My new favorite song is "Where I Stood" by Missy Higgins and I've been trying to learn it. I'm trying to actually learn new chords instead of playing the same 6 over and over. It's just difficult with short fingers. Until now I've avoided anything with a F or B in it.
I can't wait for knitting tomorrow night. It is the highlight of my week.
Ali
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Multi-Knitting
Last night, Jenny and I went to our knitting group. I finished the socks that I was working on a couple of hours before we left, so I had nothing to knit but blanket squares for a baby blanket. I was complaining about how bored I was knitting them and how I wished I had another project to work on.
That was one day ago and now I have 3 projects going now (not including the blanket squares). Well, two are going and one is on deck.
I started some fingerless mitts (pattern: Endpaper Mitts) to practice fair isle, which I've never done. So far, it's going pretty well. Then, Jenny found my yarn for my second Monkey sock, so I immediately cast that on. Plus, I have to make a hat for my great aunt and I need to do that soon. She said she liked my Meret (mystery beret), so I should probably just make her one of those... Right? Yeah, I should.
What a busy life I lead.
Ali
That was one day ago and now I have 3 projects going now (not including the blanket squares). Well, two are going and one is on deck.
I started some fingerless mitts (pattern: Endpaper Mitts) to practice fair isle, which I've never done. So far, it's going pretty well. Then, Jenny found my yarn for my second Monkey sock, so I immediately cast that on. Plus, I have to make a hat for my great aunt and I need to do that soon. She said she liked my Meret (mystery beret), so I should probably just make her one of those... Right? Yeah, I should.
What a busy life I lead.
Ali
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Super Bowl Thoughts
1. Go Arizona! Tear that shit up!
2. Go Jennifer Hudson! Sing it, girl!
3. Go home, Bruce Springsteen! Bring back Justin Timberlake!
I think that's it.
2. Go Jennifer Hudson! Sing it, girl!
3. Go home, Bruce Springsteen! Bring back Justin Timberlake!
I think that's it.
Friday, January 30, 2009
I'm tired.
I think everyone's getting married. That's my theory. If you are my age or older, you are married or getting married. It's seriously annoying. And it's not even that I want to get married now, even if I do say that. It's just that, when I do decide I want to get married, I would like for there to be a single guy or two left.
Knitting is surprisingly exhausting. I think I get so tired from staring at the tiny stitches as I knit them. Sort of like staring at a computer screen for too long, but different. Plus, my hands get wicked sore from the stupid arthritis that I shouldn't have yet.
Oh! I have a picture to share! I remember saying something a while ago about trying to post a picture with each blog update... That never happened. But I think today's picture makes up for all of those past pictureless posts!
Knitting is surprisingly exhausting. I think I get so tired from staring at the tiny stitches as I knit them. Sort of like staring at a computer screen for too long, but different. Plus, my hands get wicked sore from the stupid arthritis that I shouldn't have yet.
Oh! I have a picture to share! I remember saying something a while ago about trying to post a picture with each blog update... That never happened. But I think today's picture makes up for all of those past pictureless posts!
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Cabled Wristwarmers Pattern
Some notes on this pattern: These are designed to fit quite snugly. Make sure your gauge isn't too tight - if it is, use bigger needles! Also, I want to assure you that this is a very simple and quick project. Don't be fooled by the wordiness.
MATERIALS
*1 skein KnitPicks Gloss in Dusk (or any similar weight yarn)
4 Size US 2 DPNs
Cable needle (or extra DPN)
Stitch Markers
Waste yarn
Tapestry needle
*I haven't weighed what's left of the skein, but it looks like I used about half of it.
GAUGE
6.5 sts=1 inch (26 sts=4 inches)
ABBREVIATIONS
CO - Cast on
K - Knit
P - Purl
C2F - Slip 1 stitch to cable needle, move to front, knit 1, knit stitch from cable needle.
C2B - Slip 1 stitch to cable needle, move to back, knit 1, knit stitch from cable needle.
C4F - Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, move to front, knit 2, knit stitches from cable needle.
PM - Place marker
M1 - Make 1 stitch
SM - Slip marker
PATTERN
Row 1: K2, C2F, C2B, P2, K4, P2, C2F, C2B, K2
Row 2: K3, C2F, K1, P2, K4, P2, K1, C2B, K3
Row 3: K2, C2B, C2F, P2, K4, P2, C2B, C2F, K2
Row 4: K6, P2, K4, P2, K6
Row 5: K2, C2F, C2B, P2, K4, P2, C2F, C2B, K2
Row 6: K3, C2F, K1, P2, C4F, P2, K1, C2B, K3
Row 7: K2, C2B, C2F, P2, K4, P2, C2B, C2F, K2
Row 8: K6, P2, K4, P2, K6
DIRECTIONS
Right Wristwarmer:
CO 48 sts and distribute over 3 needles (14-20-14). Join in the round.
*K1, P1, repeat from * to end of row. Continue ribbing until you are pleased with the length. I did 6 rows of ribbing.
Start pattern. Needles 1and 3 will be stockinette. The pattern is only for needle 2!
Repeat pattern twice, then repeat rows 1-5 of the pattern. (You may do more repeats for a longer sleeve, just make sure you end on row 5.)
Thumb Gusset:
Gusset Row 1: K17, C2F, K1, P2, C4F, P2, K1, C2B, K8, PM, M1, K1, M1, PM, K8
Gusset Row 2: K16, C2B, C2F, P2, K4, P2, C2B, C2F, K7, SM, K3, SM, K7
Gusset Row 3: K20, P2, K4, P2, K11, SM, M1, K3, M1, SM, K8
Continue working pattern (at this point you're back to repeating row 1 of pattern) until you get to the thumb gusset stitches. When you reach the first marker:
For even rows: SM, M1, knit to the second marker, M1, SM, K to end of row
For odd rows: SM, knit to second marker, SM, K to end of row
Continue this until there are 15 stitches between the markers.
Next rows:
K16, C2B, C2F, P2, K4, P2, C2B, C2F, K7, SM, K15, SM, K8
K20, P2, K4, P2, K11, slip gusset stitches onto waste yarn, CO 5 sts over gap*, K8
Repeat pattern rows 5-8 (knit 4 extra stitches at end of each row)
Repeat rows 1-8
Repeat rows 1-2
*K1, P1, repeat from * to end of row. Again, continue ribbing until you're pleased.
BO all sts
Thumb:
Attach yarn inconspicuously so that you can begin knitting.
Move gusset sts from waste yarn onto 2 DPNs. Pick up 8 sts above thumb gap.
Knit 6 rows (23 sts)
BO all sts
FINISHING
Weave in all ends
Left Wristwarmer:
Work the same as with the right wristwarmer until you get to the first row of the thumb gusset.
Thumb Gusset:
Gusset Row 1: K7, PM, M1, K1, M1, PM, K9, C2F, K1, P2, C4F, P2, K1, C2B, K17
Work the same as the right wristwarmer (making sts on even rows and knitting across gusset on odd rows).
When you have finished the gusset (15 sts between markers) and have moved gusset sts onto waste yarn and cast on sts over the gap, continue working left wristwarmer the same as the right. Extra stitches will be at the beginning of the row instead of the end.
And you finish just like with the right wristwarmer.
Hopefully these instructions aren't painfully confusing, although I see how they could be. If you find errors, please let me know. I can be reached through comment here, email at alisonwilliams24@hotmail.com, or through PM on Ravelry (alison24). Thanks!
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Sad Music
Tonight I was feeling a bit sad. Quite sad, in fact. So, I decided to sit myself down with some knitting and listen to slow, sad music because sometimes you just have to be sad, you know? But, as it turns out my Ipod is slightly lacking in the slow song department. I have a few, but my Ipod is mostly filled with music that I can dance around the house to. Also, most of the slow songs are freaking love songs. That's really not what I was going for. So, now, I'm listening to the same few songs over and over. I really need to get my Ipod organized and create some playlists so I don't have to keep searching for the slow songs.
Breakups are hard. Note to self: In future, when going through a breakup, remove "your song" from Ipod. When you stumble upon it later, you will not be happy. In fact, it will be quite painful. Remember that, self.
Ali
Breakups are hard. Note to self: In future, when going through a breakup, remove "your song" from Ipod. When you stumble upon it later, you will not be happy. In fact, it will be quite painful. Remember that, self.
Ali
Monday, January 12, 2009
What to knit?!
I'm so frustrated. I have too much yarn. I mean, no, I don't have too much yarn but the variety of yarn I have is making it impossible to start a new project. I have several different yarns that I'm so excited about knitting, but I can't choose between them. And then, deciding what to knit with them... It's just so hard. Like, I want to make a cowl. But the cowl patterns I see that I really like are for worsted or heavier weight yarns. All of my fabulous yarns that I'm excited about are fingering-ish weight.
And back to the Ravelry pattern search I go...
-Ali
And back to the Ravelry pattern search I go...
-Ali
Thursday, January 8, 2009
In which I have another excuse to hibernate.
I just want to say that I probably won't be seeing you all for awhile and I really appreciate the time we've had together. You're all great and I won't forget you.
You see, Skip got me carders and a spinning wheel for Christmas and now it's my duty to stay close to them until I've produced some yarn. (I intended for a smooth, creamy worsted alpaca, but now we've moved on to bulky novelty alpaca.) It's very engrossing and I'm not sure how long it will take to get the hang of it. Maybe I'll see you in the spring. But maybe not.
-Jenny
You see, Skip got me carders and a spinning wheel for Christmas and now it's my duty to stay close to them until I've produced some yarn. (I intended for a smooth, creamy worsted alpaca, but now we've moved on to bulky novelty alpaca.) It's very engrossing and I'm not sure how long it will take to get the hang of it. Maybe I'll see you in the spring. But maybe not.
-Jenny
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