Today was my birthday! I had a really nice weekend, with all of my favourite things.
Amazing chocolate cake. OMG so yum.
Mexican food. Thai food. Homemade pizza.
Presents (AN IPAD OMG!)
The Arkells!
Shopping at Mixed Media! (lino blocks. I solemnly swear I'll submit to the Wayzgoose anthology this year.)
Life is good.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Sunday, January 08, 2012
Making stuff and doing things
I've been fairly busy lately, I think?
I've been knitting, as always.
Trying to get into sewing.
Re-learning how to spin.
Etc etc.
First off, a wee hat for a friend's new baby. I've been told it fits well, and looks cute. Yay!
Next, a cowl/loop scarf for me. Knit entirely while I was sick during the holidays. So much love for this, just need it to get cold enough to wear! (just a sneak peek, it's a giant loop)
I'm currently working on a ginormous scarf/shawl/wrap/blanket. I am madly in love.
A very very very long day was spent with a friend, cutting the pieces for a queen-sized quilt top. (do you know how painful that is? I was so sore and creaky, it was almost funny) Before I can start sewing, I need to figure out how I want to arrange 19 (!!!!!!) different prints...
One potential layout here (not going to be my final choice)
Giant mound of pieces (12*19 pieces of print, plus 50ish strips of yellow):
I've been knitting, as always.
Trying to get into sewing.
Re-learning how to spin.
Etc etc.
First off, a wee hat for a friend's new baby. I've been told it fits well, and looks cute. Yay!
Next, a cowl/loop scarf for me. Knit entirely while I was sick during the holidays. So much love for this, just need it to get cold enough to wear! (just a sneak peek, it's a giant loop)
I'm currently working on a ginormous scarf/shawl/wrap/blanket. I am madly in love.
A very very very long day was spent with a friend, cutting the pieces for a queen-sized quilt top. (do you know how painful that is? I was so sore and creaky, it was almost funny) Before I can start sewing, I need to figure out how I want to arrange 19 (!!!!!!) different prints...
One potential layout here (not going to be my final choice)
Giant mound of pieces (12*19 pieces of print, plus 50ish strips of yellow):
Sunday, January 01, 2012
2012 is going to be the best year ever!
Or it will be if you believe The Sadies! We rang in the new year at the Horseshoe, watching The Sadies. It was great. Possibly my favourite way to start a new year.
I'm not big for resolutions, because really? I won't follow through. I know it! But there are a few things I'd like to try to accomplish (or continue!!!) this year. Nothing big. Laughably small, almost.... Except not.
1. Keep with the running. I'd really like to improve my half-marathon time.
2. Be a bit more organized/tidy/etc. I've got a planner for the first time in 10+ years! (and it's gorgeous!)
3. Try new things/go new places. Instead of whining about how I really want to go to places like Chuck's Burger Bar or Art Crawl or whatever... I'm just going to do it. Why not? (latest crazy idea? hiking the Grand Canyon. Seriously.)
4. Keep with the creative stuff. It's been insane lately (inside my head). So many ideas! So many things I may or may not get around to, but I can't wait to find out what comes next!
Do you have any plans/resolutions/goals for the new year???
I'm not big for resolutions, because really? I won't follow through. I know it! But there are a few things I'd like to try to accomplish (or continue!!!) this year. Nothing big. Laughably small, almost.... Except not.
1. Keep with the running. I'd really like to improve my half-marathon time.
2. Be a bit more organized/tidy/etc. I've got a planner for the first time in 10+ years! (and it's gorgeous!)
3. Try new things/go new places. Instead of whining about how I really want to go to places like Chuck's Burger Bar or Art Crawl or whatever... I'm just going to do it. Why not? (latest crazy idea? hiking the Grand Canyon. Seriously.)
4. Keep with the creative stuff. It's been insane lately (inside my head). So many ideas! So many things I may or may not get around to, but I can't wait to find out what comes next!
Do you have any plans/resolutions/goals for the new year???
Monday, December 19, 2011
Books are good
I'm home sick today, so why not talk about books? That's what I would have done all day anyways :) (that, or help people use the internet.... the joys of public libraries!)
I've continued with the whole 'keeping track of my books' thing, and I like it. As knitting, running, etc picks up, reading definitely slows down. But that's okay - I read a lot of great books this year anyways. Enough to do a top 10? Maybe... Turns out I made it to 6! 6 favourite books of 2011!
Favourite books of 2011:
1. Name of the Wind
I'm only a geek when it suits me. The rest of the time I'm just .... Someone who enjoys XKCD. But when I saw this author mentioned in Library Journal, I thought it sounded like something I'd enjoy. I was so right. I will buy this book. I don't tend to be a big fan of 'high fantasy'. It's all too long and complex. Wordy might be what I mean. Names that are 30 letters long and all look the same. This isn't like that. This book is awesome. It's written as the main character is narrating the story of his life to a scribe.
2. The Wise Man's Fear
Part two of the Kingkiller Chronicles. Almost as good as the first. I really can't wait to re-read them. I waited and waited and waited for this book. Something like 2 months! (even library staff have to wait!) It was so worth it. It was a bit more work, maybe even a bit of a slog through some of it. But in the meanwhile, I'll be doing the "when's the next book?!?!?" dance. Often.
3. Still Life
When I started my weird mystery kick, people kept recommending Louise Penny. I didn't get around to reading any of her books until this summer. I enjoyed them enough that I read all of them throughout the remainder of the year. Her books take place in Quebec, mostly in a small village called Three Pines. There's a lot of commentary on Franco/Anglo issues, and a lot of uniquely Canadian things. (Hello Double-double, I love you as a culturally identifiable drink. Just ew, I'll take a tea, thanks.) I thought they were really well written, and I enjoyed the humour too.
4. Geek Wisdom
My boss actually told me about this book! She's got a much better grasp of current events/pop culture than I do. I'm not enough of a geek to know all the references in this book. Like I mentioned, I don't read fantasy. I don't watch things like Star Wars. But when I saw a whole page devoted to "The cake is a lie", I won't deny it. I squeeed like a small child. (and I don't even play Portal?!) It was a quick fun read while still being interesting and even a bit thought-provoking.
5. The Sisters Brothers
I'm on the fence about this one. I just finished it a few days ago, and I enjoyed it.... But I'm not sure that I enjoyed it in a '2 major awards' sort of way. There was one chapter that just ruined it for me. I was determined to finish, so I kept on with it... But at that point, I just didn't want to. But I absolutely love the cover, so a big gold star for that! And congrats on the awards. Had that awful chapter been omitted, I would not have disagreed. Maybe I have delicate sensibilities.
6. Started Early, Took My Dog
Not Kate Atkinson's best, I don't think. But even when not her best, still excellent. I adore Kate Atkinson's writing style. Her characters are fantastic, and you're always left guessing. A friend/former colleague described her books as quirky British mysteries, and it's the perfect description. Lots of characters, lots of inter-connected plot, but well done. Very well done.
I've continued with the whole 'keeping track of my books' thing, and I like it. As knitting, running, etc picks up, reading definitely slows down. But that's okay - I read a lot of great books this year anyways. Enough to do a top 10? Maybe... Turns out I made it to 6! 6 favourite books of 2011!
Favourite books of 2011:
1. Name of the Wind
I'm only a geek when it suits me. The rest of the time I'm just .... Someone who enjoys XKCD. But when I saw this author mentioned in Library Journal, I thought it sounded like something I'd enjoy. I was so right. I will buy this book. I don't tend to be a big fan of 'high fantasy'. It's all too long and complex. Wordy might be what I mean. Names that are 30 letters long and all look the same. This isn't like that. This book is awesome. It's written as the main character is narrating the story of his life to a scribe.
2. The Wise Man's Fear
Part two of the Kingkiller Chronicles. Almost as good as the first. I really can't wait to re-read them. I waited and waited and waited for this book. Something like 2 months! (even library staff have to wait!) It was so worth it. It was a bit more work, maybe even a bit of a slog through some of it. But in the meanwhile, I'll be doing the "when's the next book?!?!?" dance. Often.
3. Still Life
When I started my weird mystery kick, people kept recommending Louise Penny. I didn't get around to reading any of her books until this summer. I enjoyed them enough that I read all of them throughout the remainder of the year. Her books take place in Quebec, mostly in a small village called Three Pines. There's a lot of commentary on Franco/Anglo issues, and a lot of uniquely Canadian things. (Hello Double-double, I love you as a culturally identifiable drink. Just ew, I'll take a tea, thanks.) I thought they were really well written, and I enjoyed the humour too.
4. Geek Wisdom
My boss actually told me about this book! She's got a much better grasp of current events/pop culture than I do. I'm not enough of a geek to know all the references in this book. Like I mentioned, I don't read fantasy. I don't watch things like Star Wars. But when I saw a whole page devoted to "The cake is a lie", I won't deny it. I squeeed like a small child. (and I don't even play Portal?!) It was a quick fun read while still being interesting and even a bit thought-provoking.
5. The Sisters Brothers
I'm on the fence about this one. I just finished it a few days ago, and I enjoyed it.... But I'm not sure that I enjoyed it in a '2 major awards' sort of way. There was one chapter that just ruined it for me. I was determined to finish, so I kept on with it... But at that point, I just didn't want to. But I absolutely love the cover, so a big gold star for that! And congrats on the awards. Had that awful chapter been omitted, I would not have disagreed. Maybe I have delicate sensibilities.
6. Started Early, Took My Dog
Not Kate Atkinson's best, I don't think. But even when not her best, still excellent. I adore Kate Atkinson's writing style. Her characters are fantastic, and you're always left guessing. A friend/former colleague described her books as quirky British mysteries, and it's the perfect description. Lots of characters, lots of inter-connected plot, but well done. Very well done.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Craft Diversions, etc
Before I say too much, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Joyeux Noel, Happy New Years! Just in case I have nothing to say before 2012 rolls around...
So everyone knows I've been running. But what else have I been doing when I'm not training for my 10-mile race? All sorts of things! I printed Christmas cards! I've been knitting! I've been spinning!
Behold! the slightly wobbly type after printing cards and undoing the quoins:
the card:
and a close-up:
Yes, I was feeling minimalist... That's Bernhard Fashion, 18pt. The spacing (that came with it!!) is the wrong size, so I improvised a bit. My paper came from Mixed Media, as always. Is it wrong to say I'm madly in love with my cards? Because I am. In addition to printing, I've been knitting. Lots of fail recently, but my current project is pure win. I'm knitting a Hitchhiker scarf right now, and I love it. It's super easy, perfect for lazy days watching movies and drinking tea.
Annnnnnnnnnd.... Last but not least....... I've been spinning on MY NEW WHEEL! Just one sneak peek until I figure out how to best capture its awesomeness.
So everyone knows I've been running. But what else have I been doing when I'm not training for my 10-mile race? All sorts of things! I printed Christmas cards! I've been knitting! I've been spinning!
Behold! the slightly wobbly type after printing cards and undoing the quoins:
the card:
and a close-up:
Yes, I was feeling minimalist... That's Bernhard Fashion, 18pt. The spacing (that came with it!!) is the wrong size, so I improvised a bit. My paper came from Mixed Media, as always. Is it wrong to say I'm madly in love with my cards? Because I am. In addition to printing, I've been knitting. Lots of fail recently, but my current project is pure win. I'm knitting a Hitchhiker scarf right now, and I love it. It's super easy, perfect for lazy days watching movies and drinking tea.
Annnnnnnnnnd.... Last but not least....... I've been spinning on MY NEW WHEEL! Just one sneak peek until I figure out how to best capture its awesomeness.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Delayed Return.....
Posting once every 6 weeks is cool, right?
I didn't run much after the race - I was sickly, I was sick, I was injured, etc. But I did 12km yesterday, and it was almost glorious. The new running shoes I bought after I got home are even better :)
These are my Saucony ProGrid Guide 4s. I had to get the pink because they were the only colour in wide width. Boo pink, but yay COMFIEST SHOES EVER. I went to a local running store and despite feeling like a total dork, I was basically overjoyed when I left. (thanks awesome running store guy!)
Other things I've done since the race? I saw The Sheepdogs again. They played at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton. Last week we saw Margaret Atwood speak at Hamilton Public Library. She is hilarious, and it was great. In October, we saw Mumford and Sons (fantastic show, also at Copps!) and Portishead (also fantastic!). I think that's about it.
I guess it's worth mentioning that I read The Night Circus, which was good but waaaaay over-hyped, in my humble opinion.
These are my Saucony ProGrid Guide 4s. I had to get the pink because they were the only colour in wide width. Boo pink, but yay COMFIEST SHOES EVER. I went to a local running store and despite feeling like a total dork, I was basically overjoyed when I left. (thanks awesome running store guy!)
Other things I've done since the race? I saw The Sheepdogs again. They played at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton. Last week we saw Margaret Atwood speak at Hamilton Public Library. She is hilarious, and it was great. In October, we saw Mumford and Sons (fantastic show, also at Copps!) and Portishead (also fantastic!). I think that's about it.
I guess it's worth mentioning that I read The Night Circus, which was good but waaaaay over-hyped, in my humble opinion.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Run run run
My half-marathon was today! I managed 2:54 chip time, 3:06 gun time. Totally not the best run, but I finished :)
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Busy busy
Thanksgiving was this past weekend. I made 3 kinds of pie! Pumpkin, pecan, (both from the amazing Flour cookbook), and Pumpkin chocolate chip cookie pie. I was blown away by the pecan pie - I've never had homemade before. The pumpkin was fantastic too. The pumpkin chocolate chip cookie pie was a bit too sweet and over the top for me, but delicious nonetheless. All in all, delicious Thanksgiving.
In other news, I'm going to need to start car shopping soon. My car is giving up. And as much as I want to drive it forever, I'm a fan of cars that DON'T stall in my driveway regularly.
And finally, 5 days until THE BIG RACE. I'm nervous. Eeeep!
Monday, September 19, 2011
I'm not exciting
Let's see. Last weekend (Sept 10), we went to Supercrawl. It was super awesome, and I plan to attend regularly.
This past weekend, we attended a wedding, where I got a worse sunburn than ever in my life! (seriously, it's pain)
And then spent the rest of the weekend sick and sniffly. As a result, I skipped my 13 mile (21km) run, but I'll do that this weekend instead.
Oh, The Name of the Wind is fantastic, and I highly recommend it to anyone who reads fantasy. The fact that I like it may mean it's not very good high/epic fantasy, but it got good reviews. So there.
Other than that, not too much! My race is Oct 16 (nervous nervous aaagh!) and I finished a sweater that looks a little something like this:
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Art Crawl etc
On Friday, I took the very long way home, and stopped by the James St Art Crawl. I missed tonnes of awesome stuff, but saw a few cool things :)
I also managed to stop by the Beehive Craft Fair and Mixed Media (of course). So I'm now the proud owner of a Lamy Safari fountain pen (wishing I'd got the medium nib though), and some Viola yarn.
I then ran 16km on Saturday morning. And my parents came to help me with housestuff (I'm incapable). Turns out we froze all winter long because of a $30 (at most) part that was busted/installed wrong. (previous owners, I love you) I kind of felt like weeping.
I also managed to stop by the Beehive Craft Fair and Mixed Media (of course). So I'm now the proud owner of a Lamy Safari fountain pen (wishing I'd got the medium nib though), and some Viola yarn.
I then ran 16km on Saturday morning. And my parents came to help me with housestuff (I'm incapable). Turns out we froze all winter long because of a $30 (at most) part that was busted/installed wrong. (previous owners, I love you) I kind of felt like weeping.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)