I went to my first knitting convention this weekend. I guess it was called a knitting convention. I went to hear The Yarn Harlot speak.
Now ordinarily I wouldn't think there'd be too much to say about knitting, but this woman was FUNNY. The other thing you have to say about these knitters is they know how to make you feel welcome. As I was waiting for my two crazy knitting fools to go get their books signed, I was treated to beer and chocolate from the good folks at Hill Country Weavers. In fact, if you look closely at TYH's Austin post you'll see me in one of the pictures enjoying my brew. Look closely, it's the picture right below the group shot at the chuch (read her post and that might not seem as crazy as it sounds...then again, it's Austin, it might). Anyway, I'm the one in the blue shirt holding a beer.
So maybe Crystal will get her pictures up on her craft blog and you can see what the fun was really all about. In fact I'm going to let them learn me how to knit. I know what you're thinking - I don't really need anything else to keep me occupied. And you'd be right, but doesn't our beautiful city need another person creating scarves, hats and socks in a 100 degree climate?
Just doin' my part to Keep Austin Weird.
-E
UPDATE - in finding links for this post I found a whole section on Leslie, our city's cross-dressing perpetual mayoral candiate. I am astounded that Leslie has his own Wikipedia entry. (I know some of you will be more shocked by Leslie than the fact he has a Wikipedia entry, but stay with me here.) What's next celebrities playing the bongos naked in the middle of the night?
Monday, July 31, 2006
Thursday, July 27, 2006
He's Frickin' Killing Me!
The Critter sees me getting ready for my class this fall. I'm busy making name tags, cubby tags, t-shirt and all the other fun stuff that comes with a new year. I'm buying new toys and planning new crafts and games.
The past week or so The Critter looks at me with those big brown eyes and tells me in a quivering voice he doesn't want to go to Kindergarten. He wants to stay with me in my class. And of course, since he IS my baby, I want him to stay with me too!
*sob*
-e
The past week or so The Critter looks at me with those big brown eyes and tells me in a quivering voice he doesn't want to go to Kindergarten. He wants to stay with me in my class. And of course, since he IS my baby, I want him to stay with me too!
*sob*
-e
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
I Think Enough Time As Passed
I have a 10 year aversion to ramen noodles. We were so poor in college that we ate a lot of ramen noodles. I wanted to wait for years before trying it again because we ate it so much of it in our young and lean(er) years. Today, for some reason, we had a package in the pantry (Lawdy, I hope it wasn’t left over from college). I gave it a shot again for lunch. Not bad, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say Yum! Still I think I’m over my noodle fast.
-E
-E
Sunday, July 23, 2006
The Wheels In My Brain Go Round And Round or We Want To Buy A Car
We are *thinking* about looking for a new(er) car. How’s that for commitment? We know we will need a new car soon so we’ve been researching, but there are some things I’ve noticed. If you’ll indulge me thinking aloud for a bit you are invited to give share with me your experience and points for consideration…LOL! Okay, wandering thoughts to commence…
One, I’ve always heard that you should buy used because of depreciation – blah, blah, blah. However, if you get a car that is one or two years old with low miles you can practically buy a brand new car for the same amount and get incentives.
Two, I’ve always heard the rule of thumb for miles on a car is 10-12K a year. I’m finding cars that are a few years older have many more miles on them than the “average”. Has the average changed? Am I being unreasonable in my miles consideration for a used vehicle? The disparity between miles on new and used is HUGE. A lot of the cars even a few years older have like 80K on them, especially the Honda Odyssey.
Gas, gas, and more gas. I’ve been able to justify my gas-guzzling SUV because I don’t have a payment. Since we are going to have to acquire *cough, cough* payment with a new car the gas is going to have to come down a bit to compensate for the increase to our auto budget line. Of course anything would be better than what we’re doing fuel-wise, but I want the most bang for my buck in terms of vehicle room vs. gas mileage.
One of the things I may have to sacrifice is the third seat. When we bought our Suburban we had planned on having four kids, but we’re done. We stopped at two. The ‘burban seems too much, but a 5-seater makes me think it might not be enough room. I would be limited to carrying my kids and my kids only, read no carpooling. This has it’s pluses and minuses.
Rate of interest. It’s been so long since we’ve had a payment that I don’t know what is considered a good rate of interest. It is 5% good? Is 11% good? I used to see those 0%, but I haven’t seen them much lately. Are they still around?
Vehicles we’re considering: a Mazda 6 wagon (not the sedan and not the Mazda 5, I just don’t like the look of them), a Honda Odyssey (ca-ching, but we would keep it for 8-10 years as the experts advise…hell, we’d HAVE to), a Ford Explorer, a Ford Freestyle (but they don’t have much of a track record yet), Dodge Caliber Wagon or something Chevrolet since we’ve had one model or another for 13 years and had great luck with them. Do you have any of these and what do think?
Next to our home (and well our obscene student loan) this is one of the biggest purchases we’ll make. I’m so afraid of getting it wrong. I know some people buy new cars all the time, but we don’t. In fact I’d still like to eek out another year on our ‘burban and pretend to make car payments to our savings to we can have as big a down payment as possible.
Okay, thanks for letting me “talk” this out. I don’t have any real answers in my own head. I guess I’ll subscribe to the Oprah school of thought that doubt means don’t for now.
-E <-- who just may be terminally cheap
One, I’ve always heard that you should buy used because of depreciation – blah, blah, blah. However, if you get a car that is one or two years old with low miles you can practically buy a brand new car for the same amount and get incentives.
Two, I’ve always heard the rule of thumb for miles on a car is 10-12K a year. I’m finding cars that are a few years older have many more miles on them than the “average”. Has the average changed? Am I being unreasonable in my miles consideration for a used vehicle? The disparity between miles on new and used is HUGE. A lot of the cars even a few years older have like 80K on them, especially the Honda Odyssey.
Gas, gas, and more gas. I’ve been able to justify my gas-guzzling SUV because I don’t have a payment. Since we are going to have to acquire *cough, cough* payment with a new car the gas is going to have to come down a bit to compensate for the increase to our auto budget line. Of course anything would be better than what we’re doing fuel-wise, but I want the most bang for my buck in terms of vehicle room vs. gas mileage.
One of the things I may have to sacrifice is the third seat. When we bought our Suburban we had planned on having four kids, but we’re done. We stopped at two. The ‘burban seems too much, but a 5-seater makes me think it might not be enough room. I would be limited to carrying my kids and my kids only, read no carpooling. This has it’s pluses and minuses.
Rate of interest. It’s been so long since we’ve had a payment that I don’t know what is considered a good rate of interest. It is 5% good? Is 11% good? I used to see those 0%, but I haven’t seen them much lately. Are they still around?
Vehicles we’re considering: a Mazda 6 wagon (not the sedan and not the Mazda 5, I just don’t like the look of them), a Honda Odyssey (ca-ching, but we would keep it for 8-10 years as the experts advise…hell, we’d HAVE to), a Ford Explorer, a Ford Freestyle (but they don’t have much of a track record yet), Dodge Caliber Wagon or something Chevrolet since we’ve had one model or another for 13 years and had great luck with them. Do you have any of these and what do think?
Next to our home (and well our obscene student loan) this is one of the biggest purchases we’ll make. I’m so afraid of getting it wrong. I know some people buy new cars all the time, but we don’t. In fact I’d still like to eek out another year on our ‘burban and pretend to make car payments to our savings to we can have as big a down payment as possible.
Okay, thanks for letting me “talk” this out. I don’t have any real answers in my own head. I guess I’ll subscribe to the Oprah school of thought that doubt means don’t for now.
-E <-- who just may be terminally cheap
Saturday, July 22, 2006
Woot! Woot!
I finished it!
I've been reading this book for what seems like forever. It's not that it was particularly difficult, but it was hard to get into at first. And, by God, I was going to finish it!
I think I could tell which parts weren't entirely true, but it was still a good read. If you get over the whole idea that it's supposed to be a memoir and just focus on the fact is a good story, you'll probably enjoy it too.
Th-th-that's all folks...
-E
I've been reading this book for what seems like forever. It's not that it was particularly difficult, but it was hard to get into at first. And, by God, I was going to finish it!
I think I could tell which parts weren't entirely true, but it was still a good read. If you get over the whole idea that it's supposed to be a memoir and just focus on the fact is a good story, you'll probably enjoy it too.
Th-th-that's all folks...
-E
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Sometimes You've Just Gotta Face The Facts
I had big plans this summer. I was going to save money, get organized, take care of some home improvement tasks on my list, and finally start that project with my friend, J. Big, big plans.
I've done nuttin'.
It's just too hard with the boys home. "Mommy, can you read to me?" "Mommy, can you make me a snack?" "Mommy, can we put away the laundry before the pile crushes my little brother while he plays on the floor near the couch?" It's always something.
The other goal was to cook at home more. We've done really well up until this past week when the temperature went past the century mark. I'm sorry, it's just too damn hot to cook sometimes. We made a run for the boarder and picked up burgers this week. Baaad mommy! Bad, bad mommy! In my defense, I gave Papa the option of cooking, but he wasn't having none of that. In fact, he's the one that boogied through the drive-thru on the way home. So there!
I've been busy with work and my new boss (yipee!) told me to take it easy until Monday or I was going to burn myself out. True dat. I love the new boss. He was promoted from within and the new management team is kick-ass. Things are getting done! I work four blocks from where I live so I want to stay there as long as possible. With the price of gas any more money I could make somewhere else would only be sucked up by petro. They're flexible with my working hours, the perks have been great and they're really supportive of outside commitments. There are times of the year when I have to put in more, like this past week, but hey at least I have the flexibility to get it done. I haven't worked this many hours (43 in 15 days) in a loooong time. Remember I'm a part time employee. That's okay I could use the extra bucks, which brings me to what else we've been up to.
School supplies.
Lawdy, this is a process I think I'm going to get down to a science and I never do. Apparently there is going to be a drought on glue sticks because there are none to be found at Target. I'm having to go to a bunch of different stores to get the list. Then the boys want to add their own stuff to the cart. "But, honey, you don't *need* and electric pencil sharpener. The list says an enclosed manual one." No avail. So there are fresh arguements at every store. No, you can't buy a toy here." "No, we're not getting another video game." "I'm sorry you left your money at home, but I'm not giving you any money for that $3 piece of crap that will break promptly after we leave the store" (Okay, the last part of that I said in my head, but you know you would have thought it too).
All this has me thinking that I should face the fact that I'm not going to progress as far as I hoped. I think we might be at a place where more things get done with the boys in school. Oh sure there are more commitments added to the mix, but I have 6 solid hours of boy-free time. Quite a bit can be accomplished without the constant interruption. That makes me feel better. Nothing like procrastination to keep you moving forward with your denial.
So that's why I haven't been around much. I'll try to be better.
-E
I've done nuttin'.
It's just too hard with the boys home. "Mommy, can you read to me?" "Mommy, can you make me a snack?" "Mommy, can we put away the laundry before the pile crushes my little brother while he plays on the floor near the couch?" It's always something.
The other goal was to cook at home more. We've done really well up until this past week when the temperature went past the century mark. I'm sorry, it's just too damn hot to cook sometimes. We made a run for the boarder and picked up burgers this week. Baaad mommy! Bad, bad mommy! In my defense, I gave Papa the option of cooking, but he wasn't having none of that. In fact, he's the one that boogied through the drive-thru on the way home. So there!
I've been busy with work and my new boss (yipee!) told me to take it easy until Monday or I was going to burn myself out. True dat. I love the new boss. He was promoted from within and the new management team is kick-ass. Things are getting done! I work four blocks from where I live so I want to stay there as long as possible. With the price of gas any more money I could make somewhere else would only be sucked up by petro. They're flexible with my working hours, the perks have been great and they're really supportive of outside commitments. There are times of the year when I have to put in more, like this past week, but hey at least I have the flexibility to get it done. I haven't worked this many hours (43 in 15 days) in a loooong time. Remember I'm a part time employee. That's okay I could use the extra bucks, which brings me to what else we've been up to.
School supplies.
Lawdy, this is a process I think I'm going to get down to a science and I never do. Apparently there is going to be a drought on glue sticks because there are none to be found at Target. I'm having to go to a bunch of different stores to get the list. Then the boys want to add their own stuff to the cart. "But, honey, you don't *need* and electric pencil sharpener. The list says an enclosed manual one." No avail. So there are fresh arguements at every store. No, you can't buy a toy here." "No, we're not getting another video game." "I'm sorry you left your money at home, but I'm not giving you any money for that $3 piece of crap that will break promptly after we leave the store" (Okay, the last part of that I said in my head, but you know you would have thought it too).
All this has me thinking that I should face the fact that I'm not going to progress as far as I hoped. I think we might be at a place where more things get done with the boys in school. Oh sure there are more commitments added to the mix, but I have 6 solid hours of boy-free time. Quite a bit can be accomplished without the constant interruption. That makes me feel better. Nothing like procrastination to keep you moving forward with your denial.
So that's why I haven't been around much. I'll try to be better.
-E
Monday, July 10, 2006
He Sleeps
This is the only time The Critter is still. He helped me clean all of his "action figures" yesterday and now he has the love all around him.
Thanks for indulging me!
-e
Friday, July 07, 2006
SPF: Love Is In The Air
It's still Friday so I can still play SPF.
Y'all know even if it wasn't Friday and I really wanted to play I would anyway. Mmmkay, so what has Kristine got for us this day before she is about to embark on wedded bliss?
1. Your Love (show us some love)
2. Take us on a Honeymoon! (bring us somewhere with your pictures)
3. Something Blue (No sad faces before my wedding!)
I can do this!!
My Love, My Endless Love
Yeah, I could show you a picture of Papa, but that would be so expected. Besides I can't stand it when people go ad nauseum about their partners (and Papa got a whole Thirteen Thursday devoted to his praise a few weeks ago).
So this is is my new love. She came home to me for Mother's Day and we've been best of friends ever since. She's the first one I talk to in the morning and the last one I check in with at night.
I love her.
Hey, E, Now That You're Married, Where Are You Going?
I'm Going to Disney World!
I'll take you there with stock photos since I would actually have to get up off my lazy rear and go take a picture of the scrapbook pages. Heavens, no! I couldn't do THAT!
A Blue Day
[Blogger is in a bitchy mood, putting me in a mood in the as well, and won't let me upload this picture. You'll just have to use your imagination.]
This is one of those bitter-sweet times. My baby "graduated" from his MDO program and they all wore blue, just like my mood. Everyone else started out trying to be composed, but I made no attempt or apologies for my water works. I started with the tears and the other mommies fell right in line.
The kids were excited they got to have cake and punch.
-e
Bonus for all you who care, my wedding portrait. Who is that young gal?
Y'all know even if it wasn't Friday and I really wanted to play I would anyway. Mmmkay, so what has Kristine got for us this day before she is about to embark on wedded bliss?
1. Your Love (show us some love)
2. Take us on a Honeymoon! (bring us somewhere with your pictures)
3. Something Blue (No sad faces before my wedding!)
I can do this!!
My Love, My Endless Love
Yeah, I could show you a picture of Papa, but that would be so expected. Besides I can't stand it when people go ad nauseum about their partners (and Papa got a whole Thirteen Thursday devoted to his praise a few weeks ago).
So this is is my new love. She came home to me for Mother's Day and we've been best of friends ever since. She's the first one I talk to in the morning and the last one I check in with at night.
I love her.
Hey, E, Now That You're Married, Where Are You Going?
I'm Going to Disney World!
I'll take you there with stock photos since I would actually have to get up off my lazy rear and go take a picture of the scrapbook pages. Heavens, no! I couldn't do THAT!
A Blue Day
[Blogger is in a bitchy mood, putting me in a mood in the as well, and won't let me upload this picture. You'll just have to use your imagination.]
This is one of those bitter-sweet times. My baby "graduated" from his MDO program and they all wore blue, just like my mood. Everyone else started out trying to be composed, but I made no attempt or apologies for my water works. I started with the tears and the other mommies fell right in line.
The kids were excited they got to have cake and punch.
-e
Bonus for all you who care, my wedding portrait. Who is that young gal?
Thursday, July 06, 2006
This Takes The Cake
You know I love my in-laws, right?
I do. I just think sometimes they're crazy. I go right along with it because I love them. And because I'm waiting for the men in the pretty white coats to come and make everything all better.
So it should come as no surprise to me, if not to you, that tonight we had a birthday party. Arranged by the birthday boy's "mom", also known as my sister-in-law, or rather my brother-in-law's wife. And I love her. So I supported her. And graciously welcomed her to have her party here. The birthday party.
For a dog.
Complete with a cake. And singing.
The kids were pissed that they didn't get any part of the cake and guessing this might be the case I took the liberty of making brownies so we humans wouldn't be completely left out in the cold.
Happy birthday, Charlie!
-e
I do. I just think sometimes they're crazy. I go right along with it because I love them. And because I'm waiting for the men in the pretty white coats to come and make everything all better.
So it should come as no surprise to me, if not to you, that tonight we had a birthday party. Arranged by the birthday boy's "mom", also known as my sister-in-law, or rather my brother-in-law's wife. And I love her. So I supported her. And graciously welcomed her to have her party here. The birthday party.
For a dog.
Complete with a cake. And singing.
The kids were pissed that they didn't get any part of the cake and guessing this might be the case I took the liberty of making brownies so we humans wouldn't be completely left out in the cold.
Happy birthday, Charlie!
-e
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
The Irony
I'm reading a book. Perhaps you've heard of it? "A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey. There's a talk show host named Oprah that had a segment on him.
Anyhoo...
I'm sitting here reading his book, which is very good, nevermind the controversy, and drinking vanilla vodka. No, it hasn't escaped me that I'm reading a book about addiction whilst partaking in an adult beverage.
I'm just a walking contradiction, aren't I?
-e
Anyhoo...
I'm sitting here reading his book, which is very good, nevermind the controversy, and drinking vanilla vodka. No, it hasn't escaped me that I'm reading a book about addiction whilst partaking in an adult beverage.
I'm just a walking contradiction, aren't I?
-e
Monday, July 03, 2006
More Pointless Chitter Chatter
This blog is called My Polluted Stream of Consciousness for a reason.
...does anyone know how, or more importantly have you ever, removed popcorn from the ceilings. I'm talking about the acoustical stuff as opposed to the movie snack.
...speaking of movies, we took the boys to see "Cars". Cutest movie I've seen in awhile! Loved it! I was the one busting out laughing in the theater.
...July 1 starts my unofficial Christmas shopping season. I bought a bunch of plastic buckets to use as baskets for gifts. I also decided which homemade goodies I'm going to give this year so I can keep an eye out for sales on the ingredients.
...this fall I'm going to ride my bike to work. I figure I work .5 miles away. I finally got a bike so I can darn well get my ass to work on it. Unless it's raining. Or I have to bring a lot of stuff for a project.
...my mom's group was supposed to start a knitting/crocheting group. Hasn't happened yet. I want to learn more. Because you know I need yet another thing to keep me occupied.
...I read somewhere that you can preserve fresh herbs by freezing them in an ice cube tray with a little water. I did this with cilantro the other day and it worked great. I made salsa today and added a few cilantro cubes.
...I have an eBay feedback gripe. If I'm the buyer isn't my only obligation to the seller to pay in full and in a timely manner? Why on earth then should I have to post my feedback in order to receive feedback from the seller. Once my money is paid I should be considered an outstanding partner in this transaction. I don't like the idea of a seller holding positive feedback hostage. Pffft.
...I've been building my bar. This time with my rocking big teacher's paycheck I bought the staples of any Texas bar: Tequila and Triple Sec. You know, margarita makings. I figure I'll buy one bottle of something every check and I'll have a delightful selection of beverages for those mom's nights out. I want to get vanilla vodka next time so that I an make these.
Okay, I think I've numbed your brain enough for now. Thanks for letting me babble.
-e
...does anyone know how, or more importantly have you ever, removed popcorn from the ceilings. I'm talking about the acoustical stuff as opposed to the movie snack.
...speaking of movies, we took the boys to see "Cars". Cutest movie I've seen in awhile! Loved it! I was the one busting out laughing in the theater.
...July 1 starts my unofficial Christmas shopping season. I bought a bunch of plastic buckets to use as baskets for gifts. I also decided which homemade goodies I'm going to give this year so I can keep an eye out for sales on the ingredients.
...this fall I'm going to ride my bike to work. I figure I work .5 miles away. I finally got a bike so I can darn well get my ass to work on it. Unless it's raining. Or I have to bring a lot of stuff for a project.
...my mom's group was supposed to start a knitting/crocheting group. Hasn't happened yet. I want to learn more. Because you know I need yet another thing to keep me occupied.
...I read somewhere that you can preserve fresh herbs by freezing them in an ice cube tray with a little water. I did this with cilantro the other day and it worked great. I made salsa today and added a few cilantro cubes.
...I have an eBay feedback gripe. If I'm the buyer isn't my only obligation to the seller to pay in full and in a timely manner? Why on earth then should I have to post my feedback in order to receive feedback from the seller. Once my money is paid I should be considered an outstanding partner in this transaction. I don't like the idea of a seller holding positive feedback hostage. Pffft.
...I've been building my bar. This time with my rocking big teacher's paycheck I bought the staples of any Texas bar: Tequila and Triple Sec. You know, margarita makings. I figure I'll buy one bottle of something every check and I'll have a delightful selection of beverages for those mom's nights out. I want to get vanilla vodka next time so that I an make these.
Okay, I think I've numbed your brain enough for now. Thanks for letting me babble.
-e
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