Making it work

August 21, 2010 in craft | Leave a comment

I was looking for craft inspiration and came across this website, New Dress A Day. This super talented girl sets out to remix one thrift-store dress each day on a budget of $365 for the entire day. It’s so amazing how she transforms a $1 monstrosity into something city-girl chic. If I could pull off just one transformation as good as hers, I’d be happy retiring in crafty glory.

I wonder how long it takes her every day. Where does she find the time? Did she go to fashion school? I’m so envious of her perspective and overall style.

That reminds me, I’m moving today and noticing I need to downsize my belongings to make it all fit. I filled up a bag of clothes I’m going to get rid of, so maybe I can start by cutting those up.

Formerly Not

August 9, 2010 in culture | Leave a comment

Oh lord.  This is what we have to look forward to next?

Why is every generation and life-phase so interested in labeling and defining themselves as a group?  First this invention of quarter-life crisis, a term I use with full sarcasm and ridiculousness.  Now this invention of the “formerlies” who claim to be stuck in pre-middle aged limbo.  But they’re like 39 and up.  Sounds middle aged to me! And by that, I mean that is the new middle-age to me.  People in their 40′s are middle-aged, but today they are fun and funky rather than sitcom boring. (Dude, the parents on Charles in Charge are supposed to be 35. 35!! The mom wears clothes like a Golden Girls!)

In my previous job, I had to know a bit about “millenials” and “gen y” and every other day a different article comes out saying “oh they’re shallow, narcisstic and shop a lot” or “they want to do good things for the world and don’t care about money”.  The consensus changes depending on the moon.  The context for the articles is usually around marketing, so it sorta makes sense to want to pigeonhole demographic groups, but they also rely on academic research.  Why not just say “this group of people: age x and enjoy x” rather than “most people born during these 10 years are like this”?  With option A, kids grow up saying “I like this and there are people like me.” *Yay*” Under option B, kids grow up saying “I don’t like this but I’m supposed to. What’s wrong with me?” *cries in room alone*

It was also funny when I had to talk about that stuff and people were like “So, you’re a millennial, what do you think/want?” And I’m like I DON’T SPEAK FOR AN ENTIRE GENERATION, just like I don’t speak for an entire race or class, dickwads.

Actually, the thing about “formerlies” does seem more Option A.  It does seem like an interesting marketing demographic though.  Didn’t GAP try a new store specifically for that age group and it failed?   It’s not for me, it’s not supposed to be for me and I get that.  I don’t hate it.  I just don’t want the suggestion that I’m supposed to be having some sort of crisis when I turn 39, just like I’m supposed to have some sort of crisis when I’m 25.  On another note though, if you navigated the world based on pretty looks alone, no wonder.

Crack vs Cocaine

July 30, 2010 in culture | Leave a comment

Wow, so Obama actually followed through on one of his truly progressive campaign promises, and it pretty much got no attention.

During his “look me, I’m changin’ things up” campaign, he addressed the inequity of nation’s history of sentencing crack and cocaine crimes, and how the system was inherently racist.  And today, Congress actually changed the law! [sort of]  The crack vs cocaine example was one of the most often cited lessons during my college days of learning how The Man oppresses people.  In short: a person convicted of crack cocaine possession gets the same mandatory prison term as someone with 100 times the same amount of powder cocaine.  Who’s more likely to get convicted of crack, and who are the biggest cocaine users?  Therein lies the perfect example of institutional racism.

And now the law is “only” that 1 crack = 18x the amount of cocaine, rather than 100. That’s getting somewhere I guess.

It’s hard for me to admit defeat, but this administration is almost surpassing the super-low expectations I had in the beginning.

thrill seeker

July 29, 2010 in Uncategorized | 1 comment

Yesterday, I did FOUR new things I had never done before.  How many times can you say that in one day?

1. Tried strawberry rhubarb pie.  I think the only thing rhubarb-related I had before was as a sauce in a restaurant dessert.

2. Ate English trifle, made by a proper English lady.  It was very different from what Americans usually refer to as trifle or even English trifle.  It was good and surprisingly very refreshing on a hot night.  Less cake & cream, more custard and jello-y but not in an offensive gross jello way.

3.  Climbed a ladder up one story to get hang out on a rooftop.  It’s a bigger feat for me than it sounds.  It took at least two “I changed my mind, I’m not doing this!” attempts, both climbing up and down.  I’m a wimp.

4.  Hookah.  I don’t think I sucked hard enough (shuttup) and didn’t get a buzz, so I didn’t really see the point.

Also, possibly #5 – Agreed to go on a 2-night camping & canoeing trip.  This decision caused/is causing me great anxiety! Never been camping, never canoed. I hate bugs, I don’t-hate-but-have-an-aversion-to outdoorsy things, I am afraid of water, my swimming ability consists of doggy-paddling.  I have another anxiety-filled month to get ready for this.

I have to compensate for my new selling-out-to-the-man, ridiculously boring government desk job by making life more exciting in other ways.  Yes:  After 9 months, around 60 job applications, and 10 interviews – I am employed.

You can be happy for me, but understand that people who know me well are offering more of a “congratulations…?” because it’s far removed from where I want to be in my life.  I’m also kind of embarrassed because if people heard me talking this way about where I’m working, they’re gonna be like “OMG you hate America!!!”

How to talk to women

July 25, 2010 in travel | 3 comments

Last week, I was out of town for a quick trip all by myself.  I amused myself enough during the day and only encountered one creep, quite possibly one of the creepiest creeps ever:

“I love your beautiful dark hair… so many girls cut their hair short these days, it’s a shame…. your husband must love it at night, getting to brush your hair.”

You don’t even know.  He was maybe 45-50, short, walking next to me on the sidewalk during this exchange.  And his voice was SO creepy, it was probably the creepiest “compliment” I ever received… it was like, uggghh you sound like you’re about to go home and think about my hair for a while. EWWWW.

Then later on, I checked out a quiet little bar that had good Yelp reviews, and described as a hipster scene.  I talked to a couple of people at the bar, and then started to this seemingly nice man.  He was old, like over 50. And nice, and he was a regular and talking to lots of people at the bar (women too) and they were genuine.  I didn’t notice an “oh god, I hate talking to this douche” vibe. But then I mentioned I was going to leave soon to have dinner – it was past 9pm.  And he said “me either.”  Then a little while later he said he could accompany me to dinner if I wanted, as a friend.  Then I started to squirm.

His friend joined us (a pretty woman), and they were talking about their plans to go kayaking.  And he kept saying “sooo let me know whenever you wanna leave for food.”  And I was like shit, how do I get out of this?  He was very nice, and other than the dinner invite, he wasn’t creepy or aggressive.  But no matter how big your heart is, men need to know that they can’t ask a woman they don’t know to dinner, a married* woman, without seeming inappropriate or rape-y. I’m sorry that it has to be that way, but it is.

In the end, I asked Brian to call me and I was like OH HOLD ON, LEMME GO OUTSIDE AND TAKE THIS CALL, and then never came back.  I feel bad about it but come on. You just gotta learn that it can’t happen!  The other funny thing is, I just looked at the place he suggested we go eat, and the restaurant is absolutely the type of place I would love. The chef and the restaurant each WON A JAMES BEARD AWARD (the Oscars of food, for those who don’t know) I missed out, lol.

*I have an engagement ring that handily looks just like a wedding ring if I turn it around. When I get “the vibe,” that’s what I do.  It deters about 75% of come-ons.  And yes, I did mention “my husband” to the new friend.

Water into Wine

July 25, 2010 in food | 1 comment

We hadn’t gone grocery shopping for over a week.  I was starving and thought there was nothing to eat in the house.  Then somehow I managed to throw together: couscous with indoor-grilled zucchini, tomatoes, feta, and seasoned with a bouillon cube, dill, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil.  Sometimes I feel like Jesus!

Shoes

July 19, 2010 in shopping | 1 comment

Excuse me while I rave about my new shoes.  I went shopping because I wanted cute sandals.  As it is, my summer shoes consist of cheap flip-flops, mary jane flats, and one pair of Birkenstocks (for when I’m feeling crunchy).  I was thinking flats that could look a little “dressy” with jeans or a skirt; like the embellished ones that lots of people are wearing.

The DSW I went to really sucked, and I didn’t find anything I liked, a rare occurrence.  On the way out of the mall was a Track ‘n Trail store that specializes in hiking, outdoorsy shoes but lured me in with their sale sign for Birks & North Face.  I ended up getting these Ugg sandals – but before you judge me based on those words alone, have a look:

They’re not obnoxious, I swear!  And the Ugg logo isn’t really that noticeable once they’re on.

Getting to the point though: HOLY CRAP, these are the most amazing sandals ever.  I didn’t even know shoes could be this comfortable.  It’s like walking barefoot on plush carpet all day long.  Light as air.  Even better than Crocs.  They were originally $90, I got them for $60 on sale which is still more than I normally pay for sandals but it wasn’t a question once I felt them on my feet.  If I were Oprah, I’d buy a pair for every one of you.  OOooh! 6pm has them for $45 right now!  I don’t get commission on that, I just wanted to spread the love.

The great staycation 2010

July 14, 2010 in travel | 1 comment

Since I *gasp* might be moving out of the northeast in less than 2 months, I decided I should actually do some sightseeing in my own backyard.  I’ve been doing lots of little trips lately, but the first big one was a couple of weeks ago.

First, we headed out to Putnam, CT – an area that I recently found out is called “The Last Green Valley,” or the largest unpopulated area in the DC-NYC-BOS megatropolis corridor.  Putnam is also home to this hilarious department of motor vehicles.

The first find was a fantastic yarn shop.  I got a bunch of Reynolds Lopi Litte for $2/skein.  Then we poked around in the antique shops until we found a bigger one and spent over an hour in there.  There were so many good finds especially for furniture and all reasonably priced.  Check out this funny/awesome poster:

I bought Brian a book, One Hundred Views of Fuji by Hokusai, published in the 1950′s.  It’s beautiful, but a bit pricey at $30 (on sale).  But we stumbled on something amazing – two sets of vintage 1950′s cocktail glasses in their holders for $8.50 each.  Last summer I was in a shop in Virginia that sold only vintage cocktail glasses and they were going for close to $100 per set.  I will get some pictures once they are all cleaned up.

After antique-ing, we walked a little around the pretty river and jumped in the car.  A few minutes later, we saw a sign for a vineyard so we turned off and stumbled on this lovely vineyard, 15 minutes before wine tasting ended.

We tasted five wines, then hiked up a small hill through the rows of grapes and there was a gorgeous view.  We went back down the hill and walked around the garden you see in the front where they grow some of the veggies & herbs they use in the restaurant.  We even saw a chef snipping herbs for dinner.  Look at the crazy vibrant color in this chard:

The whole place was lovely and I didn’t want to leave!  But alas, we did.  The next day I went to a bbq with tons of kids, some soccer was played.  But it was hazy and the grass was brown, and I didn’t get many good pictures other than this one:

Somehow, she figured out that ball in goal = good, so she would just pick up the ball and bring it over to the goal.  And then I kicked a soccerball into her stomach.  Oops.  BTW, my niece is quite the diva.  She can’t say sentences, but she does find ways to tell you what she wants.  She even knows how to tell me to take a picture of her; and she knows digital cameras so she immediately runs over to see the screen after you take the picture.  We’ve created a monster!

Then it was 4th of July, where we went out to a lake not far from the area where the vineyard was.  Ate, swam, avoided being splashed or trampled by the many dogs.

The Flickr album has many more pictures. Hopefully this weather cools off so I can take another mini trip.

Damson shawl

June 21, 2010 in craft | Leave a comment

This is one out of the two small shawls I finished.  I’ve been wearing the heck out of it.

Damson shawlette

Pattern: Damson by Ysolda Teague
Yarn: Malabrigo Sock. 100% merino wool. So soft! and light enough that I can wear it on summer evenings or indoors when the air conditioner’s blasted.

I’ve been making lots of Ysolda’s patterns lately.  Mostly because a) I have both books, b) they’re cute, and c) they’re small and quick.

Damson shawlette

I almost lost it once. I must’ve dropped it getting out of the car one night, and the next morning I found it neatly folded on the bench in front of our door. I think I’m the only woman living in this building.  Sidenote: the upside of moving to a new place = new photoshoot locations haha.  You don’t have to see me standing in front of that same brick wall anymore.

The second shawl I finished is also by Ysolda, and it’s a saucy hot pink color.  I really want to wear it, but it needs to be pinned out to dry and I don’t have anywhere to do that in this apartment.

The Mug

June 18, 2010 in quarter-Life | Leave a comment

Long time no see! Since the last time I posted, I:

  • completed 2 shawls
  • did my final exams, finished my Master’s project, and all that other stuff I needed to graduate
  • got a Master’s degree!
  • did all of the hoopla associated with graduation: a formal dance, lots of parties & hanging out, hosting families, and picking out a car as my gift!
  • packed up my apartment and moved it all into storage, then moved into a quirky furnished sublet in a rough part of town
  • applied to about 15 jobs, had 5 phone interviews; still unemployed (working part time for now)

And now I’d like to tell you about my favorite mug. About a year ago, I was reading a message board thread, and I have no idea what the topic was. Maybe people were talking about tag sale finds or things they got for Christmas. Someone was describing their favorite coffee mug, and it sounded familiar to me so I did a google image search for it. It was the same mug that I remembered using a million times at my grandparents’ house as a kid.  And I used it a lot especially because I really liked bunnies.
Why is this worthy of a story? The mug features bunny rabbits in all sorts of sexual positions. It is in fact commonly known as the bunny orgy mug. I used it a million times and never noticed!

I immediately texted my aunt about it. It turns out that after 25 years and many moves, she still had the mug. She said that her friends gave it to her as a gag gift when she was 16, and she put it in the cabinet but never explained it to my grandparents. I still don’t know if the grandparents ever knew what it was or just ignored it. And a month ago, my aunt gave me the mug!

It was in perfect condition. The ceramic wasn’t chipped, scratched, or faded at all whereas all of the decorated mugs I’ve had only lasted a year or two before the pictures started looking like crap. They just don’t make things like they used to. Well today I was making myself tea and when I poured the hot water into the mug, I heard a soft pop and then water flooded onto the counter. This thing lasted 25 years and as soon as I got my mitts on it, it fell apart! Whyyyy must I destroy everything I touch?

It turns out you can still get these mugs for only $6 each, but I’m just mad that I broke the old one.  It was the closest thing I had to a family heirloom (hah) and had sentimental value.