tickle me pink

September?

2009-09-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

yes; september. or should i say october. we are just 1 day away from it.

here i am finally getting back to updating.

i'm not quite sure of my absence. well, let's just say i can't remember all the "to-dos" on my list over the last nine months. :) expecting your second child with a full-time job, a two-year old and much more leaves me with little free time to explore. but i'm taking it slow now just waiting for #2 to arrive. #1 is still at daycare and i am home taking a break from work. i thought i might be a little bored, but NO way! i'm enjoying my leave. i need some much-needed rest from work and some time to myself. who knows how long this will last (maybe another week?). but here are a few things on my list:

- watch a movie!
- read: my fav blogs, a new book, and relaxation techniques during labor
- bake cupcakes for a welcome celebration for the new baby (really, for #1)
- knit a baby hate
- have lunch with great friends
- spend a night-out (alone) with my wonderful husband
- pick tiles for our new bathroom and countertopes for the new kitchen
- take naps

i hope to be reporting back with a birth story and a baby picture soon.

oh, please

2009-03-07T08:29:00.000-08:00

“I haven’t eaten red meat for 40 years. I wish I could give up chicken (except free-range) but then I’m down to fish which seem a) tainted, and b) endangered. By the way, I don’t not eat meat mainly for health reasons but also because I had an epiphany walking through Les Halles at the age of 23 that eating meat is disgusting, arrogant, oblivious and unconscionably cruel. Moving on … I try increasingly to eat only organic veggies and fruit.” - Candice Bergen (via vegetarianstar.com)

there isn't one bit of this that doesn't make me question everything about candice. is she delusional? does she really think she is a vegetarian when she eats meat?

george clooney blogging?

2009-03-04T23:02:00.000-08:00

i'm impressed by the lengths george is going to expose what's going on in the world. check out george blogging here.

oh. my. god.

2009-03-03T14:43:00.000-08:00

this is truly the funniest thing i've seen. i love this version of karl lagerfield.

2009-03-02T21:54:00.000-08:00

it's amazing how a few sweet little words and a smile can lighten up your day.

today was one of those difficult days where i felt like giving up. and, for me that's pretty bad; i'm a positive person. the glass is always half-full. though today was really rough. i wanted to give in so many times and just quit. but the minute that little girl of mine sees me, smiles big and wide, and runs over to say "hi, mommy. i missed you"--wow! that just erases everything else.

march 1

2009-03-01T22:12:00.000-08:00

lots going on in my neck of the woods. lots of thinking, planning, hoping and dreaming. sometimes i think i'm spinning my wheels other times i think it's progress. we, humans, are so funny.

last night i went to a friend's house for a lovely dinner of delish thai food and fire spinning. have you seen this? i wasn't quite sure what to expect. but i absolutely loved the fire dancing. who knew? it was a lovely, lovely night. the best part was seeing this group in a new light. they were all so giving--giving of their talents, presents, and laughter. i wish every night was like that.

Etsy Favorites

2009-02-27T09:11:00.000-08:00

i just love these two items. the first, a cute ruffled purse from handmadebyhank, would be perfect for weekends. i'm think a weekend trip to sausalito. and these bunny notecards from AshleyPahl would be perfect for easter. while it's some time away, i've already been thinking about a cute dress for little d to go easter egg hunting in.

thank yous

2008-09-30T22:56:00.000-07:00

more specifically: weekly thank you notes. i am a firm believer that good things that happen in my life are not mine alone. good things in my life come from other people or affect other people. while note-worthy things happen everyday, i don't want to over do it. (although, is it possible to give to much thanks?) so i send a thank you note at least once a week to someone in my life.

it could be my husband, my mother, a friend or coworker. last week i sent a note to to the manager of smith and hawken who helped us find our patio furniture. he was not only patient (it was past my little girl's nap time), friendly and funny, but he also gave us the BEST deal on the table, chairs and compost bin.

Monday's List

2008-09-29T17:59:00.000-07:00

i love lists.

plain and simple: they fuel my day, focus me, and keep me from losing my mind. i love looking over lists from previous days, weeks and months. it's fascinating to see what was a priority at that time in my life and what events were preoccupying me.

how cool would it be to be able to look over the list of someone you admire?

here's my list for today (in no particular order):

write my weekly thank you note (more on this tomorrow)
chase my daughter (d) around the yard
update resume
laundry
pull out the sewing machine
find green corduroy i bought to make a jumper for
call intern from summer (sweet, sweet girl who interned with us this summer)

my list is kind of boring. but i figure if i publish this for the whole world to see, then that will make me accountable.

Sunday Etsy Favorite

2008-09-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

from lou and lee.

Perceptions

2008-09-27T01:19:00.000-07:00

i stopped by rite aid over the weekend to pick up a birthday card. while perusing the aisles, i came across the hair products. i remember that i needed shampoo and was surprised to see my favorite organic shampoo. i saw the price (so cheap, i thought) and snatched up two to stock up--i love a deal! last night i stopped in to whole foods to do some grocery shopping. i passed by the (cheap) shampoo i had picked up at rite aid and noticed that it was almost $3 cheaper. ha! i suppose my perception that everything must be more expensive at whole paycheck.

at least i can laugh at myself.

single family home?

2008-09-26T03:55:00.000-07:00

check out this family's home in manhattan. yes; manhattan. the building is over 30,000 square feet. a family of three resides there. they have a million dollar view, 72 rooms and it only cost them $120k in 1966. not bad considering today's housing climate.

creepy guy down the street

2008-09-25T18:17:00.000-07:00

five days after we moved into our new home, there was a block party on our street. and that's where i first saw "nathan" (i don't know his name, i can just imagine that's what he might be called). "nathan" is one of the creepiest guys i have ever met. he is the type of guy that you can't wait to get away from and usually do so in the middle of a conversation with him.

i hadn't seen "nathan" since the block party and had nearly forgotten about him. that is, until my daughter and i were walking home this morning and i almost ran right into him. how do you ignore someone right in front of you in a quiet neighborhood? apparently, if your me, you act like your blind and just start singing old macdonald with your toddler.

and, guess what? it worked. i don't think he even looked my way.

2008-09-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

i thought this was a particularly beautiful post about our impact on earth. my stance on the "green" movement is that it is about humans, animals; those living off the earth. depletion is what will (or won't) be left for us. it is our time on earth that may be running out.

Tuesday Etsy Favorite

2008-09-23T20:10:00.000-07:00

How *sweet* are these?

2008-09-22T21:40:00.000-07:00

Vaute Couture!!!

2008-09-21T12:38:00.000-07:00

This news is very sad for me.

Saturday Etsy Favorite

2008-09-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

What a great bracelet? I love the mustard color...perfect for fall. And, it's made from a vintage tie! Eco-friendly and cute.

ARGGGHHHH

2008-09-19T14:52:00.001-07:00

Apparently it is International Talk Like a Pirate Day....This is the first time I've heard of this, matey. How is that possible that I've been missing out on celebrating talking like a pirate every year? Be damned! My life is a sham.

From the Mouths of Babes

2008-09-12T23:58:00.000-07:00

I was walking around Rockridge this evening, holding hands with my daughter when she fervently started yelling, "Mommy! Mommy!" I stooped down and picked her up in my arms and asked what did she want. She looked at me, tilted her head to snuggle in my neck and said I Luh You. I've waited a year and a half for her to say that to me unprompted. All. On. Her. Own.

It's here...

2008-09-09T20:59:00.001-07:00

Topshop in the US!

Monday's Etsy Favorite

2008-09-09T01:02:00.000-07:00

My favortie Etsy find for the day. You can find locallibrary's shop to have lots of sleek jewelry intermixed with great vintage finds.

2006-08-17T14:58:00.000-07:00

isn't this clever? at this wedding, guests found their seating arrangements wrapped around an orange. if anyone needed a little snack--voila! perfect for a summer wedding.

2006-08-14T19:20:00.000-07:00

when i logged in to blogger today, i noticed that i'm missing a couple of posts. argh!

well, i still haven't gotten the camera hooked up yet (i'm so bad) for pictures from my awesome secret pal. so sorry. but the stuff was amazing. i can't wait for the reveal.

i haven't felt in the mood for knitting at all lately and i'm not sure why. i guess i've been so preoccupied with baby thoughts it's hard for me to concentrate these days. funny, huh? you'd think all i wanted to do is knit for the little one? well...as of friday, i figured out why. i didn't know if it would be a boy or girl. now that i know our baby is a girl, i want to knit everything. i'm first starting with a bonnet. then who knows where i'll go from there. (suggestions welcome).

2006-07-31T09:20:00.000-07:00

wow. it's been a really long time since i've posted and i do apologize.

it wasn't until yesterday that our dsl was finally turned on. it was supposed to be on the 19th...but there was some mistake. apparently. i do not understand though. they just had to turn. it. on. there was no service call from a technician. i did not have to wait around the house from 8am to 12pm or 1pm to 6pm. nothing. just suddenly the light was green and i could get on. ah, the mysteries of life.

but now that all that is taken care of, i feel settled in to our new apartment. we are only a few miles away but it feels much further. we even went back to visit our "old life" this weekend. it hadn't changed much.

i'll post more later, i'm still low on energy these days. 4 months and counting...

***
i just went down for the mail. my secret pal is the best. thank you, thank you! i can't post pictures yet. we got a new camera and i haven't figured out how to connect it to the computer (or even found the cords). will do soon when i can. but i can say that the lace pattern was a really thoughtful touch. and it's nothing for grandma. it's so cute. everything was perfect.

2006-07-13T10:23:00.000-07:00

my life has been really hectic lately and posting has been at the bottom of the list. my new job is still new after a month. i love it there and am really enjoying the flexibility of a part-time job. but at the moment, with moving, i don't seem to have enough time for anything. of course they joys of being pregnant don't help with any of that. yes, i said it. we're having a baby! i never new i could be so happy! and at the same time feel so miserable. there are so many things that "they" never tell you about pregnancy. do you know i woke up the other day with red spots all around my eyes? do you know what that looks like? it's kind of the raccoon look but worse. i looked sickly. thank god that only lasted a couple of days. i don't have enough make-up to cover that up all the time!

now is the time to really get into my knitting and make all the baby things i've always wanted to. if anyone has any great baby patterns, please pass them my way.

and, because, i don't want to slip off track with SP8. here are some answers for you, my wonderful SP!

1) What is your favorite season of the year? Spring; because everything blooms and begins again.
2) Where is your favorite vacation spot? Oh my. This is hard because there is nowhere (yet) that I've returned to...wait, that's not true. But I think it would have to be Italy.
3) If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be? Thailand.
4) If you could pick any job, and be paid well, what would it be? Ha! Travel writer.
5) If you were going on vacation for 1 week, and had to take ONLY one project with you, what would it be? Baby pants or sweater.
6) If you won a shopping spree to your favorite Yarn shop, what would you get? A how to dye yarn kit (no chemicals, au naturale).

Poem on Writer's Almanac This Morning

2006-07-11T08:43:00.000-07:00

Bathrooms by Elisabeth Kuhn

The condo I just bought has two. Some houses
had three. What to do with them all? Use one?
Turn the others into extra closets?
Reserve one for guests? There are none
I'd invite. I talk too much to too
many people all day. On conference
weekends I have to talk Sundays too,
and when I close my door, I want silence.

Back home we were seven. Our bathroom the only
room we could lock in a house without keys.
We'd sit, read, dream, alone, not lonely,
until testy banging disturbed our peace.
Then we'd sigh, flush, put down our text,
and turn our sanctuary over to the next.

2006-07-06T18:52:00.000-07:00

have you seen it yet? you can get free tickets to an inconvenient truth here

2006-07-06T08:42:00.000-07:00

aren't these the cutest shoes? since i made the commitment to forgo leather, it has been very difficult to find good shoes. but i saw these yesterday and couldn't resist!

have you heard of infixes?

2006-07-04T09:54:00.000-07:00

happy 4th of july everyone!

not much to report. but my secret pal finally received my package! and i think she really liked it. makes me so happy!

2006-06-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

isn't this the cutest? check out the pattern
here.

tennessee

2006-06-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

Grotto Falls
Originally uploaded by Smkymtnman.

we're back from vacation. tennessee was absolutely beautiful. so different from california (in many ways). of course, we forgot the camera! on the day we left, i thought our flight was a 12:30pm. at 8:30am i happened to go over the details of our flight and saw that the flight left at 10:30am instead!!! we weren't finished getting ready or completely packed! we may have forgotten some things, but at least we didn't miss our flight. here is a picture i found on flickr of one of the waterfalls we hiked too. you can walk behind the falls and it is so unbelievably cook back there.

vacation all i ever wanted....

2006-06-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

off to tennessee for a little over a week. i don't think i'll get any knitting done while there (it's supposed to be bout 95!!!). but i will definitely be checking out some yarn stores. and if i find something good, bring something back for my secret pal.

i hope everyone enjoys the first day of summer tomorrow!

tennessee

2006-06-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

anyone out there from tennessee? i want natives...people who really know the place. i'm going to tennessee as a part of a surprise b-day trip i'm give to my wonderful boyfriend. we're hitting up nashville and probably run over to memphis. but i want to know about the out of the way places, you know small towns...also knitting stores! anyone know of any fabulous ones? oh! or any farms? and what about the smoky mountains? i really, really wanted to go there. but i was just reading that during the summertime the place is a mess. full of touristy places, tourists, and tons of traffic. i haven't heard one nice thing. maybe there is another park/mountain in the area to see instead? something not so overrun?

one skein

2006-06-09T18:42:00.000-07:00

thanks secret pal!!! i love the yarn! that shade of green is one of my favorites. i would love to paint one of my rooms that color. and the card was so thoughtful--all about where she got the yarn and ideas on how to use the yarn at the website.

2006-06-09T15:41:00.000-07:00

okay, please don't judge me on the photo. i know, it's bad. i was desperate. the photo is really for the yarn. isn't it beautiful? i started to make a shawl out of this wonderfully soft yarn and then half way through i realized i made a huge mistake about 25 rows down. thus messing up the rest of the pattern. so i had to take a picture before i ripped it all out. i love the purples and greens. i've decided to nix the pattern all together. i hope i find something more suitable soon. any ideas?

wishes

2006-06-06T12:33:00.000-07:00

i love this store and drool over almost everything in it. today i finally made a wishlist at kitty-craft.

2006-06-05T19:49:00.000-07:00

finally...some pictures from baja, mexico. these were taken on the sea of cortez near la paz. this was one of the most beatiful places i've ever seen. the water was so clear you could see every grain of sand. this was at a beach called "la playa es tuya", the beach is yours. and it was. practically no one was there, save for a family of locals having lunch.

but even on vacation i got some knitting done. i finished up the ring pillow for the wedding. it was perfect and matched everything wonderfully. unfortunately, i forgot to take a photograph of the fo. i'm asking the newlyweds to send a picture.

back from mexico

2006-06-01T18:10:00.000-07:00

just got back from baja late yesterday evening. what a fiasco getting in and out. almost didn't get a flight until sunday and our flight on tuesday was cancelled!
it was beautiful. will post pictures soon.

2006-05-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

i visited my mom for a few days last week for mother's day. she was out of town last sunday so we had our time together a few days later than the actual date. and, of course, we headed over to the new yarn store where she lives. i love this little place called Knitique (they don't have a website!). while there i saw the new greetings from knit cafe book and love it! i need to set up a wishlist so i can put this on there.

music i'm listening to

2006-05-19T18:19:00.000-07:00

had to delete this post as it was messing up the my blog. i went to our local music store (amoeba) and heard some fun stuff. but, do you think i can remember what i listened too???

SP8

2006-05-10T18:31:00.000-07:00

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I love bamboo and soy silk. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? I do not like any really scatchy wools.

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? I don't use anything in particular. I probably could use something to help me organize my needles...

3. How long have you been knitting? I've been knitting for about 3 years. Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? Intermediate

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? I am making a wish list and will post more details later.

5. What's your favorite scent? lemon, vanilla

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Yes! I don't particularly like candy. But I love chocolate.

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? I love to sew. Do you spin? No.

8. What kind of music do you like? I'm into Matisyahu, Old Crow Medicine Show, Stars, Kings of Convenience. Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? Yes.

9. What's your favorite color? I love greys and light pinks and purples. Really natural looking.

10. What is your family situation? Married with a cat.

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? Hats

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? Quick items. :)

13. What are you knitting right now? A basket to be felted.

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Yes!

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Both. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Bamboo and plastic.

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? No.

17. How did you learn to knit? Taking a class.

18. How old is your oldest UFO? 2 months.

19. What is your favorite holiday? Valentine's Day.

20. Is there anything that you collect? Vintage fabric and union buttons.

21. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?

22. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? I'd like to master lace.

23. Are you a sock knitter? No; I did not have fun making my first pair of socks a couple of months ago. What are your foot measurements? I wear a 7.5 shoe.

24. When is your birthday? 11/21

2006-05-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

i've come to the realization that i, alone, cannot possibly knit all the yarn i have. so it's time to see if these skeins could have a life with someone else. visit my de-stashing page at tickled yarn.

2006-05-03T19:20:00.000-07:00

i meant to post this earlier. b and i went to mt tamalpais on sunday and had a wonderful morning. this was the view looking towards the city at the end of our hike.

sunny day

2006-05-02T18:53:00.000-07:00

mom came to the city today to visit. we spent most of the day in golden gate park and at the conservatory of flowers and then had lunch at my favorite restaurant: cafe gratitude. i had the best pad thai with noodles made of celery root! these are the gifties my mom brought for me. roses from her blossoming garden and artichokes from her friend.

2006-04-27T22:15:00.000-07:00

10 states sue EPA

herr herzog

2006-04-27T13:26:00.000-07:00

last night b and i went to see an evening with werner herzog as a part of the san francisco internation film festival. there was a showing of clips from his career (not all or we would've been there all night!), then a film critic intervied him and then the showing of his latest film, the wild blue yonder. werner herzog is hilarious. all night, joke after joke. this was one of the best events i've been to in a long time. the emcee said it looked like more people came to see werner than robert altman! my favorite part was at the end of the audience q&a when an older man got up to the microphone and asked him whether or not he'd recived the screenplay the man had sent "herr herzog" via e-mail and would he consider directing it! ha! and he was totally serious. but i will say that werner herzog did an amazing job answering the question. he talked about how he normally writes his own scripts for the films he makes. he loves everything about filmaking: directing, producing, acting, and especially writing. and then he diplomatically thanked the man.

the movie shown after, wild blue yonder, was not my favorite. although, it had some of the best music i have ever heard. werner explained that before he started anything with the film he got three musicians from around the world together and recorded them playing before ever having rehearsed together. it was haunting and he then made the film around those sounds. you can hear a clip here.

happy day, earth!

2006-04-22T16:27:00.000-07:00

i decided to spend 5 days straight walking everywhere. it has now been 6 days. and. i. am. tired. maybe it would be different if we lived in a flat city instead of hilly san francisco. but i suppose it wouldn't be so interesting then. peaks and valleys offer breathtaking views and insights into a place i call home.

tonight we will be going, by foot,--it is earth day you know--to our first film at the SF International Film Festival. we're seeing october 17, 1961 about the massacre of algerian protestors in paris. the next is on wednesday for a discussion of werner herzog.

2006-04-21T13:15:00.000-07:00

i am a star of the sleeping world...

Find your own pose!

2006-04-12T10:43:00.000-07:00

i guess i'm really in a dishcloth mood. here's a cute one i made yesterday. i call it "swirls."

it's a wonderful day in the neighborhood

2006-04-10T12:05:00.000-07:00

i heard a re-run of a 2002 this american life piece on the radio this weekend. found magazine's contributor, davy rothbart, interviews mr. rogers 20 years after meeting him as a child. the whole segment made me smile. mr. rogers, davy, davy's neighbors. it's about neighbors and the connections we have (and don't have). he says, the only way [we] get in contact with neighbors is through conflict. and that shocked me. but i know it's true. there isn't any conflict in the building, so how many of my neighbors do i know?

during the first year in this building (we've been here about a year and a half) i hadn't gotten to know anyone by name. i would see people upon entering and exiting the building and i always smiled and said hello, but that's the extent of the relationship. sometimes it's not even that much if someone's is scowling or listening to music. what kind of neighborhood is this? why don't i know more of these people? because of circumstances (sharing a living space!!!), i should at least know everyone's name.

about a month ago, we received a notice that building management sprung for new windows for the whole building.installation started last week and will continue for the next week or two. during this time, i've met susan--the neighbor to the left of me. our bathrooms are about 5 feet apart; if we opened the windows we could actually talk to (and see!) each other. a little creepy. she says, it's funny we haven't officially met before because with our bathrooms right next to each other, we probably know more about each other than we'd like! ha, that's right; i already knew she had a bird and loves that spirit of '76 song. i also met carl and vanessa--the couple across the hall from me. and then there's paul down the hall--he's the building "manager" but how he manages the building, i'm not quite sure. and then i had a neighbor walk in to my apartment in her pajamas while the door was open--she wanted to see the new windows. i didn't catch her name, but i know she lives in apartment 103 and doesn't work during the day time.
what would mister rogers think?

2006-04-07T15:50:00.000-07:00

wow! i have been trying to find kara's work after seeing her on project runway. while she was not my favorite, nor did i particularly like her designs, i loved the line she made for fashion week and the clothes she wore on the episode she was voted out. find her at my fav online store girlshop.

2006-04-07T15:45:00.000-07:00

Now that I have free time, I plan on trying to get through my yarn stash (and not add too much to it). Though I did pick up lots of fun cotton yarn at the goodwill today--7 balls for $2.99. Love it! I adore making dishclothes and can never have too many, so decided to use some of that yarn for this.

2006-04-06T09:25:00.000-07:00

today's article about no dirty gold

2006-04-05T16:55:00.000-07:00

ooohh...soy silk. isn't this beautiful? and soft like you wouldn't belive. thanks, sp!!!

2006-04-04T17:02:00.000-07:00

i can't believe how long it's been since i last posted. i've been neglecting you. stress has overwhelmed my life in the last month and i just haven't wanted talk about it...although it doesn't seem as if i want to talk about anything at all.
anyway, things are looking up and you can even see a smile on my face these days.

i am also reading up on forgotten things.

2006-03-13T20:17:00.000-08:00

what's wrong with blogger today? i did two posts earlier today and they're gone! what happened? did i do something to deserve this? and what's more is they were actually knitting posts! which is what i'm supposed to be writing about all the time...but don't do enough. while i am always knitting, reading about knitting, buying yarn or just playing with the large yarn stash i have...it's seems i rarely post something on my blog about it...why? new rule: must knitblog once a week.

jersey

2006-03-12T20:48:00.000-08:00

as most fans out there, i have been patiently awaiting the last season of the sopranos. tonight is the night. i hope to be on the edge of my seat from 9pm to 10pm.

after that, i will begin reading
a great find from the goodwill this morning after a great brunch here.

future me

2006-02-27T19:26:00.000-08:00

i'm sick. and i'm sick of being sick. i thought it was just a little cold, but now i'm home with a fever and taking meds. for some reason i cannot lay down for 30 minutes after taking my pills so i've been looking around at sites i've wanted to read but haven't had the time.
i found a site where you can send an e-mail to yourself in the future. i'm going to send myself an e-mail for 12/31/06 with all of my predictions for the year. we'll see what comes true.

2006-02-26T18:25:00.000-08:00

looks like i won't be winning the gold this year. i tried, i really did try to finish my first pair of socks for the knitting olympics. between being horribly sick and with all the projects at work leaving me with barely a second to breathe...i just didn't have the time i thought i would. but i do have one sock finished. no picture to post though. let's just say it wasn't the best thing i've ever made...

2006-02-25T17:02:00.000-08:00

unprecedented: Buddhist monk starts union
songs for Hosono the monk: union songs

2006-02-20T08:52:00.000-08:00

great veganrecipe (s) [via]
i'm going to make the panade as soon as i'm feeling better.

2006-02-20T07:58:00.000-08:00

for President's Day
for foodies: menurequest.com or toeat.com
for travel: farecompare.com
vegan ireland and vegan rome
US waterfalls
muhammad cartoon riots: map of riots
looking to buy a house?:
imapmls
more stateside travel: road side america
my town: historical sf

2006-02-20T07:53:00.000-08:00

ha!

fashion week favorites

2006-02-11T00:52:00.000-08:00

2006-02-05T23:52:00.000-08:00

some things i'd like from clover

2006-02-05T23:06:00.000-08:00

when i see something i love in a movie or in a magazine i always want to try to re-create it for myself. not too long ago i saw this really great shawl in an old fashion magazine and i played around for a little bit to try to make a similar pattern. unfortunately i do not have the time (or as much patience as i'd like) to do this. just came across someone who has...turtle knits

Anyone want to join Team San Francisco?

2006-01-23T22:40:00.000-08:00

I am participating in Harlot's 2006 Knitting Olympians. I am going for the gold. I am knitting my first pair of socks.

i LOVE knitting books

2006-01-20T19:59:00.000-08:00

My secret pal is great. Thanks, SP!

Mizrahi and the Boob

2006-01-20T19:34:00.000-08:00

Golden Globes?

Intweave Spring Preview

2006-01-19T20:11:00.000-08:00

I normally hate anything that remotely resembles a fanny pack. But this is cute. I can't believe I'm saying this...

Secret Pal 7

2006-01-12T19:19:00.000-08:00

Okay here we go. This is me...

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)?
Not really a yarn snob. But I do love non traditional fibers (bamboo).Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand? Don't know why but for some reason don't care for Red Heart; Lion Brand is fine.

2. Do you spin? I would love to spin--I should get started on that. Crochet? Besides the occasional trim on something I've knitted I do not crochet and I'm not so sure I would like to go full-force into that anyway.

3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in? An old hat box. I have been thinking something that could showcase of the needles would be nice...

4. How long have you been knitting? Been knitting for about 3 years. Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced? I consider myself an intermediate.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list? I have an Amazon wish list appropriately named Knit List.

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.) I like vanilla, coffee, hibiscus, lemon--ooh! I love citruses!

7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy? I LOVE chocolate. Do not care too much for candy, unless it is something exotic (or even just from another country).

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Sewing, quilting but am not great at either. I also love everything buttons.

9. What kind of music do you like? I like many types of music. Currently into folk/bluegrass/reggae. But love all sorts (should I designate a post just for music?). Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? I love getting new music from others and have an ipod.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand? I do not like pastels. Nuff said.

11. What is your family situation? I am "married" without children. Do you have any pets? I have a fat cat aka Fatty No-Legs.

12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos? I don't care for mittens mainly because it's really not cold enough for them where I live. And I'm pretty picky about ponchos. But love scarves and hats!

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? I love Rowan, Habu Textiles, but prefer handmade things or recycled yarn.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like? No dog hair.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s? Recycling yarn. I want to get into knitting wire.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit? I love things made in the round. And small things, little knick knacks for the house. I love to make knitted jewelry.

17. What are you knitting right now? Socks, can you believe it, for the first time.

18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Love everything handmade.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Combination.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic? Bamboo and plastic.

21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? No...

22. How did you learn to knit? Took a class a few years ago.

23. How old is your oldest UFO? I actually like to finish things and if they don't work out (if I lag..) I rip, rip, rip and start something new. But, I do have a UFO from July 05.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird? I do not care for animated characters (wait till I have kids). I love robins, blue jays, cats and fish.

25. What is your favorite holiday?

26. Is there anything that you collect? Buttons. Labor Union pins. Autographed books. 70s records. Printed corduroy fabric (vintage or not).

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have? Interweave.

28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? I would really like to look at some cool vintage books.

29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? Lace. I'd really like to make some beautiful lace shawls and table runners. Maybe something that would last into another generation.

30. Are you a sock knitter? We'll see after I finish my first!

31. When is your birthday? 11/21

2005-12-23T22:03:00.000-08:00

i am way into photo booths--but they are impossible to find. i am now blessed with this locator.

2005-12-12T18:09:00.000-08:00

I have meant to post this for a while now. A friend gave me one of
these for my birthday last month. I think it's just the best. You can also find old knitting patterns for sweaters and hats on the website.

2005-12-08T17:28:00.000-08:00

Loved to Pieces

I enjoy reading this from time to time. Today I stumbled upon this posting. What's so amazing is that this could've been written about me over 20 years ago. My name is Mia and I had a "pinkie" that I loved. It was made by a family member and I carried it with me everywhere. My grandparents called it my "Cârpa"; Romanian for rag. But I loved it. And when it was falling apart, my mother cut a small square for me to keep. I'm sure she still has it.

THUMB knecklace

2005-12-08T09:48:00.000-08:00

THUMB knecklace
Originally uploaded by sfbookgirl.

The winter Knitty is here. I think I have to make this necklace.

Books This Week

2005-12-04T13:50:00.000-08:00

Books Received
A Million Little Pieces by James Frey

Books Given to Others
Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond
The Assistant by Bernard Malamud

Books Bought
Felted Crafts (Japanese)
And Now You Can Go by Vendela Vida

2005-12-02T18:52:00.000-08:00

dreams

boston boy

2005-12-01T20:47:00.000-08:00

This may be the most frightening thing I have ever seen.

overheard walking to the bus stop after work

2005-11-29T21:22:00.000-08:00

"Everyone loves her. Yeah, he stopped liking her after she peed on his bed".

2005-11-27T12:52:00.000-08:00

Books Bought This Week
French Women Don't Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano
Please Don't Kill the Fresh-Man by Zoe Trope

Books Lost This Week
Kick Me by Paul Feig
- I'm bummed about this one. He was the creator or writer from fav show "Freaks and Geeks" and I was laughing out loud on every page.

Books Returned This Week
Mad Cowboy by Howard Lyman

Books Started This Week
The Frog King by Adam Davies (So I can reminisce about working in publishing)

Mash it up

2005-11-27T12:27:00.000-08:00

The world of mash ups is fascinating. At this site you can see all the movie theaters with their shows and times in San Francisco. At Kayak Buzz, just type in your departing airport and you can see the lowest airfares for cities around the world.

2005-11-27T12:09:00.000-08:00

Thinking of getting another pet to keep my cat company.

2005-11-27T12:03:00.000-08:00

Making a Burger

Chubby Vegan

2005-11-27T11:57:00.000-08:00

Vegan Video

Nice Things That Happened

2005-11-18T18:55:00.000-08:00

This is a double dose.

An older gentleman went out of his way to help me open a door (I was carrying a large and heavy box).
Once inside the building, a security guard helped me find my way even though large signs were posted everywhere.

Book of the Month

2005-11-11T10:57:00.000-08:00

The Working Poor by David Shipler

It's interesting to hear peoples' reactions when they see me reading this book (on the bus, at the dentist's office, work, etc). "Are you poor? Why are you reading that?"
"Are you trying to get on welfare and work?"
"Don't you want to read something more interesting? I have a copy of In Style?"

Mini-Growth

2005-11-11T10:43:00.000-08:00

Finally on day 3 I notice some sprouting from one of the herb trays. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings...

Seeds

2005-11-08T15:34:00.000-08:00

I bought this mini-garden set over a year ago and it's just been sitting in a closet this whole time. This is day one of the grow-a-thon. The directions say that you should see sprouts in 1-2 days. I will keep a daily log of the progress (maybe this will finally get me to be a regular blogger).

Yarn Stash is growing and growing and growing...

2005-11-07T15:22:00.000-08:00

My new yarn is here! I found this great on-linen Japanese store that sells beautiful(ly priced) yarns.

Half

2005-10-30T14:07:00.000-08:00

You Are 50% Weird

Normal enough to know that you're weird...
But too damn weird to do anything about it!

How Weird Are You?

2005-10-22T11:59:00.000-07:00

Google your name and the word "needs." Here's what I found:

1. MIA needs an airport authority, privatization
2. Mia needs a home that would give her a lot of pampering and care
3. MIA needs to work on an international scale since many of the library and information services used are international in scope
4. MIA needs YOUR HELP!
5. Mia needs your children to help
6. using the Mia needs more skills than a professional barista using a La Marzocco Linea in order to make one great shot
7. Mia needs a home!!
8. Mia needs help get more sparklies to save Grandma
9. MIA needs to do a number of things to ensure that the credibility and credentials of you, our members
10. If Mia needs an injection of something, a plain old intravenous shot will work just fine, since her blood is still circulating

I'm an airport, orphan, dog, cat, coffe machine, children's book character, and addict.

2005-09-01T19:02:00.000-07:00

I just found this website where they are donating all the proceeds from selling these crafts to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina. crafters united.

2005-09-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

I don't think I can fully understand how this is happening. Here. I mean on the news I hear "refugees, refugees" and I don't realize that they are talking about here. My country. Not some far off place I can only find on a map. It's here. Now.

indie on-line shopping

2005-08-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

etsy.

2005-08-20T13:18:00.000-07:00

farm country

2005-08-15T18:28:00.000-07:00

yarn
i'm back from my vacation. i visited yarn stores galore, but must say i was a little disappointed. i really didn't see anything out of the ordinary until i visited a place in minneapolis that had some wonderful handpainted yarn. i even bought some for my secret pal!

food

it seems you can now even find vegetarian restaurants in the heart of america. here are some of the best we encountered:

Chicago: Chicago Diner and Green Zebra
Minneapolis: Ecopolitan (excellent!)

family

i've been going every year to the family reunions on my mother's side. although it's usually a brief visit, these moments are very important for me to connect to this family. this time there seemed to be so many kids running around and our picnic seems to have doubled in size. i'm thinking about my own running around some day too...

memories

i missed my 10-year high school reunion while at the other one. before the trip i was anxious about missing this "momentous" event, wondering who would be there and thinking about who i would (or would not) remember and who i would miss. but while on vacation and visiting with family i didn't think about it once. my grandmother turned 91 that day and i'm happy i was there with her.

those kooky mormons

2005-07-26T20:26:00.000-07:00

check this out. date lance.

Crochet Yarn?

2005-07-25T18:30:00.000-07:00

While visiting my mom in Sacramento, I stopped in at their only yarn store to see what they had. I picked up two balls of this really plain 100% cotton yarn. I thought I'd make myself a bag for the farmer's market I'm shopping at three times a week. When I went to the counter the sales person asked me if I crochet a lot. I said, "No, not really, just occassionally." I wasn't sure why she asked me until later when I was looking at my yarn. Under the brand it said "crochet yarn". I've never heard of that before. Why is there yarn just for crocheting? I mean, I started knitting my farmer's market sack and it's working out just fine for knitting.

episode where i start to hate nate again

2005-07-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

i just love that ruth (from six feet under) goes to a knitting group! and the best part is that it's filmed at an actual lys.