Saturday, April 30, 2011

satur-bleh

Today has been a overly lay day. And slightly frustrated. Only frustrating because I can hear my neighbor's tv over my own. Bleh. I'd ask to have it turned down, but I'm already on the bad side for asking too much. Anyway, it has been quite a lazy Saturday even though I have a ton of things to do. I did manage to complete a few minor things. I started and almost finished making necklaces for my roommate, started, haven't finished on my afghan part for the day. Did clean off my desk. Which is a big improvement. Hopefully later tonight The creative juices will start to flow so I can start compiling the research for a paper I'm working on.

It's amazing how Saturday can turn me in to a complete bum. Not that any other day is much different, but Saturdays especially make it difficult to sit down and get things done. I wonder if it is a biological response to the week, or just the day causes one to shut down. Ahm well...maybe I'll find some motivation in searching for monologues. If any one knows of any funny ones, send them my way please!


Thursday, April 28, 2011

Hoping for a chair

I have determined that if I get a single room next year, I'm going to find a dirt cheap comfy chair to crochet in. This chair will probably be bequeathed to a friend that I like that isn't graduating and hopefully would live it's life out in the rooms of others. I think that would be a good life for a chair. Used by many girls in a dorm for years. Plus, chairs are more lovable than refrigerators. Chairs let you sink in to them, cry out your worries, sit on the edge with anticipation, hide from the world in....chairs just rock. Anyway, I mainly want the chair because it is insanely uncomfortable to sit on my bed, or floor, to crochet for hours. It's great for two hours and less projects, but my massive projects are less fun. Next year, if I get a single room, I'll have an entire section devoted to crafting and reading and daydreaming.



Right now I am 26 days, give or take one, away from being back home. I'm excited and apprehensive about it. There are a lot of great things that are happening this summer that I am really excited about, but I hate leaving the area where the majority of my friends are. It sucks being so far away and knowing that there isn't a chance for them to visit, not that I would have time to entertain anyway. I'm also 24 days, give or take, away from driving across country. Which makes me nervous because my dear old car is on it's last legs I believe. She's held up for many cross country and cross town trips. But she's getting old in age and I'm not the best at keeping up with her problems, or even noticing when there are problems. Hopefully everything will hold together long enough to get me home.


In the crafting scene, I finally finished all the white for the 1-up afghan and sewed it all together. This weekend I'll be working on the stem and the outline and hopefully next week will have the time to finish what I don't on Sunday and get it sewn up by Friday. I'm excited to get this done! Oh, I also made this headband thing. I'm not sure how I feel about it, but am wearing it now...only cause I found it while I was rearranging my hats and needed some inspiration to do my math homework. It worked. Maybe I should put on headbands more often....it might make my work disappear.


My line got used!!!




I'm fully aware that you might not be able to see the whole thing, but I submitted this line last night and it got used!! YAAAAAYYYY!!!!!

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Fellow crafters, if you haven't stumbled upon this gem, you should go there now.


that is all.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Tons of green!

I finally finished the green for the giant afghan of doom! Well not really of doom, but that's it's current nae because it's taking a while. Mostly because I'm lazy and get distracted easily. Anyway, after I redid the math for it, this thing is going to be over 6 ft long and just under 6 ft wide. It's currently residing on my roommate's bed because it's still Easter break here and she's at home. it's already wider than the twin sized bed. Woot! Now to get the white done and sew the top together. Then it's black and sewing that together. Anyway, here's the picture of the monster on the bed. I'm so happy to be done with green!


Sunday, April 24, 2011

My hooks

I'm a huge nerd. I can't deny it so I have learned to embrace it. To add to my geekiness, I am a huge crafter or diy-er. I love making all sorts of things. And I hold the tools of what allow me to craft very precious to my heart. So, while taking a break from a giant project- really. It's huge. I'll end up bigger than me. - I took some pictures of some of my most prized possessions. The hook case was given to me by my dorm mom and fellow crafter. I love it so and can't wait till I fill every slot to the gills with hooks! I do love my hooks and case and notions...




Yes, that is a giant empty tub in the background
that once was filled with cheese balls. My
roommate and I are addicted to those things...

I love to craft! And I can't wait to show the pictures from this massive project I'm working on!

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Rescues!

One of the biggest things I advocate for and support are animal adoptions and shelters. I believe that before anyone goes out to buy a dog, they should check out their local shelters and online for their pet first. I also believe that animal rights are overlooked and should be at the forefront of an animal owner's mind. That being said, I am happy to say that I will be helping out at the Second Chance Barnyard this summer! This is an amazing place in the town where I live. They really do a lot for abandoned, puppy mill rescues, lost and just generally homeless animals. All of my dogs, at least the ones I can remember, and all the cats have been rescues. They are the best and every day I'm thankful for them. I'm really distracted while I write this so I'll write more on this topic later when my thoughts aren't so scattered. I am really excited to be working at Second Chance and Zenawood and even the grocery store this summer. Can't wait!

The rescues in my life:
Harley and Suzy napping

Suzy, my rescue cat

Buddy. The calmest dog I've ever known.
Unless fireworks are going off, then all bets are off.

My constant companion, Harley.

Huxley. This little boston was rescued this summer.
He is now spoiled by my sister.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Dobbins!

Ok, to add onto the crafting things that have been happening. For a while I alluded to a super secret project that I was working on. And now I finally get to show it off on here. Yay! Here they are, the dobbin horses of secrecy! I made five and each has their own little personality :) However, not all five are pictured here cause I didn't get pictures of all of them. Well, I did. Some just ended up super blurry and such. So here are the good pictures!
Yay! There they are! I liked them a lot and enjoyed figuring out how to attach them to sticks and form the face and bridle and hair. It was fun. And now that it's over, it's on to granny squares and random mini projects. I saw some crochet beaded jewelry that I really liked and as soon as I find my lace hook I will try my hand at that.

Not much else is happening. Open dorms are tonight so at some point I guess I'll clean up my craft explosion so it'll be presentable. My sunflowers are quite tall now and soon a couple of them will go to live with a dear friend of mine and a couple others will go to reside outside. I have this one wimpy stemmed one that I feel bad for as it's getting crowded out by all the others. It's so sad looking, but that just means it's going to be like Rudy right? A wimpy little thing that no one thinks much of until it grows into what it's supposed to be? I have to say I am still quite proud of my little cati that are growing pretty well. Do need to pick up some sand at some point...luckily I live close enough to the beach for that to not be a problem. Ah...well, I think it's time to try to work on some cleaning. Till later...

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Gomer

Earlier this week something awesome happened that all I can really say about it is wait till summer to find out more. Unless you already know, then well...you know. Anyway, tonight I decided to make a long overdue object for a friend. So here's Gomer...the fuzzy hipster zombie thing...






Saturday, April 16, 2011

thank goodness

So everything worked out so far. I'm pretty much thrilled that it has and that everything will work out this weekend. Whew. It was a nerve wrecking time. Now I'm just nervous about the going and doing the right things and saying the right stuff. Less horrible than the other stressing. What's weird is there's this calm almost peace like air that has settled. Crazy.

The super secret project was finished last night! Yay! I'm really happy with the way that they turned out and that the people who they were for love them. I took a few pictures of them and when I edit out the background mess of my room I'll post them up. I also made a little bunny while I was doing the Worship Simply thing. It was quite cute. Right now it looks like a yarn monster threw up in my room. Guess that'll be my project for the day haha

Right now, there isn't a bunch else. Picking out colors, organizing yarn and craft things, and just general laziness is ruling this Saturday. I'm hoping one of my friends will stop by so we can get our Glee on with my new game :) Yup. Fun times over here!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Flowers and rings!

Here's the latest project that was completed! In crochet circle, we all are doing little flowers and putting them on stems and in pots. This is what mine looks like and I can't wait to see what everyone else's looks like!


In between projects tonight, I thought I'd make a few button and wire rings. Mostly because I was looking at my unmatched buttons and remembered I had wire from the flowers. So here are my rings. Please let me know if they are super cheesy before I start wearing them out in public!


The little blue one. It's almost nautical.
I liked this one cause it looked like abstract art
This one has an interesting, almost wooden texture
and is a lot lighter in color.

So there are my rings and flowers! Let me know what you think!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

I got a display...

I'm currently watching the new Extreme Couponing. It makes me feel like such a failure at shopping because I'm not getting things for free or ultra cheap. It's crazy the lengths people go through to get a great deal. I mean, I coupon, and I used to think that I did a great job of it cause I haven't paid more than a dollar for cereal in a long time and I usually wait for things to go on sale or do without. Now I'm wondering what more I can do to get more savings and to just learn more skills. Crazy.

Another project has been finished! I haven't taken pictures of it yet, but will get on that tomorrow. Also started the massive afghan project and the super secret project is moving right along. Tomorrow is going to be a massive crafting afternoon as it's Thursday and it's the day that things typically come together for that. Oh! There's this worship thing going on in the chapel of my campus and a few of my crocheted items are on display there! Friday I'll be apart of it as the music plays and I crochet. I'm hoping to get a couple short projects done during that time; we'll see...

Tomorrow is also major stress day as I figure out everything budget wise for the weekend. If everything comes through as I hope it will and plan it to, I'll only be a little short, but may be able to redeem that through some other things and a lot of pleading. If I get really lucky, it'll all be okay. I really hope it happens. It's crazy, but it's going to be good if it comes together like it should.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

ugh

You know what get me slightly weepy? Text messages from my grandma that say "Miss you and love you." It just makes me miss home a little bit more. It also makes me nervous. I get nervous because if this doesn't pan out, not only am I screwed over, but others are too. In a roundabout way. I get so nervous about these things because I never know if everything is going to come together like it should in my mind. At this point I'm wishing beyond hope and prayers and dreams for this to happen.

I sound repetitive and anxious. I hate being repetitive. I just...all three sentences started with I. This is something that has been locked away for so long and now looks like it might come true and that makes me nervous because when things go up in my life they have a tendency of crashing down quickly. This is something that would thrill me if it came true fully. Even now it seems like a dream that it's happening even kinda right now. I hope it doesn't end Sunday. That Sunday is just the start and it keeps getting better.

Now I'm homesick and nervous.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Ah...stuff

Ever have one of those, put the tv on a channel that plays nothing but movies all day, veg out and get minor things done type of days? I have successfully accomplished that kind of day. I think the biggest accomplishment was the fact that my floor finally got vacuumed. Ahh...the life of a dorm resident. I did manage to get the barefoot sandals done today which I am excited to have done. Now it's either on to the top secret project (probably) or to start making squares for the afghan (not yet). Or I could finish the mug cozy I started working on (eh). Oh! I also managed to get all my Algebra homework done! Yeah! I kinda have to finish a paper on a Freud book, and one on if the Japanese involvement in WWII was fueled by their faith. Riveting topics, I know. This is also the week of mini papers and major fiscal stress as I try to get everything in line for Sunday. I'm only mildly....moderately stressed out by everything that I need to get in order before then. If everything works out right, I'll be able to do it. But if everything decides to collapse, I'm screwed. Which is what I'm afraid is going to happen. It's atypical of my life and situations so I expect nothing less. Oh me...

I'm starting to toy with the idea of either an Etsy or Artfire shop. Etsy requires a 20 cent fee for listing, while Artfire does not. However, Etsy seems to get more traffic and is more wildly known. Artfire has more of a selective crowd. I'm not sure if I'll do either one, it's just an idea to toy with for now. I'd like to get some feed back on it, if people would think it'd be a good idea and such. Feedback??

Anyway, the second round of My Future Boyfriend is on. Maybe this time I'll pay attention to the ending. Oh! Did anyone else see that Perfect Pear commented on my earring holder that I made (inspired by her DIY)?? Totally made my day :) I'm hoping to try out a couple of the earrings she has instructions for when I stumble across the materials. Okay, off to finish this movie and crafting.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

nervous nelly

Today was a mellow day of sorts. Lazy afternoon, gave way to a slightly energetic evening and a crafting night. Tonight my friend took me out to one of my favorite sushi spots and that was pretty nice. We went with a couple other friends too. Afterwards, I got down to some semi-serious crafting and finished a few more pairs of sandals. Unfortunately, I am about 24 beads from being able to finish the very last pair and am now waiting to hear what to do about that. I started thinking about starting another project or paper, but am afraid it is much to late for that now.


Not much else has been happening beyond that. Been trying to reach someone via phone with no success. I find that very frustrating as I was supposed to receive a call a while ago. I don't really enjoy this as it only adds to the stress. I'm very nervous about this weekend and all the fiscal, emotional, etcetera problems that are coming up. I'm super nervous about everything and right now just hoping that this comes together well enough so I can do this and be able to survive afterwards. Times are tough and getting tougher.

Here's to hoping tomorrow will be a calm and productive day.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

yesterday

Since this post, things have been resolved, talked over and such. This is just the thoughts that have been trapped in my head for a couple days now and needed to come out. Also, this is a day old now. I'm too lazy to go back and make everything farther in the past. Just keep in mind it was written yesterday. Anyway, it's sad, so if you don't want that don't read it. Oh, and thank you to everyone who suffered through this with me and thank you all for the wishes and thoughts and everything.





Today is my first day being 23. I never really count my birthday as the start because it's like this magical day of inbetween. At least to me it is. Anyway, I'm really melancholy right now, so if you'd like to stop reading and go outside in the sun, I suggest you do that. It would probably benefit you more and it's some nice not infront of a computer time. So go. Now. Run.

Now that's over with...yesterday was m birthday- obviously. Here at school I share it with two other people. That's nice and all and I honestly don't care much about that. But yesterday was one of the worst birthdays I have in my working memory. It actually started at midnight too. Every year I stay up till midnight on my birthday, so I can greet the day at it's start. But let me back up a bit. This year a friend had told me they were going to throw a little dinner together with a few of my friends at my favorite restaurant in town. I was stoked. No one has done anything like that for me in many years so I was ready for it. I had my outfit, surprise face, everything worked out. Then at the midnight of my birthday I was told that we had not talked about when, who, etc. Naturally, I got super bummed; I had thought everything was worked out. At the same time I got asked if I was going to one of the other birthday people's dinner out on the beach. Nothing against them, the beach, or anything, but I was not about ready to go to someone else's celebration to celebrate them on my day. It sounds really childish, and I feel super childish. But I wasn't about ready to go steal their thunder. So I said no. All yesterday I heard about how I should go, how I need to go to the person's celebration to celebrate their birthday and I got to listen to wishes for them, while I was standing near and got none. It broke my heart. I mean, it was my birthday too. I should have gotten wishes and been able to get my friends together to go out to eat too. Seriously hurt. I can count the number of verbal wishes to me on my fingers and had it not been for the social networks I doubt anyone would have been aware of it. And that made me really sad. I would have asked my friends to go out to eat with me, but the person and I share the same friends and I didn't want them to have to choose between us. I didn't want to steal her joy and I didn't want to crash her party. But no one understood/stands that. So while they were all out, I made my cake, blew out my candles and sang my song. That sounds horribly pathetic and sad. No lie, it was. Only one person asked if I was ok, because I looked like a beaten puppy for most of the day. I'm thankful for being able to talk to them and their understanding. I'm thankful for my distance friends who listened to me too. The made it a little better. But, frankly, I still feel hurt by all of it and wish I had the guts to tell those that hurt me. This is as close as it gets I suppose.

There were a few redeeming factors of my day, I got calls from my grandparents, mother and father. The all sang to me which was nice. The presents my mom sent were amazing as usual. I got a Glee board game which I am excited to play, a bunch of books, clothes and a movie. Oh and truffles, perfume and candies. I got a balloon and candies from a couple on campus who I babysit for. And I got a card from my roommate. Those things made the day a little brighter. Plus extreme couponing was on. That was neat.

Overall, I know that there are people that have it a lot worse. And that I shouldn't complain or anything because of that. But I was and still am really hurt by it all. I really just wanted to be able to go out with my close friends and have a nice time. to have a few moments where it was about me and to feel like I could accomplish anything and to have my moment in the sun. I feel so pathetic being hurt by this. So pathetic.

**sidenote, in no way am i ungrateful for all the wishes and the thoughts. thanks


Subtract the wedding figures.
Add a hint of confetti and candles.
Yup. That sums it up.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Earring holder.

The other day I talked about an earring holder from The Perfect Pear. Today I was at the thrift store looking for some other things for a project and ran across this cheap frame. I was going to get some lace, but it was expensive so that idea got scrapped. However, I came across these striped pajama pants and decided that would work just as well. So, I cut to size, put it in and hung a few earrings on it! I still need to tape the fabric to the back so it doesn't sag so much, but I think it looks kinda cute. What's your say on it?

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Sunday thoughts

Good evening all! Today has been a really long day, but that may be because I didn't sleep in. The last session of Oasis was this morning and it went off pretty well. I was pretty pleased with how the lights went off this time around and there really weren't a whole lot of hiccups. The band was really nice and I had some fun hanging out with them. The speaker was really good. Pretty sure this was one of, if not the, top Oasis I've worked on. There's a couple pictures floating around on the Twitter page if you're interested. Super not high quality because my phone camera doesn't do so well in dark areas with a concentrated area of light.

Since I no longer have a legit excuse to avoid homework, projects and the like, I should go into them full force. However the motivation isn't there just yet. Kinda feels like a recovery day, though I've been in a 'recovery' mode for a little while now. Such a terrible life to live, ha. Tomorrow for sure is going to be the knock out papers and other assignments day. Monday just seems like a good day to start that. And it lets me look at the week and get all the other stuff done too. I knew I should have bought a day planner. Wall calenders are great, but day planners are where it's at for assignments.

To avoid the aforementioned work, I've been looking at a couple DIY sites. I have found a new project that I'm thinking of starting. The biggest one is this pretty earring holder from The Perfect Pear. There's also a bunch of cute earrings that I'm thinking of starting, or just showing my friend, O, and getting her opinion on them. She's brilliant at fashion and knowing what does and won't ever work. I've got the DIY and thrifting itch.

Speaking of new things, a new opportunity opened up to me and I ran with it. It is the single most reckless thing I have done in a long time, but I believe it will prove to be one of the better reckless things. It's going to take a lot of work, time and prayer, but I'm up for the challenge. I just hope my car is too. Starting this thing has caused me to look differently at myself and not just see me as who I hold in my mind, but as someone who is becoming more and more self-assured and confident in her abilities and body. Rather than the awkward teenager that hid behind the curtains, paint, headset and flats. I just pray and hope that this works out for the better and that I will not only be able to get ahead myself, but to help those I love too. That would be the ultimate thing. To help out.


Ok. I've stalled long enough. I'm going to knock out these barefoot sandals tonight. Or at least a couple of pairs of them. Two down. Four to go. I'd model them, but I think feet pictures are just weird. Google barefoot sandals and look for ones that look like ladders. You'll get the idea. So long, dear people. Until the next time.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Ok. So short post to say that I love this blog. It's called Cookies and Cups and you too can enjoy it here. Some of the most amazing creations are on this site and the pictures alone are drool worthy. Go and check it out.

Friday, April 1, 2011

friday friday

Friday! Friday! Gonna get down on Friday!
But seriously, tonight is Oasis which is a pretty large youth event on campus that lasts three days. It's kinda cool and exciting and whatnot. Yesterday I spent the majority of the day working on getting the lights set up and running and praying that the chapel didn't catch on fire because of the awesome wiring. It's an older building so I always worry about that. Today is the programming of the different scenes and checking the set up and finishing the stage. Oh and making everything look pretty. The band is supposed to be here around four, so I'm hoping to be done way before then. If I can.
To add to this fun, I have a little bit of homework that needs to get completed and a few errands to run too. I'm not a big fan of everything coming together on the same day. Tomorrow is going to be interesting with Oasis and an interview and then more Oasis. I'm really just hoping my car is up to the challenge and is ready to take another trip. I love my car, I really do, but it's 14 years old and a little beat up. It still gets me from point a to b, so I'm not terribly concerned about it's health yet, just apprehensive on long trips.

I really should be getting ready for lunch and classes right now...
bleh.
Tomorrow is another interview at the same place I went before. I'm nervous about it because I'm not sure what they are looking for and if they'll choose me over all the other people. I really hope they do and I can really get started on this instead of waiting around fretting, which does nobody any good. Guess I'll find out tomorrow. I just got to remember to take everything that I need. And to breathe.