Spencer's new bikebikebike

Almost forgot...this needs its own post!

Spencer has finished building his "dream bike". Except for a smaller sized wheel on the back, he's got all the bits and pieces he wanted and has them all assembled.

Behold.....




And here he is, Proud Papa with his "baby"....



He says it rides like a DREEEEAMMMMMMM.

So very proud of him and all his hard work. He worked his butt off doing odd jobs to earn the money to buy all this on his own. Along with some gift money, it was all him. And then he used his bike mechanic skills and put it all together - with some final adjustments at the bike shop (for safety reasons).

Still working hard at being unemployed...

Hello everyone,

Things have been tough in the Chaos here. Lately I've been a bit down so NOTHING is getting done around here. Just the basics to get by. Being sick last week, disappointment after disappointment and life in general has just been dragging me deeper and deeper.

No creativity let loose, no making of anything, no sorting, no organizing. Nothing.

I get up late, I chat with Honey for an hour, I sit on the couch with the Kitty and read or sleep the day away. Horror of all horrors, I've actually been watching daytime TV!!!! Talk shows only, no soaps, and the talk shows are of the more "classy" type. No Jerry Springer or that other dude allowed. Sometimes I put on Discovery Channel all day.

I've learned a lot about building cars (Overhaulin') so I guess it's not really time wasted, right? Yeah, right.

My Mom and Sis sent grandma's vintage beads on Saturday. The USPS attempted delivery on Monday (that was QUICK!!). Silly me decided to go out and enjoy the nice weather, so I missed them. I've been trying to get it re-delivered ever since. I finally cornered the carrier today and he promised he'd bring the box tomorrow.

I can't wait to get my hands on them! I have lots of plans in my head and hopefully I can pull myself up and out of my current funk enough to work with them and get going on some really cool stuff!!! Which I hope I can continue and grow into SOMETHING going on around here besides moping and feeling sorry for myself.

Today I decided I need to put myself on a schedule. Time blocks need to happen for daily/weekly chores, deep cleaning, sorting/organizing, creating/making, bike riding, exercising, relaxing, and so on. I need to pull myself up and get my butt in gear or NOTHING is going to keep getting done. And I want this place looking good by Christmas. I want to start the new year with an organized place. I know if I just made myself do something little every day, I could do it. There really isn't that much to do, I only need to apply myself a whole lot more.

I'm even thinking about going back to school. Don't know what I'd study yet, but the thought is there - again. Especially since I'm having such bad luck on the job front.

On the wrist front, I've been dealing with pain from a "cyst" type thing on my wrist. My insurance company is stalling the doc's office. They're not being very timely with responses for pre-auths, etc. I don't know what is worse, the pain or the frustration. Meanwhile, the pain gets worse and worse. Gee thanks insurance company. So glad you care so much for your members. So very glad this isn't life threatening.

On a happier note, Ms Cow will step in and do some more fashion posts. She's really getting into this...she is making notes for a post as I type. We bought a new book about Fashion History and she's had her nose in it since Monday. I can't wait to see what she comes up with!

Part 2 of My Chat with Ms. Sammie

Ms. Cow: Hello again my dear.
Ms. Sammie: Meow...meow.

MC: Remember I said I'd have some things for you to look at?
MS: Merowww...
MC: OK, let's get started then...Here we have humans trying to get with the black and white...



I think it's too geometric.
MS: Meow!
MC: I knew you would agree. Here we have some Ben and Jerry Cows being well, Ben and Jerry Cows. They are very...um...avante garde...



MS: Merow?!?!?!?
MC: OOOH! Look at this Ms Sammie. A kitty really going all out for the black and white Cow look!!



MS: MEOW! Meow meow meowmeowmeow....MEEEEEEOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWW!!!
MC: Yes, my friend, I agree. It's a bit much and really, Kitties should stay Kitties and Cows should stay Cows. It's the way Nature intended.

MS:MEOW!
MC: Exactly and you really do wear that solid white well.
MS: meow (blushing)




Until next time, use your Cowmon Sense!!

Girl Crush

Today is our first anniversary! Happy Anniversary Sgt Puff (Puff for short).

I've had my beautiful bike for a year now and I love her! We've gone on many adventures and covered many miles together. I've been keeping track (sort of) of all our rides and have a sort of mileage tally for you. Keep in mind that I'm about 3 months behind on entering our rides, so the numbers are actually a bit higher*.

Distance Traveled: 429.12 mi.
Carbon Offset: 461.5 lbs. of CO2

Isn't she gorgeous?




And here's a photo of the happy couple taken this past Saturday on their way out. It was a great day for riding.



To celebrate, we're off riding today with Spencer and his bikebikebike when he gets home from school. And the BIG GIFT is a trip to the Bike Kitchen tomorrow for a tune-up. She DEFINITELY deserves a bit of TLC for taking me everywhere I want to go and for getting thru Thorn Season.

This next year, I think we should increase our mileage! I'm not going to set a concrete number, cos then I only get myself in trouble. Just promising to get out and ride more is enough for me. The numbers will tell the story next year!

Oooh, final count for the entire thorn season (incl original tires):

Puff 6 Thorns 2

*I promise to post the final numbers once I'm finished entering in all of our rides...

New Feature...Cowmon Sense Fashion with Ms Cow!

Welcome everyone to Cowmon Sense Fashion!!!

Donna is off working very hard at being bored and so on, so I decided to post a little something for the fashionistas out there. She made me promise to use spell check so that everyone would understand my fashion tips. She has a valid point. Sigh.

For those of you who don't know me, I love Fashion! I watch fashion shows on TV, I read fashion, design and sewing blogs on the internets, and I read fashion, style, and sewing magazines. I am a student of design and hope to have my own cowture line some day. I have my own little notebook that I carry round taking notes and jotting down ideas, and of course, sketching out my designs. I'd show it to you, but it's all top secret. Don't want any naughty fashion spies stealing my designs!

My first post today will be about Black and White. It's the latest thing! And being a Black and White Cow, I'm at the height of fashion. Today I interview Ms Sammie, local house cat and demon kitty from hell - who is ALL WHITE.





Ms Cow (MC): Hello my dear. Can we talk?
Ms Sammie(MS): Meow.




MC: Ms Sammie my friend...you've got the White bit down...you need some black to break it up. It's just so...pale. You're not a Vampire Cat are you?
MS: Meow.
MC: Let's have a look at you...lovely coat (pet pet pet)...yes, some black here and there would be fab!!!
MS: purrrrrrrrrrrrr





MC: Yes, yes, yes, that's all nice, but what are you going to do about getting some color?
MS: Meow
MC: Getting hair color dripped on you when Donna is coloring her hair is not quite what I had in mind...
MS: MEOW!




MC: Yes, yes I know...it's color...but it's brown. She needs to dye her hair black. Then you go give her a nudge. Better yet, take the bottle of dye from her! That spot is just too small.
MS: meowwwww
MC: You tried my dear, you tried. Don't fret, she'll be at it again in 4 weeks. We have time to formulate a plan...

Next episode, we'll have some examples for Ms Sammie to look at...until then use your Cowmon Sense*!

(*copyright 2009, Ms Cow Cowture)

2 years today!

It's been two years since my car stopped working and I couldn't decide what to do with it. Eventually I donated my "Scooter" and I've been car-free since.

I've become buddies with the local car rental agency and they give me deals whenever I really need a car - visitors from out of town, KublaCon and so on. Various friends ask me every so often to "babysit" their cars when they are out of town.

All-in-all, I have not missed not having a car but for the few inconvenient times I was in a hurry, or it was HOT out or I had just missed the bus. Not really any occassions that would warrant buying a car.

That being said, I will buy another car eventually...most likely when I get another job. But it will be a small fuel efficient puddle jumper (as my Dad used to call small cars).

In the meantime, we have our awesome bikes, our transit passes and our feet to get us to where we need to go.

Happy 2 years without a car!!!!

Stay tuned - in two weeks, it's my first anniversary with my Bike. :)

I know it's Saturday cos Blogger says so...

...this week I have absolutely no concept of time or what day it is...

Oh well. Right now, I know it's Saturday. I'm sure I'll wake up tomorrow thinking it's Wednesday or even Saturday again. A friend commented at dinner "isn't every day a Saturday when you're out of work?" Pretty much as the days start melting into one, but I really do like to keep track of things...sigh. I think my brain is going on vacation. Really need to get going on some crafting - I need to keep it a little bit more stimulated than I have been. I've been reading a lot, but it needs some diverse activities.

Right now, I just wanna go to bed and get a decent night's sleep. I haven't had one in over a week and it's showing. I get easily confused, disoriented, and am prone to zoning out. Getting a bit more regular with the bike riding will help, but the weather is just too hot to do that. Sigh.

Anyways, I've had a nice cup of English Tea, cuddled with the Kitty and now it's time to pry the kid off the xbox. My bargain shopping partner in crime is back in town and we're heading out tomorrow for a day of hunting down some good deals. We need our rest.

Good night from the Chaos - where things are getting less and less chaotic (organizing-wise) daily.

You'd think I'd post more...

....being that I am unemployed and supposedly have nothing better to do...

Today I went into San Francisco to DSW warehouse and then on to Chinatown. A good walk about the City wandering in and out of various bathrooms and shops does one good.

Yes, I did buy shoes* and yes, I bought myself a small silk zipper pouch and a wee bit larger messenger bag at my fav shop in Chinatown, said hi to the giant wooden willie and then made my way home.

And now I'm sitting here in my new shoes ** (oooh they sure are comfy!) typing up a blog post. Cos I've got nothing better to do.

*No way in hell did I pay that much. I paid less than $40. What I REALLY want now are these. Can't wait til they hit the discount shops....

** I have a thing for born and boc shoes...

I'm obsessed (as Spencer always tells me)

Not only do I belong to the Book Swap Club, but I also joined its 2 sister sites....DVD Swap and CD swap.

With all this sorting and purging, I've come across a few DVDs and CDs that I just don't watch or listen to any more (some I didn't even remember I had!!). Up on their respective sites they went. I've sent out 7 of the 12 DVDs I listed and 1 of the 16 CDs I listed. Not bad. The best part of signing up for all 3? I can transfer credits between all 3 sites and use them for all books, all DVDs, or all CDs, or anything I want! Wahoo!

I'm finally getting some books sent to me off my wish list, so I'm very happy with the whole situation. I've also ordered a few CDs and am on waiting lists for several DVDs.

Spencer says our house is like a post office cos I'm always packing things up and sending them out and he's always ordering bike parts and I'm finally getting stuff in from my swap clubs.

Maybe I should get out my old uniform and do it up right!!! (I used to work for the Postal Service when I lived in Texas.)

These past few days I've been in a mood, which is hard to believe since I had such a good weekend and a great Monday! Lunch with AmpuT! We had a lovely lunch together chatting and catching up. She gifted me with some very funny toilet themed stitch markers and some gorgeous fiber - she's so sweet! Sorry, but I'm too lazy to take pictures, let alone post them. There are four markers tho: plunger, roll of toilet paper, toilet and pile of poo. Once I start using them, you will see them. Or maybe I'll take photos and post. Whichever comes first...don't hold your breath for either.

I haven't done ANYTHING fiber related all summer - and I haven't done anything jewelry or drawing related since those classes ended! Gah. I feel a creativity crisis looming - if I don't make something soon, I think I will explode! If the weather would just freakin' cool down, I'm sure I would get going doing something. Maybe that's why I can't sleep...it's all building up in my brain. I did however, dig out my turkish spindle and get going on some practice last night. I've got a few pretty batts now that I'd love to make into some usable yarn so I need to get going. I still suck, but with time, I KNOW I'll get better cos I just LOVE it and I won't have it any other way. :)

At least I've been keeping up with the sorting/purging bit. I've been managing to do at least 15-20 min worth every night since this weekend when I went all purge crazy on Saturday morning.

I've got a large shopping cart full of purses, clothes, misc crap, I mean useful items, that needs to go to the Thrift shop. Maybe I'll go tomorrow. Or Friday. Or maybe Saturday. Or all three if I purge enough the next two nights!!

More and more space is being freed up in the living area even tho there is still a row of boxes against the wall. I have vowed not to bring in any more stuff until it is all cleared out. And even then, I really don't think I'll want to bring in anything new. Honestly, I have enough stuff and really don't need more! Unless I find a job between now and then and get all that new furniture I want - but that only means the old furniture goes. One in, one out. :)

Enought chatter, it is time to watch "The Sarah Jane Chronicles". Disc 1, season 1 from Netflix. Pretty soon the last season of Dr. Who will be out and I'll be watching that!!! Maybe I'll do today's purging while I watch. Maybe not.

It's so boring round here...

I'm keeping busy, but still....snoozeville!

I've gotten in the mood lately to do lots of sorting and clearing out and etc etc etc. The Chaos is becoming less chaotic by the day. There is still quite a bit to do, but I am making lots of progress going thru boxes and getting rid of stuff.

Spencer had a friend over this weekend, so even tho I did do a bit of work, I really couldn't do much. He is Spencer's Kublacon buddy and they were working on their armies. Every year they are the only two that have unpainted pieces in their armies. I somehow convinced them that they should meet once a month or so and just paint and practice strategies and stuff like that. They got quite a bit of painting done and even put some time in at the local game shop testing out some new strategies at the gaming tables. Spencer has just put away the final remains of all his paints, brushes, glue, bits, pieces and whatnot and the place looks halfway decent. Yay!

It's going to be pretty damn hot here for the next few days (100F +) and I am still in a purging/sorting/cleaning mood, so it is perfect! I wont' be wanting to go out in the heat and what else have I got to do round here? I am determined to have this all cleared out before the Holidays hit. Fingers crossed I can keep up with it!

Now to go wrap up some books for Book Swap. Two more go out in the mail tomorrow!

Kevlar Tyres* 6 - Evil Thorns 0

....just in case anyone was wondering....

And that storm that is not supposed to roll in until 1opm? I think it's going to hit a bit sooner. I was just out on Puff the Bike when the wind got stronger and the clouds got thicker, and a few drops fell. If the wind keeps up like this, it'll be here sooner than expected.

I'm home and chillaxin' with a book on the couch. Bring it Mother Nature!

*that's for you Honey, smooch!!

I like when the Angels bowl...

Anyone who lives in the SF Bay Area knows about the lightening and thunderstorm we had early Saturday morning.

I enjoyed it! One thing I miss about living in the Midwest (Chicago, then Texas) is the thunder and lightening.

When I was younger, I was frightened of it. Who wouldn't be as a young child? It's scary!

Mom and Dad explained away the thunder and lightening as Angels bowling. Close lightening and the consequently very loud thunder meant a STRIKE! I still managed to squeeze in their bed (like a chicken my sis would say) when a particularly bad storm would hit.

Anyway, as I grew older, I came to understand what lightening and thunder really were (thanks science and meteorology classes) and came to like hearing the rolling grumbles and the occasional flashes of light.

This past early (5:50am) Saturday, I was awake when it hit - my usual woke-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night-and-can't-fall-back-asleep scenario. I saw the flash first and thought a car was turning around in the parking lot outside my window. Then I heard the rumble...could it be? NO! YES! It was!!! Thunder.

Yay! I opened the living room curtains and sat on the couch for a while watching the lightening and listening to the thunder. Before long, I was feeling sleepy again...like a baby listening to a lullaby.

Off to bed I went and slept soundly for a few hours.

When I finally woke up, it was cloudy and raining. Ah sweet rain, how we need you. It probably wasn't enough to do much for the very dry conditions around here, but I'm sure it did a little bit of good.

Unfortunately, the lightening sparked a few fires out in the wilds, but according to the last news report I watched, they seem to have it under control.

Another storm is due in late tonight and is set to stay into the morning. I hope some thunder comes along with it. We rarely get lightening and thunder in the area here. I for one, welcome nature's noises.

Drive-by posting...

Still gettin' things done over here in the Chaos.

OMG...so who else is going to run off and make some of these?!?!?! I'm stopping on the way home to find something to put in them...either chocolate chips or blueberries or something otherwise yummy! Must. Make. Some...

Mom's recovery is coming along. Not only is she back to her normal self (as evidenced by some annoying parental habits), but the doctor even says she's healing well. :)

I finally remembered to ask Mom if she still had some old beads laying around the house. Sure enough, the old candy tin housing my Grandmothers glass seed beads is alive and well and soon to be on it's way to the Chaos. I used to "play" with those beads when I was little, pouring them out of their vials, putting them back in, arranging the little glass vials "just so" in the tin. Counting the strands on the tassels - that's how seed beads used to be sold, strung on cheap string and made into cute little bunches, or tassels as I called them. Well, the strings have long since deteriorated, it's a good thing I put the tassels into old film canisters. :)

Now that I sort of know what I'm doing, I'm going to try and make some jewelry out of these family antiques. I can't wait to see them again (the memories!). There will be photos as soon as my Mom and Sis find a good way to pack it all up and ship it safely.

I'm back in the saddle - have been bike riding Friday, Sunday and Monday! Today I rested as I've managed to get out of riding shape and am quite sore from the waist down. Tomorrow I go for a ride again. Yay!

My poor little kitty (my 16yr old fluffy white baby) was sick this morning...sure hope she's feeling better. Can't quite tell as she's been sleeping all day. Guess that's a good thing - since that is normally what she does anyway.

Hello...are you still there?

Just a quick Mom update. She's recovering nicely. My sister says that she is bossing her around, so she's definitely feeling much better than procedure day. hee hee. That's it for Mom updates as they are quite boring and there's not really much I can say. Thanks to everyone for all their thoughts and well wishes!

I've been keeping busy. Yes Virginia, you can be unemployed and still be busy.

I miss my jewelry class. Sign-ups are on now for the Fall class, but I'm not going to do it. It's an extended version of the one I just took and it's during the day again. I'm being optimistic and saying I'll be busy working soon, so can't be playing at jewelry class on Friday afternoons. :)

No knitting lately. I've tried, but I just can't do it. Not only am I lacking in knitting mojo, but my wrist has decided to bother again (a cyst from the past has returned with a vengeance), and so I've replaced knitting and crocheting with reading and jewelry making. Now that Mom's on the mend, I just might drag myself into the doc's and see what they can do for my wrist.

I've also joined Paperbackswap.com...damn...it's like having a job! It's really cool tho, you join, post books you'd like to trade and then, well, start trading. For every book you mail off to another member, you get a credit. The credits can then be used to "order" books from other members. It's all quite addicting. I just joined up this past Thursday and have already sent off 12 books...with 8 more waiting for the appropriate approvals. Go check it out. If you decide to join, please put me in as a referral my swap id is ladilynn. The site also has two sister sites, one for CDs and one for DVDs.

After all the mailing I've done, I'm finally getting a book sent to me. WooHoo!!!! Unfortunately, most of the books I REALLY want have waiting lists. Oh well...

Another Mom Update

The drugs have worn off and she's had her post-op exam. She doing much better than they thought she would be and she's pretty much back to her old self.

Thanks for thinking of her and please continue to do so - every bit helps. :)

Mom Update...

Hello everyone,
Please keep my Mom in your thoughts, prayers and good vibes still.

It's all done and she's home (day surgery sort of thing), but things got a bit difficult and her recovery is going to be longer (and most likely more painful) than was originally thought.

She's not really down with that concept right now, but hopefully she'll get back her "I can do this" attitude once all the drugs wear off. The woman has survived Colon Cancer and has dealt with so much more - she can handle this one too.

I'll keep you guys posted as time goes by.

Thanks!

Another Request...and an Update

Hi everyone!
My Mom is having a procedure tomorrow. I won't go into details (she's a very private person), but if you could, please say prayers, light candles, send out good vibes or whatever it is you do to help her get thru it.

I'll let you know how it went later tomorrow.

Thanks!


Good vibes update!

My friend finally got the inspection he was hoping for on Monday ( I was there helping) and his new company passed the site visit. We've got some follow-up things to take care of (only 9 action items from a possible gazillion or so), but it's all good. He's very excited and wanted me to pass on his THANKS!!!!!! for thinking of him.

Busy doing nothing and something...

I've been doing stuff. When I'm not busy doing something, I'm busy doing nothing. hee hee

Every so often this summer, I've been helping out a friend who is starting up his own business. He's been at it since early this year and is still mired deep in red tape and gov't paperwork. It's been very frustrating for him since he can't really run his business without various and sundry certifications and licenses.

I've been helping him a lot this week as he prepares for an imminent inspection. Please send out happy thoughts, say prayers, light candles, put out good vibes to the universe, or whatever you feel comfortable doing to help him along.

This week is my last week of classes. I'm not so sad ending Drawing class as it was mainly Senior Social Hour every Tuesday morning. I did learn quite a lot, and will continue to draw and learn new things on my own.

I am very sad that this Friday is my last Jewelry Class and I am sad. I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this class! I've learned SOOOOOOO much from this class. Now that I won't be going to class anymore, I'll have to start doing some fierce designing and construction and get some of this awesome cool stuff I've been doing up in my shop.

Promise to do more posting, I've just not been into any of it this month.

Just another lazy Sunday

Well, today didn't quite turn out as it was supposed to...pretty much the whole weekend went like that.

It's all been good, but I miss my friend who was supposed to ride her shiny new bike over to have turkey burgers with us. That's the only thing that was a downer. She's not feeling well and shouldn't be out riding, so we'll have to do it another day.

Spencer had a friend over for the entire weekend, so none of the food I bought will go to waste. As a matter of fact, they've just finished it all off and he's off to the bus stop and headed home.

I'm tired. I've been either shopping for food or cooking it. Don't know how you folks handle more than one kid, especially a teen. They are non-stop eating machines! Thank God for my dishwasher, it's run twice already.

I haven't done anything drawing-wise or jewelry-wise. I've been trying to get myself to work on my Stitches on the Bridge project that needs to be in Scotland soon. As some of you may recall, I made a grid of the Golden Gate Bridge and originally planned to do that in double-knitting. Well, that changed last night.

My left wrist is giving me some grief lately - actually a LOT of grief, so double-knitting isn't exactly the technique I should be doing right now. So I took apart what little I had done (trust me, it wasn't much...only about 6 inches of about 76 inches needed), and started over.

It's still a double-knitted pattern, but a much simpler one - a graphic - and it's going rather quickly and it doesn't aggravate the wrist.

Now, if I could only keep working on it. I seem to have a case of the snoozles...I'm so tired this past week, I've taken naps almost every day and not surprisingly, I've had troubles sleeping at night. It's a vicious cycle. I'm trying very hard to stay out of bed during the day today, so hopefully, I'll be able to sleep tonight.

Off to work on the scarf now...

Black and White and hope you read it all over...

Hello everyone. Today I'm turning over the blog to some guest bloggers who will be making appearances every so often. All that excitement over bikes and tires and evil poking thorns has just worn me out. I need a rest.

And now, take it away guest bloggers!!!

Hello evriwone! My name is Ms Cow. My bestest frend Cow and I will be stepping in whenevr Donna gets too bizzy or lazy to blog. Today we are just going to tell a bit abowt ourselfes. I'll go ferst.



I live with Donna and Spensr in there howse in Kalifornia. My best frend Cow lives in Eenglind with her Honey. My othr frends are Kitty, Sock Munky, Marven the Dalek for skale and Sidney the knitted Dalek (he also livs with Honey and Cow very far aways). Cow and I haf desided that we haf a solushun for this far away stuffs. I am lerning how to drive and will drive across the U.S. to meet him when he sales over in his bote.

Here I am bukled in safe.



I likes to du many things but will safe that for othur posts.

And now it's Cow's tern:



Helo evribody. My nam is Cow and I liv in Inglund with Martin. My bestest frend is Ms Cow but she lives a long long way away with Donna so I hav maid a cuning plan. I hav desined a bote so I can sale acros the see. Martin has tort me som notts and I hav red a buk abowt saling and I hav bean lerning navygaiting with his gps. It is very esy cos you pres a buton to tell it were your going and it tells you were to turn left or rite and even wich rode your on. Heer is a pikchure of the bote



Martin ses we hav to maik a complykated pikchure cald a lines plan befor we maik the bote so I hav bean helping him do that. Wen he isn’t luking I maik it a bit bigger so ther is mor rum for Ms Cow to hav cow partys! But don’t tel him that or hell be cros.

My other frends are Soc Monkey, and Sidney and Marvin the daleks. Next time I will tell you mor abowt them, and abowt wen Martin and Donna took us on a ship, and we sat in the captens char.

Mooooooooooooo


Heer we ar togethr on a visit




(Editor's Note: The Cows didn't want me messing with their spelling this time out. I told them they really need to take advantage of the spell check function as I'm not going to spend all day correcting their spelling - I'm supposed to be on a break!!! We'll see how that works as they are both very stubborn.)

Kevlar Tires 1 Puncture Vine 0

So...Spence and I head out for our test drive. We rode about 6 minutes down the trail to a business park where Spence did some tricks and I just hung out while he did his thing.



Isn't she gorgeous?!?

Why, yes, she is...


On the way home, I picked up this in my front tire...



Son-of-a-bitch...I'm an evil thorn thingy magnet.

Tire held up tho! I'm so very happy. I panicked when I saw it, but I pulled it out, and new tire didn't even notice it. BOOYAH!

This one episode alone is worth the $80 I just spent today getting all this...3 months left of thorn season.... GO KEVLAR TIRES!!!!

Prepare for Battle! *

*Gandalf to the Gondorian Soldiers in LOTR Return of the King...

It begins... Spence and I take a trip to the bike shop.



Let's see what she bought....

Feelin' lucky punk? (from Dirty Harry)



Why, yes...with you on my bike, I do feel a bit luckier than before. Kevlar. Lined. Tires.

What's next...oooh...you need tubes to go in those tires girlfriend...will these do?



Read the box carefully...Thorn Resistant. Why yes, those will do nicely.

Here's what the thorn resistant tubes (left) look like compared to the regular tubes (right).



They are pretty much like a water hose. Why yes, those will be just fine. Thank you very muchly.

They are a bit bigger than my regular tires and Spence had to adjust my fenders. I'm sure glad I waited for his help.

They were also hard to get on and his muscles came in very handy. Here's Sgt Puff all kitted out and ready for battle.



No more wobbly tires - the original tires were very inexpensive tires that totally went wonky after all the on and off of these recent flat tire changing episodes. They did last a good 10 months tho, which is pretty good for the low end of the tire range. Stupid cheap showroom tires. No wonder I couldn't get them to sit right on the rims anymore - which is why they were wobbly and which is also why I haven't been riding my bike. Didn't want to take the chance of doing damage to the rims (expensive and time consuming to fix!) or any other part of my beautiful Bike.

Anyway, I've SOOOO missed riding my pretty blue bike. And I've been paranoid riding Honey's bike. Not only is it too big, but I was so afraid of getting flat tires! But ride it I did, and it was very awesome that we have it for an extra. I love his bike!

Spencer is changing the tire on his - he does a lot of skidding and so on with his fixed gear bike, so his tire issues are about running down the tread, not getting flat tires. BUT...I have convinced him that he needs to keep an extra tube, patch kit, and pump on him...just in case. Soon, we'll be ready for a test ride.

We'll be going off to the bike shop again after our test ride to get him an extra tube and a pump he can strap to his frame.

Punture Vine (tribulus terrestris)? I'm ready.

Just click on the link to read a bit about this non-native weed and to see photos of its thorny bits. Evil looking, aren't they?

If you walk, run, or ride on the trails around here, please be careful of these things, they are very sharp and I'm sure could hurt if they got in your shoes or on the paws of your puppy pals. We all know what they do to tires...sigh.

Rites of Passage...

Today has been a good day.

Spencer and I have entered into new phases of our lives.

He is with his Father in Texas visiting family. I got a mysterious text from Dad this morning to "Check your email. :)"

I open his email and what do I find? A photo of my son shaving. I won't post it here, even tho it is the most adorable photo of him I've seen in a long time. Although that statement alone is probably embarrassing enough. (My work is done.)

I cried when I saw it. And I've got a bit of welling up going on now as I type this too. Can't help it. The "growing up train" is charging full steam ahead. I can either jump on and enjoy the ride or stand by on the platform and watch it pass.

Wow, that was deep.

My friend Antonella was over today. Yes, I had a visitor in the Chaos. I haven't had anyone over to visit since Honey came over the winter Holidays. Spencer has had friends over and stuff, but I haven't had any visitors.

This is a big step for me. The place is still a wreck, but it was clean. As is the usual. I wish I had a magic storage closet. A closet where I could put all this stuff that came out of my old storage unit and the closet itself would just be a small space. Sigh. A Tardis of a closet if you will - "Bigger on the inside."

Anyway, I've accepted my Chaos. Not to say I won't still keep working on it, but I've accepted that I like company, and I really do like having friends over to visit. And that if I ever want friends over to visit before I'm too old to care, I need to accept that the Chaos is there and have friends over 'around' it, so to speak, until it is gone.

So, early this morning, I rode out to Antonella's place, where she was waiting with her shiny new bike, and we pedaled over to my place. I showed her how to navigate the trails, how to bypass the hills (that's important for a rider who needs to get used to her bike) and where to turn off for shops restaurants and what nots.

It was a wonderful ride and when we got to my place, I had my daily chat with Honey, we headed across the road for some groceries and I cooked up some home made turkey burgers.

It was a wonderful ride, visit and meal with my first visitor in too long.

I miss my Honey...

'nuf said.

And again, nothing gets done...

I seem to be in a bit of a funk this week.

Don't feel like doing anything...and I haven't. It's a wonder I manage to feed the cat and myself these past few days.

I miss my son and his doses of happiness. This whole unemployed thing is very depressing, and Spencer coming here on my scheduled custody days always brings me back up and into reality and gives me something to look forward to. With him gone in Texas all week, its all moping, all the time, ever since he left. sigh.

I've fixed the back tire on my bike, but it still seems a bit off. Whatever, maybe I'll get around to working on it again to try and find/fix the problem, maybe I won't. I most likely won't.

I've decided to re-read Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince since I couldn't for the life of me remember what the hell happened in the damn book. At least I'm doing something.

I really should go outside and sit and draw and get some fresh air. Maybe even take out my jewelry supplies and work on re-doing those pieces that need fixing. I probably won't.

I'm going to go back to reading. In my quiet apartment, with the drapes all closed and the only company, the cat, who just doesn't give a flip what the hell I do as long as she gets fresh food and water every morning.

yeah, whut-e-vah...

Yep, the bike is still in the hallway with a flat.

The jewelry still needs to be re-done.

There has been no drawing.

There has been no organizing.

There has been no cleaning.

I have yet to color my hair - and the grey roots are getting bad. I'm wearing hats to cover it - I NEVER wear hats.

It is now 10:30pm and I've just realized I didn't eat dinner. And it's not cos I was busy.

I did manage some laundry the other day, but only cos Spencer needed some clothes washed so he could pack them and I ran out of clean socks and undies. The whole "no more clean undies" is a great laundry motivator, isn't it?

I am a slug.

If only my brain could do physical labor, I wouldn't be one.

In my brain, I'm one very busy woman, getting all sorts of things done...a little crafting, cooking, cleaning, organizing tornado. Whirrrrrrrrrrr!!!!

Oh, and those gift cards? Gone.

Good to know I still have an imagination and despite my slugnicity, I can still shop.

Gah! Ack! Argh! and GRRRRRRRRRRR!

Today was Jewelry Class day. Yay!!!

We seem to have lost quite a few people, which is good because there were WAAYYY too many that first day. I am actually socializing and having a good time sharing tips and tricks with my fellow classmates. It's amazing how there can be just one design and 20 different interpretations! I love it!!! And I was actually able to contribute a tip of my own! Very fun.

I made a pretty necklace using some of the new curved metal beads and flexible wire I got from online - and used some really pretty green glass beads I've had forever. No two of the beads are alike, but they are all the same green. It is awesome...

...except...well...5 min after I finished, I broke the damn clasp. Gah.

...and while I was just inspecting it, I noticed that I left out a few essential spacer beads in the middle of it.

So...even if I hadn't broken the damn clasp, I would have had to redo it anyway. Oh, and I've decided it is a bit on the heavy side (large solid glass beads will do that) so while I have to take it all apart anyways...I'm going to switch out some of the main beads for some a bit smaller (and lighter).

Sigh.

Anyway, sometime this weekend I will redo it and I'll probably redo the bracelet I did in the first class - broke that clasp too. (Don't know what it is with me and breaking clasps!!!)

And I'll head out to the pool for some outdoor drawing. We are supposed to draw a tree for homework...and there is this really cool Weeping Willow just outside the pool area. It is half branches (no leaves) and half graceful (full leaves). Spence and I spotted it last night when we went out for a swim - we decided it is "Cool" and deserves to be drawn. :) It is right outside the covered table area which is perfect. I can go sit in the shade while I artificate.

Even tho I have to redo my jewelry projects, that is not what has me upset.

On the way to class, I got a flat tire!!! I was on the same path that gave me a flat tire on Saturday. Don't think I told you that...

First flat tire story....Spencer and I rode "the back path" all the way to a friends house this past Saturday. I call it the "back path" because it goes along the foothills back behind our complex. Anyway, cue fun and yummy dinner visit with friends, a ride home - in the rain!!!! - and I'm wiping down my bike when we get home and I spot something on my front tire. It looks like a tiny leaf, so I brush my fingers over it and PFFFFFFFFFFFT! Front tire goes flat. Somewhere along the "back path" I picked up some sort of VERY sharp spikey naturally occurring nasty thing. Sunday, Spencer and I are having to stop off at bike shop for repair kit and extra tubes. Tire is fixed Sunday night by yours truly, riding bike all this week, everything is hunky dory.

Good thing I got extras...

Today, I am riding "back path" to Jewelry class...I'm almost to the end of the path and PFFFFFFFFFTTTTTTTTTTT!!! Thwumpa thwumpa thwumpa...

ETA: It was the same spikey naturally occurring piece of tire death that got me the first time.

SHITTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!

I slam on brakes and hop off...back tire is flat as a pancake. SIGH! I am almost to the end of path and close to class - thankfully - so I walk rest of way to class. I'm sure I've totally shredded the tube from walking for about 10 min with a flat and then another ten min to the bus stop after class, but I didn't have my repair kit on me and really didn't want to sit in middle of path with no shade and do the whole 'repair and hope it works' thing even if I did. Back tires are not easy to change - especially when you've never done it before. :(

Now I'm sitting here looking at my poor bicycle with the flat back tire. Spencer is at his Dad's today and they are leaving at the ass crack of dawn tomorrow morning to catch their flight to Dallas - gone until the 26th. I've never taken off my back tire before and I'm not sure if I'll be able to do this on my own - all that gear stuff happening back there and all you know. But I will definitely give it a go - not afraid to try! Good thing we have Honey's Bike! If I can't get my wheel back on, I'll be riding that one for the next week until Spencer comes back from Texas. It's a bit big for me and there is no rack for my removable paniers, but I can deal. Will just need to take it easy and use a backpack.

Oh, and there will be no more riding on the 'back path'. I will, however ride back to the path "crossroads" and go to the right into Walnut Creek, but will not ever be going left again into Concord!!!! The trail towards Concord hates me and my pretty blue bike. Stupid trail!

I'll be taking the bus to Jewelry Class from now on. The bus schedule is a lot more agreeable in that direction, so it's no big deal. I'd rather ride my pretty bike, but no way am I taking her that way again. Such abuse she's taken from that trail. Both tires puntured in less than a week.

Happy Birthday to MEeeeeee - Now with edited updates!!!

Yes, today is my b-day. If you are keeping track, I'm 46 today. On the other side of "mid-40's" getting close to 50. Sigh.

Yeah, I have mixed feelings about today. Add to that the fact that the high temp will most likely be 100F and well, whatever. Birthday ennui.

ETA: Not sure if it got that hot, but for a while there this afternoon, it was pretty damn close while we walked about. Gah.

There are plans for the day...once they are started, I should feel better about things.

An online chat with Honey.

ETA: I misses you lots.

Lunch with Spencer at our favorite deli. Then on the bus and off to the movies for the matinee showing of the new Harry Potter movie. YAY!!!!

Either before or after the movie, it's a quick trip to the bead store to get some stuff for Friday's class. I don't think that the stuff I ordered online is going to make it in time. It took forever for my payment to clear the bank, so shipment was delayed. Stupid banking system! I only need a few curved tube beads and 30 inches of flexible wire. sigh.

ETA: My stuff showed up today! What a wonderful b-day surprise. The postman was delivering to the boxes as we were leaving and we just about tackled him looking for stuff (we're waiting for a few other things as well). Got my jewelry bits order and a few b-day cards!

There are cards...here's the one Honey sent me...hee hee hee

ETA: Selected by Cow - who thought I should get a cow card, but all he could find was sheep.



And gifts....when we renewed our cell phone family plan, we upgraded and Mom was kind enough to pony up the extra cash to get me this cool whiz bang phone. I've had it since May-ish and I absolutely love it! Thanks Mom!!!!

Others have been teasing me with "you have to wait til dinner to get your presents" (you evil person, you know who you are) and Spencer is on his way soon and says he has a card and gift for me. Going to open that one right away!

ETA: Evil person finally gave up the goods - some makeup goodies, a gift card, and a cute little polka dot bag which is already packed full of jewelry class supplies - you all know how I love my bags!!! Spencer gave me a gift certificate to the local art supply store! My friends and family know me way too well! I LOVE EVERYTHING!!!! THANKS A BUNCH!!!!

Drawing class was fun again...my classmates seem to have calmed down a bit and are now telling each other to shut up. I managed to snag a seat right up front so I could see and hear everything! Found out why after about 5 min into the class. Seems the a/c blows right on that spot and the one next to me - which happened to remain empty for the entire class. Several people sat there and as soon as the a/c came on again they went running for the hills complaining about bad nerves, this, that or the other malady that would act up if the a/c blew on them for 3 hours. Ahhh...peace and quiet!!! Guess that's my territory now! I especially enjoy the a/c blowing on me after a hot ride to class. heh heh heh

Yesterday, we did faces and then concentrated on eyes. That was really cool. Someday I promise to scan in my stuff as I've discovered I really CAN draw. I get that from my Dad. My drawings are not perfect, but that's ok, you can tell what they are supposed to be and my faces actually have features and don't just look like smiley faces. hee hee hee With practice I'll get better and better. I am SO GLAD I took this class!!!!

Jewelry Class

OK, so we've got a class full of chattering and eating seniors for drawing...and an oversold class full for jewelry...the class was designed for 25 students and there are about 35-40 of us in the class. The teacher ran out of handouts, seats, you name it. I think the next 5 classes will be much better tho as she'll be much better prepared - and she's bringing more assistants to help her out. She only had one today.

But I still like both classes as I am learning quite a bit!

Today in Jewelry Class, I made a very pretty bracelet. I immediately came home and ordered the supplies from my fav online jewelry supply store for next week's class. What I don't use for class, I'll definitely use to make more pieces for my "jewelry collection" to sell online. I am glad that I don't have to buy any beads right now as I have quite the collection! Have all the tools I need as well. I have most of the findings I need, I just needed some clasps (as I have yet to make any bracelets or necklaces) and some stringing wire and some curved tube metal beads. Oh, is that all?!? hee hee. Actually, it's not that much at all. And I am uber excited to use some of my larger beads that aren't quite right for stitch markers or earrings. YAY!!!!

Time to do homework. This weekend I will do some drawing. For jewelry class, all I really need to do is go thru what I have now and break it down into a smaller kit for class - and then find something clever around here to put it all in that will survive an hour round trip on the bike. And then wait for my online order to arrive. YAY!!!!

I'm very excited to finally understand some techniques that I've known and read about but could not really get my head around. Seeing others do it and then trying it myself immediately after really helps.

And at some point this weekend, I will post a photo of the bracelet and scan in my first drawings. I was quite excited about it all and showed Spencer what I've done so far. He of course said it was all awesome...but he's biased...and was waiting on me to cook dinner...so he could have just been telling me that so he wouldn't starve! hahahahahahaha

In other news...I'm back on the creating wagon - and not just for class! I've finally picked up the knitting again and am working a little bit every night on the Stitches on the Bridge scarf I'm making. You know, the double knit scarf with a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge on it. Yeah, I frakking crazy!!!

And in the "awwwwwwwww" category...Sammie is sleeping on the bed with me again and sitting close by purring while I knit away. I can't tell you how happy I am about that. I've missed her so much!!!

Getting ready for Friday...

Last night, as I entered in months worth of bike rides and swimming to MapMyFitness.com, I remembered to check the trails and see what was available to get me across to the other side of town to my Jewelry Class on Friday. With all this entering, I still have a few weeks of entering to do...I REALLY need to keep up with that - gah.

Lo and behold...the trail that goes in that direction just happens to go *almost* right past the school where my Jewelry Class is!!! I can't even begin to tell you how excited I was to see that. Now I don't have to leave uber early to get there and then sit and wait for 45 min after class to catch the bus home. Stupid bus schedules totally suck when it comes to being convenient for anyone but the bus company. grrr.

Today I packed up Ms Cow and the bag of supplies I will be taking, along with my locks and cables and headed out to try out the route. Was mostly looking for how hilly it would be, as it goes round the foothills and even a part way up into them. I was also looking for a travel time.

I am happy to say that the trail is totally doable for me, some slight hills, but nothing I can't handle. The trail pops out at a main street that has a marked bike lane - one block later, I'm in the parking lot. Time? 25 minutes. Only 5 min longer than my trip to Drawing Class. This is indeed good news as I don't do well with hills - altho it would technically help me get better if I had to ride up one at least once a week. Oh darn. Another good thing about this route is that it's not all windy. Only the first part is windy, the rest is nice and calm. Heaven.

No bus! Hardly any wind! *Almost* door-to-door trail. YAYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!

I'm all set...just need to give Sgt Puff a mini-checkup and make sure she's all set. I've been riding her a lot lately. Think Spence and I should probably go back to the Bike Kitchen on Saturday and give her a really good look-see.

About Balls....

Conversation in the elevator yesterday while going up to do laundry...

Little Girl: I like your balls lady!

Me: Why thank you!

Little Girls Mom: snicker snicker snicker snicker...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Seen floating in the canal while riding the trail this morning...

• One pink ball about the size of a basketball
• 3 baseballs
• One football

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Seen *on* the trail....3 piles of doggy poop

• One very large as in "does a bear shit on the trail" large
• One very small
• And one very smooshed (luckily not by me)

(I know, I know, not technically balls...more like torpedoes...landmines...work with me here...had to tell about the poops!!!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For those looking for artsy type stuff...

First Drawing Class today...I LOVE IT! I am very glad I signed up for this class. Once I get past the fact that I'm the youngest person in the class...it's not so bad!

Today we learned about the basic shapes used in drawing and about highlighting and shadowing. Someday when I get over being a lazy ass, I'll post a scan of some of my work. I'm doing pretty good for a beginner, even if I do say so myself. hee hee

Oh, and I TOTALLY love that I can ride from door to door and lock up my bike right outside the classroom door. Really wish it wasn't so windy sometimes, but it does give me a good workout!

Drawing Class tomorrow!!!

YAY!!!

I'm hoping to have a fun time with the class and not sit there like a bump on a log.

The two, giant, tunisian crocheted blankets have not done their job. I am still blocked.

I have figured out that there are many reasons why:

1. I've been very lazy. Very easy to be very lazy when you don't have to get up and go someplace where people have promised to pay you if you show up and do stuff.

2. My apt is a chaotic mess. Result of the laziness, of course. I have promised myself today is chore day - going to get all the basic stuff done, pack for class and then work a bit more on getting my crafting supplies in order. Ooooh...it's lunch time! Chores will have to wait - can't do chores if I'm hungry!

3. I have no idea where to even begin being creative. I have many lists of ideas. I have many ideas in my head. I look at the lists and it's as if they are in a foreign language. I go to pull ideas out of my head and they are no longer there...they return when I decide to leave them alone.

4. I'm feeling rather lonely lately. Lonely equals woe-is-me, pity parties that totally block out any desire to do anything but park my ass on the couch and watch nonsense on TV. Which then ends up with me in bed with a book or magazine cos there is nothing but crap on TV. And then I can't even concentrate on what I'm reading.

I do get out with my friend Antonella, I chat daily with my Honey, Spence and I spend lots of quality time together when we get the chance, I still call the family and chit chat, and I have actually been dragging my ass out on the bike and have been swimming once. My blood pressure is down and so is my weight - 4 more lbs actually.

I should be happy. I think about it all and go "meh - whatever".

Trying not to put too many high hopes on these classes I'm taking and I think I'm doing pretty good with that. Stepping out of my creative box with the drawing is something different which I think I will really enjoy. The jewelry class can only help me as I have had lots of ideas for new pieces but I have no idea how to bring them into reality.

The classes are what they are and my chaos is what it is...hopefully being in contact with more people will get me back to whatever it is I was before I lost my job - ironically, I don't even know what that is, really.

Meh - whatever!

Sigh...

Was feeling quite clever before...now? Not so much...

so there will be no clever and entertaining post...

Honestly, I'm tired of hearing about an impending BART strike, and both sides saying basically "it's all *their* fault".

...the State of CA's budget woes and them all pointing fingers saying "it's all *their* fault".

JUST GET OVER YOURSELVES AND DO WHAT'S RIGHT FOR THE PEOPLE OF CALIFORNIA

oh and BART and BART unions? I just wanna slap both sides silly. How dare the unions whine about paying more for benefits when I just bet that at least 1/3 of their riders are paying out their asses for the sorry excuses of health benefits they have - not to mention all the riders who have NONE AT ALL cos they CAN'T AFFORD IT cos THEY ARE UNEMPLOYED.

BART management? Stop airing the dirty laundry of your business. Keep it behind closed doors and fucking work it out already!!!!

Oh, and PLEASE NO MORE MICHAEL JACKSON STUFF ALREADY!!! HE'S DEAD, LET HIM REST!!! Do all your fucking investigations and then splatter your shit all over the news. I'm tired of hearing it all RIGHT NOW... BREAKING NEWS!!!

ENOUUUUUUUUUUUUUGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ahem...

Feel a little bit better now...but not much. When you are not working, you have more time to pay attention to what's going on around you. Quite frankly, it's freakin' depressing.

I'm feeling sorry enough for myself without all this other crap. Can't we all just get along?!?

Now if you'll excuse me, my table for one is ready for my nightly pity party. Time to go whine to myself (i'm the only one who is around to listen) about how annoyed I am at the world, how much I miss my Honey, and how fast California is going to shit.

I really can't wait until Tuesday. First drawing class! I need something "new" and "exciting" to break up my "woe is me" attitude.

Oh, and I've finished MY big, giant, humongous green blankie. When I get around to taking photos, I'll post them here and on Ravelry. Right now, I'm sick and tired of looking at the damn thing.

Time to go have a hot dog and get ready to watch the SF Giants game tonight. I know, you don't usually hear me talking sports...but Antonella and a friend are going to be at the game sitting in primo seats and I'm going to play Spot the Wop - until I get totally bored with watching baseball. This would be a great drinking game if someone else was here with me.

Ciao-ciao!!

It's Center of the Earth Hot....

Yes, it really seems like it is...

Here in the Chaos, we've managed to not have the A/C on for most of the day. Once the highest heat of the day passed (I think we topped out at 106F maybe higher), I turned it on so as to cool the place off so we could sleep comfortably.

People always ask...but don't you waste energy or whatever by waiting? Not really. Either I have it on all day - where it's pretty much running all day, or I wait until around 6pm ish, turn it on, let it run for a few hours and that's that.

We don't really need it on all day - we are lucky. We are on the first floor immediately above the underground parking. The underground parking that pretty much stays cool year round. The concrete ceiling is basically our floor, only covered with a pathetic excuse for a pad and carpet.

In the winter, we're always cold. But in winter, it's very easy to put on layers of lovingly hand knit items to keep us warm...and those giant blankies I've just made will definitely come in handy once the mercury dips this winter!

In the summer, we are comfortable...only turning on the A/C at night - even during the hottest of heat waves.

In that we are lucky, cos there are only so many clothes you can take off when you are not the only one at home...and it's quite expensive to run our A/C all day long. This place is not well insulated - at all.

Little Princess Sammie has found a nice cool nook to hide in all day...only coming out for drinks of water and snackage. Spencer has been playing on his Xbox most of the day. I've been reading, playing addictive games on the laptop, or having a quick lie down. It's been pretty quiet round here as I suspect it's been for anyone else who is experiencing hot temps today. It's just the best thing to do.

Once dinner settles a bit more (we just had home made turkey burgers - YUM), Spencer and I will head out to swim. It was too hot to go to the pool today when it was in full sun.

I even hand washed the few items he'll need for his next week of being a Junior Counselor. There was no way I was going to trot up to the HOT laundry room and deal with laundry just for a t-shirt and a pair of shorts. I just did them here in the plastic tub thingy and hung them up - they are pretty much dried already.

So much for today. Not much exciting but I did manage to blab a lot, didn't I?

I am so excited for tomorrow. Claudia is doing her drawing tonight and will post about her ride and who won what from her prize basket tomorrow. I not only find out if I won anything (oh please let me win one of the AWESOME prizes!!!), I also find out who won the 3 items I donated.

One week until my classes start!

I'm going crazy - the wait is killing me.

Celebrating in the Chaos Today!

Happy B-day Oh Favored Son!

Spencer is 15 today. Goodness gracious where have the years gone?

One day he's Mommy's sweet widdle bundle of wuv...





The next day he's big and tall...and whining about having his picture taken...




and bossing around other kids! He's a Junior Counselor (JC) at a local Science Camp for a few weeks this summer.




Happy B-day Spencer! I love you and wish all the best for you. I'd better stop before I get all mushy and teary eyed and start blabbering...sigh...

It's not too late...

Hi Everyone!!!

While I go off and wait on hold for oh, an hour or so to argue the merits of "you have my money, where's my insurance benefits you bleep bleep bleepity bleep-bleep", please check out Claudia's Blog.

It's time for her annual Bike Ride for MS over on the East Coast. The actual ride is this coming weekend. For a donation of $10 or more, you will be entered into her raffle. People from all over the world have been donating some great stuff. Including lil' ol' me...the link above takes you to today's post which shows, among many other prizes, the 3 items I made especially for the give away. At the bottom of the post are the linkies you need to donate.

So hop on over to her blog, make a donation if you'd like and then stay a while to DROOL over all the wonderful knitty related prizes she's got stuffed into her prize basket...which should probably be the size of a large garden shed by now!

Latest news here, I signed up yesterday for a Jewelry Class. Same Adult Education place, only different day and location. Everything I know has been sef-taught - and there is nuttin' wrong with that! I'm hoping to hone my skills, and pick up some new ones as well. They mention wire wrapping in the class summary - YES! Have been wanting to try my hand at that for a while now. I can't wait for both of these classes to start.

I am hoping they'll give the creativity part of my brain a good kick start.

I am happiest when I am creating...and so far I haven't been able to do much creating since the job ended (palette cleansing giant blankies haven't worked - altho I am quickly burning thru my stash - and the latest one is over half done)...which makes for one unhappy Donna. Sigh.

Go...visit Claudia...drool, then donate...donate then drool, don't donate, just donate or just drool...

I'll be here when you get back...whining about how I've got artist's block and that all things insurance hate me.

GAH.

Art Art Art....

Yes, I'm going to drive you all bat shit crazy until this doggone Art Class starts...I'm not on the bus to Psychoville alone folks...I'm taking you all with me. Hee hee hee.

After my doc appt, I went down the street for some retail therapy. Oh, and it's not my fault that Ross is just steps away from the Art Store. Not my fault at all.

I found a set of 3 sketchbooks... 5x8, 8x10 and 11x14 sizes in a pack for $20. Can't go wrong there. Here it all is...





and yes...that IS my Buttercup pencil sharpener! Gotta have Buttercup along! :)

And YES...YOU CAUGHT ME!!! I bought a new tote bag to carry it all.



It was on Clearance! (Ross of course). It's Graphic! It has all my favorite colors! I can fit my largest sketch book in it! It's just SO. DAMN. CUTE. !!!!!!

It said "Take me home with you please!" So it came home with me. It said "please".

Oh, and it's got a pocket just the right size for Ms Cow to fit in...she's my creative partner, so of course she's coming along. :)

I am ready now for my first day of class. All my new and not-so-new supplies all packed in my new bag. July 7th can NOT come soon enough!!!!

Don't say I didn't warn you.

Oh, and there will be no - "what am I going to wear to school?" in the Chaos. I'll be riding my bike every week, so it will be the usual bike friendly outfits and the pre-requisite braids. Comfortable but not very fashionable.

Almost like a uniform. :)

It's addicting....

First off, I was successful in registering for the Drawing class I mentioned yesterday. I'm very excited to start and once Spencer comes back over from his Dad's, we'll hit the art store for a nice pretty new sketch pad for me. :) The rest of the supplies I need will come from Spencer's stash. There is also an "optional supplies" portion of the list, but we'll be ignoring that bit.

And now for the addicting part. And no, I'm not talking about my Viggo DVDs...altho I have to confess, Viggo III is currently playing in the background...sigh.

My current addiction continues with the Tunisian crochet stash blankies. I've decided to use some recycled yarn from 2 identical sweaters (a ton o' yards!) for a blanket for myself. Two strands of that held together with various other recycled yarns and yarns I've picked up from my favorite Thrift Stores and gotten from my various enablers (Mom) in the past. OH! And I'm finally going to use the 24 year old baby blue yarn I bought while I was a student in Seville back in '85. The base yarn is green (of course - this blankie is all M.I.N.E.) and I'll add the other colors as they run out, just like I did in Spencer's blankie.

Can't wait to see how it all turns out. I just loved the green yarn when I spotted the sweaters and it was always intended to be made into something for me. Now I've finally come up with something useful for myself. I'll have a photo of either the finished blankie at the weekend or it will be pretty damn close to it as these monsters work up lickity split. Guess I should go to Ravelry now and add the project!

Sammie on Sunday...

...no photos this time as we have been bonding on the couch...and I didn't want to ruin the moment.

Lately my little princess and I have been at odds...fighting over who has ownership over the laptop...or the office chair...or the mouse. She's been quite the little fuzzy white pill lately.

She's even learned where the delete key is on the keyboard, and has been having way too much fun sitting on the mouse and alternately right and left clicking by switching her weight.

The list of things she's been doing lately goes on and on, and I won't bore you, but let's just say, things are never boring when I sit and do the job search thing and chat to Honey in the morning.

Sigh.

Tonight we've come to some sort of truce...either that or she was cold... We sat together tonight watching crap on TV. Her on my lap purring, me dutifully petting and petting and petting. It was very calming for both of us and I've missed that interaction these past few weeks.

I'm hoping she'll hop up onto the bed tonight and sleep in "her corner" again. I've missed her. Where has she been sleeping? On the damn office chair! Gah!

Anyway, I finally checked the mail from Saturday as I came home from an afternoon out with my friend and partner in crime, Antonella...and there was the local class schedule for the Adult Continuing Education place. Kitty and I had a quick read thru and decided I should take a Drawing Class. It's on Tuesday mornings going for 8 weeks. Folks 55 and older have priority registration since it's a day class, but I'm hoping there's no rush on the class - please leave a spot for me...pretty please?

Several years ago, I signed up for a similar class in the evening and it ended up being canceled because not enough people signed up. I can't even tell you how disappointed I was! I had my sketch pad and pencils and rubber erasers all ready to go...I ended up handing them over to Spencer. Which only means, I get to go shopping for new supplies! :)

Fingers crossed this time it works. If I do find a job before it ends, well, I just stop going. It's not that much ($36 for residents for 8 classes) and it's something I've always wanted to do...and it'll keep me busy. Plus I get a really good ride in going to class...it's about a 7 or 8 mile round trip bike ride guaranteed once a week.

After my morning "job" of looking for work and then spending some time chatting with Honey tomorrow, I'm off to register...and if I get in, I get a supplies list and can go to the art store this week. I think I should probably wait until Spencer gets back from his Dad's. Going to the art supplies store is "our thing" and if I go without him, I don't think he'll ever forgive me.

Wish me luck!

Oooh! Have I mentioned that I've dropped 9 lbs since I stopped working? Can I get an "amen sister?" I'm also sleeping better...can you say I love not having a stressful job anymore?

Now to just find a job before the stress of not having one sets in.....sigh....

Totally Wierd Topic Thursday

Ready...set...go....release your 12yr old selves and let the comments fly...


* GUYS - If you are uber-sensitive to girl things...skip this post. If you've got a good sense of humor, join in. :)

I know, I've been absent...

I have enjoyed being semi-unplugged since I officially stopped working on May 15th.

Have been very busy as well.

There was finishing the Dress.




Really wish I had a dress form....this hanger does NOT do this dress justice...at all!

There was mad, crazy, almost all night gaming at KublaCon...

There was bike fixing, switching out of various and sundry bike bits and pieces.

There has been bike riding almost EVERY day! I've dropped 5 pounds so far... YAY!

And there was not much knitting or other crafting...except for Mom's birthday earrings.





I've been in a sort of a 'crafter's block' situation. My head is bursting with crafty ideas for knitting, sewing, crocheting, embroidery, combinations of all of the above...lots of prototypes for stuff to put out on my shop need to be made...the crafty list is endless.

Yet...I could do nothing.

Enter the craft palette cleanser...








Remember the "birthday balls" from last summer?

Well those 45, plus about 5-10 more, along with random balls found here and there round the Chaos, make up this BIG, HUGE, bad boy of a blankie (big enough to cover a twin size bed and then some - in the photos, it's on my double bed). Enter Size S extended Tunisian Crochet Hook, 3 strands held together, and Voila! Check out Stitch Diva for an easy Tunisian Tutorial - I also bought my S hook from them at Stitches West back in February. They also have a pattern for a stash buster blanket, but I just did my own thing.

The dominant colors in my acrylic stash were black and various shades of dark blue. I held one strand of black, one strand of blue and then just grabbed for colors. The balls were stacked nicely in the container according to color, so I attached one color, used it til it ran out, then started on the next and so on and so on. The photos don't do it justice as it's rather cool looking and flows pretty well from one section to another. Using the black and blue as the "glue" was a very good idea. Eventually I ran out of black and blue and then started in with the other base colors of green and dark red...and then found some more black, so added it back in... It was a fun project!

I started this sucker on the evening of June 1st...worked on it every night that week for about an hour or two, one or two hours over the busy weekend, left it alone until last night...DONE!

Insta-warm blankie, and the acrylic stash is G-O-N-E. At least I think it is....I'm sure more of that stuff will pop up...I swear, it breeeeds.

It's BIG, it's HEAVY, and it's Spencer's. He likes lots of weight and warmth on him in the winter while he sleeps. This should do it.

Craft palette cleansed.

Had an interesting last few days, but will save that for another post. I'll try not to stay away from the computer so much. :)

Sammie on Sunday is postponed to bring you...

...Kublacon weekend...

We got home at 1am on Friday night/Sat morning....

3am Saturday night/this morning...

Just walked in about 3o min ago.

The boys have been non-stop Warmachine tournamenting. Yesterday they set personal records...13 hours straight at the tables with back to back tournaments. They were pretty much zombified when we left the Con this morning. I had to wait until we arrived home before I could give into zombification since I was responsible for getting them home. :)

Ms Cow and I just aren't used to all this late night activity...

Up and at 'em again by 8:30 this morning. Good grief.

Tomorrow we are up early to get to the Con by 9am. "One last game"...kinda like "one more row" only you destroy someone else's army instead of finishing a sock, or sweater or something warm and cuddly.

I'm tired, kitty has missed me (and I her), and my bed should be warmed up and ready for me to dive in...good thing I'm lazy and haven't taken off our heated mattress pads yet. It's been cold here!!!!!! And it's even colder down at the Convention - it's down in Burlingame just past the SF Airport. Foggy and very very windy!

And now, kitty and I are headed to bed...warm, soft, wonderful bed....

Sorry so boring around here lately...

I can't help it. Not only have I been extremely busy, but I've been sick off and on for a very long time (damn allergies) and for the past week I've been dealing with a pulled back muscle.

There are many days where I don't even want to get up. What's the point? The coughing, the sneezing, the pain. But yet I do, and I trudge thru the days and try to sleep thru the nights.

Whine whine whine...

The lastest...

My last day at the paying job is tomorrow (or should I say today, it is after midnight). I just checked my bank balance. The last deposits have been made. It's pretty much officially over except for shipping out the laptop. Sigh.

Work on the costumes continue. The dress is almost done. I have to do just a few more things to finish attaching the bodice to the skirt and then it's the hem and we're off to school sometime tomorrow. And that's it for costumes. Good thing too, the first performance is next Wednesday.

The Casa de Chaos is a total wreck. Even worse than before. The poor cat is covered in bits of fabric and thread. That's what she gets for sleeping under my sewing table in a pile of fabric bits and pieces. She's royal, she likes velvet, what can I say?

I've got lots of cleaning up to do. Looking forward to getting a few boxes worth of stuff out of the house and back to former paying job. Then it's time to dive into what's left. Not like I'm not going to have some time on my hands. Sigh.

Taking some time off. Maybe I'll see a movie. Maybe I'll just stay home with my butt and relax for once. The back needs rest. The brain needs rest. My sanity needs rest. Yes, doing nothing for a week or two sounds wonderful.

Next Friday begins KublaCon Weekend with the Boys. WooHOOOOOO!!!!

I hope to be out on Sgt. Puff again next week, so definitely need to get my back well. I haven't been able to do much and even spent Mother's Day flat on my back in bed and medicated. Lovely.

Also need to kick the job search into high gear, help out a friend at his new business (non-paying job), and start making some stuff for my online shop. I've been ignoring way too many important things around here - including myself.

Sigh.

It's late, I'm tired, my bed is heated up and ready. I know, it's hot out here, but it does feel good on my back and helps my muscles relax after a long day at the computer and sewing table.

Oh, and THANK GOD for massaging shower heads.

Oh, and Ibuprofen too.

Still here...

And still working hard...

Things have been rather chaotic in the Chaos lately. I'm taking a much deserved break tonight. No personal crafting, no chores (I'm look at you laundry), no costume work....just me and the couch tonight.

This old body needs a rest - it's been thru a lot lately.

Lots of stuff going on...end of job next Friday, final fittings of costumes on Monday/Tuesday, KublaCon coming up, loads of ideas for the shop, loads of ideas for personal crafting projects...sigh.

On a happier note, I think the pools have opened! Time to start up swimming again. Spencer and I LOVE swimming.

Sammie on Sunday

Single White Female seeks...




HEY!!! Why you shut puter? I waz just getting started. You are an evil woman. Eeeevillle! Grrrr.


I can't believe it's been so long since I posted...welll, yes I can.

I've been busy doing this (making costumes)...





...among numerous other things.

Check out the evil look I'm getting...Spencer said, "In my own defense it was at 6:30AM! In the MORNING! You're evil Mom. EVIL!!!"

So I responded: "Stop whining or I'll make you model the poofy knee pants too!!!"

"GAH!"

Muahahahahahahaha

It's the 500th post...whoopty doo....

OK, so it's not as inspired and creative and all hoopla-y like I wanted it to be...deal with it.

I've been fighting a losing battle with allergies and finally went to the doc today. Came home with some really gung-ho meds. Nothing like some booyah drugs to take care of bidness! Looks like I'll be on the allergy meds full time during the 'season' again. That's what I get for wanting to get out and bike while it's snowing pollen. I've got some nerve, don't I?

Really sounds like I'm on something besides allergy meds doesn't it...what DO they put in those nose sprays now-a-days?!?

Seriously tho, I'm just so excited cos after one spray up my snozzle, I'm ready to go. I've got lots to do, so the whole world better just step aside, I'm back...and I'm going to start knocking out some awesome stuff.

First off, Spence and I had this totally awesome Sammie Sunday planned out. Picture Kitty in an easter basket surrounded by fake grass and plastice eggs. Kinda like a "Watch out Cadbury Bunny, Princess Sammie is in da house/we're really not amused about this" thing.

As you can see from the lack of photos, that didn't happen. Total. Non-cooperation. Damn. Cat. Next...

My big plans for a really cool 500th post shot to hell once I figured out I needed a zillion photos to do it and lots more time than I had and more brain power than I could muster...so now it's going to be a series. I'm calling it "The Family Jewels Series". Not the crown jewels, altho that does give an idea for a Sammie Sunday photoshoot. And not those kinds of family jewels - you dirty minded people!!!

This series is going to highlight the artistic side of my family - as in every one is a jewel to be admired cos they are talented and I love them, etc. Which also will include Honey and his folks cos they are quite talented as well. And with everyone included, it will be a lovely, long and hopefully extremely interesting series. Stay tuned. Not only do I have to gather photographic evidence, but it all has to be organized and of course I've got to pull all these ideas out of my head, but make sure nothing else leaks out.

Good heavens this is getting long. Next...

Been doing a lot of reading...can't do much else, so have been knocking back the Terry Pratchett Discworld Series... came to a halt with that one tho, as I still need to get some missing books, so have moved over to Angels and Demons for something different. Love me a good mystery, murder every so often. Next...

Working on some costumes for Spencer's school. The drama class is putting on "Rosencrantz and Gildenstern are Dead". I'm making 5 pieces and one Queen's dress. Cue panic. I've lost a lot of time with this cos of all the stomach flu and allergy and sinus headaches bordering on mini-migranes (oh the PAIN!!!). But that's all over now and I'm back in business. Time to start crankin'!!!

AHA!!! I've remembered why I'm such a spaz right now. I'm caffeinated. Forgot to tell the girl to give me decaf when I got a coffee while I was waiting for my prescription. NEXT....

Still trying to get some cool projects out of my head and off the "to-do" list and on to some needles. Shhh...they are secret. So I'm hoping the 'Jewels' series of posts will keep your minds off what I'm doing. heh heh heh. Next!

Working on another project called "Stitches on the Bridge". I'm hoping to make a small panel with the Golden Gate Bridge double knitted on it...thought that would be cool to make a bridge to go on the bridge. Have the yarn, have the swatch, need to grid out the design. Thought it would be cool to get in on some "sanctioned" guerilla knitting - after, all the panels get auctioned for charity. So I'm knitting for good and not evil. Next!!

Am so far behind on my SF sock club socks. Don't really care, I AM working on them and they DO get knit on during sock club meetups and bus/train rides. Next...

Lastly - yay!!! she's about to shut up!!!! - got some "new" stuff to work on more things for my shop! OHHHH, and speaking of shop, check out the videos that were just posted up over at the Phat Fiber blog. D'Lnn Designs gets a shout out at timestamp 6:35 in the first video. Yay!!!!

I'm sure there is lots more I could post, but I think I'm starting to crash. GOOD GOD!!! When did it turn 8pm...I've been working on this damn 500th post for too long. Gah.

(#&%()*@&^$#(*@

Damn allergies. They've moved into my sinuses and have maken themselves very comfortable. My nose is alternately stuffed up and running.

Mint tea is brewing as I type this...that should help relieve some of this...whine whine whine....wah wah wah....

Next post will be my 500th!!! Hopefully I'll have something more exciting to talk about besides just how stuffed up my nose is and how much I hate certain things having to do with current-almost-not-employer and taxes.

A love affair renewed...

Today Spencer and I met up at the BK to do some bike work. He switched out his center pull brake for a side pull one, then found a Fixie back wheel and switched that out. I had to work on my brakes and my front wheel.

Last Monday while Spence and I were out riding, well, we didn't get very far at first, because one of my bungee cords slipped down thru my front basket, wrapped itself around the wheel thingy and there you go. Headed back to the apartment, left Sgt Puff and headed out instead on Honey's bike.

Anywho, I haven't ridden my bike all week - I've been on Honey's - and Oooh...his saddle is so uncomfortable. Spencer said the front wheel was a bit wobbly and since we had the extra bike, it hasn't been that big of a deal. I packed Sgt Puff up on the bus rack this morning and we headed over to meet Spence at the BK.

Several hours later, brake cables lubed and adjusted, front wheel worked on and true once again and chain lubed. I did all the work myself!!! Before I trekked out to BK, I took off the front basket and hardware and one of the back baskets. I'm going tomorrow after Sock Club to get a fabric pannier. I'll eventually get two, but one will do for now. It'll be good to have something lighter weight that can be removed easily if I don't need it.

Now that she's all lean and mean and lubed and adjusted...don't we all wish we were - ahem - I've got a girl crush on her all over again. We just flew down the trail...and most importantly, I can carry her again. :)

Can't wait until tomorrow morning when we can ride again to BART. It's SF Sock Club first Sunday meetup! wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

It comes to this....

Behold what has to be done so I don't go running into my son's room on his day off or the weekend yelling...

"OMGOMGOMG...it's 7:30!!!! We forgot to set the alarms. YOU NEED TO GET UP YOU'RE LATE FOR SCHOOL!!!"






...on whatever days, this reversible sign is put up on his door frame...

Personally, I think it's funny - you all know how I love to torture my one and only. But after the first time, it just makes me look crazy...sigh. The 7:30am panic was the 2nd time I did it. The first time I did it, it was 6:30am on a holiday, it was still dark out, and I went barrelling into his room "OMGOMGOMG" and turning on all his lights. What a hoot that was...

Told him if he valued his sleep, he'd put some sort of notice up letting me know what day it was...heh heh heh...

At least I'm a crazy mother with no grey hair. I took J's advice and headed to the Paul Mitchell School. I'm a happy camper.