Saturday, June 27, 2009

Skillz

Something I wanted to do this year was increase my practical fun skills. Then when the revolution or the apocalypse comes, I will be able to do something besides be silly and good at remembering mnemonic devices (two skills I currently have). Yet I sadly lack the patience to really master most practical skills: sewing, cooking, gardening, home repair, small engine repair, hunting, fishing, running ... all things I am not good at.

After the apocalypse, can I live with you? I can sort of do a lot of things. I am good at spelling, playing with small children, nail filing, laundry, and a host of other things. Plus, I am good company.

Monday, June 22, 2009

Surprise!

Today was the first surprise party I ever planned. And it was a success! Guest of honor was happy and surprised, food was fabulous, entertainment was adequate, good times all around. I feel good about that.

Got to see a former co-worker and friend this weekend. More good times.

Was in a parade last week (and decided that made me a princess).

And even though it's totally hot, I'm not sunburned. So overall, all is well in Julietland.

And my plan for this weekend is to try a Hungry Girl breakfast recipe (it is becoming apparent I can't eat cereal every day). Any suggestions?

Monday, June 15, 2009

This is an excerpt from an essay I wrote in college. It seems appropriate considering recent events.

...
For years I have tried to imagine a scenario where I forgave you. I couldn’t think of one. And now, hearing you speak, I realize I was right, there is nothing you can say that will make any difference to me.
You can’t say you’re sorry. That would be too little too late. You can’t promise to make it up and do a better job in the future. I don’t think there will be a future. You can’t say anything, because I don’t believe you and I don’t care.
...
I remember the sweater you got me for my birthday when I was about eight. It was purple and had flowers across the chest, and it was beautiful. I was so proud of it, and I wore it all the time. I showed everyone the wonderful sweater you had given me for my birthday, because you loved me and you weren’t poor. I didn’t know why Mom was so upset about the sweater. I didn’t know then that you deducted the cost of my birthday “gift” and the other things you bought us from the child support you so seldom paid. About that same time, I realized why we were poor and I couldn’t have the things I wanted that my friends had.
...

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Uexpected Victory

This morning, my blood was rejected (low iron -- I should stop attempting blood drives, as my body apparently rejects iron). Then, my color opinion was rejected (and I was kidding about it and made people feel bad -- there's no reason for that, as I am well aware of my fashion and decor deficiencies). So overall, not a stellar morning.

And I expected the afternoon to be much of the same. Since I'm into oversharing, I'll admit that I was hoping to weigh 179 by this weekend's family event (which is about the least I've weighed as an adult). And I didn't think I would make it, after two weeks of bad weigh-ins (which I deserved). But this week apparently my obsessive point counting led to a record-breaking loss, and I'll be attending the reunion as a (semi-)thin person. And that inspired me to rock out 12 miles on my bike, clean, do my nails and be done with it all in time to watch Top Chef Masters (which I hope doesn't suck).

My class reunion is July 4. Time to set a goal for that.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Double the Pleasure

When I was in college, some friends and I discovered the joy of double features - that would be seeing a movie, then staying and seeing a second movie. I figure that I need the money more than, say, Disney or Julia Roberts. And going to the movies is expensive.

Because seriously. This weekend I had a sore throat, so I had an Icee. A small one. And Boyfriend had mini-doughnuts. Again, a small order. Over $10. And for the first feature he had a $6 popcorn.

And it's not stealing, because me seeing that movie doesn't stop anyone else from seeing the same movie. In fact, I'm known for having the scoop on feature films, so I might bring people to the movie. It's a community service.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Ways To Spend Time at a Quilt Retreat

I understand that you can quilt at these things, and there were some cute purses that nearly tempted me to sew, but then I remembered I don't like things that require patience. And I don't really know how to match colors, so I was surprised when the pre-selected fabric looked as nice as it did. But I was never bored. So here is a primer.
  • Play with a baby nephew. He's not good at racing down the hall or going forward in the walker, but that's OK.
  • Read. I went through a book and two magazines.
  • Talk incessantly. Debate the merits of Ryan Reynolds, Greek yogurt, Adam Lambert, hair straighteners, pink shirts, iPods, your mom's dining room table, etc. You can keep this going for three days if you do it right.
  • Step on a nail. Subsequently get a tetanus shot. Actually, I don't recommend this.
  • Iron. Apparently you need to iron quilt blocks. It's also easy to overstarch.
  • Ride a bike.
  • Go to some fake Stonehenge and then get a hot fudge "cyclone" that was supposed to be a sundae. Enjoy it anyway. Pass on the Nerd cyclone.
  • Walk the trails. See a creepy Equus horse.
  • Eat cake at every meal. Yummy homemade cake.
  • Rip out seams. Note that if I had been sewing I could have spent the whole time doing this.
  • Sit outside. Look at the most beautiful bridal veil ever.

Also, this is an awesome way to spend time anytime: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj-x9ygQEGA&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fgordonshumway%2Etumblr%2Ecom%2Fpage%2F2&feature=player_embedded