Happy New Year!!

The last post of 2009!!!! Tonight Hubby and I are out to a party to celebrate New Years with some friends.
I wish everyone a happy and safe New Years!

Happy Holidays!

Hubby and I spent a few days at home catching up with family! I had a chance to see my brother and his fiancee. Since they moved to NYC it is not as easy to see them! I was so happy that we could hang out and spend time together.
Of course, my mom and went shopping the day after Christmas! There were some really great sales! I did really well not buy anything until I found out that F.Y.E. is going out of business!!! I splurged on expanding my DVD collection! I got some really great movies super cheap! That was the highlight of the day!!!
Now we are back home and I am just enjoying the time off from my jobs. Today I spent the day cleaning and getting my house cleaned up for New Years!
I also spent the day working on a new project, NOT knitting! My marathon of knitting was not done in time for Christmas. My mom got a gift bag full of yarn... she told me to make her gift last, so I did. Tomorrow I will work on hers so that I can be done with them!!!
Hope that everyone had a great holiday!

This Is It!

Today is officially my last day of sitting around with nothing to do! Tomorrow I start my new job!!! I am so excited! I'm just following around the director of the program for the first two days and then I'm off and running on my own.

I think this will be a good thing. I know a little bit about the kids I'll be working with, but other than that... everything will be new! I did go in Friday to get a jump start on a few things that they needed me to do. I also met a few people, but I have a lot more to meet!
Tomorrow is also my birthday and my second job! It is going to be one crazy day!!! I'm so excited!

Back Home

Thanksgiving with my family was great! We had a wonderful dinner, great pies, and the Turkey Trot was crazy! My uncle ran it with me and I think we spent more time running around others than running the race course!! Oh well, it was a good time and we plan to do it again next year.

Today I am getting caught up on my house work and prepping to start my new job next week. I did manage to get my Christmas shopping done... well, so far it is still just balls of yarn. I'm working on making it into something special! ^_^

WOOOOOOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

It has finally happened!!!! I found a full time tenure track teaching job! It is so funny since I totally thought I bombed that interview!!
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Crazy People and Training

So, yesterday Hubby and I went out for a fish fry. We haven't had one in the longest time! While we were standing in line waiting to order we saw this girl in her pajama pants ahead of us. Now, I know pj pants are cool to wear out in public these days. I'm not into that fad. I take the time to get dressed before I leave my house.
This girl took it one step further... she had on her house slippers. Not shoes, slippers. For real? Some days I just don't get people.
This week I stepped up my running because I did enter to run in a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. I am so excited about this!! My uncle (who is a real runner) is going to run with me. He has been running for like 30 years! His first race was a full marathon. I told him that if he wants a better time he can feel free to take off and run ahead of me. He said that we will run together. I'm glad because I hate to admit that I really miss my running partner. Today is her baby shower, but I won't be able to make it due to family visiting.
So, I'm ready for the 5 mile Turkey trot! Yeah!! And, I won't be wearing my slippers! ^_^

Fun Weekend

This weekend we went home to do a jewelry show. We've now done three of them and by far this one was the best one yet! I'm glad that we did it because every time we go we learn a little bit more. This time we focused on looking at our competitors prices and displays. Looks like prices wise we are in the middle of what we saw. That's ok with me.
We also spent a little time with family which is always nice. We were asked what we want for Christmas this year... humm, I have no idea! I got my two windows which were from my parents for our birthday and Christmas gifts. I don't need anything else! Windows were a very cool thing!

So You Want To Know....

What you are getting for Christmas this year? Well, I show you! Here is it:If you're lucky I might even make it into something! ^_^

Halloweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen!!!

Happy Halloween!!!!!!
Last night I went to a Halloween party at my cousin's house. It was so funny and a lot of her friends dressed up! I love costumes!!!! Some of the costumes last night were very clever, and then there were the people who didn't dress up-lazy!
This morning I ran the "Pumpkins In The Park" 5k! It was wicked windy and rainy, but the course was really fun. Hubby even came along... just to drive me there and watch, no running for him. The course took us past some big houses, big hills and lots of fallen leaves. I was worried that people were going to slip and fall on the leaves from being wet and slick. Hubby told me that he over heard one official saying that there was a runner down from the wet leaves. Lots of people ran in costume. I wore my pajamas!! It was the most comfortable run ever!!!!! Normally, I wear running pants/shorts depending on the weather, and tee-shirt or tank again depending on the weather. Today, pajama pants were amazing. I was totally soaked by the end, but it was a lot of fun!!!
My uncle and I are planing to run the Turkey Trot together this year. It is on Thanksgiving and it is one of the oldest races in the States. It's a bit longer (8K=4.97 miles) but I'll be ready by then. I plan on signing up for it later today.
Anyway, hope that you have a safe and Happy Halloween!!! Enjoy the candy! ^-^

Halloween and Other Stuff

This coming weekend we are having a Halloween party here at the house. Yes, we are a week early for it, but due to the fact that everyone else has kiddos to take trick-or-treating on Halloween, it was best to do it next weekend. I'm excited about it.
I started to get our decorations out a few weeks ago, but I haven't finished getting them all up. I still have a spider web to build and place spiders on yet. I got up some tombstones on our beams, so when you are in our living room you are really six feet under! HA HA! Ok, I thought it was funny, everyone else seems to think it is kind of morbid.
I started to work on my costume today. I have a lot of work to do, but it should be worth it in the end. I want to be the Queen of Hearts from Alice In Wonderland. I'm kind of tweaking the version that everyone knows. I think it will look cool when I'm done.
In other news here, now that the weather has turned colder no more gardening, but running is back in full gear! The anniversary of my first race is coming up next month and I've started running again to get ready for it. I am also planing on running a Thanksgiving Day race with my uncle. I have to get my mileage up for that, as it is a 5 mile race. I think I can do it! I keep telling everyone that I want to do it, so I better make good I what I've been saying! ^_^
Other than that, just interviewing (haven't found a permanent job yet) and teaching two nights a week. Keeping busy!

Running Again!

After what seems like a big vacation from running, I'm back to it! There are a few races that are coming up that I'd like to be a part of! One of them is the anniversary of my first race. You can bet that I'll be doing that one!!!!
There are few coming up for Halloween that might be up. I'm planning on doing a Halloween party here with some former coworkers. I'm still not sure what weekend will work for everyone, so once that's decided I can pick the races that I want to do! There is a 5K on Halloween morning! How cool would that be!
Now that the weather is cooler I love running again. I found out that summer running is not my favorite thing. It's way to hot for that... however, I totally would love to do the 4th of July 10K again next year. ^_^
Of course, this means that I'm starting training NOW for next year's half, since I missed this years due to shin splints.

Too Much Stuff!

This weekend we went home to visit our families and say good-bye to my brother. He and his fiancee are moving to NYC this week. I know that they are excited, but they both have the flu right now... moving is going to be hard!

My mom is sad and excited all at the same time. She is excited because she will have someplace to stay in the city now, sad because they will be so far away. I'm excited for them, but I can't go and stay. I have serve dog allergies, and since they have a dog it's just not going to work. I'm so bummed because I want to stay with them, but I can't.

Today is a bit chilly. You can tell fall is here!! I do love to look at the leaves from my warm house!

It's October!

Well, October started here with a nice cold snap! I decided to go for a run to get rid of some tension that's been building up. I also haven't run in over a month, so it felt good to get back out there.
I did haul my Halloween stuff up from the basement. I didn't get the ladder out to get all the stuff up on the beams, but I got a few pumpkins out and set up. Tomorrow might not be the best time to get the ladder out either as we are off to our hometown for the weekend. I guess it can wait until Monday!

Fall Is Here!

Every year in the fall we go apple picking... we always go when the Northern Spy Apples are in season. This year we went early due to the fact that my friend was here from Japan. We had to make some apple pie while she was here. Nothing is more American than apple pie! So far I've made three pies in four days from the apples we picked. I'm down to the last few apples and I don't think there is enough for pie. However, there might be enough for an apple crisp! ^_^
I love this time of year! It is a little cooler and the leaves are so beautiful! I had the bright idea that I should get my Halloween stuff out the other day. It's not all up yet, but I did get some of my house decorated! Yeah!!! This year since Halloween is on a Saturday, I really want to have a party. I have been thinking about this year's costume. I'm still not totally sure what I will do, but I have to pick soon!
Today my cousin and I are going to meet for lunch and then I am thinking about putting up the rest of my decorations!

Rainy Days

Last night we went to the party with my former co-workers. We made two kinds of dip for apples and an apple pie. Everyone brought something, so we wanted to use the apples that we had picked. We were over achievers with all the food we brought!
It was a fun party and Hubby enjoyed it since this time he knew everyone! I want to host the next one as it will be for Halloween! Yeah!!! I am even thinking about getting my stuff out of the basement today and starting to get it all up. I have a ton of stuff to put up and think about where I want to put it.
Today and yesterday were very rainy days. I'm thinking that if I get my Halloween stuff out that today is perfect for it because I can't go out due to the rain. Well, I could go shopping, but I did enough with my Japanese friend. It would be better if I stay home and plot my Halloween setup.
I might look for a new book to read today too. The last one I read was really lame, and so I need something better.
I did get an e-mail from my Japanese friend last night that she got home safe and sound. She is almost all unpacked now. Wow, she is so fast... it takes me forever to unpack (well, because I hate it might be a big part of why I am so slow).
Well, I'm off in search of Halloween stuff and a ladder to up it all up with! Yeah!

Back In Action!

Well, my manager left yesterday morning. It was so sad to see her go. I admit I slunk around the house after I got home from the airport feeling depressed that she was gone. She however, had a very long day ahead of her! I was content to lay on the couch and play video games and read a book.
Today I am just hanging out. It's very relaxed after the busy week we have had. It was a great week and I think that we showed her a lot of stuff in a short time. I think her first trip to the states was a success! I also think that she will come back next time she can get a long vacation again! ^_^
Tonight we are off to a dinner party. I am in charge of bringing the appetizer. I still am trying to decide on what I want to bring.... I'll flip though some cook books later to help me pick.
The leaves are starting to change here. I love this time of year! It's my favorite. The sun is still shining, but the days are a bit cooler. I just love how the trees look. In another week or so they will all be changing colors. Love it!

Vacation Time!?

It seems like a vacation with my manager from Japan here. However, we are just going, going, going! Since it's her first trip we are trying to pack in as much as we can! We went to Niagara Falls, apple picking, and today we are going to the wineries. It has been so busy here.

Hubby took time off from work too so that we could all go together to everything. It's been so fun. I'm sad that she has to go back tomorrow. It's been so fun!

Here's the Falls with a perfect rainbow over them:

Too Much Stuff!

I feel like I've fallen off the Earth with all the stuff that has been going on here! My Japanese friend arrives on Sunday, been pulling my house apart to make it nice for her visit, and trying to sell old stuff on ebay and half!
I don't have any knitting updates. I didn't run the half... I got some wicked shin splits, so I decided with a heavy heart to not run it. I don't want to hurt myself. I do enjoy running and I'm not ready to give it up!
Hubby got the week off too for our visitor! We are planning to do a bunch and I hope that we have time to pack it all in!
I have been enjoying my new job of teaching adults! My class is wonderful and they are such nice people. I also had an interview for a teaching job in the daytime today. I'm not to sure about that one. I did the best I could... now it is up to them!
Cold weather is rolling in. I hope that it is nice for our guest!

So Much To Do!

I have been really busy with my new job and getting ready for my Japanese manager to come and visit me. I also have an interview for another day job this week! This week is so busy!!!!
This weekend Hubby and I took it easy. He wasn't feeling so great. We still got work done, but not as much. It was good because I got a lot of school work done. I am taking days off when my manager comes so I do have to prepare lessons for my substitute teacher.
I have made plans for what I want to show my manager when she comes. I can't wait!! It will be great! Hubby even took off work so that we can all do things together! ^_^
I still have a lot to do before next Sunday!

New Job!

Last night I started my new teaching job with adult ESOL students! It was so much fun! I forgot how much I love teaching adults. I might like it better than the kiddos! HA HA!
My students are from around the world and all come with very interesting histories. We have a lot to learn from each other. I think this year will be a lot of fun!

Busy Days!

It seems like a long time since I posted! The days have been flying by and vacation time for kids is over. I have found a new job, teaching adults ESOL at night! I am really excited about this and ready for a change. I also hope to find day time teaching if I can.
In a few weeks my friend is coming from Japan to stay with us. This holiday weekend my husband and I are going to be working like crazy to make our house look great! We have lots of little projects that we want to finish before she comes. I think we can get stuff done if we really work hard at it!
I've been knitting a lace shawl all summer and now that I'm on the border part again no one seems to be able to help me. I went to the yarn shop today and the owner couldn't understand the directions. Too bad.... guess I'll forage ahead by myself and hope that it is right.
Anyway, I'm going to enjoy this last long weekend before it back to work! ^_^

Oh, The End Is Coming

Well, we went to the Demo Derby again this year... ok, we go every year! Now that we've done that it seems like the end of summer is here. It makes me sad.
The demo derby is always our final event of summer. This year was crazy amazing! There was drama, there were crashes, and there were lots of drunken fans. How could it not be great!? Every year they have two shows, and every year, we go to both shows. It's something we've done since we started dating. In all that time, we have only missed one year of it. This year the day show was great, but the night one had some drama!!!
At the start of the show the people sitting ahead of us thought that it would be a great idea to stand up so that all the folks behind them couldn't see.... well, I think they thought that they would see better if they stood. Too bad that meant we couldn't see. The people next to us ask them to sit several times and yet they refused. He asked an usher to tell them to sit... they still refused!
Finally, they asked the usher to get security. We so missed most of the third heat due to this!! It was amazing! These two guys got into a shouting match with the security guard. He made sure that no one was standing, but this guy still sat up making it hard to see. We were hoping he would be asked to leave. If that had happened we wanted to cheer! So much fun!
Now that we had our last of summer fun it is back to finding a job and subbing until I do!

Planning Stages

Well, I got the confirmation e-mail that my Japanese friend is seriously coming! She will be with us for about 5 days, so now I am really planning out fun things to do when she is here.
I asked her yesterday what kind of things would she like to do when she is here. She said-"see the department store and the supermarket." "Oh, and eat American foods."
Well that makes it easy! I am also thinking of apple picking, making apple pie, going to the beach, and visiting cool places around the city here. I still want to take her wine tasting, and to Niagara Falls. I am trying to plan out other things that we can do while she is here. Since it is her first trip to the states, I want to show off the things that make Western New York so great!

Exciting News!!!

I found out today that my friend is coming to visit me from Japan!!!!! I am so happy and excited! She was planing to go to Europe, but she didn't get a ticket in time to get a good rate.
So, I was online the other day and we were talking and I suggest that she come here to visit the US. She found a ticket and is going to book it after she checks that that is the best price.
I am thinking about cool things that we can do while she is here. Of course, I want to take her to Niagara Falls since we can stay in my hometown. I also want to show her New York wineries. I think sometimes our wineries are over shadowed by California ones.
I have a lot of things to do before she gets here! I am happy to see her! ^_^

New Knitting

As I promised yesterday, I would have some pict updates of my new knitting project! I bought this kit last year at a fiber festival and it has been waiting for me since then. I needed to finish the pink shawl and the Mystery stole before I would allow myself to get lost in it!

The pict can't show the amazing color that it really is, but it is hand painted green and blue yarn. The pattern is a maple leaf design. I love it!!!! I haven't put it down since I started it!!!

Here is a small sample of it:

There are also gold beads in the design. It'll look so much better once it is done and blocked! :)

Computer Problem Fixed!

For the past two weeks, we have been without a computer here at home. Yesterday the part to fix it came by UPS. My husband is clever enough to fix it and so we are back in business!
I have been knitting a new lace shawl, running, reading, and looking for a new job. Other than that, I don't have much to report.
I admit that I'm happy that we have our computer back and working right! Tomorrow I'll try and get some photo updates of the garden. and knitting!

Home Again

This past weekend we went to visit our parent's in our hometown. It was so nice to catch up with them and spend time with them. We also were able to see my brother (Hubby is an only child), and his bride to be!!!
My brother is not the most romantic guy. However, he did an amazing job of picking out her ring without any help. It is stunning! She is so excited and has asked me to be a bride's maid. Of course I will! We had a good laugh at all the crazy ideas out there for weddings. I am so happy to be a part of their day and I more excited that I am getting a sister!
The wedding won't be for another year, but plans are already underway!! They have the place picked out, and she found the dress. She even picked out the bride's maid dresses. I love the color of them!
Overall it was a nice weekend to visit with family!

Zoo Run

Today was my race in the zoo! It was a great course, but very hilly. My cousin also ran with (OK, ahead) of me. Both of us shaved about a minute and a half off our last race times. It was a very exciting day! That was my best race yet... 33:09. Very excited about that!
Here are a few tips for runners in future races:
1.) Don't cheat. If you cut off part of the race course to better your time, you are only cheating yourself.
2.) Don't wear perfume... it really smells nasty after you bath in it and then sweat while you run. Plus if it is too strong you will offend your fellow runners....
3.) Don't take small kids who have no concept of how far 3 miles is.... I don't want to get schooled by a 7 year old at the start of the race and then school them 1/4 later, really I don't feel so good about that.
4.) Race helpers, PLEASE make sure that there is enough water for the actual runners. We are tried and want a drink when we are done. It is not people who are just standing around watching us run our bottoms off.
5.) If you don't look good without your shirt, PLEASE keep it on.
6.) Have fun! Don't take it so serious that you miss all the fun of running with a pack of competitive people!

Hopefully my tips will help my fellow runners and race officials in the next race. :)
PS- this is the second race that I've done where water was not available to the runners....but observers sipping water.

Girls Night Out!

Tonight my friend, Goth Girl and I are going out to the goth club! I haven't seen her in so long, so it will be a good time! We have a lot of catching up to do!! We also haven't been out in so long that I am excited about it. I love the goth club. The people are so nice and friendly. It's so much nicer than some of the other ones where the guys are just there to get the girls. Not cool.
Sunday, my cousin and I are off to another race. We are doing a 5K though the zoo. That will be cool!! We can then walk around the zoo after the race. Our admission to the zoo was paid for in our race dues. I haven't been to the zoo in so long! I love the zoo!!!!
Other than that. it should be a quite weekend! ^_^

Relaxing and Fun

The other day was the 4th of July! I hope that everyone had a great holiday! We did! We went to visit with my husband's co worker's family for dinner and fireworks. The fireworks show that we saw was amazing! The final went on for what seemed liked an hour! The show did go for an hour and the final just went on and on! We had a clam bake (Hubby bit into a pearl in one of his clams... almost broke his tooth!) and there was so much food that when it came time for dessert, we were too full!!!
Before we went to visit, I ran a 10K 4th of July race. I hadn't planed on running it at all, but when my friend asked me to run a 2 mile race, I said ok. When we went to sign up for the 2 mile race, she managed to talk me into doing the 10K. She did the 2 miles due to the fact that she is pregnant, but as I'm trying to do the half marathon, a 10K is half of the half! I ran the whole thing and felt pretty great! Before we went to hang out with Hubby's friends, I had to take a nap!!! Lucky thing, the weather was not too hot, but it was chilly for fireworks!
This weekend is our 6th anniversary! We are going to another clam bake and a beach party this weekend. Tomorrow night we are throwing a dinner party with some friends. It seems like this is the year of parties! ^_^

New Cooking Skill

Tonight I thought I would try cooking something new! I'm making Chicken Cordon Bleu!! I am excited about this because I have never done it. I thought it would be harder, but to make it was really easy. I just hope it tastes as good as it looked going into the oven! I wanted a pict, but our camera is still in our hometown... next time (if it comes out good ^_^)
I really want to try cooking new things and to make out eating healthier. Since we've stopped eating out it's really been great health wise for us. Now we need to make more things so that we don't get bored by the things that we have been making. I just want to increases the amount of things that we like to make and eat.
On another healthy note, I got Hubby to join the gym with me!! This morning was his first time to set foot into the gym and he really liked it. He also will be getting a workout program so that he can reach the goals that he set. I'm so excited that we can workout together. It makes me really happy that we can do this as a team. I am losing my running buddy because she is pregnant, so it's nice to have Hubby to at least do the gym part with me. He won't run, but at least we can do something together. Maybe he will come to a race and cheer me on (he hasn't come to one yet due to his work schedule.)
Anyway here's to a happy and healthy summer! ^_^

Weather

Today we had the most amazing thunder storm! It hailed, it flooded, and it is still over coming! The thunder shook the house pretty good. I did go out when it stopped a while ago, and the roads were flooded on the side streets that I was on. It was kind of nuts! We are in for more later tonight! I love a good storm!!!
However, tomorrow is my airport race. I really hope that the weather is nice for at least the race! It should be a cool race. They are shutting down one runway so that we can run it. I'm so excited about it! My cousin will be running it with me, and I'm excited to go!
I hope the storms tonight don't effect the race tomorrow morning!!!!!!

Getting Ready

I seem to have many things to get ready for this week. Last night my husband said that he wants to have a party Saturday night but, he is worried about it because it is race day. I laughed at him and said that my race is at 9 a.m. and the party would be later in the day. It's not like I'm running the half-marathon that day! So, we are going to have a party with all his coworkers. I have a lot to do. Since it will be nice out, I need to weed my garden..... I haven't touched it since we came home from vacation. It's pretty bad! That is a major to-do.

My other major to-do is to get back on the half-marathon training!! I really want to go trough with it as it is for a good cause. All the money raised will go to the Arthritis Foundation. My mom has started to develop it really badly in her feet and hands. She is struggling to write things down because it hurts her so much. She is seeing a doctor, but they can't do anything for her until her testing results come back. It is so hard to see her like this. So, I want to do this. Today I'm off to the gym to do 7 miles. The most I've ever done at one time is 6, so I'll have to push myself today. I think I can do it.

Other than that, it's my normal stuff to take care of! When we get out camera back I'll post my knitting updates! :)

Running Around The Airport

Yesterday I signed up for another 5K. This one is at the airport and it is on one of the runways! I am so excited about this race and it will be this Saturday. It should be fun! I even got my cousin to sign up too. We have never run together, but we keep saying that we want to. She keeps saying that I can run ahead of her as she thinks I'm faster.... ha ha ha! I'm older, and heavier than her. She has run for years. I just started doing this last September!! We can hold down the end of the race. It should be a good time!! ^_^

Lost In The Shuffle

Over vacation I worked on a new knitting pattern that I bought at a yarn tasting. I made slippers! They were so easy and each one only took me a day. That was a super easy and fast project. Yesterday along with other laundry that I was working on, I felted them up. They are so cute and so I went to take a picture of them to show them off and....
my camera is gone.
I asked my husband about this. Has he seen it? We had to bring it at least to our hometown since we loaded all the picts from vacation on the computer.
He had seen it. He even knew were it was! "Well, where is it?" I asked.
"In our hometown, at my parent's house, on their computer desk." was his response.
Oh.
So, there will be no picture updates for a while. Too bad, because I think my new slippers are way cute! ^_^

Welcome Back!

We arrived home from our vacation last night. It was a great trip despite all the rain we encountered. Every night except one it rained on us. However the days were dry! Hubby and I both caught a cold, and we hiked around and saw some beautiful waterfalls. We also went to Mammoth Cave National Park to do some cave exploring. Here is some of what we saw: The deer here are very brave. They have no natural enemies so they feel that they can go where they like.

The one night it didn't rain... we saw the sunset. Entering Mammoth Cave. There are no more picts from the cave because they all came out weird, so I stopped taking the camera on the cave tours. We made a stop at Lincoln's birth place. This was a cabin that they thought he was born and lived in for a little while.

My favorite site was a pink Mary Kay Caddie! I've never seen a real one!! That was so funny to me.

We had so much fun and we saw a lot of really cool stuff. I'll try to post more picts after I get them all organized!

I-cords Of Doom

Oh, the i-cord. Such a useful tool, and yet, such a pain in the @#%$ to knit up!! My goal of finishing that second market squares bag is coming up quick! I wanted it off my project list by the time we went on vacation. Well, since that date is the end of the week, I have a lot of i-cord to knit.

I started it the other day, and then abandoned it for the Mystyer Stole. I am almost finished with clue #2 (again!) and really want to get on to clue #3. However, standing between me and clue #3 is, you guessed it, the i-cord!

Of the 34 inches that I need to knit, I'm at a whopping 9 inches. I have a LONG way to go. T_T Well, slow and stedy wins the race, as long as I can stick to my i-cord and not get distracted by Mystery Stole. Here is my amazing i-cord progress so far:Oh, happy i-cord.

So busy!

The past two weekends I have gone home to visit my parents and to take care of a few different things at home.
This week is our last week at home before we go on vacation!!! I can't wait! We have a lot to get ready before we go, but that's my job this week. I have to pull out all the camping gear and get the food that we are taking. Since we made our list a few weeks ago, this year it should be more organized and flow smoother than our normal crazy way.
I am so excited to get out there and go hiking. I love the trails that are in the park. Also as this park is know for butterflies, we will be keeping an eye for them. There is something so peaceful about connecting with nature by hiking and camping.
Mostly, I am looking forward to spending time with Hubby. He recently switched jobs with his company, and we have had some more time to see each other then when he was at his old job. However, with me going home the past two weekends, we haven't had a day off together in a while.
I have lots to do to get ready!! Tomorrow is going to be busy too!

FINISHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I did it! I did it! I did it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The pink lace shawl is all done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is big!

I finished it last night, blocked it, and sewed all the end in this morning! Here it is soaking:Here it is blocking:Here it is DONE:

I'm so excited it is done!!!!

Festival Time!

Yesterday, Hubby and I went out to see the Lilac Festival. It is one of our favorites to go to. The weather was very warm, but a little rainy. However, we managed to have a great time as always!

We did some Christmas shopping ( we start early, but mail them out too late!) for friends over seas and we also found a few things for ourselves. I found a glass tree necklace ( I get one from this shop every year), and two bracelets made out of trees. Here is one of the bracelets:Here is the tree necklace:As always, we had a great time walking around, seeing the sights, the fashion, and eating some food. Hubby and I love festival season! Now that the weather is finally nice, we can get out enjoy more festivals!

Lilacs!

YEAH!!!!! It's that time of year when my lilac trees are in bloom!!! I love the smells, the different colors, and the giant flowers that they produce!

Here are some of my lilac trees... we have 6 (I think?)

Here is one of my purple Pansy: Finally, here is my cherry tree:

I love my garden! It looks so great! ^_^ What a happy place for me!

Happy Mother's Day

Today is Mother's Day!!! I am not able to celebrate with my mom today, but I was able to see her yesterday!
Yesterday was my Brother's girlfriend's graduation party! My hubby, mom and I went together to party. We gave gifts to our mom's before we went to the party. It was a great. Hubby and I both got our mom's flowers for their gardens. Both mom's were excited by their gifts.
The party yesterday was great. I had a lot of fun and it was so nice to see my family even for a few hours.
Today I already called my Nana to wish her a Happy Mother's Day too. She is being taken out for dinner and drinks by my uncle and aunt. I'm happy that she has someone there to take her out. My grandfather would have taken her to breakfast, but as he is no longer with us, she has to wait to go out until dinner.
Enjoy the day that we celebrate Moms!

Fun Times

Today I was working at a school that I worked at a few years ago. It was amazing! What an easy day I had!! It was also nice to be back with people that I know and enjoyed working with.
After school, I went for a run with my buddy. We are getting ready for our race in June. I'm happy about that! We are slowly getting faster and able to run more.
With the nicer weather, I have been spending more and more time out in my garden. I'll have to get picts of it up soon!

A New Day

It's a lovely new day with lots of knitting on the schedule! I feel like life has taken over again, and I've had no time for crafts.... well, life and a good book or two might have something to do with it!
Which brings me back to my pink shawl... I know that if I put in more time, it will be closer to done. However, my short attention span is starting to wander. I have a few other projects that are slated to be finished, but I am forcing myself to stay on task! This is why I have so many projects started! I get a rush when I start a new knitting project... it's very exciting to see a ball of yarn slowly transform into something so much more!
I also get a rush crossing things off my list! It's one of my quirks. So, as much as I want that new project rush (and I really don't have any lined up right now.....scary!) I am working on that crossing the pink shawl off my list for good!!!! IT IS TIME!

Running Away

My running buddy and I are back at it! We are starting to get into a routine. Well, ok, we only did two days so far... but that's more than we've done in a while! ^_^
We have officially scrapped our plans for the 10K in May. We are thinking to work back up by getting our speed up for 5Ks. There are a few coming up that we'd like to do, so, we are going to get going on that plan!
In other news, this weekend is not only Mother's Day, but also graduation for many people. My Brother's Girlfriend (who went out to the Goth club with us) is graduating! I am so happy for her. She has been working hard and she has earned it. Hubby and I are going to go visit them for the party on Saturday and celebrate with our mom's that weekend too! Should be fun! ^_^

Running

Well, with the nice weather and my ankle all healed, it's time to run again! My running buddy and I were out for the first time in a month. It was great! I really missed it!!!
My new shoes also helped a lot with my ankle. I need to pay more attention to my shoes and how much I wear them out!
This weekend has been great. Hubby and I went out last night with some friends and today has been nice and enjoyable. I'm kind of enjoying laying around today. It's nice to have days like that sometimes!
This week my running buddy can't run too much, so I will go solo. We are not going to do the 10K in May that we had planned on. We are looking into a 5K and maybe some longer races once we are back into it.
Oh, I finally got my shirt from our 5 mile race that we did in March!!!! About time!!! It's like a badge of honor that I earned! ^_^

Knitting Mad

I have been working so hard on that *wonderful* pink shawl that I needed to walk away from it today. I should have walked away after I miss counted and had one less stitch that I should have, but NO I had to do two more rows... then I dropped the stitches off the one needle. Oh bad, very very bad. I did mange to fix it with a the use of a lot of cussing. After that little rant, I really did walk away from it. I thought about heaving it, but since I have put so much effort into it, well maybe soon I can go back to it with fresh eyes.
When I walked away from that it was also because it was so amazing outside today!!! I got so much done in my garden and just enjoyed being outside! I love that the weather is getting nice enough to be out and enjoying the spring!!!!

Happy Earth Day!

Today has been a great day for me! I finished the second side of that pink lace shawl! I am on to the third side now and am cruising along. I've been spending a lot of time working on my lace projects recently. I mostly have worked on my Mystery Stole, but I thought that before I really finish that up, I should finish the pink one first!!!!

Here is the second side done:

I also stopped by the shop where I take my tarot classes and they gave me a recycle bag that I can use at the super market inside of getting the plastic bags! I like that shops are making an effort to go green!

I hope that you all have a great Earth Day!

All Things Tarot

Last night was the second of three intermediate tarot class. I love that the class size is small and that our teacher is more like a guide than a "I'm a professional reader and I will impart all my tarot knowledge onto you in a condescending manor" type. Our teacher is really cool. She is very down to earth and wants us to generate the type of things that we want to learn about.
There are only three of us taking the class, but it feels more like a group of sisters sitting around talking about our lives. I get so much more out of these classes than I ever thought I would! I hope that after these classes that the teacher wants to do another intermediate class. Each time is so different as it is all student generated.
One thing that I have learned from watching the other women is that we all have our own style and some really cool decks. I've also learned about books that I could read that have good information in them. I love to see new decks as each one has it's own style of art and character. I'm up to three decks now and I think that's were I'll stay for a while.... until I find the next deck that calls my name!
I find that the more I learn about tarot the more I like and respect it.

The List

Last night Hubby and I spent time making our list for our camping trip. Every year that we go, we always forget something important. The first time it was our pillows, last time it was towels. This time to insure that we don't leave home without everything that we need, we started to make a list!
Our trip is in June, but I figure if we start now on planning and listing all the things that we need on a daily basis, we will be in great shape by the time the trip comes.
This year we plan to stay in Shenandoah National Park for at least one week... we might stay our second week of vacation too, but right now that's up in the air. We went to this park in 2006 on a whim. Turns out this is now our favorite National Park. Hubby and I love that we can go hiking for days on end, just spending time in nature, and it is only 1 day of driving to get there! Of course, it will take us all of that day to get there, but it is so worth it!
The list making is my part, the packing of the car when it is time to go is all Hubby! I can't wait to go!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter from our bunnies! Here are Chanel and Versace:Nesquick looking fine for the camera:Nesquick's nose looking for Easter eggs:Tira wouldn't hold still for the shot, so here's her is all her crazy bouncing around:Happy Easter!

Crafting Fun

Last night my cousin came over to learn to use my sewing machine for a project that she is working on for school. It was a fun time and I think her project is going to be cool.

Today, I went and got my hair cut. The last time I got it cut, I was so unhappy with it. The girl who cut it didn't listen to what I wanted. Today, I went to a beauty school that is training people to cut hair. The cut that I wanted is the same that I wanted when it was messed up. The girl who was going to cut it today told that she had no idea how to do it, so she asked her sister, who is also training there. Both of them ended up asking the teacher. He cut it perfectly! So, I became a lesson for the girls today. It was amazing, and I would so go back there and have them cut it again. I was a bit nervous to go and have people who are not skilled yet, but since they have a teacher watching over them, it made me feel better. I love it!


I also went out with my mom today for some jewelry making and lunch. We had a nice day of just hanging out together.


When I got home, I picked up my Market Squares bag. It's starting to look good:Maybe tomorrow I can work on my lace project and get more picts of it up!

Tangled Up In Lace

The past two days have been dedicated to knitting. With my successfully completion of the Mosey Leg warmers for my cousin, I thought I should pick up projects that have been put by the wayside for some time now. One of those projects is my lacy shawl that I started in September of 2007. I whipped out the body on that bad boy in a month. So, what's the hold up you ask? The stupid knit on border! That's the thorn in my side of the whole project. First off trying to find someone to show me how to do it was a challenge. I finally tracked down a master knitter who helped me get going. That was last year. Now, I have knit one full side of this blasted thing and come to a new challenge. Knitting the corner. Well, I took a chance, followed the book and plowed ahead. It was a success:

Riding high on the wave of completion, I am working on this one again today! I feel great about the corner and the fact that I am working on finishing a second side of the border. Side three is long like side one was, but if I do a little at a time I might have it done for the 2019 Christmas Ball.... ha ha ha.

Jewelry For School

Over the past few weeks I have started to dabble in jewelry making. However, I have an aim with it. I wanted to make lanyards that were both pretty yet usable. I think I finally have it. Since I am only subbing, I do have to wear my id badge that states who I am. Most of the other teachers don't bother since they all know that they belong there. So here is what they look like:

I am very happy with how they turned out. They are the right length for me and they seem to be durable.

FINISHED!!

I did it! I finally finished my cousin's leg warmers that were for Christmas! I started the i-cords yesterday and this morning I had some time to finish them. I also made the pom-poms this morning to finish the whole project off. Now I can focus on one of the other projects that I started and haven't finished. It's nice to be able to get back to my knitting.

Where Did The Time Go???

It seems like the past few weeks have been a blur. Last I wrote I was looking forward to a spinning guild meeting... that never happened due to family issues. Then I was going to relax and knit, well that didn't get done either!
I am finally working more so my crafting time has been reduced, but I am happy that I'm working. I did find some time to finish the leg warmers for my cousin, now I just need to do the i-cord and they will be done!!! That is a project that I am trying to get off my to-do list. They were supposed to be a Christmas gift. I'm a bit behind with making them!
Other than that my life has taken a turn for the super busy, I am still able to find small chunks of time where I can craft, or read my cards. I need those small moments in these busy days!

Busy

It seems like this week I am so busy. I have had a lot of meetings this week for different things as well as a few days of subbing. It's so nice to be busy and have a plan for the day!

Tomorrow night is the intermediate tarot class! It should be a good time. Journal Writer can't go with me, since she hasn't finished the first class yet. I am a bit nervous since I don't know anyone in the class, but I excited to do readings with other people and get their feedback since they will all have completed the beginner class too! I want to see how they interpret different things. It will be nice to talk about what I have seen and noticed with my decks.

This weekend I am looking forward to get to a spinning guild meeting! I haven't been in months!! It always seems like something has come up when it is a meeting weekend. This weekend I have made sure to set aside time so that I can go!!!!! I am still meeting with my running partner in the morning before the meeting, but we are only strength training, so I will have time to get do that and then make it to the meeting. Unless something major comes up, I will get there this weekend!!!!! I miss going so much!

54 Minutes and Curry Stew

We ran a good race yesterday! My running buddy and I planned to run the race in an hour and we completed it in 54 minutes! Yeah us! We finished strong by sprinting to the end. It was amazing.

We were shocked at how many people were running it! In fact there were so many that we didn't get our promised tee-shirt to show that we ran it, nor did we get water at the end. That's how many people there were!!! It was crazy. We started at the end of the race so all we saw when it started was a mass of humanity running forward. It looked like Giza Cross Walk... only all going the same way! Crazy.

Today I went out to lunch with Journal Writer. We met at this fantastic little cafe and just sat and talked for a while. It was so nice to have a chance to catch up!

Tonight for dinner I made something new. I made a Potato Curry stew:It's a bit heavy on the coconut milk, but other than that it is pretty good. Since my hubby is not home from work yet. I am enjoying it while watching one of my favorite zombie movies: Resident Evil. Classic!

Race Day Is Almost Here!

Tomorrow is race day! I am excited about it. I will be running with my friend and we are going to the race together. We have to run it in under an hour as she needs to get home, shower, and then drive to her hometown for her sister's wedding dress fitting. I think we can do it! It should be a good time. We are getting a lovely green tee-shirts ( yeah, also for St. Patty's Day) for our efforts. I think we are ready! Weeks of training and running every kind of weather have prepped us for this! I hope that the weather is nice tomorrow!!! ^_^

Lunch and a Table

Yesterday, Goth Girl and I got together for lunch! I feel like I haven't seen in forever, so it was very nice to catch up. We are trying to plan another night out, but we are not sure if we should try some place new, or follow our little goth hearts back to our favorite place all dressed in black. This is a hard choice for us!

Anyway, we went out for sushi and had a great meal. I had a gift certificate so most of our meal was free!! I order a "red dragon" roll... I have never seen this in Japan so I took a pict of it. It was really cute and it tasted great:

Today, my parents came to visit. They came baring gifts! I like when they come with presents!! Not this past Christmas, but the one before that they told us that they would get us a kitchen table. It has taken us that long to find one that 1.) we both like, and 2.) that fits our very small space. My kitchen is small... we're talking like on a very small boat small. So finding a table that fit has been a challenge. When they brought it in today they both said "oh, it looks too small for that space... maybe you want a bigger table." I did hum and haw over it, but I decided to keep the table. I am so glad I did!!! It looks perfect and it will be nice to at dinners at. Here is my new table:

I don't think we could really fit 4 people at it for dinner, but since it is only hubby and I, it will do just fine! ^_^

Craft Time!

Today while I was out and about I found this great magazine:

I am so excited about all the cool things in it! There are things to sew, make and use my wonderful creative side for!!!! I love the dress on the cover. The best part of it is that most of these projects use stuff that you can get at a second hand (recycle) store!!! Yeah!! I love second hand stores. I always find a great treasure. I admit that I stop at one to see if they had the shirts to make that dress, but sadly I couldn't find two that were close.... but, I found a great long black skirt that was $3. Love it!

Cooking and Stuff

Today is super warm! It's going to be a great day to run. My race is getting closer!!! Next weekend will be the race. I only have a few more days to train. My running buddy is out of town today, so I am on my own to run today. That's ok, I can do it!

Yesterday I made a pot roast. I love to make this dish since it is so easy and it cooks by itself all day. Here are my veggies all cut up and in the pot:Then I throw the roast on top of that (after I season it!):Then, 6-7 hours later, we have dinner:
Tomorrow night I am making something new! The best thing about being home is that I have time to try new recipes and time to clean my house up!
I do hope I find another job soon!

Changes

So, I had to change the bog name from Black Rabbit Knits to Black Rabbit Hobbies. I recently been talking about all my hobbies, but not my knitting. So, with that in mind, now I don't feel so guilty talking about my other hobbies and not just my knitting. Don't worry, there will still be knitting up dates from time to time! ^_^
Another big change has been that running started as a goal for something big to do before my 30th birthday. I never expected to like it or it to become one of my new favorite healthy hobbies. It was just another thing that I could say I have done. However, the more I run, the more I like it. My race day is coming up fast and this time it is 5 miles, not just a 5k. I am very excited about that. My running partner and I ran 6 miles yesterday which was a personal best for both of us. We might be Team Turtle (we are the slowest runners), but we are out there doing it! That's our mantra anyway. Go Team Turtle!

10!

My running buddy and I have now run 10 miles total for the week. To real runners out there, we are trying. We are out in the rain, the snow, the wind, and the sleet, just like the postmen. We might be slow, but we are still trying! Yesterday the weather was warm, but it was raining. However, I completed my longest run ever of four miles! It was very exciting. Today we are going to the gym for some weight lifting, and then tomorrow... we run again.
I am signed up for our race. I'm very excited about it and am happy that we are going to do it together! It's a lot easier to be motivated when someone else is there to push you along!

Running Visits

After a fun filled day of seeing photos, I went for a run with my running buddy. We are running again this afternoon. Our race is coming up! It will be in March and it is 5 miles. I decided that I do want to run it with her since it is so nice running with someone! My cousin is also planning on running this with us. It should be fun and I have a strong feeling that shirts we will get are green... St. Patty's day anyone?
Today however, before my run I am seeing my cousin on more time before she flys home for a week. I have not finished her legwarmers.... my hands have been bugging me, so needless to say, I haven't knit in a while. I'm thinking to start again on them after she leaves. I know that she is happy to return to Florida, while we are still cold and snowy here! It will be good for her and she can recharge after yesterday's final!

Photo Show

One of the benefits of not having a steady job is that I have the freedom to do things in the daytime that are not normally possible when I have a job. However, having no $$ is by far the biggest downside to having no steady job.
Today however, I am taking advantage of the fact that I can go out in the daytime. My cousin is having a photo show today as part of her final for this quarter. She asked me yesterday if I would come and told her I would love to, but if I got called for subbing, then I have to go to work. Being that this is the first week back from vacation and only the second day with the kids, not so many people are out. So, I am off to see my cousin's photo show.
I know that she is really nervous about this. She text me this morning telling me that she wanted another tarot reading today, I did one for her over the weekend and it came out really well. She now feels as that one has come to pass that she needs another one!
So, I am meeting her for lunch and then since she has an hour break she will give me a private tour of her show. I am really excited to see her work. I have watched her work on it at home just editing stuff, but it will be exciting to see it all printed out and hanging up!
I know that her show will go well and that she will pass this part of her final. She just really needs moral support today. I know it will be great!!!

Peep Show

My cousin and I went to see her video that was featured in the Peep Show (the name of the art show) in Buffalo. It was a bit crazy. I had never heard of this, but my brother's girlfriend knew what we were talking about when we called her.
The show was kind of crazy. It was art, videos, dance and photos. One of the exhibits was called "Give and Take". It was two typewriters, paper, and envelops set up. The rule was that you type a secret and seal it up and then place it in a basket. After that, you pick a sealed secret from the basket. It was a cool idea and very fun to see what someone else was keeping a secret. It was nice because you could type something very personal and some complete stranger who has no idea about your life will read it. I think it was kind of liberating. Both my cousin and I did it and we had a good time see what others thought were secrets.
We stayed over with my parents in my hometown. They made us a wonderful big breakfast of French Toast and cinnamon rolls. We had to head back home early as she had a lot of work to do yesterday.
Today has been a catching up day for me to get my housework done since I was out for the weekend with my cousin. I had gotten a lot done and hope to get more done before the day is done!

Stepping Out

Last night my cousin called me to see if I still wanted to drive to a gallery opening that her work has been selected to be in. Why not! We will drive to my hometown tonight to see the opening and then go out with my brother and his girlfriend. That always makes for a good time!!
Even though I just saw them last week, I do love to spend time with them. I feel that I don't get to see them enough. I am happy that we can meet up! The gallery opening should be fun too. We are getting in for free since my cousin's work is part of the show. After that we are going to stay with my parents for the night so that we don't have to try and drive back so late.
I hope the weather holds as my cousin is driving, and she still working on learning to drive in snow.

New Look & Expermental Cooking

I have been growing my hair out for a while now, and so today I went and got it chopped again. This time it is still short, but it's the longest it has been in forever! I went with a bob and I love it!

I had this crazy idea for lunch today. I wanted to make fried rice, but I don't have most of the stuff, so I went with what I had. I made it with eggs, rice and some mushrooms! It tastes good and I loved how it came out!!

Good Food and Good Friend

Today I went out and met my former classmate from graduate school. We met at a Mexican restaurant and had an amazing lunch. She had a coupon so it cost us only $12 total!! The food was excellent.
We had a great day just catching up and we haven't seen each other in over a year. When ever we get together we always sit and chat for most of the day. It's nice to see how well she was doing now.
Tonight is my last Tarot class. I did a reading for my friend today, but I'm not sure how I did. I think I need more practice with them. Tonight we are practicing reading for our classmates and reading for some invited guests! It should be a fun night!!

Skiing and Family

I went home for a few days so that my Mom and I could ski together yesterday. It was amazing! The weather was perfect, the snow was perfect, and we just had the best day!!! We got up early and headed to a ski resort that is normally a members' only place. On Mondays, they are open to the public. It was perfect!!!!
I also was able to spend some time with my brother and his girlfriend. I love getting together with them. They just got a new place together, so I went over to see it. Just hanging out with them was a good time.
I had a fantastic time at home!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Yesterday, being Friday the 13th turned out to be a crazy and great day.
My day started with a screening interview and then working, and then working out with my runner friend. It was busy!
I think my interview went well, as it was only for subbing, so it seemed to be good.
Working out was great. We are getting ready for our 5 mile race in March. It's coming soon! This morning we were up early and started running right away. We did a little over 3 miles this a.m.
Now I am spending the day with my hubby as it is Valentine's day! He bought me flowers and candies. He is so sweet! Maybe we will go out to dinner. Right now we are just thinking about our date plans. It's so nice to be able to spend a whole day together. It seems to happen rarely right now with his job changing and my trying to find a new job. Life here is always busy!
We are also starting to talk about a vacation we want to take this summer. We are thinking about going camping this summer to a National Park. Which park, and how far away is still to be decided. I am so looking forward to it. I love our camping trips, and they are much cheaper than any other trip we want to take!!! Yeah for cheap traveling!
Anyway, get out there and enjoy the love on this Valentine's Day!!

Readings and Knitting

Last night was my tarot class, and only two of us showed up for it! My friend JW was not going, as I said yesterday, and so the other members didn't show up. It made for a nice small class of two.
We learned the last two suites in the deck, and then we started to talk about how to read the cards. We did some meditation and then we did our first readings. Very simple, yes/no readings. It was a lot of fun! Our final class we will learn some more spreads to read, and then our instructor has invited a bunch of people to come and have us read for them. Oh no!!! I'm so nervous about that because I don't want to tell them something totally off from what the cards are saying. Maybe, it's for the best. The instructor is there, and all the people who are coming know about tarot and are there to help us. I hope that it is ok. I want to read for my friends, so reading for strangers might be a great way to break me into it!!! ^_^

I'm still working on the leg warmers for my cousin. I have almost finished the ribbing and started the cable part. I like cabling. It is so relaxing and a beautiful expression of the yarn in knitted form.

Looking Forward

Tonight is my tarot class. We will learn the rest of the cards tonight and next week (our last class) we will finally get to do readings!!! I didn't need my cards today to know that my friend JW was going to bail on me tonight. She was feeling off when I saw her at school today, so I kind of knew she might not be coming. Great, that means I have to really pay attention and take stellar notes so that she knows what the rest of them mean. Too bad, as I keep asking her if my notes from previous classes are right! Oh well! I'll do the best I can! ^_^

Relaxing & Running

As far as relaxing, I have FINALLY picked up my knitting again! I am chugging along on my cousin's (VERY LATE CHRISTMAS GIFT) legwarmers. I finished the first one back in January. I just started the second on two days ago. I took some time to go to the library and just knit (their lighting at night is soooooooooo much better than my house). I do get distracted by all the wonderful books, but I was able to give myself almost a whole hour to just knit. It was amazing! I feel like I haven't knit in forever. It was so nice to be able to do that.

Yesterday, I did go for a run with my friend. We did 2 miles and now Thursday it looks like we are going to do our first 3 mile run. I like how we are building up to the 5 miles slowly. Today is it so warm that I am tempted to go for a short run alone.

Tomorrow is my tarot class. I have learned more than half the deck at this point. Tomorrow we will learn the rest of the deck and then the week after we will learn how to do readings. I am very excited about that part. It should be fun as we are doing our first readings on our classmates, but not ones that we already know. FUN!!! ^_^

On Running & Cookies

I have been running on the treadmill at the gym for a while now, due to the cold weather forced me inside. I much more like running outside in the fresh brisk air, but the roads are a bit slick for it. so a friend from work asked if I would go with her to lift weights a few days a week because she wants to get ready for a race. We did the weights and now are also running together (outside!) We are going to do the race together. It's in March and it is a 5 miler. The most I have ever run is a little over 3 miles or 5K. So, this is a big deal to me. It's nice to have someone to run with. Today after school we are running 2 miles. We will run 3 miles later this week. I like her plan of building up so we can do this. She has run 5 milers before, but she hasn't run in a few months, so she needs to build back up.

Since I am working so hard to get ready for this race, I went and totally sabotaged my healthy eating by making these:I love me some homemade cookies! Chocolate chip. peanut butter, and oatmeal cookies! They are the best! Yummmmm!

Football And Me Don't Mix

While most of America is watching the Super Bowl, I'm hanging out watching The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Since my Hubby is not home, I've been enjoying a quite football free evening, not that he really seems to enjoy football too much, but he would like to watch the Super Bowl.
Tarot card class was really fun! She gave us a ton of information all at once. There was a lot to take in. The next class will be next week! Yeah!

I Can See the Future!

Last night we went out with Hubby's parents for his birthday. The place we went is always so nice and elegant. The food is always amazing.
Not this time.
The food normally is so mouth watering and tasty! Last night it was way over salted and dry. I was so shocked!
However, the company was great. Overall, Hubby said he had a nice birthday.
Today, I am going with Journal Writer to take a tarot card class. We are going to learn to see the future! Maybe that will help me find a great job! HA HA!
I'm excited about this idea. Journal Writer came up with this, and so we are going to check it out. We missed the first class, so the owner of the shop is giving us a private first class so we can catch up and be ready on Wednesday with the others in our new class. I'll have to let you know what the future holds! ^_^

Happy Birthday!

Today is my husband's birthday! We are same age again! I got him Baja 1000 for the Wii. He loves him some driving games.
We are off for a very nice dinner with his family tonight! I just hope the weather holds out so we can get there!

Birthday Is Coming

Tomorrow is my Hubby's birthday. We are going to meet his folks for dinner and then we will enjoy some birthday cake at home! I still have to make the cake, but it will be ready by tomorrow!
This week has flown by for me. I'm not sure why, but it's been busy!

Busy Days

This weekend I saw my parents and enjoyed relaxing after our snowboarding day on Friday. Today I subbed for a teacher that I know. It was a lot of fun and very busy.
I am trying to figure out what to do for my husband's birthday, which is this Saturday. I want to make him a cake, but I have no idea what gift to get him. He's not very helpful in giving me ideas, so I'm trying to think of something that he would like. I hope I can come up with something and soon!

Fun Filled Day!

Today I didn't have a subbing job, so my cousin and I went out snowboarding! I haven't snowboarded in about 3 or 4 years! HA Ha. Every time I get out, it's with friends who ski, so I'm not so good on a board. It was the perfect day for it too!

The weather was sunny and clear. It was also really warm. My cousin had to rent a board and boots, but we were able to get a bunny hill pass nice and cheap!

Since this was her first winter, and her first time out, she was so excited! We both fell a lot, laughed a lot, and threw some snow balls at each other.

I packed us a lunch, so stopped for that, then we went back to it! By the end of the day my cousin was able to make it down the hill 5 times in a row without falling. Now she needs to learn some more control!

To end it all, we sat down had a beer and laughed some more about our crazy day!

Here some picts of us out on the hill:

Cousin on the lift

Cousin getting ready to go down the "big, bad bunny hill"

Me, being a goof-ball

Welcome Mr. President!

Yesterday, I spent the whole day watching our new President Obama being sworn in. I think it was so amazing to see our country come together for this day. I think it was so cool to see all the people who were actually there, waving their flags and chanting his name. How often have we seen that in the past eight years?
Today I am working on a little project that I started over the weekend. It's still in the works right now, so nothing more to tell you on that now!

Ramblings

Well, Saturday we did have to get a battery for my car. Turns out it was the factory original!! That battery was 10 years old. The guy at the store laughed at us when he saw it. Anyway, I can now drive again! YEAH!
Yesterday, I went to calling hours for a friend's dad who passed away. I know that death is a part of life, just as births are too, however losing someone you care about is so hard. My friend looked great, but she said that time was passing slowly for the family. One thing that I thought was really nice was that they gave out cookbooks filled with recipes that her dad had loved to cook.
Today, I am off to meet my parents. Since they have the day off from work, we thought it would be nice to meet half way and have lunch together. I also have a few things to get from them, and they wanted a few things from me. It's a good way to exchange items and have some family time.
After that, my cousin and I are going out on an adventure. I have no idea what we are doing, jut that we are getting together and doing something fun!

Book Talk

Last night it was so COLD here!!! It's still mad cold this morning. In fact, my car won't start because it is just too cold for it (well, most likely I need a new battery, but I know my car thinks it's cold too!). In my attempt to keep warm, I curled up with a book, a blanket, and a space heater. Yeah!

I read this:It's hard to see in the photo, but the title is The Brimstone Journals by Ron Koertge. It's all poems by different kids in the school as they come to a head and face a student who is thinking about bringing guns to school and killing off all the kids he dislikes. I love how each poem has it's own voice and style. You can tell which kids are which (the poems are title with the names of the kids at the top, too). Each student has their own way of saying what they are thinking. I liked how all the characters in the book think about their own problems, but they are also thinking about the whole picture. I highly recommend this book. It's a short read, but it makes you stop and think.

Market Squares

Here's my market squares bag:I love the combo of black, pink and purple! It's working up really nice!

OOPS!

So today I made a silly mistake. I wrote down an appointment that I thought today. I showed up ready for my appointment.
However, the secretary was very puzzled as to why I was there today.
Turns out, my appointment is next week. Silly me, I wrote down the wrong date!!!
I did get a lot of knitting done today. I forged ahead on round five of my market squares bag. I love how the colors are working together! Picts to follow tomorrow!

Old Friend

I picked up an old friend, my green sock. I'm sticking to my resolution that I should work on some projects that I've put down for a while.

I'm happy with the progress I have made... I'm still working on the gusset, but I love the color!

Sorry the pict is so crappy, camera giving me a hard time.

Geography 101

I finally made it to the post office today to mail Christmas gifts to Japan (OK, I'm a little late to get them there, but they are on their way!).
The first thing that I mailed was a letter to my friend. When I said something about the costing going up from last time, I was told that's because the prices to mail to Europe went up.
Hum, Japan is in Asia.
The post master told me that Japan is part of Europe and so that is why it costs more.
Hum, Japan is in Asia.
Apparently, this doesn't matter to her. Europe and Asia have the same prices, but instead of explaining that, she insisted that Japan is part of Europe.
Of all people in the work force, I guess I assumed that post office workers would know geography more than any other profession.
Japan is part of Europe, so says the post office.

Cold Snap

I got up this a.m. turned on the weather to see how cold it will really be this week. Right now it's 28. This is our up coming forecast for tonight:Ahhhhhhhhh, that's cold! My cousin is in for a rude awaking tonight!!! I love that she moved here from Florida.... winter is so fun with her here!

Catching Up!

Last night I made the first thing on my newly planned out menu for the week, Chicken Curry!
Hubby was happy about that. When we were in Japan we ate at this one shop a few time while we were in Tokyo. While my curry was no where near as good, at least the flavors were there to remind us of a very happy time. Here is my curry:While we were out at the super market, we did run into a teacher that I use to work with. She said that there might be an opening at that school again, and was I available? Hum, yes! So, I have renewed hope that I will be teaching again soon!
While I'm not teaching, I have planned to a.) go to the gym more, b.) catch up with my knitting!!!, and c.) sew a few things that need to be fix/ or finished. My plan right now is to catch up on all the projects that I normally let go during the school year. It's nice to have a little time to do those things, but it will be even nicer to get back to teaching!

Works In Progress

Last night we did go out. It was a great time, as it always is!!! I made friends with a guy who had on almost the same skirt as me. He also had a mad huge mohawk and goggles. I liked his style. All of us girls forgot our cameras, so there are no picts from last night. We did run into that crazy guy who B.G., Goth Girl, and I met a few times back... he wasn't talking to us this time, just dancing.

As promised, I have a photo of the leg warmer and my market squares bag. I love how they are coming out! Both projects are looking good. Today, I went on a website to make your own calendars (found here). I printed off just this month so that I can write down what I am making for dinner. I started doing this last year, but I wasn't so good about doing it weekly. That's my New Year's resolution: to plan out dinners ahead of time and make ONE trip to the store for the week. I seem to go way more than I should to the super market. So, right now I am looking though this book that I have used and love:I am hoping to find more crock pot meals to try. I don't want to try them on school days since sometimes the time that they say it will take to cook is longer or shorter with my slow cooker. My plan, do it on the days that I'm not subbing, so that I can see a.) how it tastes, b.) how long it takes to cook, and c.) how easy is it for me to make on a school day. Right now I only have one or two things that are easy to prep in the a.m. before school that can cook all day long. I want to find more that I don't have to cook then when I get home. I love my slow cooker!!! It makes my life so easy!!!!