Tonight, just a short blog to commemorate the day!
Today is my sixth "Writeaversary". I celebrate May 31 every year as the day that I started writing (more than just what was required for school) six years ago. I still remember the day and the week preceding very vividly... the flurry of "Wow, there's a whole WORLD out there!" The opportunities available to me shocked me, but I feel like I have since risen to meet them.
I am a dork in many ways (Come on. Writeaversaries?), but May 31 is an important day to me. To me, it means the day that I discovered my passion; the day that began the walking down the path that I have chosen.
Today was wonderful. I baked myself a cake yesterday (Fudge marble with fudge icing... mmm...), I hung out with Brandlyn (we watched "Batman Forever" on VHS, swam a bit, and went to Target) and tonight I went to eat dinner with Mike and Mom (Mike grilled some chicken and it was delish!)
May 31, 2003 was a good day. I hope that all of my May 31st's from now on are just as wonderful.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Yarn Harlot!
Tonight was one of those fabulously dorky evenings that I have been looking forward to for days. (I only heard about the event a little over a week ago, so while it doesn't sound impressive, it totally is.) Tonight, I went downtown to Book People and saw the Yarn Harlot!
The Yarn Harlot is this lovely Canadian woman, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, who is a knitter and a writer and somehow manages to be fabulous at combining the two. She is clever, hilarious, and a delight to read... and it turns out, it is even better to hear her speak! She's written quite a number of books about knitting and I have read all but one of them and loved them all. When I heard she was coming to Austin, I immediately stuck it in my calendar.
(That's Stephanie taking a picture of her sock in front of all us knitters!)
Stephanie spoke for about an hour and had everyone - to my estimation... there were 50 or 60 odd people - in stitches (ahah, knitting... stitches... hooray, puns!!) the entire time. I even finished a sock!
One of the funniest parts about the event was how the Book People staff kept on having to bring out more chairs and creating more space... they, like so many others, completely underestimated the power of many knitters in large numbers. Originally, they had around 30 chairs set out and then spread it out into the wings and farther into the back. While it was a relatively small event (some of her events are huge), I had to wait around 45 minutes to get my book signed.
I did spend quite a bit of time considering what book I wanted her to sign. I ended up going with a book called At Knit's End, which she published in 2005. I picked this up at a yarn store in London last summer (I think it was "Stash London") for 7 pounds. (That was $14 at the time. I feel like I did get my money's worth!)
It's a small book, about the size of a hand, and fits perfectly in my purse. It's been living there ever since and I love it. It's nice to whip it out when I'm bored and read a few pages and I love that I got it signed. And when I handed it to Stephanie, she said, "It's so nice to see a copy of a book so loved."
(...And she also told me it was hard to write our name with an F instead of a PH. Likewise, Stephanie, but my spelling makes more sense.)
The Yarn Harlot is this lovely Canadian woman, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, who is a knitter and a writer and somehow manages to be fabulous at combining the two. She is clever, hilarious, and a delight to read... and it turns out, it is even better to hear her speak! She's written quite a number of books about knitting and I have read all but one of them and loved them all. When I heard she was coming to Austin, I immediately stuck it in my calendar.
(That's Stephanie taking a picture of her sock in front of all us knitters!)Stephanie spoke for about an hour and had everyone - to my estimation... there were 50 or 60 odd people - in stitches (ahah, knitting... stitches... hooray, puns!!) the entire time. I even finished a sock!
One of the funniest parts about the event was how the Book People staff kept on having to bring out more chairs and creating more space... they, like so many others, completely underestimated the power of many knitters in large numbers. Originally, they had around 30 chairs set out and then spread it out into the wings and farther into the back. While it was a relatively small event (some of her events are huge), I had to wait around 45 minutes to get my book signed.
I did spend quite a bit of time considering what book I wanted her to sign. I ended up going with a book called At Knit's End, which she published in 2005. I picked this up at a yarn store in London last summer (I think it was "Stash London") for 7 pounds. (That was $14 at the time. I feel like I did get my money's worth!)
It's a small book, about the size of a hand, and fits perfectly in my purse. It's been living there ever since and I love it. It's nice to whip it out when I'm bored and read a few pages and I love that I got it signed. And when I handed it to Stephanie, she said, "It's so nice to see a copy of a book so loved."
(...And she also told me it was hard to write our name with an F instead of a PH. Likewise, Stephanie, but my spelling makes more sense.)
"Frustration" AKA "Just Let Me Into the UT School of Communications, Damnit!"
"We've received all the items that are required to review and process your application. The Admissions Committee is currently reviewing your application for admission. Once we reach a decision, you'll be notified by mail and your decision will be posted on this page."
Gawd, yall are such teases.
Gawd, yall are such teases.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Crawfish Cookout
Yesterday, I headed over to Dad's house for the annual crawfish cookout in their area of Steiner Ranch. Every year, it gets bigger and bigger; this year there were at least 160 people in the cauldesac! It was my first year to go, and I had a great time.
(These photos were from earlier when there weren't as many people:)
Around the cauldesac there were things for the kids to do, like a slip-n-slide. (Tom enjoyed it!)
In Dad's yard, there were kiddy pools and a little moon bounce set up for the little ones.
And after all the lil'uns were taken home and put in their beds... some of the bigger kids enjoyed the pool.
Around 6, the crawfish were served! (And for those of us who are "crazy" and don't like seafood... hot dogs!) Dad, however, thoroughly enjoyed the crawfish.
At one point, it rained and after that a rainbow came out! We could see the WHOLE thing! It was incredible.
And finally, after people were done eating the crawfish, Pippa brought out the big guns.
Pavlova of course! Four of them! I tried to sneak off with a whole one, but was (unfortunatly) unsuccessful.
And though it wasn't planned there was beer pong to play, too!
A musician had been hired (and I wish I could remember his name!) and he was great. The music definitely lended itself to the atmosphere of the party. When night had fallen, a small crowd gathered around him to listen.
I had a great time and will definitely go back next year!
(These photos were from earlier when there weren't as many people:)
Around the cauldesac there were things for the kids to do, like a slip-n-slide. (Tom enjoyed it!)
In Dad's yard, there were kiddy pools and a little moon bounce set up for the little ones.
And after all the lil'uns were taken home and put in their beds... some of the bigger kids enjoyed the pool.
Around 6, the crawfish were served! (And for those of us who are "crazy" and don't like seafood... hot dogs!) Dad, however, thoroughly enjoyed the crawfish.
At one point, it rained and after that a rainbow came out! We could see the WHOLE thing! It was incredible.
And finally, after people were done eating the crawfish, Pippa brought out the big guns.
Pavlova of course! Four of them! I tried to sneak off with a whole one, but was (unfortunatly) unsuccessful.
And though it wasn't planned there was beer pong to play, too!
A musician had been hired (and I wish I could remember his name!) and he was great. The music definitely lended itself to the atmosphere of the party. When night had fallen, a small crowd gathered around him to listen.
I had a great time and will definitely go back next year!
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The Nanny Diaries...Stefanie Edition
I started my summer job this week.
My job for the rest of May, June, and most of July will be to nanny a four-month-old named Emma during the day while her mommy studies to take the Bar.
What I have learned so far is that babies are quite easy, but they so tiring. It's not hard to play with an infant. They just eat, poop, sleep, and want things. (And smile... awww, her smile is so adorable!)
The hardest part of the job so far (this is day 3, mind you) is reading her. I am not experienced enough with her (or with babies in general) to tell when they're hungry, tired, bored, whatever... because right now it all sounds the same: "Waaaah!"
Emma is a really good baby, as far as babies go. She eats a ton, though (and consequently throws up a lot too!) I feed her practically every hour and a half. And though her mother tells me that she naps well, so far she hasn't for me during the day. Apparently she sleeps like a rock through the night.
And speaking of sleeping, I put her in her crib about ten minutes ago and that is exactly what she is not doing right now. She's been fussy and rubbing her eyes for a while now, so I know that she is tired... but she is not falling asleep.
...Oh, now the baby's really crying. Have to go take care of that.
(20 minutes and half a bottle later... Emma is out like a light.)
Something that I was just thinking about while soothing Emma and helping her drift off is that despite the fact that before this week I thought I knew next to nothing about babies and their care, it's surprisingly easy. When she cries, I know how to soothe her, when she's sleepy, I know how to send her off into dreamland. When she isn't happy, I know how to make her smile. So much of it is instinctual and it amazes me to realize that I knew a lot of what is required to take care of a baby.
Well, one week down. I have a feeling I am going to learn a lot this summer.
My job for the rest of May, June, and most of July will be to nanny a four-month-old named Emma during the day while her mommy studies to take the Bar.
What I have learned so far is that babies are quite easy, but they so tiring. It's not hard to play with an infant. They just eat, poop, sleep, and want things. (And smile... awww, her smile is so adorable!)
The hardest part of the job so far (this is day 3, mind you) is reading her. I am not experienced enough with her (or with babies in general) to tell when they're hungry, tired, bored, whatever... because right now it all sounds the same: "Waaaah!"
Emma is a really good baby, as far as babies go. She eats a ton, though (and consequently throws up a lot too!) I feed her practically every hour and a half. And though her mother tells me that she naps well, so far she hasn't for me during the day. Apparently she sleeps like a rock through the night.
And speaking of sleeping, I put her in her crib about ten minutes ago and that is exactly what she is not doing right now. She's been fussy and rubbing her eyes for a while now, so I know that she is tired... but she is not falling asleep.
...Oh, now the baby's really crying. Have to go take care of that.
(20 minutes and half a bottle later... Emma is out like a light.)
Something that I was just thinking about while soothing Emma and helping her drift off is that despite the fact that before this week I thought I knew next to nothing about babies and their care, it's surprisingly easy. When she cries, I know how to soothe her, when she's sleepy, I know how to send her off into dreamland. When she isn't happy, I know how to make her smile. So much of it is instinctual and it amazes me to realize that I knew a lot of what is required to take care of a baby.
Well, one week down. I have a feeling I am going to learn a lot this summer.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Housing Hunting
Today... oh, today I did something Grown Up.
I went with Abby (and my future roommate - Abby's boyfriend Nathan), we got ourselves a realtor (which, according to my internet, is spelled incorrectly if it has a lower-case 'r'), we drove downtown, and we looked at some (read: six) apartments that fit our budget and our spacial needs.
I don't like blogging about specifics before we make a decision (or saying which one we like best... because that's a bad rap on the ones that we didn't like... and I'm not mean like that!) but we did come up with a final two by the end of the day.
They're both in the same price range (which we set somewhere between $1400-2100 rent... preferably on the lower end so we can afford other things like, you know, electricity. And food.) and had our bedroom choices (2 bed/1 bath, 2 bed/2 bath, 3 bed/2 bath, whatever. As long as there was room for three people and a decent shower), and was close to campus and did not suck. (The sucking thing was easy enough to sort out.) We did have other things that we wanted, like a nice neighborhood, ceiling fans (this was a plus... but not necessary), and paid utilities, that kind of thing.
It felt like a very grown up thing to do, looking for a place to live. I'll be honest, it was nice to do it without my mother (who would have been a big help and a voice of reason but I think we felt like we needed to do the hunting and narrowing down by ourselves), but instead of having her there today we decided that tomorrow would be better to return to our top two places with her to have another look and to (perhaps) make a decision. We have spent the day talking and reviewing and figuring out what is best, what works, what doesn't and while I am ready to have a decision made, I understand the need to be cautious when you're investing money - especially in a place to live.
So, I am sure you will see more on that later! And in the fall you will most definitely see a montage of moving in.
I went with Abby (and my future roommate - Abby's boyfriend Nathan), we got ourselves a realtor (which, according to my internet, is spelled incorrectly if it has a lower-case 'r'), we drove downtown, and we looked at some (read: six) apartments that fit our budget and our spacial needs.
I don't like blogging about specifics before we make a decision (or saying which one we like best... because that's a bad rap on the ones that we didn't like... and I'm not mean like that!) but we did come up with a final two by the end of the day.
They're both in the same price range (which we set somewhere between $1400-2100 rent... preferably on the lower end so we can afford other things like, you know, electricity. And food.) and had our bedroom choices (2 bed/1 bath, 2 bed/2 bath, 3 bed/2 bath, whatever. As long as there was room for three people and a decent shower), and was close to campus and did not suck. (The sucking thing was easy enough to sort out.) We did have other things that we wanted, like a nice neighborhood, ceiling fans (this was a plus... but not necessary), and paid utilities, that kind of thing.
It felt like a very grown up thing to do, looking for a place to live. I'll be honest, it was nice to do it without my mother (who would have been a big help and a voice of reason but I think we felt like we needed to do the hunting and narrowing down by ourselves), but instead of having her there today we decided that tomorrow would be better to return to our top two places with her to have another look and to (perhaps) make a decision. We have spent the day talking and reviewing and figuring out what is best, what works, what doesn't and while I am ready to have a decision made, I understand the need to be cautious when you're investing money - especially in a place to live.
So, I am sure you will see more on that later! And in the fall you will most definitely see a montage of moving in.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
What I've been meaning to blog about
I've realized in the last few months that coming back to Austin means forgetting to blog (and tweet) altogether. So here's a summary of what you've missed:
I spent the weekend moving home. I am now happily settled in my room (which is not entirely clean, but is almost entirely put back together) and for full details... call me. Or read mom's blog to see a bit of what happened.
I have spent most of my time since sleeping and hanging out around my house. I spent an hour or so both yesterday and today laying out by my pool (wearing sunblock, of course) and I only got a little burned on my chest, but I am now convinced that my freckles are coming out for the summer. They're getting darker and that's all I can ever hope for in my summer. (I have long since given up on tanning.)
I am now anxiously awaiting my grades, which should be released in the next hour or so, but I think that I know what I will get. I just hope that I do get them!
I'm going to watch a bit of "Planet Earth" and clean my room. Tonight, Mom, Duncan and I are going to go see the new X-Men movie!
I spent the weekend moving home. I am now happily settled in my room (which is not entirely clean, but is almost entirely put back together) and for full details... call me. Or read mom's blog to see a bit of what happened.
I have spent most of my time since sleeping and hanging out around my house. I spent an hour or so both yesterday and today laying out by my pool (wearing sunblock, of course) and I only got a little burned on my chest, but I am now convinced that my freckles are coming out for the summer. They're getting darker and that's all I can ever hope for in my summer. (I have long since given up on tanning.)
I am now anxiously awaiting my grades, which should be released in the next hour or so, but I think that I know what I will get. I just hope that I do get them!
I'm going to watch a bit of "Planet Earth" and clean my room. Tonight, Mom, Duncan and I are going to go see the new X-Men movie!
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