Unemployment Goods

So if you have ever wondered what I do with all my free time during unemployment, the following pictures are proof I am not sitting on my bum eating bon-bon's. I am just sitting on my bum knitting instead.

In actuality, I only work on these at a maximum an hour a day if that. Most of my time is spent emailing people about informational interviews, making follow up calls, sending my resume to companies, researching companies, and asking friends/ acquaintances for leads...I'm really not a bum.

But at least out of this quiet time in my life some products are being made. Mine and Dale's necks will survive the winter.

This is my first scarf. I believe I started it in 2005 but didn't know a thing about knitting and wasn't really that "into" it yet. I completed it in October just so I could use those needles. It is now worn by our stuff pug names Puggle. (Yes, I still own stuffed animals...and name them...don't judge)

This was my second scarf/ project. I found a pattern I liked, began understanding all the different stitches, picked out some soft yarn, and Voila. It is a little short but Dale doesn't complain.

I made these slippers right before Christmas and contemplated making a pair for all the women in my family as stocking stuffers because they are fairly easy and fast to knit, but decided against it. I didn't want the holiday pressure. If I make these again, I think I'm going to add a strap to make them Mary Janes so they don't fall off as easy. However, I was VERY proud of these since they actually required some measuring and aren't one long strip of cloth.

This item is my most recent addition. I completed it today. It is a little purse/ bag for Corey whose birthday was last week. I got her a little something and wanted something special to put it in. Dale suggested I knit something so I tried out this new pattern I really liked (found on the purl bee) and this is what resulted. I am really proud that I was finally able to use this yellow yarn which I purchased forever ago for a rag doll project. I think it turned out well.

Waiting for Kiddos/ Buses

I was driving home from my informational interview (in which I was stood up..sad) and got stuck in a long line of buses next to a school near our apartment. I was going to go around them (because they were waiting on all the kiddos) but was afraid because of oncoming traffic. While I was waiting for the buses to move (and eventually a teacher's aid stopped traffic to allow me to go around), like 5 different kids came up to the car to see if I was their mom. One little girl opened the door, and immediately had a look of complete horror/terror go across her face. Therefore, I conclude most mom's with children between the ages of 8-5 own silver Honda accords. I really felt sorry for the little girl, and her pink matching scarf and hat were SO adorable I almost did take her home with me.

Dreaming

This is an awesome video. I have watched it repeatedly today and cannot get over the detail and absolute creativity captured in these few minutes. I hope if anyone filmed me sleeping it would be this eventful.

http://acmefilmworks.wiredrive.com/l/p/?presentation=bf3fc961863b16094d7553dd971814bb

P.S. The song is pretty good too!

P.P.S. I also love the white bedroom above, but unfortunately I am too fond of red wine and chocolate to ever have a room like that.

Mint-a-soda

Today while knitting in my favorite corner of the apartment I realized that I have not given my evaluation of Minnesota yet, and for some reason the apartment is particularly cold today reminding me that I'm not in Kansas...I mean...Texas anymore. So I'm going to give my comparisons of home state and my current state.

Texas vs. Minnesota

1. Texas always has fantastic hot and spicy food available...but Minnesota has the weather appropriate for eating it

2. Minnesota boasts the most literate citizens but some of the most expensive independent bookstores (went into one today near my apartment, ridiculously expensive for books)

3. Texas has boots and cowboys that are good looking but a little sweaty while Minnesota has the boots and cowboys too except their a little on the blue and frozen side

4. Minnesota has all 4 seasons...Texas has 4 different levels of heat - hot, uncomfortable hot, sweltering mind-blowing hot, and death

5. Texas has my favorite music capital of the world - Austin but Minnesota has my favorite theater infused twin - Minneapolis

6. Minnesota houses some of my favorite authors - Neil Gaiman and Thomas Friedman, but Texas has some of my favorite people - Abra and Corey

7. Texans know how to make and consume margaritas on those humid summer nights but Minnesotans know how to drink giant mugs of beer while huddled inside a cozy pub

8. Minnesota is the land of a thousand lakes while Texas is the land of a thousand friendly faces

9. Texas has water skiing, beaches, and armadillos but Minnesota has snow skiing, mountains (kinda), and white bunnies

10. But the biggest conundrum - Texas has my family and friends and Minnesota has the love my life

Overall Minnesota has been pretty great. I have gotten to experience a "real" winter and fall and have enjoyed all the time I've gotten to spend with Dale. Also, I've learned the pleasures of mass transportation and living in a real eclectic neighbor and above all appreciating the architecture of the city. I sometimes miss Texas especially on days when my feet refuse to thaw, and I don't know how long we'll stay here in Minnesota, but I do know that Minneapolis will always have a piece of my heart...a frozen little piece. :)

Reception Ideas

Here are some of my ideas for centerpieces for the wedding. Simple, autumnal and hopefully inexpensive. Also, I really love this cake and am thinking this style but in creams and whites.

Also, if you are curious, all these drawings and pictures are in my moleskin (which I recommend everyone should have for jotting down ideas), and I got very motivated today to use my scanner. So Voila!

Doodle

So lately I've been sketching and trying to improve my skills. I only like to draw women for some reason- mostly because all of my men end up looking like each other or complete idiots. What's funny is that my drawing style looks the same as it did when I was 13.

Scoot, please...

Cheers for being in love! and Dale Austin!