Today's soundtrack:
Vida la vida by Coldplay
Today - in fact, just a few seconds ago - I rediscovered my love of English Literature. It had been lost all year, somewhat buried beneath my overwhelming fear of failure as Ph.D (please, feel fear to point out the ridiculousness of that), but has been miraculously recovered while perusing the table of contents of my new desk copy of the The Norton Introduction to English Literature. So that's it, then.
However, I do want to stand by my claim that for a book about a whore, Moll Flanders could not have been more dull.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
prairie summer
Today's soundtrack:
"Fireworks" by the Tragically Hip
As a transplanted Islander, I feel it is my duty to tell you, my dear Island folk, about the nuances of a prairie summer. Below is a list of recent aspects of summer that I've discovered:
1) Middle-aged, pot-bellied men feel there is nothing wrong with rollerblading in biker shorts. And only biker shorts.
2) Gophers are ridiculously cute, but also ridiculously stupid. If they just stayed still when something came close, they'd be impossible to see. Yet every time I am out riding my bike, the noise they make diving for their burrows forces me to look, then swerve, then try not to fall off of my bike.
3) Directionality. Specifically, the sun's directionality. There are no trees, no mountains, and rarely clouds to break up the sun. The result is that after a lovely dinner, one side of you is bright red, and the other side could pass for albino.
4) No matter which direction I peddle my bike, I am always riding into the wind. And what's more, the wind has the power not only to stop me dead in my tracks, but to push me backwards.
5) The smell of manure is in no way nostalgic for me, as it is for Mom. I'll take the smell of low tide over manure any day. Now, you may think it's impossible to smell low tide on the Prairies, but all you need to do is go to Regina and walk around Wascana Lake on a warm day.
6) When I rode my bike in Nanaimo, I'd hit a few bugs. Maybe. But here, it's as though the bugs are all kamikaze fighters and I'm the target. Mosquitos, flies, wasps, little green inchworms - anything goes!
But I'm not complaining. Oh no. Considering the spring you poor Islanders have had, and the miserable summer you're in for, I'll suffer through the suicidal gophers and mind-boggling wind.
"Fireworks" by the Tragically Hip
As a transplanted Islander, I feel it is my duty to tell you, my dear Island folk, about the nuances of a prairie summer. Below is a list of recent aspects of summer that I've discovered:
1) Middle-aged, pot-bellied men feel there is nothing wrong with rollerblading in biker shorts. And only biker shorts.
2) Gophers are ridiculously cute, but also ridiculously stupid. If they just stayed still when something came close, they'd be impossible to see. Yet every time I am out riding my bike, the noise they make diving for their burrows forces me to look, then swerve, then try not to fall off of my bike.
3) Directionality. Specifically, the sun's directionality. There are no trees, no mountains, and rarely clouds to break up the sun. The result is that after a lovely dinner, one side of you is bright red, and the other side could pass for albino.
4) No matter which direction I peddle my bike, I am always riding into the wind. And what's more, the wind has the power not only to stop me dead in my tracks, but to push me backwards.
5) The smell of manure is in no way nostalgic for me, as it is for Mom. I'll take the smell of low tide over manure any day. Now, you may think it's impossible to smell low tide on the Prairies, but all you need to do is go to Regina and walk around Wascana Lake on a warm day.
6) When I rode my bike in Nanaimo, I'd hit a few bugs. Maybe. But here, it's as though the bugs are all kamikaze fighters and I'm the target. Mosquitos, flies, wasps, little green inchworms - anything goes!
But I'm not complaining. Oh no. Considering the spring you poor Islanders have had, and the miserable summer you're in for, I'll suffer through the suicidal gophers and mind-boggling wind.
Monday, June 16, 2008
where have you been all my life?
Today's soundtrack:
Symphony No. 5 and Symphony No. 9 by Beethoven
With the exception of WWKiP day and the Stitch & Bitch yesterday, I've kept myself locked up in my basement reading. What, you may ask. Well, Fanny Burney. Yes, I was doubtful at first, too, especially when I realised I was looking at 2500 pages of Regency prose, but now I'm quite smitten. I think she may even supplant Austen as my favourite author. So now my poor neighbours are suffering through a Beethoven-a-thon in honour of the final years of the 18th century, while I read (tea in hand) Camilla and Cecilia.
Yes, that is the extent of excitement in my life at the moment.
And yes, I am fully aware of how pathetic that is.
But not to worry! After I finish with Burney, it'll be onto Swift, Defoe, and - oh why not - Burke. Nothing says relaxing year of reading for the comps like Burke's A Philosophical Inquiry into the Sublime and Beautiful. Rivetting, no?
Symphony No. 5 and Symphony No. 9 by Beethoven
With the exception of WWKiP day and the Stitch & Bitch yesterday, I've kept myself locked up in my basement reading. What, you may ask. Well, Fanny Burney. Yes, I was doubtful at first, too, especially when I realised I was looking at 2500 pages of Regency prose, but now I'm quite smitten. I think she may even supplant Austen as my favourite author. So now my poor neighbours are suffering through a Beethoven-a-thon in honour of the final years of the 18th century, while I read (tea in hand) Camilla and Cecilia.
Yes, that is the extent of excitement in my life at the moment.
And yes, I am fully aware of how pathetic that is.
But not to worry! After I finish with Burney, it'll be onto Swift, Defoe, and - oh why not - Burke. Nothing says relaxing year of reading for the comps like Burke's A Philosophical Inquiry into the Sublime and Beautiful. Rivetting, no?
Sunday, June 01, 2008
my wrist is on fire!
Today's soundtrack:
Hockey Night in Canada
So fine. I admit it. I have a knitting addiction. Last night, as I watched the first season of Northern Exposure, my left thumb and wrist started to burn. But did I put down the knitting needles and take a break? Oh no, breaks are for wussies! So now my thumb and wrist only stop burning with ice. I am now on a knitting vacation until this burning sensation passes.
It wasn't all in vain, though. I've managed to make some lovely things.
This is the Lace Ribbon Scarf from Knitty
And this is an afghan for the Smug Marrieds.
Oh well done me. Now off to ice that wrist.
Hockey Night in Canada
So fine. I admit it. I have a knitting addiction. Last night, as I watched the first season of Northern Exposure, my left thumb and wrist started to burn. But did I put down the knitting needles and take a break? Oh no, breaks are for wussies! So now my thumb and wrist only stop burning with ice. I am now on a knitting vacation until this burning sensation passes.
It wasn't all in vain, though. I've managed to make some lovely things.
This is the Lace Ribbon Scarf from Knitty
And this is an afghan for the Smug Marrieds.Oh well done me. Now off to ice that wrist.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
all things ravelry
Today's soundtrack:
The Lake SkipMix
After a week down in Regina (which I will blog about at some point), I decided that I should get back to knitting. So over the weekend, I made this toddler sweater (not for me!) from Debbie Bliss's How to Knit:
And yes, I am all kinds of impressed with myself. But just as I was stitching the last seam together, my Ravelry invite arrived. I cannot even begin to describe my joy at being able to post pictures of my stash, of lining up my queue, and of describing my finished projects. I've come a long way from the scarf I made for Mom that looks like it was made by drunk house elves.
In celebration of my newly-realized skills as a beginner knitter, I cast on the Lace Ribbon Scarf from the current Knitty issue.
In further knitting news, my Knit Picks Harmony Wood DPNs arrived today. Yippee! They are quite lovely and will be put to work shortly. But as for tonight, Evelina by Burney is calling me.
The Lake SkipMix
After a week down in Regina (which I will blog about at some point), I decided that I should get back to knitting. So over the weekend, I made this toddler sweater (not for me!) from Debbie Bliss's How to Knit:
And yes, I am all kinds of impressed with myself. But just as I was stitching the last seam together, my Ravelry invite arrived. I cannot even begin to describe my joy at being able to post pictures of my stash, of lining up my queue, and of describing my finished projects. I've come a long way from the scarf I made for Mom that looks like it was made by drunk house elves.
In celebration of my newly-realized skills as a beginner knitter, I cast on the Lace Ribbon Scarf from the current Knitty issue.
In further knitting news, my Knit Picks Harmony Wood DPNs arrived today. Yippee! They are quite lovely and will be put to work shortly. But as for tonight, Evelina by Burney is calling me.
Friday, April 11, 2008
sign of spring
Today's soundtrack:
The Reminder by Feist
Well, it doesn't really feel like spring here. Sure, it's a bit warmer and the snow has melted almost completely, but the ground is brown, the trees are bare and the sky is grey. In reality, this feels more like fall.
Except for the gophers. The gophers are back.
There is no more reliable sign of spring than the gopher, and I spotted my first gopher running across the entrance to Place Riel this morning. A girl was sitting on what passes for grass at this time of year, waiting for the bus, when the gopher ran past her. Judging her great leap and quick scamper away, I think this may have been her first gopher sighting.
Naturally, just as spring is about to really start, I finally put the fringe on my Ravenclaw scarf. Just in time for next winter, I suppose. But now that the socks and scarf are done (and I am not-so-patiently waiting for my Ravelry invite), my project list is shrinking rapidly. I think it's time for a yarn hunting expedition...
The Reminder by Feist
Well, it doesn't really feel like spring here. Sure, it's a bit warmer and the snow has melted almost completely, but the ground is brown, the trees are bare and the sky is grey. In reality, this feels more like fall.
Except for the gophers. The gophers are back.
There is no more reliable sign of spring than the gopher, and I spotted my first gopher running across the entrance to Place Riel this morning. A girl was sitting on what passes for grass at this time of year, waiting for the bus, when the gopher ran past her. Judging her great leap and quick scamper away, I think this may have been her first gopher sighting.
Naturally, just as spring is about to really start, I finally put the fringe on my Ravenclaw scarf. Just in time for next winter, I suppose. But now that the socks and scarf are done (and I am not-so-patiently waiting for my Ravelry invite), my project list is shrinking rapidly. I think it's time for a yarn hunting expedition...
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
sock it to me.
Today's soundtrack:
The National
I did it. I knit a sock. I finally figured out, with the help of the knitty.com folk, how to properly use double-pointed needles so that my socks weren't doing this bizarre inside-out thing. Long story short, I turned the heel, picked up stitches, gusseted and kitchenered my way to my first ever sock.
Oooh I really like knitting socks rather than afghans. The near instant gratification appeals to my near absence of patience. Woot!
I would give you proof, but the Spaniard has the camera in Florence. And if he doesn't come back with a memory card full of hot Italians and the Duomo, then he's going to lose all camera privileges.
Anyway, I knit the first of two socks out of the leftover wool from the legwarmer project. But after this wool is gone (which it will be very, very soon), then I have no more sock yarns in the stash. Gasp! So, I did the only logical thing and ordered a lovely set of dpns from KnitPicks.com so that I am completely prepared. Next, when I'm done in Regina and out in the 'Mo next, I'll raid the local lys's sock yarn supply. After all, who doesn't love homemade socks? Snort.
The National
I did it. I knit a sock. I finally figured out, with the help of the knitty.com folk, how to properly use double-pointed needles so that my socks weren't doing this bizarre inside-out thing. Long story short, I turned the heel, picked up stitches, gusseted and kitchenered my way to my first ever sock.
Oooh I really like knitting socks rather than afghans. The near instant gratification appeals to my near absence of patience. Woot!
I would give you proof, but the Spaniard has the camera in Florence. And if he doesn't come back with a memory card full of hot Italians and the Duomo, then he's going to lose all camera privileges.
Anyway, I knit the first of two socks out of the leftover wool from the legwarmer project. But after this wool is gone (which it will be very, very soon), then I have no more sock yarns in the stash. Gasp! So, I did the only logical thing and ordered a lovely set of dpns from KnitPicks.com so that I am completely prepared. Next, when I'm done in Regina and out in the 'Mo next, I'll raid the local lys's sock yarn supply. After all, who doesn't love homemade socks? Snort.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
lord of the geeks.
Today's soundtrack:
Transatlanticism by Death Cab for Cutie.
Came across this, an analysis of The Lord of the Rings as property law.
Snort.
Transatlanticism by Death Cab for Cutie.
Came across this, an analysis of The Lord of the Rings as property law.
Snort.
17 years is not an excuse.
Today's soundtrack:
In Rainbows by Radiohead.
Interesting few days on the Prairies. This video has been making the rounds. Current Tory MP Tom Ludiwski and SaskParty Premier Brad Wall have both apologised for the homophobic and ethnic slurs - although they attempt to contextualise the film by saying that it's almost 17 years old and that, somehow, intolerance was more acceptable almost 17 years ago.
17 years ago was 1991. In 1993, Philadelphia came out. It's not like homophobia and heterosexism wasn't on the radar. 1991 marked the end of the Soviet Union. The Eastern Bloc had collapsed and there was near universal understanding of the dire economic and social issues facing Ukraine. I was knee-high to a grasshopper, but I still remember the sense of desperation implicit in the images broadcast on the news. While during the 1960s Ukrainians in Saskatchewan were still viewed as inferior, Archie Bunker managed to blow apart the ethnic stereotyping facing Eastern European immigrants during the 1970s on All in the Family. Point is, 17 years ago wasn't that long ago. 17 years is not an excuse.
But what has bothered me most about this video is the sexism that runs throughout. From the cameraman asking why the two women working on the computer weren't sitting in each other's laps, to telling a woman she was "missing something" (breasts) on her chest and asking another woman to undo one of her buttons (as she was wearing a sweatshirt, this proved impossible). The reactions of the women are interesting. Either a) they agree with their objectification or b) they are used to the sexual innuendo and harassment and find it easier to put up and shut up rather than draw attention to the asinine behaviour of the future MP and Saskatchewan Premier. Either way, the shocking aspect for me is the acceptance of this sexist behaviour. Last time I checked, 1991 was after the Second Wave movement of the 1970s.
I get the fact they were drunk. I get the fact they were celebrating a debate that hadn't happened yet. I get the fact that they were probably all friends as well as fellow campaigners. What bothers me is the lack of respect shown not only to the LBGT and Ukrainian communities, but also to women.
And for some reason, that's the one aspect that the media refuses to talk about.
In Rainbows by Radiohead.
Interesting few days on the Prairies. This video has been making the rounds. Current Tory MP Tom Ludiwski and SaskParty Premier Brad Wall have both apologised for the homophobic and ethnic slurs - although they attempt to contextualise the film by saying that it's almost 17 years old and that, somehow, intolerance was more acceptable almost 17 years ago.
17 years ago was 1991. In 1993, Philadelphia came out. It's not like homophobia and heterosexism wasn't on the radar. 1991 marked the end of the Soviet Union. The Eastern Bloc had collapsed and there was near universal understanding of the dire economic and social issues facing Ukraine. I was knee-high to a grasshopper, but I still remember the sense of desperation implicit in the images broadcast on the news. While during the 1960s Ukrainians in Saskatchewan were still viewed as inferior, Archie Bunker managed to blow apart the ethnic stereotyping facing Eastern European immigrants during the 1970s on All in the Family. Point is, 17 years ago wasn't that long ago. 17 years is not an excuse.
But what has bothered me most about this video is the sexism that runs throughout. From the cameraman asking why the two women working on the computer weren't sitting in each other's laps, to telling a woman she was "missing something" (breasts) on her chest and asking another woman to undo one of her buttons (as she was wearing a sweatshirt, this proved impossible). The reactions of the women are interesting. Either a) they agree with their objectification or b) they are used to the sexual innuendo and harassment and find it easier to put up and shut up rather than draw attention to the asinine behaviour of the future MP and Saskatchewan Premier. Either way, the shocking aspect for me is the acceptance of this sexist behaviour. Last time I checked, 1991 was after the Second Wave movement of the 1970s.
I get the fact they were drunk. I get the fact they were celebrating a debate that hadn't happened yet. I get the fact that they were probably all friends as well as fellow campaigners. What bothers me is the lack of respect shown not only to the LBGT and Ukrainian communities, but also to women.
And for some reason, that's the one aspect that the media refuses to talk about.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
geek moment
Today's soundtrack:
War by Edwin Starr
Candace presented in class today and directed me to this quiz for expectant mothers in the eighteenth century. I got three wrong. Good luck!
War by Edwin Starr
Candace presented in class today and directed me to this quiz for expectant mothers in the eighteenth century. I got three wrong. Good luck!
Monday, March 03, 2008
need a cigarette?
Today's soundtrack:
"Me Enamora" by Juanes
I admit it. I have a bit of a growing crush on Javier Bardem. It started with Mar adentro when the young version of Ramon Sampedro is frolicking by the shore. Then, one night while the Spaniard was in Japan, the CBC Late Night Movie was Boca a boca which was pretty damned cute and a bit madcap. I mean, here's this lovely looking fellow working as a phone sex operator! Speaking Spanish! The other day we rented Before Night Falls and my oh my doesn't he do tortured soul so very well?
But things were getting back to normal. I was able to think of him as a very talented actor, mainly because all those previews for No Country for Old Men show that terrible wig those Coen brothers made him wear. I was able to get the idea that he's a sexy Spaniard out of my head.
And then, I came across this. Poof! All my hard work, gone. My keyboard? It's covered in drool. It's a good thing I have my own Spaniard to go home to, otherwise I could be in real trouble.
"Me Enamora" by Juanes
I admit it. I have a bit of a growing crush on Javier Bardem. It started with Mar adentro when the young version of Ramon Sampedro is frolicking by the shore. Then, one night while the Spaniard was in Japan, the CBC Late Night Movie was Boca a boca which was pretty damned cute and a bit madcap. I mean, here's this lovely looking fellow working as a phone sex operator! Speaking Spanish! The other day we rented Before Night Falls and my oh my doesn't he do tortured soul so very well?
But things were getting back to normal. I was able to think of him as a very talented actor, mainly because all those previews for No Country for Old Men show that terrible wig those Coen brothers made him wear. I was able to get the idea that he's a sexy Spaniard out of my head.
And then, I came across this. Poof! All my hard work, gone. My keyboard? It's covered in drool. It's a good thing I have my own Spaniard to go home to, otherwise I could be in real trouble.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
hasn't harper seen before night falls?
Today's soundtrack:
Exitos by Elefante
Yesterday - or maybe the day before - this story broke about the Conservatives trying to get a bill through the senate that would restrict funding to film productions that were deemed offensive. From the article:
Honestly, I'm really not surprised. Seven or eight years ago, I was inadvertently at a small Thanksgiving dinner that included our local MP, who is now a Conservative backbencher. We had an interesting conversation throughout the evening that ranged from Canadian involvement in the Holocaust to then-current government policy. At the end, before he left, he took me aside and said "you know what the problem with the Canadian government is? It's that we're not doing a good job of representing the kingdom of God on earth". In my understanding of his argument, the way to properly represent the kingdom of God on earth was 1) to vote Conservative (or at that time, Canadian Alliance), and 2) to allow a narrow reading and understanding of Christianity to dictate Canadian political policy.
Ridiculous? Yes. Surprising? Not in the least. As though any of us expected anything different from the Conservatives, whose base seems to be channeling the Evangelical Republican base of the States. I don't know about you, but I sense some angry letter writing to my local MP tonight.
Exitos by Elefante
Yesterday - or maybe the day before - this story broke about the Conservatives trying to get a bill through the senate that would restrict funding to film productions that were deemed offensive. From the article:
"Charles McVety, president of the Canada Family Action Coalition, said his lobbying efforts included discussions with Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day and Justice Minister Rob Nicholson, and "numerous" meetings with officials in the Prime Minister's Office.
'We're thankful that someone's finally listening,' he said yesterday. 'It's fitting with conservative values, and I think that's why Canadians voted for a Conservative government.'
Mr. McVety said films promoting homosexuality, graphic sex or violence should not receive tax dollars, and backbench Conservative MPs and cabinet ministers support his campaign."
Honestly, I'm really not surprised. Seven or eight years ago, I was inadvertently at a small Thanksgiving dinner that included our local MP, who is now a Conservative backbencher. We had an interesting conversation throughout the evening that ranged from Canadian involvement in the Holocaust to then-current government policy. At the end, before he left, he took me aside and said "you know what the problem with the Canadian government is? It's that we're not doing a good job of representing the kingdom of God on earth". In my understanding of his argument, the way to properly represent the kingdom of God on earth was 1) to vote Conservative (or at that time, Canadian Alliance), and 2) to allow a narrow reading and understanding of Christianity to dictate Canadian political policy.
Ridiculous? Yes. Surprising? Not in the least. As though any of us expected anything different from the Conservatives, whose base seems to be channeling the Evangelical Republican base of the States. I don't know about you, but I sense some angry letter writing to my local MP tonight.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
solidarity forever
Today's soundtrack:
Carmen by Bizet
The Spaniard and I were watching The National this evening and there was an interesting piece on the upcoming election in Pakistan. The reporter was in Islamabad and I, feeling witty, said "you know, it's just bad P.R. to name a city in a Muslim country Islam-a-bad".
Without missing a beat, the Spaniard turned to me and said "Thanks God the writers' strike is over".
Amen.
Carmen by Bizet
The Spaniard and I were watching The National this evening and there was an interesting piece on the upcoming election in Pakistan. The reporter was in Islamabad and I, feeling witty, said "you know, it's just bad P.R. to name a city in a Muslim country Islam-a-bad".
Without missing a beat, the Spaniard turned to me and said "Thanks God the writers' strike is over".
Amen.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
"HOYVIN-GLAYVIN!"; or, when schizophrenia attacks.
Today's soundtrack:
"Jealous of Your Cigarette" by Hawksley Workman
"Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" by KT Tunstall
For an hour or so this afternoon, as I sat with a cup of tea in my hand and Tristram Shandy in my lap, a flock of bohemian waxwings made the trees outside my office window their temporary home. I mentally coaxed them to come closer to the window so I could get a good look at the colours.
As a result, my inner geek is now completely disgusted with my inner nerd, and has threatened my inner nerd with a wedgie and a sound trouncing at the monkey bars after school today. My inner nerd is taking comfort in the knowledge that although she knows about birds, at least she's not making a Ravenclaw scarf and re-reading The Lord of the Rings like my inner geek.
My inner twinkie watched all of this with disdain and decided to force my inner nerd and geek to watch American Idol tonight as punishment for making her look even slightly uncool and fat. But my inner feminist took offense at her "fat" comment, and force-fed her the rest of the chocolate chip cookies while reading from The Second Sex.
Phew! What a day.
"Jealous of Your Cigarette" by Hawksley Workman
"Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" by KT Tunstall
For an hour or so this afternoon, as I sat with a cup of tea in my hand and Tristram Shandy in my lap, a flock of bohemian waxwings made the trees outside my office window their temporary home. I mentally coaxed them to come closer to the window so I could get a good look at the colours.
As a result, my inner geek is now completely disgusted with my inner nerd, and has threatened my inner nerd with a wedgie and a sound trouncing at the monkey bars after school today. My inner nerd is taking comfort in the knowledge that although she knows about birds, at least she's not making a Ravenclaw scarf and re-reading The Lord of the Rings like my inner geek.
My inner twinkie watched all of this with disdain and decided to force my inner nerd and geek to watch American Idol tonight as punishment for making her look even slightly uncool and fat. But my inner feminist took offense at her "fat" comment, and force-fed her the rest of the chocolate chip cookies while reading from The Second Sex.
Phew! What a day.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
making a nest out of yarn in order to keep warm
Today's soundtrack:
The Reminder by Feist
Oh happy happy day, the Mansbridge is covering Super Tuesday. He's down in California for it, but I think it's all just a cover for a romantic rendezvous with Claire Martin. I see the way he looks at her. There is definitely something going on. Not like the Rogstad and Chantel Huber. That's just straight-up hate sex. The CTV newsroom is clearly the Studio 54 of Saskatoon.
Of course, all this just serves to distract me from the cold snap that has me checking for cheap flights to Cuba. I'm in the midst of my Ravenclaw scarf, but the snap will be over before it's finished. Winter could be over before it's finished. But the winter didn't stop us from venturing out for 15% off Tuesday at Sobeys. Yes, that's right - 15%!. It's like Christmas in February. Well, we kind of overdid it and bought a ridiculous amount of groceries ("Sure hun, I totally need 2kg of whole wheat flour"), to the point where a random stranger took pity on us and offered us a ride home. On a whim, I weighed Miguel when we got home. With a backpack and two grocery bags full, it totaled 60lbs (that's just over 27kg for the metrical folks).
All that being said, tomorrow will be nice enough that I may go long underwear-less. I think we can safely say that it is the first day without long underwear, not the appearance of the groundhog, that heralds the spring.
Tangental aside: Watched the premiere of Eli Stone the other week. Once he was referred to as a prophet - repeatedly - I turned to Miguel and said "Jesus Murphy, the Mormons have escaped and they're producing TV shows". N.B. Marie Osmond just got her own talk show. I'm guessing she wants to be the Mormon Oprah.
The Reminder by Feist
Oh happy happy day, the Mansbridge is covering Super Tuesday. He's down in California for it, but I think it's all just a cover for a romantic rendezvous with Claire Martin. I see the way he looks at her. There is definitely something going on. Not like the Rogstad and Chantel Huber. That's just straight-up hate sex. The CTV newsroom is clearly the Studio 54 of Saskatoon.
Of course, all this just serves to distract me from the cold snap that has me checking for cheap flights to Cuba. I'm in the midst of my Ravenclaw scarf, but the snap will be over before it's finished. Winter could be over before it's finished. But the winter didn't stop us from venturing out for 15% off Tuesday at Sobeys. Yes, that's right - 15%!. It's like Christmas in February. Well, we kind of overdid it and bought a ridiculous amount of groceries ("Sure hun, I totally need 2kg of whole wheat flour"), to the point where a random stranger took pity on us and offered us a ride home. On a whim, I weighed Miguel when we got home. With a backpack and two grocery bags full, it totaled 60lbs (that's just over 27kg for the metrical folks).
All that being said, tomorrow will be nice enough that I may go long underwear-less. I think we can safely say that it is the first day without long underwear, not the appearance of the groundhog, that heralds the spring.
Tangental aside: Watched the premiere of Eli Stone the other week. Once he was referred to as a prophet - repeatedly - I turned to Miguel and said "Jesus Murphy, the Mormons have escaped and they're producing TV shows". N.B. Marie Osmond just got her own talk show. I'm guessing she wants to be the Mormon Oprah.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
news from the rock.
Today's soundtrack:
Goldeneye, Die Hard and Die Hard 2, because nothing says Christmas like seeing people get blown up.
Things of recent note:
1) The lace scarf project is an abject failure, but I maintain it wasn't my fault. Well, not entirely my fault. I messed up a row, started to frog it, and then realised that the little mohairs had rapped themselves around other little mohairs, creating little mohair balls of destruction. After I pulled so hard the yarn snapped in half, I dumped the remaining six inches of lovely lacework in the garbage. So much for that.
2) But onto newer and better things, or at least bigger. The Laura and Craig Afghan (version 2.0) is in the works. I've taken a cue from Alison the Knitsmith and am making a giant mitered square afghan. Each square (of the 9 I'm making) is about two feet square, so it should make for a decent replacement of the trapezoidal monstrosity that is currently gracing the papasan chair. I'm on Square No. 2 at the moment and, after buying more wool today (apparently I'm a wool optimist - I always think I have enough for a project, but that's rarely the case), I should be finished 1/3 of the afghan before I get back to Saskatoon.
3) It snowed last night. This is no scoffing matter, you Saskatchistanis! There was at least 3 or 4 inches out there first thing in the morning. Of course, by noon it had turned to slush and, by evening, ice, which gives the last minute driving to the shopping mall to buy yet another gift that extra kick of adrenaline. Hopefully La Niña drops some more snow on for Christmas. I would like a Rockwell Christmas for a change.
4) Miguel is in Spain where he is teaching the locals that life doesn't have to end when it's -7ºC outside. Perhaps if I blog-guilt him, he'll provide a much needed update. Prod, prod, prod. Also, after having a long conversation with the Spaniard at Starbucks this afternoon, I've come to the conclusion that only 3 people in this city speak Spanish and I know all of them. Therefore, I can swear like a caminero all I want. Woot!
Goldeneye, Die Hard and Die Hard 2, because nothing says Christmas like seeing people get blown up.
Things of recent note:
1) The lace scarf project is an abject failure, but I maintain it wasn't my fault. Well, not entirely my fault. I messed up a row, started to frog it, and then realised that the little mohairs had rapped themselves around other little mohairs, creating little mohair balls of destruction. After I pulled so hard the yarn snapped in half, I dumped the remaining six inches of lovely lacework in the garbage. So much for that.
2) But onto newer and better things, or at least bigger. The Laura and Craig Afghan (version 2.0) is in the works. I've taken a cue from Alison the Knitsmith and am making a giant mitered square afghan. Each square (of the 9 I'm making) is about two feet square, so it should make for a decent replacement of the trapezoidal monstrosity that is currently gracing the papasan chair. I'm on Square No. 2 at the moment and, after buying more wool today (apparently I'm a wool optimist - I always think I have enough for a project, but that's rarely the case), I should be finished 1/3 of the afghan before I get back to Saskatoon.
3) It snowed last night. This is no scoffing matter, you Saskatchistanis! There was at least 3 or 4 inches out there first thing in the morning. Of course, by noon it had turned to slush and, by evening, ice, which gives the last minute driving to the shopping mall to buy yet another gift that extra kick of adrenaline. Hopefully La Niña drops some more snow on for Christmas. I would like a Rockwell Christmas for a change.
4) Miguel is in Spain where he is teaching the locals that life doesn't have to end when it's -7ºC outside. Perhaps if I blog-guilt him, he'll provide a much needed update. Prod, prod, prod. Also, after having a long conversation with the Spaniard at Starbucks this afternoon, I've come to the conclusion that only 3 people in this city speak Spanish and I know all of them. Therefore, I can swear like a caminero all I want. Woot!
Thursday, December 06, 2007
knitwit
Today's soundtrack:
"As I Rise" by the Decemberists
So how excited was I to come home to a parcel from kitknit? Not only did the wonderful Kathrene send my wool (which is all kinds of lovely), but she also sent along two magazines and sample wool wash. Apparently, she seems to think my order was somehow delayed, and while there was some glitchiness with the site, it was the fault of the credit card company. In sum, kitknit seems to be very gungho to reverse the stereotype that all lys are full of nasty women with many cats.
Now seems as good a time as any to fill you all in on the upcoming knitting projects.
1) The Branched Out scarf from Knitty.com. Aunt Jude had two skeins of M+K mohair that she didn't want to use, so I've inherited them. Plus, it's an excuse to learn how to make lace. Oh, just saying that makes me feel all Jane Austen-y.
2) A Ravenclaw scarf from Charmed Knits. I'm going to use near the same pattern, minus the colour changes, for Miguel's Real Prairie Winter Scarf (out of Garnstudio Eskimo).
3) Ravenclaw mittens from Charmed Knits as well. I'm going to add a dummy string onto it, but I have to learn how to crochet first.
4) Currently, I'm working on top secret Christmas projects. Until after the holidays, this is all you get:
I'm still way below the yearly average costs for a knitter (they spend around $500, apparently. I do not, mainly because I like to eat), so I feel completely guilt-free about the stash... even if it is beginning to overflow the basket that was originally bought to house the afghan Nana made me.
"As I Rise" by the Decemberists
So how excited was I to come home to a parcel from kitknit? Not only did the wonderful Kathrene send my wool (which is all kinds of lovely), but she also sent along two magazines and sample wool wash. Apparently, she seems to think my order was somehow delayed, and while there was some glitchiness with the site, it was the fault of the credit card company. In sum, kitknit seems to be very gungho to reverse the stereotype that all lys are full of nasty women with many cats.
Now seems as good a time as any to fill you all in on the upcoming knitting projects.
1) The Branched Out scarf from Knitty.com. Aunt Jude had two skeins of M+K mohair that she didn't want to use, so I've inherited them. Plus, it's an excuse to learn how to make lace. Oh, just saying that makes me feel all Jane Austen-y.
2) A Ravenclaw scarf from Charmed Knits. I'm going to use near the same pattern, minus the colour changes, for Miguel's Real Prairie Winter Scarf (out of Garnstudio Eskimo).
3) Ravenclaw mittens from Charmed Knits as well. I'm going to add a dummy string onto it, but I have to learn how to crochet first.
4) Currently, I'm working on top secret Christmas projects. Until after the holidays, this is all you get:
I'm still way below the yearly average costs for a knitter (they spend around $500, apparently. I do not, mainly because I like to eat), so I feel completely guilt-free about the stash... even if it is beginning to overflow the basket that was originally bought to house the afghan Nana made me.
Friday, November 30, 2007
without further ado...
Today's soundtrack:
General Hospital
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you "Two Russians on a Bridge".
Thank you, that is all.
General Hospital
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you "Two Russians on a Bridge".
Thank you, that is all.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
righteous indignation, folks.
Today's soundtrack:
In Rainbows by Radiohead
BAH! I can't take it anymore! Give me back my Jon!
Other notes of note:
1) I have finished my legwarmers. They warm my legs, which I like. They were finished before it hit -20º, which I also like. In fact, I've finished almost all my knitting. That giant never-ending afghan? Done. Legwarmers? Done. Christmas presents? Almost done. I've had to order more wool so that my stash basket doesn't go into severe withdrawl. Next up on the block is a decent wool scarf out of Eskimo Garnstudio for Miguel that can withstand a prairie winter (I'm talking a 57 CO stitch kind of scarf. I'll leave you knitwits to quiver with delight). Also, I'm planning on indulging my inner geek and knitting a proper Ravenclaw scarf. And matching mittens. To those of you who know what that means, rest assured that you will probably never date.
2) The semester is almost over and all I have to show for it is my ever-increasing tolerance for alcohol.
3) I don't really have a third point, but having just two points in a list looks silly. So, I guess I'll write GO RIDERS! but the moment for that has somewhat passed. I did watch the game, phoning Nanaimo repeatedly to mock the parents.
Yes, it would seem like life is going well, but without Jon, there is no meaning. There is only the vast, white, lifeless, desolate hinterland of Saskatchistan.
Give me back my Jon!
In Rainbows by Radiohead
BAH! I can't take it anymore! Give me back my Jon!
Other notes of note:
1) I have finished my legwarmers. They warm my legs, which I like. They were finished before it hit -20º, which I also like. In fact, I've finished almost all my knitting. That giant never-ending afghan? Done. Legwarmers? Done. Christmas presents? Almost done. I've had to order more wool so that my stash basket doesn't go into severe withdrawl. Next up on the block is a decent wool scarf out of Eskimo Garnstudio for Miguel that can withstand a prairie winter (I'm talking a 57 CO stitch kind of scarf. I'll leave you knitwits to quiver with delight). Also, I'm planning on indulging my inner geek and knitting a proper Ravenclaw scarf. And matching mittens. To those of you who know what that means, rest assured that you will probably never date.
2) The semester is almost over and all I have to show for it is my ever-increasing tolerance for alcohol.
3) I don't really have a third point, but having just two points in a list looks silly. So, I guess I'll write GO RIDERS! but the moment for that has somewhat passed. I did watch the game, phoning Nanaimo repeatedly to mock the parents.
Yes, it would seem like life is going well, but without Jon, there is no meaning. There is only the vast, white, lifeless, desolate hinterland of Saskatchistan.
Give me back my Jon!
Friday, October 26, 2007
hear ye, hear ye!
Today's soundtrack:
"Good Man" by Josh Ritter
"Ain't No Reason" by Brett Dennen
There is something both white and fluffy falling from the sky (please insert your best Lohan/Hilton cocaine joke here). Didn't I say that it always snows before Halloween? Naturally, the Snow Gods pick the day that my sinuses decide to become demonic little snot hoarding bastards to bring in winter. Well, it's not sticking yet, so I can hold out hope for at least a few more days of fall.
Nope, now it's sticking. CURSE YOU, SNOW GODS! Even the flag on Thorvaldson is flying at half-mast, clearly in morning for the fall. Well, I guess this means that it's winter. Time to break out the Christmas tree and my Nutcracker recording. And the rum.
At least my convocation pictures will have a snowy backdrop. And really, what's more Saskatchistani than that!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I really need to finish my legwarmers.
"Good Man" by Josh Ritter
"Ain't No Reason" by Brett Dennen
There is something both white and fluffy falling from the sky (please insert your best Lohan/Hilton cocaine joke here). Didn't I say that it always snows before Halloween? Naturally, the Snow Gods pick the day that my sinuses decide to become demonic little snot hoarding bastards to bring in winter. Well, it's not sticking yet, so I can hold out hope for at least a few more days of fall.
Nope, now it's sticking. CURSE YOU, SNOW GODS! Even the flag on Thorvaldson is flying at half-mast, clearly in morning for the fall. Well, I guess this means that it's winter. Time to break out the Christmas tree and my Nutcracker recording. And the rum.
At least my convocation pictures will have a snowy backdrop. And really, what's more Saskatchistani than that!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I really need to finish my legwarmers.
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