*Friday? I don't remember Friday right now. Seriously. I had PB&J for lunch, and made a smoothie, and there was a tornado warning that night so we stayed in. Bo-ring...
*Busy Saturday morning! I brought Rosina to the local Great Cloth Diaper Change event, meeting A. and L. there. Serious swag bag, including a really cozy nursing cover that of course I will never, ever use--but I have a good home for it in mind. We went to Baba Ghanooj for lunch. I haven't been there in years, since we never get to Cary anymore (and after it took me literally TEN MINUTES, no kidding, to make a left turn at Crossroads, I remembered why I don't miss it), and it is still so yummy. Rosina fell asleep in the car on the way home, and woke all the way up when she saw Mark at home. It took her a looooong time to get back to sleep, but I had the afternoon all to myself while she and Mark both took naps. I made a quiche!
*Saturday night we went to Target to pick up a few items, including a new insulated lunch bag to replace the one I bought in 2002. That bag served me well, but the lining was all ripped up, and it was impossible to clean it anymore. I also bought some stronger face cleanser, since my skin decided to freak out when it went above 80 degrees two weeks ago. I suppose it'll have to be Clean & Clear for the summer, Neutrogena for the winter...
*Menchies! I had a birthday credit, so we got our froyo on. The Mud Pie flavor is fabulous. For the first time I actually got Rosina her own froyo (ahhhnn!), which was cake batter with blueberries and Cool Whip. I wanted mini-chocolate chips, which are not toddler-friendly, but it was time anyway.
*Sunday: slept until 10:45--and so did Rosina! I headed over to the mall not long afterwards for our monthly knitting group. I made a dumbass mistake the other day, and my blanket was going all trapezoidal, so I added a "design element" to get my stitch count back to where it should be. I have about another foot before I finish the main part and start some side panels--when I started it months ago, I didn't make it nearly wide enough. Don't know what I was thinking there, either.
*Costco trip largely consisted of pricing out items for Rosina's birthday party. They have super-cheap juice boxes! (Something I never thought I would comtemplate...) We are into the nitty-gritty of menu and logistical planning, which Mark does really well.
*Had a crazy nightmare last night in which I had been framed for some crime and wrongfully imprisoned, and I had to break out. There was some horrible smear campaign going against me, and somehow I had Rosina with me. When we finally got to our house (which was not our actual house), Mark told me that the authorities were on our way. When I woke up, my mind was racing, thinking of what I would actually do in this situation. (??? Because this would ever happen.) I realized that we actually have two friends who live down the street from each other that have family vacation homes out of town, and that I could go to one or the other--and that I could drive Mark's car to his office, and his coworker could drive Rosina and me to his house (he also lives around the block from our friends), and one or the other of our friends could smuggle us out of town in their car. I would only be able to use landlines or random people's cell phones, because mine would be tracked. Ugh, I put a lot of thought into this...
Showing posts with label dreams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dreams. Show all posts
Monday, April 22
Saturday, March 2
FroYo Blog
As a word of warning, the only salient points of my day today revolved around eating and sleeping, so here goes:
*Stayed up waaay too late last night, and when Mark woke me up at ten, I was none too happy about it. Because we had errands to run, my breakfast was Sample #1 from the four creepy-flavored Kroger low-carb yogurts I got last night. (Cinnamon Bun: weird but palatable.) I did get to take a nap this afternoon, but I kept having that disturbing dream (which Mark tells me is not a dream, but a particularity of a certain level of sleep) where I felt awake, but couldn't move my arms. This is one of my big fears, and it does not make for a restful nap. Hopefully tonight will be uneventful.
*After taking Rosina to a playground and picking up Mark's car from an oil change, we went to a new restaurant, The Finsky: their gimmick is large breaded cutlet sandwiches that come with fries and a drink, all for $5. The sandwiches were huge, and I suppose they were good, but our order somehow got mixed up with another table, and we both got the wrong food. I ordered beef with horseradish, and I got beef with some weird sweet-and-sour sauce and onions. We didn't want to send it back, because the food was okay, plus there weren't a lot of people in the place (it did get busier before we left) and I already feel bad about throwing perfectly good food away, so we ate it. I think we'll go back again--and next time I will make sure I get the right order!
*Elizabeth update: she was doing just fine this afternoon, and was supposed to have come home today. It's too late to call now, but I will check in tomorrow.
*Quite proud of tonight's dinner: salmon with a dash of ginger and cumin (actually fully cooked, unlike when Mark makes it!) on a bed of sweet potato grits (freezer leftovers) with a huge serving of green beans with ginger, cumin, garlic and a splash of sesame oil. (Oh, sesame oil, why did I never buy you before January?) It was a happy change from lunch and last night's dinner; my blood is flowing freely again!
*In the last two years, there has been an explosion of frozen yogurt places locally. Mark has said on more than one occasion that I should start a froyo blog. It wouldn't be too exciting, since most of it would be comparing places negatively to Menchies, which is a chain, but they do a good job and the prices are reasonable. Tonight we went to a newer place we'd never been, CitizenYogurt. They are totally local, and try to be "green" and involved in the community--two things I like just on principle. Also, the yogurt was good--chocolate hazelnut, what?--and Mark said it was only 45 cents an ounce (definitely one of the cheapest in town). We will definitely be back. It's hard to say how a mainly seasonal business is doing when it's off-season, but I really hope they make it to summer, because we enjoyed it.
*Stayed up waaay too late last night, and when Mark woke me up at ten, I was none too happy about it. Because we had errands to run, my breakfast was Sample #1 from the four creepy-flavored Kroger low-carb yogurts I got last night. (Cinnamon Bun: weird but palatable.) I did get to take a nap this afternoon, but I kept having that disturbing dream (which Mark tells me is not a dream, but a particularity of a certain level of sleep) where I felt awake, but couldn't move my arms. This is one of my big fears, and it does not make for a restful nap. Hopefully tonight will be uneventful.
*After taking Rosina to a playground and picking up Mark's car from an oil change, we went to a new restaurant, The Finsky: their gimmick is large breaded cutlet sandwiches that come with fries and a drink, all for $5. The sandwiches were huge, and I suppose they were good, but our order somehow got mixed up with another table, and we both got the wrong food. I ordered beef with horseradish, and I got beef with some weird sweet-and-sour sauce and onions. We didn't want to send it back, because the food was okay, plus there weren't a lot of people in the place (it did get busier before we left) and I already feel bad about throwing perfectly good food away, so we ate it. I think we'll go back again--and next time I will make sure I get the right order!
*Elizabeth update: she was doing just fine this afternoon, and was supposed to have come home today. It's too late to call now, but I will check in tomorrow.
*Quite proud of tonight's dinner: salmon with a dash of ginger and cumin (actually fully cooked, unlike when Mark makes it!) on a bed of sweet potato grits (freezer leftovers) with a huge serving of green beans with ginger, cumin, garlic and a splash of sesame oil. (Oh, sesame oil, why did I never buy you before January?) It was a happy change from lunch and last night's dinner; my blood is flowing freely again!
*In the last two years, there has been an explosion of frozen yogurt places locally. Mark has said on more than one occasion that I should start a froyo blog. It wouldn't be too exciting, since most of it would be comparing places negatively to Menchies, which is a chain, but they do a good job and the prices are reasonable. Tonight we went to a newer place we'd never been, CitizenYogurt. They are totally local, and try to be "green" and involved in the community--two things I like just on principle. Also, the yogurt was good--chocolate hazelnut, what?--and Mark said it was only 45 cents an ounce (definitely one of the cheapest in town). We will definitely be back. It's hard to say how a mainly seasonal business is doing when it's off-season, but I really hope they make it to summer, because we enjoyed it.
Monday, November 24
A mishmash today...
*Funny post at Curly Wurly. I am thoroughly chastised by my incomplete right arm. Holy deconstructed woman, Batman! Or are my feminist alarms going off prematurely? Hard to say these days...
*Ten random things (nicked from Knotty Mouse)
1. Magazines subscribed to - Plenty, because it was free. I really should renew my Bust subscription, since I end up buying it in Whole Foods anyway, and it'd be nice to get Vogue Knitting, maybe...
2. Aside from knitting, my favorite pasttimes are - crochet, reading, listening to music, traveling
3. If I were not a [musician] (insert your own profession), I would be - an activist, or maybe a party planner (I know, could these two professions be more different?)
4. I am irrationally worried about - like everything, but my most irrational worry is that Mark will have a heart attack in the middle of the night while I'm sleeping. Whenever I wake up at night, I have to make sure he's breathing. I know this is insane...
5. If I were the opposite sex - people would've said I was "inquisitive" as a child, not a "loudmouth". I am still angry about this.
6. The thing I miss most about childhood is - ten hours of sleep a night!
7. I like to collect - LPs
8. Though I’ve never been there, I feel inexplicably homesick for - Ireland, maybe?
9. I’ve never really liked to eat - Krispy Kremes. Yes, I know I live in the land of Krispy Kreme. Unless the hot light is on, I think those things are kind of nasty. I'm no fan of icing, really.
10. When I have nightmares, they’re usually about - nuclear war, sometimes zombies. I am a bundle of sunshine, aren't I?
*Another awesome vintage sweater picture:
Does this look like a beginner's pattern to you? I didn't think so... But it is cute! I'm thinking it'd be great in bamboo, with shorter sleeves. And shaping, which goes without saying. None of these old patterns (this one's from 1968) go above a 38" bust, so a lot of rewriting would be required...but I should be used to it by now!
*Funny post at Curly Wurly. I am thoroughly chastised by my incomplete right arm. Holy deconstructed woman, Batman! Or are my feminist alarms going off prematurely? Hard to say these days...
*Ten random things (nicked from Knotty Mouse)
1. Magazines subscribed to - Plenty, because it was free. I really should renew my Bust subscription, since I end up buying it in Whole Foods anyway, and it'd be nice to get Vogue Knitting, maybe...
2. Aside from knitting, my favorite pasttimes are - crochet, reading, listening to music, traveling
3. If I were not a [musician] (insert your own profession), I would be - an activist, or maybe a party planner (I know, could these two professions be more different?)
4. I am irrationally worried about - like everything, but my most irrational worry is that Mark will have a heart attack in the middle of the night while I'm sleeping. Whenever I wake up at night, I have to make sure he's breathing. I know this is insane...
5. If I were the opposite sex - people would've said I was "inquisitive" as a child, not a "loudmouth". I am still angry about this.
6. The thing I miss most about childhood is - ten hours of sleep a night!
7. I like to collect - LPs
8. Though I’ve never been there, I feel inexplicably homesick for - Ireland, maybe?
9. I’ve never really liked to eat - Krispy Kremes. Yes, I know I live in the land of Krispy Kreme. Unless the hot light is on, I think those things are kind of nasty. I'm no fan of icing, really.
10. When I have nightmares, they’re usually about - nuclear war, sometimes zombies. I am a bundle of sunshine, aren't I?
*Another awesome vintage sweater picture:
Does this look like a beginner's pattern to you? I didn't think so... But it is cute! I'm thinking it'd be great in bamboo, with shorter sleeves. And shaping, which goes without saying. None of these old patterns (this one's from 1968) go above a 38" bust, so a lot of rewriting would be required...but I should be used to it by now!
Saturday, July 12
A meme... (from Amanda, like, a week ago!)
Rules--
1.You must answer the questions using only one word.
2. Tag four others. (Eh, I don't like to tag people...but leave a comment if you're going to play.)
1. Where is your cell phone? Charging.
2. Your significant other? Working.
3. Your hair? Up.
4. Your mother? Nuts.
5. Your father? Funny.
6. Your favorite thing? Earth.
7. Your dream last night? England.
8. Your favorite drink? Wine.
9. Your dream/goal? Enlightenment.
10. The room you’re in? Cluttered.
11. Your hobby? Knitting.
12. Your fear? Pain.
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Onstage.
14. What you’re not? Mommy.
15. Muffins? Perhaps.
16. One of your wish list items? Prius.
17. Where you grew up? Middletown.
18. The last thing you did? Drink.
19. What are you wearing? Teal.
20. Favorite gadget? Turntable.
21. Your pets? None.
22. Your computer? Aging.
23. Your mood? Motivated.
24. Missing someone? Always.
25. Your car? Dirty!
26. Something you’re not wearing? Contacts.
27. Favorite store? Tar-zhay
28. Like someone? Yep.
29. Your favorite color? Green.
30. When is the last time you laughed? Colbert.
31. Last time you cried? Dunno.
Rules--
1.You must answer the questions using only one word.
2. Tag four others. (Eh, I don't like to tag people...but leave a comment if you're going to play.)
1. Where is your cell phone? Charging.
2. Your significant other? Working.
3. Your hair? Up.
4. Your mother? Nuts.
5. Your father? Funny.
6. Your favorite thing? Earth.
7. Your dream last night? England.
8. Your favorite drink? Wine.
9. Your dream/goal? Enlightenment.
10. The room you’re in? Cluttered.
11. Your hobby? Knitting.
12. Your fear? Pain.
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Onstage.
14. What you’re not? Mommy.
15. Muffins? Perhaps.
16. One of your wish list items? Prius.
17. Where you grew up? Middletown.
18. The last thing you did? Drink.
19. What are you wearing? Teal.
20. Favorite gadget? Turntable.
21. Your pets? None.
22. Your computer? Aging.
23. Your mood? Motivated.
24. Missing someone? Always.
25. Your car? Dirty!
26. Something you’re not wearing? Contacts.
27. Favorite store? Tar-zhay
28. Like someone? Yep.
29. Your favorite color? Green.
30. When is the last time you laughed? Colbert.
31. Last time you cried? Dunno.
Thursday, August 9
Today is my brother Jeff's 29th birthday. For those who don't know him, he is quite a character--he was really shy until about age 16, when he suddenly morphed into a cocky but good-natured Lothario. (I don't know if he's still "the best ironer ever"--but maybe I ought to ask his girlfriend.) He's just finishing engineering school, and is busy digging big holes in the ground in New York City and Rockland County, New York--and has a great girlfriend who will certainly become a great SIL in the next few years. So happy birthday, Jeff! (Not that he reads this blog--he would be horrified, probably.)
And tomorrow is Margaret's birthday! I can't believe she's six years old. I remember being six. I thought I was very mature. :) Happy happy to MJ and her mom Helen. (And like I said before, I have presents! Give me your new address and I'll pop them in the mail.)
But you know who doesn't get a birthday shoutout from me? Peruvian Asshole. Friendster sent a birthday reminder for him. (Oh, and I also found out a few weeks ago that he remarried...well, I wish her luck, and wonder at her awful taste.) I need to disable that feature. I hardly ever go on Friendster anyway...and if it's going to send me monthly reminders of the worst mistake I ever made in my life, I think I'll pass. (Read this and this if you don't know what I'm talking about. And I'll warn you, it's really not cool.) Now I'm not living with soul-crushing guilt anymore--thank goodness, since it'll be 2 1/2 years this month--but it still comes to mind on a daily basis, I'd estimate. And thanks to Friendster he had a cameo in my dream last night--basically him pulling the same crap he did in real life, only this time it was at a Jeopardy! taping that took place in a junior high school reminiscient of a shopping mall. Blech. I really don't need to be thinking about this right now. It causes all sorts of bad thought patterns in me. Guess I'm not over it yet....
I don't mean to be a downer...The other thing is--well, if you live in the continental US you know that it's 100 fucking degrees everywhere. Except that it's been that hot here for over a month, and will continue so for another month. I'm beginning to think my brain has curdled a little, from the heat and from poor sleep brought on by the heat (and a little boo who's even more uncomfortable than I am).
Oh, and I've frogged the cardigan--the gauge is wrong, and, well, I'm just sort of over it. I'm casting on for the Spencer Jacket this afternoon. And if that don't work...well, maybe I'll just put this yarn away for a little bit and get cracking on some scarves, or another pair of socks. And there's always the aran project--I think I've actually found something, by the way!
Lastly: I'm #236 on the HP7 library queue! I may have the book in my hands by Labor Day.
And tomorrow is Margaret's birthday! I can't believe she's six years old. I remember being six. I thought I was very mature. :) Happy happy to MJ and her mom Helen. (And like I said before, I have presents! Give me your new address and I'll pop them in the mail.)
But you know who doesn't get a birthday shoutout from me? Peruvian Asshole. Friendster sent a birthday reminder for him. (Oh, and I also found out a few weeks ago that he remarried...well, I wish her luck, and wonder at her awful taste.) I need to disable that feature. I hardly ever go on Friendster anyway...and if it's going to send me monthly reminders of the worst mistake I ever made in my life, I think I'll pass. (Read this and this if you don't know what I'm talking about. And I'll warn you, it's really not cool.) Now I'm not living with soul-crushing guilt anymore--thank goodness, since it'll be 2 1/2 years this month--but it still comes to mind on a daily basis, I'd estimate. And thanks to Friendster he had a cameo in my dream last night--basically him pulling the same crap he did in real life, only this time it was at a Jeopardy! taping that took place in a junior high school reminiscient of a shopping mall. Blech. I really don't need to be thinking about this right now. It causes all sorts of bad thought patterns in me. Guess I'm not over it yet....
I don't mean to be a downer...The other thing is--well, if you live in the continental US you know that it's 100 fucking degrees everywhere. Except that it's been that hot here for over a month, and will continue so for another month. I'm beginning to think my brain has curdled a little, from the heat and from poor sleep brought on by the heat (and a little boo who's even more uncomfortable than I am).
Oh, and I've frogged the cardigan--the gauge is wrong, and, well, I'm just sort of over it. I'm casting on for the Spencer Jacket this afternoon. And if that don't work...well, maybe I'll just put this yarn away for a little bit and get cracking on some scarves, or another pair of socks. And there's always the aran project--I think I've actually found something, by the way!
Lastly: I'm #236 on the HP7 library queue! I may have the book in my hands by Labor Day.
Monday, June 18
Now that wasn't so bad, was it?
Retro Rib from Favorite Socks, in Lion Brand Magic Stripes yarn in Sea Colors (being discontinued! must buy more for second sock!), modeled by the lovely recipient. I never thought I would make a sock--um, they do sell them really cheap--but they make a pretty simple and portable value-added project. Mark insists he will wear them--outside the house, even! He picked out the yarn--a little louder than I would've picked to go with his navy suit, but hey, they're his socks. I am taking a break from teensy needles and mini gauge for a few days--last night I started a newsboy cap from Creative Knitting with a cute bulky cotton blend, but I'm not sure how it will turn out. (I have a small head, and have had to modify yet again. Damn my small head! lol) The other project currently gracing our ottoman (it is not technically "on the needles", since I had to remove the size 10.5 circs from it to make the hat) is that cardigan:
Yes, it is novelty yarn, but more in a fuzzy, allergic-to-angora kind of way than a Fun Fur Free-For-All!! kind of way. Oh, and did I mention that despite all appearances and the 75% off sale, this yarn is indeed not being discontinued. No, it's right back to $10.99 a skein. For 82 yards. Just my luck to pick the most expensive yarn in the store, and still be about a skein short. Luckily I was able to score some really cheap on eBay. I think I need to stay away from eBay, incidentally.
Speaking of online purchases, while perusing Cathy's bridal registry I couldn't help but notice one of you jokers registered for a 99-cent bag of pretzels. Bravo, I say. We registered for a can strainer insert for $2.99 that nobody bought us, and I am still a bit miffed. (No more messy tuna hands!)
Anywhoo, when I'm not doing my Madame DeFarge** impression, and Mark isn't frittering his life away on AddictingGames.com, we have been busy with some minor social engagements, culling our collective belongings for things to donate to charity (we bought a new stereo, which meant parting with my beloved Panasonic from 1988--dual tape deck and all! I'm still in mourning), and avoiding the massive pile of clean laundry that begs to be put away. (Nothing to see here.) He has some job stuff on the horizon, but we've been at it long enough that I refuse to get my hopes up until something concrete comes his way.
**Any theories on how Madame DeFarge knitted those names into her neverending afghan/tapestry? My vote is for illusion knitting--intarsia would've been too obvious, I would think. Unless she used some sort of numerological code: L-U-C-I-E could've been k12-p21-k3-p9-k5. Or maybe the number of rows of a certain color corresponded with certain letters? Wow. You'd think I had nothing else to think about. Maybe I could make all my holiday scarves using this idea. Ooh, fun! Obviously the large iced coffee I had this afternoon has actually fueled my creative side.
Oh, and in case you thought I wasn't dreaming anymore, here's two recent ones that perhaps offer huge insight into my psyche:
1. Futuristic-yet-Edwardian setting, co-starring a widower (played by Cary Elwes--yes, almost all of my dreams progress like movies, to the point where I am even aware of it within the dream) who works with my (film) husband and for my (film) father-in-law. Having started a new job as a schoolteacher in some city, I am forced by unspeakable traffic to spend the night at his house with his children. Sexual tension becomes apparent. Widower professes undying love for schoolteacher, but is tortured because he can't act on his feelings. Schoolteacher says she is in a loveless marriage. Dream ends before anything interesting happens.
2. Attending a high-school sponsored all-night graduation party, I am strapped into a very heavy, aluminum-frame backpack because of my political beliefs. I sit down on bleachers in the gym next to Dr. Gregory House (the character!), he scowls, etc. A female cafeteria worker cuts off the tip of her finger, and her coworker calls out for a doctor. I berate Dr. House for not immediately running to reattach the woman's finger. He grudingly goes to reattach the finger, and I follow. At some point the cloakroom we've used as a triage room morphs into a NYC Subway car, and Dr. House proceeds to seduce me in some not-so-subtle ways. At one point I become Dr. Cameron, but before then it's unclear who I'm supposed to be.
Analysis: Jennifer watches too much television, and needs to lose her Jane Eyre obsession.
Retro Rib from Favorite Socks, in Lion Brand Magic Stripes yarn in Sea Colors (being discontinued! must buy more for second sock!), modeled by the lovely recipient. I never thought I would make a sock--um, they do sell them really cheap--but they make a pretty simple and portable value-added project. Mark insists he will wear them--outside the house, even! He picked out the yarn--a little louder than I would've picked to go with his navy suit, but hey, they're his socks. I am taking a break from teensy needles and mini gauge for a few days--last night I started a newsboy cap from Creative Knitting with a cute bulky cotton blend, but I'm not sure how it will turn out. (I have a small head, and have had to modify yet again. Damn my small head! lol) The other project currently gracing our ottoman (it is not technically "on the needles", since I had to remove the size 10.5 circs from it to make the hat) is that cardigan:
Yes, it is novelty yarn, but more in a fuzzy, allergic-to-angora kind of way than a Fun Fur Free-For-All!! kind of way. Oh, and did I mention that despite all appearances and the 75% off sale, this yarn is indeed not being discontinued. No, it's right back to $10.99 a skein. For 82 yards. Just my luck to pick the most expensive yarn in the store, and still be about a skein short. Luckily I was able to score some really cheap on eBay. I think I need to stay away from eBay, incidentally.
Speaking of online purchases, while perusing Cathy's bridal registry I couldn't help but notice one of you jokers registered for a 99-cent bag of pretzels. Bravo, I say. We registered for a can strainer insert for $2.99 that nobody bought us, and I am still a bit miffed. (No more messy tuna hands!)
Anywhoo, when I'm not doing my Madame DeFarge** impression, and Mark isn't frittering his life away on AddictingGames.com, we have been busy with some minor social engagements, culling our collective belongings for things to donate to charity (we bought a new stereo, which meant parting with my beloved Panasonic from 1988--dual tape deck and all! I'm still in mourning), and avoiding the massive pile of clean laundry that begs to be put away. (Nothing to see here.) He has some job stuff on the horizon, but we've been at it long enough that I refuse to get my hopes up until something concrete comes his way.
**Any theories on how Madame DeFarge knitted those names into her neverending afghan/tapestry? My vote is for illusion knitting--intarsia would've been too obvious, I would think. Unless she used some sort of numerological code: L-U-C-I-E could've been k12-p21-k3-p9-k5. Or maybe the number of rows of a certain color corresponded with certain letters? Wow. You'd think I had nothing else to think about. Maybe I could make all my holiday scarves using this idea. Ooh, fun! Obviously the large iced coffee I had this afternoon has actually fueled my creative side.
Oh, and in case you thought I wasn't dreaming anymore, here's two recent ones that perhaps offer huge insight into my psyche:
1. Futuristic-yet-Edwardian setting, co-starring a widower (played by Cary Elwes--yes, almost all of my dreams progress like movies, to the point where I am even aware of it within the dream) who works with my (film) husband and for my (film) father-in-law. Having started a new job as a schoolteacher in some city, I am forced by unspeakable traffic to spend the night at his house with his children. Sexual tension becomes apparent. Widower professes undying love for schoolteacher, but is tortured because he can't act on his feelings. Schoolteacher says she is in a loveless marriage. Dream ends before anything interesting happens.
2. Attending a high-school sponsored all-night graduation party, I am strapped into a very heavy, aluminum-frame backpack because of my political beliefs. I sit down on bleachers in the gym next to Dr. Gregory House (the character!), he scowls, etc. A female cafeteria worker cuts off the tip of her finger, and her coworker calls out for a doctor. I berate Dr. House for not immediately running to reattach the woman's finger. He grudingly goes to reattach the finger, and I follow. At some point the cloakroom we've used as a triage room morphs into a NYC Subway car, and Dr. House proceeds to seduce me in some not-so-subtle ways. At one point I become Dr. Cameron, but before then it's unclear who I'm supposed to be.
Analysis: Jennifer watches too much television, and needs to lose her Jane Eyre obsession.
Friday, March 9
Rough night yesterday--though for me personally that means entering receipts into a spreadsheet (yay tax time). Mark got chewed out by his editor because he got scooped on something--by a bigger paper that has six reporters covering the same beat he covers all by himself. So I insisted we go to bed early. This morning when my alarm went off Mark was already working--and on the phone. I didn't even get a chance to talk to him! I guess he took my advice yesterday when I said to "get back on the stick". (Where do I pick up these weird idiomatic phrases, anyway? I'm also the only person I've ever known who refers to being "thrown under the bus". Very strange.) And I tried to call him a few minutes ago, and he was too busy to talk... I wish he wouldn't beat himself up over this. He's been scooped like, twice in his entire career. But he feels like it's his fault--that he's not working hard enough because he's tired of his job. And that may be the case, but I hate to see him take this so personally... We really need to get him another job, and on the double!
Had the craziest dream the other night about spam emails, believe it or not. All of these messages would come up if you tried to delete them--and they carried a virus that spread to humans and made everyone act really immature and irresponsible. Then there were these ghost/zombie types, and Buffy came... Okay, it was weird.
Had the craziest dream the other night about spam emails, believe it or not. All of these messages would come up if you tried to delete them--and they carried a virus that spread to humans and made everyone act really immature and irresponsible. Then there were these ghost/zombie types, and Buffy came... Okay, it was weird.
Wednesday, February 14
I feel the need to be more diligent about my blog. I read all these knitters' blogs (see additions at right) and see how good they are about updating with pictures of their progress...I am jealous. Granted I'm busy, but I do sit at a desk for twenty hours a week--and I'm certainly not spending all that time working. Maybe if I spent less time on the singers' forum and PerezHilton.com I'd actually return emails and update my blog daily... So I'm going to be better about updating. At least three times a week I will at least post a link to something silly. Isn't the purpose of this damn blog to let y'all know what I'm up to?
And what I've been up to is rehearsal. And not so much rehearsal, but driving to and from rehearsal. If you count my round-trip office commute, I'm spending nearly four hours a day in the car. I'm buying gas every other day. I'm eating crap. This is not a positive turn of events. The show is going well--don't get me wrong--but the drive is killing me. The audio books have helped--I really liked Jane Eyre (why didn't I read this book years ago? Probably because I didn't like Wuthering Heights, namely I didn't see why Heathcliff was this big ol' romantic hero when I thought he was just a dick, and I figured one Bronte was as good as another. Not true!) and right now I'm listening to Breakfast of Champions by Vonnegut, which is subversive fun. Friday I will start I, Robot. (I saw the movie, but I'm sure the book is better.) I probably won't need another audio book before next Friday (our last performance), but who knows? I really like having them, and they make the drive go much faster. I should download books off NetLibrary and put them on my MP3 player to listen to on the road all the time. But I'm off-topic--all the late nights (and aforementioned eating of crap) are really taking a toll...I'm exhausted all the time, and snapping at Mark, and I constantly have a headache and intermittent mild nausea. It's honestly just exacerbating problems I've had for months. I'm really looking forward to that doctor's appointment next week--maybe she'll order some bloodwork and tell me what's wrong, finally.
So it's Valentine's Day. I took the day off from the office (I needed the rest, plus the laundry is piling up) but I have rehearsal at 6:30--which means leaving the house at 3:30 so I can buy Mark a card and beat rush hour traffic, and getting home tonight around midnight. Mark left this morning around nine and won't be home until after I leave for rehearsal. How romantic. Not that I put much stock in Hallmark holidays anyway, but it would be nice to have a conversation with him while the sun is up. I'm working tomorrow but have no rehearsal, so we'll hopefully be able to have a nice dinner or something.
Speaking of Valentine's Day, I had a sexy dream about John Mayer last night. Where this came from I had no idea. He's more my type than Will Ferrell (who I had a comparatively X-rated dream about last month, ew!), but still not really. I'm barely aware of him, honestly. What the hell is going on in my brain? I guess I have to get the energy out somewhere.
Knitting news, as promised: I finally finished a sweater for myself last week! I bought this super-soft cream colored boucle yarn in December, anticipating I'd make myself a particular sweater with a moderately intricate lace pattern and a bunch of shaping. After working on this sweater nonstop for a month, I finally tried it on--and it was FIVE SIZES TOO BIG!!! What the hell?! I did a gauge swatch and everything! So I said fuck it, pulled the whole thing out (what I learned: never sew in your ends until you're sure!), and made myself an entirely different sweater--this time from an awesome 1977-vintage book I picked up at the last local library sale. The book is called Make it with Mademoiselle (as in the magazine), and not only does it include knitting and crochet patterns, but a dozen ways to tie a headscarf, basic clothing patterns and 101+ ways to decorate with sheets. Plus none of the models are wearing bras--the only way you can tell some of the patterns are from the '70s, honestly. (I'm glad people are wearing bras again!) Anyway, the sweater is totally cute (and a lot more my style than the first one I knit), and I got nothing but compliments on it last Friday when I wore it. (Another lesson learned: patterns that seem three sizes too small will probably fit you.) I will try to remember to post a picture of it. Right now I'm working on an afghan for my friend Sandra's baby (due in May--and it may take that long, the gauge is so small), and over the weekend I dashed off some washcloths/burpcloths with an OM motif (Sandra is into Bikram, crazy lady that she is) for her shower next Sunday. Which I will be unable to attend because, of course, I will be in rehearsal for eight hours that day. Not counting driving. Ugh, I don't want to think about it any more!
Also on the knitting front, I made some squares for Project Linus over the weekend, using stitches from a book I got from my sister-in-law for Christmas. I have to mail those tomorrow, along with some hats I made for a first-grade class in the Bronx that I never got around to mailing. I also want to make some scarves for the National WWII Museum... Well, I guess I'm staying busy enough.
And what I've been up to is rehearsal. And not so much rehearsal, but driving to and from rehearsal. If you count my round-trip office commute, I'm spending nearly four hours a day in the car. I'm buying gas every other day. I'm eating crap. This is not a positive turn of events. The show is going well--don't get me wrong--but the drive is killing me. The audio books have helped--I really liked Jane Eyre (why didn't I read this book years ago? Probably because I didn't like Wuthering Heights, namely I didn't see why Heathcliff was this big ol' romantic hero when I thought he was just a dick, and I figured one Bronte was as good as another. Not true!) and right now I'm listening to Breakfast of Champions by Vonnegut, which is subversive fun. Friday I will start I, Robot. (I saw the movie, but I'm sure the book is better.) I probably won't need another audio book before next Friday (our last performance), but who knows? I really like having them, and they make the drive go much faster. I should download books off NetLibrary and put them on my MP3 player to listen to on the road all the time. But I'm off-topic--all the late nights (and aforementioned eating of crap) are really taking a toll...I'm exhausted all the time, and snapping at Mark, and I constantly have a headache and intermittent mild nausea. It's honestly just exacerbating problems I've had for months. I'm really looking forward to that doctor's appointment next week--maybe she'll order some bloodwork and tell me what's wrong, finally.
So it's Valentine's Day. I took the day off from the office (I needed the rest, plus the laundry is piling up) but I have rehearsal at 6:30--which means leaving the house at 3:30 so I can buy Mark a card and beat rush hour traffic, and getting home tonight around midnight. Mark left this morning around nine and won't be home until after I leave for rehearsal. How romantic. Not that I put much stock in Hallmark holidays anyway, but it would be nice to have a conversation with him while the sun is up. I'm working tomorrow but have no rehearsal, so we'll hopefully be able to have a nice dinner or something.
Speaking of Valentine's Day, I had a sexy dream about John Mayer last night. Where this came from I had no idea. He's more my type than Will Ferrell (who I had a comparatively X-rated dream about last month, ew!), but still not really. I'm barely aware of him, honestly. What the hell is going on in my brain? I guess I have to get the energy out somewhere.
Knitting news, as promised: I finally finished a sweater for myself last week! I bought this super-soft cream colored boucle yarn in December, anticipating I'd make myself a particular sweater with a moderately intricate lace pattern and a bunch of shaping. After working on this sweater nonstop for a month, I finally tried it on--and it was FIVE SIZES TOO BIG!!! What the hell?! I did a gauge swatch and everything! So I said fuck it, pulled the whole thing out (what I learned: never sew in your ends until you're sure!), and made myself an entirely different sweater--this time from an awesome 1977-vintage book I picked up at the last local library sale. The book is called Make it with Mademoiselle (as in the magazine), and not only does it include knitting and crochet patterns, but a dozen ways to tie a headscarf, basic clothing patterns and 101+ ways to decorate with sheets. Plus none of the models are wearing bras--the only way you can tell some of the patterns are from the '70s, honestly. (I'm glad people are wearing bras again!) Anyway, the sweater is totally cute (and a lot more my style than the first one I knit), and I got nothing but compliments on it last Friday when I wore it. (Another lesson learned: patterns that seem three sizes too small will probably fit you.) I will try to remember to post a picture of it. Right now I'm working on an afghan for my friend Sandra's baby (due in May--and it may take that long, the gauge is so small), and over the weekend I dashed off some washcloths/burpcloths with an OM motif (Sandra is into Bikram, crazy lady that she is) for her shower next Sunday. Which I will be unable to attend because, of course, I will be in rehearsal for eight hours that day. Not counting driving. Ugh, I don't want to think about it any more!
Also on the knitting front, I made some squares for Project Linus over the weekend, using stitches from a book I got from my sister-in-law for Christmas. I have to mail those tomorrow, along with some hats I made for a first-grade class in the Bronx that I never got around to mailing. I also want to make some scarves for the National WWII Museum... Well, I guess I'm staying busy enough.
Thursday, August 3
The August 2006 Music Post
Since I know how you all like my music posts (like that famous one on Extreme from the fall of 2002), I have a few music-related items I must relate:
1. Ani has a new album coming out! For some reason I never bought the last one (presumably because I was unemployed at the time). I will definitely get this one.
2. Last night I had a dream that I sang backup for Fleetwood Mac. Apparently Christine McVie's voice had deteriorated to the point where she could no longer sing the upper harmonies (it was on "The Chain", specifically), so I was somehow called upon to improv said harmonies. So cool, I got to jam with Fleetwood Mac!
3. Speaking of improvised harmonies (and of Extreme, coincidentally), will Helen and I get in any bar jamming during my visit? We could pull out some Mary's Danish and kick it old-school. Hell, we could teach it to Margaret and Ellie.
4. I am now officially totally over Matchbox 20 and/or Rob Thomas. Why I even thought that dork looked at all like the other, cowboy-costumed dork I stalked in college is beyond me. His voice is annoying and hell, the band is like, Bon Jovi if Bon Jovi immediately sold out and only had one good song. (And speaking of Bon Jovi, their new song is beyond lame, verdad?) The only Rob Thomas projects I will admit to actually enjoying are the duet with Carlos Santana (which duh, sounds like Santana) and the song "Disease". So there.
5. Also, Nickelback sucks. The Great Oz has spoken!
6. Artists I'm currently into: Dido, The Pretenders, Green Day, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger
7. Further signs of the apocalypse, i.e. artists I am finally able to admit that I like: Kelly Clarkson (yes, THAT Kelly Clarkson), Counting Crows, Gavin DeGraw
Since I know how you all like my music posts (like that famous one on Extreme from the fall of 2002), I have a few music-related items I must relate:
1. Ani has a new album coming out! For some reason I never bought the last one (presumably because I was unemployed at the time). I will definitely get this one.
2. Last night I had a dream that I sang backup for Fleetwood Mac. Apparently Christine McVie's voice had deteriorated to the point where she could no longer sing the upper harmonies (it was on "The Chain", specifically), so I was somehow called upon to improv said harmonies. So cool, I got to jam with Fleetwood Mac!
3. Speaking of improvised harmonies (and of Extreme, coincidentally), will Helen and I get in any bar jamming during my visit? We could pull out some Mary's Danish and kick it old-school. Hell, we could teach it to Margaret and Ellie.
4. I am now officially totally over Matchbox 20 and/or Rob Thomas. Why I even thought that dork looked at all like the other, cowboy-costumed dork I stalked in college is beyond me. His voice is annoying and hell, the band is like, Bon Jovi if Bon Jovi immediately sold out and only had one good song. (And speaking of Bon Jovi, their new song is beyond lame, verdad?) The only Rob Thomas projects I will admit to actually enjoying are the duet with Carlos Santana (which duh, sounds like Santana) and the song "Disease". So there.
5. Also, Nickelback sucks. The Great Oz has spoken!
6. Artists I'm currently into: Dido, The Pretenders, Green Day, Joan Baez, Pete Seeger
7. Further signs of the apocalypse, i.e. artists I am finally able to admit that I like: Kelly Clarkson (yes, THAT Kelly Clarkson), Counting Crows, Gavin DeGraw
Tuesday, July 25
Yet another crazy dream (which I should've posted right away instead of waiting a few days so I forget everything):
I dreamed that when Mark and I come to visit Mike and Cathy in August, Cathy is visibly pregnant--about six months along, I would estimate. (And adorable, I should add.) The reason they moved in together is because she is in trouble. And that's the reason her mother came to visit, as well--to see preggo Cathy.
Isn't that a bizarre dream? I will admit that I've had total baby-on-the-brain lately--which for the most part has been transferred to really, REALLY wanting to get a dog. A smaller dog, perhaps a beagle or a Jack Russell (though we'd certainly get a mutt from the shelter--there are way too many great homeless dogs to adopt to actually go to a puppy mill and pay some sick amount of money that reinforces the macho, totally irresponsible notion of leaving pets unaltered...). There are some fabulous dogs to adopt at the pounds around here, but we can't have pets where we live. (Though our neighbor was able to have an exception made for her deaf and blind fifteen-year-old sweetheart of a kitty...) So one day we will get a dog, but it won't be until after we relocate. In the meantime, I will shamelessly covet other people's dogs.
I dreamed that when Mark and I come to visit Mike and Cathy in August, Cathy is visibly pregnant--about six months along, I would estimate. (And adorable, I should add.) The reason they moved in together is because she is in trouble. And that's the reason her mother came to visit, as well--to see preggo Cathy.
Isn't that a bizarre dream? I will admit that I've had total baby-on-the-brain lately--which for the most part has been transferred to really, REALLY wanting to get a dog. A smaller dog, perhaps a beagle or a Jack Russell (though we'd certainly get a mutt from the shelter--there are way too many great homeless dogs to adopt to actually go to a puppy mill and pay some sick amount of money that reinforces the macho, totally irresponsible notion of leaving pets unaltered...). There are some fabulous dogs to adopt at the pounds around here, but we can't have pets where we live. (Though our neighbor was able to have an exception made for her deaf and blind fifteen-year-old sweetheart of a kitty...) So one day we will get a dog, but it won't be until after we relocate. In the meantime, I will shamelessly covet other people's dogs.
Friday, June 24
Once again, I am at the public library, and the man on the computer next to me is on a website for Russian mail-order brides. I am so grossed out. It's not that I'm being nosy--I just look up randomly and am assailed with such unreal images... Plus there's always somebody here who REEKS of stale cigarette smoke. I swear I'm not being elitist. I just have a weak stomach. Ick... And on that note: I should probably go home and get started on that pasta (I've been meaning to make wheat pasta for a week now, but I never seem to get around to it).
Okay, so there are these auditions this weekend, but I don't think I'm going to do them. First of all, I just looked at the company's website, and I think I have scheduling conflicts with all their shows. Second, looking at their schedule, I don't think they have any roles for me. Thirdly, the monthly curse, so to speak, is nearly upon me, which is bad for singing for several reasons which I'm sure you will find fascinating:
1. Did you know that your vocal cords retain water? Yep, they're just like any other muscle--except that the very fine muscular control singing requires, and the relatively tiny size of the muscle in question, mean that being bloated actually does affect your voice. I can tell right away when it's started, because for days I'll sound like poo and suddenly I'm completely fine...
2. Apparently pain-relieving medications, because they thin your blood, can occasionally cause vocal cord hemorrhages if you sing too much while you're on them. Now this totally sounds like an old wives' tale--or perhaps an old divas' tale--so I mean to do some research into that. And why wouldn't my voice teacher or my pedagogy teacher (both of whom are very knowledgeable about vocal disorders, mechanics etc.) ever mention this? Anyway, I mean to find out.
Now it reeks of way-too-strong perfume in here--the kind that immediately calls to mind Elizabeth Taylor. My poor olfactory... Oh, hell, that's another hormonal thing--women and their superior senses of smell, etc. Great, I'm like walking progesterone here. Or whatever hormone it is. Hey, maybe that would explain the completely lesbian dream I had last night. Oddly enough, I tend to dream about men when I'm ovulating, and women when I'm menstruating--been like that for years. Damn, they should do a study on me.
Okay, I apologize to my male readership for all the TMI back there. I promise, next post will have nothing to do with Aunt Flo, monthly visitors or being on the rag... :)
Okay, so there are these auditions this weekend, but I don't think I'm going to do them. First of all, I just looked at the company's website, and I think I have scheduling conflicts with all their shows. Second, looking at their schedule, I don't think they have any roles for me. Thirdly, the monthly curse, so to speak, is nearly upon me, which is bad for singing for several reasons which I'm sure you will find fascinating:
1. Did you know that your vocal cords retain water? Yep, they're just like any other muscle--except that the very fine muscular control singing requires, and the relatively tiny size of the muscle in question, mean that being bloated actually does affect your voice. I can tell right away when it's started, because for days I'll sound like poo and suddenly I'm completely fine...
2. Apparently pain-relieving medications, because they thin your blood, can occasionally cause vocal cord hemorrhages if you sing too much while you're on them. Now this totally sounds like an old wives' tale--or perhaps an old divas' tale--so I mean to do some research into that. And why wouldn't my voice teacher or my pedagogy teacher (both of whom are very knowledgeable about vocal disorders, mechanics etc.) ever mention this? Anyway, I mean to find out.
Now it reeks of way-too-strong perfume in here--the kind that immediately calls to mind Elizabeth Taylor. My poor olfactory... Oh, hell, that's another hormonal thing--women and their superior senses of smell, etc. Great, I'm like walking progesterone here. Or whatever hormone it is. Hey, maybe that would explain the completely lesbian dream I had last night. Oddly enough, I tend to dream about men when I'm ovulating, and women when I'm menstruating--been like that for years. Damn, they should do a study on me.
Okay, I apologize to my male readership for all the TMI back there. I promise, next post will have nothing to do with Aunt Flo, monthly visitors or being on the rag... :)
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