Imajen That!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T19:08:00.006-06:00

It's 2011! Another year come and gone. Another chance for a fresh start on resolutions...

Read all the Harry Potter books before June
Crochet more projects and relearn to knit
Eat less fast food; cook more
Set up sewing machine
Do little chores more frequently
more to be determined.

The Reprise of a Funny

2010-12-21T08:06:00.003-06:00

Previously in blog land I wondered if how people express their amusement offered insight into their personality. My original answer still rings true. I'm a funny haha kind of person. However...

New to the scene is "hee." Amazingly cute, my boss says this to express her sheer sense of bliss with the given subject. Although this isn't used in terms of funny, but in terms of a passive "how cute!" I love it, though when I tried it on it didn't feel right. It felt a size too small... but I think I'll try to squeeze into it.
THe sizes of expression ...

Small - hee
Medium - heh
Large - ha
Xlarge - haha
XXlarge - hohoho (heh. or maybe I'll upgrade that to a "ha" - it's a santa joke. now that's funny.)

Pretty in pink.. or honeysuckle!

2010-12-20T17:35:00.003-06:00

Pantone has released its 2011 Color of the Year. Behold... Honeysuckle. Love it.

First Snow

2010-11-30T23:59:00.000-06:00

Today was the first snow of the season! Christmas lights are out and glowing, and the snow was gently falling. Not enough to amount to anything, but it was my first sighting. The holidays have begun!

Like a ghoti out of water...

2010-11-29T18:55:00.003-06:00

Yes, "ghoti" is actually a phonetic spelling for the word "fish." Strange, but true. Read more here. No wonder ESL learners find our native language so complicated. We have rules that break rules of rules, and then expect you just know which rules to follow and when. Whew. I'm tired just thinking of it. It's fun to note the uses of "ghoti" in film (Batman), toys (Neopets), language (Klingon), and good ol' Mac-Speak (Mac's speech synthesizer pronounces "ghoti" as "fish" by default.)

New Crochet on the Way

2010-11-28T19:01:00.000-06:00

I've been scanning patterns for days looking for my next crochet project. I think I've narrowed it down to slippers, a tree skirt, or ornaments. More details to come...

The Windy (Rainy) City

2010-11-22T18:29:00.001-06:00

Another rainy day in Chicago. On days like this umbrellas are really quite useless. Walking down the city streets you'll find most of them turned inside out or leading their owner, much like a big, wild dog.

City offices and commuter trains are abuzz with chatter about soaked clothing. Hair dryers and hand dryers are awhirr trying to vanquish the water from sopping pant legs and hair.

Chicago... it could have been snow.

Jake and Jenny

2009-10-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

I saw these a long time ago and figured I HAD to own them. To my knowledge there are only two books - On the Farm and On the Town. - Perfect for us. For Jake is a city mouse, and thus I the country mouse. Or doggies, in this case.

Aren't we cute all snuggled in bed after a long day on the farm?

Christmas is coming...

2009-10-17T22:11:00.010-05:00

... the geese are getting fat. Please put a penny in the old man's hat.

Christmas songs will start soon enough without my prodding - so nevermind that.

But - with Christmas approaching - it DOES mean that some stores are already carrying their Christmas ornaments and decorations. And what to my wondering eyes should appear? - more German ornaments for my collection (and $2 cheaper than the past few years!). So I had to indulge.

My newest Steinbach friends:

Russian Santa

Bavarian Boy

Honey Bee

Halloween Devil

What a doll...

2009-10-08T22:08:00.016-05:00

I had a doll growing up - one of those bald-headed babies that blinks and cries when you flip her over. The doll suited me well, I think. I had doll clothes for her, and I think my brother even liked her when he was a baby (or maybe he just enjoyed having a friend that didn't mind when he'd bite her fingers and slobber on her face.)

Well, I'm all grown up now - or I should be. When I think of dolls I'm reminded of my grandma's display cases, full of dolls she's collected from all over the world, and even a few she made and hand-painted!

Hm... Thinking back, Barbies were cool too. I had 15 - that's a lot of fake body proportions. I wonder if my Barbies were smart. I really can't remember the conversations I made them have, or if they even spoke. I only remember changing their clothes and brushing their hair. Maybe my fantasy Barbie world lacked sound.

Anyway... Why all this talk of dolls? I found a new doll I really like. Or rather many new dolls I like. It started with finding the Pullip doll.

These are fashion dolls that are made by a Korean company and sold by a Japanese company. They were first released in '03 and continue to be released monthly with occasional special edition dolls.

Not only are these dolls adorable (ok, some are just downright sexy), but they are fully posable and have really great outfits/costumes. They would make great dolls to pose for pictures. They also have a really "unique eye mechanism that allows the eyes to move back and forth, and wink, using levers on the back of the head." Fun.

[Image from Pullip Style]

While researching Pullips I found all kinds of interesting dolls...

Momoko Dolls...

[Image from Pullip Style]

Toffee dolls...

[Image from The Valley of the Dolls]

Taeyang dolls...

[Image from Pullip Style]

Zombuki dolls...

[Image from The Valley of the Dolls]

Too bad they're all so expensive.

A laundry list

2009-09-17T14:47:00.005-05:00

[Image by ingorrr]
I have a laundry list of things to do. Atop it is ... Laundry!

In an unfortunate turn of circumstances all of the washers and dryers in my apartment building (there are only 2 each) are broken. That means that my pile of laundry has taken over the 2nd bedroom, and is starting to spill down the hallway. Not literally, though it very well could be.

So tonight my laundry and I are going to take a little trip to the laundromat. How exciting. My 2nd time only to the wondrous world of washing machines. How... domestic.

Number nine, number nine, number nine...

2009-09-09T21:09:00.001-05:00

Happy 09/09/09 all.

Fun 09/09/09 and Number 9 Facts:

1. Today is the 252nd day of the year. 2+5+2 = 9!

2. 09/09/09 is a Wednesday, which has 9 letters, as does September.

3. Baseball is full of nines: 9 players, 9 innings, 9 strikes per inning...

4. The animated sci-fi flick "9" about 9 robots was released today..

5. Beatles Rock Band was released today - Revolution 9 anyone?

7. Kitties cherish the number nine - 9 lives, that is!

8. 09 +09 + 09 = 27 = my age today

9. Nine is no longer with us because 7 8 9! (Seven was very hungry.)

Rainy. Day. Blues.

2009-08-19T20:49:00.008-05:00

This picture exemplifies how I'm feeling. Tonight was a gray, rainy night. I like rain, but sometimes it's just... depressing. Maybe my emotional rut started as a result of my walk home in the rain. I was the protagonist in the classic "girl gets soaked by passing bus" scene. You know, one of those huge splashes, where anyone around finds it really funny to see the tidal wave hit the poor pedestrian. Ugh. At least I made some kid on the bus smile.

[Image from procsilas]

Off the hook

2009-08-14T20:32:00.006-05:00

No, I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth. Though, I have been constantly busy since... June. But I'm finding a bit more time now, so blogging shall once again commence!

The leading ladies in my life (aside from Mom) are all up to their ears in crochet and knitting projects. I've jumped on the bandwagon myself, though my project shall remain secret!

Needless to say, I'm periodically suffering from "Crochet Hand" -- explanation below. :)

Earlier this year I started an amusing way (maybe just amusing to me?) to name my injuries, aches, and pains. It started with the now infamous "Pong Knee" where I nearly dislocated my knee while playing ping pong -- don't ask.

It's quite simple Action/Object at time of injury/ache/pain + Body Part.

Crochet Hand.

Have a baby for love.

2009-06-17T22:02:00.005-05:00

Have a virtual baby for German engineering! Here's our wee VW babe, thanks to the RoutonBabyMaker3000. So cute!

Wouldn't it be fun if they made a tinier, sportier version of the Routon minivan - and named it the Crouton? I'd use it to garnish my driveway.

Passenger: Chris

2009-06-11T23:30:00.002-05:00

Chris was really mesmorized by his iTunes.

What is Passenger?

Twins!

2009-06-11T22:42:00.004-05:00

These fishies we lovingly call our "Twins!" after a skit on Tim and Eric's Awesome Show. Jake and I watch the strange show as much as possible, and in honor of the Beaver Boys, we named the "Twins!" Dilly and Krunk (I think the fish might also like "Shrimp!").

One fish, two fish

2009-06-04T21:06:00.005-05:00

Three fish, four fish! Without babies or puppies to brag about, Jake and I have four new FISH to show off! This is our Helianthus, not sure if it's male or female, but I do know this fish is a bully!

Like kids, the fish all have their own personalities. This guy is very territorial. It also refused to eat anything until day 3, so perhaps stubborn as well.

We need a name! Ideas?

I'll introduce our other new fish in upcoming posts.

Happy Anniversary!

2009-06-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, Lyric!

2009-05-31T13:30:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday, Lyric!

This is a card I made for my co-worker's daughter. I cut all of the pieces out of construction paper and glued them to the pink flat card. It turned out cute!

Passenger: Tim

2009-05-30T18:53:00.007-05:00

Passenger Tim was a [drunk] Cubs fan. He got up to go to the bathroom, then when he came back it took him a couple passes to find his seat again. Silly Tim.

What is Passenger?

Lego Lady

2009-05-26T18:47:00.003-05:00

Create your Lego-self here!

Passenger: Kelly

2009-05-21T22:06:00.003-05:00

Ta-da! A new installment of “Passenger.” This project has been on vacation for quite some time. I’m not sure why exactly – it’s definitely not for lack of good material. I think it just fell victim to technology – my laptop. My laptop and I have a love/hate (let’s be honest – it’s more love/love) kind of relationship that I feel needs to be broken. And soon!

Iowa impresses

2009-04-03T22:02:00.001-05:00

Way to go, Iowa!

Unanimous ruling: Iowa Marriage No Longer Limited to One Man, One Woman

Mog Wog

2009-04-02T19:03:00.004-05:00

I come up with my best blog posts while randomly thinking away from the computer or walking down the street. If only there was a way to transfer my thoughts then and there into my blog. When I sit down later and force my earlier thoughts they just aren't the same. The charm, the wit, the interest - is gone.

I need a Mog Wog. Mind Blog & Walking Blog. Mog Wog.

Sidenote: I googled "mog wog" to see if any particular images came up. Apparently Mog Wog is "Men of God and Women of God." Hm... not what I was hoping for...

Rain Dance

2009-03-10T21:43:00.005-05:00

Wonder what your thoughts sound like set to music? This fun app matches up each letter with a specified note, then provides a score and midi file. My original composition was based on the text:

"If I had to create an original score about rain that dances happily through the sky it would sound something like this!"

Music Text Composition Generator

Guess-the-google

2009-03-04T20:10:00.004-06:00

Think you're a master of web searches? Try Guess-the-Google where you look at a collage of 20 pictures and try to guess what the key search word was. Some are harder than you think! My high score was 366 out of the 5 times I played. Can you beat that?

(The answer to this one was mullet. Nice do, Uncle Jesse!)

03x03=09

2009-03-03T21:29:00.002-06:00

Happy Square Root Day everyone!

Will work for hot water

2009-03-02T19:12:00.004-06:00

Day 3 of no hot water is coming to an end. I really miss my warm calming showers. Any shower would be great at this point. I think I'll actually shower at work tomorrow. Please, hot water fairies, find it in your heart to make the water heater work.

No more moving!

2009-02-26T19:23:00.002-06:00

Moving is overrated. ha. Seriously. Maybe this last move has cured my want to move every year. One plus is that the clean-up of my condo is much easier than the previous place I rented (had it ever been cleaned?). Final touches will be done tomorrow!

Next the chore is to find a place to stash all this... stuff.

(Perfect time for my New Year resolution to kick in... Down size)

Funny haha?

2009-02-21T09:10:00.002-06:00

I wonder if the way people choose to textually express their comic amusement offers any insight into their personality…

Are you a “haha” or a “hehe?” Maybe you’re brief with a “heh” or “ha.” Abbreviation crazy, sporting “lol” or “lmao?” Or possibly drawn to the wonderful world of asterisks, letting a *snicker* sneak out and sometimes, embarrassingly, a *snort * or *chortle* …

Which do you use? (Personally I’m a “ha” when I’m slightly amused or the stimulus is just cute or quaint… and I double up to a “haha” for the more amusing or even laugh-out-loud-able.)

You look so meaty!

2009-02-16T20:15:00.004-06:00

Hot on the tracks of a new crochet project I surfed right into the site of Joy Kampia O'Shell... and I'm in awe. See for yourself:

Crocheted hamburger dress?

Wow.

Tetris, fabric-wise.

2009-02-15T08:45:00.003-06:00

There's so much cute stuff out there. Tetris fabric, anyone?

I just found an archive of amazing (bizarre) model poses on Threadbared.

Who knew...

2009-02-14T22:20:00.004-06:00

99 things

2009-02-13T20:51:00.005-06:00

Saw this here today, and thought I'd play along....

Here are the rules: Bold the things you’ve done and post on your blog!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

The work of James Piatt

2009-02-06T22:43:00.006-06:00

Wow... I really like the black purse. As for the gun and kitty purse? Interesting. I love the pictures in James Piatt's gallery. Very cool.

Happy Birthday Nick!

2009-02-01T17:13:00.005-06:00

Happy Birthday Nick!!!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-14T20:09:00.003-06:00

My how time flies. It's already been a few weeks since we rang in the new year. I hope all of you had a great holiday season, and I wish you all the best in 2009!

Best of 2008

2008-12-09T22:22:00.004-06:00

As 2008 nears its end, I reflect on a few of this year's bests...

Best Purchase: MacBook - Can't leave the couch without it.
Best New Food Tried: Pata negra - Love the black hoof.
Best Movie: The Dark Knight - Incredible.
Best New TV Show: Fringe - Very cool.
Best Book Read: The Year of Living Biblically - Funny, literal take on the bible.
Best CD Purchased: Lenka - Quite merrily, baby.
Best Facebook News: My HS friend is expecting! - Congrats!
Best Blog Entry Title I Thought Up: All-Thyme Wurst Robber - Classic.
Best Bargain: DSW - After discounts, clearance, and a $10 coupon I got a pair of shoes for $2.00. Imajen that!
Best Completed Craft Project: Crocheted Bunny - I did it! More to come.
Best Quote: "... You can actually see Russia from land here in Alaska." - Thanks for the memories, Sarah.
Best Craft Blog: One Pretty Thing - Crafts. Crafts. Crafts. Crafts. Jen rides up in the front seat today because she's a good girl at crafts.
Best Olympic Athlete: Michael Phelps - He's practically King Midas.

Hm.. other ideas?

What's on your Best of 2008 list?

[Image from Blacknight Solutions]

Jon and Kate... is great!

2008-11-19T23:13:00.009-06:00

If there is just one Gosselin that tugs at my heartstrings, it would be Alexis. She's adorable. I'd love to spend a day with the cheery, little girl, exploring the world with her toy "aldigator."

Alexis is one of Jon and Kate Gosselin's eight children. If you're unaware, they have their own show "Jon and Kate Plus Eight" on TLC. Yes, I like this show - a lot. Tv is sort of my companion these days - it welcomes me home after a long day of work and keeps me company at night. Jake finds this ridiculous, as well as the tv shows I choose to watch.

So imagine my surprise yesterday when Jake admitted he watched a few minutes of *gasp!* "Jon and Kate Plus Eight!" Hurray! It gets better - he came up with a hypothesis about why I like the show so much... He thinks we are like them. Hm... At first I didn't really think so, but now I can see that he's kind of got a point. Interesting.

If I had children as the Gosselin's did I think I'd name them:

Twins: Lily and Violet
Sextuplets: Aiden, Blake, Caleb, Caitlyn, Olivia, and Zoey

[Image from The Gosselin 10]

Best 'Burb to Bring up Baby

2008-11-11T21:24:00.005-06:00

Congratulations, Mount Prospect, IL.

MP was named the Best Place in America to Raise Kids by Businessweek.

It's a nice village - it raised Jake and his siblings well. It likely wouldn't top my list, but then again, I don't have kids yet so who am I to judge?

Renegade and Renaissance

2008-11-11T08:00:00.001-06:00

The Secret Service Codenames for the President Elect and his family:

Renegade: Barrack Obama

Renaissance: Michelle Obama

Radiance: Malia Obama

Rosebud: Sasha Obama

In looking at other code names, I discovered Sarah Palin's code name, Denali.

Sorry Denali (showing sympathy for Jake's dog, also Denali).

Lil bunny foo foo...

2008-11-10T00:01:00.001-06:00

I wasn't sure if I was cut-out for crochet - especially animals - but I've done it! I just need to add a face and maybe a scarf and this bunny is complete. Without boasting, I have to admit I'm proud of myself. It turned out very well for my first attempt. Who wants a crocheted animal for Christmas? :)

Congrats, brother!

2008-11-09T20:50:00.003-06:00

A big congratulations to my brother as he took home some top honors at his football banquet tonight...

1st Team All-District, Defensive End
All-Academic District
Captain letter (pin)
Football bar (pin)
Coach's Award (plaque)
Hammer Award (plaque for most physical)
Weight Room Award (plaque)

Way to go! Love you, brother!

New ornament friends

2008-11-08T11:20:00.004-06:00

Last night's quick run to the HomeGoods store proved to be a success. I hit the Christian Steinbach jackpot. This store had the most Steinbach ornaments I've seen around here (maybe just because it's really early, and they hadn't been picked over yet). I was so excited - so I purchased three for this year's addition to the collection. At some point I'm going to have a Christmas tree especially for all my little german ornaments. How fun. Aren't these guys cute?

This is... something I'm surprised I like.

2008-11-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

People enjoy all kinds of interesting things, but I find this particular joy of mine a bit strange. As soon as I receive a new magazine I immediately flip through it to tear out the mail-in cards and cardboard inserts - anything that makes the magazine pages stutter as I glide through it. The funny part? Usually I don't even read it after that. I just really like to remove the cards - then I put the magazine in my stack of things to read later.

Somebunny stop me!

2008-11-01T22:23:00.004-05:00

You're probably wondering, "What the heck is that?"

I'm proud to say this is a picture of today's progress on my very first amigurumi crochet project.

Step one: Remember to how to tie the slip-knot. Seems easy enough, but I ended up looking it up. I've only crocheted once - a complete afghan for my boyfriend's birthday, and sadly nothing since then (and that was 3 years ago)!

Step two: Attempt to conquer the pattern without any help. Hm.. While this proved to be exciting, after the 6th time of unraveling my work I decided to consult YouTube to figure out why my stitch count was off. Then I was off and running.

So - what is this? The head and ears for a cute gray bunny. Use your imaJENation. I'll post the final result when I'm finished. At this rate and level of excitement, I predict it is merely hours away.

Can't you dress for less?

2008-09-05T23:18:00.007-05:00

How much do wedding dresses actually cost?! I somehow started watching a show called "Say Yes to the Dress" tonight - a program that follows girls as they try on numerous wedding dresses. Wow - I guess I'm not very in touch with 'all things wedding' to begin with, but $5,000 for a dress? That's crazy.

I poked around on the web and found some stats from the Bridal Association of America. In 2006, the average wedding dress cost $1,505. That still seems like a lot to me!

Some other averages:

Engagement length: 17 months
Number of guests: 169
Bride age: 26
Groom age: 28

[Image by ElektraCute]

Your Kitchen Style

2008-09-05T22:45:00.003-05:00

I stumbled across this quiz that predicts your Kitchen Design style. Have fun!

Qwerty Warriors

2008-08-05T11:35:00.002-05:00

I dare you to play this on IMPOSSIBLE. It starts off fairly easy, but wait. Your forearms will ache.

Smile

2008-08-04T21:38:00.010-05:00

I was walking by Walmart tonight when a guy said, "Miss, excuse me. You dropped something." I turned around to look where he was pointing and didn't see a thing. "What did I drop?" To which he replied, "Your smile."

Ha. Ok, congrats. You got a free smile from me. Bravo, but that doesn't mean I want to stand here and small talk with you. I'm in a fake hurry, can't you see?

So I went on my way. About 20 minutes later I left another store, only to notice a guy talking to an older woman. I walked by as he was asking her for her name. She looked at him weird and said, "I don't have a name" repeatedly. Amusing.

Be tough Woman! He's one of them! Strange. Who are these dudes? And why don't they have better openers for whatever mystery mission they're on? Am I too tired or in such a mood as to not appreciate this encounter?

An hour passes...

I passed the Walmart again to get to my car. A few guys were standing on the sidewalk looking in the windows. One of them turned to acknowledge me and said, "You dropped your smile!"

Wow - out of material so quickly? Such a shame...

Unamused I turned to him and said, "Sorry, your friend already used that line on me." He looked completely taken aback and attempted to cover with a lame "well... uh... well - you didn't pick it up yet!"

Leave my smiles alone.

- - - - - - - - - - - -
Afterthought: Smile.... smiles... smiling... This is one of those words that starts to look really strange after you type it a lot. Smile? weird.

What's with the voodoo groom?

2008-08-04T21:28:00.003-05:00

I was listening to the show "Legally Speaking" on WGN Radio a few days ago. The attorneys were talking about divorce and mentioned the website www.ihatehimsomuch.com. I decided to check it out. It's an interesting approach to promoting healthy marriage - I appreciate the humor. I have to admit I mostly just had fun poking the guy and listening to him squirm.

Barbie beautiful

2008-07-30T19:38:00.005-05:00

This custom made necklace makes me swoon. It's so romantic, yet unique and interesting. I love it. Just looking at it makes me feel happy.

Artist Margaux Lange made the piece above as well the one below out of basic Barbie dolls. Check out her website and blog to see Barbie shoe rings, Barbie arm necklaces, Barbie butt bracelets, and yes, Ken's abs and company make appearances as well.
Wouldn't this Barbie bosom necklace look great with my brown dress?

[Images from Margaux Lange Unique Handcrafted Jewelry]

Gadsby

2008-07-29T22:23:00.003-05:00

Writing without it is difficult. I can't think of writing a long story avoiding it. I would toss many drafts as it would sink into my script. This short quip is hard as is.

What is it? Follow this link for a story without it.

I wonder how to spell tupay.. tupae.. toupée!

2008-07-24T23:41:00.001-05:00

Until just now I had no idea how to spell that infamous hairpiece. I find it interesting when you realize you've never written down a word that you know and use in speech.

Anyway... I saw a toupée today. Sort of à la Trump, if you will. I have to admit I find them interesting. Why do they look so thick and coarse? Can you get a thinning toupée as opposed to the full head of hair version? And why is it I always see them in that golden/reddish color?

And when did Baby toupées hit the market?!

I wonder...

2008-07-24T23:17:00.003-05:00

I wonder what the first image will be in Google Images when I search for "i wonder". (answer above!)

You know how something that's not normally obvious to you becomes insanely obvious once it's pointed out or you finally notice it? For some it's an action, or maybe a sound. Others fall victim to the word "like"... or maybe "ya know"... For some reason I say (or think) "I wonder" a lot. Rather, all the time.

I wonder if they know their backpack is unzipped...

I wonder why he's mad...

I wonder how heavy that collapsable bike is... (yes a guy rides the train with a collapsable bike!)

I wonder if anyone will read my "I wonder" posts...

Leg godt... at Legoland!

2008-07-22T21:23:00.006-05:00

Legoland is almost here! The first US Legoland Discovery Centre will open in Schaumburg in two weeks (the only others are currently in Germany). If the amount of people gawking at the large Lego giraffe stretching out of the store front is any indicator, I think Legoland will be a success.

Meet the "superior Lego model builder" from Naperville, IL.

-.-. .-. . . .--. -.-- | ..--.. |

2008-07-21T22:03:00.005-05:00

On July 17th Jake decided on a whim to drive us over to the Indiana Sand Dunes for the afternoon. Wow - it was hot! 90+ degree heat and we decide to hike on burning hot sand. We're crazy! The dunes looked pretty much the same as I remember them from about 10 years ago.

One creepy discovery of the day was this house along Highway 12. I took a few photos, but we didn't want to stall too long for fear we'd disturb the inhabitants. On first glance it was just a house painted with fun, bright colors. When we drove across the street to take this picture I noticed the Morse Code painted on the side of the house. Eeeek! Was it a secret message? A love note? A great work of fiction? Strange.

Of course I came home and had to search the net for others who had spotted the "Morse House". Sure enough, I found two other pages. There's a great picture of it here and somewhat of a translation here.

I think I'd like to learn Morse Code sometime. Start sending your messages in Morse Code now. This site can help!

Fish and turtles...

2008-07-19T22:00:00.004-05:00

Today I volunteered in the Children's Art Tent at the Wheaton Fine Art Festival. This is my third year helping out with the children's art activity, but my other two years were at Buffalo Grove helping kids paint a volvo. Today's activity was clay! I think I liked working with the clay better because I got to see many creative clay creations made by the kids. Turtles and baskets were seemingly popular.
I made this fishy while talking to a little boy who was making a few clay turtles for his imaginary friend Al (also a turtle). Kids are fun.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Chagall!

2008-07-07T22:08:00.009-05:00

[Image from Marc Chagall Paintings]
Today marks the 121st year since the birth of Marc Chagall, painter and stained glass artist.

"All colors are the friends of their neighbors and the lovers of their opposites."

Birthday, 1915
I personally own a print of this piece, "Birthday". Jake framed it for me for my birthday one year, after I had found the print at a garage sale for a few dollars. Yes, a garage sale!

Four Seasons, Chicago, 1974
[Image from Public Art In Chicago]
I also like the mosaic in downtown Chicago.

La Mariée, 1950
My favorite Chagall painting is La Mariée. I'd love to receive a nice framed print of this work whenever I get married.

"Only love interests me, and I am only in contact with things I love."

Green Porno

2008-06-23T10:00:00.007-05:00

[Image from Sundance Channel]
Green Porno is a great little project by Isabella Rossellini featured on Sundance Channel (viewers beware). Personally I love the artistry behind these films - the costumes are great. Rossellini fits the role perfectly.

If you enjoyed these film shorts you should read Dr. Tatiana's Sex Advice To All Creation. The book is written in a Dear Abby style - but addresses questions and insecurities faced by insects and their lovers. Very interesting take on the biology of sex.

This is... an outfit that expresses my individual style.

2008-06-22T15:21:00.009-05:00

This week's "this is" was tricky. I've always struggled with my individual style - mainly because I felt like I never had one. And if I did, it was probably "cute", not elegant or refined or sexy. I feel the classiest when I wear black, even if it is just a black shirt and flip flops.

For a color I would probably choose some shade of red or pink or a jewel tone. I love hemp/straw purses; I usually have one every summer, but use it so much that it's torn or broken by the end of the season.

[Images created at polyvore.com]

Little People In The City

2008-06-18T18:45:00.003-05:00

Check out the great photography of Slinkachu at his blog, Little People - A Tiny Street Art Project. I love the pictures! If you love them too, you're in luck - he'll have a book available later this year.

Elsa's Procession

2008-06-16T20:35:00.005-05:00

"Bridal Procession in a Spring Landscape" by Adrian Ludwig Richter (1847)

One of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard, and personally played, is Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral (from Lohengrin) by Richard Wagner. I was fortunate enough to perform this piece as part of the 1996 State Iowa Bandmasters' Association Band. Even though it sounds slow and simple, I remember the lyricism actually being quite difficult. Simply breathtaking.

Listen to Elsa's Procession to the Cathedral

This is...my pet.

2008-06-10T19:55:00.005-05:00

[Image from serrotoicram]

When I was younger I wanted a white cat so badly. I had a stuffed white cat radio, a cat night light, white cat key chain, everything. When my family moved to the farm, the fascination with white cats resulted in Fluffy - my first cat.

While I don't have any pictures of Fluffy here in my apartment with me, use your imagination. Poor fluffy passed away (actually, I think the highway won) and we buried her under our cherry tree.

Fluffy started our farm's crazy history of cats. Now that we don't have any cats (after having up to 15 at one time!), I think my dad's missing the companionship - or he just misses that morning meeee-ow when he walks outside.

To the cats of yesteryear: Fluffy, Buffy, Cinnamon, Sugar, Ginger, Lydia, Midnight, Smokey, Mittens, Biter (that was my brother's creation), Muffin, Tabby, and all the others!

This is... something I got but still haven't used.

2008-05-25T15:38:00.007-05:00

One might say I've have a problem with collecting stationery. I've done a better job restraining myself in the last year, but I still have years of collecting in storage. These are a few examples of the many cards, fancy paper, and stationery sets I have accumulated over the years and have not used. I haven't been writing as many letters as I used to, and I have this strange fascination with looking through and sorting my stationery, but not actually using it. When it does come time to write a card, I typically choose one from a set I don't like as much as the others. Or I'll use cards I really like, but make sure not to use all of a certain pattern or color. Obsess much?

(I stumbled upon this meme while reading other blogs. Thanks to Three Buttons for starting this meme!)

oddPod

2008-05-12T18:47:00.010-05:00

"The Ultimate Rain Repellent"
RedEye - May 12, 2008 - Pg 39

Rainy days in the Windy City mean endless bobbing and unruly black umbrellas. Well, Chicagoans, here's a new product to aid in your multi-tasking walk to work. No longer do you have to shuffle your umbrella with your Blackberry and your briefcase and Venti Chai Latte.

The Nubrella seems like a good idea, though I have to admit it looks strange. Perhaps just because they're new and different. I think its kind of odd to harness your umbrella to you, but if it keeps you dry and allows you to accomplish more on that soggy morning walk, more power to you.

[Image from Nubrella]

Bat your eyes at this Cutie Bug!

2008-05-07T18:17:00.007-05:00

Adorable. I saw this bug at a mall in Green Bay, WI, last summer and thought it was picture-worthy.

Curious to see if this was a trend, I searched for other embellished bugs online and found this:

I love daisies. Do I see a Volkswagen in my future?

Happy Cinco de mayo!

2008-05-05T18:24:00.001-05:00

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

A super silly way to fill in the __________!

2008-05-03T09:31:00.002-05:00

Happy 50th Anniversary, MadLibs.

I enjoyed __verb ending in -ing__ on your __adjective__ MadLibs when I was younger. It was fun to see how __adjective__ the stories would get after __verb ending in -ing__ them. I think I had __number__ books, that I filled out with my __noun__. Thank you for making words so __adjective__!

I'd give you the Re-shirt off my back!

2008-05-02T20:47:00.002-05:00

While browsing the net for interesting sites I came across Re-Shirt. Based in Austria, this online store poses a "unique world-wide economic experiment" and the question, "Do products last longer if you know their history?"

The tracking concept is similar to that of Where's George, a website to trace the travels of dollar bills. Members receive a free stamp to stamp their "george washingtons" and then others are encouraged to log in and report where the dollar turned up.

Re-shirt goes one step further and associates not just a location - but a story - with every shirt it sells.

"During my youth I strolled one flea market to the other. Always on the hunt for extraordinary clothes. From time to time I still go there. I bought this shirt round the corner at a 2nd hand store in Ottakring (a district of Vienna)."

Is a used t-shirt with the attached memoirs of previous owners more coveted than a similar shirt bought in a department store? You decide.

Passenger: Katherine

2008-05-02T20:45:00.003-05:00

Sweet Buckwheat Dreams

2008-04-22T23:59:00.007-05:00

Happy Earth Day to you! Unfortunately I didn't do any overly-Earthy activities today, so I thought I'd feature an earthy product I saw on QVC: the Sobakawa Pillow - a pillow made from buckwheat hulls. Hm... I've never heard of these, but they're supposed to be the secret to a great night's sleep. I wonder if they smell strange. Or does a hull ever jab you in the ear? I'm going to explore this on my next trip to a bedding store.

Passenger: Greg

2008-04-17T19:52:00.003-05:00

Passenger: Stephen

2008-04-17T19:51:00.004-05:00

Passenger

2008-04-17T19:09:00.015-05:00

The other day I found myself sitting on the train with no music, no crossword puzzle, nothing to read. I found a scrap of paper in my bag and started sketching the gentleman sitting in the seat a few rows ahead of me. I had no idea it would be so much fun.

I miss sketching. I really do. Thus, I'm starting a small project titled "Passenger".

It's interesting to think that the people I'm sketching have no idea I'm watching them the entire train ride - noticing the small wrinkle in their pant cuff, or that the bottom of their shoe is scuffed. Or maybe that they slouch when they write. This seems crazily intriguing, this sneaky sketching of mine. Of course I don't know their names, but I feel they need an identity, so they'll each take on an assumed name of my choice.

Welcome to Passenger.

Rub-a-dub-dub

2008-04-09T22:15:00.013-05:00

This is the new motif in my bathroom.

Would you like to Jumbo Size that?

2008-03-15T19:53:00.004-05:00

In planning for my big move I visited a well-known truck rental company to price out some options. Apparently the "big golden arch" mentality has gone far beyond fries and sugary beverage, and found it's way into all sorts of suprising new places. For instance, this graphic that came up from the rental company (yes, all names have been removed to protect the victim of society's need to super-size, jumbo-size, and super-jumbo-size everything).

Catch Of The Fish: Rice Lake Winter Edition

2008-02-26T18:46:00.004-06:00

Catch Of The Fish: Rice Lake Winter Edition is an all-new 54-card deck featuring cards tied to the capture of Lepomis macrochirus and other species on the frozen mass of Wisconsin water. Each card features a beautiful full-color illustration with a text description and power levels. Collectors can trade cards to increase catch potential and upgrade species.

Happy 100th, Chicago Auto Show!

2008-02-11T21:27:00.000-06:00

This weekend I went to the Chicago Auto Show with J, his bro and fiancee, and two other friends. It was fun to see all the new cars and concept cars. One of my favorite concept cars was the Chrysler ecoVoyager . I really like the "Polar Ice" color used on many of the new cars - so fresh, crisp, and clean! I found it funny how many times the woman was more so on display than the car. I wonder what these women do when they're not modeling in front of some shiny piece of horsepower.

The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week

2008-01-24T21:45:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure from what terrible, no good, very bad place this week is from, but I wish it'd go back from whence it came. Everyone I have talked to (myself included) has had multiple bad or unfortunate things happen to them. Misfortune is airborne!

Hm... speaking of airborne... Usually I get a nice whiff of chocolate during my morning walk to work. Today's air was a smorgasbord. Sure, there was my usual morning whiff of chocolate, but the scent of a perfectly broiled steak accompanied me on my return trip to the train this evening. And to think I don't even really care for steak. Has it been that rough of a week?
Of all the mishaps and more serious issues I've heard this week, I was actually able to laugh at one. This week's Most Humorous Misfortune Award goes to finding banana glue in a backpack that hasn't been used in a year. For those unfamiliar with the term, banana glue is that once delicious banana you put in your backpack for a snack, that you forgot to eat, that slowly smooshed and squashed, forming a nice banana glue months later when you found it. Congratulations!

I hate it when you're not around...

2008-01-22T21:33:00.000-06:00

Heathcliff Andrew Ledger
4/4/79 - 1/22/08

I've never really been one to swoon over celebrities, but I've always had a certain fondness for Heath Ledger (even to the point of marking his birthday on my calendar for a few years). I first fell in love with Ledger after seeing the movie "10 Things I Hate About You." The rebel with straggly hair who completely charmed me with his bleacher rendition of "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You.."

Whether Patrick Verona or Jacob Grimm - Sonny Grotowski or Sir Ulrich von Lichtenstein of Gelderland... you will be missed.

Cheers to a New Year!

2008-01-01T22:55:00.000-06:00

My 2008 Resolutions

Lose weight.
Practice better posture.
Clean and organize on a regular basis.
Make new friends.
Learn how to sew.
Make at least one scrapbook.
Learn how to play my guitar.
Send birthday/holiday cards (on time!)
Volunteer more of my time.
Ride my bike.

A Look At The Book

2007-12-21T19:16:00.002-06:00

I'm attempting to reunite myself with the world of books. Since college I've dedicated my time to fact books, how-to books, magazines... While I really enjoy these (who doesn't enjoy reading about mnemonic devices, or how to fold and cut the perfect snowflake, or the latest Hollywood "bumpwatch"?) I miss the feeling of success after finishing a book. I miss relating to characters... following plots... waiting to pick up the story and see what happens next... And thus, the reunion begins!

Honeymoon With My Brother, a memoir
written by Franz Wisner

This is the memoir of Franz Wisner who gets left at the altar and then decides to quit his high-roller job and go on his honeymoon with his brother. The two takeoff on a two year adventure that leads them to 53 countries in Europe, Asia, South America, and Africa. http://www.honeymoonwithmybrother.com/index.php?section=book

Favorite Passage:

"We loved Pau de Acucar, " I said, pronouncing it like "pow day ah-Sue-car." "Took the tram up there yesterday afternoon for the sunset. Beautiful, just beautiful, Pau de Acucar."

Claudia began to chuckle, prompting Deborah to shoot her a glance. I assumed my pointless story had fallen short, so I carried on.

"Do you all see it often? Pau de Acucar? It's stunning."

Her father grabbed his plate and started back to the kitchen. I thought I heard him laugh as well. I know I heard Claudia giggle some more. Ana Carolina, too. Deborah grabbed my arm, pulling my head below table level for an emergency conference.

"Do you know what you're saying?" she whispered. "You're telling my parents you think your penis is stunning."

"What did I say?"

"You said pau instead of pao. Pao means bread. Pau means penis."

"So Pau de Acucar means sugar penis? I've been raving about my sugar penis?"

"Yes."

"So what's the problem?" I said before she slapped me on the arm. Hard.

I think I can, I think I can...

2007-12-07T18:36:00.000-06:00

It's official. I've completed my first week working in the third largest city in the U.S. While the commute is much easier and less stressful than I anticipated, it's luster is already starting to wear (on day five?). Can it be that I've already found flaws in my new relationship with Metra?

::begin rant:: Dear Fellow Commuters: Please charge your cell phone before entering the train. Enduring forty minutes of wallowing beeps from your dying phone isn't exactly music to my ears. ::end rant::

On the up-side, I have a new fascination with figuring out how people choose with which complete stranger they'd like to share a seat. Is it the same sex? Opposite sex? Attractiveness of the back of the head? Age? Race? Station zone listed on ticket? Distance from door? Or could it be... completely random? *Gasp!*

Chicago has mo joe!

2007-10-24T23:23:00.000-05:00

The amount of Joe's in my daily routine is impressive considering I didn't really know any Joe's in Iowa.

My boss = Joe
My bf's boss = Joe
My bf's brother = Joe
My co-worker's bf = Joe

Pretty much all conversations consist of "your Joe or my Joe?" or "Boss Joe or Bro Joe?"

Honorable Mentions:
My work's skid-moving machine = Big Joe
Cool new grocery store I shop = Trader Joe's
Local Grocery Store/Fruit Market = Joe Caputo & Sons Fruit Market

Fire In The Sky

2007-10-23T23:01:00.000-05:00

I was completely awestruck by the sky as I left work this afternoon. It seemed as if part of the horizon was on fire, creating a huge, billowy smoke cloud. Only this 'smoke' was orange, pink, and violet. Amazing. I'm lucky I didn't swerve while driving. Gorgeous.

The record of "earliest played Christmas music by a retail store" may have been broken today. That's right, October 24, and I was in a clothing store today that was playing a new Christmas cd. At this rate, we'll be lucky if people aren't racing out to buy their Valentine's Day supplies before Thanksgiving.

Also of note: Beings that 41 is my favorite number, I'm happy/scared/excited/nervous to report that my company's office moves to the city in 41 days.

Huka Pele, Huka Pele, hu hu hu!

2007-10-14T18:47:00.001-05:00

I was fortunate enough to catch another episode of The Backyardigans while working out at the Y last week. I forgot how much I love this show.

From small beginnings come great things.

2007-09-20T23:41:00.000-05:00

birth·day [burth'-dey] –noun

1. the anniversary of a birth.
2. the day of a person's birth.
3. a day marking or commemorating the origin, founding, or beginning of something.
4. the festivities or celebration marking such a day or anniversary.

As I sit and surf away the last remaining hour of my 26th Anniversary, what better way to celebrate another year's end than with a beginning - a collection of my thoughts, ideas, and perhaps zany ramblings. All compiled in this window to my world. Imajen that...