not your ordinary

i moved

2010-12-30T11:57:00.002-05:00

play along at play make believehope to see you soon!

new series!

2010-06-18T13:59:00.002-04:00

creativethursday Originally uploaded by alter ego. Oh, neglected blog....In order to avoid a summertime of bloggy re-runs, I am officially putting this blog on hiatus. However... on a whim yesterday, I signed up for Creative Thursday's e-course. The six-ish months have found me yearning for a more balanced, less suit-and-tie-spreadsheet life and it seemed like the time was right to do more

nostalgia

2010-05-28T14:04:00.001-04:00

my kind of castle Originally uploaded by alter ego. This past weekend was my ten year college reunion (!). The entire weekend, I kept thinking the following... a top ten list, if you will...1. I am very lucky.2. My friends all look exactly the same as the day we started college3. When did college graduates start looking so young?4. Why did I revisit drinking too much?5. Hangovers are much

For Ma

2010-05-01T20:58:00.003-04:00

1.Do you like bleu cheese? Yes.2.Have you ever smoked? Yes, when I lived in Ireland.3.Do you own a gun? Never.4.Favorite type of food? Anything I didn't have to cook, really. 5.Favorite type of music? Music that makes a memory or brings one back.6.What do you think of hot dogs? To everything, there is a season.7.Favorite Christmas movie? Too many to pick ONE! We have a whole shelf-ful.8.What do

happy family

2010-04-02T16:01:00.002-04:00

happy family Originally uploaded by alter ego. Everyone in my house has the day off today - making it Great Friday! We started the day catching up on sleep (damn you, 5 AM weekday wake up time), going out to breakfast, running errands (we now own a lawn mower, a shop vac and a garden hose) and then some home improvement projects.It's only 4 PM, and we now have towel bars installed, twelve

Project Grow

2010-03-22T13:37:00.002-04:00

Big messOriginally uploaded by alter ego. Our house came with a yard, a giant neglected flower bed and the magical ability to make me want to do manual labor. I am hoping to turn just a part of the overgrown bed into a vegetable garden this year. I have no idea what I am doing at all! I have done some online research, bought myself two books and am going to try to remember that my veggie garden

We got plastered!

2010-03-14T17:17:00.002-04:00

big room plasteredOriginally uploaded by alter ego. This is likely interesting for no one other than my mom...Over the last week, our back room, which will soon be an open floor plan kitchen and living room, was plastered! This means it actually looks like a room and we're feeling that the End is Near.To be honest, it's been a little rough - we didn't realize how hard it would be to worry about a

Did Not Place...

2010-02-28T20:46:00.003-05:00

...Well, I did not finish my Knitting Olympics project. It was indeed a lofty goal - our entire laceweight chuppah in 17 days. That said, I am glad I played along this year. I made a LOT more progress than I would have in two weeks otherwise. I will finish, eventually. And once I find the camera cord, I will post pictures, too.

Oh, Peril!

2010-02-23T14:42:00.006-05:00

Dear Readers - A remarkable event is underway on the soon-to-be snow covered landscape northwest of Boston. I am enjoying the company of wonderful new friends, found within the pages of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Anne Shaffer and Annie Barrows. I have taken these friends with me from Rhode Island to New Hampshire, through snow and sun. I look forward to our next

What is Happening Now in Wenderland

2010-02-17T20:24:00.002-05:00

A LOT of Olympic watching. A lot. Like we're toggling between TV channels to watch hockey/curling/downhill recaps at the same time. And maybe some local curling club research ... as Sparky said yesterday "that girl doesn't look like someone you'd see and say 'hey, there's an Olympian'" (referring to the USA Team's skip) and my response was... "She is my hope!" A pesky 24 hour stomach bug! Bad

The Knitting Olympics Athletes Pledge

2010-02-13T22:55:00.003-05:00

I, a knitter of able hands and quick wits, to hereby swear that over the course of these Olympics I will uphold the highest standard of knitterly excellence.I will be deft of hand and sure of pattern, I will overcome troubles of yarn overs and misplaced decreases. I will use the gifts of intelligence and persistence (as well as caffeine and chocolate) and I will execute my art to the highest form

not my current window

2010-02-12T14:28:00.002-05:00

Spring WindowOriginally uploaded by alter ego. I sort of feel like I "owe" you guys an update. After the venting of my spleen about our construction zone house last week and coming home from the gym on Saturday and snapping at Sparky about the State of Things, I took action.Well, first I took a shower.But then I took an hour and half to re-organize our available living space to let in more light,

our house is not yet a home

2010-02-05T12:14:00.002-05:00

4 pictures for youOriginally uploaded by alter ego. Imagine this lovely spaces filled with moving boxes. . .We closed on our house mid-Novemeber, gave our contractor the keys the very next Monday and moved in moved over Thanksgiving weekend. We moved in knowing we had a bathroom situation that was not sustainable and that we'd be overhauling our kitchen/back half of the house.Our contractor told

opinions requested...

2010-01-21T07:09:00.002-05:00

setOriginally uploaded by alter ego. "Life is Good" as part of our wedding... cheesy and commercial or a true statement that would help us streamline things? What do you think?

In-TEN-tion

2010-01-13T11:39:00.008-05:00

This year feels like it's going to be a big year for me, as I am getting married * I will be in our house for a full year * I am going to my 10 year college reunion...and who knows what else! Actually this decade feels like a big decade for me, since it's starting with a year of Big-ness.Yet, I'm still sort of stuck in transitioning between 2009 and 2010. I learned a lot in 2009, mainly that I

the naughts

2010-01-04T10:43:00.006-05:00

...like many others, I find myself thinking not about the passing year, but the passing decade as we move into January 2010.I am a little amazed that everything that I've done, that has happened, and has changed, and what hasn't changed. Thinking about a decade instead of a year makes me so excited for what is to come, both what I know about and what there is no way I can even imagine from where

Tomte heading home

2010-01-03T07:51:00.002-05:00

Tomte heading homeOriginally uploaded by Sultry. My mom edited one of my photos and made it better. :)

1.1.2010

2010-01-01T15:54:00.003-05:00

Maine Winter 2010Originally uploaded by alter ego.

Holidaze 2009

2009-12-16T11:24:00.002-05:00

holiday 2009Originally uploaded by alter ego. Moving house this year means that we're not bringing the holidays into our home.Since our Home is Under Construction, we're making merry with a lot of Christmas and Holiday themed tv and movies, drinking a ton o' cocoa, and enjoying the simplier things of the holiday season - games, books, the radio and planning for next year, when we (I?) can do

i am moved

2009-11-30T14:43:00.002-05:00

The last four days, in a bulleted list:Watched part of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with tea Packed Apartment in a very organized, labeled way as we will not be fully upacked until the 2010 Opening Ceremonies Consumed turkey, stuffing, pie, and wine with new extended family Boarded the pup-eroni in an attempt to finish packing without tripping Donated goods to Goodwill Directed movers as

Happiness is Still Homemade!

2009-11-24T15:15:00.002-05:00

Happiness is still homemade embroideryOriginally uploaded by 31experiment. I found this while perusing flickr.com today and just LOVE it.It's timely and true and is something I would love to make to hang in our new home. Someday. You know, after I finish up my "Owl make dinner" apron I'm working on ...

Wally!

2009-11-20T14:20:00.002-05:00

Wally!Originally uploaded by alter ego. The green monster, aka,HOME.

home. owners.

2009-11-17T17:40:00.003-05:00

Well, we closed on the house. It was almost scary easy. We had some of our loved ones over Friday right after we closed to share in cheese, crackers and champagne... all of which helped make our new house a home.Yay.Now, to pack and move. The weekend after Thanksgiving. Oy!Pictures to come soon!

Go West!

2009-10-21T20:37:00.003-04:00

Well, it's been veeery veeeery quiet around here because... we're thisclose to being homeowners!Purchase and sale is signed, inspection is done, closing is in three weeks...(!) I am thrilled, excited, nervous, worried and tired.There is good (buying in a town we love), bad (made 5 offers, it is emotionally draining) and ugly (how much wood paneling is really needed?) adding up to a house that

Patchwork Prayer

2009-09-25T11:25:00.002-04:00

Patchwork PrayerOriginally uploaded by alter ego. Oh, neglected blog...it's been so long.Autumn is my favorite time of year ... I get myself some new supplies, get out sweaters, drink more tea, take longer walks with the dog and am just all around a tad more productive.This year, house-hunting is on our to-do list. Sparky has a permanent teaching job in a town very far away from our current very

laboring

2009-09-08T11:38:00.004-04:00

If I Win The MegaMillions Jackpot...

2009-08-28T10:43:00.002-04:00

My creationOriginally uploaded by alter ego. ... I am a touch obsessed right now with the over $300 million jackpot. Here's what I would do if I win the money tonight (in no real order):1. Quit my job. I used to say I'd at least give 2 weeks notice, but I don't think so anymore.2. Visit my Mom in Texas.3. Buy a cottage in Maine.4. Quilt more and take a "real" quilting class.5. Pay off my student

nathan's blanket

2009-08-27T15:01:00.002-04:00

nathan's blanketOriginally uploaded by alter ego. Oh, yay! A finished kniting project!I started this in February, on my way to my bestest friend's baby shower in Texas, certain I could finish it in a month and have it ready for her baby's arrival. She went a month early, I finished 4 months late and here it is, August, and I've mailed a giant blanket to Texas. What better time to send a giant

chop chop

2009-08-14T15:48:00.002-04:00

chop chopOriginally uploaded by alter ego. I realized that with the rain of June, the insanity of work in July and the fact that Sparky has to go back to work in a week (she teaches), I almost missed summer. Since work has slowed down, New England has dried out and warmed up, I am now trying to cram an entire summer into the month of August.One way I'm doing this is cooking more...fresher foods

coffee coffee

2009-08-11T11:37:00.002-04:00

coffee coffee!Originally uploaded by alter ego. On Saturday, I had a POUNDING headache, with a sharp pain running up a nerve behind my eye. I couldn't figure out what it was - until it went away almost the minute I started drinking a cup of coffee.I think maybe it's a sign (again, if we're going to be honest) that I need to cut back on the coffee. I tried to go cold turkey yesterday, but

light at the end of the tunnel

2009-08-01T00:02:00.002-04:00

lighthouse maineOriginally uploaded by alter ego. oh, august. summer, where did you go?i am increasingly thinking about playing the lottery. if i won, here is what I would do...let's pretend I've won the current powerball at $59 million cash (can you IMAGINE?!)call a lawyercall a financial advisertake the lump sumrevise my willtake a leave from my jobpay off my debtspay off of sparky's debtfigure

A Picnik!

2009-07-08T14:33:00.007-04:00

I discovered Picnik a few weeks ago -- it's a (semi) free photo editing site that is very user friendly and means I don't have to upload Photoshop onto my (ancient) laptop. I'm really loving it and feel like a few tweaks to a photo really do make all the difference. Here's the progression from one of my July 4th pictures of Sparky and Colby on the dock: Final: "Holga-ish" Edit 2: B&W with one

hobbies, hobbies

2009-06-30T19:31:00.002-04:00

square by chance Originally uploaded by alter ego. So.I've started quilting and sewing. I sort of LOVE it. This is a very, very simple square (totally by accident!) baby quilt I made for a co-worker. Totally inspired by a picture I found on flickr here. Uhm, she is having a girl and has already painted the nursery brown and pink.And, I finally found my camera cord, which is why blogging has

Reader Request: A Country Fair Wedding

2009-06-12T21:51:00.003-04:00

Reader Request: A Country Fair WeddingOriginally uploaded by finestationery. Check this out! I keep up with the "inspiration boards" by the Finer Things blog (http://finestationery.blogspot.com/) and made a reader request for ideas about a Country Fair wedding.I am loving the idea of incorporating blue ribbons....So. Much. Fun! And so much opportunity for 'research' this summer! Yum.

Details, Details

2009-06-11T11:09:00.002-04:00

StarflowersOriginally uploaded by alter ego. Apparently, 7 months of Beyonce's "Single Ladies" as my ringtone finally wore Sparky down, eh? (And, before you ask, she told me about a year ago "it would be more *traditional* if she proposed" - whatever that means.)Anyway, now I get to start planning! Hooray! I LOVE this stuff - I was actually a professional event planner for a short while after

Wedding Necessities!

2009-06-08T10:53:00.002-04:00

Things We Want At Our WeddingOriginally uploaded by alter ego. You know what this means? It means...We're planning a WEDDING!Yay.No giant white poofy dresses here... stay tuned for more details!

I will never forget my iPod again

2009-06-04T09:48:00.003-04:00

Overheard at the gym:Bimbette (in a push up bra, pink tank top and bleached hair made poker-straight by a flat iron): You have to be able to stand in front of someone and say "I am LINDSEY WHITE, this is who I am and what I stand for!?". Once you can do that, GOD will put an man in your life?!Lindsey: Mm.Bimbette: Do you KNOW what you stand for?Lindsey: <>Bimbette: I mean, you have to get a point

House Hunting

2009-05-22T14:10:00.002-04:00

House HuntingOriginally uploaded by alter ego. We've started house hunting. Whoa.

Mother's Day

2009-05-14T09:48:00.002-04:00

Bluebird for MomOriginally uploaded by alter ego. I think Mother's Day for me is May 19th - my birthday, and when I made my mom a Mom.It's a little over due, but here's what I sent my mom this year - I took one of her past Christmas Card designs - full set of her designs here - and embriodered it on white cotton. I'm not a pro-stitch master, but I really had fun making this. I then made it it

What I've Been Doing

2009-05-03T11:05:00.004-04:00

... with pictures by me! (I finally got around to moving some pictures from my camera to my computer...)I've been:in Florida at the beach...Flying on JetBlue...Going to the gym on Saturday and eating big breakfasts...Visiting friends in Washington, DC...and starting a new hobby. Whew!

Wild Flowers

2009-05-01T14:59:00.002-04:00

Obligatory Bluebonnet photoOriginally uploaded by Sultry. Gosh, I miss the bluebonnets in Texas. My mom posted this picture and in her note said it was cliche this time of year, but Mama, it's NOT! It may be to you, but to me it's a little bit of home. I'll be honest here - things have been a little rough going recently (see previous entry) and I'm thinking a LOT. Thinking a lot about how

oh, my.

2009-04-16T22:33:00.002-04:00

The Earth & the Heaven Originally uploaded by Catch the dream. Well, today I had a totally weird out of body experience. I was packed and ready to go to DC for the weekend to see dear friends. In touching base with one friend, she told me the event I was traveling for isn't actually this weekend, it's next Sunday (a baby shower).We laughed it off, adjusted and tossed my mixing up of dates and

What I've Been Doing

2009-04-01T16:32:00.002-04:00

Making new meals and loving noodles. Dreaming about teaching myself to quilt.Cleaning out the apartment - it IS spring time.Vacationing in Florida and loving the sunshine.Walking the dogster while listening to podcasts.Knitting another Noro scarf and a baby blanket.Watching the new series Dollhouse.Contemplating a garden.Transitioning my own thinking and trying to be more positive.Exploring

Kind of Discouraged

2009-03-13T11:29:00.001-04:00

Kind of DiscouragedPosted using ShareThis

56.365 A Night "Off"

2009-02-27T10:59:00.001-05:00

56.365 A Night "Off" Originally uploaded by alter ego. Ah, normal working hours, how I've missed you! I've made it to the gym three times this week, and am getting enough sleep, am thinking about non-work things and even got to have a mini-break at Borders with Sparky on Thursday. This weekend, perhaps even a date! Ah-mazing.

10 Things... with the letter "L"

2009-02-19T16:36:00.006-05:00

Stolen/Borrowed from Jeanette... 10 Things I am Loving Right NowLooking at 365 Photo Projects - I check in on Carrioke, Bertha and Cauchy's regularly via flickr. I'm not doing so swell with mine (damn it, missing days!) but have already learned a bit (mainly, I could stand not being so much in a routine each week).Local Beer in Austin, Texas - I'm headed to Austin for the weekend and am hoping

know thyself

2009-02-13T14:27:00.003-05:00

valentineOriginally uploaded by alter ego. You know how as you get older, you realize there are things about yourself that you just don't like but that you have to accept and deal with?One of mine is that I actually care about Valentine's Day. Now, intellectually I know that it's a commercial crap shoot meant to peddle roses, chocolate and sappy cards.But every single dang year I want something

33.365 I'm sick of work

2009-02-06T22:46:00.001-05:00

33.365 I'm sick of work Originally uploaded by alter ego. Even with all the work madness, I've still managed to keep up with my 365 project. Yay!

it figures

2009-01-30T16:41:00.001-05:00

embriodery Originally uploaded by alter ego. ... that after I wrote a long post about all the knitting I want to do, that suddenly I don't want to knit at all, and instead want to embroider. I'm headed out for the weekend, leaving work a touch early, and am going to do my best to get creative this weekend. More pictures to come, with my work, instead of inspiration from Flickr!

Bedtime

2009-01-29T21:25:00.001-05:00

Nightstand Originally uploaded by alter ego. I'm trying to be healthier. Kim pointed out on one of my posts that eating healthier makes a big difference in managing stress (as does exercising and getting sleep), and I'm trying to re-remember that. I'm drinking a lot more water, eating a lot better, and trying to teach myself that I can only control so much in my job. On to the sleep part.

Planning for Baby

2009-01-21T13:55:00.006-05:00

Ha! Got you there, didn't I?! Not MY baby, the babies in my life that will need knitting. I did a little list before, but here we go, with details...Feb Baby: Already has a cardigan, need to finish. Will crochet (!) a baby blanket, as crochet is faster than knitting and Feb is two weeks away. Since I can't really crochet, this will need to be something very simple. And started soon. Like maybe

I Love Maine

2009-01-19T20:32:00.001-05:00

the dock Originally uploaded by alter ego. Much needed break - check!Back to reality tomorrow. I wish Sparky would stop sing "I've got ho's in different area codes..."

Another Meme

2009-01-18T18:28:00.004-05:00

Hmmm. I've always wanted to do an iPod meme and see what the mystery iPod gives back. So here, we go, with my comments...Q: What does next year have in store for you? Funhouse, Pink YAY!Q: What does your love life look like next year? Shh, Frou Frou HeeheeQ: What do you say when life gets hard? Blue Eyes, Carey Brothers This doesn't make senseQ: Song that reminds you of good times? Pretty Paper,

Break

2009-01-17T17:01:00.001-05:00

Believe Originally uploaded by alter ego. We're on a much needed mini-break here in Maine... being away is making me want to knit a lot more and update my queue on Ravelry. There's a lot of people having babies in my circle of friends soon, and I'm hoping to knit for them...this list is probably more for me than anything, but I'd love to here if you have favorite baby knits or suggestions

365.12 Hot and Yummy

2009-01-12T21:55:00.001-05:00

365.12 Hot and Yummy Originally uploaded by alter ego. Oy, I've been back at work for six days and it's already draining. I'm trying to find little ways to retain the feeling of holiday in my daily life and so far, I have the following:tea before bedwrite in journal in the morningread a fun bookmake time to knit (even if just a very little bit)get off the computertake more pictureswhat do

5.365 finished a new sweater

2009-01-08T22:28:00.001-05:00

5.365 finished a new sweater Originally uploaded by alter ego. aw, yeah, i'm knitting more, writing more and trying that whole 365 thing. click through to see more via flickr... you'll need to be a friend or family to see them, though! :)

What I Found

2009-01-03T14:05:00.002-05:00

What I Found Originally uploaded by alter ego. Well, *Colby* found these on our walk this morning. I was in la-la land listening to my podcast while we walked and looked over and there were these two little polar bears! I think we were meant to find them...I love lists and resolutions and goals and planning. A little too much some times; I can get stuck very easily in the color coding,

sunset

2008-12-31T17:47:00.001-05:00

5 pictures for you Originally uploaded by alter ego. I kept the introspection in my real live pen-and-paper journal rather than here, online. . . no thanks necessary. Thanks to everyone who stops by and Happy New Year!

End of Year Meme

2008-12-29T15:16:00.004-05:00

From a Knitted Frenzy...What did you do in 2008 that you’d never done before? Ran 15 miles. On purpose. For fun. Consecutively.Did you keep your new years’ resolutions and will you make more for next year? No and Yes. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes. SIL gave us little Katie. It seems almost everyone I know is pregnant or has given birth in the last 18 months. 2009 will bring a lot of

lake with snow

2008-12-27T21:20:00.001-05:00

lake with snow Originally uploaded by alter ego. Ah, still at the lake house.Being away from home, but with my dog, my knitting and my sparky makes for a Great Christmas.I am spending time with my knitting, thinking a lot about 2008 and beingidealistic about 2009. Warning, introspective posts may pop up in short order.Until then, I'm enjoying being off work, procrastinating writing thank

10 More Things I Love Today

2008-12-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

lake, frozenOriginally uploaded by alter ego. 1. Leaving work 'early', aka when there's still daylight.2. Getting my elf-errands done and somehome coming home with books for others that I don't need. I'm trying really hard not to over-gift this year so now I need to RETURN them.3. Having my SIL tell me it's okay to feel happy about a day off from dog care - Sparky has Colby at the lake today

Delays...

2008-12-23T07:36:00.003-05:00

home office, last weekOriginally uploaded by alter ego. ...in blogging were brought to you by this scene from last weekend - dueling computers at the dining room table. Thankfully, no work this upcoming weekend (unless there's an emergency). Click through to flickr for notes on the picture....off to work, then shopping!

Mama Mia!

2008-12-22T10:53:00.004-05:00

1992 PresentOriginally uploaded by Sultry. My mom posted some of her amazing Christmas cards over the years to her Flickr account. Check them out! This is one of my FAVORITES, and it just scream "MOM" to me - and seems to be asking to be stitched up on a white background with red embroidery thread... Hmm. January, post-Christmas project perhaps?

10 Things I'm Loving this Holiday Season

2008-12-19T18:56:00.004-05:00

1. Candy Canes2. Being snowed in with Sparky3. Knitting4. Spiked cocoa5. Naps under warm fleece blankets6. Christmas Movies7. "All I Want for Christmas" as my ringtone8. Having our own Christmas Shrub9. Starting and sharing traditions10. Chicken Matzoh Ball Soup

Do you know...

2008-12-18T06:11:00.002-05:00

Dunkin Donuts coffeeOriginally uploaded by redspotted. ...that feeling of being incredibly tired, under hydrated, too caffeinated and poorly feed? That's where I am today. I am not a person who's good with 5 hours of sleep. I am worried about getting through another 14 hour day. Think of me! Send water and veggies...

Happiness is...

2008-12-16T21:08:00.001-05:00

A warm puppy.That's for sure. Word.Work is again testing my limits. I am sitting at home - my one 'early' day this week - eating leftover fried cheese and drinking Bud Light. That whole 25 days is more like maybe 18 days... sorry about that. I'm skipping the blog time so I can knit and cuddle up with the dog, cocoa and Bailey's. . . Ideas for quick holiday posts WELCOME.Cheers.

My Christmas List

2008-12-13T21:59:00.002-05:00

This year, I asked for nothing - honestly, the last thing I need is more 'things'. However, it is always fun to dream...and make a list should I win the lottery. So, I'm indulging...in no particular order, here we go: 1. A perfume gift certificate from Sephora. I've been wearing DKNY Delicious for years and maybe smelling like apples isn't always good. Actually, I wonder if that's why I'm hungry

Promises, Promises

2008-12-11T16:57:00.004-05:00

Hi. I know I promised y'all tales from the holiday party, but there really isn't much to share. The sushi was bad, the wine was free and McDonald's was on my drive home.For tomorrow, you may choose either...My random musings on New Year's Resolutions ORMy Christmas Wish List...More soon, work is back to eating me alive!

Countdown to Christmas: Attack of the Christmas Trees

2008-12-09T16:24:00.003-05:00

Christmas TreesOriginally uploaded by alter ego. Well, I have no idea if I can do this story justice...here goes!When my brothers and I were younger - young enough that picking out our Christmas tree was a Big Deal, we'd all go to the local nursery to find a tree. Remember, this is Texas, and chopping your own in North Dallas isn't really possible. At least, not that I know of. And I shouldn't

Countdown to Christmas: 10 Free Things

2008-12-08T19:27:00.002-05:00

I probably should have asked you to vote for "10 Things with minimal incremental cost", but oh well, too late, here goes:1. Make your family their dinner of choice. My guess is that you're already making dinner, so why not take an 'order' in the morning and make dinner time a little cafe time? With enough planning and/or lead time, you could even set the table with the good dishes (or, in our

Countdown to Christmas: Weekend Two-fer, Cocoa AND Tea

2008-12-07T18:09:00.001-05:00

Cocoa: I searched high and low this weekend for what I call "Kentucky Mints". I have NO idea if that's what they're really called or why I even think that's what they're called. Anyway, they are the white after-dinner mints that have a green gel center. And the melt very well into instant hot cocoa. Add a little Bailey's and you have what I call a Tim Horton's version of a jazzed up mint mocha.

Countdown to Christmas: What I Would Miss

2008-12-05T16:39:00.002-05:00

What I would Miss If Christmas EvaporatedOriginally uploaded by alter ego. I would miss...Christmas StockingsChristmas ElvesAdvent CalendarsPeppermintTiny lights covered by snowLaughing with my family over weird thingsLasagna on Christmas EvePizzelles all DecemberShopping with my best friendFunny, these things would all still exist sans Christmas, but it just wouldn't be the same, would it?Cocoa

Cocoa Delayed

2008-12-04T15:33:00.001-05:00

Sunday Mornings Originally uploaded by Swamibu. Hola. Tonight is a work holiday event, thus delaying my cocoa post. Cheers and more tomorrow! To make it up to y'all, post a holiday question you want answered and I'll pick on for a post this weekend!

Countdown to Christmas, Day 3: Locked In

2008-12-03T15:36:00.006-05:00

When my brothers and I were younger, we were not allowed to leave a "the kids' wing" before 8 AM on Christmas morning. The connotation "kids' wing" is misleading, mind you. Basically, our bedrooms were separated from my dad and step mom's room by the living room and kitchen. Anyway, we had to go wake up my dad and step mom together - the thought was that this way, we'd all see the tree and

Countdown to Christamas, Day 2: Nice It Is!

2008-12-02T15:11:00.008-05:00

My mom loves gifts. This is a critical fact for my story. She's not selfish or greedy. She's never given out a giant list of things she wants. She's always loved handmade, thoughtful things more than anything brand name or trendy. She keeps things and comments on them months after you've given something to her - the knitting bag from my SIL, the socks I knit that have holes in them, the list goes

Starting The Season

2008-12-01T14:31:00.003-05:00

Perfect Pup.Originally uploaded by alter ego. Last year, I did the 12 Days of Christmas, and this year I'm going to be ambitious and go for 25! It's my countdown to Christmas, elves!Last year's series was because I wasn't feeling the spirit and wasn't sure why. This year, I'm thrilled it is December 1st and already have some holiday decorations in the apartment (advent calendar, themed place mats

Alphabet

2008-11-21T12:13:00.006-05:00

Inspired by Nino's ABC series... an ABC collage of some of my favorite things - except one! One is one of my least favorite things! Wanna guess which one? Oh, and I know, they're not necessarily in alpha order. As another note...only the pictures of Colby, the Temple of Heaven, and the water are mine, all others are from Flickr. Individual photo details are available by clicking through the

Sometimes I Miss the North End

2008-11-10T20:24:00.000-05:00

Before and After

2008-11-03T20:32:00.003-05:00

BeforeColby on the ride home.AfterColby and his birthday lobster.One year ago today, we went to pick up Colby! In the past year I've learned:A walk and fresh air fixes a lot. Podcasts help me from talking to my dog all the time. Sometimes the best cure to the blues is a Saturday afternoon with the dog on the couch. Some people are ignorant about pitbulls and pit mixes. Don't inhale when picking

Ain't That the Truth

2008-10-17T11:46:00.002-04:00

Email exchange between me and Sparky after a loooooooooong week:Sparky: i just went outside with the history class to play Capture theFlag. fun :)Me: i got to look out the window Sparky: that's fun, too. just not as much

31 Days: October 10

2008-10-15T20:45:00.002-04:00

Well, I'm revising my 31 Days approach. I initially thought I could post every day for a month, but that's not happening (hazard of working for a financial firm during times of market trouble).So, I'm going to see how long it takes me to post a month's worth of pictures I think are interesting, rather than crap shots to meet an artificial deadline. So, on that note, I bring you pictures from

31 Days: October 7

2008-10-07T22:08:00.001-04:00

So... Rake, Sing, Knit... Die?

31 Days: October 6

2008-10-06T19:55:00.002-04:00

Annoying Dog Toy*The Video*Bonus Feature: My Annoying "Talking to Colby Voice"

31 Days: October 5

2008-10-05T21:50:00.001-04:00

Sunday Brunch

31 Days: October 4

2008-10-05T21:47:00.002-04:00

Token from Ground Zero, NYC. Saint Paul's Cathedral.*No immediate internet access.

31 Days: October 3

2008-10-03T21:35:00.003-04:00

Morning Walkies with Colby

31 Days: October 2

2008-10-02T22:34:00.001-04:00

Morning/Night

31 Days: October 1

2008-10-01T20:23:00.002-04:00

Day One:: Change

I Love Fall.

2008-09-28T15:57:00.002-04:00

3 pictures for you Originally uploaded by alter ego. It is my favorite time of year, and I even didn't mind the rain too much this weekend.This weekend in New England included perfect knitting weather, and in spite of the warmishness and humid air, I've been making tea. (Project: Dumpling Bag!)This weekend, and the next two weekends, are weekends filled literally with my best friends in the

All Knitting, All The Time

2008-09-21T12:25:00.003-04:00

Until about three weeks ago, I wasn't blogging because my free time was consumed by running. Well, I haven't done anything really physical in the last three weeks except walk the dog (that's two hours a day, people, lest you think I'm a slacker). While the gym and fall runs are in my near future, I wanted to share with you what I've been doing with my free time over the past three weeks...

good things

2008-09-19T08:52:00.004-04:00

dateOriginally uploaded by alter ego. I toy with the idea on and off of copying post ideas from other blogs...memes, for example fall into this category. So does the ABC - along, a project I have yet to complete or follow the rules on; Random Wednesdays, etc.With the ending of my marathon training, I suddenly have more time on my hands, and have been knittingknittingknitting and being overall

Corner Office

2008-09-11T12:37:00.001-04:00

corner cubicle Originally uploaded by alter ego. I always like to see little glimpses of what other people see every day - so I'm sharing my desk with you. If you go to the photo source on Flickr, you can see some notes on the things I see every single day. This is a little old; I'm no longer carrying a white bag (it is September, after all...)

Time Machine

2008-09-05T23:37:00.002-04:00

Arrow in Attleboro 287 Originally uploaded by Mike Z. Do you ever suddenly realize that somehow a whole chunk of time has gone by and you're not really sure what happened? I'm not talking about a few hours spent online on Facebook here and there, but the fact that it is somehow September. School buses are back on the road, football practice is in full swing, and Halloween stuff seems to be

The People in Our Neighborhood

2008-08-17T21:53:00.002-04:00

Mount Hope CemetaryOriginally uploaded by alter ego. Well, we're settling in to our new neighborhood and meeting our neighbors...We're actually pretty close to a cemetery and arboretum. Sounds like an odd combo, doesn't it?!However, it turns out that it's a fabulous place to walk Colby. There's a Dunkies on the way there, and now that I've found out that NPR has podcasts, I'm really looking

Turning Green

2008-07-31T17:24:00.001-04:00

Turning Green Originally uploaded by alter ego. We've been painting...tomorrow, we be moving.

New Home

2008-07-14T16:54:00.002-04:00

Living RoomOriginally uploaded by alter ego. T-18 days until we move.

Wednesday Mornings are My Favorite

2008-07-09T12:44:00.005-04:00

On Wednesday mornings, I don't need to run in the morning. And since it's warm and humid out, Colby gets tuckered out around 30 - 45 minutes, thus only needed a shorter walk than in the spring/fall/winter. And I LOVE it.So, on Wednesdays, we leave at 6 AM and walk past Hope High School......on to Starbucks for a regular coffee (and sometimes an old-fashioned donut or an apple fritter, but don't

Countdown to A Long Weekend

2008-07-03T11:43:00.002-04:00

A MeMe! From Danielle. Since, she thinks everyone is fascinating. I certainly think *I* can be fascinating. 1. Where was I 10 years ago?Holy cow, getting ready to go abroad for my junior year of college. I can't believe that was 10 years ago. I was working at Cookie Bouquet for the summer and loving it.2. Five things on today’s to-do list.Go running. Walk the dog. Check on the pool we're

four years, bam!

2008-07-02T16:20:00.008-04:00

4 YrsOriginally uploaded by alter ego. Cara's recent post made me wonder how long I'd been blogging, 'cause I agree with her - knitblogging HAS changed since I started this blog FOUR years ago.Literally, four years to the day today, I wrote my first post.That's longer than Cara herself, six months less than The Harlot, longer than Crazy Aunt Purl. I throw that out there only because when I

free stuff!

2008-07-02T08:09:00.004-04:00

contest prize!Originally uploaded by alter ego. Well, since I'm packing up and moving north, I'm trying to cull back the amount of 'stuff' I own.Especially since Sparky aparently has 'stuff' of her own. Since I can furnish a three-bed room apartment on my own, and Sparky's wardrobe fits in a duffle bag, guess who has her work cut out for her in order to try to even things out?I'm finding that a