Tortoise Shell Sunglasses Needed

Why does this pair of sunglasses from 1996 outlast any other pair I've purchased in the past thirteen years? They're my new favorites again, since my cheap ones keep killing themselves.



Philadelphia has been gorgeous. After the two sunless weeks, we've been treated to bright, cloudless days, and weather that is not too hot. I have yet to hit the beach this year, but I hope to remedy that next weekend.

I've been doing some reading, drawing, biking, walking around town and seeing friends. I'll show you some new drawings soon!

I was so sad to not enjoy a Tastykake Butterscotch Krimpet for the storming of The Bastille with the Degenerate Knitters, as Hostess Twinkies sponsored the event this year. That was nice of Hostess and all, but as Lisa pointed out, Twinkies just do not have the impact resistance that Krimpets have. The Twinkies exploded and smashed on impact, and were not one bit appetizing. I went home and made a microwave S'mores instead.

Hope you all had a great weekend too!

100,000 Stitches +/-

My hardcore knitting friends know that I'm not the most dedicated of knitters. So you can imagine my surprise when I finally cast off (well twice technically, since I did it the first time, almost ruined and burned the whole thing) my Pi-Shawl. I did a quick tally, since it's based on Pi (3.1416....) and it comes out to approximately 100,000 stitches.



You heard me. One hundred thousand stitches. Not to mention the three times that I knit the garter edging which may bring my count up another 50,000? I washed it and blocked it last night, but was "glowing" too much from my workout and bike ride home tonight to model this for you guys. We don't want to ruin that cashmere. All shall be revealed soon, I promise.



After all that accomplishment, I thought I deserved a little treat! Don't you think? (Purchased for one Washington at a tag sale down the street).

Coffee + Tea

I keep typing and deleting sentences that will explain my obsessive inclinations regarding the two following products, but I give up. You know me by now.



I ride my bike to work. I like to bring my coffee in the morning because I'm realizing that I will never be one of those people who gets up early enough to sit at my kitchen table eating breakfast while drinking said coffee and reading the paper (which we don't even get)... Who are these people, and why do I admire you so much? Speak up, now!

I love practicality, common sense and good design, and hate clutter and things that don't work. I've been looking for a few months for that one coffee mug that would not spill in my bike pannier, would keep the contents hot, and have all parts able to remove so that they wouldn't get moldy and gunky. I thought it did not exist. It does. It is called the Timolino Vacuum iBottle with Infuser. I searched online for specs on this mug but couldn't really find a suitable description. Thankfully, I visited Steap, where I was able to examine it in person, and purchase it on the spot. It's for coffee or tea. There is a removable strainer that is exellent for loose tea, if you prefer. Here's how it works.



When I get home, I like to have a little snack and a cup of organic coconut black tea with vanilla soy milk. In this instance, a travel receptacle does not fit the bill, and I was having a hard time with the tea infuser I did have. I went back to Steap and treated myself to the red mug. It's called the FORLIFE Curve Teacup.



I think I'm set for the next 10 years, and am so glad that I don't have to buy any more mugs! On to the next thing to research extensively...

Leaping

"Always do what you are afraid to do." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tomorrow I am doing something that scares me.  I'm leaping out of my comfort zone to make the first steps in joining a volunteer design collaborative where I don't know a soul.  Although I technically work in the design field, I do space planning and facilities type work, more than actual design.  I've been out of school for 6 years, and feel slightly rusty.  Dare I say I even feel small.  I want to do something that I enjoy donating my time and energy to, and something that can help me grow as a designer as well.

And I want to give back to the community of Philadelphia that has given me so much ice cream and water ice, even though it's broken into my car twice...

I was a platform diver, have jumped out of airplane, went on a Habitat for Humanity spring break trip without knowing anyone, was selected as the foreman for my jury duty, have had my heart broken, and made the security guard who made me cry become my friend.  But I'm scared of looking a little rusty?!  I know.  Below is a reminder to myself of an intimidating situation that ended up being completely empowering.  

I know it's kind of silly, but if I can admit it here, I can realize it's ridiculous.  Tell me, what are your tips for pushing yourself to do things that intimidate you?

Purple Cables

We had a cold spell in February. After the tenth time walking to work freezing my head off in a thinly knit hat (Rowan Felted Tweed), I attempted to rectify this situation.

This purple chunky yarn was meant to be a purse a long time ago. One of those cute baguette clutches with huge cables and some type of velvet/sequin/tulle/extranneous embellishment that yours truly would have rigged up. It had been sitting in my sewing basket 85% completed for about four years now. I pulled it out (which was harder than it sounds, since I hadn't yet learned to seam correctly, and had knotted the bejesus out of it...) and whipped up this slouchy hat for myself.

Ahhhh. Warmth. Cozy. And huge!

I think I love it. (Wink wink)

In non-knitting news, I read The Soloist yesterday. I visited the Philadelphia Free Library to pick up books and kill time since I misplaced my housekeys (hopefully inside!) and had to wait for Mike to get home. The Soloist happens to be the book that they've selected for One Book, One Philadelphia this year. I had been meaning to read it, but had an extra incentive since the author is visiting next Wednesday for a discussion and concert with the Black Pearl Orchestra. The book was quick and the true story touched my heart. I found myself finishing it in one sitting (instead of finishing my taxes I might add...) It also reminded me how lucky I am.

If anyone wants to go to to the concert and discussion next week, just let me know!

Dinosaurs and Wrecking Balls

Last November, I waited for two hours in South Philly with hundreds of people to watch them break a giant piñata. This was schemed by a famous cruise line to break a world record. Much to the disappointment of the masses surrounding this five-story beast, it was never busted. They had a fake paper maché wrecking ball and everything. I saw a man lift said wrecking ball with his own two hands. Not even Andre the Giant could have done that!



After leaving and having only a donut to console me, I gave up on ever seeing a real live demolition. It's not a life goal or anything (that's saved for riding on top of an elevator at work a la Bruce Willis in Die Hard for the next inspection), but it would be fun to watch!

Well imagine my glee this morning when they just happened to be demolishing a building on my way to work and I got to watch a real, non-paper maché wrecking ball bust out some columns. I sat and watched for three strikes, and then laughed at another machine that was busily chomping off the roof. The angle, the bright yellow of the machine, the chomping teeth and pure silliness, it looked like an apatosaurus eating breakfast, if they dined on concrete and gypsum. I broke into a huge smile, because this is something my brother would have gotten such a kick out of.



I had to sketch it to remember this moment. Some things are too good to pass up, and what a way to start your morning.

Halloween Superseded in Philly

Happy Halloween and all that. Philadelphia is a sea of red...and beer and yelling and excitement, thanks to the Phillies winning the World Series! I'm not a huge baseball fan by any means, but it's great to celebrate with everyone in your city. You can't help but be proud and enjoy usually reticent strangers high fiving each other and hugging.

Cell phone photo on Wednesday night at City Hall.













I did all the Halloween stuff early. We toasted pumpkin seeds. I bought candy for the kids, and have been good about not eating it all.



We carved 2 sides of 1 pumpkin so that Mike and I each had a say. Mike's side below...



And mine sporting a huge handlebar mustache and brows.



You can't really leave pumpkins out in my neighborhood for long. Ours lasted an impressive 18 hours before getting smashed, and I still owe Mike a dollar on that bet. It's all in good fun though. I was definitely involved in some shaving cream fights and innocent mayhem with the neighborhood kids in my time. (wink)

Alright kids, I have a parade to see on my lunch break. Happy Halloween everyone!

Apple Orchards

I have always wanted to visit an apple orchard, and after seeing Andrea's post, I called up some friends and we headed over to Linvilla Orchards.

For fuel though, I did something else I've been meaning to do. I visited a donut shop across the street from my house and was pleasantly surprised to find that it is probably not a drug front. There were actual donuts and things being sold there of the legal variety.

The following pretty much sums up my Saturday. And yes, I'm wearing a pack that happens to be belted on to my mid-section. Although I generally wear it slung across a hip, in these pictures, I'm wearing it like my favorite Uncle Steve on a family trip circa 1986.








The day, this truck, rockin' the fanny sack...awesome...

Friends and Visitors

I've been scarce again. I got to catch up with my cousin, Camille in Atlantic City, during her tour of the US from the Philippines. It was only fitting to dine on a last shared meal of steak and lobster, before tightening up my belt strap in this current financial situation.



Some old friends from college visited me last weekend as well. It's fun to rediscover your city, and see it through the eyes of others. And take cheesy photos in front of the Betsy Ross House.



Noticing this pretty grate in Old City.



Finally making it to the Eastern State Penitentary.



Seeing a new statue of Ben Franklin, with details of cut keys. Throwing a penny over Ben's grave for good luck.



Enjoying miniature painted wood statues at the Eastern State Penitentary, depicting life behind the prison walls.



Enjoying a free Bruce Springsteen show at the Obama Rally on a gorgeous day with friends.



Eating more ice cream past summertime. Did you even know that they make chocolate cones?



Side projects of illustration, that maybe I can show you soon! And of course, biting my nails until this election is over...

Hello, Fall!

Fall is officially here when I start getting the urge to cast on for multiple knitted projects. Vests...sweaters...tweed...you get the picture. I'm nixing the urges for now though. My main priority is still studying for the LEED exam, which I'll take in December. So for now, I'm sticking to finishing my Pi Shawl, which I can knit while reading, and a pair of socks for Mike.

Oh. You think I'm being sweet, don't you?! Ha. I promised these to him for his birthday in January 2008, so really, I'm just following up here. And being the sweetie that he is, he changed a flat tire on my truck in his limited spare time before work.

They're Hedgerow Socks in Schaefer Heather yarn, another easy pattern that shows off the variegated yarn beautifully. The color is a bit subdued for my particular taste, but I'm enjoying it nonetheless.

In the meantime, I'm looking for ways to say yes to new ideas and events out there. I'm feeling a bit bored and antsy, so I'm trying to focus my energy to areas of my life that have flexibility. If this doodle (while paying attention) during a meeting at work tells you anything, something is trying to get out... We shall see.



Lastly, but probably most importantly, we said a proper goodbye to Summer this weekend, with coke floats and a mountain range of ice cream sundaes at Franklin Fountain.

The Golden Goddess

I would have told you sooner about my gorgeous new bike, but I went home to Florida to see my very missed parents, friends and most importantly, my 8 month old nephew with the sweetest face, best personality and chunky legs with so many rolls, they could compete with a bakery delivery truck. (The last part of that run on sentence should have been read in a squealing voice. I can't help it, and don't ask me to!)

I had given up on affording a new bike or finding a used bike that was not stolen by a person who might cut off my head and use it as a hat. When all hope was lost, my friend Tim (bike pusher and enthusiast) started looking on eBay and Craigslist for me. He not only found good options for me, but went with me to check it out.

So here she is, my sweet bright yellow, not stolen bike. She's totally sporty and kind of flashy, but with a few minor scars here and there...just like her owner. She needs a catchy name though, I'm mulling some over in my head. What do you think?



I was hesitant to get a road bike as I wanted to be able to mount a rack and use my grocery pannier. Thankfully, I found a way to mount it, and my heels don't even clip it while riding.



That was extremely lucky. Otherwise, how would I have been able to carry all of this booty from the farmer's market this morning? I'm serious people, that bag is amazing. It is truly liberating to carry things on your bike rather than on your back.



And the tomatoes?! How is it even possible that I just started liking tomatoes a few years ago. What was wrong with me?



I know, I know. I am totally a blogger now. My non-bloggy friends make fun of me for taking pictures of random things. But just look at these tomatoes!



Why wasn't my lazy butt going to the farmer's market the rest of the summer? (Insert disapproving sound and shake of the head).

Completed: Landscape Scarf

The Landscape Scarf is completed. What an adorable and fun project. The larger shawl isn't particularly my style, but this small triangular version would be perfect for anyone.

To re-cap, I started with three Koigu mill ends, which was equal to about 1-1/2 skeins.



I used a Russian join to join the yarn together from the different skeins. I recommend using this type of join, especially if the yarn is slippery and will not felt together easily, such as silk or super wash wools. It creates a seamless thread of yarn, and eliminates the need to weave in lots of ends. I wanted to switch pretty often, and this join worked perfectly.

The only change I made in the pattern was to add a picot to every row, instead of every other row.



I gave it a little bath, and blocked it out slightly to shape the top edge better.



I then took gratuitous shots of my new scarf next to cupcakes with matching sprinkles. This was a complete coincidence though, the cupcakes were because Mike's nephew was visiting.



My scarf's maiden voyage was at the Bastille Day Festival at the Eastern State Penitentiary. I put it on briefly to show the girls and pose for a group photo with Madame de Farge.



A quick note on my awkward pose; my hand is stuck in the air because it's covered in Tastykake frosting from the "let them eat cake" festivities. Yes, those are Tastykakes being shoveled off of the roof and pummeling the crowd. Glorious.

Summer Days

Now that I have officially checked off the checkable items off of my to-do-list, I can revel in some summertime tomfoolery (that word must be used whenever the opportunity arises).

I forgot what freedom you have when you ride your bike around the city. Unfortunately, the hardest part is getting my bike in and out of the apartment. Sometimes it's the steep stairs, and sometimes it's a person passed out on your front stoop.



This afternoon I took a ride along the Schuylkill River. I rode so far south, that I realized I was practically at Lisa's house. Within a few minutes, she agreed to meet me for some iced coffee and knitting.



The Landscape Scarf is coming along, after being ripped out a few times. It's the size of a bandit's kerchief, but growing steadily, one adorable picot at a time.



I had to take a minute to admire this ingenious wall garden outside of the cafe. How do you think she waters these plants? And really, do we even care? They're just so pretty.