August IComLeavWe
IComLeavWe has rolled around again, so hi to anyone who drops by from that :-) I’m going to be a little late in starting this month, because I’m going to be out for most of tomorrow (technically today already, eek), and I might be sleeeeeepy when I get home. In fact, I should be in bed and sleeping now, so I’d better get going. I may get a chance to jump online when I get in tomorrow, but if not, it’ll have to wait until Sunday. I can do double then.
IComLeavWe: Join the Conversation
July ICLW!
IComLeavWe: Join the Conversation
Whoops, I’ve just realised that yester-today* is the start of IComLeavWe for July. So a quick hi to anyone who drops by – I am still here, but I’ve been so busy spinning and doing other Actual Real Life things (shocking, I know) that I haven’t remembered to blog. And now I’m off to make today’s tally of comments. Better get to bed after that – it’s late!
* technically yesterday, since it’s now past midnight, but still within the same “day” for me since I’m still up!
Q is for Q&A
I haven’t done any of the NaBloPoMo prompts for a while, so I think I’ll have a bit of a catch-up:
Do you owe an apology to anyone? Why?
Hmmm… not as far as I can think of. I hope not!
You’ve just been given a million dollars. You are not allowed to keep it or give it to anyone you know personally. What do you do with it and why?
Well, first of all I’ll convert it into pounds ;-) Or assume that it’s the correct equivalent amount already. I’ll then donate half of it to charity – preferably a Bipolar disorder one like the MDF. The other half I think I’ll do something fun with. Like going to the local supermarket and paying for everyone’s shopping, or at least picking people at random to do that for until I run out of money. Which could take a while, actually, so maybe I could buy some big purchases for places or people that need them. I guess the ‘rules’ leave me room to do something like buy a minibus for an old people’s home or something, as long as there’s no-one there I know.
If you could go back in time and meet your 16-year-old self, what three things would you tell yourself?
1) Break up with your boyfriend asap – really, you’re better off single. 2) When things start to go really weird in your head, yes, you should go to the doctor and no, the doctors are not part of a conspiracy. You’re not well, it’s not your fault that you need help. 3) A Levels. Do some work for them. You’ll get better grades.
A is for Ambition
I’ve decided that a good way to keep myself going with the daily posting is to do the meme / exercise that I’ve seen on some other blogs, and do a letter of the alphabet each day. Obviously that leaves four days, so I’ll do a week of alphabet then a day of either something random, or doubling up on a letter. I’ll decide that part when I get there!
So, A is for “Ambition”. Which can be broken down into both short and long term goals:
- Maintaining the daily blogging through this month, and also doing IComLeavWe at the end of the month.
- Possibly do 750words.com (depending on time).
- Sort out the photo album on this thing!
- New site design (also for here).
- Finish at least one knitting project – try sewing up the Menace jumper, for example. And keep working on the Clapotis.
- Make some blog posts updating my knitting progress – what I’ve been doing over the last few months as well as what I’m doing now, since I haven’t posted for so long.
- Write up the patterns I’ve designed. Finally!
“Ambition” also works pretty well for the NaBloPoMo prompt for today – I may or may not do these every day, it depends what appeals to me. But the one for today is:
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a teacher. Boring, I know! Specifically, I think I wanted to be an English teacher, because I loved reading and writing. On slightly more mature reflection, I decided that the idea of dealing with a classroom full of teenagers was an appalling one, so I changed my mind to librarian. Needless to say, I’m in neither profession now, although I have done some one-to-one music tuition and enjoyed that.
Friday 5 for July 3: Fireworks
After dropping off the face of the blog (oops!) for about two and a half months, I’m back with… a Friday 5. I know, thou shalt not meme and only meme, or something like that. But I am also planning to make a ‘real’ post later today with some updates on what I’ve been up to and what I’ve got coming up. Thrilling stuff like that.
I was completely expecting this week’s Friday 5 to be about tennis. I suppose it shows how completely Wimbledon and “Murray-mania” has taken over the national consciousness if I think that’s the first obvious subject. The US independence shebang never occurred to me at all. But Happy Not Being British Anymore, Americans! And hey, if Murray does keep winning then I’m sure we’re going to have tons of fireworks this weekend too. :-)
- How do you feel about fireworks displays?
I like them! I prefer the ones where there’s the parade and the bonfire societies and lots of colourful things that go bang… I particularly like the ones we have down in the town here where they have fireworks and lasers going off in the castle on the hill, from the beach, and also from out on the sea. Pretty!! - What were the details surrounding one of your mishaps with fire?
I… don’t know if I’ve really had any mishaps with fire. I’ve had trouble getting them going, generally while camping or barbecuing, but I don’t remember any unfortunate incidents! - Who in your life could be described as a real firecracker?
My Aunt A, and a couple of my friends, Ms Charlotte in particular. Hee! ;-) - When did you last feel you were being put on display?
Um. I don’t know. The last time I sang in front of someone else? - How confident are you in your barbecue skills?
Reasonably so, though I haven’t barbecued much recently: my brother likes to do it when we have barbecues at Mum’s house. The main problem is getting the bbq started and ticking over properly!
And now I’m going to watch the tennis (Murray/Roddick match of course) – result so far: 3 games all.
Friday 5 for April 17: The Great Outdoors
This week’s Friday 5 answers:
- When did you last sleep in a tent?
Last July, when I went camping with a group from C House. - What comes to mind when you think about relieving yourself in the great outdoors?
Er. That’s a bit TMI, isn’t it? But I spose… trees! - Where’s the best place you ever went camping?
I don’t know… I can’t choose. I’ve camped in a lot of places. Ross-on-Wye was always good. But actually, Pevensey Bay last summer was nice – good location (right on the beach), good company, good facilities. - What’s your favourite camp food?
Marshmallows cooked on the camp fire. Nom! - What’s your sleeping bag like?
I have two actually: one is a “moonbag” that compresses down to be small & light and is the one I got for hiking, and the other one is a more normal sleeping bag – its blue with dashes of different colours (red, yellow, possibly green) on it.
Now I really want to go camping again! I have the opportunity to go with the group from C House again in September and I’d really love to because it’s for a week, and I think to the New Forest. But it’s right before M & E’s wedding, and I’m not sure that I’ll be able to afford it. *sigh*
Friday 5 for April 10: 5 Ws, Part 2
On the right day for a change, my answers for this week’s Friday 5:
- What’s something you know how to draw?
Hahahaha, not much! This is about the extent of my “talent”:
Baa-naby!
- Who’s someone you could get away with impersonating?
Wow, um… I can’t think of anyone. Maybe my Mum on the phone? - Where’s the stapler?
Oh lord, I don’t know. It should be in the stationery drawer, but I think I have a stapler gremlin or something – I never seem to have a stapler with staples that fit in it. I should have a two staplers, one mini one and one full size one (I used to have two mini ones, but I’m not sure what happened to the second one… probably the stapler gremlin at work again!) and staples for both, but can I ever find the right combination at any one time? No, I cannot. I end up using paperclips, or just folding the corners of the paper together!! - Why will this be a great weekend?
Because there will be Chinese takeaway, NOM (or at least, I hope there will) and new Dr Who OMG can’t wait! And also Easter presents of some kind which will be nice too. It’s E’s birthday as well. Yay :-) Now if only the weather was going to be nicer! - When are you going to make that phone call you’ve been putting off?
I don’t actually think there are any phone calls that I’ve been putting off. Must remember to give Ally a call though.
Friday 5 for April 3: More Questions about Food and Drink
Here we go, my answers for this week’s Friday 5:
- What is your favourite fizzy, bubbly drink?
Pepsi! Or Coca-cola as a second – I don’t like the diet versions (unfortunately!), and I’m not keen on the non-branded ones either. They just don’t taste the same. Picky, picky me. - What is your favourite deep-fried food?
Um. I don’t really eat deep fried food. Oh, except for crisps I spose. So, crisps? And sometimes chips, but not if they’re too greasy. - What is your favourite hot beverage?
Hot lemon squash. Weird, I know, but I don’t drink tea or coffee, and although I do like hot chocolate I only have it as the occasional cold-weather treat. It’s too thick / sweet for a regular drink for me. - What is your favourite really messy food?
Depends what you call messy! Spag bol, maybe? Or maybe tortilla chips and dip because you’re bound to get dip on you at some point. - What is your favourite recipe for a blended or mixed beverage?
Not really sure what this means! Like a cocktail? Or a smoothie? If we’re talking alcoholic beverages, I like Archers, vodka and orange juice. If not, then banana smoothies are probably my favourite. The recipe for that when I make my own is one banana (chopped up into smallish pieces), either (a) a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or (b) a tablespoon or so of natural yoghurt (depends what I have), and about half a pint of milk… or maybe more than that, I’m not sure! I generally go by ‘feel’. Then I whizz it all together with the whizzing device. Add a bit more milk if need be to taste, whizz again, etc. Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Nom!
In other news, an actual knitting post should be coming soon! I’ve just cast on for the second SKP09 pattern, which is a pair of entrelac socks. There’s a new challenge right there – I’m just about to start the actual entrelac part and it’s all very exciting. And nerve wracking! Photos will be forthcoming… assuming I can make it all work.
Friday 5 for March 27: Turning
The Friday 5 site is back, so here are my answers for this week:
- To whom do you normally turn when you need to complain about something?
Hmm… it probably depends on what it is! My Mum and my LJ friends-list are the most likely, I think. Doing a friends-locked post on LJ is really good for getting something that’s bothering me off my chest… I can have a good rant and nobody has to read it / listen to me unless they feel like it! I do find that just writing something out often makes me feel better about it. I’ve also got a couple of good friends that I can ring up or chat to online and pretty much go “Arrrrrgh!!!”, and of course they can do the same with me. - Which annual season-turning do you enjoy the most?
I do like winter to spring because of the lengthening days and mostly nicer weather, but I think my favourite is probably summer into autumn because (a) I love the colours of autumn, and (b) the clocks go back! Extra hour, yay!! - Where can you get a really good turnover?
I don’t know, I don’t eat them… although before looking at that Wiki article, I didn’t realise you could get savoury ones. Or maybe they don’t ever call savoury ones ‘turnovers’ here? Anyway, I spose if I was going to buy a turnover, I’d either go to the supermarket, or to Wilson’s, a local bakery – they probably have nicer ones. I’d have to get someone else to judge! - What’s employee turnover like where you work?
Well, I’m not working at the mo, so… there is none! - One of the Wonder Twins could turn into any form of water, while the other could turn into any animal. Which of these powers would be more useful to you?
I think I’d turn into any kind of animal, because then I’d be able to turn into birds and fly. Whee! (This would completely help with my fear of falling off things, because then if I did I’d be safe!)
PS – Note to self: remember to click the “Publish” button. Also, go to bed earlier. The clocks changed, remember? (D’oh!)
Two weeks of Friday 5
Since the site was down for the revamp last week, I’m going to catch up on the last two weeks’ worth of Friday 5 questions:
Friday 5 for March 13: It’s Cold!
- What’s your favorite frozen heat-and-eat food?
Hmmm… that’s actually really hard. There’s this place that does some really nice frozen ready-meals… I like most of theirs, but particularly the duck in orange sauce. Nom! - How sensitive are you to cool temperatures?
I do feel the cold pretty easily, especially if I’m sitting still at the computer all day! - How many ice-cube trays are there in your freezer?
None. I have one ice-cube tray, but it’s in a kitchen drawer. I do have a couple of ice-cube bags in the freezer, though. And some frozen blue plastic penguins. - What aspect of your life seems to be frozen in place?
Hah. My mental health. :-/ - What’s your favorite blanket like?
I spose this means ‘favourite blanket for snuggling under on the sofa when it’s cold’… in which case I’ll say one of my fleece blankets because they’re light but warm and good for keeping me cosy. But really the blanket of mine that I love best is the wool tartan one that I got in Edinburgh and kept in my car when I still had that. I don’t use it so much now cos I don’t want it to get covered in cat hair!
Friday 5 for March 20: Quarterly Progress Check
- Would you say 2009 so far is meeting expectation, exceeding expectations, or failing to meet expectations?
So far, 2009 has been fairly not-happening for me. Which is the fault of how I’ve been rather than the year itself. When I’ve been well enough to engage with life, there have been good things going on, so I’d say it’s technically exceeding expectations, since mine are so low right now anyway! - What letter grade would you give yourself for your performance at work or school?
Not that I’ve been to either, but for my performance in life so far this year: a big, fat F for FAIL. - On a scale from 1 to 10, how happy have you been with the weather so far in 2009?
Other than a couple of periods of wtf (giant! hail! the other night!!), I think it’s been OK. My brain is like a sieve though, so I might be forgetting. It is still the winter (or has it edged into spring now?) so of course it’s not all sunshine and roses, but that’s as it should be. I’ll give it an 8. - Which of the Motion Picture Association of America’s film ratings would you give your social life so far in 2009?
Almost entirely a “G” – family time, knitting and spinning groups, hanging out with Ally and baby H, and perhaps a “PG” during that weekend that Char came to visit and we discovered that Robert Downey Jnr in Ironman is the best thing evah, etc. It’s been quiet. - 2009′s parents are on the phone and want to know how 2009 can improve its performance. What have been 2009′s areas of strength and what are its areas for growth in the second quarter?
Uh, Um. Business speak, send help, cannot cope! (Off to Mordor) Alright, not really. Areas of strength have been opportunities for learning new skills (spinning). I guess areas for growth will be getting my brain back in gear? That’s definitely something that needs doing.
Friday 5 for March 6: On This Date
I know I said the bloggy resolutions were for the ‘new’ version of the site, but there’s no time like the present and all that. I need to try and start getting into good habits asap… and also, there might be a bit of radio silence soon when I get to the point where I need to move the blog entries over.
So here we go – even though it’s a few days late, the Friday 5 for March 6th:
1. On March 6, 1869, Dmitri Mendeleev presented the first Periodic Table of the Elements to the Russian Chemical Society. What memories do you have of your high-school chemistry course?
My most vivid memory would be of Mr G injuring himself during a demo, yelping “Shit!”, then changing it to “Er, ship! I saw a ship sailing past. The window. In the air….” It ended up as a bit of a running joke that year, if I remember right. I also remember moles. Mooooooooole!
2. On March 6, 1899, the Bayer company registered aspirin as a trademark. When did you last take medication for pain?
Last week. I think it was the weather – I had a headache that just wouldn’t leave, so I was taking some ‘Extra Power Pain Reliever’ tablets, which are the same as Anadin Extra, only the generic version from Sainsbury’s.
3. On March 6, 1853, Giuseppe Verdi’s opera La Traviata premiered in Venice. How do you feel about opera?
As a general rule, I love opera. Of course there are some that I like more that others, and some that I’m not really keen on. Like any other music, it varies. But generally, I love listening to it, I love attending performances where possible, and I love singing it. La Traviata is actually one of my favourites, and I was lucky enough to see the production at the Royal Opera House when I was at uni, with Sir Georg Solti conducting, and Angela Gheorghiu debuting as Violetta. Completely fabulous.
4. On March 6, 1947, American film director Rob Reiner (Meathead!) was born. Which of these Reiner-directed films have you seen, and what do you think of them?
To make it quick, I shall cross out the ones I haven’t seen, and make brief comments by the ones I have:
- The Bucket List (2007)
- Rumor Has It… (2005)
- Alex & Emma (2003)
- The Story of Us (1999) – ummm… I’m sure I’ve seen this, but I can’t remember what I thought of it!
- Ghosts of Mississippi (1996)
- The American President (1995) – liked this one, though it’s been a while since I’ve seen it.
- North (1994)
- A Few Good Men (1992) – eh.
- Misery (1990) – good… but not half as creepy-scary as the book.
- When Harry Met Sally… (1989) – I remember I wasn’t sure about this for the first half of the film, but it grew on me and I really liked it by the end.
- The Princess Bride (1987) – ♥♥♥♥♥!!!!!
- Stand by Me (1986) – kind of makes me go “awwww”.
- The Sure Thing (1985)
- This Is Spinal Tap (1984) – is made of awesome!
5. On March 6, 1972, American basketball-player Shaquille O’Neal was born. How do you feel about basketball?
I have no feelings about it, particularly. I spose I enjoy it as a tv spectator sport more than some others, but I’m not really into sports in general. I did quite enjoy netball at school and I think we played a bit of basketball in senior school too, but that’s as near as I’ve really got. I have more of a grasp of the rules that I do of baseball, American football, or even proper football, mind you!
Still around!
Since I haven’t posted in a million years (or four months, which is the same thing in internet-time), I thought I’d mention that I am still here! Alive and kicking, and all that. Mostly accidentally kicking the cat, actually, but if he will sit under the computer desk, what does he expect? Aaaaanyway….
I think what I need to try and do is get back into the swing of regular posting. Even though it’s been years since I’ve actually been doing that. But I want to try it, so I’m going to do a sort of NaBloPoMo of my own… only starting today and running until 6th January. Which is the Twelfth Day of Christmas, and even though it’s a coincidence that it works out like that, it feels kind of appropriate. So even though I’m not doing a calendar month of posting, I will be posting for a month up to the end of the Christmas season proper. :-) A festive BloPoMo!
So, that’s my end-of-year resolution! Now, I have to go and write my list of people I’m buying presents for and sending cards to. Do you think I’m running a little late? Well, let’s hope not! Which reminds me…
If you’d like a Christmas / holiday / whateveryouwannacallit e-card, drop me a comment including your email address (which won’t be published on the site) and one will be winging its way to you soon! If you’re in the UK and my budget allows, I might email you for your snail mail address so I can send a ‘real’ card out… let me know if you’d be up for one of those too. :-)
Friday 5!
I used to do the original version of this meme, back when this was a life-in-general blog, and I’ve decided I’d like to start up again. So here goes:
1. What was the last thing you baked?
Ahahahaha. Baking? Me? Um, no. Unless this counts anything that goes in the oven, in which case… a casserole?
2. What was the last thing you tried on for size?
The cardigan I bought on Tuesday. I know, bought. I fail at knitting. But see, I suddenly realised (on Monday evening) that I was going to freeze on Wednesday if I didn’t have a nice cardigan to wear at the funeral. So I went out and got one. I felt bad! But interestingly, it’s a cardigan that I don’t think I’d have looked at before I started knitting. I bought it because I liked the cable-and-bobble pattern on the front as well as loving the colour (aubergine is everywhere right now – awesome!). I picked it up and considered how it was knit and constructed before I got to “is it me”. Heh.
3. What was the last thing you purchased on credit?
Ummm. Train tickets, I think. Either that, or some ebooks.
4. What was the last thing you put a postage stamp on?
A postcard to my SP11 pal, I think. Technically, I didn’t put the postage labels on the packages I’ve sent out, the post-office people did…
5. What was the last thing you took a photo of?
The Hedara sock in the last post :-)
A knitting meme
As if I didn’t do enough memes over on my LJ, I’m now going to inflict one on this blog, too. But it’s knitting related! So that’s ok. *g*
The friday five
What was…
1. …your first grade teacher’s name?
Mrs H…. H….. H-something! Damn. Hutchinson, maybe? My Mum remembers, I know. I remember what she looked like, the name is just escaping me.
2. …your favorite Saturday morning cartoon?
Don’t remember if it was on Saturday morning, but I liked She-Ra! And Visionaries. On a Saturday morning I used to watch the Multicoloured Swap Shop, and later Going Live, and so on. Which had cartoons included, but I don’t remember what was when.
3. …the name of your very first best friend?
Victoria. We were best friends from when we started infant school, til her family moved away to Pevensey when we were 6 or 7, I think. And then I was best friends with Maria til we went to senior school.
4. …your favorite breakfast cereal?
Um. Weetabix, I think. It still is!
5. …your favorite thing to do after school?
Read. I was such a bookworm! *g* I’d squeeze in reading wherever I possibly could, and even when I wasn’t sposed to (ie. during Maths class…. *g*). I still do read a lot, but ye olde internet takes up a lot of what used to be reading time. Heh :-) I did also used to go out to play in the summer though, and go to Brownies / Guides and so on, so I didn’t have my nose in a book my entire childhood.
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