tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135203622024-03-07T16:30:17.494-08:00Handy CraftsA craft-a-holic's life told through half-finished sweaters, unsewn buttons and ends that aren't woven in.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.comBlogger273125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-83732518585828755042010-08-04T09:09:00.000-07:002010-08-04T09:15:52.591-07:00Moment of Awww<span style="font-style:italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">A conversation last night</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /><br />Viv: Mommy, put your head up. Why is your head down?<br />Me: My head hurts, honey.<br />Viv: Where does it hurt? Can I kiss it?<br />Me: It kind of hurts all over.<br />Viv: Can I kiss it all over?<br /></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">followed by little kisses all over my face</span></i><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Before your teeth start to itch from the sweetness overload, let me note that, not 10 minutes before this conversation, Viv threw a huge temper tantrum. She was upset that I took a band-aid off of her arm (after she asked me to), and wouldn't put it back on. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">And that's parenthood. </span></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-79322547646748253642010-08-03T14:42:00.001-07:002010-08-03T14:46:31.308-07:00Sewing Bug<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/4855059568/" title="IMG_2130 by Handy Crafts, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4855059568_4ff04c5589.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="IMG_2130" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I've had the sewing bug lately, but have been so scattered that I couldn't figure out what I wanted to make. Originally, I thought I would make the Sencha blouse from Colette Patterns, but didn't have enough material (and the nice pearl covered snaps I bought for the back had mysteriously disappeared, as well).<br /></span><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br />Lately, when I need to sew something small and uncomplicated, I sew a new top for Vivian. I made a couple of peasant tops for her a couple of months ago and love them so much, I decided to draft a new one.<br /><br />This version is even easier to make, as there are no curves around the neck. Small bodice panel and some kimono sleeves slapped on to a gathered skirt and voila!<br /><br />Excuse the blur as my camera was acting up and Viv refused to stop moving. I love the fabric--a vintage find from the Pasadena City College flea market.<br /><br />I know that Viv's willingness to love every item of clothing I make for her won't last, so I'm trying to take advantage of it while I can!</span></p><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/4855059878/" title="IMG_2131 by Handy Crafts, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4855059878_ef269dd01b.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="IMG_2131" /></a>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-38193726761339167582010-07-14T10:20:00.000-07:002010-07-14T10:35:45.093-07:00The Tahoe Experience<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">I've taken a bit of a break from posting here lately, and I'm hoping to break back in to the habit of writing here. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">Last week, we took our annual pilgrimage to Lake Tahoe, which is located in Northern California on the border between California & Nevada. I love Tahoe. As a child, my family traveled there every summer, and about 10 years ago, Richard & I started the tradition again. Now this trip has turned into almost a family/friends reunion, with people coming in from four states (CA, Arizona, Washington & Texas) to relax on the beach, by the pool and at the grill and the campfire.<br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/4792125189/" title="1970s Tahoe-2 by Handy Crafts, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4792125189_cb302ab6fe.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="1970s Tahoe-2" /></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/4792125189/" title="1970s Tahoe-2 by Handy Crafts, on Flickr"></a>With the addition of the kids to the gathering over the last few years, I love that this trip has become a part of their lives, too. Tahoe will be an important part of their lives, in the same way it was an important part of my childhood.<br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/4792133311/" title="1970s Tahoe-3 by Handy Crafts, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4792133311_392c9c5e9e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="1970s Tahoe-3" /></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/4792133311/" title="1970s Tahoe-3 by Handy Crafts, on Flickr"></a>That's Richard floating on the lake in the picture above. Now that is relaxation.<br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/4792751940/" title="1970s Tahoe by Handy Crafts, on Flickr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4792751940_1b11799eaf.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="1970s Tahoe" /></span></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'trebuchet ms';">This photo looks just like almost every photo I have of me at Viv's age. One of the most exciting things about being a parent is being able to share those experiences that mean so much to me with my child. </span></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-10500998151933565162010-06-01T12:53:00.001-07:002010-06-01T12:53:44.363-07:00Beach Kitty<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/4660489653/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4660489653_0dce6cae35_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/4660489653/">Beach Kitty</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/handycrafts/">Handy Crafts</a></span><br clear="all" /><p>Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend!</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-41188450188564708762010-04-05T16:05:00.001-07:002010-04-05T16:05:34.699-07:00Viv & The Bunny<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/4495166614/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4495166614_a348229a3c_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/4495166614/">Viv & The Bunny</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/handycrafts/">Handy Crafts</a></span><br clear="all" /><p>Despite having to wait more than an hour to get her picture taken with the Easter Bunny (and several meltdowns), Viv bucked up when it was her turn. She ran up, gave him a hug and a smile and turned on the charm!</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-84574194417183634262010-03-22T11:26:00.001-07:002010-03-22T11:26:53.809-07:002-Summer Sundress<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/4455013966/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4455013966_07653b869d_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/4455013966/">2-Summer Sundress</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/handycrafts/">Handy Crafts</a></span><br clear="all" /><p>Possible the cutest thing I have ever crafted.<br /><br />Ok, Viv is actually the cutest thing/person I have ever crafted (if creating a baby is counted as crafting), but this dress comes second. It's The Two-Summer Sundress, by Natalie Larson and is a free pattern available on Ravelry. The dress straps cross in the back for now, but as she grows, the straps can uncross to make them longer. This will be her Easter dress and I am squealing over how cute she looks! <br /><br />I love this pattern so much, I've already knitted the top for another dress. I just need to sew it up!</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-74720905566569003752010-03-15T15:02:00.001-07:002010-03-15T15:02:40.268-07:00Umm...<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/4435856495/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4435856495_bdc691a529_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/4435856495/">IMG_1739</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/handycrafts/">Handy Crafts</a></span><br clear="all" /><p>This is what happens when I tell Viv to hold her flower out so I can get a photo of her holding it. I guess I should be more specific.</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-2199717370517348472010-03-08T12:08:00.000-08:002010-03-08T12:42:51.747-08:00AudacityThis weekend, I finished my volunteer training for <a href="http://www.heritagesquare.org/">Heritage Square Museum</a> (don't judge by the bad website--it's being redone). After five weeks of lessons on Los Angeles history, vintage fashion, museum history and tour guide best practices, I am now ready to begin volunteering!<br /><br />So what now?<br /><br />Well, I didn't know. Having run volunteer trainings in the past, I understand that the hard thing about managing volunteers can be channeling their excitement and motivation into your organization's needs. And I kind of felt that the "what do I do next" part of the HSM training was a bit lacking. There was a "hey, if you want to be a guide, talk to one of the speakers" explanation, but most of the speakers were busy talking amongst themselves after the training. There wasn't a "sign-up for this activity" or "here's a list of available mentors" moment that could have really harnessed the volunteer energy at its max. I realized that I could have just left that morning with my graduation certificate and maybe never have the opportunity to get involved again.<br /><br />----------------<br /><br />This experience of my own hesitation and lack of desire to "put myself out there" has had me thinking about audacity. I feel like I've lost it--that willingness to get out of my comfort zone and try new things and meet new people. I used to be loud and brash and outgoing , but I feel like, as I've gotten older, I've become more hesitant and closed off.<br /><br />I can see how it would be so easy to pull back completely, and only focus on my family, my job, and the friends I currently have. It really would be easy and comfortable. But it would be limiting. Friends move, and family members get busy with their own lives, and jobs don't always last. If I don't want to be ultimately left alone, I need to push myself. I need to fight against that little voice inside that says, "Hang back. Don't interrupt. Be cautious." I need to be a little audacious.<br /><br />----------------<br /><br />My instinct was to gather my things and walk quietly to my car, but I steeled myself to put myself out there. I've given up too many Saturday mornings to this training to stop now. So I inserted myself into a conversation with the communications/development director and passed my my card, letting him know I'm ready to help. And then I again forced my way into a conversation with the museum director to find out exactly who I could contact for the next volunteer opportunity. It was hard. But it worked.<br /><br />So my first actual volunteer activity will be as a dresser for HSM's <a href="http://www.heritagesquare.org/flier.pdf">Vintage Fashion Show</a> (pdf link) on March 20, at 11 a.m. I'll be helping the models in and out of the layers of vintage clothing (no zippers!). I won't have any of my historic costumes ready, but I think I'll break out my 1940's black crepe dress and one of my grandmother's vintage hats to wear for the occasion. I will be backstage, but just by being there, I will be audacious.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-61521302337776121162010-02-05T11:25:00.000-08:002010-02-05T12:12:01.500-08:00UghThings continue to be blech here at Chez-Handy Crafts. We have some financial issues that have made doing anything fun and/or spur-of-the-moment out of reach for now. And I've settled into some sort of general malaise with everything.<br /><br />Some of that malaise has drifted into my crafting, and that makes me even sadder. I am tremendously behind on my two virtual quilting bees. I owe several blocks to women, and I feel incredibly guilty. To make things worse, it's my month in one of them, when I should be sending out fabric to everyone. But I feel like I can't expect others to make things for me when I haven't come through on my commitment to them. And then there is the lack of resources to buy said fabric and mail it to all the lovely participants. Ugh.<br /><br />I need to buckle down and get out from under the weight of those promised blocks. I think I'll feel better when I do, even if I have to wait a week or two before I can send them out. And I do have a considerable fabric stash, and I'm pretty sure I can come up with the fabric needed without having to purchase more than a couple of yards of a solid.<br /><br />On the plus side, I start my volunteer training at <a href="http://www.heritagesquare.org/">Heritage Square Museum</a> this weekend. I'm really looking forward to this opportunity. I hope it lives up to my expectations.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-84788612473970319102010-01-25T11:04:00.001-08:002010-01-25T11:04:23.268-08:00RARW!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/4303757135/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2702/4303757135_5d6babdb95_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/4303757135/">Rarw (again)</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/handycrafts/">Handy Crafts</a></span><br clear="all" /><p>On Saturday, we took Viv to the Museum of Natural History. It's under considerable construction right now, so much of the museum is not open, but we still had a blast. The museum cafeteria is closed, so we had lunch at the Frysmith truck outside (sweet potato fries w/chicken, tamarind sauce, garlic & cheese--incredible!).<br /><br />The main dinosaur exhibit is closed for major renovations (to open next year), but Viv still loved seeing the couple of dinosaurs that were visible. The museum has a fantastic life-size triceratops puppet that they use in a show a couple of times a day (also a T-Rex puppet, but we didn't see that one). Viv was super excited, even if she held my hands over her eyes for much of the show.<br /><br />She was feeling a bit under the weather, so we left a bit early, but I think we'll definitely be back.</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-48028212225957752792010-01-14T16:45:00.001-08:002010-01-14T16:45:18.006-08:00Daddy fairy & baby fairy<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/4272289079/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2785/4272289079_54f4c81f14_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/4272289079/">Daddy fairy & baby fairy</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/handycrafts/">Handy Crafts</a></span><br clear="all" /><p>Vivian loves dress up, and--thanks to Bridget, and her daughter Samantha, who has outgrown a lot of princess attire--she now has lots of fabulous pink & frothy things. These sequin mouse ears are my favorite (or they were, until the headband broke because Vivian's head is too big). Rich is the good sport who also put on a pair of fairy wings when Viv asked him to.</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-55319815629786700002010-01-06T12:23:00.001-08:002010-01-06T12:23:00.232-08:005/365<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/4252106694/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4252106694_75d29c8cf1_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/4252106694/">5/365</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/handycrafts/">Handy Crafts</a></span><br clear="all" /><p>Viv is very proud of her funny face.</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-47766983689928759162010-01-05T23:40:00.001-08:002010-01-05T23:43:47.330-08:00AddendumI just remembered one addition to my New Year's resolutions: make yeast bread. For some reason, it's one of those cooking tasks that seems so intimidating that I've been dragging my feet. But I'm going to do it this year. If I can successfully can jam (and no reported cases of botulism yet!), then I can do it.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-71031263837923874902010-01-05T17:02:00.001-08:002010-01-05T23:33:42.761-08:00Day 4/365<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4248252459_b618265da2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4248252459_b618265da2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0.9em;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/handycrafts/"></a></span> <p>I'm going to try to take a photo every day this year. This one is a little celebration of small steps -- into potty training. It's the balloon that Vivian earned at preschool for successfully utilizing the "facilities."<br /></p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-56964114474507168002010-01-04T15:23:00.001-08:002010-01-04T16:56:12.497-08:00It's a New Day<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">This is not a blog post in which I apologize about not posting. This is not a blog post in which I whine about not having any money and/or about being depressed about that said lack of money.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">This is not one of those.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Instead, this is a post about reviewing the previous year and looking forward to the new one.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">My resolutions last year were pretty in-depth, and my progress on them, while not completed 100%, was still considerable. Here we go, in review:</span><br /><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i>2009 Craft-Related Resolutions</i></span></p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><i> </i></span><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><strong>1. RIIIPPPIIITT!</strong> I pledge to actually frog those projects that are unflattering, undesirable or otherwise unwearable. I will reclaim the yarn, and therefore cut down on the need for stash enhancement. </i></span>Did some of this, although </span>not as much as I had planned, due to the Great Moth Invasion of Early 2009.<br /></p> <p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><i>2. Reorganize the Craft Closet.</i></strong><i> I have a lovely walk-in closet that I have designated for my craft supplies and sewing machine, but it has become so cluttered that I can’t find anything and can barely weave my way back to the sewing machine. This will change.</i></span> Have implemented Phase 1 of the Great ReOrg, thanks to the fabulous shelves my mom bought for my birthday. My fabric stash is now visible and organized by color. Next step is to bring out the patterns and magazines, and put in a new table/shelf to place my new serger! (thanks again Mom!)<br /></span></p><i style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </i><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><strong>3. Get back to sewing more of my clothes.</strong> I used to sew about 50% of my wardrobe, but pregnancy, having a small child and the craft closet disorganization (see above) have stymied my efforts. I have a huge fabric stash, and I need to get back to using it.</i></span> Hmm, still haven't sewn many clothes for me, but I did get back to sewing more, including most of my Christmas gifts to others, including 4 aprons, two wrap skirts, and a stuffed kitty.<br /></span></p><i style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </i><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><strong>4. Finally finish knitting Richard’s sweater</strong> (started in Nov. 2005 and lying dormant ever since). It’s the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baseball">Baseball</a> sweater from Knitty’s Man issue, and I have the back and 1 sleeve done. He wants an intarsia picture of Elvis Costello worked on the front. I have the chart worked out, but I just need to get up the courage to do it.</i></span> Oh dear god. Um, nope, no progress made.<br /></span></p><i style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </i><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i>General Life Resolutions</i></span></p><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:85%;" ><i> </i></span><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><strong>1. Exercise.</strong> I’m not going to focus on losing weight, but I just want to have more energy. So whether it’s taking a walk after work every day or hitting the gym, I’m going to exercise.</i> </span>Does chasing after a toddler at the zoo/park/home count? Probably not, but my mom's scale said I'm now 6 pounds under my pre-pregnancy weight, so I'm counting it as a win.<br /></span></p><i style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </i><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><strong>2. Better organize Vivian’s nursery.</strong> I’ve seen great tips on the ikea hacks blog, and I want to copy some of them for her room, such as using a CD shelf to store diapers.</i> </span>This we actually did, and I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. Yay me!<br /></span></p><i style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </i><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><strong>3. Cook dinner at least 3 nights a week.</strong> I was doing pretty good on this already before, but the holidays made it difficult to be consistent.</i> </span>Amazing how a severely constrained budget will motivate you (me) to cook at home more!<br /></span></p><i style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </i><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><strong>4. Start a college fund for Vivian.</strong> I think we're going to open a 529 account for her, even just with $50 a month. My goal is to have enough saved for her to pay for undergraduate at a state school – if she wants to go private or grad school, that’s what loans are for. </i></span>Um, yeah, not so much. But I just have to keep working at my current place of employment for 13 1/2 more years, and Viv has a free ride to college! That's do-able, right?<br /></span></p><i style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"> </i><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">All in all, a respectable achievement, especially given life's ups and downs. And of course, my biggest achievement of the year--learning to can jam--wasn't even on the list. So now I'm thinking about 2010, and what I'd like to do in the 361 days left.</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Resolutions for 2010</span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Can savory things, like pickles and chutneys. </span>My first dip into savory canning was a cranberry-apple jam with balsamic vinegar that I did for Thanksgiving. It turned out so well that I'm ready for more, and hope to make the most of spring and summer veggies!</span></p><p style="font-weight: bold; font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">2. Engage Phase 2 of the Great Craft Closet ReOrg!</span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. Knit more socks. </span>I completed two whole pairs of socks in 2009 (one crocheted, one knitted) and I'm excited to keep going. I have several skeins of sock yarn in my stash and hope to make a considerable hole in it.</span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. Support independent pattern designers.</span> I don't currently have a lot of disposable cash on hand (and don't see that changing anytime soon), but if I do, I am going to use it to support independent designers. Some of those I hope to continue or begin to support include Hotpatterns, Stitch Diva, Colette Patterns and EvaDress.<br /></span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">5. Volunteer.</span> I'm planning to attend a volunteer training at Heritage Square Museum in February, and am excited about the possibilities.</span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I have some longer range plans, more in line with my 40x40 list (which I plan to add to soon). But I think these goals are a good start for now.</span></p><p style="font-family: trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Happy new year!<br /></span></p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-79638165542246214152009-11-18T12:26:00.001-08:002009-11-18T12:26:36.195-08:00Vivian, the dork<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/4115805912/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2573/4115805912_ce1154d617_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/4115805912/">Vivian, the dork</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/handycrafts/">Handy Crafts</a></span><br clear="all" /><p>Picture taken at Ruby's in Cabazon. The kids menu had a 3-D section, complete with glasses. However, the glasses did not have earpieces-you just had to hold them up to your eyes. Vivian did not like this at all, and insisted that I make the glasses stay up.<br /><br />This was my solution. I pulled the rubber band out of my hair, and pulled her bangs into a small ponytail. I then attached the clip for my work ID badge onto the rubber band and the glasses.<br /><br />It worked, and she was happy, but she looks like a giant dork. But a happy one, and that's what counts when you're a parent who is just trying to have a nice, quiet meal in a restaurant.</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-40542640143619896272009-09-14T11:00:00.000-07:002009-09-14T11:20:55.923-07:00Not a One-Craft Girl<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Sometimes I wonder exactly why I never seem to finish as many projects as some of my friends. My list on Ravelry of completed projects hasn't been added to in months, and my cheerfully optimistic idea to start on Christmas presents early is still not acted on.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Why can't I get more done?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Gee, it couldn't be due to the sheer number of crafts I try to undertake at one time, could it? Let's see: knitting, crocheting, quilting, sewing clothes, cooking and now canning. Oh, and learning a musical instrument.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'm working on a knitted gift that I will hopefully be able to post about next month (and which actually may be done before the birthday of the person I'm making it for! Shocking, I know). I'm working on a doll quilt for an internet swap (due to be sent out tomorrow-ha!), as well as two virtual quilting bees (it's my month in one of them, so I actually only have one block due this month). And Halloween is quickly approaching, and I just bought fabric and a pattern for Viv's costume. Add that to the fact that I want to make some fall clothes for me & Vivian, and I feel like I am a mess!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I have finally completed something that I can show off, though: Vivian's big girl bed quilt. I started on this several months ago, before she moved out of her crib and into the toddler bed. I finally finished over the weekend, and can make a big check mark next to this item on my to-do list!</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2464/3908052070_86fb916065.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 263px; height: 350px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2464/3908052070_86fb916065.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2429/3908050922_e492cdfc63.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 262px; height: 348px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2429/3908050922_e492cdfc63.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Viv loves her new quilt! I love making things for her because she's so appreciative. "My mommy made it for me!" I know this state my not last forever, so I'm taking advantage of it while I can.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I've also been making good strides with canning. I made plum jam with cinnamon -- 6 lbs. resulted in 6 pints of yummy jam. So tasty and easy. I really love doing this, taking advantage of the fact that here in California, we are overwhelmed with an abundance of quality produce. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I just have to come to terms with the fact that I am not a one-craft girl. What's that saying? "Jack of all trades, master of none?" Oh well. I do love mixing up my crafts. I never get bored! So I will continue to work on 18 different projects at one time, but I guess, ultimately, I'm ok with that. It is an awful lot of fun!</span>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-25149555805941133082009-09-01T15:40:00.000-07:002009-09-01T16:05:26.920-07:00Yes I Can!Reading the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ball-Complete-Book-Home-Preserving/dp/0778801314/ref=pd_sim_b_1">Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving</a> is rather intimidating. They (rightly so) hammer home the importance of sterility and proper techniques, so you know, you avoid botulism and other nasty contaminations. But I'll be honest, the book frankly scared me out of canning for more than a year. It just made it seem like canning was something I just wasn't cut out to do.<br /><br />But two weekends a go, I went to a canning demonstration at <a href="http://www.surfasonline.com/">Surfas</a>, put on by the people behind the <a href="http://greenvalleycanning.blogspot.com/">Saving the Season</a> blog. And despite almost going postal on a woman who got on my case because Vivian was crying, it was very helpful, if only because it showed me that canning is not, in fact, rocket science.<br /><br />Fast forward to this last weekend. We went up to Kingsburg to visit the family, and while there, we took a side trip to the <a href="http://www.fresnobee.com/business/story/1586565.html">Fresno State Farmers Marke</a>t. While there, I picked up 8 lbs of fresh peaches to can. Monday night, I finally decided it was time. I followed the <a href="http://greenvalleycanning.blogspot.com/2009/07/recipe-rustic-peach-jam-for-akasha.html">rustic peach jam recipe</a> on StS, and added 1/2 tsp of cinnamon and 1 tsp of ginger. And after much tribulation and swearing (the darn skins would not slip off the peaches!), here is what I ended up with:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2525/3879464958_cd5d741732.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2525/3879464958_cd5d741732.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>No, not the cans of PBR. Six pints of jam! I didn't add pectin, and frankly some websites scared me about cooking the jam past the jell point, so it's rather loose. More like chunks of peaches in a thick syrup. But I think it tastes divine!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/3878662237_f7f6137d37.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/3878662237_f7f6137d37.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Hearing the jar lids pop to signal that they are properly sealed was like music to my ears!<br /><br />Now I just have to think about what I want to put up next. Hmm, plums are in season...Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-3263396302736709182009-08-19T10:19:00.001-07:002009-08-19T10:19:12.726-07:00Feeding the Ducks<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/3835420415/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2633/3835420415_324cf14a52_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/handycrafts/3835420415/">IMG_1180</a> <br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/handycrafts/">Handy Crafts</a></span><br clear="all" /><p>Vivian's method for feeding the ducks and geese at Echo Park Lake = one for them, one for me, one for them, two for me, one for them, three for me...</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-53102783174870565622009-08-10T16:57:00.001-07:002009-08-10T17:02:37.015-07:00Yum. That's it. Yum.<a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdta4z_4nFbDWLRIkF1cqyh6MdE6Xs2O7EufKGal2KPkb4mcq528Q4I1B2GMPUR_8yKA3vY_Bgi1gzTSQFh1JvF47EVzL5RNDCinKpVRtvYnGRRw_MtqrXOMeeMBvYuZPft6kJw/s1600-h/Spring+Street+Smokehouse.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdta4z_4nFbDWLRIkF1cqyh6MdE6Xs2O7EufKGal2KPkb4mcq528Q4I1B2GMPUR_8yKA3vY_Bgi1gzTSQFh1JvF47EVzL5RNDCinKpVRtvYnGRRw_MtqrXOMeeMBvYuZPft6kJw/s320/Spring+Street+Smokehouse.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368488673408694626" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">On Saturday, Viv & I went to lunch at </span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/spring-street-smoke-house-los-angeles-2">Spring Street Smokehouse</a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">. OMG, I don't have words. My mouth is watering as I write this. I had the pulled pork and Viv really enjoyed the red beans & rice (and my french fries).</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">If you are in the L.A. area, go. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Go now. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I'll wait.</span>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-28055549559022861352009-08-05T09:25:00.000-07:002009-08-05T10:14:18.036-07:0040x40<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Today, I am 33 years, 9 months and 12 days old. Not exactly a milestone age, but I feel like I am at a key time in my life. I am happy and settled in my personal relationships, comfortable in my roles as wife and mother. I am intellectually challenged at my job, and yet remarkably at ease. And even my financial situation is looking up, at least from where we had been the last eight months, as Richard has a new job.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">And so, I feel like it's a good time to start thinking about what I want for the next stage of my life. It's time to start thinking about what I want to be when I grow up, or at least when I grow older.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Today, I am starting a new project: 40x40. An ongoing list of the 40 top things I want to have done by the time I turn 40. Some of the things on the list will be big, some will be little. But it's time I started taking control of the course of my life.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Drumroll, please...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:trebuchet ms;" >Top 40 Things I'd Like to Do by the Time I'm 40</span><br /><ol style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Have the 9-course tasting meal at the </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.frenchlaundry.com/">French Laundry</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">.</span> It’s $240 per person and takes a year or so to get a reservation, but I think well worth the money and the wait.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.amphigory.com/se_atomic_pink.html">Dye my hair bright pink</a>.</span> I had promised myself I would do it when on maternity leave with Vivian, but somehow I never got around to it.</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Learn to play a musical instrument. </span><br /></li></ol><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I've already started making progress on #3. Richard has a plethora of musical instruments lying around the house, some of which he plays regularly, but many he doesn't. The acoustic guitar and bass are used often, but he also has an electric guitar, keyboard, mandolin and steel guitar. Rich has tried to teach me guitar and bass before, but I could never get comfortable with the instruments. They felt big and bulky and I couldn't wrap my hands easily around the necks.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mandolincity.com/images/mandolin2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 213px;" src="http://mandolincity.com/images/mandolin2.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">This time, I've decided to learn to play the mandolin. I've only been working on this for a few days, but I'm really enjoying it so far. The scale of the instrument feels more natural. Right now, I'm just trying to get comfortable with plucking and strumming, working on scales and one song. Richard found the mandolin tabs for "Will the Circle Be Unbroken," which is a very simple song. It also helps that it's a song I know and actually like (I'm more eager to practice it than say, Three Blind Mice). </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">By the way, it's amazing how many free resources there are online to learn how to play a musical instrument! YouTube has lots of tutorials</span><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_type=&search_query=mandolin+lessons&aq=0&oq=mandolin+"> on how to play the mandolin</a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">. Rich is getting me started with the basics, and then I can go to the internet for more specific steps. If I really decide to stick with it, I'll then see about getting actual lessons.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I've only listed my first three, but will update with more of the 40 goals in the future. I'm going to try to document my progress on these 40 goals here on the blog. It's time to take charge of what is happening in my life!<br /><br />Is there anything you've wanted to do, but haven't? Isn't it time to start?<br /></span>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-5182490651372663182009-07-28T16:20:00.000-07:002009-07-28T16:33:59.172-07:00It's alive!<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Yes, I'm alive. I haven't been blogging much because when I went on vacation, I just got out of the habit. And everyday, I'd think about blogging, but wouldn't know where or when to begin, so then I would just put it off entirely.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">But I'm back, so, moving on...</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I haven't been writing, but I have been crafting. While up in Tahoe, i think I caught a bug. The sock bug.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">For years, i just didn't understand the sock knitting thing. People are obsessed with knitting socks. The patterns seem to dominate some knitting magazines, and I didn't get it. I live in sunny Southern California, where I only need to wear socks maybe 2 months out of the year. And I had an aversion to small needles. I liked fast and funky projects that were very wearable. Who wears wool socks in Los Angeles?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">But then a friend made me a beautiful pair of knit socks in a gorgeous pumpkin orange and brown yarn. And then another friend gave me a pair that she had knit but didn't fit her. And those wool socks were... comfortable. And warm when I wanted them to be warm, and yet airy and breathable when I was hot.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">So I understood the desire to have hand knitted socks, but I wasn't sure I wanted to put the time into making them. It seemed tedious. I tried crocheting socks, to see if that would make the project go faster, but I got 3/4 of the way done with the first sock and then got distracted. It wasn't until I was packing for Tahoe and grabbed the neglected project bag "just in case" I finished the sweater I was working on.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Here's a newsflash: a big project bag with a half-finished wool sweater is not what you want to be taking to the beach. Or pulling out to work on in the car. Or shoving into your purse before heading over to a friend's house.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">The sweater is still half-finished. But the socks? I managed to finish those on the drive home.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3428/3752856281_72ec0edba3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3428/3752856281_72ec0edba3.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I've already started on my first pair of knitted socks. They are fun and very portable -- the project bag, including the magazine with the pattern, fits into my purse no problem. While I wouldn't say I'm obsessed yet, I think I definitely understand the attraction to sock knitting.</span>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-50256649937811749492009-07-01T16:44:00.000-07:002009-07-01T17:01:45.614-07:00Birthday Roundup<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I am happy to report that Vivian thoroughly enjoyed her birthday activities. On Sunday, we took her to Griffith Park to ride the train. When the train pulled into the station, she got so excited, I thought she would burst!</span><br /><br /><object style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/O-ADKdVMnDk&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/O-ADKdVMnDk&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">After the train ride, we took her over to the ponies. I wasn't sure she was big enough, but there were plenty of kids smaller, so we couldn't refuse her. She was in heaven.</span><br /><br /><object style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Rw05ZHFKzfw&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Rw05ZHFKzfw&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">There was a larger pony track where the ponies walk around untethered, and Viv was so excited that, once again, we couldn't say no.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3632/3672236161_83f51e93ce.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 342px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3632/3672236161_83f51e93ce.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">She looks so big, I almost cried. Well, then she DID cry when the ride was over. A lot. Cried.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">At least until we bought her a pinwheel. Simple tastes.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">On Monday, her actual birthday, we gave her two of her presents (her big present is saved until her party this Sunday). The first was a toddler-sized broom, which she promptly used to sweep up the living room (not really, but wouldn't that be awesome?). The second, was Dino.</span><br /><br /><a style="font-family: trebuchet ms;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2523/3675755083_7e9eb8e6dc.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 323px; height: 430px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2523/3675755083_7e9eb8e6dc.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I made Dino for Viv and am happy to say that she loves him. She takes him to bed every night and is intrigued by his nose and belly button. I'm so happy that she actually likes something I made for her -- it's kind of a rare feeling!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">We're leaving for Lake Tahoe tomorrow morning and will be up there for nine days. I can't wait to smell the pine trees and relax on a beach. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Happy Fourth of July!</span>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-35026465813732608172009-06-29T15:23:00.000-07:002009-06-29T15:27:56.411-07:00Birthday Girl<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">The most incredible girl in the world is turning 2 today! I can't believe it's been two years since she made her entrance into the world </span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">(6 weeks early)</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">. It has been such an amazing time and I feel so incredibly blessed to be her mom.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Happy Birthday Vivian!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vkWzEK_4DzI&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vkWzEK_4DzI&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Vivian at her daycare celebration for her birthday. If you couldn't guess by watching, she likes frosting!</span><br /></span></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13520362.post-49809875872160807142009-06-16T10:54:00.000-07:002009-06-16T11:07:06.117-07:00An Open Letter to a Helicopter<span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">To the Helicopter that Buzzed My Apartment 5 Times at 1:30 a.m. This Morning,</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I don't normally address letters to modes of transportation, but today I feel compelled. I'm sure you have a busy job, what with the taking off, circling in the air and landing. However, was it absolutely necessary to fly low and long over my apartment multiple times at 1:30 a.m.? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I had been asleep for about two hours, and I really needed it. But the loud hovering not only woke me up, but it also woke up and scared my daughter. My lovely husband then got up and brought her into our bed in an effort to calm her down. However, by this time, she was wide awake and proceeded to roll around for 1 1/2 hours. By the time she finally fell asleep around 3 a.m., I was wide awake. I think I was finally able to get back to sleep around 3:30.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">I really hope you were following a violent criminal and making sure he/she didn't get away to terrorize more people. If you were just following Lindsay Lohan on her latest coke-fueled jaunt around Los Angeles, I would be really mad.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Thank you for your attention. You can now return to monitoring gridlock over the 405.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Sincerely,</span><br /><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;">Sara</span>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08027348012562500559noreply@blogger.com1