Scratchy throat.
Clogged, itchy insides of ears.
Slight sniffle.
The day before Halloween! I was always sick for Halloween when I was a kid. Ugh. I'm warding this off with Airborne (yes, PC I took it!), Dayquil, tea and lozenges.
Anyone got a homeopathic recipe that works very well?
(note; I'm allergic to kiwi)
Friday, October 30, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Noodles and Rem-dogs
Pattern: Little Liza Jane, by Alison Green Will, the Twist Collective Spring 2009
Yarn: Cascade Superwash 220, just shy of 2 skeins of a lovely plummy purple.
Needles: US 7 circs and straights
Recipient: Noodle, for her Thanksgiving dress
Comments: Love this pattern, am casting on again for a smaller version, knit with sock yarn. Only modifications I have made are as follows:
- Knit at a larger gauge, so made 12-18 month size using 2nd sizes' measurements.
- Crocheted edges of dress.
Pattern: Snowman Hat by Susan B. Anderson, Itty Bitty Hats
Yarn: Wool Ease (red and black) & White acrylic
Needles; US 6 circs and dpns
Recipient: Rem-Dog, my nephew... this is one of his winter hats.
Modifications:
- I made the hat a bit denser by knitting to a smaller gauge.
- Did a striped scarf
And because I never show you what's on my needles... this is a bat! Someone's coming to trick-or-treat... and this will be his treat!
Off the needles as well... a Pumpkin hat for my nephew, Jackson. It had to wing it's way to him before Halloween.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Gluttony
Yarn gluttony.
Saturday, I 'refreshed' the stash with some more yarn. A lot more yarn. I'm okay with it, but I have to say, the idea of yarn shopping anytime soon is gone. good bye LYS buying. The WEBS trip netted:
Has anyone else felt like this?? The over-fed stash sort of just staring at you???
On the needles:
Saturday, I 'refreshed' the stash with some more yarn. A lot more yarn. I'm okay with it, but I have to say, the idea of yarn shopping anytime soon is gone. good bye LYS buying. The WEBS trip netted:
- 3 skeins Ecological Wool in lavender (Starsky for my mom)
- 1 ball of sock yarn (PC)
- 4 balls of Cascade Fixation (socks for mom--- she loves these socks)
- 10 skeins of Nature Wool in orange (february lady for me!)
- 2 skeins Poem in pink
- 2 skeins Poem in blue
Has anyone else felt like this?? The over-fed stash sort of just staring at you???
On the needles:
- Little Liza Jane (Alison Green Will) for Chloe
- Girl Friday for me
- Socks that Rock for me
Friday, October 16, 2009
Contest, but no Rhinebeck.
After a careful 3 way emailing scheme, it was decided: too rainy-cold-damp to go to Rhinebeck. Now, this wouldn't normally be an issue, but a week of feeling 'eh' and a long week at work, being cold and wet is just not worth the yarn shopping. It's a bit sad b/c Erika was really ready to go. But, Erika, there will be a bed at the Hampton Inn with your name on it next year, I pinky-swear. And, I'll see what I can do about going up on the Friday. :) But, Amy, Erika and I did not say "well, we'll stay home and watch it rain." No! Hi, ho, it's off to WEBS we go! It's such a great shop and 100% Amy's suggestion, so we're packing up and heading out Saturday a.m. We'll go to Webs and Northhampton Wools. Oh, and since Erika's a vegetarian (A very flexible vegetarian: she can find meatless food anywhere! and that can be tough in Mass!), we haven't told her we are taking her to vegetarian heaven: northhampton. So, tell me your fave restaurant in Northhampton and if we eat there tomorrow (must be open for lunch), the girls and I will send you a little something for your troubles! Entries end at 11:30a.m. Saturday.
Note: I will be calling the Hampton Inn and booking for next year though, have no worries.
Note: I will be calling the Hampton Inn and booking for next year though, have no worries.
Friday, October 09, 2009
Gratulerer med dagen!
(Happy Birthday in Norwegian)
Happy Birthday to me!
Happy Birthday to Sylvie!
Happy Birthday to me and Sylvie!
Happy Birthday to we!
Today is me and my best friend's birthday. :) Imagine having your birthday with your best friend? It's as great as it sounds. Now, PC has really pulled out all the stops on tonight's festivities: I have been surrounded in the perfume of IsseyMiyake, L'deau Issey, and will dine tonight at Lumiere.
Tomorrow is dinner/cake with friends and family at our house. Yup, throwing my own birthday party b/c c'mon, do we really need a reason for a party? :)
PS.. how awesome is that cake up there?
Happy Birthday to me!
Happy Birthday to Sylvie!
Happy Birthday to me and Sylvie!
Happy Birthday to we!
Today is me and my best friend's birthday. :) Imagine having your birthday with your best friend? It's as great as it sounds. Now, PC has really pulled out all the stops on tonight's festivities: I have been surrounded in the perfume of IsseyMiyake, L'deau Issey, and will dine tonight at Lumiere.
Tomorrow is dinner/cake with friends and family at our house. Yup, throwing my own birthday party b/c c'mon, do we really need a reason for a party? :)
PS.. how awesome is that cake up there?
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Stream of Conscience
- I woke up w/ a headache, stuffed ears and the sniffles
- PC gave me a birthday present last night: owl pajamas!!!
- I'm wearing them now
- The milk turned
- I found out the hard way
- Must.find. breakfast.alternative.
- Hotel for Rhinebeck is booked.
- Amy and Erika are my companions for the trip.... look for a midget flanked by two tall women.
- I don't think my sweater will be done.
- We're staying in Poughkeepsie
- I'm not planning on buying yarn
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Countdown
Countdown to what?
We'll see.
And, here's a recipe for you (Erika: pay attention: this one's vegetarian)
Curried Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
2 large butternut squashes, split in 1/2 and seeds scooped out
2 tbsp butter, in 4 pieces
salt and pepper
2 boxes Trader Joe's low sodium veg broth (about 10 cups)
1 tbsp curry powder
Put squashes, flesh side up, on cookie sheets, add piece of butter to each, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast 1 hour at 400 deg F. Remove flesh from skins, discard skin, and add to stock pot. Add 5 cups of broth and cook for 20 minutes on medium heat. Blend w/ immersion blender and add additional 5 cups of broth. Stir. Add additional salt and pepper to taste.
This works out to be a high fiber, low fat, low sodium soup. Since PC's cardiac event, he's been on a low sodium diet, but he loves the butternut squash soup from TJ's. This is my version for him. :) It made 6 containers for work lunches... about 1 1/2 cups each.
Nutritional Info:
154 calories, 2.1 g fat (the good kind!), and 8.4 g fiber, 300 mg of sodium.
- my birthday: 5 days
- my birthday party: 6 days (thank PC--- he's the love of my life for a reason)
- knit night: 1 day
- Rhinebeck: 13 days
We'll see.
And, here's a recipe for you (Erika: pay attention: this one's vegetarian)
Curried Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
2 large butternut squashes, split in 1/2 and seeds scooped out
2 tbsp butter, in 4 pieces
salt and pepper
2 boxes Trader Joe's low sodium veg broth (about 10 cups)
1 tbsp curry powder
Put squashes, flesh side up, on cookie sheets, add piece of butter to each, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast 1 hour at 400 deg F. Remove flesh from skins, discard skin, and add to stock pot. Add 5 cups of broth and cook for 20 minutes on medium heat. Blend w/ immersion blender and add additional 5 cups of broth. Stir. Add additional salt and pepper to taste.
This works out to be a high fiber, low fat, low sodium soup. Since PC's cardiac event, he's been on a low sodium diet, but he loves the butternut squash soup from TJ's. This is my version for him. :) It made 6 containers for work lunches... about 1 1/2 cups each.
Nutritional Info:
154 calories, 2.1 g fat (the good kind!), and 8.4 g fiber, 300 mg of sodium.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
To text or not to text?
A discussion has been occurring in my life that I never thought would.
"when is it okay to text?"
And, it's truly a dilemma. I try not to text while having a conversation with someone in the room. PC is an exception, b/c sometimes he's in the room and well, he gets it.
For example, a lunch out recently at a fairly nice establishment netted me spying 2 couples texting while at the same table. They weren't talking to each other. I don't know if they were texting each other, but it seemed odd.
At knit night last night, two members texted each other within the group. While I thought this was incredibly rude, is it really? I consider whispering within a group rude.... but I was raised that you kept your thoughts to yourself and discussed them at a later time, if necessary. But, is it rude to text someone the equivalent of a whisper? I'm not sure society agrees with me, and I am quite all right with being wrong.
And, what about out with a friend? Is it okay to remove yourself (with or without telling your friend) from the conversation or activity, and text? Or tweet?
Does the relative silence of the texting activity remove the 'rudeness' factor?
Please, help the 'uninformed'. And, yes, I cast on for Girl Friday last night. Photos once I have something beyond ribbing.
"when is it okay to text?"
And, it's truly a dilemma. I try not to text while having a conversation with someone in the room. PC is an exception, b/c sometimes he's in the room and well, he gets it.
For example, a lunch out recently at a fairly nice establishment netted me spying 2 couples texting while at the same table. They weren't talking to each other. I don't know if they were texting each other, but it seemed odd.
At knit night last night, two members texted each other within the group. While I thought this was incredibly rude, is it really? I consider whispering within a group rude.... but I was raised that you kept your thoughts to yourself and discussed them at a later time, if necessary. But, is it rude to text someone the equivalent of a whisper? I'm not sure society agrees with me, and I am quite all right with being wrong.
And, what about out with a friend? Is it okay to remove yourself (with or without telling your friend) from the conversation or activity, and text? Or tweet?
Does the relative silence of the texting activity remove the 'rudeness' factor?
Please, help the 'uninformed'. And, yes, I cast on for Girl Friday last night. Photos once I have something beyond ribbing.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Friday!
PC has his first pair of handknit socks. Hooray! He likes them and can't wait to try them out on the ice at the first curling event. Which is next week? or the week after. Either way, it's soon.
My friend Dora and I are headed to the Franklin County Fiber Twist tomorrow. Anyone going??? If so, give a shout and we can meet up to say hi. :)
2 hour car ride with a new-good friend and some tunes, tea and some cash....all in the pursuit of yarn. Can you think of a better Saturday?
Monday, September 21, 2009
Last Day of Summer
A moment of reflection on the last day of summer. We didn't really have a summer here at chez Mini y PC. Sure, we went to Niagara Falls for a few days, and we bought a BBQ grill, but honestly, we usually do so much more in the summer. Not.one.camping.trip. Those who know us know: that was a sure sign on financial unrest in this house. And, I think it really took a toll on me. More than I can explain.
I didn't get to sleep under the stars, warmed from the campfire and super chilly in the cool mountain air in the morning. Didn't get to see the wisps of morning being chased off the lake and hear the loon mamas calling for their kids to hurry up. No bad coffee (b/c when you are camping, any coffee is good coffee) and trips to Echo Lake, to float in the middle, staring up at the sky.
My blood pressure visibly decreases when we cross the border into NH. It's 'home' in so many ways to me: it's where I spent every summer as a child. It's where I went to college, had my first real boyfriend, and found my voice as an adult. It's where I chose to spend my vacations and where I want to retire.
PC... next year, let's promise, ok? Let's promise to camp more than we've ever camped before. Let's promise to work hard now and spend as much time, sitting on that great rock, laughing and not catching fish, swimming in Echo Lake and kissing under the star-filled sky.
Knitting: working on a 2nd sock to PC's first socks. Should be there soon enough.
I didn't get to sleep under the stars, warmed from the campfire and super chilly in the cool mountain air in the morning. Didn't get to see the wisps of morning being chased off the lake and hear the loon mamas calling for their kids to hurry up. No bad coffee (b/c when you are camping, any coffee is good coffee) and trips to Echo Lake, to float in the middle, staring up at the sky.
My blood pressure visibly decreases when we cross the border into NH. It's 'home' in so many ways to me: it's where I spent every summer as a child. It's where I went to college, had my first real boyfriend, and found my voice as an adult. It's where I chose to spend my vacations and where I want to retire.
PC... next year, let's promise, ok? Let's promise to camp more than we've ever camped before. Let's promise to work hard now and spend as much time, sitting on that great rock, laughing and not catching fish, swimming in Echo Lake and kissing under the star-filled sky.
Knitting: working on a 2nd sock to PC's first socks. Should be there soon enough.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Winner, Winner!
chicken dinner?
Nope... Marceli won! With 29 comments, I had a random number generator pick the winner.
Send me a private note with your name, address and I will mail you a prize! (kskaare at gmail dot com)
Now, some knitting.
Kiri Shawl by Polly Outhwaite *warning: that link is pdf*
Yarn: Ball and Skein's handpainted 100% 4-ply silk, purchased at NETA Spa in 2006
Needles; US 6 metal circulars
Mods: added 1 additional repeat before the edging.
Made for: me. :) PC and I are attending a family wedding tomorrow night and I have the perfect little black dress and purple shoes to go along.
Nope... Marceli won! With 29 comments, I had a random number generator pick the winner.
Send me a private note with your name, address and I will mail you a prize! (kskaare at gmail dot com)
Now, some knitting.
Kiri Shawl by Polly Outhwaite *warning: that link is pdf*
Yarn: Ball and Skein's handpainted 100% 4-ply silk, purchased at NETA Spa in 2006
Needles; US 6 metal circulars
Mods: added 1 additional repeat before the edging.
Made for: me. :) PC and I are attending a family wedding tomorrow night and I have the perfect little black dress and purple shoes to go along.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
A True Survivor
Some of you know that in our little Monday night knitting group at Island Yarn, we have a celebrity mom. As in, she's the mom of a celebrity. Rochelle's son is Ethan Zohn, winner of Survivor Africa, the very popular reality tv show. Now, no matter what you might think of reality tv, Ethan's taken philanthropy and community outreach to a whole new level.
He's the founder of GrassRoots, a soccer based AIDS/HIV outreach education organization that uses the fundamentals of soccer to teach young Africans about safe sex and the dangers of unprotected sex. Just last year, he raised money for this cause by dribbling a soccer ball from Boston to Washington DC.
But, Ethan has cancer. We learned earlier this year as we watched his mom try to stay strong and help her youngest fight back against lymphoma. A round of chemo has not been successful and he's getting ready to begin a new phase in his treatment. As we rally around Rochelle, she and her other two sons are rallying around Ethan.
Via his mom, a knitter, we have been asked to help Ethan raise more funds for his organization and cancer charities by voting for him in GQ Magazine's “2009 Better Men Better World Search”. What could be better than someone who is fighting back against cancer and still only thinking of what he can do to help others? When so many asked "how can we help?", the response was to help him help others.
So, I need YOU to go vote for Ethan (he's a top 5 candidate) at:
http://www.thegentlemensfund.com/final_vote.asp .
Come back here after you vote, leave me a comment (please: be honest) with your vote and at the end of the week, I'll give out some prizes.
He's the founder of GrassRoots, a soccer based AIDS/HIV outreach education organization that uses the fundamentals of soccer to teach young Africans about safe sex and the dangers of unprotected sex. Just last year, he raised money for this cause by dribbling a soccer ball from Boston to Washington DC.
But, Ethan has cancer. We learned earlier this year as we watched his mom try to stay strong and help her youngest fight back against lymphoma. A round of chemo has not been successful and he's getting ready to begin a new phase in his treatment. As we rally around Rochelle, she and her other two sons are rallying around Ethan.
Via his mom, a knitter, we have been asked to help Ethan raise more funds for his organization and cancer charities by voting for him in GQ Magazine's “2009 Better Men Better World Search”. What could be better than someone who is fighting back against cancer and still only thinking of what he can do to help others? When so many asked "how can we help?", the response was to help him help others.
So, I need YOU to go vote for Ethan (he's a top 5 candidate) at:
http://www.
Come back here after you vote, leave me a comment (please: be honest) with your vote and at the end of the week, I'll give out some prizes.
Monday, September 14, 2009
I know EXACTLY what I am making with my 10 skeins of hot pink Cascade 220. So far this year, I have fallen in love with 2 sweaters... both are ready to cast on and get started. After last years failed cardigan attempt (where I thought I was 13 inches wider ON.EACH.SIDE than I am ), I am blindly following the sizing instructions. I already got gauge.
This will look so cute with a white t-shirt and black pants for work.....
Photos from Knitty.... Girl Friday Sweater by
This will look so cute with a white t-shirt and black pants for work.....
Photos from Knitty.... Girl Friday Sweater by
Friday, September 04, 2009
On the line...
I have been knitting. I've been knitting up a storm, actually. In between it all, I have managed to fit in a trip to the annual JCA sale (see Erika's blog for a photo of my haul), a trip to WoolPak and getting ready for my new job. :)
First up, one of 2 sweaters for my cousin Sue's twins. She's due in late October/early November (who knows with twins!) and these wee ones will need something to keep them warm. (don't worry Sue, O will be getting a new sweater too!)
Twin A will be sporting purple :
Twin B will have pink ( I have 3 rounds and a bind off to do, but I have to go to the gym, you get a 'twin shot' tomorrow). The sweater is a "Designs by Jeannine" pattern from the Wool Pak. Both sweaters are knit in Berroco Comfort DK on US 3 and 5 needles. Easy pattern, great little sweater-- you 'upsize' it by increasing the yarn weight and needles.
Another set of twins around here is PC's feet. They are GINORMOUS. My PC had freakishly large skinny feet. :) Like all men, I suppose. His first "curling" sock is done, waiting on a twin. The twin is being cast on tonight, I hope. Now that I have his 'recipe' down, the 2nd sock will fly along.
Would a beret by any other name be so sweet? The Leaf and Vine beret from Vogue Knitting Fall 2009; a gift for my aunt in Pennsylvania. She'll love the soft RYC Cashsoft and of course, the blue. Last year, I sent her a blue cowl for Christmas and she LOVED it. This year, I am adding to her blue ensemble with a beret.... a slouchy one at that. :) I am going to re-knit this pattern as I loved it and I want one for me... in a more 'mini' color and a smaller size.
And, the big project: Shalom cardigan for my friend Sylvie. She's a great best friend/sister and this is her birthday present. We have the same October 9 birthday and this sweater will look great on her. She's a very chic Frenchwoman and will love the silk/alpaca/wool of this vest. It's knit from 8 skeins of Mirasol Sulka. I have to say, knitting with the yarn was to.die.for. It shed, yes, but it was totally worth it. Island Yarn has a bunch of colors, just sayin'.
This was today's photoshoot location.... my back porch. It's been super nice to sit on the porch and read the paper, etc each morning. I'm looking forward to autumn!
A BIG first today: first time dropping off the laundry! Since our dryer is still D.O.A downstairs, we've all had to do the laundrymat thing. Since I wasn't working, it was no big deal, 1.5 hours of my life, $12 and I had my laundry done. Now that I'll be working, we are dropping it off. Neither of us wants to spend our evenings in the laundrymat and we can afford it, so why not, right?
First up, one of 2 sweaters for my cousin Sue's twins. She's due in late October/early November (who knows with twins!) and these wee ones will need something to keep them warm. (don't worry Sue, O will be getting a new sweater too!)
Twin A will be sporting purple :
Twin B will have pink ( I have 3 rounds and a bind off to do, but I have to go to the gym, you get a 'twin shot' tomorrow). The sweater is a "Designs by Jeannine" pattern from the Wool Pak. Both sweaters are knit in Berroco Comfort DK on US 3 and 5 needles. Easy pattern, great little sweater-- you 'upsize' it by increasing the yarn weight and needles.
Another set of twins around here is PC's feet. They are GINORMOUS. My PC had freakishly large skinny feet. :) Like all men, I suppose. His first "curling" sock is done, waiting on a twin. The twin is being cast on tonight, I hope. Now that I have his 'recipe' down, the 2nd sock will fly along.
Would a beret by any other name be so sweet? The Leaf and Vine beret from Vogue Knitting Fall 2009; a gift for my aunt in Pennsylvania. She'll love the soft RYC Cashsoft and of course, the blue. Last year, I sent her a blue cowl for Christmas and she LOVED it. This year, I am adding to her blue ensemble with a beret.... a slouchy one at that. :) I am going to re-knit this pattern as I loved it and I want one for me... in a more 'mini' color and a smaller size.
And, the big project: Shalom cardigan for my friend Sylvie. She's a great best friend/sister and this is her birthday present. We have the same October 9 birthday and this sweater will look great on her. She's a very chic Frenchwoman and will love the silk/alpaca/wool of this vest. It's knit from 8 skeins of Mirasol Sulka. I have to say, knitting with the yarn was to.die.for. It shed, yes, but it was totally worth it. Island Yarn has a bunch of colors, just sayin'.
This was today's photoshoot location.... my back porch. It's been super nice to sit on the porch and read the paper, etc each morning. I'm looking forward to autumn!
A BIG first today: first time dropping off the laundry! Since our dryer is still D.O.A downstairs, we've all had to do the laundrymat thing. Since I wasn't working, it was no big deal, 1.5 hours of my life, $12 and I had my laundry done. Now that I'll be working, we are dropping it off. Neither of us wants to spend our evenings in the laundrymat and we can afford it, so why not, right?
Friday, August 21, 2009
I have knitting....
and a dead camera battery. *sigh*
Instead, I will tell you about the super-secret, oh-wow! experience I had yesterday with PC. PC took me to a place that I had never even heard about... the Bodega.
If you are like PC and into sneakers (PC is a sneaker-ho... he loves sneakers, all kinds, all brands... it's an endearing quality that he lusts after a pair of black and green Jordan's like a 15 year old boy on his first date)--- you must get to the Bodega.
Good luck finding it.
I will say, it's in BackBay, it's cleverly hidden and I'm very glad I didn't go alone. They have taken a typical 'corner store' storefront and used it cleverly hide a shop--- inside the store! You walk into what looks like it could be a crackden, go directly past the scary looking guys sitting at the folding table (playing on a laptop) and through what seems to be a wall. Trust is everything at this point. Welcome to the Bodega.
No sneakers followed us home, but a t-shirt did. It's rockin'!
Off to Portland Maine today with my PC... it's all about the Downeaster train ride and less about Maine.
Will blog again tomorrow... with a photo of my Shalom cardigan in progress and some cool stitch markers. :)
Instead, I will tell you about the super-secret, oh-wow! experience I had yesterday with PC. PC took me to a place that I had never even heard about... the Bodega.
If you are like PC and into sneakers (PC is a sneaker-ho... he loves sneakers, all kinds, all brands... it's an endearing quality that he lusts after a pair of black and green Jordan's like a 15 year old boy on his first date)--- you must get to the Bodega.
Good luck finding it.
I will say, it's in BackBay, it's cleverly hidden and I'm very glad I didn't go alone. They have taken a typical 'corner store' storefront and used it cleverly hide a shop--- inside the store! You walk into what looks like it could be a crackden, go directly past the scary looking guys sitting at the folding table (playing on a laptop) and through what seems to be a wall. Trust is everything at this point. Welcome to the Bodega.
No sneakers followed us home, but a t-shirt did. It's rockin'!
Off to Portland Maine today with my PC... it's all about the Downeaster train ride and less about Maine.
Will blog again tomorrow... with a photo of my Shalom cardigan in progress and some cool stitch markers. :)
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
411
Since the acceptance letter is printed, signed and on its way to the employer, I can give up some info about the job. I do try to keep some anonymity on the blog, as I believe separating work from home is a little like separating church from state: required for the sanctity of both.
So, I will no longer be a scientista as of early September. I'm leaving the comfort zone of my favored field of work: lab science. I was a good scientist, not a great one. I knew/know a lot of about a lot of different subjects within my field, but I wasn't going to cure cancer anytime soon. Nor was I going to get much 'higher' on the totem pole without the PhD after my name. Before this, I got 'up' by using my talents and my ability to negotiate. After the layoff, it was 'where from here?'
I applied to a position I never thought in a million years I would hear back from. I had made a deal with myself in the beginning: try for the 'big career change' job for 3 months, then you are banking on 10 years of good lab expertise and trying to get paid. Sounds reasonable, no? Friends, PC --- all were very helpful. I tried everything and heard back from one position that I was candidate #2 for. Oh, I was pissed. I thought I had that one nailed.
So, back to this job. I thought it was interesting. I was intrigued... but I never thought they'd call back. I spent 3 days crafting my resume and cover letter. I sent them off and promptly forgot about it. Fast forward a few weeks: a phone call. They want to talk to me! Over the phone... Ah, they are weeding out the 'duds'. I pass the phone call! I go in for interview #1.... wow! I really want this job! I wait... get project assigned and date for interview #2! Work on project for a full week... research, write, re-write, evaluate, change, change back, more research... and then the interview. I am prepared. Confident. 4 interviewers later...and 3 hours... a trip to lunch with VP and HR. Small talk, order meals... .make offer. Ask for weekend, knowing I will accept, but need time to do private happy dance. So, I am a scientific conference content producer. I'm not sure my actual title yet, but that's a close guess.
A good knitting friend hooked me up with one of her friends for an informational interview for this new field. It was such an amazing advantage. This was something I did throughout my search, I networked not only for jobs, but for information: about companies, positions, roles... and it helped.
So, I will no longer be a scientista as of early September. I'm leaving the comfort zone of my favored field of work: lab science. I was a good scientist, not a great one. I knew/know a lot of about a lot of different subjects within my field, but I wasn't going to cure cancer anytime soon. Nor was I going to get much 'higher' on the totem pole without the PhD after my name. Before this, I got 'up' by using my talents and my ability to negotiate. After the layoff, it was 'where from here?'
I applied to a position I never thought in a million years I would hear back from. I had made a deal with myself in the beginning: try for the 'big career change' job for 3 months, then you are banking on 10 years of good lab expertise and trying to get paid. Sounds reasonable, no? Friends, PC --- all were very helpful. I tried everything and heard back from one position that I was candidate #2 for. Oh, I was pissed. I thought I had that one nailed.
So, back to this job. I thought it was interesting. I was intrigued... but I never thought they'd call back. I spent 3 days crafting my resume and cover letter. I sent them off and promptly forgot about it. Fast forward a few weeks: a phone call. They want to talk to me! Over the phone... Ah, they are weeding out the 'duds'. I pass the phone call! I go in for interview #1.... wow! I really want this job! I wait... get project assigned and date for interview #2! Work on project for a full week... research, write, re-write, evaluate, change, change back, more research... and then the interview. I am prepared. Confident. 4 interviewers later...and 3 hours... a trip to lunch with VP and HR. Small talk, order meals... .make offer. Ask for weekend, knowing I will accept, but need time to do private happy dance. So, I am a scientific conference content producer. I'm not sure my actual title yet, but that's a close guess.
A good knitting friend hooked me up with one of her friends for an informational interview for this new field. It was such an amazing advantage. This was something I did throughout my search, I networked not only for jobs, but for information: about companies, positions, roles... and it helped.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Mazel Tov!
First, thanks for all the good wishes. I will fill in the blanks next week, once I have officially accepted the position (was reviewing the legal documents) and have calmed down a bit.
But, today... today is a great day.
7 years ago today, I had my first date with PC. It was 102 deg F, muggy and disgusting. And, we went to the Franklin Park Zoo after lunch at the Joshua Tree in Somerville, MA. He was super cute with his blue eyes, blonde hair and adorable smile.... and I guess I caught his fancy as well.
7 years, 3 moves, and 1 cat later... here we are.
We are celebrating today by going on a whale watch (we are already back and slightly sunburnt) and then dinner at the Capital Grille.
I can't explain how much I love PC or how much it means to me that he's tolerated the past 8 months of unemployment, but when you have seen us together, you know how much we love each other.
In the past 7 years, we've never....
In the past 7 years, we've learned....
PC, I love you more today than yesterday... but not as much as tomorrow. Happy 7th... and here's to 43 more... :)
xoxox
mini
But, today... today is a great day.
7 years ago today, I had my first date with PC. It was 102 deg F, muggy and disgusting. And, we went to the Franklin Park Zoo after lunch at the Joshua Tree in Somerville, MA. He was super cute with his blue eyes, blonde hair and adorable smile.... and I guess I caught his fancy as well.
7 years, 3 moves, and 1 cat later... here we are.
We are celebrating today by going on a whale watch (we are already back and slightly sunburnt) and then dinner at the Capital Grille.
I can't explain how much I love PC or how much it means to me that he's tolerated the past 8 months of unemployment, but when you have seen us together, you know how much we love each other.
In the past 7 years, we've never....
- gone to bed angry
- said mean things intentionally
- broken up
- cheated
- spoken ill of each other
In the past 7 years, we've learned....
- patience
- forgiveness
- acceptance
- tolerance
- faith
- and that love can truly grow.
PC, I love you more today than yesterday... but not as much as tomorrow. Happy 7th... and here's to 43 more... :)
xoxox
mini
Friday, August 14, 2009
OMG
I GOT A JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
details to follow... right now, I just want to run around in my excitement. :)
details to follow... right now, I just want to run around in my excitement. :)
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Baby Knitting....
So, my friend Lisa decided to have a baby. In North Carolina. I guess this is acceptable b/c well... she lives there with her hubby. They own a house, two cars and two wee kittens, so I guess it was way more practical for me to go to her. So off I went on a Boston-Raleigh flight last weekend for a baby shower. Now, most of you know that I would pretty much do anything for my friends, but I really never thought I'd fly 2 hours for a baby shower. Drive 2 hours? Sure! But fly?
And, this is no ordinary friend. This friend and her hubster have an unusual pedigree: she's 1/2 Jewish and Cuban, he's Indian. A beautiful baby will be arriving soon, but c'mon: this kid is NOT going to do well in pastels. You know, I know.... they know. So, I made the wee-one-to-be a quilt... full of reds, sages, and buttery yellows....
And matching bumpers.
And a sweater.
And I iron-on'd (is this a word??) some cute decals to some onesies.
Moving on... I'm working on a baby sweater and 2 pair of socks, one for me, one for PC.
And, this is no ordinary friend. This friend and her hubster have an unusual pedigree: she's 1/2 Jewish and Cuban, he's Indian. A beautiful baby will be arriving soon, but c'mon: this kid is NOT going to do well in pastels. You know, I know.... they know. So, I made the wee-one-to-be a quilt... full of reds, sages, and buttery yellows....
And matching bumpers.
And a sweater.
And I iron-on'd (is this a word??) some cute decals to some onesies.
Moving on... I'm working on a baby sweater and 2 pair of socks, one for me, one for PC.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Adult?
I read something online earlier this week about being a grown-up. How do you recognize this feat? When do we really feel "adult?"
I can say for me; moving in with PC. First time I really felt like I had my shit under control and that my life was moving in the right direction. Had the boy, had the apartment and soon after, had the cat. I have a friend who once told me "the day I realized that I don't have to call my mom back." I look around me and see all of our friends in the midst of various "adulthood": getting married, having babies, having 2nd babies(!!!), buying houses, buying 2nd houses, getting divorced, working a new career, staying home, and movin' along with life. Last year, I bought a car without asking my dad about it. I've never done that. We chose this apartment (and the one before it) without any input. I've been terrified in an ER in the middle of the night, waiting alone... praying. It took me 31.8 years to realize that there are different kinds of 'adults'... and that's okay.
Sometimes I feel like I am standing completely still while the world moves around me and then I look at where I am. I am here. In my life and I am happy. I look at PC, who gives me stupid grins when I get a little morose about who we are and where we're at. We're not everyone else. We are us.
So, what was the first thing that made you feel like an adult?
The job hunt continues... and the knitting, the knitting is good... I will blog about knitting sometime this weekend, promise!
I can say for me; moving in with PC. First time I really felt like I had my shit under control and that my life was moving in the right direction. Had the boy, had the apartment and soon after, had the cat. I have a friend who once told me "the day I realized that I don't have to call my mom back." I look around me and see all of our friends in the midst of various "adulthood": getting married, having babies, having 2nd babies(!!!), buying houses, buying 2nd houses, getting divorced, working a new career, staying home, and movin' along with life. Last year, I bought a car without asking my dad about it. I've never done that. We chose this apartment (and the one before it) without any input. I've been terrified in an ER in the middle of the night, waiting alone... praying. It took me 31.8 years to realize that there are different kinds of 'adults'... and that's okay.
Sometimes I feel like I am standing completely still while the world moves around me and then I look at where I am. I am here. In my life and I am happy. I look at PC, who gives me stupid grins when I get a little morose about who we are and where we're at. We're not everyone else. We are us.
So, what was the first thing that made you feel like an adult?
The job hunt continues... and the knitting, the knitting is good... I will blog about knitting sometime this weekend, promise!
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