So it has been quite the week preparing for my trip to Denver. I thought I would post something before I leave. (I hope to have pictures as soon as I get back!)
Everytime I think that my poster is finished I look at it and notice something I missed, well I have to finish it tonight so I can pack the rest of my suitcase. I'm bringing a lot of luggage for just 5 days but when you have to fit a foam board presentation in your suitcase and pack it with clothes so that it doesn't move around you tend to pack a lot. Oh well, not my fault Continental won't let me board the airplane with a giant piece of cardboard. Silly airline restrictions. Speaking off, I'm not taking knitting with me because I don't want to risk having my needles taken from me because I look like a terrorist. I am taking lots of good music and books. I just got the new Punch Brothers CD with Chris Thile and it is nothing short of AMAZING! I can't wait to hear them play after I get back from the conference.
As far as my knitting is going, I started the Christmas Stockings for the Ambrose Family. I'm about 10 inches into Ryan's. I will post some finished pictures.
I will be sure to let everyone know how things go out in Denver and until then please be wishing me safe travels, as I'm flying by myself. I must be getting old because I used to be fearless about flying but now I get really freaked out, especially when I have to do it by myself.
Off to the Mile High City!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Go Kristi!
So anyone who really knows me, knows that I'm a huge figure skating and olympics fan. So you can imagine my excitement to see Kristi Yamaguchi on Dancing with the Stars. Of course she got the highest scores in the first week, because she is AWESOME. I'm giving all my votes to her every week! I've watched the last two seasons of DWTS religiously but this is the first time I know who I am supporting before the season even starts.
So those of you that are Hockey fans should also throw your support behind her because she is married to Bret Hedican who plays for the Carolina Hurricanes.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Opera Goodness!!
So I figured that my Opera Tally post was not a good enough account of the past weekend. I must say that it was pretty fabulous! Everything that is!
Before we drove to NYC we went to a diner for breakfast with his family. The highlight was when he told his Uncle Val he was going to the opera, his response was "this domestic shit has got to stop" then Uncle Val went on to suggest some strip clubs in NYC. We got to Brooklyn and went for a beer in Park Slope with Lyndsay before changing into our swanky clothes to make our dinner reservation at Isabella's. I could go into detail about what we ate...but I'll just say it was fantastic and I want to learn how to make a cider reduction sauce. We had a leisurely dinner then took a cab up to Lincoln Center. (we had issues with the subway due to weekend construction)
Lincoln Center was all blocked off due to construction, which was pretty lame because we couldn't get our picture in front of the fountain. Oh well, it gives us a reason to go back there! The Opera House is just beautiful on the inside and we had pretty good seats.
Act I--Before the opera someone came out to announce that Ruth Ann Swenson had the flu and she announced the name of the woman replacing her as Violetta as well as making her Met Debut. It was pretty exciting to see a rising star and perhaps I'll hear about her later and how she got her start at the Met. The first Act was good with all of Violetta's arias. However, the people sitting next to us were not good. The man kept talking and asking stupid questions to the woman he was with, and they were not quiet about it. I think that the people on the other side of them shut them up and we didn't hear from them the rest of the opera.
Act II--The first scene in this act is a little slow because it is mostly about plot development. Some really important things in the plot happen during this scene but not a lot of action and dancing about. This is when Matt had the most trouble staying awake. I probably nudged him 10 or 12 times during this scene alone. The second scene was much more lively and entertaining as they were at a party with entertainment from gypsies and a matador. I found the matador funny as he slayed men with bull heads in his choreographed ballet. This scene was also reflected Zeffirelli's style of glitter and jewels in the set and the glitter floating down from the ceiling. It was fantastic to watch!
Act III--This Act started out in Violetta's bedroom then as Alfredo came to see her the whole set rose on an elevator on the stage to reveal the 1st story of her house. It was pretty incredible to see that and see her walk down the stairs to greet Alfredo. There is something about the ending of this opera that really gets me. I don't always cry at operas but the way Violetta dies is really moving and it gets me every time.
So in response to the Opera Tally--I did nudge him about 15 times, but the majority of that was in the Act II scene I and the rest were in Act I; which leads me to believe that once he got into the story he was able to stay awake. When asked if he liked it I heard several different responses ranging from "It was OK" to "It was Amazing!" So I think he liked it, but maybe he was afraid to admit it at first. Opera is AMAZING and everyone should know it!
After the Opera we got some pictures and met up with Lyndsay and Tully, they were out drinking for St. Patty's Day. Lyndsay rode the subway back to Brooklyn with us, while we talked Opera very loudly on the subway car. I think we only got strange looks when Lyndsay started describing the decapitated heads on stakes at the beginning of Turandot.
On Sunday we met my sister and Sarah for brunch in Park Slope at a place called Miriam's. It was really good Medittereanean fare. We didn't stay too much longer after that, the rest of the trip was uneventful. We had a fantastic weekend!
Before we drove to NYC we went to a diner for breakfast with his family. The highlight was when he told his Uncle Val he was going to the opera, his response was "this domestic shit has got to stop" then Uncle Val went on to suggest some strip clubs in NYC. We got to Brooklyn and went for a beer in Park Slope with Lyndsay before changing into our swanky clothes to make our dinner reservation at Isabella's. I could go into detail about what we ate...but I'll just say it was fantastic and I want to learn how to make a cider reduction sauce. We had a leisurely dinner then took a cab up to Lincoln Center. (we had issues with the subway due to weekend construction)
Lincoln Center was all blocked off due to construction, which was pretty lame because we couldn't get our picture in front of the fountain. Oh well, it gives us a reason to go back there! The Opera House is just beautiful on the inside and we had pretty good seats.
Act I--Before the opera someone came out to announce that Ruth Ann Swenson had the flu and she announced the name of the woman replacing her as Violetta as well as making her Met Debut. It was pretty exciting to see a rising star and perhaps I'll hear about her later and how she got her start at the Met. The first Act was good with all of Violetta's arias. However, the people sitting next to us were not good. The man kept talking and asking stupid questions to the woman he was with, and they were not quiet about it. I think that the people on the other side of them shut them up and we didn't hear from them the rest of the opera.
Act II--The first scene in this act is a little slow because it is mostly about plot development. Some really important things in the plot happen during this scene but not a lot of action and dancing about. This is when Matt had the most trouble staying awake. I probably nudged him 10 or 12 times during this scene alone. The second scene was much more lively and entertaining as they were at a party with entertainment from gypsies and a matador. I found the matador funny as he slayed men with bull heads in his choreographed ballet. This scene was also reflected Zeffirelli's style of glitter and jewels in the set and the glitter floating down from the ceiling. It was fantastic to watch!
Act III--This Act started out in Violetta's bedroom then as Alfredo came to see her the whole set rose on an elevator on the stage to reveal the 1st story of her house. It was pretty incredible to see that and see her walk down the stairs to greet Alfredo. There is something about the ending of this opera that really gets me. I don't always cry at operas but the way Violetta dies is really moving and it gets me every time.
So in response to the Opera Tally--I did nudge him about 15 times, but the majority of that was in the Act II scene I and the rest were in Act I; which leads me to believe that once he got into the story he was able to stay awake. When asked if he liked it I heard several different responses ranging from "It was OK" to "It was Amazing!" So I think he liked it, but maybe he was afraid to admit it at first. Opera is AMAZING and everyone should know it!
After the Opera we got some pictures and met up with Lyndsay and Tully, they were out drinking for St. Patty's Day. Lyndsay rode the subway back to Brooklyn with us, while we talked Opera very loudly on the subway car. I think we only got strange looks when Lyndsay started describing the decapitated heads on stakes at the beginning of Turandot.
On Sunday we met my sister and Sarah for brunch in Park Slope at a place called Miriam's. It was really good Medittereanean fare. We didn't stay too much longer after that, the rest of the trip was uneventful. We had a fantastic weekend!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
CLAPOTIS
I'm completely finished with it except for the pesky neckline with the picot edging. I decided not to do the sleeves in the picot edging but I definately want to keep that edging for the neckline. I fear that it may look too big, but know that I will wear it anyway! I blocked the heck out of the skirt and feel that I did too much....but I must realize: The beauty of a hand made object is the imperfections! Unfortunately my OCD and perfectionist tilt are getting the better of me right now. I kind of want to make another one of these in a smaller size...we'll see.
As for now I would like to knit something with the 3 skeins of mohair lace that has been sitting in my stash for years. Any suggestions? I have another skein that I'm thinking about making an Ice Queen with, but I am just not sure how much I will wear it.
On another note, my paper for the conference in Denver is coming along nicely! I've gotten some really good feedback from people I really respect. However, I feel that the conclusion needs serious triage. I want to finish by the weekend so I can show it to Matt and Lyndsay. So in my haste to finish my Dahlia, I have not been practicing as much as I should, but I plan to devote more time to practicing after the weekend.
I've been waiting for this weekend for a long time. Its Opera weekend (I'll be sure to post some pictures after the weekend). I get to take my man to his first opera, hang out with Lyndsay, and my sis and couple other friends. We're going to see La Traviata, however Matt has been telling people we are going to see La Travolta, the story of John Travolta. I think he will enjoy it, but I may take a running tally of how many times I have to nudge him to keep him from doozing off.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Knitting goodness
So if you've been reading my blog, you kno I'm working on my first sweater. I want to post pictures of it but I think I want to finish it first...so until then I thought I would post another project I finished recently.
These Mikado Gloves were made for Mallory and she loves them. I shortened them quite a bit so beware they will go way past your elbows if you make them as is. I am considering making myself a pair but even shorter than these. But as aways I have about 5 or 6 knitting projects in my mental queue so I don't know if I will make these for myself. But these gloves did turn out nice...really warm and kind of funky. Mallry's exact response was "these are so rad!"
These Mikado Gloves were made for Mallory and she loves them. I shortened them quite a bit so beware they will go way past your elbows if you make them as is. I am considering making myself a pair but even shorter than these. But as aways I have about 5 or 6 knitting projects in my mental queue so I don't know if I will make these for myself. But these gloves did turn out nice...really warm and kind of funky. Mallry's exact response was "these are so rad!"
Monday, March 3, 2008
Update
So in addition to going to the Opera I get to stay with Lyndsay and have brunch with my sister and some other cool people. It should turn out to be a fabulous weekend with all of those factors combined!
So I'm almost finished with my paper for Denver. Can you believe it?!?! I actually sat down and wrote it. It obviously needs some editing and a conclusion would be good along with another footnote. But other than that I think its pretty good, if I don't say so myself.
I have begun the cabling portion of my sweater and my goal is to have it finished when I go to New York in 2 weeks. No pressure! The cabling portion will most likely take longer so I should spend at least an hour knitting everyday to ensure that I can wear it in 2 weeks.
I had a very relaxing weekend with Matt in NJ. We did a lot of nothing, which was perfect!
I have a lot of students performing right now. One girl performed last Friday and she did really well, I was so pleased. I discussed her extensively in my paper that I worked on over the weekend. I have 3 more students performing this coming Friday and I think they will also do well. I get more nervous watching my students perform than actually performing myself...go figure. But I think the 3 performing this week will also do well.
My roommate from Grad school is coming to visit this weekend which should be fun. Whenever she comes all we do is watch movies sit around and eat, so its always low key!
As for now things are looking up and March and April has some very exciting things happening!
Only an hour until my lunch date with 3 of the Fabulous SAI MIT's!
So I'm almost finished with my paper for Denver. Can you believe it?!?! I actually sat down and wrote it. It obviously needs some editing and a conclusion would be good along with another footnote. But other than that I think its pretty good, if I don't say so myself.
I have begun the cabling portion of my sweater and my goal is to have it finished when I go to New York in 2 weeks. No pressure! The cabling portion will most likely take longer so I should spend at least an hour knitting everyday to ensure that I can wear it in 2 weeks.
I had a very relaxing weekend with Matt in NJ. We did a lot of nothing, which was perfect!
I have a lot of students performing right now. One girl performed last Friday and she did really well, I was so pleased. I discussed her extensively in my paper that I worked on over the weekend. I have 3 more students performing this coming Friday and I think they will also do well. I get more nervous watching my students perform than actually performing myself...go figure. But I think the 3 performing this week will also do well.
My roommate from Grad school is coming to visit this weekend which should be fun. Whenever she comes all we do is watch movies sit around and eat, so its always low key!
As for now things are looking up and March and April has some very exciting things happening!
Only an hour until my lunch date with 3 of the Fabulous SAI MIT's!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)