August | 2007 | web-goddess

August 21, 2007

Ultramarathon for Lupus

Lupus – it’s not just a joke on House
I occasionally get e-mails from people from my high school class, most of whom are just idly Googling and stumble across my site. They say “hey,” and I say “hey,” and that’s that. Not long ago though, I heard from someone I used to be good friends with: Holli Wallace.* Holli wanted to ask me a favor. She and her husband Brian have family and friends with lupus, so Brian is running a fifty-mile ultramarathon next month to raise money for the Lupus Foundation of America. (I can’t even begin to fathom how hard that would be. That’s SIX TIMES farther than my farthest run ever. Insane.) Brian’s set up a weblog to document his training and help raise awareness of the cause. Holli asked if I would mind throwing them a link… and duh, of course I will. In fact, I’ll be donating some cash as well. So if you need an excuse to do a good deed this month, go donate at Brian’s site, okay?

* Incidentally, I have a great photo of Holli that I took on our 8th grade camping trip to Pokagon, where she’s lying on the beach and looking back upside-down at me. I always thought it would make a great album cover. Man, I should find that and e-mail it to her…

August 20, 2007

New Do

New hair. As my sister put it: “You’re not really going to interview with them with SALMON-COLORED HAIR, are you?”

August 20, 2007

Christmas Tea Cosy

Christmas Tea Cosy
This is officially Number Four, folks! This pattern is actually called “Delphie” (no idea why) and it’s from Patons Craft Book No. C.18. The book actually belongs to Ma Snook, who purchased it way back in the 1950’s, I believe. I’m still using up oddments of 8ply yarn on 4mm needles. This cosy was mostly knit while watching the TV movie of Pratchett’s Hogfather; hence the Christmas colours.

August 20, 2007

Interview Tomorrow

If you were a fruit, what would you be?
Big interview in less than 24 hours. Have you ever been asked a particularly good – or bad – job interview question? This company is known for being rigorous, so I want to prepare as much as possible. Any questions or suggestions you could throw my way would be appreciated!

August 19, 2007

King on Rowling

My cousin Jenny (who needs a blog already!) sent me a link to this wonderful essay by Stephen King on the Harry Potter series. King’s a big fan, and he does a great job of explaining why the books became so popular in the first place. It’s interesting, because King himself has been tarred with the “popular but not a real writer” brush on many occasions. Me, I love books with lots of plot and imagination, which is why Rowling and King have prominent places on my own bookshelf.

August 19, 2007

Knitting Classes

Hello to any of my knitting students dropping by! Our usual knitting teacher Mel had to cancel this weekend, so I got drafted as a substitute teacher for our Beginning and Intermediate Knitting classes. The classes I’ve taught previously have all been more advanced (socks, cables, etc) so I was a bit nervous about dealing with newbies. I needn’t have worried. They were all great! Everyone learned something new, and quite a few of them seemed fired up and inspired when they left. Some of them even asked for my website to see my own knitting progression. (Check out the Crafts page, ladies!) It was nice to be reminded of how fun and exciting it is to teach someone a new skill.

August 18, 2007

Ribbed Tea Cosy

Ribbed Tea Cosy
Well, the Great Tea Cosy Challenge was on shaky ground there for a while, as it looked like Auntie Linda might not do the stall after all. Happily, I’ve just found out we’re back on… and I’ve just finished my third cosy! This is another one I found on Ravelry, and it’s a free pattern from Bernat (though you do have to register on their site). I used less than two balls of Cleckheaton Country 8ply on 4mm needles, and the only significant change I made in the pattern was to knit the top shaping bit in the round (rather than sewing it up). I also used i-cord to make the loop at the top rather than crocheting one. Onwards and upwards!

August 17, 2007

Kafka’s Soup

Kafka's Soup Kafka’s Soup
Last night I joined Miss Fee and Eva at Kinokuniya for a book reading by author Mark Crick. Mark’s book is called Kafka’s Soup and it’s billed as “A Complete History of World Literature in 14 Recipes.” Basically, it’s a little cookbook and each recipe is written in the style of a famous author. As foodies and book lovers, we couldn’t say no. Mark read aloud from Irvine Welsh’s Chocolate Cake, and we all giggled as he slurred his way through a passable imitation of a drunken Scotsman comparing the preparation of a chocolate cake to cooking up heroin. (We also got to have little pieces of the cake; it was lovely.) Afterwards we dutifully queued up to get our books signed, and though for most people he scribbled a polite “Bon Appetit!”, the three of us requested – and were granted – X-rated quotes from the Irvine Welsh. It was a fun evening. Thanks to the girls for accompanying me, and to Miss Fee for taking the picture!

August 17, 2007

Interview

The interview went really well. (How well? On a scale of 1-10, I’d say about 10¹⁰⁰.) Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and well wishes! I’m crossing my fingers now for an onsite interview.

Update: Onsite interview booked for Tuesday morning. EEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!Didja catch that? 😉

August 17, 2007

City 2 Surf Photos

City 2 Surf Photos – The Agony and the Ecstasy
Last night I suddenly remembered that the City 2 Surf photos were available, so I looked up our bib numbers to see what they had. The first one of me was pretty good, with me chugging along and half of the Snook visible on the side. The second one? Not so good. In fact, I laughed and laughed and laughed. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you the Funniest. Running Pose. Ever. Okay photo Â WHAT AM I DOING?

Let’s be honest. I look like I’m in the Special Olympics in that second one. I actually remember the moment quite clearly. The guy was right at the end, standing literally at the finish line. The Snook and I were urging each other on in a sprint to finish strong. “Photographers!” I gasped. “Put your arms up!” he said. And this is what happened. WHAT AM I DOING? I couldn’t even manage a proper wave. Well, you try running eight miles and see if you photograph well at the end of it!

Month: August 2007 (page 4 of 8)