AOL, Gmail, Yahoo, Facebook, Fantasy Football, Etsy, Blogspot, My Space, Twitter, Daily Sudoku, Daily Futoshiki, Beading Daily, Crochet Me. Need I go on? I can't keep up with all the websites and e-mail accounts I use!
The website I just signed up for today is Ravelry. And now I can't get off it! I'm searching free crochet and knit patterns. There must be thousands of them on the website. I could spend the rest of my Christmas (yes, Christmas, not winter) vacation just searching for free patterns. Yesterday I spent a few hours searching free jewelry projects. Thankfully, many of the sites I use now allow you to save into your own "library" so I don't have to save them to my desktop.
It's a good thing I'm a multi-tasking maven! And that I know how to use tabbed browsing on my computer. Because without it, how could I watch football on t.v. and follow my Fantasy Football team, the Seahawks, and the Redskins on the computer all at the same time?
Okay, back to Ravelry. Oh and, BTW, I notice that a lot of the people posting crochet and knit patterns on the internet have cats.
A hui hou!
=^..^=
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
WHY & R
WHY do I keep watching The Young & The Restless?? I ask myself this almost everyday yet I keep viewing that darn soap opera first thing when I come home from work. Some of the characters and storylines are completely uninteresting to me but I keep coming back for more!
"The Naked Heiress." Really? A teenage rich bitch who's trying to become popular by exposing herself in public and putting the vidoes online. Not interested!
A woman who wants to remarry her controlling ex-husband for the fourth time? Get some self-esteem and self-respect, used-to-be-stripper!
A woman scorned who started a blog (ahem...) about the "tramps" in her hometown after her husband left her. Yet she had an affair with said husband when he was married to someone else. Who's the tramp?
Victor, who professes his love for family yet turns his back on his daughter on her wedding day -- actually has her arrested for something HE did. Adam. Where do I even begin with Adam?? Pretending to be a homosexual to gain his gay attorney's trust, trying to drive his stepmom crazy, causing said stepmom to have a miscarriage only to convince her that she didn't, taking his future wife's baby (telling her her baby was still born), and giving that baby to his stepmom.
And, I know this is nitpicky, but I hate the show's hairdresser! The women on the show are always needing to flip their flat-ironed hair out of their faces. My anal retentive self is starting to count how many times this happens in each episode.
So why do I watch? Well, Y & R does have some riveting and relevant storylines like teenage drunk driving, cancer, and surrogacy. And I was rooting for Sharon and Nicholas to reunite until the writers dragged it out too long. Now I'm rooting for Billy and Victoria, even though Billy has been mostly a good-for-nothing, happy-go-lucky kind of guy. I think his character can be charming and he brings some comic relief to the show. Like when Billy wanted to get "Victoria" tatooed on his back but the tatoo artist keeled over from a heart attack after only writing "Victor" (who is Victoria's dad and happens to despise Billy). And when Victor saw this, even he smiled ... and then paid another tatoo artist to finish the "ia."
Thankfully I have a DVR so I can fast forward through the boring segments of the show. A part of me wishes I could stop watching (after all, I did stop watching Days of Our Lives after the storyline about demonic possession). Maybe it just makes me feel better about my life. Maybe I just need to get away from reality for a little while. But until the day that I can just say "no," I'll faithfully turn on the DVR when I come home from work and curse at the television when Sharon doesn't just walk away from Adam or Victor yet again alienates his children. Is there a 12-step program for soap opera junkies???
A hui hou!
=^..^=
"The Naked Heiress." Really? A teenage rich bitch who's trying to become popular by exposing herself in public and putting the vidoes online. Not interested!
A woman who wants to remarry her controlling ex-husband for the fourth time? Get some self-esteem and self-respect, used-to-be-stripper!
A woman scorned who started a blog (ahem...) about the "tramps" in her hometown after her husband left her. Yet she had an affair with said husband when he was married to someone else. Who's the tramp?
Victor, who professes his love for family yet turns his back on his daughter on her wedding day -- actually has her arrested for something HE did. Adam. Where do I even begin with Adam?? Pretending to be a homosexual to gain his gay attorney's trust, trying to drive his stepmom crazy, causing said stepmom to have a miscarriage only to convince her that she didn't, taking his future wife's baby (telling her her baby was still born), and giving that baby to his stepmom.
And, I know this is nitpicky, but I hate the show's hairdresser! The women on the show are always needing to flip their flat-ironed hair out of their faces. My anal retentive self is starting to count how many times this happens in each episode.
So why do I watch? Well, Y & R does have some riveting and relevant storylines like teenage drunk driving, cancer, and surrogacy. And I was rooting for Sharon and Nicholas to reunite until the writers dragged it out too long. Now I'm rooting for Billy and Victoria, even though Billy has been mostly a good-for-nothing, happy-go-lucky kind of guy. I think his character can be charming and he brings some comic relief to the show. Like when Billy wanted to get "Victoria" tatooed on his back but the tatoo artist keeled over from a heart attack after only writing "Victor" (who is Victoria's dad and happens to despise Billy). And when Victor saw this, even he smiled ... and then paid another tatoo artist to finish the "ia."
Thankfully I have a DVR so I can fast forward through the boring segments of the show. A part of me wishes I could stop watching (after all, I did stop watching Days of Our Lives after the storyline about demonic possession). Maybe it just makes me feel better about my life. Maybe I just need to get away from reality for a little while. But until the day that I can just say "no," I'll faithfully turn on the DVR when I come home from work and curse at the television when Sharon doesn't just walk away from Adam or Victor yet again alienates his children. Is there a 12-step program for soap opera junkies???
A hui hou!
=^..^=
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Picture Day
Those of you who know me, know that I don't wear make-up everyday. I like make-up, I love to buy new make-up, and I have a lot of it. But when it comes down to it, I get tired of putting it on and taking it off every day. I'm really low maintenance at heart. (At least when it comes to make-up and hair!)
Today was picture day at school so I did the unusual and put on make-up because, in addition to being low maintenance, I am also vain! Especially when it comes to having my picture in a yearbook that will be around for years and years. And I knew what to expect from my colleagues and students. "You look so pretty!" As if they are shocked that I can sometimes look okay. I know people mean well when they say that, but what I hear in my head right after that is, "You look crappy-to-mediocre every other day." Oh well, I just accept the compliment for what it is. And know that the following day I will not wear make-up and not get any compliments.
At least they don't tell me, "You look tired." To me, that may be the only thing worse than "You look so pretty."
A hui hou!
=^..^=
Today was picture day at school so I did the unusual and put on make-up because, in addition to being low maintenance, I am also vain! Especially when it comes to having my picture in a yearbook that will be around for years and years. And I knew what to expect from my colleagues and students. "You look so pretty!" As if they are shocked that I can sometimes look okay. I know people mean well when they say that, but what I hear in my head right after that is, "You look crappy-to-mediocre every other day." Oh well, I just accept the compliment for what it is. And know that the following day I will not wear make-up and not get any compliments.
At least they don't tell me, "You look tired." To me, that may be the only thing worse than "You look so pretty."
A hui hou!
=^..^=
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Today was a momentous day in my "career" as a volunteer at Pet Orphans of Southern California (POSC) -- I was promoted from dog socializer to dog coach! When I first started volunteering, I was most interested in socializing the cats. They are calmer, quieter, and I can visit 15 in the same time it takes to visit 4 dogs. This I did for a couple of years before I got up the nerve to socialize the dogs.
I have two dogs but I was still not as confident in my abilities to keep control of a dog. I had visions of a Pet Orphans dog getting out of its kennel as I entered and running away from me, and me chasing the dog around the kennels as all the dogs barked hysterically (probably cheering on the canine escapee). But I've found out that this has happened to other volunteers so having a dog make a prison break is not as scary to me as it once was.
So when the opportunity to take a 5-week Adoptable Dog training course came along, I jumped at the chance. I wanted to build my confidence in working with the shelter dogs and learn some techniques to use with my own dogs. As I mentioned in a previous post, I worked with Astro, a 72-lb shepherd mix who sometimes got the better of me but I persevered and we earned a B- in the course.
Near the end of the course, to my surprise, I received an e-mail invitation to attend training to become a Dog Coach at POSC! I guess that even with the lowest grade in the class, the trainers saw potential in me! Maybe working with Astro was like attending Punahou -- a B- at Punahou is like an A- at almost any other school. At least, that's what we Punahou graduates tell ourselves! I was flattered but also a little apprehensive. Could I really train the other dogs? Could I keep them under control on walks where they might run into people and things that would frighten them? Did I have the time to commit to such an endeavor? Did I have the patience? What I did know was that I wanted to help these dogs become better behaved so they could be adopted quickly.
So I took the plunge and said YES, I wanted to become a dog coach. Today I went on a walk with some other dog coaches as my formal evaluation and afterwards earned my brown leather leash (POSC's equivalent of an Oscar) for successfully completing training and working well with Joselyn on the 2-mile walk.
The next time I walk into POSC, I will proudly carry my brown leather leash and walk confidently down the street with Joselyn or Brenna or Candy or Astro (another blog coming soon about Astro's progress). They may not always behave for me and they may pull at the leash, but I have the tools to work with them and the determination to be the alpha dog. And I know that, with each step we take and every sit, stay, down & watch me that we practice, that dog will be closer to finding its forever home!
A hui hou
=^..^=
I have two dogs but I was still not as confident in my abilities to keep control of a dog. I had visions of a Pet Orphans dog getting out of its kennel as I entered and running away from me, and me chasing the dog around the kennels as all the dogs barked hysterically (probably cheering on the canine escapee). But I've found out that this has happened to other volunteers so having a dog make a prison break is not as scary to me as it once was.
So when the opportunity to take a 5-week Adoptable Dog training course came along, I jumped at the chance. I wanted to build my confidence in working with the shelter dogs and learn some techniques to use with my own dogs. As I mentioned in a previous post, I worked with Astro, a 72-lb shepherd mix who sometimes got the better of me but I persevered and we earned a B- in the course.
Near the end of the course, to my surprise, I received an e-mail invitation to attend training to become a Dog Coach at POSC! I guess that even with the lowest grade in the class, the trainers saw potential in me! Maybe working with Astro was like attending Punahou -- a B- at Punahou is like an A- at almost any other school. At least, that's what we Punahou graduates tell ourselves! I was flattered but also a little apprehensive. Could I really train the other dogs? Could I keep them under control on walks where they might run into people and things that would frighten them? Did I have the time to commit to such an endeavor? Did I have the patience? What I did know was that I wanted to help these dogs become better behaved so they could be adopted quickly.
So I took the plunge and said YES, I wanted to become a dog coach. Today I went on a walk with some other dog coaches as my formal evaluation and afterwards earned my brown leather leash (POSC's equivalent of an Oscar) for successfully completing training and working well with Joselyn on the 2-mile walk.
The next time I walk into POSC, I will proudly carry my brown leather leash and walk confidently down the street with Joselyn or Brenna or Candy or Astro (another blog coming soon about Astro's progress). They may not always behave for me and they may pull at the leash, but I have the tools to work with them and the determination to be the alpha dog. And I know that, with each step we take and every sit, stay, down & watch me that we practice, that dog will be closer to finding its forever home!
A hui hou
=^..^=
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
You know school is about to start when ...
1. I'm not able to check FB or AOL for an entire day and have 250 unread e-mails.
2. I don't eat breakfast (and sometimes lunch).
3. I have dreams about school or wake up in the middle of the night thinking about school.
4. The car breaks down.
5. Matthew hets hurt.
6. There is a three week gap between my blog posts.
7. I start drinking more margaritas! ha ha ha
8. I work unitl 9 at night to get my class web page in order.
9. I work for another 30 minutes cutting therabands to the correct length.
10. I spend another 30 minutes looking at ballet choreography.
11. I wake up in the middle of the night thinking of choreography.
12. I start repeating myself.
13. I start wishing it was June.
2. I don't eat breakfast (and sometimes lunch).
3. I have dreams about school or wake up in the middle of the night thinking about school.
4. The car breaks down.
5. Matthew hets hurt.
6. There is a three week gap between my blog posts.
7. I start drinking more margaritas! ha ha ha
8. I work unitl 9 at night to get my class web page in order.
9. I work for another 30 minutes cutting therabands to the correct length.
10. I spend another 30 minutes looking at ballet choreography.
11. I wake up in the middle of the night thinking of choreography.
12. I start repeating myself.
13. I start wishing it was June.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Ginger snap
I've been volunteering with cat rescue groups for several years now. People ask if it's hard getting to know the cats then having to say goodbye when they get adopted. Of course I am thrilled when a cat gets adopted into a good home. But I will admit that there have been a few cats with which I've become smitten and was sad when they left the shelter. Sometimes with no notice -- I would go in expecting to visit and play with them, looking forward to sharing a few moments with that special cat, only to find them gone.
There was Oreo, a handsome black and white tuxedo who would follow me around. He loved attention, getting brushed, and playing with string. Shane was a beautiful orange long-hair cat that eventually warmed up to me would sit on my lap. He and Oreo became good friends and I often imagined the two of them joining my family! And there was a gorgeous, affectionate, playful white cat with blue eyes (probably deaf) that was adopted so quickly that I don't even remember his name!
Most recently there was Ginger. I remember the first time she arrived at Pet Orphans (with her stunning sister, Janey). She was so scared that she stayed huddled in the corner of the shelf with Janey. I thought Ginger and Janey were just about the most lovely cats I had ever seen. They are both tri-colors, Janey a long-hair and Ginger a short-hair. Eventually, they let me pet them and it was obvious that they craved attention. After a couple of weeks Ginger came down and she quickly became comfortable in her new surroundings and with her new roommates. Ginger turned out to be a playful and friendly kitty. She loved being petted and would roll onto her back and expose her belly for lots of rubs! When visiting Pet Orphans, I found myself seeking out Ginger first. She definitely had a special place in my heart and I called her my little Ginger snap.
Then one day she wasn't there! Sometimes the cats are taken to the vet so I didn't think too much about it, although I was disappointed that I didn't get to see her. But on the third visit I checked their name cards and hers was gone and my heart dropped! I knew then that she got adopted. When I got home, I checked the Pet Orphans website and saw "ADOPTED" written across her biography. That normally makes me happy, but a piece of my heart was missing this time.
Ginger's new family is very lucky to have her. But I will miss her friendly face and loving demeanor. But there's always (at least for now) her sister Janey!!!
A hui hou
=^..^=
There was Oreo, a handsome black and white tuxedo who would follow me around. He loved attention, getting brushed, and playing with string. Shane was a beautiful orange long-hair cat that eventually warmed up to me would sit on my lap. He and Oreo became good friends and I often imagined the two of them joining my family! And there was a gorgeous, affectionate, playful white cat with blue eyes (probably deaf) that was adopted so quickly that I don't even remember his name!
Most recently there was Ginger. I remember the first time she arrived at Pet Orphans (with her stunning sister, Janey). She was so scared that she stayed huddled in the corner of the shelf with Janey. I thought Ginger and Janey were just about the most lovely cats I had ever seen. They are both tri-colors, Janey a long-hair and Ginger a short-hair. Eventually, they let me pet them and it was obvious that they craved attention. After a couple of weeks Ginger came down and she quickly became comfortable in her new surroundings and with her new roommates. Ginger turned out to be a playful and friendly kitty. She loved being petted and would roll onto her back and expose her belly for lots of rubs! When visiting Pet Orphans, I found myself seeking out Ginger first. She definitely had a special place in my heart and I called her my little Ginger snap.
Then one day she wasn't there! Sometimes the cats are taken to the vet so I didn't think too much about it, although I was disappointed that I didn't get to see her. But on the third visit I checked their name cards and hers was gone and my heart dropped! I knew then that she got adopted. When I got home, I checked the Pet Orphans website and saw "ADOPTED" written across her biography. That normally makes me happy, but a piece of my heart was missing this time.
Ginger's new family is very lucky to have her. But I will miss her friendly face and loving demeanor. But there's always (at least for now) her sister Janey!!!
A hui hou
=^..^=
Friday, August 6, 2010
I found my inspiration!
Something prompted me to try writing a welcome poem for my 7th grade advisees (refer to earlier post saying I wasn't feeling inspired) and it came rather easily, thanks in part to an online rhyming dictionary. I thought I'd share my poem with you.
Another summer has flown by,
I hope yours was a blast.
I read, crocheted, and volunteered.
Now time for school, AT LAST!
In 7th grade you'll make new friends,
Take mini-courses too.
Clubs will let you learn new skills
Like knitting and kung fu
(probably not kung fu but I needed a rhyme)
To help you finish The Graveyard Book
I made this bookmark for you.
It reminds me of a plumeria flower
From my home in Honolulu.
On August 31st we'll meet
For orientation and lunch.
Be ready for a year of FUN
Of that you'll have a bunch!
Corny, I know! But my poems usually are.
A hui ho
=^..^=
Another summer has flown by,
I hope yours was a blast.
I read, crocheted, and volunteered.
Now time for school, AT LAST!
In 7th grade you'll make new friends,
Take mini-courses too.
Clubs will let you learn new skills
Like knitting and kung fu
(probably not kung fu but I needed a rhyme)
To help you finish The Graveyard Book
I made this bookmark for you.
It reminds me of a plumeria flower
From my home in Honolulu.
On August 31st we'll meet
For orientation and lunch.
Be ready for a year of FUN
Of that you'll have a bunch!
Corny, I know! But my poems usually are.
A hui ho
=^..^=
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