tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-185858022024-02-21T07:05:29.957-08:00TheJenmeisterNow with real peanut flavor!
<strike>New and improved stain-fighting power!</strike>TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-15735085416226439282013-04-10T13:15:00.001-07:002013-04-10T13:15:24.800-07:00"Little things I should have said and done...""...I never took the time<br />
You were always on my mind<br />
You were always on my mind."<br />
<br />
Yes, the immortal words of the Pet Shop Boys (not <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Always_on_My_Mind">originally</a>, I know) apply to the blog. It was on my mind to update, but I never took the time. I'm jumpstarting it once again, and promising daily updates Monday through Friday for the rest of April. I hope that making it a habit for a month will engender the habit longer-term, but we'll see. It can't hurt!<br />
<br />
Tell me, tell me that your sweet love hasn't died<br />
Give me one more chance to keep you satisfied<br />
satisfied<br />
You were always on my mind<br />
You were always on my mind<br />
<br />
<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/n2aMaMkDwTA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-10326929762364005882013-04-10T13:12:00.001-07:002013-04-10T13:17:16.818-07:00From the Abstraction Foundry: scraps from the workroom floorSince I began knitting in earnest, I've become a smidgen obsessed with the craft. In that I think about knitting quite frequently. That is to say, I ponder yarn, projects, needles, knitters, designs, color, patterns, etc., and how they all interact, <i>all the time</i>. Constantly. I'll be writing a work email, and midway through sentence composition I'll be struck by a bolt from the blue. (Knitting-related lightening strikes are, by default, gentle and a bit woolly, but still firm.) This bolt is a grain of sand, a bit of brain grit that my mind will then form a pearl around in its attempts to expel it.
<BR><BR>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaZi4KZuM0G4tcM1DecxbXl_o0FlIp0PHUbUYR7X2BF_vzlxWxenJfwa5VQe3eiZ0v88h4YoXnt7OmIdtLqxgjwfpuoioBJjSs6MapGh6ow-in6S6LD5GXL3SIgYEj9pgN7h8/s1600/brainwave.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaZi4KZuM0G4tcM1DecxbXl_o0FlIp0PHUbUYR7X2BF_vzlxWxenJfwa5VQe3eiZ0v88h4YoXnt7OmIdtLqxgjwfpuoioBJjSs6MapGh6ow-in6S6LD5GXL3SIgYEj9pgN7h8/s320/brainwave.jpg" /></a>
I even think the word "IDEA!" in Simon Pegg's voice.
<BR><BR>
I'll suddenly need to know all about <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluefaced_Leicester">Bluefaced Leicester</a> wool, and its properties, and how it takes color vs. merino, and <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=bluefaced+leicester&hl=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=Xr1lUZHsB4TziQLG5YHYBA&ved=0CAoQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=640">what does the sheep look like anyway</a>? and which BFL yarns are commercially available, and look there's a cool indie dyer who does sock-weight 80-20 blend with nylon, and that colorway would look amazing as <a href="http://kitfig.com/">Kitman Figueroa's</a> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/damask-6">Damask shawl</a>, or maybe a more geometric design, and I should try to design my own this time...
<BR><BR>
(Even if you're not a knitter, you should be familiar with this phenomenon: <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=wiki-binge">Wiki-binge</a> and <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=youtube%20trance">YouTube trance</a> start the same way. You think of X, and must go read about/watch X, and then you click a link to that related thing, and so on, and it leads you further and further from the original source.)
<BR><BR>
But I'm off, and down the rabbit hole, mentally casting aside my 18 (!) active or partially finished projects and my substantial stash of beautiful yarns in favor of the mere dream of a brand-new project--my shiny new pearl. The truth is I don't have time to knit all the projects I put together in my head. I don't knit quickly or monogamously enough to get through even the handful of actually important knits in my life. (I'm eyeballing you, M&M's wedding afghan. For their fifth anniversary, now...?)
<BR><BR>
So I have all these cool ideas, and they just languish in my brain, where inevitably they are reabsorbed and their raw materials are reused. It's as if a seed floated in on the breeze, and I gathered a bunch of soil and fertilizer and water around it until it sprouted, and then I abandon the sprout to turn to compost in order to tend the rest of my head forest. No longer! I'm giving the plants/pearls away, documenting the notions here and hoping they find their way to some knitter who doesn't know what her/his/its next project should be.
<BR><BR>
<b>Final Concept</b>
<BR>
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/arroway">Arroway Shawl</a> by <a href="http://westknits.com/">Stephen West</a>
<BR>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFrimg8Oqmh82tF6e0KFLbBKGfLfMxOzx9EZDuzRWai_1kvTD8nYXHRzJH-TgxySPfLRIVCqJHExrt8POvhOqldDcCXunrA_BHnogUz4PqIpiobupuTikPJhqi7tkn0HZnGAF/s1600/arroway.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFrimg8Oqmh82tF6e0KFLbBKGfLfMxOzx9EZDuzRWai_1kvTD8nYXHRzJH-TgxySPfLRIVCqJHExrt8POvhOqldDcCXunrA_BHnogUz4PqIpiobupuTikPJhqi7tkn0HZnGAF/s320/arroway.jpg" /></a>
<BR>
Primary ingredient: <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/black-trillium-fibre-studio-pebble-sock">Black Trillium Fibre Studio Pebble Sock</a> in colorway Hedwig
<BR>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpkCFGdBOXT-DbKDlEGGP3dxIfkIS6YoXSZOC306Ftw4Lk-TWpwQLr7MyfzrC3X9D9ngX1fQvvHe9bEX89VZeaRjsnx_oV5XM-3Wy9oFEOv5KQL95kfeVCx_vkdbTF_Zx-QG0/s1600/pebblesock_hedwig.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWpkCFGdBOXT-DbKDlEGGP3dxIfkIS6YoXSZOC306Ftw4Lk-TWpwQLr7MyfzrC3X9D9ngX1fQvvHe9bEX89VZeaRjsnx_oV5XM-3Wy9oFEOv5KQL95kfeVCx_vkdbTF_Zx-QG0/s320/pebblesock_hedwig.jpg" /></a>
<BR>
Alternative:
<BR>
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/miss-babs-yummy-superwash-sock--baby-yarn---2-ply">Miss Babs Yummy Superwash Sock & Baby Yarn</a> in colorway Newsprint
<BR>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6LD3eATFtyOxjqL8I2pKinEA0UQDdUlFsT-Twcbl6DcpDahJ06xBV9w8daEC0xbTDToyKKtlHOE89wVMLMEP0wUQEWZyHfddSVUViz7072eKPOc2ETXTrN6BpKmVSJAvHBoT/s1600/newsprint-3ptoe_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6LD3eATFtyOxjqL8I2pKinEA0UQDdUlFsT-Twcbl6DcpDahJ06xBV9w8daEC0xbTDToyKKtlHOE89wVMLMEP0wUQEWZyHfddSVUViz7072eKPOc2ETXTrN6BpKmVSJAvHBoT/s320/newsprint-3ptoe_lg.jpg" /></a>
<BR>
<b><i>AND</i></b>
<BR>
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/malabrigo-yarn-sock">Malabrigo Yarn Sock</a> in colorway Ravelry Red
<BR>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRJXjO1PKFtesp6ofv9JXXptW9W18I7Y6tC9Rq0fM6vrhXGe0WVGGmlq4YP5yG3vqDlfVjDd9Wpd9TKrBOA3u4dTrGBqi-UE7Uc0bKuBdMvEKtP6wcfaprkCjOgRJFe05hAe6/s1600/ravred.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRJXjO1PKFtesp6ofv9JXXptW9W18I7Y6tC9Rq0fM6vrhXGe0WVGGmlq4YP5yG3vqDlfVjDd9Wpd9TKrBOA3u4dTrGBqi-UE7Uc0bKuBdMvEKtP6wcfaprkCjOgRJFe05hAe6/s320/ravred.png" /></a>
<BR>
The brain grit that spawned this one: seeing a skein of Hedwig by Black Trillium at Vogue Knitting Live! Seattle this past weekend. I loved it but couldn't quite parse out how best to use it.TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-22336846500454823782011-06-16T12:54:00.000-07:002011-06-16T12:54:13.971-07:00Feelings, encapsulatedI'm with Charlie: "I'm tired of pretending I'm not a total bitchin' rock star from Mars."<br />
<br />
Sam agrees.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkxXBZsz0cgDFxqy_oLLrYL727LLidTiaf_56ekJDwHNsPJXxAXK-4x14hVgkycKzRVY7qD_QGiIsHrunAXPO07DTpZEYPuH3Q260Dq8Abdq6NIVzKb3pn2AlFzhZcOlNNBx4/s1600/Sam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkxXBZsz0cgDFxqy_oLLrYL727LLidTiaf_56ekJDwHNsPJXxAXK-4x14hVgkycKzRVY7qD_QGiIsHrunAXPO07DTpZEYPuH3Q260Dq8Abdq6NIVzKb3pn2AlFzhZcOlNNBx4/s400/Sam.JPG" /></a></div>TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-5500927951294183732009-12-07T13:41:00.000-08:002009-12-07T13:42:12.968-08:00Cold @$$ MondayThe Time: 1:37PM.<br />
The Place: Seattle, WA (University District).<br />
The Temperature: 30 degrees F (-1 degree C).<br />
<br />
It is cooooooooold out. I am wearing a lot of wool, even for a knitter. But it's sunny!<br />
Here are some pictures to warm your heart and make your Monday brighter.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDKFNxyVZezLQZlYxecBfJZZ4ziqnbLz6VBx_54B4UrQjVFBj5n_wpGoSiFVRuyguBLKVFVlf8JB75r5spG3qpkl-AnpTHZkdYryOe7hqk-gKl2RfkEnFU4x3KH4eKYz7NarU/s1600-h/rainslicker_sam2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdDKFNxyVZezLQZlYxecBfJZZ4ziqnbLz6VBx_54B4UrQjVFBj5n_wpGoSiFVRuyguBLKVFVlf8JB75r5spG3qpkl-AnpTHZkdYryOe7hqk-gKl2RfkEnFU4x3KH4eKYz7NarU/s320/rainslicker_sam2.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUySPrLcrFXQWzRA3-EYhxUyXtRinTtErspwFbQY1fzRbhOQLwgRgoy1wQXyrP97n-ps2XL1OD9bVcQllwsaTpEnbjgjg9WKfueEvcMaWzApF1_IdmMf-Drfn1bL3o5-CycWpt/s1600-h/rainslicker_sam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUySPrLcrFXQWzRA3-EYhxUyXtRinTtErspwFbQY1fzRbhOQLwgRgoy1wQXyrP97n-ps2XL1OD9bVcQllwsaTpEnbjgjg9WKfueEvcMaWzApF1_IdmMf-Drfn1bL3o5-CycWpt/s320/rainslicker_sam.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Puppy Sam, wearing his little yellow rainslicker. The Gorton's Fisherdog! Circa early February 2009.<br />
</div>TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-4559422537878700432009-11-30T23:02:00.000-08:002010-05-02T23:05:00.912-07:00Roasting Teddy Kennedy and other long weekend delightsThanksgiving weekend may, in fact, be the best weekend of the year. The reasons?<br />
First: it is a four day weekend for anyone in a government-related job--like me. Nice to be paid for two days you don't have to work, and the short work week beforehand is definitely a low-effort work zone.<br />
Second: the quality and quantity of good company increases immensely. I spent 75% of my weekend knitting and chatting with Adrienne, and Sam got to spend plenty of time with both Root Beer and Tesla, including two long visits to the dog park. I spoke on the phone with Mom, Dad, Colleen, Grandma, BJ, and Aunt Ginny, which was nice. The Upstairs Crowd maintained an open-door policy all weekend, so much watching of old movies (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080745/">Flash! Ah-aaaaaahh! He'll save every one of us!</a>) and playing of the Xbox (Soul Calibur IV) commenced. Wino Scrabble has long been a favorite of mine, and I observed (and kibitzed) a single game. (I didn't feel like playing without Mike around to periodically scream "That's not a real word!" at me while inventing hilarious new obscenities that make my mom laugh until tears run down her cheeks. Somehow playing a six letter word parallel to another six letter word and grabbing two triple word scores loses its charm without watching my kid brother writhe in agony over the veracity of all the two-letter words formed.)<br />
Third: the food. Oh the food. For Thanksgiving Day I brined our 20 pound turkey in a mixture of apple cider, sea salt, sugar, peppercorns, star anise, and water. I threw in a little bit of hard apple cider that was sitting in the fridge. We dubbed the bird Teddy Kennedy as it was quite robust and clearly working for social change. (Actually they were both rather fat and dead, and it sure beat the other possibility--Goebbels. We thought a [dead racist bastard] Nazi name was not auspicious.)<br />
Anyway, after overnight brining Teddy Kennedy received a rubdown with a stick of unsalted butter, a third cup of very green and fruity olive oil, applewood smoked salt, fresh ground pepper from a four peppercorn blend, the zest of two large oranges, and about 2 bulbs of garlic, which I blended together with my amazing hand blender's food processor attachment. I stuffed him with an onion and the two oranges, he roasted in the oven for about 5 hours, and then he fell apart when I tried to carve him. Everyone liked the taste and there are few leftovers. (I saved the carcass for tortilla soup, which will happen at some point this week.)<br />
I also made potatoes au gratin with cave-aged gruyere, which was a big hit. Other food on the table included mashed parsnips & carrots (yes, they are in fact better than mashed potatoes), two types of stuffing (savory sage and fruit & nut), roasted brussel sprouts, mustard greens, apple & butternut squash soup, cranberry orange relish (the be-all and end-all of cranberry sauces: raw and fresh tasting), and tomato pudding (weird as all hell--like a soupy ketchup bread pudding).<br />
I enjoyed my minibreak immensely and am refreshed and ready to get back to real life.TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-18986124267269991052009-11-13T14:01:00.000-08:002009-11-13T14:02:11.145-08:00Happy Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROLVgz2x1AB-0J20Ndd-4k4n5XHrSk-jpqM5jHnLYNmcSbehs40wiaDRFdxG8v6u1yHotpckkRD0IHsuHpq3AH-tp0sw-l8dakkg66fyAfRdxo7uLIhkos7gZuXmEegbkkpGk/s1600-h/chipmunk_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROLVgz2x1AB-0J20Ndd-4k4n5XHrSk-jpqM5jHnLYNmcSbehs40wiaDRFdxG8v6u1yHotpckkRD0IHsuHpq3AH-tp0sw-l8dakkg66fyAfRdxo7uLIhkos7gZuXmEegbkkpGk/s320/chipmunk_medium.jpg" /></a><br />
</div>Happy Friday...the 13th!!! (I cannot help but love this absolutely weird photoshop pic. It is demented. Who thought of doing this in the first place? And are they freely roaming the streets?!?)TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-59346901421232837162009-11-11T14:46:00.000-08:002009-11-11T14:36:17.051-08:00Armistice/Veteran's Day<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZH8k590Zuw_K1GiiNRU9En6FX6HORgl8AK97VxROlHf-O-q3W-2dTHhF6EQtohyd7vF0QPdshDri5fpI3rxJWaglP8efrxW8OObkeUM8aVl2Pimh_-fj-GhnXsLT24B-DL95/s1600-h/bm-image-777054.jpe"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZH8k590Zuw_K1GiiNRU9En6FX6HORgl8AK97VxROlHf-O-q3W-2dTHhF6EQtohyd7vF0QPdshDri5fpI3rxJWaglP8efrxW8OObkeUM8aVl2Pimh_-fj-GhnXsLT24B-DL95/s320/bm-image-777054.jpe" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402978568094266898" /></a></p>Downtown Seattle, 2:30 pm. Haven't had a chance to thank a living veteran yet, but thanked Grandpa & Papa in my heart.TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-70798046609065992512009-11-06T15:24:00.000-08:002009-11-06T15:12:08.348-08:00Blinded<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpjj3qU2j6N89ySdxDjxQUWxxw9xPhtYQIMNs31MyN0BuncobkpdVSUxV87hpjBmp85LRpRbHTrYDZ4ZJaZsGgVMxjtYzVbpKbGQdVPt2T4AbLRYNEcFtZoovhrTLBGVlHSo_/s1600-h/bm-image-728352.jpe"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpjj3qU2j6N89ySdxDjxQUWxxw9xPhtYQIMNs31MyN0BuncobkpdVSUxV87hpjBmp85LRpRbHTrYDZ4ZJaZsGgVMxjtYzVbpKbGQdVPt2T4AbLRYNEcFtZoovhrTLBGVlHSo_/s320/bm-image-728352.jpe" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401132378667951410" /></a></p>The Daystar! It burns!TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-61149319913316822562009-11-06T09:24:00.000-08:002009-11-06T09:27:13.323-08:00Angry!I have a few (not many) socio-political issues that really, really rile me up--there are many that don't. I could give a crap about paying taxes--there will always be taxes. Don't really care about illegal aliens--enriching our culture or ruining our social services, stealing our jobs or contributing to the economy, arguments can be made either way and I just don't think it is a priority concern. Not passionate at all about states' rights vs. the Federal government. But universal women's rights are basic and IMPORTANT. Women are everywhere, every race and religion, and are treated across the board as less-than-men for no logical or justifiable reason. I read <a href="http://coloradoindependent.com/41283/anti-abortion-%E2%80%98personhood%E2%80%99-measures-shrink-the-rights-of-women">an article</a> about a legal measure with unknown consequences for women's rights and unforeseeable applications against women in the state of Colorado, which may be enacted even though it is 2009 and we are living in the future! My bullshit-o-meter pinged up past the red line for this one. Also, WTF is up with the <a href="http://www.personhoodusa.com/">Personhood</a> movement?!? The language used by this group is laughable. "Pre-born child"? I guess unborn is "too negative." Just like "pro-life" sounds so righteous, when they really could have gone with "anti-choice" or "Babies: worth more than women." Why is it so difficult to treat women as <span style="font-weight: bold;">people </span>rather than either sacred, untouchable goddess-like creatures or simple, hollow baby vessels? Why should a woman's life decisions, good or bad, be any more or less legally actionable than a man's? Why is a collection of cells/baby ranked above the woman/mother who carries it in terms of rights? <a href="http://righttolifeactofsc.blogspot.com/2009/02/south-carolina-personhood-companion.html">South Carolina</a>, you have FAIL.<br />
<br />
What to do about this? I went to the <a href="http://www.now.org/">NOW</a> website. I <a href="http://www.now.org/reproductive-freedom-pledge">Signed the Pledge</a>, and maybe you will at least look at it too...?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic;">Side-note</span><br />
My personal feelings on childbearing/rearing are a) I don't want a kid, but b) I'm happy for you to have one if you want one and I'll pay taxes to educate and care for your wee one and I'll smile at it on the bus and chat with it and admire its cuteness, however please don't bring it to an R-rated movie or sit-down restaurant late at night and don't try to tell me I should behave differently because there is a child present.TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-87000093514857433132009-11-05T08:20:00.000-08:002009-11-05T08:20:24.518-08:00ExponentialThis is a fabulous video proving that we are cursed/blessed to lived in interesting times. So it goes.<br />
<br />
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PHmwZ96_Gos&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PHmwZ96_Gos&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-64532842769034948922009-10-28T08:47:00.000-07:002009-11-04T11:31:48.220-08:00Halloween pre-show: Even StevphensI love this old clip from <a href="http://www.thedailyshow.com">The Daily Show</a>. The two funniest/cutest Stevphens ever plus re-lived childhood trauma, druidic cabal, and candy? AWESOME.<br />
<br />
<table style='font:11px arial; color:#333; background-color:#f5f5f5' cellpadding='0' cellspacing='0' width='360' height='353'><tbody>
<tr style='background-color:#e5e5e5' valign='middle'><td style='padding:2px 1px 0px 5px;'><a target='_blank' style='color:#333; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com'>The Daily Show With Jon Stewart</a></td><td style='padding:2px 5px 0px 5px; text-align:right; font-weight:bold;'>Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c</td></tr>
<tr style='height:14px;' valign='middle'><td style='padding:2px 1px 0px 5px;' colspan='2'><a target='_blank' style='color:#333; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-october-30-2000/even-stevphen---halloween'>Even Stevphen - Halloween</a></td></tr>
<tr style='height:14px; background-color:#353535' valign='middle'><td colspan='2' style='padding:2px 5px 0px 5px; width:360px; overflow:hidden; text-align:right'><a target='_blank' style='color:#96deff; text-decoration:none; font-weight:bold;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/'>www.thedailyshow.com</a></td></tr>
<tr valign='middle'><td style='padding:0px;' colspan='2'><embed style='display:block' src='http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:cms:item:comedycentral.com:122236' width='360' height='301' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' wmode='window' allowFullscreen='true' flashvars='autoPlay=false' allowscriptaccess='always' allownetworking='all' bgcolor='#000000'></embed></td></tr>
<tr style='height:18px;' valign='middle'><td style='padding:0px;' colspan='2'><table style='margin:0px; text-align:center' cellpadding='0' cellspacing='0' width='100%' height='100%'><tr valign='middle'><td style='padding:3px; width:33%;'><a target='_blank' style='font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/full-episodes'>Daily Show<br />
Full Episodes</a></td><td style='padding:3px; width:33%;'><a target='_blank' style='font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;' href='http://www.indecisionforever.com'>Political Humor</a></td><td style='padding:3px; width:33%;'><a target='_blank' style='font:10px arial; color:#333; text-decoration:none;' href='http://www.thedailyshow.com/videos/tag/health'>Health Care Crisis</a></td></tr>
</table></td></tr>
</tbody></table>TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-27431332830899088542009-10-24T12:12:00.000-07:002009-10-24T12:01:46.770-07:00Saturday<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUgSTWg3rmR70SWb_AvLKkn788V4j4OEEbfrxjBKHIRUmjzkM4Gy2UNbyyn29DVpE3TX434YEESfXiqWwLmzFbEQfjKWgNZuCOfdNeu49r1UuRpFzWd7IGAC4V2gc2q68befN/s1600-h/bm-image-706772.jpe"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUgSTWg3rmR70SWb_AvLKkn788V4j4OEEbfrxjBKHIRUmjzkM4Gy2UNbyyn29DVpE3TX434YEESfXiqWwLmzFbEQfjKWgNZuCOfdNeu49r1UuRpFzWd7IGAC4V2gc2q68befN/s320/bm-image-706772.jpe" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396243755258326450" /></a></p>Bakery Nouveau, West Seattle. Twice-baked almond croissant, here I come!TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-15140167221982064332009-10-22T21:01:00.000-07:002009-10-22T21:03:51.934-07:00Stuck in my head! Sweet lemonade!I am officially cursing the Upstairs Crowd for showing me the (NSFW--Not Safe For Work) video and getting the song stuck in my head! J and J, I curse you!!<br />
<a href="http://www.getonmyhorse.com/">http://www.getonmyhorse.com/</a><br />
And some associated avatars I saw out and about using The Google:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qfDkFF60uv-V1iOTcNuZbTMG8dFo7i2s2agm6L6qx8dGSjo9tQH5qEnf_dRdCFopO4ocw8MGa4BetoJMCUVADR3IBBSuVpj5p08FwwuDKE09YbKmxwOpDL3QiJ7h5tcxcRFu/s1600-h/lookatmyHorse.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qfDkFF60uv-V1iOTcNuZbTMG8dFo7i2s2agm6L6qx8dGSjo9tQH5qEnf_dRdCFopO4ocw8MGa4BetoJMCUVADR3IBBSuVpj5p08FwwuDKE09YbKmxwOpDL3QiJ7h5tcxcRFu/s320/lookatmyHorse.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDV6UJIEb9phtet5xRvwliyQR5lbhNd8dEiOr4YAeKOZ5BFeW5Y241RvY9g0ooC8AlolrH-4XquLk0H8VQtnZwOQxx5Z3qb4iUXFQDyiTBvpECOifAHLZZpFZUCO3yr7o3OCC/s1600-h/amazinghorse.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDV6UJIEb9phtet5xRvwliyQR5lbhNd8dEiOr4YAeKOZ5BFeW5Y241RvY9g0ooC8AlolrH-4XquLk0H8VQtnZwOQxx5Z3qb4iUXFQDyiTBvpECOifAHLZZpFZUCO3yr7o3OCC/s320/amazinghorse.png" /></a><br />
</div><i>"I think you'll find that the universe pretty much covers everything."</i><br />
<br />
Look forward to a real post covering the Texas trip and this week's assorted miscellany on the morrow.TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-42601797370212043712009-10-20T18:03:00.000-07:002009-10-22T14:18:14.116-07:00Color study 3<div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-xFgT8WMT6ec0TSbRHal0VwGfo7q72vWlCzPaS6Q-5M0VeIGhWRN-WOu6lH9LWRU7eOFc52lXtpzMnOk4VU3Cyv21dJTFX62Rg32ERZkdJw5JqohQrNvgEPgW13V7T1MQ0uO/s1600-h/bm-image-796069.jpe"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394849565107680466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv-xFgT8WMT6ec0TSbRHal0VwGfo7q72vWlCzPaS6Q-5M0VeIGhWRN-WOu6lH9LWRU7eOFc52lXtpzMnOk4VU3Cyv21dJTFX62Rg32ERZkdJw5JqohQrNvgEPgW13V7T1MQ0uO/s320/bm-image-796069.jpe" /> </a><br />
</div><div class="mobile-photo" style="text-align: left;">I think I need to stop taking artsy pics with my phone. The colors are far more vivid in real life.<br />
</div>TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-24671948186404873802009-10-20T17:59:00.000-07:002009-10-20T17:48:23.191-07:00Color study 2<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqMNUnhef_mPVUoNOUWwGn7NTsDTUS8N94hQes8bEbxTlUdcfr3MDCULufRBYN9MVaEmiq47AdJhuuFjYYCj1TUt5hrJdbRVca5yAWCl5Uc05ArVCaZJIRI10pMRmnr2Mgb-_/s1600-h/bm-image-703195.jpe"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsqMNUnhef_mPVUoNOUWwGn7NTsDTUS8N94hQes8bEbxTlUdcfr3MDCULufRBYN9MVaEmiq47AdJhuuFjYYCj1TUt5hrJdbRVca5yAWCl5Uc05ArVCaZJIRI10pMRmnr2Mgb-_/s320/bm-image-703195.jpe" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394848735114285746" /></a></p>Less light than I'd like.TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-15070786724631847942009-10-20T17:26:00.000-07:002009-10-22T14:16:34.470-07:00Color study<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHuz8gyqoqkZvx-Po0vVf_t1-1McccaR7oXc2Lk8tOBS1b27a8dEx5doF_tJ4Q9A4jefkn6LgmhPtPJGfY2DpFziPVEijO_pR_pLSjN6sKeTzt5yc_gnunbOkaN9Xj0XxXXtC/s1600-h/bm-image-707010.jpe"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394840592303025314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNHuz8gyqoqkZvx-Po0vVf_t1-1McccaR7oXc2Lk8tOBS1b27a8dEx5doF_tJ4Q9A4jefkn6LgmhPtPJGfY2DpFziPVEijO_pR_pLSjN6sKeTzt5yc_gnunbOkaN9Xj0XxXXtC/s320/bm-image-707010.jpe" /></a><br />
</div>Fall! Focus fail! Good thing this was about color, not composition.TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-56967711352507906892009-10-17T09:42:00.000-07:002009-10-17T09:32:34.170-07:00Saturday morning in Texas<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqj1lCISWZPijBvzH58Smh9BrW-Dg1aZ-hSDVAjZEgu_a6EHiywhRJIfbXOzBV7bg15qr4-aCZiU7XwIQaH536FdkZGVZP3HLgSSLYqNvDnKx5r-5qBWIinLXKItY05gaUrhyphenhyphenR/s1600-h/bm-image-754173.jpe"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqj1lCISWZPijBvzH58Smh9BrW-Dg1aZ-hSDVAjZEgu_a6EHiywhRJIfbXOzBV7bg15qr4-aCZiU7XwIQaH536FdkZGVZP3HLgSSLYqNvDnKx5r-5qBWIinLXKItY05gaUrhyphenhyphenR/s320/bm-image-754173.jpe" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393607710962218898" /></a></p>Plain Jane socks in Madelinetosh sock (Elfin colorway), outside at The Green Chai Cafe in downtown Bastrop. Sunshine and 70 today!TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-35796681741923077932009-10-16T15:45:00.000-07:002009-10-16T15:33:50.029-07:00More sauce, please<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0u3PqnP8SpKyTVSxU6qS-TITxRBeHguGU-MjQ90WRB6OGy3WJfC8eBI9ppUkYVr3EsrHzVDjA2B0NLImeERv0ByEMFrm8389jPSg_zFIKGqeworFi2U7WQyN9weiu-zfqCRUq/s1600-h/bm-image-730129.jpe"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0u3PqnP8SpKyTVSxU6qS-TITxRBeHguGU-MjQ90WRB6OGy3WJfC8eBI9ppUkYVr3EsrHzVDjA2B0NLImeERv0ByEMFrm8389jPSg_zFIKGqeworFi2U7WQyN9weiu-zfqCRUq/s320/bm-image-730129.jpe" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393329720058520354" /></a></p>The quintessential Texas experience: brisket at The Salt Lick!TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-62831631333255363342009-10-16T11:53:00.000-07:002009-10-16T11:43:44.298-07:00Mighty Fine<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jPdUFUl9lVwOe6RnTEIffVTNIqVY-3SMdyqTWKhUHVkwiGH_vQvnyPgDTaugsynXVz-dw2IOn89ok0D3KuEy8YRc57MS5mVRoa-O-CluJOSaoo-VMi1ueeHViYKvFtMo11S2/s1600-h/bm-image-724302.jpe"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jPdUFUl9lVwOe6RnTEIffVTNIqVY-3SMdyqTWKhUHVkwiGH_vQvnyPgDTaugsynXVz-dw2IOn89ok0D3KuEy8YRc57MS5mVRoa-O-CluJOSaoo-VMi1ueeHViYKvFtMo11S2/s320/bm-image-724302.jpe" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393270425316649538" /></a></p>Lunch! Lemonade shake & fresh-cut crinkle fries.TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-37272871989887117382009-10-16T08:59:00.000-07:002009-10-16T08:59:58.446-07:00Texas, in bite-sized portionsFoodie update! Last night's dinner came from Guadalajara, one of Bastrop's nicest Mexican restaurants. I had the steak fajitas (with guacamole!) to accompany beans, rice, and copious quantities of fresh chips and salsa. Mr. Janssen's burrito came with [chili con] queso, which he gladly forked over in exchange for a bite of steak. Mmmm, queso. Breakfast this morning is homemade pumpkin pancakes with Greek yogurt and pineapple juice. I love visiting Mom!<br />
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The trip down was easy. I think that Alaska's new direct flight from SEA to AUS may be the easiest flight I've ever taken, in fact. The plane was mostly full but not packed, in-flight service was pleasant, and boarding and exiting the aircraft was a breeze. I even got to knit during takeoff and landing. (Note to @FreezeRae: I took the picture with my phone set to Flight mode, so no interference with equipment. Perfectly legal and safe.)<br />
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Emma, my parents' new dog, and I have bonded. She loves being loved. She is silent as the grave and has a piercing blue-eyed stare. She snuggles. She is a good dog.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgoAAygwYZH_PP-srddFdCrollpZDn5a0X3qs1oNDYRVjzcLxVH-RPkOXMgx-KuSE1GWqJniFGBg40i-lNCwltJ7BURp9ALXQJOoiI2ELqfiQJaKZsm0qb8D6_IrkwXchyphenhyphenVxvM/s1600-h/DSCN0194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgoAAygwYZH_PP-srddFdCrollpZDn5a0X3qs1oNDYRVjzcLxVH-RPkOXMgx-KuSE1GWqJniFGBg40i-lNCwltJ7BURp9ALXQJOoiI2ELqfiQJaKZsm0qb8D6_IrkwXchyphenhyphenVxvM/s320/DSCN0194.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><br />
I set up the Wii last night and gave my folks a demo using Lego Indiana Jones. (I do so love Lego Sean Connery.) Making a Mr. Janssen Mii was fun, and it includes the gray handlebar mustache and Klingon hairdo. Can't wait to see them test Wii Sports and their new Wii Fit, and to kick Mr. J's ass at Mario Kart.<br />
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Today Mom and I are off to the outlet mall at Round Rock (Le Creuset! Eddie Bauer! Gap!) and then "dunch", dinner/lunch, at The Salt Lick. Mmmm, barbeque and beer...TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-76759357610352157702009-10-15T09:15:00.001-07:002009-10-15T09:15:47.979-07:00FYI: feeling better, still not great. All will be well!TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-14747663230582564932009-10-15T08:58:00.000-07:002009-10-16T07:18:11.826-07:00Travel day<div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxG7WWS6O3JnAHSo9MJhgo6cwvOR94kutH_uAEqwsCEre9JSKlJu73Iaddk0GZGs3x1H2uD8zfutQYRYzwbdc0WAYtDJggbN0XPpj2bpNeBGmiUjsL0uhsHEYr3Fs7wwF1S_wL/s1600-h/bm-image-728155.jpe"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392853832636021970" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxG7WWS6O3JnAHSo9MJhgo6cwvOR94kutH_uAEqwsCEre9JSKlJu73Iaddk0GZGs3x1H2uD8zfutQYRYzwbdc0WAYtDJggbN0XPpj2bpNeBGmiUjsL0uhsHEYr3Fs7wwF1S_wL/s320/bm-image-728155.jpe" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="mobile-photo">On my way to Austin, TX. SeaTac at 7:30 AM isn't awful, but coffee at SBX still makes it better.<br />
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</div><div class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcn-zjp5mj6KhTX2bSKrcOJzBwlvAIWN7Dm4SbntUpEklARL97ehtkqrIkol7FeM9PW9oL1LNRTsLkPXaIRllTcBqIqB0p0vkvy5rVf42lmOKWqfkRpOn2RaUl3sd99nzfLkOh/s1600-h/bm-image-729652.jpe"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392853835330427810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcn-zjp5mj6KhTX2bSKrcOJzBwlvAIWN7Dm4SbntUpEklARL97ehtkqrIkol7FeM9PW9oL1LNRTsLkPXaIRllTcBqIqB0p0vkvy5rVf42lmOKWqfkRpOn2RaUl3sd99nzfLkOh/s320/bm-image-729652.jpe" /></a><br />
</div><br />
Knitting: Fetching in Malabrigo Silky Merino, colorway Vigo. One down...TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-54477481228852791372009-10-12T17:26:00.000-07:002009-10-12T17:27:54.229-07:00One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Sad FishI saw a great avatar picture on Ravelry today:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66vu4iTDvI9LLkmvXYivS_qme5tp5YBy7vZ7t17OcXbKIm6whaB5Lm-nwvbBl4NaepqRihXOJvBYMX26zywl7SFAbkKq2IAnsIOcPFLEhdL0gF-KMu1AQ8EYLXfG_LvefWXvG/s1600-h/avatarB_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66vu4iTDvI9LLkmvXYivS_qme5tp5YBy7vZ7t17OcXbKIm6whaB5Lm-nwvbBl4NaepqRihXOJvBYMX26zywl7SFAbkKq2IAnsIOcPFLEhdL0gF-KMu1AQ8EYLXfG_LvefWXvG/s200/avatarB_large.jpg" /></a><br />
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This sums up my last 24 hours pretty damn well. I missed a single day's dose of Vitamin Anti-D--which means I went 24 hours without any pills in my system--and it sent me into a tailspin of epic proportions. Dizzy brain, nausea, loss of appetite, exhaustion, and uncontrollable crying jags. Sam knew something was very wrong from minute one, and proceeded to snuggle the hell out of me at every opportunity. I know things aren't right with my neural chemistry when I'm violently weeping while apologizing to the dog for stressing him out.<br />
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I called one friend last night and almost asked her to come over, but she was hanging out with her boyfriend so I pretended that I'd called just to chat. I scrolled through everyone else in my phone list and ruled all of my friends out as possible touchstones, sometimes with logical arguments ("She is in California and cannot come over for tea right now.") and sometimes out of embarassment ("How will >insert name here< react to me being in this state?"). I worried more about the consequences of having someone over on my relationship with that person than I worried about needing company. I ended up hanging out with the Upstairs Crowd, once I figured out they were home, and watching Discovery channel while not knitting on a dishcloth. Later, settling down in bed required over an hour of Plants vs. Zombies with my favorite golden lamp turned on nearby and lots of fluffy pillows. Falling asleep last night was tough, and I had vivid, angry nightmares.<br />
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I almost didn't get out of bed today.<br />
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I got up and took my pills and came to work this morning because I knew staying home would be worse. <br />
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I have not felt this horrible since 2001. I remember starting the descent into the black pit around mid-summer, and how I could still see daylight even after the numbing madness that was 9/11. By New Year's I was in wretched shape, sleeping 10 hours a day or more, playing computer games into the wee hours of dawn, cutting myself off from my long-time friends. I wasn't going to the movies (my major hobby at the time as I hadn't taken up knitting yet), I wasn't cooking, I wasn't dining (just eating), I wasn't shopping, I wasn't travelling, I wasn't reading. I got up, watched Law & Order, worked, and slept. Nothing interested me, and nothing mattered.<br />
<br />
In late winter I figured out that I was depressed and needed help, that nothing was fundamentally wrong with my life at the time, and that I wasn't capable of going to (or even interested in) therapy. When I finally called my doctor's office (she was an Ob-Gyn) to make an appointment, I remember being in tears and trying not to let on that I was crying. The receptionist told me that she wouldn't be able to fit me in until a month away, and that I should see my (non-existent at the time) primary care physician instead. Which sent me into hysterics. On the phone. With a stranger. I made that call at 3 in the afternoon, and I was still in bed.<br />
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I saw the doctor that week and began a chemical journey into the unknown. I slowly got better, turning back into a functional human being who interacted with her environment and friends. By the following winter I was OK, even good. And over the last seven years prescriptions changed, dosages increased/decreased, and I've learned to read my tendencies and moods and mental chemistry. I have maintained the OK, staying fairly level--in short, functioned much like everyone else on the planet. Until yesterday.<br />
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What astonishes me is that it all came crashing down on me like a brick tower in an earthquake. It was so sudden, so unexpected, and such a complete destruction of the even-keeled mindset I've built up that I would catagorize the event as catastrophic. Natural disaster images come to mind. Why would a single missed dose cause this reaction? And what would have happened if I'd missed a second dose, or a third?<br />
<br />
I am doing, moving forward right now, unable to focus much, but am not in the state I was yesterday or even this morning. I vacillate between deeply sad and ragingly angry, and am restless and irritated--but I'm not crying. I am taking Sam to the dog park this evening. I am seeing the doctor tomorrow, and the fact that I can think about tomorrow without wanting to weep means progress.TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-13604124380875420312009-10-11T15:53:00.001-07:002009-10-11T19:53:23.038-07:00Letters from Jen: CashierDear QFC checker,<br />
<br />
Stop talking to me. If you don't understand the conversation I'm having with my friend, don't talk over us about something only vaguely related to what we were discussing and your birthday. Ring up the groceries and send us on our way. Seriously. That's all I want at 9:30 on a Sunday morning---my groceries and to be left to my conversation about pie, farmer's markets, whatever.TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18585802.post-74383098884505667162009-10-11T00:51:00.000-07:002009-10-11T00:52:06.350-07:00Cold hands, warm...lap?All the recent marathon sessions with Plants vs. Zombies (along with the much cooler nights that October brings) mean my hands are constantly icy cold. As I sat with a numb hand on the mouse, blasting zombies into oblivion with Cherry Bombs and Snow Peas, something inside me clicked: Hey, I'm a knitter! I don't have to have cold hands at the computer/waiting for the bus/while knitting if I don't want to!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2498/4000270256_38cca91498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2498/4000270256_38cca91498.jpg" width="420" /></a><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Above is a selection of yarn I gathered to knit myself a few pairs of fingerless gloves. Unless otherwise indicated, the patterns I chose are from <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/knitting-new-mittens--gloves">Knitting New Mittens and Gloves</a>.<br />
</div><ol><li>Hand Maiden Sea Silk, silver color, from my stash. For Rusalka.</li>
<li>Blue Sky Alpacas Melange, colorways Orange Zest and Cornflower, from my stash. For striped fingerless mitts <i>a la</i> Penny's wristwarmers from Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog.</li>
<li>Rowan Scottish Tweed DK, colorway Brilliant Pink, for $2.90/skein from Little Knits. For Driver.</li>
<li>Rowan Tapestry, colorway Highland, from my stash. For Box Pleats.</li>
<li>Misti Alpaca Hand Painted Worsted, purple colors, from my stash. For Accomplice.</li>
<li>Malabrigo Silky Merino, a blue/green/grey color, from my stash. For Gothic.</li>
<li>Louisa Harding Grace, electric lavender color, from Little Knits. For Glaistig.</li>
<li>Debbie Bliss 100% Pure Silk, green color, from my stash. For another pair of Fetchings, perhaps? To be determined...</li>
</ol>With season one of <i>Dexter</i> on loan from the library, I'm sure to get all this knitting done in no time. Right? Sam concurs: great idea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCuRwUNVEIOncHPEOAR5kakELcR5EGIiB4CxVlr5l3LRtbxvkp2TBgHcMoSVJfwp637_XXYe6jH_KVBpbeoF7etAQV47JlWcbf6e35Gg6mJpnYMVchRW5jVyP1Lj-OkTu00L6/s1600-h/100_2377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCuRwUNVEIOncHPEOAR5kakELcR5EGIiB4CxVlr5l3LRtbxvkp2TBgHcMoSVJfwp637_XXYe6jH_KVBpbeoF7etAQV47JlWcbf6e35Gg6mJpnYMVchRW5jVyP1Lj-OkTu00L6/s400/100_2377.JPG" /></a><br />
</div>TheJenmeisterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14279344336791771754noreply@blogger.com0