Usually, I make soap using the cold process method. You know, mix the lye and water, heat the oils, mix until trace, then set for weeks until you can actually use it.
This really isn't a problem for me, as I have plenty of room to store the soaps while they cure. And there is something about being able to see the curing process that is so nifty to me.
But with all that said, I'm also intensely curious about the hot process method. I've done quite a bit of research, but I haven't brought myself to try it yet.
But it would be so cool to have homemade soap the very next day....*dilemma*
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Pound Cake
Part of being Southern is having a fabulous pound cake recipe.
I've never had one....until tonight. (This morning? It IS early.)
I found the most wonderful recipe for a Coconut Cream Pound Cake. Even the name sounds fantastic!
I seriously drooled when I was mixing this sucker up. If you are a coconut fan, you should totally make this cake.
Coconut Cream Pound Cake
1 cup softened butter
1 8 oz. package of cream cheese, softened
3 cups granulated sugar
6 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 cups flaked coconut
Preheat oven to 325 F. Grease and flour a bundt pan....this is serious here folks, you MUST actually grease and flour the pan. Don't use the spray, it just doesn't work. The cake will crumble rather than come out of the pan. I've had this problem before, can you tell?
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until they are well combined. Add the sugar and blend until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, blending well after each addition. It's about at this point where you start drooling. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the flour and baking powder, stirring until just combined. Fold in the coconut.
Spoon the batter carefully into the prepared pan. It will be thick! Tap the pan on the counter to remove any hidden air bubbles.
Slide that baby into the oven for 1 hour, 20 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes before removing and cooling on a rack.
Sooooooooooooooooooooooo good!
I've never had one....until tonight. (This morning? It IS early.)
I found the most wonderful recipe for a Coconut Cream Pound Cake. Even the name sounds fantastic!
I seriously drooled when I was mixing this sucker up. If you are a coconut fan, you should totally make this cake.
Coconut Cream Pound Cake
1 cup softened butter
1 8 oz. package of cream cheese, softened
3 cups granulated sugar
6 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 cups flaked coconut
Preheat oven to 325 F. Grease and flour a bundt pan....this is serious here folks, you MUST actually grease and flour the pan. Don't use the spray, it just doesn't work. The cake will crumble rather than come out of the pan. I've had this problem before, can you tell?
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until they are well combined. Add the sugar and blend until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs, one at a time, blending well after each addition. It's about at this point where you start drooling. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Add the flour and baking powder, stirring until just combined. Fold in the coconut.
Spoon the batter carefully into the prepared pan. It will be thick! Tap the pan on the counter to remove any hidden air bubbles.
Slide that baby into the oven for 1 hour, 20 minutes, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes before removing and cooling on a rack.
Sooooooooooooooooooooooo good!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
My First Attempt at Soap-making€
One fine day, many years ago, I thought that I would like to learn to make soap. I’m crafty, this is a craft, so why not?
Yes, all soap makers can groan right about here. It gets worse, believe me.
Being a smart girl, I do my research. Oil + water + lye = soap. Being a chemist, I know that lye is sodium hydroxide, NaOH, and just generally nasty stuff. Certainly not something you want to play with unless you take the proper precautions.
I figured I would start simple - castile soap. Olive oil, water, and lye. No additives of any sort…no scent, no colors, no herbs, nothing. Just pure soap.
I get everything all set up and ready to go. Measure the water, measure the lye, dump the lye into the water.
Here’s where it starts to get hilarious actually. When I measured the water, I used fluid ounces. If you’re not a soaper, this means nothing. If you are, you know that this is NOT what you want to do. Basically what I did was measure the volume, not the weight. These can be very different!
But, regardless, from what I remember, the lye water didn’t go too badly. No volcano, and the solution turned clear, with no lye granules on the bottom. Of course, my mind could be remembering incorrectly, because it was quite a while ago!
I started measuring my oil after mixing the lye and water. Again, I used fluid ounces. (Wrong! But I didn’t know any better then.)
Heated it all up, very carefully. Got the oil at about the same temperature as the lye water, then poured the lye solution into the oils. And stirred.
And stirred.
And stirred.
And stirred.
And stirred some more. I stirred that damn thing for hours.
After several hours (and one VERY sore arm!), I still hadn’t reached trace. Of course, I didn’t really know what trace was then either, so I wasn’t sure what it would look like once I got there. Somewhere I had seen that you could put the soap mixture in a low temp oven and get it to trace that way. So I stuck the pot into the oven, with the door propped open slightly.
Yeah, that didn’t work. Somehow, it went from where it was (at an uber-light trace, if I remember right) to this strange solid-ish mass with oils floating on the top. Crap! I pulled it out of the oven and stirred mightily once more.
For the record, that didn’t work either.
Not knowing any better, I mixed it all up, and dumped it into my prepared mold. Wrapped it in the blanket as suggested and cleaned up the kitchen, all the while thinking that maybe this soap thing was harder than it sounded.
The next day, I went to go unmold my soap so I could cut it into bars. What greeted me upon unwrapping the blanket was a strange crystalline growth out of a sea of oil. My best guess is that there wasn’t enough water, enough oil, and way too much lye, so that the lye simply fell out of solution and recrystallized.
Needless to say, I threw that batch away. Not like you can use straight up lye (or other unknown crystalline substances) as a soap without causing yourself some serious harm.
It took me several years to get up my courage to try this craft again….but that’s another story.
Yes, all soap makers can groan right about here. It gets worse, believe me.
Being a smart girl, I do my research. Oil + water + lye = soap. Being a chemist, I know that lye is sodium hydroxide, NaOH, and just generally nasty stuff. Certainly not something you want to play with unless you take the proper precautions.
I figured I would start simple - castile soap. Olive oil, water, and lye. No additives of any sort…no scent, no colors, no herbs, nothing. Just pure soap.
I get everything all set up and ready to go. Measure the water, measure the lye, dump the lye into the water.
Here’s where it starts to get hilarious actually. When I measured the water, I used fluid ounces. If you’re not a soaper, this means nothing. If you are, you know that this is NOT what you want to do. Basically what I did was measure the volume, not the weight. These can be very different!
But, regardless, from what I remember, the lye water didn’t go too badly. No volcano, and the solution turned clear, with no lye granules on the bottom. Of course, my mind could be remembering incorrectly, because it was quite a while ago!
I started measuring my oil after mixing the lye and water. Again, I used fluid ounces. (Wrong! But I didn’t know any better then.)
Heated it all up, very carefully. Got the oil at about the same temperature as the lye water, then poured the lye solution into the oils. And stirred.
And stirred.
And stirred.
And stirred.
And stirred some more. I stirred that damn thing for hours.
After several hours (and one VERY sore arm!), I still hadn’t reached trace. Of course, I didn’t really know what trace was then either, so I wasn’t sure what it would look like once I got there. Somewhere I had seen that you could put the soap mixture in a low temp oven and get it to trace that way. So I stuck the pot into the oven, with the door propped open slightly.
Yeah, that didn’t work. Somehow, it went from where it was (at an uber-light trace, if I remember right) to this strange solid-ish mass with oils floating on the top. Crap! I pulled it out of the oven and stirred mightily once more.
For the record, that didn’t work either.
Not knowing any better, I mixed it all up, and dumped it into my prepared mold. Wrapped it in the blanket as suggested and cleaned up the kitchen, all the while thinking that maybe this soap thing was harder than it sounded.
The next day, I went to go unmold my soap so I could cut it into bars. What greeted me upon unwrapping the blanket was a strange crystalline growth out of a sea of oil. My best guess is that there wasn’t enough water, enough oil, and way too much lye, so that the lye simply fell out of solution and recrystallized.
Needless to say, I threw that batch away. Not like you can use straight up lye (or other unknown crystalline substances) as a soap without causing yourself some serious harm.
It took me several years to get up my courage to try this craft again….but that’s another story.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
*Crawling out from under that big rock*
School is kicking my booty! After the next two weeks are over, I should be back to normal though. Whatever normal actually consists of! *ha!*
I've been sneaking in crafting here and there for the past couple of months. It's a hard job, but sometimes you just have to make something pretty!
Tomorrow will bring a nice trip down memory lane. :)
I've been sneaking in crafting here and there for the past couple of months. It's a hard job, but sometimes you just have to make something pretty!
Tomorrow will bring a nice trip down memory lane. :)
Monday, March 23, 2009
Monday, Monday
I wonder why Mondays are so difficult. It's not as if I have the weekend off - oh no, I work all weekend long. As a restaurant manager, weekends are the busy time! In fact, Mondays are one of the closest things to a 'day off' that I have. No work, only 2 classes. Yet they are difficult for some reason.
Perhaps the Mamas and the Papas had it right.
But with that, I am hoping to have some new and exciting items in my shop by the end of the day today! ☺
Perhaps the Mamas and the Papas had it right.
But with that, I am hoping to have some new and exciting items in my shop by the end of the day today! ☺
Friday, March 20, 2009
Ostara Blessings - Spring is Here!
To those that follow the Earth-based religions, today marks the spring equinox, and one of the eight major celebrations of the year. Today the day and night are of equal length, and the wheel is turning more and more towards the warmth of summer.
The rest of the world knows this as the first 'official' day of Spring!
Hooray for longer days! Hooray for warmer weather! Hooray for green growing things sprouting up everywhere!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Soap!
Last night I realized that I am getting down to the last little bit of my stash of wonderful handmade soaps. I have been known to make my own, but I don't currently have any lye, or the time to make any. So off to Etsy it was, to find a place to buy some wonderful soap.
There are so many choices of great shops and great soaps there! I decided to narrow it down a bit, and research some of the sellers that are part of the pagan or earth-based groups. Every little bit that I am able to support my brothers and sisters of this path, I love to do so!
I ended up purchasing some lovely soaps from SeaSpriteSoaps. I can't wait for them to arrive, as the descriptions all sounded wonderful!
There are so many choices of great shops and great soaps there! I decided to narrow it down a bit, and research some of the sellers that are part of the pagan or earth-based groups. Every little bit that I am able to support my brothers and sisters of this path, I love to do so!
I ended up purchasing some lovely soaps from SeaSpriteSoaps. I can't wait for them to arrive, as the descriptions all sounded wonderful!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Coming Back Again
Yikes....I've managed to hide away for quite a while again!
I *must* get myself to do this everyday. If anyone has any ideas, send them my way, because apparently I need them!
I will be updating more tomorrow...need to list some things too! ♥
I *must* get myself to do this everyday. If anyone has any ideas, send them my way, because apparently I need them!
I will be updating more tomorrow...need to list some things too! ♥
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Cuteness Squared
Some days I wonder what I did to make someone up there - whomever you may believe it to be - give me such a precious gift as my son. He is adorable.
And smart as a whip too. No, I'm not just being the typical biased parent. Many people have commented on it.
He is five (almost 6! *gulp*) and reading and writing very well. Pretty much if it isn't nailed down, he is reading it. Actually he reads all that too! Signs on the side of the road, company signs, license plates, sales flyers, you name it, that boy reads it.
Here he is, snoozing away early one morning at Grandma's house. He is so cute! (Ok yes, this time I am biased!)
And smart as a whip too. No, I'm not just being the typical biased parent. Many people have commented on it.
He is five (almost 6! *gulp*) and reading and writing very well. Pretty much if it isn't nailed down, he is reading it. Actually he reads all that too! Signs on the side of the road, company signs, license plates, sales flyers, you name it, that boy reads it.
Here he is, snoozing away early one morning at Grandma's house. He is so cute! (Ok yes, this time I am biased!)
Monday, February 16, 2009
Chemistry Inspiration
I suppose you can always tell when we've played with the molecular model sets in chemistry class. That's the time when I begin to get the urge to create the molecules out of beads. Something simple might be easy, such as formaldehyde:
Or perhaps diethyl ether:
And perhaps one day work up to something like carvone:
I must figure this out!
Or perhaps diethyl ether:
And perhaps one day work up to something like carvone:
I must figure this out!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Sunday Meditation - Sacred Words
I find mantras soothing and calming. I have a friend who makes malas, which are sort of like Buddhist prayer beads. They have 108 beads, plus a larger 'guru' bead.
Mantras + mala = very relaxing meditation. For this, I used the popular Om Mani Padme Hum mantra, loosely having the meaning of compassion. (There is way more to it than that, but we will go with this definition for today.)
Sit comfortably, in a place that you will not be disturbed. Hold the mala in your hands.
Breathe deeply and clear your mind. Focus on the breath.
When you are ready, find the guru bead with your fingers. Move your fingers to the next bead to the left, and begin chanting the mantra. You may spend as long as you like on a particular bead, saying the whole mantra or simply part of it with each bead. Let your feelings be your guide. Common divisions of the mantra are 18 or 36 times, as these are divisors of the 108 beads.
Visualize your words leaving your body and moving outwards, sharing compassion with all they reach. Do this for each of the recitations of the mantra.
When you are finished, return your fingers to the guru bead and breathe slowly and deeply. Allow yourself to accept any feeling that you receive in return.
Mantras + mala = very relaxing meditation. For this, I used the popular Om Mani Padme Hum mantra, loosely having the meaning of compassion. (There is way more to it than that, but we will go with this definition for today.)
Sit comfortably, in a place that you will not be disturbed. Hold the mala in your hands.
Breathe deeply and clear your mind. Focus on the breath.
When you are ready, find the guru bead with your fingers. Move your fingers to the next bead to the left, and begin chanting the mantra. You may spend as long as you like on a particular bead, saying the whole mantra or simply part of it with each bead. Let your feelings be your guide. Common divisions of the mantra are 18 or 36 times, as these are divisors of the 108 beads.
Visualize your words leaving your body and moving outwards, sharing compassion with all they reach. Do this for each of the recitations of the mantra.
When you are finished, return your fingers to the guru bead and breathe slowly and deeply. Allow yourself to accept any feeling that you receive in return.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
I'm trying this...
I recently joined a group of crafters whose goal is to make 1000 paper cranes by the end of the year. The premise behind this is the Japanese belief that those who fold the 1000 cranes will have a wish granted by a crane - long life, recovery from illness, something along those lines. They can also be given as wedding gifts.
I have no desire to get married at the moment, but figured this would be a fun thing to do. Even if it is just to say that you did it! I've folded cranes for years, but then I began thinking....this is dangerous!
What about making the cranes from clay?
But someone already had that idea:
I'm so trying this!
I have no desire to get married at the moment, but figured this would be a fun thing to do. Even if it is just to say that you did it! I've folded cranes for years, but then I began thinking....this is dangerous!
What about making the cranes from clay?
But someone already had that idea:
I'm so trying this!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Creation
I am in love with the creating of my own beads. How much fun is it to take the vision in your head and turn it into reality?
Now, by no means am I a pro at this yet. Certainly not good enough - yet - to contemplate selling these creations. At this point, they are simply a learning tool. And that is good enough for me.
I will be sure to post pictures as the craft progresses! ;)
Now, by no means am I a pro at this yet. Certainly not good enough - yet - to contemplate selling these creations. At this point, they are simply a learning tool. And that is good enough for me.
I will be sure to post pictures as the craft progresses! ;)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Coming up for air
I have been inundated lately! School started with a vengence, and my creative processes seemed to have gone right with it. In a good and wonderful way.
See:
I have begun experimenting with making my own polymer clay beads! I am not particularly happy with the pendant part of this one, but the overall experience was helpful.
I'm on the lookout for tips, if anyone has them!
See:
I have begun experimenting with making my own polymer clay beads! I am not particularly happy with the pendant part of this one, but the overall experience was helpful.
I'm on the lookout for tips, if anyone has them!
Monday, January 12, 2009
School Time!
Back to school I go. I have some decently hard classes this time around - the second semester of organic chemistry and the first semester of physics with calculus. Eep! But I can get through it.
I've spent the morning getting all my school things ready and gathered together. I am ridiculously organized. Of course, that is a good thing!
Now if I could just find my brain, we would be all set!
I've spent the morning getting all my school things ready and gathered together. I am ridiculously organized. Of course, that is a good thing!
Now if I could just find my brain, we would be all set!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Sunday Meditation
From The Meditation Bible by Madonna Gauding
Heart Chakra
Sit on your meditation cushion or chair. Sit up tall with your spine straight and your chest open.
Bring your palms together and press the knuckles of your thumbs into your sternum. You will find a notch between your left and right rib cage at the level of your heart. Bring your focus to your thumbs and try to feel the beating of your heart. Focus on your heartbeat for 5 minutes, or longer if you feel it to be necessary.
Place your right palm in the center of your chest and your left hand on top of the right. Close your eyes and feel the energy at the center of your chest. Feel it's warmth. Visualize this energy as an emerald green light. Feel it radiating out from your heart into the rest of your body and back into your heart. Stay with this visualization for as long as you like.
Turn your palms outward and away from your body. Visualize the green light from your heart chakra flowing out of your palms and into the universe. Imagine that this light is gathering all the love and compassion in the universe and bringing it back to your heart chakra.
Your heart chakra is considered the love center of the human energy system in the Hindu and Buddhist worlds. It is one of seven energy centers located along the spine and is found in the center of your chest. Use this meditatino to bring love back to your life.
Heart Chakra
Sit on your meditation cushion or chair. Sit up tall with your spine straight and your chest open.
Bring your palms together and press the knuckles of your thumbs into your sternum. You will find a notch between your left and right rib cage at the level of your heart. Bring your focus to your thumbs and try to feel the beating of your heart. Focus on your heartbeat for 5 minutes, or longer if you feel it to be necessary.
Place your right palm in the center of your chest and your left hand on top of the right. Close your eyes and feel the energy at the center of your chest. Feel it's warmth. Visualize this energy as an emerald green light. Feel it radiating out from your heart into the rest of your body and back into your heart. Stay with this visualization for as long as you like.
Turn your palms outward and away from your body. Visualize the green light from your heart chakra flowing out of your palms and into the universe. Imagine that this light is gathering all the love and compassion in the universe and bringing it back to your heart chakra.
Your heart chakra is considered the love center of the human energy system in the Hindu and Buddhist worlds. It is one of seven energy centers located along the spine and is found in the center of your chest. Use this meditatino to bring love back to your life.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Friday Fantasies!
It's Friiiiiiiiiiiiiiiidaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay peoples!
After a hectic week, it's almost time to relax. The goal is in sight - the weekend is right around the corner.
To celebrate this, I am going to give away a free 30-minute Distance Reiki Session.
Oh, you ask? And just how can I get this?
Simple, just tell me how stressful and terrible your week has been, and why you deserve relaxation. All comments will be entered and I will pick a winner randomly by drawing a name out of a hat (ok, a bowl).
*Reiki is the Universal Life Force Energy. It is a method of energy healing, stress reduction, and relaxation. You do not have to be present to recieve Reiki, as it is able to go where it is needed. I am a Reiki Master of the Usui Tradition, and have been practicing energy healing for 10 years.
After a hectic week, it's almost time to relax. The goal is in sight - the weekend is right around the corner.
To celebrate this, I am going to give away a free 30-minute Distance Reiki Session.
Oh, you ask? And just how can I get this?
Simple, just tell me how stressful and terrible your week has been, and why you deserve relaxation. All comments will be entered and I will pick a winner randomly by drawing a name out of a hat (ok, a bowl).
*Reiki is the Universal Life Force Energy. It is a method of energy healing, stress reduction, and relaxation. You do not have to be present to recieve Reiki, as it is able to go where it is needed. I am a Reiki Master of the Usui Tradition, and have been practicing energy healing for 10 years.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Naming Help
I finished a new bracelet the other day. Went to list it, and....I have no name for it. Not even the glimmer of one. The best I can do is Purple Something. Seems to me that won't go over too well. Plus I'm way too picky to settle for something ambiguous like that.
So how about it? Does anyone have a name idea for this piece?
Purple glass beads, pearls, and clear Swarovski crystal bicones....ideas?
I need a new camera too, but that's a whole different story!
So how about it? Does anyone have a name idea for this piece?
Purple glass beads, pearls, and clear Swarovski crystal bicones....ideas?
I need a new camera too, but that's a whole different story!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Tarot Card of the Day
Every morning, I sit down and drink a nice cup of tea and then draw a tarot card out of one of my many decks. I consider the meanings of the card and see if/how it applies to my day. Many times the application of the card is not apparent until much later in the day, but that's perfectly ok.
Today's card is the 3 of Earth (Pentacles) from the Shapeshifter deck by DJ Conway and Sirona Knight, illustrated by Lisa Hunt.
The seeker has come through a time of inner or outer crisis and is facing the rewards of positive action and reaction. If you are still in the backwaters of a trial, persevere - for you will triumph in the end. Your goals and dreams will soon be achieved.
Put that together with my keywords for this card, and you get someone who is skilled at their job, a mastercrafter of sorts. This person has come through a time of doubt about doing the right thing, and is now ready to move on after seeing the fruits of their actions.
This card suits me perfectly today.
Today's card is the 3 of Earth (Pentacles) from the Shapeshifter deck by DJ Conway and Sirona Knight, illustrated by Lisa Hunt.
The seeker has come through a time of inner or outer crisis and is facing the rewards of positive action and reaction. If you are still in the backwaters of a trial, persevere - for you will triumph in the end. Your goals and dreams will soon be achieved.
Put that together with my keywords for this card, and you get someone who is skilled at their job, a mastercrafter of sorts. This person has come through a time of doubt about doing the right thing, and is now ready to move on after seeing the fruits of their actions.
This card suits me perfectly today.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Spiritual Sunday
I don't go to church. For that matter, I'm not Christian. But that doesn't mean that I can't be spiritual/religious/whatever you want to call it. So for today, I believe I will share the meditation that I did this morning.
From the Meditation Bible by Madonna Gauding
Flowing Water
Sit on a cushion, chair, or the ground near a source of running water. Breathe normally and focus on the sound of the water. Try to empty your mind of all thoughts. When thoughts intervene, return your focus to the sound of the flowing water.
With each in breath, allow the sound of the water to deepen your relaxation in your body and mind. Notice if you feel better physically when you are next to the flowing water.
When you feel ready, end your meditation. Drink a large glass of refreshing, pure water. Remind yourself to drink enough water every day.
The sound of flowing water connects your with the flow of nature and reminds you that change is a natural part of life. The soothing sound blocks out harsh noises and your own mental chatter.
From the Meditation Bible by Madonna Gauding
Flowing Water
Sit on a cushion, chair, or the ground near a source of running water. Breathe normally and focus on the sound of the water. Try to empty your mind of all thoughts. When thoughts intervene, return your focus to the sound of the flowing water.
With each in breath, allow the sound of the water to deepen your relaxation in your body and mind. Notice if you feel better physically when you are next to the flowing water.
When you feel ready, end your meditation. Drink a large glass of refreshing, pure water. Remind yourself to drink enough water every day.
The sound of flowing water connects your with the flow of nature and reminds you that change is a natural part of life. The soothing sound blocks out harsh noises and your own mental chatter.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Furry children
I have two cats who love to be loved.
This is Topaz, the "please-love-me-touch-me-feed-me-love-me-love-me-LOVE-ME" cat. She purrs all the time. Literally. You can just look at her and she starts purring. Then when you finally do touch her, it's like rockets going off in there. It's crazy. She will walk along beside me, and then flop down on the floor in front of my feet and roll over asking for her belly to be rubbed.
Yes, she is one strange kitty.
This is Tempest, the "sit-down-cause-I-must-sit-in-your-lap-NOW-so-you-can-scratch-my-ears" kitty. Not as much of a purrer, but man, the moment you sit down, this little girl is right there in your lap. Even when I am trying to do other things, like sew, she is right there.
I have some very odd cats. Every other cat I've ever been around will tolerate some love, but never do they demand it like these cats do. Ah well, the price of love. :)
This is Topaz, the "please-love-me-touch-me-feed-me-love-me-love-me-LOVE-ME" cat. She purrs all the time. Literally. You can just look at her and she starts purring. Then when you finally do touch her, it's like rockets going off in there. It's crazy. She will walk along beside me, and then flop down on the floor in front of my feet and roll over asking for her belly to be rubbed.Yes, she is one strange kitty.
This is Tempest, the "sit-down-cause-I-must-sit-in-your-lap-NOW-so-you-can-scratch-my-ears" kitty. Not as much of a purrer, but man, the moment you sit down, this little girl is right there in your lap. Even when I am trying to do other things, like sew, she is right there. I have some very odd cats. Every other cat I've ever been around will tolerate some love, but never do they demand it like these cats do. Ah well, the price of love. :)
Friday, January 2, 2009
Celebrations of the most important kind
Last night at work, I got a phone call from my ex-husband. I suppose I should say from my ex's phone, since technically it was my son actually calling.
He lost his very first tooth!
He was so incredibly excited. It was the absolute cutest thing ever.
Yes, I say that about just about everything he does, so what?
So tonight, I have to figure out some sort of small celebration for him. Those things are so important for children - a way to mark an important-to-them occasion. I'm thinking cupcakes...must pull out recipe book....
He lost his very first tooth!
He was so incredibly excited. It was the absolute cutest thing ever.
Yes, I say that about just about everything he does, so what?
So tonight, I have to figure out some sort of small celebration for him. Those things are so important for children - a way to mark an important-to-them occasion. I'm thinking cupcakes...must pull out recipe book....
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Looking Forward
Since yesterday was a look back, today is going to be a looking to the future that this year should bring.
Thing 1 ~ the completion of my Associate's in Science degree! *happy dance* I only have about 11 more credit hours to go, and then I will have my AS....it's taken me long enough!
Thing 2 ~ the opening of the online portion of my little handmade business. Actually, that should happen later today - you know, new year, new beginnings. It was symbolic in my head, dangit!
Thing 3 ~ getting back into shape. This is a biggie for me. I broke my foot 3 months ago and have been forced into sitting around for that amount of time. Sitting around = gaining weight = bad. I go to the doctor next week, and I should be cleared to resume normal activity. Which means it will be gym time for me! Along with 88098676287632908987 or so other people. *le sigh* Why do I 'get' to have clearance just in time for the New Year's resolution diet people? Oh well.
Thing 4 ~ figuring out what I am going to do about my job. Come the fall, I will be transferring from the local community college to the local university, and taking a much heavier course load. And quite frankly, I have no idea how I am going to balance work and school! But my boss loves me, so I am absolutely sure we can work something out. Just don't know what yet. Of course, I don't even know what classes and such I will be taking! August is oh, 8 months away after all!
I hope everyone has a very healthy, happy, and wonderful year!
Thing 1 ~ the completion of my Associate's in Science degree! *happy dance* I only have about 11 more credit hours to go, and then I will have my AS....it's taken me long enough!
Thing 2 ~ the opening of the online portion of my little handmade business. Actually, that should happen later today - you know, new year, new beginnings. It was symbolic in my head, dangit!
Thing 3 ~ getting back into shape. This is a biggie for me. I broke my foot 3 months ago and have been forced into sitting around for that amount of time. Sitting around = gaining weight = bad. I go to the doctor next week, and I should be cleared to resume normal activity. Which means it will be gym time for me! Along with 88098676287632908987 or so other people. *le sigh* Why do I 'get' to have clearance just in time for the New Year's resolution diet people? Oh well.
Thing 4 ~ figuring out what I am going to do about my job. Come the fall, I will be transferring from the local community college to the local university, and taking a much heavier course load. And quite frankly, I have no idea how I am going to balance work and school! But my boss loves me, so I am absolutely sure we can work something out. Just don't know what yet. Of course, I don't even know what classes and such I will be taking! August is oh, 8 months away after all!
I hope everyone has a very healthy, happy, and wonderful year!
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