Today I started my Christmas shopping... not that I haven't been doing this for a while now. I finished shopping for my family sometime this summer, and I've been gathering pieces of my Brother-in-Laws gift since I found out he was my Christmas giftee. So it may be more correct to say today I finished my Christmas shopping, or at least gathering the pieces that would be made into the Christmas gifts.
What makes today different is that it is actually Fall as I am making this purchase. That makes it a striking reality that winter will actually come. I am no longer being a packrat and saving up for a mysterious cold day some many months away.
Almost another year come and gone.
I now understand what mom meant when she used to say time went too quickly.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
perfect weather
Yesterday at work Nali was talking about how much she loved fall in the northwest. We talked about collage and how much fun it is to be young in the NW. So many things to do and see.
Our conversation planted a seed in my brain about "home", and I realized as much as I love New York, sometimes I still think of Oregon as home. I don't think of California as home anymore. I'll call it home when I talk about my parents, or where I grew up. I still think it is a great place to live, grow a family, or be in general, but I don't long for it. Occasionally I long for Oregon.
I guess my mind stayed on what I loved about Oregon, because as I was falling asleep it hit me that it hasn't rained in about a month, and I remembered how much I loved the first few rains of Fall in Oregon. I especially loved how the trees next to Rogers would look right after a morning rain. They never would turn color at the same time. So you would get a stoplightesque set of colors as the glissening leaves shook in the wind.
Magic, today we had a blustery day that has threatened to rain all day long. The clouds have been overcast and gray. The wind forceful but still just warm enough not to be a pain. Hats and jackets are definitely decorative. You can almost smell the rain. Maybe tonight I'll get to fall asleep to the sound of rain on my window. Not a harsh cold winter rain, or a humid sticky summer rain, and honest to goodness washing the city clean and making it a better place to be rainstorm rain.
I know for many people this first overcast day is a sad circumstance, but for me it is an answer to an unspoken prayer of the mildly homesick heart.
Our conversation planted a seed in my brain about "home", and I realized as much as I love New York, sometimes I still think of Oregon as home. I don't think of California as home anymore. I'll call it home when I talk about my parents, or where I grew up. I still think it is a great place to live, grow a family, or be in general, but I don't long for it. Occasionally I long for Oregon.
I guess my mind stayed on what I loved about Oregon, because as I was falling asleep it hit me that it hasn't rained in about a month, and I remembered how much I loved the first few rains of Fall in Oregon. I especially loved how the trees next to Rogers would look right after a morning rain. They never would turn color at the same time. So you would get a stoplightesque set of colors as the glissening leaves shook in the wind.
Magic, today we had a blustery day that has threatened to rain all day long. The clouds have been overcast and gray. The wind forceful but still just warm enough not to be a pain. Hats and jackets are definitely decorative. You can almost smell the rain. Maybe tonight I'll get to fall asleep to the sound of rain on my window. Not a harsh cold winter rain, or a humid sticky summer rain, and honest to goodness washing the city clean and making it a better place to be rainstorm rain.
I know for many people this first overcast day is a sad circumstance, but for me it is an answer to an unspoken prayer of the mildly homesick heart.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Fall already
You know Fall has come because I'm shopping for summer. I don't think I ever shop in season if I can help it. I just can't stand paying the price stores want for the clothing I want.
The shopping proved very fruitful. I specifically wanted some nice work shirts for next summer. I always struggle with what to wear in the summer. So, I took advantage of a super good sale and bought some silk blouses for next summer. I cannot say how excited I am for hot weather again.
It was really nice to feel like I picked up something that was nicer than I normally would. Another little payoff from a long summer at work. I knew I wouldn't have purchased if it wasn't for the continued good fortune of overtime. I guess these blouses will be my tribute to summer.
I also hit a good sale at Pottery Barn. Normally I despise the place, but something in the window caught my eye, and while it was way too expensive, I did find a candle lantern with a top. I've been searching for one since my last one broke. I enjoy a burning candle in the evenings during winter, but I hate soot. Thus I rarely burn them. But I found the perfect lantern with a top, and plenty of ventilation, so the smell gets out, but not the soot.
I justified it by saying it was good for emergencies too. Oddly enough, not really, Ted agreed with me. Next time they go on sale, or ideally clearance we hope to pick up two more. Between those and our hand crank flashlights we feel good about about getting one more step towards being prepared for an emergency.
It has been really nice to settle back into a routine of work and school. I have one night a week to myself. I'm planning on starting a UFO night for the knitters I know. I think it will be fun. Not that you need to knit to come, but so many of us do things, but don't have time to finish, that at least it will be an option for people.
Last week I worked on some photo editing that I have been putting off since last winter. My parents brought us out to visit last January and I took some horrible pictures of the Golden Gate. I was so heartbroken when I saw the prints I couldn't even look at them for quite a while. Normally I can find a decent picture in just about anything if I take my time, but the sunset made it really hard and the light never quite photographed the way I wanted. Well, two nights at a computer, and we have some usable prints. I may even get them on the wall before this January.
While I've been going through a mass of pictures from the last year, I miss the crazy travel from the past month, but it is nice to be home too. We were able to spend some amazing time with our families this summer. I just wish I had more pictures, or could bottle some moments and hold them for a rainy (or windy as the case may be) day.
On other fronts, being home has let me get started on so many new projects. I'm not finishing much... but I am steadily posting to the esty shop, and working on many new hat designs. Ted is going to see the Godfather this weekend, so maybe I'll get some quilting done!
I think mostly I'm just happy to be quiet for a while.
And PS - Nothing new on my MRIs. Happy news. In two weeks will be my one year mark. I'm feeling good.
The shopping proved very fruitful. I specifically wanted some nice work shirts for next summer. I always struggle with what to wear in the summer. So, I took advantage of a super good sale and bought some silk blouses for next summer. I cannot say how excited I am for hot weather again.
It was really nice to feel like I picked up something that was nicer than I normally would. Another little payoff from a long summer at work. I knew I wouldn't have purchased if it wasn't for the continued good fortune of overtime. I guess these blouses will be my tribute to summer.
I also hit a good sale at Pottery Barn. Normally I despise the place, but something in the window caught my eye, and while it was way too expensive, I did find a candle lantern with a top. I've been searching for one since my last one broke. I enjoy a burning candle in the evenings during winter, but I hate soot. Thus I rarely burn them. But I found the perfect lantern with a top, and plenty of ventilation, so the smell gets out, but not the soot.
I justified it by saying it was good for emergencies too. Oddly enough, not really, Ted agreed with me. Next time they go on sale, or ideally clearance we hope to pick up two more. Between those and our hand crank flashlights we feel good about about getting one more step towards being prepared for an emergency.
It has been really nice to settle back into a routine of work and school. I have one night a week to myself. I'm planning on starting a UFO night for the knitters I know. I think it will be fun. Not that you need to knit to come, but so many of us do things, but don't have time to finish, that at least it will be an option for people.
Last week I worked on some photo editing that I have been putting off since last winter. My parents brought us out to visit last January and I took some horrible pictures of the Golden Gate. I was so heartbroken when I saw the prints I couldn't even look at them for quite a while. Normally I can find a decent picture in just about anything if I take my time, but the sunset made it really hard and the light never quite photographed the way I wanted. Well, two nights at a computer, and we have some usable prints. I may even get them on the wall before this January.
While I've been going through a mass of pictures from the last year, I miss the crazy travel from the past month, but it is nice to be home too. We were able to spend some amazing time with our families this summer. I just wish I had more pictures, or could bottle some moments and hold them for a rainy (or windy as the case may be) day.
On other fronts, being home has let me get started on so many new projects. I'm not finishing much... but I am steadily posting to the esty shop, and working on many new hat designs. Ted is going to see the Godfather this weekend, so maybe I'll get some quilting done!
I think mostly I'm just happy to be quiet for a while.
And PS - Nothing new on my MRIs. Happy news. In two weeks will be my one year mark. I'm feeling good.
Monday, August 25, 2008
About time
I've been talking about doing this forever, but I finally took the plunge and listed my first two items, so...Welcome to citranila, my etsy shop!
I decided to go with the little bit of everything in one place idea. As quickly as I can get pictures up, everything will be for sale. I'm hoping that as Fall starts the hats will begin to sell. I've been knitting for almost a year in anticipation for this. So I'm pretty excited. Next will be the Jewelry, with a quilt or two as they are finished. I'm crossing my fingers that little by little this will turn into something I can do for a long time.
Updates should come fairly often so keep your eyes open.
Do you have a shop? Leave me a link so I can check that out too.
I decided to go with the little bit of everything in one place idea. As quickly as I can get pictures up, everything will be for sale. I'm hoping that as Fall starts the hats will begin to sell. I've been knitting for almost a year in anticipation for this. So I'm pretty excited. Next will be the Jewelry, with a quilt or two as they are finished. I'm crossing my fingers that little by little this will turn into something I can do for a long time.
Updates should come fairly often so keep your eyes open.
Do you have a shop? Leave me a link so I can check that out too.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
music
I don't normally think too much about what I've done in life, or where I've been. For the most part I seem myself as a relatively average student, who had her bright moments, and when I apply myself I even have had a few moments of brilliance. But they are few an far between. Most days I don't see the girl who my instructors do, and don't really understands the ones I have disappointed, or lived up to their expectations.
Although, days like today, when I discover something relatively simple, but with great humor, and possibly beauty, I realize that I do have something that not everyone has, and I get a bit sad. I wish more people could hear or see beauty in things. I wish I could hear or see the beauty others can.
Today specifically, I wish we could all hear music for more than sound. I ran across a string group called The Vitamin String Quartet. More so it is a group of publishers who write for string quartet by adapting popular music to classic and baroque rules.
This wouldn't be that interesting to most, but I understood it. It wasn't just music. I could see the theory in it, and appreciated the probably hours that someone spent arranging the music. I found odd amusement speculating that the recordings were first of second takes, because the musicians were most likely sight reading. And loved it even more knowing that it was filling a musical void that could bring people together.
Today is one of those days where I don't feel like I was the bottom (almost) of my theory class. I could actually hear the chord progressions. I see the page in my mind, and appreciate what it must have been like to be a Mozart or a Beethoven. I still wouldn't trade places though. Musical knowledge is a wonderful thing, but I'm glad I'm not trapped by it either.
Occasionally, I know what I could be, and I'm happy just to be me.
Although, days like today, when I discover something relatively simple, but with great humor, and possibly beauty, I realize that I do have something that not everyone has, and I get a bit sad. I wish more people could hear or see beauty in things. I wish I could hear or see the beauty others can.
Today specifically, I wish we could all hear music for more than sound. I ran across a string group called The Vitamin String Quartet. More so it is a group of publishers who write for string quartet by adapting popular music to classic and baroque rules.
This wouldn't be that interesting to most, but I understood it. It wasn't just music. I could see the theory in it, and appreciated the probably hours that someone spent arranging the music. I found odd amusement speculating that the recordings were first of second takes, because the musicians were most likely sight reading. And loved it even more knowing that it was filling a musical void that could bring people together.
Today is one of those days where I don't feel like I was the bottom (almost) of my theory class. I could actually hear the chord progressions. I see the page in my mind, and appreciate what it must have been like to be a Mozart or a Beethoven. I still wouldn't trade places though. Musical knowledge is a wonderful thing, but I'm glad I'm not trapped by it either.
Occasionally, I know what I could be, and I'm happy just to be me.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
what I learned on vacation
I always forget to put sunscreen on the back of my arms
My Sister in Laws are such great examples of mothers
I like talking to Grandpa while working in they yard
I so don't relate well to people in groups
If you bring a baby loaf of cheese home in your carry on TSA expects EVERYTHING in your bag (and laughs at you)
Racing Pigeons are actually really interesting
I have the best married to family ever
Sponge Balls can help everyone have fun no matter how old or young
Reno is bowling capitol of the US
Lots of people take pool cues with them to Boise, Idaho
I still really don't like prop-planes
I need to visit Denver more often
My Sister in Laws are such great examples of mothers
I like talking to Grandpa while working in they yard
I so don't relate well to people in groups
If you bring a baby loaf of cheese home in your carry on TSA expects EVERYTHING in your bag (and laughs at you)
Racing Pigeons are actually really interesting
I have the best married to family ever
Sponge Balls can help everyone have fun no matter how old or young
Reno is bowling capitol of the US
Lots of people take pool cues with them to Boise, Idaho
I still really don't like prop-planes
I need to visit Denver more often
Sunday, July 20, 2008
RSVP cards
Today I sat down after church to write all the "Happy Wedding" cards that I need to get out before the end of the month. It was so much fun to sit and think of all the good times with so many of my friends that have lead us all to where we are.
It seems like yesterday that Erik left Shelley white roses in our room. Just last summer when Heather and I were talking about the not so happy relationships we were in. Or that Erica and I were lamenting over the "death" of her bassoon. Even longer ago, when Nicole and I sat in Ms. Clark's room and tried to decode life through the eyes of a 7th grader. Or being younger than 7 and getting sick at Candace's house while the adults when to a fancy dinner. Time really does fly.
I don't keep in great touch with many people, but those I do are so special to me. Its really been touching to find out about weddings or get announcements to let me know that the people I care about are all moving forward and creating their lives. Even though we are a continent apart, it makes me feel closer to the people that have meant the most.
It also is kind of ironic, I've been so diligent at making sure to have the perfect card and write a special note to everyone; however, not one of the RSVP cards got sent back (even though I knew we would only make it to one of the weddings due to other family obligations). Part of it was that last little shred that maybe I could find a way to get there, and part was just shear forgetfulness. Eiher way, I was that crazy person that had to be tracked down to give an answer.
It seems like yesterday that Erik left Shelley white roses in our room. Just last summer when Heather and I were talking about the not so happy relationships we were in. Or that Erica and I were lamenting over the "death" of her bassoon. Even longer ago, when Nicole and I sat in Ms. Clark's room and tried to decode life through the eyes of a 7th grader. Or being younger than 7 and getting sick at Candace's house while the adults when to a fancy dinner. Time really does fly.
I don't keep in great touch with many people, but those I do are so special to me. Its really been touching to find out about weddings or get announcements to let me know that the people I care about are all moving forward and creating their lives. Even though we are a continent apart, it makes me feel closer to the people that have meant the most.
It also is kind of ironic, I've been so diligent at making sure to have the perfect card and write a special note to everyone; however, not one of the RSVP cards got sent back (even though I knew we would only make it to one of the weddings due to other family obligations). Part of it was that last little shred that maybe I could find a way to get there, and part was just shear forgetfulness. Eiher way, I was that crazy person that had to be tracked down to give an answer.
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