cache of awesome

Clearing out the Cache Part 2 [forty-two through fifty-two]

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 03:50:00 -0600

And now we head down the home stretch.

Weeks 42 - 52.

42. I started knitting an infinity scarf back towards the beginning of August. It is MASSIVE! It may be the most knitting in a single project I’ve done thus far. it is wide, but also about 90 inches long. (Well, before the ends were joined together.) It took the better part of three months, but I finally finished it around October 19th or 20th. It’s even taken a little getting used to for the wearing, due to its size. But I’m now fully smitten with it in every way. I’m even considering starting in on another one (probably not quite so wide this time) once I’ve finished up another knitting project. The herringbone pattern was actually pretty enjoyable to work on. And the finished product is purdy.

43. MILO GREENE’S DEBUT ALBUM WILL BE OUT IN THE SPRING! I found this out the week after I finished my scarf. THIS IS SO EXCITING, IT REQUIRES ALL TALL LETTERS! Finally, there will be an official album out. That I can buy! AND LISTEN TO! OVER AND OVER AGAIN! BECAUSE THERE ARE MEN WITH BEARDS AND GUITARS! OOOOOH!

44. The wee toddler guy that lives next door was Buzz Lightyear for Halloween. He was out and about in his costume over the weekend. That Saturday afternoon, as I made my way up the stairs, I could see out the front window. He and his dad had been playing in the leaves in the yard for a bit. His dad was now laying on his back, with his arms behind his head. So the little boy got down on the ground and mimicked his dad’s pose. It was just so heartwarmingly sweet and adorable.

On Halloween, he showed up about the time the trick-or-treat action was winding down, so it was decided to empty the candy bowl in his bag (it was getting low, as it was). When he saw what I’d done, he turned to his mom and said, “But… her bowl is empty,” as though he was concerned that I was now out of candy and no one else would get any. SO CUTE, YOU GUYS!

45. On 11.11.11, I was inside Kansas. With George Clooney’s Batman, and Dean Cain’s Superman costumes. And a whole lot of salt. Wearing a hard hat. It was a big day.

You, too, could experience this wonder if you’re willing to travel to Hutchinson, Kansas and take a trip to the Underground Salt Museum.

It is actually pretty cool. And part of the tour includes seeing some of the movie props and costumes stored in the salt mines (though you don’t actually see the storage facility, itself). Also, they have an Event Center they rent out for events. That night there was going to be Boy Scouts camping out in there. There’s also a Mystery Dinner Theater thing that happens every so often.

And you get to wear a hard hat! (Okay, that part is probably not the most exciting. Or comfortable. But it’s still better than the rescuer you have to wear. That thing is small, but heavy.) These things you do not have to wear if you’re in the area set up for events.

It’s mostly a low-light situation until you get to the storage exhibits. So, there aren’t a whole lot of photos. But, here’s a blurry me in a hard hat, followed by a movie memorabilia collage.

46. The following weekend, the one before Thanksgiving, involved a trip to Branson, Missouri. I GOT TO SEE MOUNTAINS!!!

Kansas is very flat, you guys. Well, until you get to the Western or Eastern most edges. The Flint Hills are pretty in their own way. And they are in Kansas. So, it isn’t completely flat. But it was so nice to see some mountains again. And a lot of trees were still decked out in their autumnal splendor. I say this, and I didn’t really get photos of it. It was dark upon arrival and the next day was filled with getting from one place to another, with a lot of misty atmospherics. Which helped remind me of California (my motherland). It was a lovely trip, for so many reasons. And the scenic views definitely were one of those reasons.

47. Woot.com changed a dynamic in my relationship with my mother. We have long had an anti-Snuggie alliance. We shun the Snuggies. We might threaten to gift the other with one on occasion, but it is merely in jest. We know this. This is how this works, our anti-Snuggie alliance. Who needs a backwards robe (now with pockets!)?

And then one day Woot.com was offering Snuggies for a ridiculously low price. Apparently a price so ridiculously low, my mom though it was time to break our anti-Snuggie alliance and get me a Snuggie. For reals this time. FOR REALS!

It sheds like a dog in July, wee little fuzzies, even though I’ve washed it several times. And this winter hasn’t been terribly cold very often thus far. But I suppose I can see the utility in the Snuggie now. Against my will.

And, despite it being against my will, my mom did it to keep me warm. So, now I can knit or read or compute without my arms getting cold. It was out of love, this alliance breaking. And that’s kind of awesome. Even if it is a Snuggie.

48. So, apparently if you don’t let Nickelback sing their own songs, they don’t suck so bad! Also, even if you don’t dig the tune, you have to admit, that tambourine man is AWESOME!

49. David Crowder Band is soon to take a respite from their banding and touring to pursue resting and other projects. It is an indefinite hiatus at this point. And they are closing in on their last shows quite speedily. I thought I wasn’t going to get to see them again any time soon. Then Yimmels (my stepdad) finds out that they are playing in Wichita, because he’s been asked to volunteer for Compassion International’s booth at the show. And there were still tickets available. So I got to go see them! In Wichita! With Yimmels! Who is the person I’ve always seen them with! And the owner of the salon I go to was there with her parents, all adorable and awesome as usual! It was just a really splendid and amazing experience, and one I didn’t think I was going to get to have again for a very long time.

50. I’m glad to know this exists. Thanks, Annelise! (It might be more impressive if you’ve seen the original first - or just watch the side-by-side comparison.)

51. A most dear and beloved friend that I miss even more than the scenery or the always-at-the-ready excellent coffee supply totally rocked my Christmas socks by sending three pounds of my favoritest coffee to ever grace these tastebuds, straight from the source in Corning, New York! I’d just been hit with a hardcore craving for it, too. His timing was impeccable. And the coffee is DELICIOUS!

52. And for the last week of the year, on the second to last day, it was all about the B’s.

Bows, Buxxin’ and Babies!

I’m leaving 2011 on a glorious note!

December 30th proved to be warm enough that I could wear capris on my legs and bows on my feet (I think I’d been sitting with one of my feet tucked under me not long before I decided to take this photo. can you guess which one?):

Later, while out and about, running errands and hanging out with my mom, we went to Starbucks. Well, the drive-thru at Starbucks. I ordered a tall quad gingerbread latte and got there in time to get a mistake iced quad pumpkin latte (they accidentially made it iced when the person wanted it hot). I drank both. And, as the pumpkin one was iced, I could drink it right away. I HAD EIGHT SHOTS OF ESPRESSO! I have been loving life ALL DAY LONG! :D

Upon return home and checking the mail, I had a Christmas card waiting from Dorothy, Awesome Woman who is an awesome mom to Awesome Kid and Awesome Baby, the Second. Inside were photo magnets of the fellas! The refrigerator is now sporting magnets that never fail to make me smile.

2011 has one more day to try to top that magnificent combination.

I hope your year ends on an equally happy note and that 2012 finds your days brimming with awesome of all shapes, sizes and varieties!

Clearing out the Cache Part 1 [thirty-two through forty-one]

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 01:57:00 -0600

So, we’re all well aware of my dramatic pause in keeping up with the Cache. Note to self: next time you decide to embark upon a year-long writing project, maybe have a contingency plan in case your primary means of executing said writing project winds up failing you a little better than half-way through.

I hope your year has been filled with splendid! And that I don’t utterly overwhelm you with this two-part mad dash to the finish. :)

Weeks 32 - 41

32. I have since had the length removed to make this possible, but the moment I could get my hair into a messy side bun, I was so very excited. It was so wee that I decided to call it a cream puff, instead of a bun. (the only evidence is a crummy cell phone snap)

33. Urban Decay always has a “sale” section on their website, but this particular week (August 14-20), I had been compelled to go there by Kandee Johnson on her Facebook fan page. They had *a lot* of stuff on there for AWESOME prices. I came away with 12 items for $26. And I’ve since learned it’s a good idea to check in on that section occasionally. There are some sweet deals, y’all!

34. I’d recently made banana bread and haven’t really been in a smootie mood in awhile, so I needed something else to do with overripe bananas. Some Googling and I finally found myself with a recipe for banana cookies. They’re more cakey than your standard cookie texture, but tasty nonetheless. And something else (that’s also easy) to do with your overripe bananas.

35. You guys, this summer was stupid hot for nearly the entire time. With fall approaching and it having been too hot to do much sunbathing, I wasn’t very excited about the possibility of becoming super pale before I ordinarily would in the fall/winter season. Thankfully it cooled down enough to get out in the sunshine for a spell towards the end of August. YAY! (I have a thing for sunshine and vitamin D production.)

36. So, of course, the week after, I finally break out my fall nail polish colors. I really like them. They’re so rich and saturated. Fall fashion and beauty publications and advertising had been going all “WOO! FALL IS COMING!” for long enough that it was getting difficult to resist, even if the temperatures weren’t reflective of this impending change. So I caved. And they’re mostly the shades I’ve been wearing since.

37. The week of September 11-17, I got my hair cut into a short bob again. Oh, how I’d missed it so. It’s different than my Bithia bobs, but still similar. As I’ve taken so long to update the Cache, I’m now nearing the need to head back in to the salon. I think I’m going to have it cut as short again, and then think about letting it grow out some (or not - I’m still back and forth on this and my appointment is only a week away now). In either case, dear sweet inverted bob, I think you are my favorite haircut!

38. So, yeah, I was one of those people that totally hated Facebook’s redesign they launched concurrent with Google+ going public/coming out of ‘invite only’. But within a day or two of that happening, I was on Facebook at the same time that Dorothy (mom to Awesome Baby [who is now Awesome Kid] and Awesome Baby, the Second) was up for a feeding with Awesome Baby, the Second. So, I got to IM with her and see Awesome Kid’s Halloween costume that he insisted putting on as soon as they got out to the car in the parking lot (he and his mama are so very rad)! I love that woman and her babies! So, despite its shortcomings, Facebook made it possible for me to have a wee hours chat with a beloved friend and that is so totally AWESOME!

39. I know they happen every evening, and they are generally beautiful, no matter where you happen to be. But I’m still fawning over the prairie sunsets.

40. Have you seen this? Even if you have, it is well worth a second viewing. (Thanks to the ever amazing Christopher S. Jennings for sharing this on the Twitter.)

41. My very sweet, very adorable Great Grandma has taken to sending me recipes. It started with a Mother’s Day phone call where she told me she’d run across some cookbooks that she doesn’t use anymore and was wondering if I’d want them. So she sent them. Since I told her in the thank you note for them that I appreciated having new recipes to check out to get ideas for meals, she started sending me just about any recipe she runs across, from just about anywhere she runs across them. It is so very sweet! One week I got a “Record” book from her. It was filled with pasted in recipes. While most of them are things I probably wouldn’t make, I love that it is so very much something my Grandma made. Also, I found it a brilliant idea for collecting and keeping track of recipes that come from miscellaneous sources and don’t otherwise lend themselves to an easy method of collection and sorting.

(outside):

(inside):

"Excuse me, Imperial Guard..."

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:29:06 -0500

I feel the need to interrupt this dearth of posting on the Cache to share this late breaking (and also AWESOME) development.

It would seem Sedgwick County is out to help me cross a few firsts off my lists. I’ve never had jury duty. Not long ago, this arrives in my mailbox:

I’ve begun referring to the judge as “Judge Jeffery” because a.) that is his name, b.) I’m not sure how to pronounce his last name, c.) alliteration is fun! and d.) I think it makes him sound utterly adorable!

Did you spot it, too? The date? When I saw it, the very first thing to pop into my head was this:

I mean, really, they’re kind of asking for this, right? I’m being summoned for jury duty on HALLOWEEN!

Okay, I will likely wind up going as “law abiding citizen” because I don’t have long enough hair for cinnamon bun Princess Leia hairs. (That may not be the only reason. But it’s an important one.) But I’m kind of hoping the jury pool resembles Liz Lemon’s (sans the crazy of course). Seriously, how awesome is that Christmas light outfit?

I did buy makeup for this, though. Serious grown-up concealers (yes, two - they had different levels of coverage and I liked them both). Because I’m a night owl that has to get from the far west side of town to downtown by 8:30 am, through rush hour traffic and I’d rather not arrive as “law abiding citizen with what appears to be two black eyes, you guys, you think she’s okay?”

Sedgwick County, you are indirectly responsible for yet another first; me buying concealer for its intended purpose. I swear, I felt like such an adult walking out of Ulta with that particular set of purchases.

Tomorrow begins my life as a juror while also finding out what it’s like to travel that far East in Wichita at prime traveling East time.

This feels like it should be my refrain:

my heart is a flower that blooms [weeks twenty-nine through thirty-one]

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:36:17 -0500

song: flower - artist - amos lee

week of July 17-23

It seems I didn’t get a very good picture of this before I removed it (“not very good” being, “check out this crappy cell phone picture”). But I think it was the most fun I’ve had with my toes in awhile. I had been trying to decide what bright color to paint my toesies and finally decided five was better than one. I’m sure to repeat this at some point in the future. It made me smile nearly every time I caught sight of it.

week of July 24-30
It hadn’t been very long since Ulta had its grand opening. My mom and I had gone in to look for a few things. She hung out with me, even through a good deal of meandering and we were ready to leave. As we were headed out the door, a young woman who looked to be in her late teens, possibly early twenties, had come in with her boyfriend (or, well, I’m assuming it was her boyfriend). She was dressed super casually, and I’m going so far as to assume it was her first time in the store. Mostly because of what she did next. She stopped in front of the array of displays that greet one first entering the store, raised her hands up to her face, and gasped in wide-eyed wonder. It was so very adorable. And it also perfectly captured the experience of walking into an Ulta store for the very first time.

week of July 31 - August 6
One morning I awoke from a dream where I was shopping in the beloved Wegmans. That’s all that was happening, really. I was just doing some grocery shopping at my favoritest grocery store ever. When I woke up and realized what had been happening, I sincerely wished I could go back to sleep and return to the dream. If Wichita can’t have a Wegmans, at least I can still shop there. Sort of. It was close enough.

technical difficulties

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 16:03:19 -0500

So, uh, Phil (laptop) seems to think I should get on with some alternative means of posting. Something I hope to accomplish within the next week or two. Be back soon?

you're gonna miss me by my hair [week twenty-eight]

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 02:57:00 -0500

song: you’re gonna miss me - artist: (covered by Anna Burden) a cover of a cover - [original] & [the covered cover] - Anna’s is my favorite

Knocking the six-week backlog down to five! WOO! ;)

week of July 10-16

Early in the week I saw this post a few times. First, from the original blog and then the “how-to” photo made the rounds on a few others I follow. Between repeated exposure and the salon running a special on foils, I decided I needed to do this to my hair.

Or, rather, that Ashley needed to do this to my hair. So, I went into the salon and scheduled an appointment for that Saturday. Only with some modifications. I went for pink and purple, instead of blue and pink. Christy (the owner and the amazing woman responsible for the best salon atmosphere I’ve experienced in my life thus far) consulted with Ashley and they decided on peek-a-boo type foils, rather than the all-over thing going on in the photo. Since my length is hitting my shoulders (well, now. it was a little shorter when I was having the dip dye done), this works so much better for me.

I was immediately smitten with the results. And while I’m ordinarily not this impulsive with dramatic appearance changes, it went splendidly.

Since direct dyes were used, washing leads to fading. So… dry shampoo and baths have become my BFFs. Yeah, I’ve gone from showering (and thus shampooing) at least once a day to shampooing about 2-3 times a week (this is where the baths come in, because, you know, otherwise it would be very eww in so many ways. I’m still clean! I swear! and if you’re curious about the ins-and-outs of shampooing less often/dry shampoo [good if you color treat and/or are growing your hair out - I’m doing both], I’d suggest starting here. also, after having tried four different ones so far, I’d heartily recommend got 2 be’s encore fresh, though it will coat your bathroom in a fine dusting of powder).

Six weeks in, and I still have a pretty decent amount of color going on. The purple has held out the best. The pink faded a fair amount with just the first shampoo:

That was after the first shampoo. The pink is still there now, but barely, and the purple reads a lot less blue.

I’m still loving it at this point, and am planning on having it freshened up at my next appointment. Taking advantage of the opportunity to be able to indulge less traditional hair color whims has been pretty awesome! I heart the salon and the girls and their magical ways with my hairs! They’ve garnered me a number of compliments.

where have you been & what have you done?

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 02:24:00 -0500

song: moving pictures, silent films - artist: great lake swimmers

So, uh, yeah. PhilHartman (laptop) decided he need a rest/nap. But he’s back in action now. And thus I am, as well. I’ve been haphazardly checking in with various online things via JasonBateman (iPod Touch), but not really doing much more than sort of keeping up with social media. And there’s been a lot more knitting and a bit more reading (but mostly knitting) in the interim.

And now I need to unbacklog the backlog.

it's glorious, it's life changing [week twenty-seven]

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 01:57:00 -0500

song: amazing - artist: one eskimo (though ‘kandi’ may be my favorite track of theirs. having a soft spot for Candi Staton might have something to do with that.)

week of July 3-9

It was Sunday night. The day had been spent traveling down to Fort Worth. There was checking into the hotel, a meandering journey to find lunch/dinner (it would’ve been a late lunch, but the place we’d planned on going to appeared to be out of business and so a very meandering journey took place while searching for an alternative and it was closer to 5pm than noon by the time we ate) and getting oriented and settled in the room. It was nearing 9pm and I was already in pajamas.

The plan had been to spend Sunday night with my brother, but he had something come up and so that didn’t happen. That’s okay, though. I probably wouldn’t have seen this if we were out. Or, I might have, but it wouldn’t have been the from above, extended view that I got. It was right about 9 when I heard shouting and When the Saints Go Marching In being played on a trombone. Right outside. So, of course, I looked out the window. We were on the eleventh floor, so I got an excellent view of the block across from the hotel where an entire wedding party, with the bride in the lead, were full-on gleeing their way down the street. The bride wasn’t only in the lead, she had her arms in the air, jumping around with abandon, with the trombonist right behind her (like, seriously, right behind her, somehow managing not to make contact with his slider thingie - to think I spent a couple of years in band, with the horn section. but I played clarinet.) and the rest of the party obviously excited with and for the couple. It was one extraordinary and wonderful moment! If I wasn’t already in love with Fort Worth, that, I’m quite certain, would’ve made me fall for it.

Of course I attempted to get my camera out in a hurry and snap some photos. I only go two off while trying to find my light settings as quickly as possible. Since the settings are buried in the interface and it was dark out, they’re certainly not the best pictures, but they’re here, all the same.

Bless that couple for giving so many people a chance to be a part of such a splendid occasion, even if only in passing. It was a lovely reminder that such a day should be so overflowing with joy that it can’t help but splash up on anyone near enough to witness.

where we learned to celebrate [weeks twenty-four through twenty-six]

Sun, 03 Jul 2011 03:14:00 -0500

song: holocene - artist: bon iver

week of June 12-18

And this isn’t quite everything. There are a few samples that need to find good homes because they aren’t best suited to my hair type.

In any case, it would seem I’m acquainted with a few of Redken’s lines. We go back quite a ways. And while I’ve currently abandoned Redken’s haircare since however it interacts with the water here lands me with some really horrible results*, I do like me some Redken. The Nature’s Rescue haircare does okay if it’s used intermittently. But the styling products still work like a dream!

Anyway, crazy Redken stash (though the mirror might be making it look a little crazier than it is) and affection aside, I had a hair appointment this week. My salon of choice is a Redken salon, which means, not only are they responsible for supplying the plethora above, but various Redken products get used on my hair while I’m there.

While Ashley was shampooing me, I noticed it smelled awesome, and also that it wasn’t a fragrance I was familiar with. She told me she was using Blonde Glam shampoo. (Totally smelled awesome! Also one that Bithia recommended back when I saw Bithia, but the salon hardly ever had it in stock.) When she got to the conditioner I asked, “Color Extend?” Surprised and amused, she affirmed. And so began what turned out to be an impromptu game of identifying the products being used based on scent. There are few funner ways to pass the time while getting your hair done than simultaneously impressing and amusing your stylist with a very weird skill.

Also, I always wind up with the best stylists!

————————————-
*I’m using Healthy Sexy Hair Reinvent Color Extend shampoo and Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Milk conditioner by Sexy Hair, if you were wondering.

week of June 19-25
Do you know what came out on June 21st ? DO YOU!?! Okay, you are probably less surprised than I am by my drifting back into Bon Iver love. I really thought I was well enough over it. Which I suppose still holds true, as I’m no longer constantly drifting back to Bon Iver albums during bouts of extended music listening. I wasn’t planning on picking up the new album the week it came out. Or possibly even during the summer. Though I did make sure to DVR the late night shows when Bon Iver was performing.

So, I saw their performance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon the night the album released. And, you guys, IT WAS SO AMAZINGLY, AWESOMELY GOOD! It was this song, this performance, that made me have to have the album. And this is the song I keep going back to and/or putting on repeat when listening to the album. It’s gorgeous recorded, but this performance is so golden!

week of June 26 - July 2

IT IS FINALLY FINISHED! You guys, I am so very excited about this! IT IS DONE! Okay, after ironing on the shamrock applique (as requested by recipient) it could do with a wash & dry or a misting & dry, since the iron flattened out some of the stitches. But it’s going to be given like it is because I had things to do. But I am still so happy it is done and it isn’t a head-swallowing size anymore!

Since I knitted from the previous rendition, rather than ripping it all out and winding the yarn, we can have a visual display of the difference in size (aside from the ‘on-Syd’s-head’ photo comparison we already have - but, hey, variety is the spice of life):

And that was why it was all, “LET ME ENGULF YOUR HEAD IN CHOCOLATE-COLORED YARN! FEEL THE CHOCOLATE! FEEL IT!”

And with that, I am, *gasp*, actually current! That, too, is awesome!

I bring glitter to my life [weeks twenty-two & twenty-three]

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 00:12:28 -0500

song: who dat girl? - artist: flo rida ft. akon (the reason for this song selection will become apparent soon)

week of May 29 - June 4

I’d made my first trip to the Old Town Farmers’ Market with the intent of buying local honey from some people who had been responsible for the supply that was now meeting exhaustion. They sell out of their home (if you call ahead) and at the Market. Having already done the home bit, and not having been to the Farmers’ Market yet, it made the latter the more desirable option. And then I realized I’d decided to do this during Riverfest.

Old Town, a district within the bounds of Riverfest happenings, was, I thought, sure to be full of people. The Farmers’ Market being something to do in proximity of all these people made me think it was going to be crazy packed and busy. Turns out, I was wrong. I also got there for the last hour of it, so maybe I just missed the really busy part. Also, I think several vendors that weren’t selling produce and foodstuffs had their wares at other locations for Riverfest, so that might’ve had a part to play, too.

In any case, I got there, made a quick round through the vendors and didn’t see the honey sellers. I made another quick pass, just in case. Still didn’t see them. So, I went to the information booth to inquire. The cute little older women who seemed to be in charge told me that they’d informed her they weren’t going to be there that week, but would be back the next. Also, if I went to a particular vendor, she’d made sure to inform them to make sure to bring honey since there was bound to be a higher demand for it. As I was in need of restocking my honey supply, I headed over.

A couple that looked to be in their early thirties were there and the man was holding an adorable baby girl. The woman was on her phone, clearly trying to take care of something, so the man stepped up to help me. Holding the baby! She was so, so cute! She also tried to help with giving me my change, since he was holding her and getting the money out at the same time. Which means I got to say I bought honey from a baby! Which also means that honey got referred to as “the baby honey.” So very awesome!

Also awesome from this week was the discovery that someone had taken what may be my favoritest clip from Parks & Recreation, a clip which was entirely too short in all of its five-second glory, and looped it a few times to make a video that makes me smile every time!

week of June 5-11

We all remember the disaster that was the hat meant for a giant, right? Yeah. I admit, with the really weird sizing issues with that, I was needing to feel like I still had my knitting mojo. Enter a break from the Chocolate Head Swallower to whip up a little Hello Kitty (it’s for my niece and the other hat is for my brother)! I was concerned, because with the details it had, that it was going to be fiddly and take a lot of time. Except when you knit a hat for a little person, it is going to be smaller than for a grown up. So I had the body of it done in a night! And then took my sweet time adding the eyes, nose, ears, whiskers, bow and braids (yes, braids… you’ll see). Still! Hello Kitty made me feel like I still had the stuff when it came to knitting. Which I greatly appreciate. As I didn’t have a child model for the photos, a roll of paper towels was a stand-in. Until I decided continuity was a good thing, so there’s a few where I’m sporting it. I present you, Hello Kitty collages! (I managed to get a duplicate in there between them - we can pretend it’s a Highlights game and you can try to find it! Fun, right? Also, I know the pink on the ears isn’t canonical, but it was in the pattern and it was so adorable that I went with it.)

never could be sweeter than with you [weeks twenty & twenty-one]

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 21:31:00 -0500

song: home - artist: edward sharpe & the magnetic zeros (but this cover remains my favorite)

[since I’ve got 4 of these that need to be done, I’m going with two sets of two]

week of May 15-21

I scored this watch on sale at Target for $10. Which was a pretty sweet deal, I admit. But it kept losing time over the next few days. And it kept getting worse about it. So, over the weekend I’d stopped in at Walmart to see if a battery change would cure its time-losing ways. While I was waiting for someone in the jewelry department to become available, there was a little boy, probably around 10 or so, getting checked out. You guys, he was so ADORABLE! He had one of those drawstring backpacks, making me think he’d probably ridden his bike over to the store. From the bits of conversation I was catching, I gathered he’d been looking for some jewelery of some sort for, I’m assuming, his mom. He’d narrowed it down to two, finally decided on one item, and was in the process of purchasing the item as the woman behind the register offered to put up the other one for him.

There were two women working in that department that day, and while my watch battery was getting changed, the second woman came over after the boy had left. I didn’t catch all of the ladies’ conversation, either, but what I did catch made it clear they were smitten with that young fellow. He really was cute, and it was so great to see two adults in an establishment that isn’t necessarily known for the enthusiasm and friendliness of its employees so enthralled with a kid like that.

He came back as I was getting rung up to see if he could exchange some limp, wrinkly dollar bills for some crisp ones (I’m thinking for the vending machines). Thanks to his timing, they took care of it on the end of my transaction. And both women were obviously glad to see him again.

I don’t think I’ve ever had a Walmart trip filled with so much adorable before. It was AWESOME!

week of May 22-28

Brace yourself for the potential of a little TMI.

In a woman’s life, there eventually comes the time where the months find themselves endowed with magical times when, depending on the woman, chocolate becomes something of a necessity, among other cravings, of course. This magical time of month is when I’m most likely to forgo my compulsion to make baked goods healthier than their traditional counterparts. I will use sugar and probably white flour. Chocolate almost always makes its way in there, too.

Though the recipe has been printed out and hanging out in my recipe binder, awaiting its moment to be tried out for some time, this was the week it happened. Sweetmotherofpearl, y’all! THESE COOKIES ARE FRIGGIN AMAZING!!!!! They are a copycat recipe for Levain Bakery’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Cookies. I haven’t had the originals, so I’m not sure how they stack up in a comparison. But on their own? It’s like having your mouth entirely filled with AWESOME! That they were responsible for me finally buying and using peanut butter chips make me love them all the more. WHY HAVE I NOT USED PEANUT BUTTER CHIPS SOONER!?!

see her smile and say, 'come on'

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 01:49:00 -0500

song: dance all night - artist: ryan adams

So, it is admittedly, and perhaps even largely, my having slipped out of the groove of regular updates.

But it is also, and quite significantly, this:

By the time I’m done, I will have knitted this hat about two-and-a-half times. It is the same pattern, the same needles and the same kind of yarn I’ve knitted many times over. But this time it is being all weird with the sizing. Super weird. That is nearly an entire skein of yarn on my head! Which should’ve been a good indicator it was going to be too friggin’ huge, even though I’d reduced it already. Anyway…

With a self-imposed deadline of having this finished before I leave for Fort Worth in July (the 3rd, to be more specific), and another hat to knit by that time, as well (a Hello Kitty hat!), I’ve been spending a good deal of time with the needles and the yarn and a lot less with the words and the writing.

The Cache is a bit backlogged in the wake of this. Hopefully I will correct this soon. Sorry for drifting out of the loop here for awhile.

three for your reasoning [weeks seventeen through nineteen]

Thu, 19 May 2011 03:18:26 -0500

song: god’s bathroom floor - artist: atmosphere

So, uh, yeah. Indulging a convergence of one of my weird “Meh. Internet. Here, let me ignore you for awhile.” moments with some writer’s block isn’t the best combination. I did better this time with my internet apathy. I kept up with Facebook (I find I’m less likely to alarm friends and family this way). And my email suffered more marginally than usual. I even read through most of my RSS feed subscriptions, rather than marking most of them as read every so often to clear out the backlog. But you’re not here for that prattle.

So, let’s get to it. Here comes a three-weeks-in-one CoA catch-up.

week of April 24-30

After serious consideration, printing out the recipe and picking up poppy seeds in anticipation of going through with it, I finally made bagels! (Everything Bagels, if you want to get specific.) There are various culinary ventures I embark upon either out of sheer curiosity, to be able to say I did it, or because, despite it being easier and not cost prohibitive to buy something already made, I want to control certain, several or all aspects of the final product. Sometimes it’s some magical combination of all of the above.

This time, it was because there was such high praise for these bagels, I was curious, it seemed relatively easy, all things considered, and it was a Peter Reinhart recipe. It seemed quite likely “awesome” would be the outcome. And “awesome” was, indeed, the outcome! Which is always rather satisfying when it comes to doing something in the kitchen that leaves most people puzzled. It’s a two-day(ish) process. But they are delicious! If you have a favorite bagel place, you’ll likely be less inclined to do this sort of thing. Unless you, like me, sometimes like doing these things because you can, and then you can also say you did them.

week of May 1-7

Okay, some of you may be familiar with me going on about my most favorite kid ever, who’ve I’ve previously dubbed as “Awesome Baby,” though he is definitely more “Awesome Kid” now. (They grow so fast!). Anyway, May 1st, Awesome Kid became a big brother as his little brother was born. The “Awesome Baby” slot has been filled by Awesome Baby the Second! I’ve never missed being in upstate New York so much. Awesome Baby the Second looks a lot like his older brother did at the same age. And I’m all swoony and stoked when new photos find their way into my inbox or onto Facebook! I totally heart those kids and their most amazing mama!

week of May 8-14

I was out and about, doing errandy things. It was dusk out and the sky was certainly reflective of this fact. Then, as I’m approaching my light, preparing to make a left turn, there is this fully awesome yelloworangepink GLOW all up in my face! A break between buildings and a sudden flood of light let me glimpse a stunning finale of a sunset in progress! Surely the unexpectedness of the moment added to it, but it was quite grand, nonetheless! I took a brief detour to try and snap some picks. By the time I got parked and had my camera out, it was already fading fast. But it was such a spectacular surprise and I’m so glad it was mine.

I've got no place I'd rather be [week sixteen]

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:21:56 -0500

song: slip away - artist: the muckrakers

[I’m way behind this week. But you already knew that.]

Thursday evening, out picking up various bits, running various errands. I love it when these moments happen. When you head to a store with the intent of accomplishing a particular task, going through the usual checkout process and heading on your way. But then, somewhere in the mix of your ordinary day, doing ordinary things, you get to have an extraordinary moment.

I was picking up a few items at a store and came in under the express lane cut-off, so that’s where I headed. As it was the Thursday before Easter, it wasn’t surprising to see that the woman in front of me had a few Easter-themed items; mostly candy, but also a few toys. And a bottle of Advil. When she made eye contact with me, I let out with, “You got some fun stuff!” She smiled. “I do! This isn’t even everything. There’s a lot more at home! I just picked this up when I came in. He’s going to be SO EXCITED Sunday morning!” She was beaming by this point. And her simple, genuine glee filling that last sentence, well, it warmed my heart entirely. And I was never gladder for not having headed down to the self-checkout.

they were already smushed with a calm steady push to the side [week fifteen]

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 21:17:21 -0500

song: island, is - artist: volcano choir

There have been things going on in my head. Literally, physically. A convergence of allergies and a head cold. It’s been, in a word, grody.

But you know what has been the opposite of grody? AWESOME, even? My bed. My bed has been delightful. And I spent oh so much time in it, with its delectable sheets, squishy pillows and topped off with the cozy afghan my dear sweet mama made me. Many days, not bothering to make it, because I was bound to return to it in not so many hours. Leaving the blankets smushed and piled however they wound up when I managed to unsink myself from their most exquisite embrace.

Sometimes you just need a soft place to land as often as that need arises.

I love the sun when it shines [week fourteen]

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 02:37:00 -0500

song: perfect - artist: doria roberts

Not long ago, I found myself interested in procuring a yellow nail polish. A definite departure from my usual warm weather default of variations on pink. This interest swiftly turned into a drive, an almost need-like drive, to hunt down an iteration that wasn’t too golden, and ideally a cream rather than something frosty or glittery. Then I would make it mine and swipe it across my nails. I had figured I’d wind up with something pale or pastel.

While at Target for other things, I decided to browse my usual polish brands for something yellow. When they were turning up nothing suitable, I recalled Jessica’s recent mention of her near-OPI level of affection for Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri polish. Since OPI is my favorite, and the Nicole by OPI line didn’t have a yellow I liked, it seemed a good idea to browse the Sally Hansen display.

And there it was. A brighter, more saturated shade of yellow than I thought I’d be into. But I was quickly won over by its chipper tone. It was to be mine. As was the charming mint green next to it. That evening, my fingernails were painted yellow and my toenails got coated in the mint. I was smitten. Especially with the yellow. It is like nonstop sunshine at my fingertips! There are times when having your nails done can totally brighten your mood. I was aware of this. But I didn’t know I could be so infatuated with a color, and a color so far from my norm. I was so smitten with the yellow that I found myself wishing the mint on my toes was a yellowy green. So, while running errands that had me in a store with Sally Hansen polishes, I picked up a more springy/grassy green. And now, whether the flash of color I catch is from my fingertips or my toes, I can’t help but have my mood brightened to match the shades they’re sporting.

modified yoga pose!
(mostly because I’m pretty sure poses weren’t intended for use with a camera)

I've wanted this for so long [week thirteen]

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 01:56:00 -0500

song: amazing - artist: one eskimo

Saturday (the 2nd), I had decided, was going to be the day I got my closet and dresser sorted and rearranged. You see, I’d had to start digging around both with greater regularity for my warmer weather wearables. It was time to get the full-on seasonal switch up done.

I’d been on the fence for a little while. We’d recently had a cool snap with another predicted for Monday. Last year, around this time, I had some garden wisdom that had originated with a farmer, who has spent many a year in Kansas, passed along to me: if you want anything to grow, without threat of a frost, wait until May to plant it. While I do not garden, it tells me the weather has potential to be all, “But I don’t wanna be warm yet!” until then.

My boots, they sat in my closet. My boots, the footwear that can often make its debut in the fall. That spares me from having to wear pants for awhile. That I love for this, but dislike for its representation of weather that forces me into clothing and footwear I’d rather not be in for so many months. My boots. Saturday, they got packed away until the next autumn season. I AM SO GIDDY!

Really. I am. While the packing away of my boots means I get to pull out so many open toed heels and an abundance of thongs (flip flops), which are some of my favorite shoes. The thing I was most excited about was that I was PACKING UP MY BOOTS UNTIL IT GETS SEASONALLY-APPROPRIATE COLD AGAIN!!!!

Sure, I still have easy access to my over-the-knee socks and mary janes should the spring decide it’s having a goth day or something. But the packing away of the boots is one of my favorite harbingers of spring. And its time has arrived! And the world seems just a little brighter now.

the dimples of your smile [week twelve]

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 00:17:21 -0500

song: song no. 6 - artist: ane brun

There were actually several splendid moments this week (as there often are), but this ever so brief moment is the one I keep coming back to (and with the biggest smile).

One evening, I’d headed to the grocery store closest to home to pick up a few things. One of those pop in, pop out trips. I wound up in the baking aisle trying to track down poppy seeds, studying the line up of assorted spices and seasonings. There was a woman heading down opposite me, with a little boy, who was probably around two or three. He didn’t have his legs through the holes in the cart; he was sitting “side saddle,” as it were, more or less aimed my way. Mostly I spotted his navy-and-yellow striped knit hat pivoting about as he was looking in all directions. He sort of looked at me, but didn’t really make eye contact, though I still instinctively smiled at him before going back to my search. It wasn’t until they were about to pass me that he shouts out, “HI!” and when I look up, he has the most magnificent grin stretched across his face. I do my best to match that smile and give him a hearty “hi” in reply, with a wave for good measure. His mom giggled at his sudden outburst and he was soon back to scoping everything out. But that moment just prior? All mine. And it thoroughly warmed my heart.

so in January... [week eleven]

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 01:51:24 -0500

song: january wedding - artist: the avett brothers

[due to a few less-than-awesome things, I’m running a little late with this one. sorry, y’all.]

The first Wednesday in January found me rocking the “another year older, another year wiser” vibe. And, as the majority of one’s birthday’s are bound to do, it fell on a school night. Which made it easier to not put up much of a fight when my movie choice of Black Swan got vetoed with an aghast, “Syd! No! That is not a birthday movie!” (I still haven’t seen it, if you were curious. Additionally, I was/am intrigued, but it was more an issue of interest vs. availability when it came to movie selection at that time.) Also, I was kind of disappointed there was no Bateman for my birthday. It is something that happened in 2007, when Juno was out and I was totally stoked because there was a movie with Jason Bateman! In the theater! On my birthday! I dig me some JB, what can I say? So, now, every year, as my birthday approaches, I hope for a movie release with Jason Bateman to carry on this hit & miss tradition. (Last year: hit, in as much as Extract was released on DVD on my birthday. And my ever fabulous mom, who is well acquainted with all of this, gave it to me for my birthday. Aww!)

This year, maybe a month or so before my birthday, I found out about Paul (thanks to my mom, actually). But there was no stated release date at that point. So, I got hopeful. And then it was stated. March. Decidedly not my birthday. Except opening weekend was this weekend just past and so the birthday movie vetoing was made up for. Belated Birthday Bateman. It’s got the alliteration I so love! And the Bateman!

During the same weekend, there was the viewing of The Switch, due in no small part to its Jason Bateman content. It was a wholly satisfying experience. It had a whole lot of Bateman. And very adorable Bateman, at that. Which is always relieving and satisfying when you’re really only watching a movie for a single actor and they’re not the first billed.

As the weekend rolled on, I had the house to myself for a day (and a half, but the half was Monday. so, not the weekend). I had vague “plans” of what I was going to do - bouncing back and forth between loungey and productive. I suppose I wound up with both, but not quite like I had thought I would. Is it just me, or is there something totally amazing about embarking on a caffeine-fueled spree of baking, cooking and cleaning (a lot of which wound up being done in a tankini, as I’d thrown some sunbathing into the middle of that mix and didn’t bother to change when I got in and was still high on caffeine - also, because I DIDN’T HAVE TO CHANGE, thank you very much!) when you have no expectations of your time and no possible interruptions? Because I found it rather awesome. While I had anticipated the ability to mop at midnight, should the urge strike, that didn’t quite work out that way. But I got a lot done and also managed to get some relaxing in there. And that is one of my favoritest combinations EVER! Perhaps even outranking that of Jason Bateman and my birthday. ;)

I loved you in the moonlght [week ten]

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 17:23:35 -0500

song: what if you - artist: joshua radin

Friday night, my salon was doing a customer appreciation night. It was also the time when they were debuting their feather extensions. I, as some of you know by now, was pretty stoked about this. I first found out about them thanks to Kandee Johnson and this video (you can see her DIY video here. If you have fine hair, do make sure you get the silicone-lined beads!). Not long after seeing that, Ashley (stylist extraordinaire) informed me they’d be doing the feather extensions on said night. I was SO IN!

So, you fellas may or may not be aware of this, but we ladies have a tendency to bond over our beauty rituals. In as much as we do like to look good for whoever we’re dating/our significant others, the things we do are often more for us than for the guys in our lives. And so, in a building teaming with estrogen, it was an evening filled with sweet and lovely moments as we all indulged in our love of all things girly.

I think this might be my most favorite salon I’ve ever set foot in thus far. All of the girls who work there get along so well! And there’s never that weird, catty thing that seems so readily apparent in most salons, even those of the SuperCuts variety. They’re some of the sweetest stylists ever! And I adore them all. Even if Ashley is my favorite, because she’s the one that works her splendid magic on my hairs. That it’s less than five minutes from my house doesn’t hurt, either.

And, thanks to Friday night, I now know their clients are just as splendid as they are. Which is so very rad!

And, now, feather pictures!

I had seven put in (as that was how they were being sold). They were grouped as 2-3-2. The bead for the front two has already slipped out (I have fine hair, hence the exhortation to go with a silicone-lined crimping bead, rather than the standard crimping bead, which is what was used and why it slipped out already). So I’m down to five feathers now. I’m still loving them. And they’re reusable. So I can go get those two put back in.

Colors:

From what I’ve gathered, grizzly and badger are the names of the types of roosters those feathers come from and, when left their natural colors, they’re typically referred to by the rooster names. Both the blue and olive are dyed grizzly feathers.

You can see the olive one a little better here:

And curls! (You can wash, blow dry, straighten and curl the feathers. SO COOL!):