Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Taking a Break...

...from compulsively hitting refresh on the page to check my grades and before diving back into Cobblestone, so tantalizingly close to complete! So I thought I'd give a quick update while I sip on my hot chocolate (with a dash of Pinnacle Whipped vodka, just a dash-- I have knitting to do).

I finally mailed out the last package and Christmas card today. Last year I carried gifts for friends on the train, but this year I decided it was worth to spring for shipping. Being a student has taught me to be a much better traveler! I used to overpack so much, but now I've got down just what I need for a weekend.

I'm going home on Friday for nine days! I'm really looking forward to spending lots of stress-free time with my family and friends, without assignments looming over my head. (Nope. Still no grades posted.)

Last Friday was my company Christmas party. We do a Yankee Swap and this year I got a travel Scrabble board! The most perfect gift for me ever, and it was the one I chose right at the start. I couldn't believe no one stole it. I'm a Scrabble fiend. Speaking of, do you play Words with Friends? If you do, look me up! sassette00 I'm always looking for new opponents.

I made these sugar cookies thinking I'd bring them to a party, but they aren't kidding when they say small batch! So instead I stuck them in my freezer and I've been munching on them all week. They are so good. I made mine with just a sprinkle of sugar, but I'm sure they'd be great with icing too.

I love walking around Boston whenever I get the chance. No matter how well I think I know a neighborhood, I always discover something new. I've walked from the North End to Back Bay via Charles Street about a million times and yet never saw the doorknob store until the other day. How could I miss something so beautiful?


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What are your plans for the holidays? Any traditions you look forward to?

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Come Together....

Check it out! Big Black Blob is becoming sweater-shaped!


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With two weeks left to go, I am on the first round of decreases for the yoke. I was feeling a little nervous about finishing this in time, but now I feel downright confident. Much of this progress is thanks to a long afternoon I spent with Amy, knitting away. Also, one of the (myriad) benefits of having knitting friends: when I realized that I had not only forgotten stitch holders but also forgot the copy of IK with the pattern in it, Amy had those things at the ready. Whew!

The end of the semester is approaching. I have a final story due in my lit class where I have to write in the style of an author we've read this semester. In a fit of delusion, I chose Flannery O'Connor. The story's down, but I just don't love it. I'll be glad to turn it in so I can stop fiddling with it. In my workshop I have to make a chapbook using six stories from the term, with a cover, synopsis, bio and quotes about the author. Truth? I've not even started it yet. I just got book supplies today! The stories are all finished though. I just need to come up with the cover stuff. (She says, as though it'll be done in twenty minutes.)

Last week I had to turn in another project in my short-short workshop. We had to write nanofictions (stories of fewer than 100 words) and present them in an Artist's Book. An Artist's Book is a one of a kind, handmade book, though the word "book" is used loosely here. Some books do follow standard conventions of a cover with pages, but others (like mine) present the stories in a unique way. Want to see mine?

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Stay tuned for a completed Cobblestone! Maybe I'll even be able to get a picture of my brother wearing it. (Don't hold your breath though.)