tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76061008317520904382024-03-05T03:52:21.738-08:00Learned something new todayUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-11350283881147924622016-05-09T12:25:00.001-07:002016-05-09T12:26:21.490-07:00Git. Checking out a remote branchSeems fairly simple!<br />
<br />
<pre>git checkout -t origin/*branchname*</pre><br />
<br />
This stumped me this morning, since our switch to github, and our change to branching only off development instead of master.<br />
<br />
<br />
SUCH FUN!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-2582905485238658452016-05-04T15:09:00.000-07:002016-05-04T15:09:06.540-07:00Julia Child's French Onion SoupAfter much drooling at photos of French Onion Soup, I decided to give it a try myself. I stuck fairly closely to Julia Child's recipe, only really changing the fact I didn't add herbs, as I wanted it to taste like onions rather than those herbs.<br />
<br />
In the end it turned out very good! I have decided if I make it in the future, I will do a LOT more onions, as doing just 4 onions turned into two bowls of soup, and if you're going to spend so much time cooking, then you might as well have some leftovers!<br />
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On top I put two slices from a baguette, and grated parmesan cheese.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5Y4T7nVgqI/Vyl_BJ4cQlI/AAAAAAABN2o/8I2DhT8-wPQvBsMWSoD81KHKc0jQYM3dACKgB/s1600/2016-05-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="French Onion Soup" border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A5Y4T7nVgqI/Vyl_BJ4cQlI/AAAAAAABN2o/8I2DhT8-wPQvBsMWSoD81KHKc0jQYM3dACKgB/s400/2016-05-03.jpg" title="French Onion Soup" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French Onion Soup ready to be devoured.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The recipe briefly:<br />
- cut up 4 onions (I used my handy dandy Kyocera vegetable slicer for this, makes nice even slices)<br />
- caramelize for 45mins to an hour (took me about an hour and a half, as I went really really slowly!)<br />
- add beef broth and simmer for an hour<br />
- put in over proof bowls, add bread slices to top, add grated cheese and broil until melted and brown<br />
- eat.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-87625209009331341822015-12-28T16:36:00.000-08:002015-12-28T16:36:20.186-08:00Cisco VPNC Fedora 22 woes<br />
Moving to our new server setup using a Cisco ASA 5500 was great, up until I realized the instructions for connecting that I was given was for Windows.<br />
<br />
A couple months ago I made the switch to Fedora 22, and have loved every moment of the switch. Well, almost every moment, except for the bit where some stuff just doesn't seem to work like it's supposed to, and you can find dozens of posts online where people have the exact same problem, none of which ever seem to have found resolution.<br />
<br />
My first mistake: Trying to adapt the Windows instructions for use in Fedora. Why was this a mistake? Simply because the software suggested, while it runs in Fedora, turned out to be the really long way around.<br />
Shrew Soft just wouldn't connect. It timed out, and didn't give me any indication as to why. I ended up turning on debugging in the conf, restarting, trying again, saving the debug. Still made little to no sense to me (have you ever seen those logs?!).<br />
<br />
I tried installing and configuring like this: https://www.moucha.cc/charon/l2tpipsec-vpn-client-on-fedora/<br />
No luck, never got past: ipsec auto --add VPN_CONNECTION_NAME<br />
<br />
After that I tried a couple manual setups of ipsec and openswan, and felt like I was getting somewhere, but as I know next to nothing about VPN, it was all very confusing.<br />
<br />
Finally, I ran: dnf search NetworkManager<br />
Found this guy: NetworkManager-vpnc<br />
Dnf installed that.<br />
Opened Network in gnome.<br />
Clicked the little + in the bottom left corner, chose vpn, then Cisco Compatible VPN (vpnc)<br />
<br />
--> The stuff in () after each described where that is in Shrew Soft, if you have those instructions like I did.<br />
Entered the Gateway (host name or IP address of remote host)<br />
User name and pwd (in shrew soft entered after you try to connect)<br />
Added Group name (Authentication->Local Identity->Key ID String)<br />
Group password (Authentication->Credentials->Pre Shared Key)<br />
<br />
In Advanced, I checked the box for "Disable Dead Peer Detection", clicked Apply.<br />
Finally clicked "Add", then switched it on!<br />
<br />
A wasted few hours of trying to figure it out, and it was basically already there.<br />
<br />
Hope this saves some poor soul some time.<br />
<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-28637748336377231942012-07-11T12:39:00.000-07:002012-07-11T12:39:03.645-07:00How to figure out what a variable really is?Wow it's been a while since I posted on this blog! I came across a stupid error today (the error wasn't stupid, I was...) where I needed to use an object in a function, but for some reason, PHP didn't think it was an object.<br />
<br />
Eventually I used: <a href="http://www.php.net/manual/en/function.gettype.php">gettype</a>, then <a href="http://php.net/manual/en/function.get-class.php">get_class</a>, even tried a little <a href="http://www.php.net/manual/en/function.is-object.php">is_object</a>. Of course all of them returned that it was indeed an object, it was the class I thought it was, and yes.. no really.. it's an object. No matter what I tried however, any get call failed.<br />
Turned out I was using said function in a couple places, and RIGHT BEFORE I needed it, I was setting that var to an array, then back to an object. It was failing on the array call, and not even in the place I thought it was failing.<br />
<br />
Welp.. now I know to scroll back and read the ENTIRE log instead of tailing the last few lines.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-87784484312725194972010-06-10T16:15:00.000-07:002010-06-10T16:27:06.770-07:00TreadmillI own one.<br /><br />Fascinating right? Every morning I'd make the trek (short walk) to the exercise room at my apartment complex, and about half the time, someone would be using MY treadmill. Irritating right? I'll take just about any excuse not to exercise, so I was basically skipping half my workouts.<br /><br />I bought a treadmill.<br /><br />Anyone that's been in my apartment knows, there is literally no space for a treadmill. I made space. It does fold down to quite flat, and I can put it under the bed (not easy nor convenient but still possible) if I really have to (please don't come over so I have to). I can't be any place in my apartment (except my bed!) without having to look at it. Good news! Every day since I've had it, I've walked/jogged on it for an hour or more. I tried to play "Red Dead Redemption" while walking, but that proved more difficult than I had anticipated (can't aim).<br /><br />How long will this last? Hopefully until I break it from overuse :D<br /><br />BFNUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-6839441057825764412010-04-21T09:33:00.001-07:002011-11-02T15:10:04.873-07:00Forgetting my tar gzip for no reasonI just can't seem to retain the usual tar gzip commands I use.. SO here is my blog entry that is also a cheat sheet for commands I use often, but still can't seem to remember.<br />
<br />
Tar Gzip Create: tar -czvf filename.tar.gz folder/<br />
Tar Gzip Expand: tar -xzvf filename.tar.gz<br />
<br />
Grant for Mysql;<br />
GRANT <permissions ALL, SELECT> on DB.Table(*) to user@<ip or like '10.%'> identified by 'pwd';<br />
<br />
Copy, preserving permissions, verbosely, recursively, forcing:<br />
cp -pvfr files where<br />
<br />
If I think of more (as I google them because I've forgotten them again) I'll edit my own post.. since this post is all for me anyhow :D<br />
<br />
Deleting a block in VI:<br />
<br />
First line: ma<br />
Last line: :'a,.d<br />
<br />
<br />
BFNUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-48010143809808523962010-04-01T14:14:00.001-07:002010-04-01T14:29:25.015-07:00UFO's and other Sewing projectsIt's been SO long since I've spent some decent time sewing, so I've decided to dedicate tomorrow, and perhaps even Saturday and Sunday to getting some UFO's out of the way, as well as playing with some awesome new patterns and fabric I've acquired recently.<br /><br />I ended buying a ton more fabric recently when it was on sale from fabric.com for $1/yard. Now I'm going to sit down and make at least one skirt with the 20 or so yards of different fabric I bought. I know.. that's a lot of fabric, so I'm self banned from buying new clothes until I make (and finish) at least two pieces.<br /><br />I was thinking of making a pencil skirt from a pattern I recently bought. Last night I sat down to cut out the pattern and realised I'd bought a pattern one size too small. :( I could scale it, but I think instead I'm going to use the sloper I made in pattern making class a while back. That's what it's for after all!!<br /><br />Today I just need to make sure I gather together all the notions, so tomorrow.. I'll be ready finally.<br /><br />I miss boot camp terribly, but I don't think I'll be able to go back at all. The cost is just too prohibitive. <br /><br />I've had a tough time getting up early ever since the time changed to daylight savings. This morning I had Lou literally PUSH me out of bed when he got up to leave for work, and I managed to get my jog in before he had left. Now if only he was there 5 days a week to give me a shove.<br /><br />BFNUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-88903026278014348012010-02-08T13:48:00.000-08:002011-02-01T10:13:53.518-08:00svn lock frustrationsAgain with the technical geeky posts I know it's been a long time.<br /><br />Every week or so, someone from my team decides to run an SVN update on staging using root. I don't know why, I don't care. Short of actually just deleting the folder, and checking out a fresh copy, here is what I do to fix it all:<br /><br />The error:<br />svn: Can't open file 'PATH/TO/YOUR/FILES/.svn/lock': Permission denied<br /><br />The solution:<br />cd /PATH/TO/MY/PROJECT<br />sudo find . -exec chown apache:development {} \;<br />sudo find . -exec chmod 2770 {} \;<br />svn cleanup<br /><br />Usually I'll login as root to do the first three steps, then go back to my user to run the cleanup and updates.<br /><br />LOL to people who don't like this solution, if it doesn't work for you? keep looking. Posting comments complaining isn't going to help.<br /><br />BFN.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-90625988239855659602009-12-29T11:55:00.000-08:002009-12-29T12:02:25.853-08:00WOW, Power Auras DK exportFriends and Family not interested in WOW. This post will contain a large amount of gibberish.<br /><br />I searched high and low to find any export from the Power Aura mod for a DK. Couldn't find one. I was forced (dragged kicking and screaming) to learn how to use the mod, and create my own. In the interest of others who might not like to learn then either... Here is my DK Frost spec export. It includes a horn of winter alert if you're in combat and it's not on, as well as an alert for killing machine and freezing fog. <br />I plan on making more for the holy priest, as I'm sure I'll be helping Lou make them for his chars too. Let me know if there is a spec you'd like an export for, and I'll gladly make more!<br /><br />BFN<br /><br />Here is the icky paste:<br />Set=Page 1@<br />Aura[1]=Version:st3.0.0E; gcd:bofalse; b:nu1; anim1:nu1; g:nu0.88627450980392; optunitn:bofalse; ignoremaj:botrue; stacksLower:nu0; target:bofalse; icon:stInterface\Icons\Spell_Frost_ArcticWinds; size:nu0.75; torsion:nu1; r:nu0.85098039215686; y:nu-30; x:nu0; customname:st; groupany:botrue; isAlive:botrue; timerduration:nu0; unitn:st; bufftype:nu1; stacks:nu0; focus:bofalse; raid:bofalse; texture:nu61; alpha:nu0.75; aurastext:stRime; symetrie:nu0; owntex:bofalse; isResting:bofalse; duration:nu0; mine:bofalse; multiids:st; inVehicle:bofalse; speed:nu1; anim2:nu0; stacksOperator:st=; realaura:nu1; InactiveDueToState:botrue; threshold:nu50; exact:bofalse; textaura:bofalse; sound:nu26; wowtex:bofalse; groupOrSelf:bofalse; customsound:st; combat:nu0; id:nu1; inParty:nu0; HideRequest:bofalse; Active:bofalse; aurastextfont:nu1; buffname:stfreezing fog; inRaid:nu0; tooltipCheck:st; customtex:bofalse; stance:nu10; spec2:botrue; isSecondary:bofalse; thresholdinvert:bofalse; spec1:botrue; Debug:bofalse; beginSpin:bofalse; Showing:bofalse; UseOldAnimations:bofalse; begin:nu0; off:bofalse; party:bofalse; texmode:nu1; inverse:bofalse; ismounted:bofalse; targetfriend:bofalse; randomcolor:bofalse; finish:nu1@<br />Aura[2]=Version:st3.0.0E; gcd:bofalse; b:nu1; anim1:nu1; g:nu0.89411764705882; optunitn:bofalse; ignoremaj:botrue; stacksLower:nu0; target:bofalse; icon:stInterface\Icons\INV_Sword_122; size:nu0.75; torsion:nu1; r:nu0.73725490196078; y:nu-30; x:nu0; customname:st; groupany:bofalse; isAlive:botrue; timerduration:nu0; unitn:st; bufftype:nu1; stacks:nu0; focus:bofalse; raid:bofalse; texture:nu62; alpha:nu0.75; aurastext:stKM; symetrie:nu0; owntex:bofalse; isResting:bofalse; duration:nu0; mine:bofalse; multiids:st; inVehicle:bofalse; speed:nu1; anim2:nu0; stacksOperator:st=; realaura:nu1; InactiveDueToState:botrue; threshold:nu50; exact:bofalse; textaura:bofalse; sound:nu27; wowtex:bofalse; groupOrSelf:bofalse; customsound:st; combat:nu0; id:nu2; inParty:nu0; HideRequest:bofalse; Active:bofalse; aurastextfont:nu2; buffname:stKilling Machine; inRaid:nu0; tooltipCheck:st; customtex:bofalse; stance:nu10; spec2:botrue; isSecondary:bofalse; thresholdinvert:bofalse; spec1:botrue; Debug:bofalse; beginSpin:bofalse; Showing:bofalse; UseOldAnimations:bofalse; begin:nu0; off:bofalse; party:bofalse; texmode:nu1; inverse:bofalse; ismounted:bofalse; targetfriend:bofalse; randomcolor:bofalse; finish:nu1@<br />Aura[3]=Version:st3.0.0E; gcd:bofalse; b:nu0.22745098039216; anim1:nu1; g:nu0.2; optunitn:bofalse; ignoremaj:botrue; stacksLower:nu0; target:bofalse; icon:stInterface\Icons\INV_Misc_Horn_02; size:nu0.75; torsion:nu1; r:nu1; y:nu-30; x:nu0; customname:st; groupany:botrue; isAlive:botrue; timerduration:nu0; unitn:st; bufftype:nu1; stacks:nu0; focus:bofalse; raid:bofalse; texture:nu44; alpha:nu0.75; aurastext:st; symetrie:nu0; owntex:bofalse; isResting:bofalse; duration:nu0; mine:bofalse; multiids:st; inVehicle:bofalse; speed:nu1; anim2:nu0; stacksOperator:st>=; realaura:nu1; InactiveDueToState:botrue; threshold:nu50; exact:bofalse; textaura:bofalse; sound:nu23; wowtex:bofalse; groupOrSelf:bofalse; customsound:st; combat:botrue; id:nu3; inParty:nu0; HideRequest:bofalse; Active:bofalse; aurastextfont:nu1; buffname:sthorn of winter; inRaid:nu0; tooltipCheck:st; customtex:bofalse; stance:nu10; spec2:botrue; isSecondary:bofalse; thresholdinvert:bofalse; spec1:botrue; Debug:bofalse; beginSpin:bofalse; Showing:bofalse; UseOldAnimations:bofalse; begin:nu0; off:bofalse; party:bofalse; texmode:nu1; inverse:botrue; ismounted:bofalse; targetfriend:bofalse; randomcolor:bofalse; finish:nu1@Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-30402308866886025682009-12-21T13:40:00.000-08:002009-12-21T14:22:16.415-08:00That time of the yearIt's that time of the year again, and again I find my purse rather empty. Last year I made tote bags, but this year I want something a bit quicker.<br /><br />I've decided to make some little lined cosmetic bags. For my dance instructors, I'm going to make some lined drawstring shoe bags (for their dance shoes).<br /><br />I still haven't figured out what fabric to use, for the shoe bags something a little "manly" and for the cosmetic bags I might use a variety of fabrics, mostly so that I can give some to boys to use as a toiletry bag.<br /><br />I'll do one of each as a test run, then setup a production line so I can do as many as possible tonight and tomorrow night, then leave the rest for Thursday when I'm off work.<br /><br />I am a little concerned the homemade presents seems a little cheap, but I think it's a lot nicer than a gift card, and I can't think of stuff to get people.<br /><br />Boot camp finished on Friday. It was very sad. I can't believe another one is over! <br />On our final jog, I managed to almost keep up with the fast runners. I finished it well before the rest of the ladies, and I was very pleased. Misty took me aside and said I was doing a lot better, improving all the time, I was relieved. Part of the problem with not actually losing any weight while trying so hard, is that niggling voice which says "you're not trying hard enough".<br />Today I met up with another boot camp lady (Mara) and we did a warm up walk, then jog, then shuffled the cards from the <a href="http://fitdeck.com/" target="_blank">Fit Decks</a> I bought (Bodyweight, Dumbbell and Core) and gave ourselves a really good workout! I know it wasn't a boot camp level workout though, because at no point during the workout did I think "I can't do any more of these". Going to get a kitchen timer I can set for 30 seconds, and push ourselves harder. Counting reps gets distracting, and we have to do so many to get a Misty style workout.<br /><br />Tomorrow morning I'm going to sew instead of work out. Wednesday Mara has agreed to meet up again, then probably nothing except skiing until next week! Can I go so long without a workout? Probably not, will have to think of something in the interim.<br /><br />BFNUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-56213486420181331542009-12-14T09:51:00.000-08:002009-12-14T11:18:32.045-08:00Explosions and Weight Watchers website failSaturday afternoon I was enjoying my usual time alone, watching some old movies (Father of the Bride with Spencer Tracy and Elizabeth Taylor) when at around 5pm, the blinds shoot and I heard a sort of "whump". It wasn't loud, so I assume it was one of three things. 1) Small earthquake. They are pretty common here. 2) Sonic boom. Also fairly common, but I was too lazy to check online at the time. 3) VERY loud upstairs neighbors dropping something heavy (Almost daily they make the pictures on my walls rattle from just walking around).<br />It wasn't any of those things. Lou got home about 8pm, and asked "what are all the fire trucks for?". We checked it out. Apparently a gas leak had ignited in the electricity room, and the explosion had put a rather large hole in the back wall of the building. No one was hurt, but a couple cars were damaged, and quite a few apartments have to be vacated until they can fix the damage.<br /><a href="http://lang.dailynews.com/photos/photos.asp?a=908041#id=908041&num=0" target="_blank">Some pictures</a><br />It ended up just meaning we have no hot water (gas has been shut off indefinitely). Sponge baths sound fun and romantic, until you have to give yourself one.<br /><br /><br /><br />This morning I go to the Weight Watchers site in order to log my breakfast. I get a page which says "You must upgrade your browser". What's funniest about that is... I was using Chrome. The page went on to recommend that I download Netscape Navigator. HAHA. Seriously? That browser hasn't been supported since March 2008. <a href="http://browser.netscape.com/" target="_blank">http://browser.netscape.com/</a><br />They page also informed me I had Javascript and Cookies turned off. Do companies really expect people to take their online efforts seriously when they have such outdated code?<br />/rantoff.<br /><br />Weight Watchers meeting was good on Saturday morning. It's great to hear the truth. I'm not really hungry if I want something bad, if I was hungry I'd want something nutritious. While that sounds great, I couldn't help but eat too much on Sunday. Just remembering to "stay on target".<br /><br />BFNUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-82125265612068018592009-12-10T15:50:00.000-08:002009-12-10T16:11:08.398-08:00Want results.. pulease!Only a week (and a day) left of boot camp, and I've kept on those two extra pounds. I don't think my diet has changed, but I'm definitely burning a lot more calories. January I'll be doing an east coast swing dance performance (Arthur Murray show stoppers if you're familiar) so I've been rehearsing 4-5 days a week. That means most days I work out about 2 hours. Did I mention I've gained 2 pounds? I haven't looked at bread, potatoes, fat, soda, fast food, candy, salty snacks, anything bad in months. <br /><br />Instead of going on feeling sorry for myself, I've joined Weight Watchers. I'm not really the sort who enjoys public shame, or being told not to drink soda (DUH!), but I have to try something new. Two ladies in my boot camp did Weight Watchers, and both dropped more than 40 pounds. One in particular (Sara) told me when she started back in January she weighed in at 220lbs. Now she's about 160. That's pretty damn amazing!<br /><br />Saturday will be my initial meeting, but I've already set everything up in their online tools to track food & exercise. I back added the last week, and it looks like I've been within a couple points of their recommendation for me anyway.<br /><br />Did I mention I'm performing in January? I really don't know how I let my instructors talk me into such things. <br />Joel suggested some songs I might dance to, and I selected a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Must-Be-Dreaming/dp/B000W0YN2O/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1260490169&sr=8-2" target="_blank">Frou Frou song called "Must Be Dreaming"</a>. Last night Joel played me the cut he made, and it is really FAST. I am a little afraid I'll just look like a fat blur. I'll be dancing with two leads, they switch in and out during the routine. Costumes have yet to be discussed, but Joel suggested something "spacey" although I have no idea what that means. If I'm going to sew something I need to know soon, so I can be sure I can pull it off in time.<br />Already I'll be doing fun stuff like Lindy turns, swivels, tuck turns, and all sorts of linking. Lots of fun, but I have to rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!<br /><br />BFNUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-10867758461582054822009-12-09T10:18:00.000-08:002009-12-09T11:32:25.404-08:00Cross Country sking and chilly boot campsiThis week has been decidedly inclement here in Los Angeles. Normally I complain about the constant sunshine and heat. Monday morning it was raining, although not heavy rain, just a drizzle and it wasn't terribly cold. Tuesday morning it was dry, but 32F (around 0C) which wasn't too bad after the warm up. What I really wasn't prepared for was my car covered in ice. All the drizzle from the day before had frozen into a solid sheet covering my car. I think the last time I scraped ice off my car I lived in Canberra!<br /><br />The rain has done one very important thing. It's dumped a bunch of snow up where my friend lives in the mountains. This means that I'll probably head up for a spot of skiing this weekend. I want to take a photo of the ski's I've procured, but I don't have them yet, they are still with Russ who went and picked them up for me. <br /><br />Here is a picture Russ sent me yesterday morning. I love the idea of living in the mountains, right up until I realize how much work it is!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSMEW9exNpeL5Rv81gPH2fBa3C6BjjhjgZutpZ8aGYLJwDUW7R3BmEyOULahKOH6JMxXB1zU2thoZJGTSb-my8KzO6OOUyqB4HMTTTOdc32NG9e8J1mUfpuYJZHxNYF4unYWFse6Qn-qU/s1600-h/road_dragging-resized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSMEW9exNpeL5Rv81gPH2fBa3C6BjjhjgZutpZ8aGYLJwDUW7R3BmEyOULahKOH6JMxXB1zU2thoZJGTSb-my8KzO6OOUyqB4HMTTTOdc32NG9e8J1mUfpuYJZHxNYF4unYWFse6Qn-qU/s320/road_dragging-resized.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413306079151396946" /></a><br /><br />BFNUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-3985745912319714192009-12-02T09:51:00.000-08:002009-12-02T09:58:12.026-08:00Weakness for vintage sewing patternsThere are some blogs I really shouldn't read anymore. One of them is called <a href="http://wearinghistory.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">"wearing history"</a> and the person who writes it sells a lot of old patterns on Etsy, as well as some that she has rescued and repro'd. <br /><br />I find myself with the mouse pointer hovering about "buy now" pretty much anytime I visit the store, or read the blog. Some of the 1940's patterns are just fantastic. <br />A couple examples from the current store:<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=35562818" target="_blank"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 430px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com//il_430xN.106062802.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=35743710" target="_blank"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 430px; height: 430px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com//il_430xN.106669082.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />If I was to buy them I'd have to do a lot of work to get them to fit. Although they are pretty large sizes for vintage patterns, sadly I'm even bigger at the moment! They are so pretty... so tempting!<br /><br />BFNUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-83291505214096085972009-12-01T09:59:00.000-08:002009-12-01T10:03:10.755-08:00Two days of boot camp in a rowAt the start of camp this morning I noticed a lot of stiffness from yesterday's camp, but nothing spectacular. The workout was great, left feeling really good. Now about 4 hours have passed, and I'm afraid I might not be able to get out of my chair for the rest of the day. My legs have "seized up". I'm fine unless I try and stand!<br /><br />Hopefully tomorrow won't be worse.. but my muscles will start adjusting and allow me to walk again.<br /><br />BFNUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-2537367730910776892009-11-30T09:43:00.000-08:002009-11-30T09:57:31.337-08:00Back to bootcamp!I just realised that this has turned into my boot camp blog. I really didn't mean for that to happen, but aside from work, it's the thing I do the most. <br /><br />Dancing has really taken a back seat lately. I had a bad Match Competition some months ago, and my confidence took a big hit. I also don't like to dance with so many strangers. In group class you can tell they don't want to have to dance with me. OK that sounded sad and full of self pity. It's not really like that, but I just haven't felt good about dancing except with my instructors lately.<br />I did well in my freestyle exams recently, but that was dancing with my instructor (Joel). He makes it seem like I'm a fabulous dancer. It really is all about your partner in Ballroom.<br /><br />This boot camp is only 3 weeks long, so I have decided to push it, and am doing 5 days /week. This morning we met two new ladies who've joined our group, both young and fit. The only other larger lady has not returned for this camp. At first I was a little upset about that, but about half way through our workout we were sent on a jog around the park, and I ran hard and fast, and kept up with the fastest runners for the first time! Of course I was ready to collapse at the end of that, and spent the rest of the workout trying to catch my breath. I think it was worth it though.<br /><br />Our trainer Misty ordered me to obtain a new sports bra for this camp. My old one was very good, but it was old. The RVM was a 4 when I got it, but I'm pretty sure it's a 1 or 0 now! Unfortunately it didn't arrive in time for today's camp, but I've asked Loui to check the mail today and see if it arrives for tomorrow's camp.<br /><br />On Friday I took delivery of a photo scanner. One specifically for scanning in postcard type prints. I have a really big box of photos from when I lived in Germany, up until I got my first digital camera. I scanned in a few and posted them on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66169752@N00/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>. I don't really like the scans, they all seem washed out, and the color "correction" on some was really terrible. Nice idea.. bad implementation. Luckily I got it from Woot.com for almost nothing, so I'm going to scan them all anyway, just in case! Better a bad digital copy than none at all.<br />This is the scanner I bought: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hammacher-Schlemmer-Portable-Digital-Converter/dp/B0025ZANJG" target="_blank">Hammacher Schlemmer Portable Digital Photo Converter</a><br /><br />I had hoped to do some sewing over the 4 day break, but I didn't manage to lift a finger. I cleaned a lot, so my apartment is sparkling now, making it not so bad I didn't sew.<br /><br />BFNUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-90212733339397347432009-11-24T16:24:00.000-08:002009-11-24T16:38:22.552-08:00Completed second bootcampFriday was the last boot camp of that session. Early Saturday morning we had our body composition analysis. I'm heading in the right direction, I just wish it was faster!! I've decided to bite the bullet and do a full 5 days/week next session. It starts Monday 30th November, and runs for 3 weeks. <br />This Thursday they are doing a special free session at 6am for those of us who are going to EAT on Thanksgiving!<br /><br />Looking forward to 4 days off in a row. My friend Deb is coming to spend Thanksgiving with me. Looking forward to some drinks and video games!<br /> <br />Friday I plan on doing some of those sewing projects that I've been ignoring for the past couple months. Now I'm all done with my zipper intensive course, I should be good to go with invisible zippers! I have 3 skirts "almost" finished, because I couldn't handle the invisible zippers, so I just never got them done.<br /><br />Decided to use a silk/cotton blend I've been loving to make a sweet new skirt. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVqZS3lLXC3Im5EY9tbp7x8AWIHDP2xlnWRBPX_oyCohLtvmpTpPXDLEKzHDf6I6AfIUNrTOd5s5jLB0CE_bNK2Vohww_38vUGjQR3Q9PVJ_4RcNqeEiEhPVIAXtpRbVa69dZRE-Wd6eQ/s1600/4006-web-pic.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 182px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVqZS3lLXC3Im5EY9tbp7x8AWIHDP2xlnWRBPX_oyCohLtvmpTpPXDLEKzHDf6I6AfIUNrTOd5s5jLB0CE_bNK2Vohww_38vUGjQR3Q9PVJ_4RcNqeEiEhPVIAXtpRbVa69dZRE-Wd6eQ/s320/4006-web-pic.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407833908637151122" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.decadesofstyle.com/product_info.php?products_id=47&osCsid=017c8f814ad696ef320339e2ee302b4a" target="_blank">#4006 1940s Arches Skirt</a><br /><br />Saturday and Sunday are looking like lazy days, before I hit boot camp again on Monday!<br /><br />BFNUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-13138810939927161372009-11-17T17:00:00.000-08:002009-11-17T17:13:41.744-08:00Visiting the mountains<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://jeninason.com/tecuya/4104647360_695f49e2f4_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 341px; height: 256px;" src="http://jeninason.com/tecuya/4104647360_695f49e2f4_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />On the weekend I went up and stayed with a friend in the mountains. I knew it was going to get chilly, but it still took your breath away. The contrast between the mountain (Tecuya Ridge area) and the San Fernando Valley was amazing. I couldn't believe I was so close to home, but in such a different environment. A couple days earlier there had been a light dusting of snow, which was still sticking to the ground near the top of the mountain.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://jeninason.com/tecuya/4103884401_ed0558eb71_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 341px; height: 256px;" src="http://jeninason.com/tecuya/4103884401_ed0558eb71_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It was delightful, and I felt like I'd been gone for a whole week. Had some fun checking out the sights, playing with the dogs, looking at the work my friend had put into his water supply. Refreshing! Can't wait to go back up there, especially after some proper snow has fallen, and go for a cross country ski. Need to figure out a place that will rent me skis, as all I have are downhill ones, not much use without a chair lift!<br />I just had an idea about a rope tow. Letting it go.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://jeninason.com/tecuya/4103885745_855bfafc32_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 341px; height: 256px;" src="http://jeninason.com/tecuya/4103885745_855bfafc32_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-3662662739634217312009-11-11T09:12:00.000-08:002009-11-11T10:56:11.547-08:00Day 2, Week 3, Camp 2 - Picked lastI don't remember ever being picked last before. I wish I didn't know how that felt! It's kinda awful if you think about it. <br /><br />Don't want to dwell, just have to work harder. I stopped by Trader Joe's Monday night, and picked up a couple bags of broccoli & cauliflower (fresh, in bags you can microwave) and have been trying to eat a ton more vegetables. Instead of mixing a yolk into my eggs and veggies for breakfast, I'm now just sticking to egg whites. <br /><br />Perhaps I should blog here more often about food. No. Nevermind. I know I eat well most of the time, I just eat too much!<br /><br />We did an interesting workout today, but I don't feel like it was very challenging. Divided into two teams, we had a single team member run to where there was a pack of cards, these cards showed an exercise, and a number of reps. The winning team was chosen based on the number of cards completed. We lost. Our "punishment" was that the other team got to choose 3 minutes worth of exercise for us. Honestly I was glad I got those extra 3 minutes... why am I there if not to exercise?!<br />After the second minute passed, most of the other team had joined in, realising what they were missing.<br /><br />Loui made some noises about wanting to go running. I hope he does. I wish he'd run with me (if he can keep up *snicker*). Sadly the only time I have to exercise is before work, and since he usually goes to bed 4-5 hours after I do, I doubt that will ever happen.<br /><br />Bought this on woot.com -> Perfect Pullup. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.perfectonline.com/store/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/p/u/pullup_complete.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 250px;" src="http://www.perfectonline.com/store/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/p/u/pullup_complete.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Thanks to woot it's only $15. Plan to mount it on the doorway to the bathroom. Wish I could fit a treadmill or elliptical machine someplace, but it would take up WAY too much room in my tiny apartment. One day maybe.<br /><br />BFN<br /><br />ps. Thanks for the encouragement John :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-28282353549119891292009-11-09T09:54:00.000-08:002009-11-09T09:59:39.368-08:00Day 1, week 3, camp 2I meant to blog on Friday, because it was a fairly momentous day for me at boot camp. First time I cried a little. Not overtly, more a frustrated, embarrassed whimper. There was a lot of self pity rolled up in there. We did a tough worked, was feeling good, then Misty sent us on a fireman's run around the park. About half way around I came unstuck. All the slower campers had been sent on a different task, but Misty had decided I could finally handle running with the really fit ladies.<br /><br />They run FAST. So fast that around the half way mark, I couldn't keep jogging and fell back. Here is when the major self pity took over. Poor little me. As I descended into my wallow, I see Misty jogging across the park, and giving instructions to the ladies who were already pretty far away from me. She sent them back to get me. This made me even MORE embarrassed. Everyone was very encouraging, and they slowed down, but it's really hard to breathe correctly while jogging, when you're doing your best not to blubber!<br /><br />Today was not like that. Was a tough workout, but I managed to keep up the whole time. Mostly it's that shame of almost crying in front of everyone that kept me going faster.<br /><br />I've gained 2 pounds over my starting weight. Kinda lost. Need to find some new direction.<br /><br />BFNUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-64945569336911377752009-11-02T12:37:00.000-08:002009-11-02T12:45:03.502-08:00First day, second week, second campLast Friday were our evaluations. This time it was a little different. We were tested on how long we could hold full plank (45 seconds BOO), how many squat jumps we could do in 60 seconds (35.. one of the best!), and how many laps we could do on a sprint course (10.. average in our group).<br /><br />Hopefully the last day of camp I can best ALL of my scores. <br /><br />To be honest I didn't feel properly challenged last week. While it was hard (especially Friday) I didn't get any lingering muscle soreness. I should be happy right? Instead I just feel like I didn't try hard enough.<br /><br />Today was different. I am sore already.. which means tomorrow i'll be 10x as sore as now. To warm up, we ran the little stairs (I counted this time, 10 steps, 4 flights) and then the big stairs (15 steps, 7 flights). That was JUST the warm up, although at the end I was really struggling.<br />We moved onto 12 chest presses, 12 push ups, Count to 12 while holding full plank, 12 punches with weights, one jogging lap around the park. Then we did it again, but with two laps around the park, then we did it again. That last time I barely made the first lap and our trainer called time.<br /><br />We assembled at the back wall of the small area we work out in, and proceeded to "run against the wall", sort of like jogging on the spot, but you're pushing against the wall. It's challenging. Then we relaxed for 2 minutes in a "wall sit"... it's really not very relaxing.<br /><br />Thinking this was it, we were going to start our cool down since it was already 6.15, I felt a rush of relief. Only to be told we were to grab our weights, and do the little AND big stairs again.<br /><br />The last flight up on the big stairs I practically crawled. My chest was burning, my legs were wobbling, the pain to come was top of my mind.<br /><br />It was fantastic. Looking forward to more this week!<br /><br />BFNUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-20403067944570268792009-10-28T10:53:00.000-07:002009-10-28T11:15:11.542-07:00Second BootcampOf course I came back for another 4 weeks. Who can resist I say?<br /><br />I decided to stick with the Valley boot camp, because of a lot of reasons, but mostly the ladies, the trainer, and the convenient location.<br /><br />My ending evaluation from the last boot camp was a little disappointing for me. I gained 3lbs lean body mass, and lost 3lbs fat. Great.. no actual weight, just a redistribution!<br /><br />Resolving to push it much harder this time around, and work out alone on those two spare days (Tuesday and Thursday, still taking weekends off).<br /><br />Again this morning I was paired with the slowest runner for a jogging relay type thing. I really need to talk to our trainer about that. While I am still fairly slow, I am considerably faster than the slowest. I'd much rather be paired with a faster runner, so I can push harder to keep up!<br /><br />Friday is our "start test" day, where we run the 2 miles, have 60 seconds to do push ups, then 60 seconds to do crunches. Hoping to beat my scores from last week of last camp AND then in four weeks beat them again!<br /><br />What to do about calves? It's the thing that slows me down the most. My calves hurt after just a short time running. I'm fairly breathless, but nothing I can't get past. I feel like I can't take another step they are so tight. Any advice?<br /><br />BFNUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-40696407180619178192009-10-16T09:47:00.000-07:002009-10-16T10:06:33.611-07:00Final boot camp testThis morning was our final regular boot camp, and with it came the test again. We did a test the first Friday of camp, and this test is to compare number of push ups, crunches and a 2 mile jog.<br />I did 20 more push ups, 5 more crunches, and shaved 3 minutes off my 2 mile jog! It was fun, I brought along my ipod, so was able to get into the "zone" using my running playlist.<br /><br />Wednesday morning's camp was postponed until tomorrow morning. I'm not sure how I feel about getting up at 6am on a Saturday to drive to Northridge. Our usual camp is near my house in Woodland Hills, but this makeup one is a combo with another camp. Right after that we drive to Granada Hills for our final body composition tests. Since I've watched the scales pretty closely over the past four weeks, I know I've lost no weight, perhaps a pound if I don't eat breakfast. I'm just hoping that I've built some muscle to replace some fat. Will have to see. I was also very dehydrated during the last test, so I'm hoping I have some more water weight.<br /><br />It's been a good 4 weeks, and I'm excited to go back for another 4 weeks. I think I've decided to do 3/week again, then the last camp of the year will only be 3 weeks, so I'm pretty sure I'll do that one for the full 5 days/week.<br /><br />If anyone is interested, it's the San Fernando Valley Adventure Boot Camp For Women (LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG name!) <a href="http://www.valleyadventurebootcamp.com/" target="_blank">http://www.valleyadventurebootcamp.com/</a><br /><br />Our fantastic coach is Misty<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 236px; height: 300px;" src="http://www.valleyadventurebootcamp.com/images/Misty-Robinson-small.jpg" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br /><br />Good Times.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-47584180417360942652009-10-13T16:49:00.001-07:002009-10-13T17:12:01.444-07:00Time fliesWell tomorrow is the second last bootcamp! I can tell you I'm honestly very disappointed. I feel stronger, and I really do look forward to going. The group is supportive, but won't let you slack. I can run the "little girl" and "big girl" stairs without TOO much cursing (OK I lie.. I still curse a lot while doing it).<br /><br />I'll have to dig around in my finances, and see if I can't come up with some more $$ to keep going. At the moment I've been concentrating on saving and paying off some debts. With the imminent implosion of my company, I don't want to end up homeless come Christmas if MGM goes away.<br /><br />On Friday we did mostly reps. It was easy at the start, but I think she had us going in sets of 10-20 switching legs with arms (prisoner squats, then push ups, rinse, repeat) for over 5 minutes before she'd let us rest. I had some trouble walking on Saturday, but found my arms never really got the same pain. I am TERRIBLE at push ups. It just hurts my knees too much on the modified, and on the regular my arms fail me. I end up not getting a very good workout for my arms. Monday I decided to bring my 8lb weights as well at the 5lb's. Of course we only used them on our big and little stairs jog.<br /><br />I've been considering trying a boot camp on the beach. I can drive over Topanga Canyon in the morning, do boot camp, then go to work to shower. In the end I'm afraid I won't have a group as awesome as the one I'm in now. I think Misty is the best fitness instructor I've worked with. She's tough, won't let you slack, but really nice, understanding, and helpful. The other ladies are always upbeat, encouraging. No divas, or pretty girls just wanting to be looked at (some of the ladies are very pretty, just not that type). <br /><br />I'm really behind on my sewing, although am enrolled in a "zipper intensive" starting on the 25th. Should whip up a skirt this weekend and practice!<br /><br />I was thinking this one: <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img.sewingtoday.com/cat/10000/itm_img/B5249.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 540px; height: 570px;" src="http://img.sewingtoday.com/cat/10000/itm_img/B5249.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Just have to decide which fabric from my stash to use. I also have still to finish my Leia costume (90% done), my study hall skirt which I was sewing in red, with cherries on black fabric.<br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 475px; height: 444px;" src="http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-79735239299518_2075_1769613" border="0" alt="" /><br /><br />BFNUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7606100831752090438.post-17380057239812081372009-10-02T11:31:00.000-07:002009-10-02T11:40:04.943-07:00Day six, week 2 of BootcampToday was fun! Not as fun as Wednesday though. We did a "fireman's run" today. As a group we jogged single file, the person in the front yelled out "go" and the last person would run up to the front of the line, and in turn yell "go". It distracted me enough from the process that I ran much further than I usually do AND I didn't fall out of the group, until we all had a little walk towards the end.<br /><br />Wednesday we ran up two separate flights of stairs. The little girl stairs (6 flights) and the big girl stairs (10 flights). Then we played a little volleyball with a tiny ball, then dodge ball. If you got hit by the ball, you had to do 10 squat jumps. I am so terrible at sports I ended up doing a total of 60. Happily another girl had to do 90, so I didn't feel too badly about it. We ran some sprint laps too, sort of relay things, in the end it was a ton of fun, the best day at camp so far.<br /><br />I've been seriously considering next month signing up for the 5 day/week instead of 3 day/week. I think it will be easier to get up every day at the same time, rather than just for a few. Will see how finances & timing goes with my last two weeks of the current session.<br /><br />BFNUnknownnoreply@blogger.com1