Learned something new today

Treadmill

2010-06-10T16:15:00.000-07:00

I own one.

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.

I bought a treadmill.

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).

How long will this last? Hopefully until I break it from overuse :D

BFN

Forgetting my tar gzip for no reason

2010-04-21T09:33:00.001-07:00

I 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.

Tar Gzip Create: tar -czvf filename.tar.gz folder/
Tar Gzip Expand: tar -xzvf filename.tar.gz

Grant for Mysql;
GRANT <permissions ALL, SELECT> on DB.Table(*) to user@<ip or like '10.%'> identified by 'pwd';

Copy, preserving permissions, verbosely, recursively, forcing:
cp -pvfr files where

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

Deleting a block in VI:

First line: ma
Last line: :'a,.d

BFN

UFO's and other Sewing projects

2010-04-01T14:14:00.001-07:00

It'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.

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.

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!!

Today I just need to make sure I gather together all the notions, so tomorrow.. I'll be ready finally.

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.

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.

BFN

svn lock frustrations

2010-02-08T13:48:00.000-08:00

Again with the technical geeky posts I know it's been a long time.

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:

The error:
svn: Can't open file 'PATH/TO/YOUR/FILES/.svn/lock': Permission denied

The solution:
cd /PATH/TO/MY/PROJECT
sudo find . -exec chown apache:development {} \;
sudo find . -exec chmod 2770 {} \;
svn cleanup

Usually I'll login as root to do the first three steps, then go back to my user to run the cleanup and updates.

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.

BFN.

WOW, Power Auras DK export

2009-12-29T11:55:00.000-08:00

Friends and Family not interested in WOW. This post will contain a large amount of gibberish.

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.
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!

BFN

Here is the icky paste:
Set=Page 1@
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@
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@
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@

That time of the year

2009-12-21T13:40:00.000-08:00

It'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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

Boot camp finished on Friday. It was very sad. I can't believe another one is over!
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".
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 Fit Decks 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.

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.

BFN

Explosions and Weight Watchers website fail

2009-12-14T09:51:00.000-08:00

Saturday 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).
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.
Some pictures
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.

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. http://browser.netscape.com/
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?
/rantoff.

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".

BFN

Want results.. pulease!

2009-12-10T15:50:00.000-08:00

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.

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!

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.

Did I mention I'm performing in January? I really don't know how I let my instructors talk me into such things.
Joel suggested some songs I might dance to, and I selected a Frou Frou song called "Must Be Dreaming". 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.
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!

BFN

Cross Country sking and chilly boot campsi

2009-12-09T10:18:00.000-08:00

This 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!

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.

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!

BFN

Weakness for vintage sewing patterns

2009-12-02T09:51:00.000-08:00

There are some blogs I really shouldn't read anymore. One of them is called "wearing history" 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.

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.
A couple examples from the current store:

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!

BFN

Two days of boot camp in a row

2009-12-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

At 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!

Hopefully tomorrow won't be worse.. but my muscles will start adjusting and allow me to walk again.

BFN

Back to bootcamp!

2009-11-30T09:43:00.000-08:00

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

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 Flickr. 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.
This is the scanner I bought: Hammacher Schlemmer Portable Digital Photo Converter

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.

BFN

Completed second bootcamp

2009-11-24T16:24:00.000-08:00

Friday 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.
This Thursday they are doing a special free session at 6am for those of us who are going to EAT on Thanksgiving!

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!

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.

Decided to use a silk/cotton blend I've been loving to make a sweet new skirt.

#4006 1940s Arches Skirt

Saturday and Sunday are looking like lazy days, before I hit boot camp again on Monday!

BFN

Visiting the mountains

2009-11-17T17:00:00.000-08:00

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.

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!
I just had an idea about a rope tow. Letting it go.

Day 2, Week 3, Camp 2 - Picked last

2009-11-11T09:12:00.000-08:00

I 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.

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.

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!

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?!
After the second minute passed, most of the other team had joined in, realising what they were missing.

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.

Bought this on woot.com -> Perfect Pullup.

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.

BFN

ps. Thanks for the encouragement John :)

Day 1, week 3, camp 2

2009-11-09T09:54:00.000-08:00

I 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.

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!

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.

I've gained 2 pounds over my starting weight. Kinda lost. Need to find some new direction.

BFN

First day, second week, second camp

2009-11-02T12:37:00.000-08:00

Last 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).

Hopefully the last day of camp I can best ALL of my scores.

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.

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.
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.

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.

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.

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.

It was fantastic. Looking forward to more this week!

BFN

Second Bootcamp

2009-10-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

Of course I came back for another 4 weeks. Who can resist I say?

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.

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!

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).

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!

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!

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?

BFN

Final boot camp test

2009-10-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

This 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.
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.

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.

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.

If anyone is interested, it's the San Fernando Valley Adventure Boot Camp For Women (LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG name!) http://www.valleyadventurebootcamp.com/

Our fantastic coach is Misty

Good Times.

Time flies

2009-10-13T16:49:00.001-07:00

Well 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).

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.

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.

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).

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!

I was thinking this one:

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.

BFN

Day six, week 2 of Bootcamp

2009-10-02T11:31:00.000-07:00

Today 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.

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.

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.

BFN

Day four, week 2 of bootcamp

2009-09-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

Well Tuesday->Thursday were pretty tough days to walk last week. Lots of groaning and stiffness, but I made it through the week!

Friday we had our tests. We had to do as many crunches as we could in 60 seconds, my count was 60. Then we had to do as many pushups (regular or modified) in 60 seconds. I managed 10. No seriously.. 10 modified push ups. I just have zero upper body strength.

Once that was done, we ran 2 laps of the park. Each lap is about 1 mile, and we were timed on each lap, and given a total. My first lap was more of a jog/walk than a run, and my time was 9 minutes and 5 seconds. Second lap I started to have increasingly uncomfortable pain in my digestive area. Towards the end I was running faster just because I thought I might poop my pants! Lovely thoughts? Total time was 18 minutes and 10 seconds. That means I actually did both laps in exactly the same time! Weird?

In 4 weeks on our last Friday, we will be tested again, and will compare our notes and see if we improved!

Today our bootcamp work out was strenuous and I enjoyed it immensely. I was sweating in a most unladylike fashion, but it felt really good.

Let see how I feel about it tomorrow.

BFN

Day one, Week one Bootcamp

2009-09-21T09:47:00.000-07:00

At a final frustration point with my extreme love of procrastination when it comes to my personal fitness, I signed up for bootcamp.

Obviously not even close to the "real" thing, but at least the instructor will yell at me if I'm late, or if I skip a session. I chickened out and took the 3 day/week package instead of the 5 day/week. I figure if I can make it through the next four weeks, I'll consider doing it 5 days/week. Problem I have now is that I need to find another $200 in my budget to cover this new expense.

The day started off well, we meet at 5.30am at a park near my house. As I drove out the driveway, I realise I've completely forgotten to bring water. Thinking about going home to fill up a bottle, I decided it would be much quicker to simply stop by the 7-11 and buy a bottle. I was wrong. The guy at the 7-11 had decided it was a great time of the day to do his accounting. Both the registers were down, and he was counting change. 10 minutes later he finally rings me up, as I'm frantically hopping on the spot. I run out the door, and drive much faster than is really safe, and make it to the address. I should have realised that while the park has an address, the group might be anywhere in the park. I do a fast lap, and spot a group of ladies in the stage type area. Park, and run over. 5 minutes late. I hate being late, it makes me very upset, and to think these ladies don't even know me yet, and already I've made a terrible impression.

We set out on a brisk walk which reminds me how MUCH out of shape I am. Everyone is chatting, and walking so fast I can barely keep up. Trying to put on a brave face, I grin and grunt, and make it back. Normally if I was working out alone, this is where I'd go home, and lay on my couch until I recovered. Not today! We launch into a warm up. Swinging my arms to warm them up is surprisingly tiring, and slightly painful. We go onto doing some lunges, squats, jumpy things, more jumpy things, then off on a JOG. I smile, and pant my way around the jog. Another lady thankfully is as slow as me, and as I fall into a stumble/walk towards the end, back run all the ladies who already finished to encourage us to jog the rest.
More exercises, these things where you squat, then jump. Flapjacks (which incidentally just served to remind me I hadn't had breakfast), wall squats, wall jumpy things, plank (I collapsed into modified plank on my knees pretty quickly), sit ups, child's pose (my belly prevented me from finding this even slightly relaxing). Another jog, which I actually jogged most of the way on, then stretching.

I spent half the class with fogged up glasses, and the other half just plain old blind (took them off). At the end of class I was informed I'd missed orientation. I don't remember seeing anything about orientation, but apparently it was at 7am yesterday (Sunday) since I drank very late into the night Saturday, I'm pretty sure even if I'd known about it I wouldn't have shown up. Wednesday morning I have to stay late, which she weighs me, measures me, finds my fat level. I REALLY don't want to do this. I had a personal trainer in the past, who would weigh me every time I came, and berate me for "eating badly" because I wasn't losing as much weight as he thought I should. Now I tear up every time a stranger expects me to bare the parts of me I'm most ashamed of. I tried to tell my well meaning instructor that I really didn't want to... I was going to see improvements in myself that aren't related to the shame of my size. Apparently I have no choice. I can only hope to plead with her on Wednesday, but I am pretty sure she won't let me get out of it. I hope she doesn't mind watching me cry.

Overall I feel good, another of the ladies there recommended I take advil as soon as I got home, and tomorrow, and every day until the pain subsides. I've taken mine for the day, and generally I feel good. I know tomorrow morning will be tough, and Wednesday morning even more so.

BFN

Confusing cross blogging

2009-04-24T13:49:00.000-07:00

Instead of trying to do some confusing mixture of blogs, I'm just going to blog on this one about sewing, cooking, and misc. My old blog.. has been resurrected! Go ahead and talk Stargate to me over there now :)

Only two weeks left on my 1950's Dress Making class. Last week we sewed in the collar, doing a lot of basting stitches, pinning, pulling, basting, then machine sewing while hoping it was all straight. I turned it out the right way to discover it worked! I was very pleased. Doing it on my own, now on my own dress is going to be a whole new experience. I have the fabric and notions for the second dress, but I've resisted cutting it and getting it ready until I can be sure the bodice will fit on the current one. I really really want to try doing an FBA, as I believe that's where most of my fit problems will be in the current dress. My sewing teacher helped me make some pattern alterations, but not a proper FBA. Before I attach the skirt to the bodice, I will need to add the darts for the waist. It looks like I'll have to add 4 darts in the front, and 2 or 4 darts in teh back.

Fun stuff!

BFN

Creepy Star Trek Photo thing

2009-04-16T09:17:00.000-07:00

I tried for quite a while to get this to look right, and it turned out I looked best as a man. YIKES! It's still really creepy.

Calling all Stargate fans

2009-04-09T10:25:00.000-07:00

I've been asked to think up some categories for the tags we'll be using in the Stargate site. I figured since some of my friends are fans, that this would be a great place to get your input!

Here is what I have so far:
* Species > e.g.: Goa'uld
* Places > e.g.: P3X-584
* Weapons > e.g.: X-699
* Other Characters > e.g.:Henry Hayes
* Transport > e.g.:Dial Home Device
* Home Entertainment > e.g. Blu-ray Fan's Choice
* Kino >e.g. Kino 101

I think the one I'm not loving the most is "species" because we'd like to include stuff like Satedan, but of course that's not a species. I was thinking.. Home System? but again not really working for Ancients or Goa'uld...

Please help!

BFN

How is it a pattern if it's unprinted?

2009-04-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

I've been very careful up until this week, to make sure I only buy vintage patterns which are printed. My theory was.. if it's not printed.. why not just buy paper and make my own darn patterns? Just doesn't make sense to me. In my hurry to buy an adorable pattern I didn't notice that little "unprinted pattern" note.

Doh!

So I take the pattern out of the envelope.. and it's quite literally blank.

Google is my friend (mantra).

http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/review/readreview.pl?ID=1113

Luckily I'm not the only one baffled by such things. Only problem is.. I can't see the perforations! Perhaps my pattern is so old the paper has sort of .. merged?

Oh well, it's neat to have something old, and it only cost a couple dollars.

BFN

When Patterns go wild.

2009-04-01T10:07:00.000-07:00

I don't know why, but lately I've been obsessed about buying patterns.
Perhaps it's the fact that it is a blueprint towards something new and fabulous? It is the potential of something awesome?

Latest procurements:

Now I need to think up some lovely fabrics, and actually get these constructed! I should probably wait until I've completed my latest Sew-LA course (50's dress).

BFN

Starting A New Hope Leia

2009-03-28T19:34:00.000-07:00

Not wanting to be the only one without a full costume come Halloween.. I've started on a Princess Leia ANH Senatorial Gown for this year.

Although it's not soon, I want to give myself enough time to mess it up and fix it a couple times.

Here is my pattern (yes, I made it myself.. it's a T, how hard is that?)

The oh so fantastic polyester fabric (well the original was made from polyester.. who's to argue!).

Finally the Vinyl for the belt, and some button covers that will go in the center of each metal piece on the belt. I also have some white snaps for the back of the belt, but for some reason didn't take a photo of them.

The fabric is in the wash now, to get all the shrinking out of the way. Next step is to cut it out, sew it together, unstitch it, sew it together again, unstitch it.. etc etc.

BFN

Alms for the poor

2009-03-24T13:14:00.001-07:00

It's live! That thing that has been taking up my spare time since the Showcase, and the main reason I haven't the time to blog.

http://www.almswear.com

Go check it out.. it support the poor with some seriously awesome t-shirt designs.

I'm not proud of my backend code, (front end is all my mate Matt Steger) I was in such a hurry, I sort of cobbled it together. If you push it too hard it might fall over, so you smart testing people out there be gentle!

BFN

Butter! I made some.

2009-03-22T10:16:00.000-07:00

I read an article about making butter a couple weeks ago, and this morning I finally decided to try it. Honestly I can't believe how easy it is! I went to Whole Foods Market, and bought some nice organic cream, of course it was also very expensive (I did the math, it costs more to make butter than buy it :()

I left the cream on the counter for about an hour to get rid of the chill, and poured some into my micro food processor. I filled it about half way.

I turned the processor on for a short while, then opened it up, and was surprised to see it was already pretty far along!

I then poured out the buttermilk and gave it to a very happy Qyv and Druss. I added some cold filtered water from the fridge, and processed some more.

And poured that out, and added some more cold filtered water.

Finally I poured out the last of the water (as it ran clear) and turned the butter out onto some parchment paper. Using a butter knife, I rolled and squeezed more water out of the butter.

Finally I formed it into a blog, gave it one last squeeze, and put it in a jar!

Apparently this is called "sweet cream butter". I didn't add any salt to it, but I ran to the store and bought a fresh baguette with which I am about it eat it!

BFN

Really Red.. showing a big too much in front

2009-03-04T21:54:00.000-08:00

So the dress I ordered in a mild panic actually turned out to be really nice! One minor adjustment is going to be covering up my.. ample.. cleavage.

Thoughts about how I might achieve that? I was thinking two things. One way would be to sew something onto the inside of the neck line. Either a small triangle of red fabric (hard to match), or flesh colored fabric (also hard to match). Another way would be to add some sort of "fringe" although I think that would go against the general style of the dress.
I could also wear a cami, or leotard that is flesh colored underneath.

Opinions?

BFN

Hit the panic button

2009-03-03T10:43:00.000-08:00

I decided to hit the panic button today, as last night I came close to finishing the top for the rhythm outfit.. but the skirt isn't even cut out yet!

I bought this:

If my other outfit doesn't get finished, I'll have a backup. Honestly though at this point I don't care. I'm over it! The fabric you sew these costumes from is basically impossible to use. It slides all over the place, it crinkles, it makes the machine do funky things (even my shiny new machine) so that I spend half my sewing time unstitching stuff and starting over!

The whole showcase thing is just too much. I didn't mind match comp nearly as much, because I didn't have to constantly stress about costumes.

Perhaps if I were a better seamstress, or could afford to buy proper gowns it would be OK, but right now it's just not fun.

Wootz.

The picture.. not finished yet, but close

2009-02-26T19:58:00.001-08:00

It still needs to be hemmed (all the hems) and stoned.

I have more photo's but will wait to post until it's finished.

BFN

Oh No Dress Rehearsal!

2009-02-25T14:19:00.001-08:00

So it turns out I calculated all wrong, and the dress rehearsal for our performance on the 8th is actually THIS Saturday (the 28th Feb) NOT the one before the Showcase (7th March).

This means I'm one week behind on my costumes!! For the dress rehearsal I will be performing my waltz with Sam. As soon as I was told that.. the entire routine literally FLEW out of my head. I have no idea even how we do the start... Hopefully it will all come back to me in time for Saturday (or indeed the Showcase).

I am also somewhat confused as to the location of said Showcase. I was told "Renaissance Hollywood" but on the schedule for next month, it says "Renaissance LAX". These venues are not close together!

Onto my sewing of the costumes. Of course I couldn't stand following a pattern properly, that would just be FAR too simple and quick. Instead I took parts I liked about different patterns and combined them.
For my smooth costume, I needed a skirt/dress that was floor length. While I liked the skirt from this pattern: McCall pattern 5136, I hated the top. Anything sleeveless, or turtleneck looks really awful on me. SO I decided to make the skirt part of the dress an actual skirt. In hindsight I should have made the entire dress, but sized the top part so I could put a top over it. Anyway.. so now I have this skirt that starts around my hips. I thought it would be a great idea to add a yoke to the top of the panels and godets, to have to reach towards my waist, and also help it stay long enough. I measured myself for a similar skirt with a yoke, cut out that, and attached it to my skirt section. I tried it on. It falls straight to the floor if I left go. It's not a "little" bit too big, it's far too big. The fabric I used is also not as stretchy as I remembered. I am worried when I take in the yoke part, I won't be able to get it on!
Possible solutions:
- Ease in the skirt to the yoke making it smaller and hope I can get it on/off.
- Ease & insert a zipper (I haven't learned how to do invisible ones yet though).
- Add a small band at the top of the yoke, and insert either cord or elastic.

I haven't decided what to do yet, except I think easing the yoke smaller is going to be required. I don't have a zipper in the right color for the skirt, and am concerned it would be too obvious on the size. Perhaps the extra band at the top, with a ribbon tied at the side would look nice? Argh!!

Here is my idea for the top and bottom together.. please note they are NOT pink, top is baby blue, bottom is baby blue and pale green godets, and no underskirt.

Now my second major problem is the top(s) (Since I have finished a skirt for the rhythm costume.. but nothing to wear on top!).
I have sized, cutout and sewn together this: Simplicity 4401. The view with the little pretend sleeves. My problem is that is simply doesn't fit. It looks like it's about two sizes too large. I figure with some help I can sew in some darts to better fit my ample chest. I can take in the sides some to make up for the chest size. I think if I unstitch the bra section from the tummy covering section and put in rather more dramatic gathers it will allow for more chest space.
If that works out for the smooth top, I will make another to go with the rhythm skirt, and be done. If it doesn't work out.. I'm at a loss, I have no idea what top could work with the rhythm skirt, except perhaps a black one?
I was also thinking since I have a "fast and easy" pattern for a dress, I could make that (in black with silver butterlies.. kinda cute?) and add a lot of fullness to the rather plain skirt.. perhaps making a full circle skirt.

Too many choices! I will post pictures once I get myself a card reader, I just haven't gotten around to it yet!

BFN

I don't use this command often, so I easily forget it

2009-02-24T09:47:00.000-08:00

I needed to make a duplicate database, but just the structure. I can never remember how to do it. At first I was just going to copy the original design, but then I realised I'd have to update that as it's pretty much out of date.

Instead I used my trusty friend google, and finally found the command I was after. Like.

Yep: create table db.tablename like db2.tablename;

That's how easy it is.. boy I love MySQL!

BFN

Started muslin for dress tops

2009-02-05T17:20:00.000-08:00

I bought a bunch of slightly stretchy fabric to practice on and make muslins from. I cut out the pattern for a top that I am thinking of attaching to a much fuller skirt.
The pattern I'm trying is: Simplicity 4401.

I plan to make view D with the little flounce sleeves. I am unsure as to whether I want to actually attach it to the skirt, or make them as separate pieces in the same fabric. Will have to see how it goes with the muslin, and how much fabric I have!

I'm very proud of my first zipper, which was taught in my fitted skirts class last weekend. Upon close inspection it is rather obvious it's my first try, but I'm happy anyhow.

BFN

Showcase in 4 weeks!

2009-02-04T12:09:00.000-08:00

While four weeks may sound like a long time, considering I only take one private lesson a week, and that's when we work on my routines, that's a very short time.

I've booked an additional lesson next Wednesday, which sadly bumps "date night" with Loui. The only routine I have so far (out of 5) is my Waltz routine. I definitely feel like I was finally being pushed properly, and not just concentrating on minutiae. There are three fast turns I am not making yet, perhaps I need to just go to the dance school when I don't have a class, and try it until I get it?

Here is what we plan to do in the routine (repeat until they tell us to stop):
A fancy set of arm waving and step to a quick turn into basic (this is just the first time).
5th position (balance steps) 5 times
Turn under on the 6th
Open break to Underarm Turn
Feather Steps to Promenade
Developpé into underarm turn
Rock step then back to frame
Promenade Developpé
Start over from balance steps

Next lesson will be with Alexis, so I am assuming we will work on a Tango routine, and perhaps a swing routine.

I haven't even started on my smooth dress.. starting to wonder if I will have time to do a muslin to fit, then the final one.

BFN

Ginger Ale part 3 (Family History)

2009-01-29T17:04:00.001-08:00

Thanks to Father dearest, I now know that apparently my love of Ginger Ale may be genetic!! How you may ask? Here is what my father told me:

Your Great Grand mother used to make Ginger Ale by the dozens of bottles.
In those days (the fifties I remember well) there were no plastic bottles so they used old 750oz beer bottles and bought the caps and stamped them on. They would make 2 dozen at a time and would have batches on the go right through summer so they never ran out. As far as calories are concerned, just count the sugar and cause its so good don't worry too much. Just ration yourself to a couple of bottles a week. The recipe sounds about right and how it was made all those years ago. The skills and the will to make all this evaporated as more fizzy drinks came on the market and it was cheaper and quicker to just buy them already done.

Just to add to the history, one of the other reasons why they made a number of bottles of ginger ale is that several would explode as the yeast did its work and expanded the mix. A ginger plant was permanently growing adjacent to the production line in another bottle and the fresh ginger used to make the next batch.

What a great story! Dad also told me he used to be able to hear the bottles exploding in the night. That would be quite an experience.

BFN

Ginger Ale part 2

2009-01-27T10:15:00.000-08:00

I took an early taste of the Ginger Ale about 8 hours before it was supposed to be ready (48 hours) and I LOVED it. Really.. it was quite amazing. Since I felt it was pretty much ready, I could stand waiting another 4 hours, then I popped it in the fridge.

I read another review of it on the food network that said it didn't have a "gingerey" flavor, and it smelled like yeast! That's not what mine is like at all. I don't know if I did something different.. used something different? Mine has that hint of spicy that I love so much in ginger, without being overpowering. It's sweet but not sugary, and I would never have guessed the carbonation came from the yeast.

My main problem with it is that I only made one bottle... Lou and I are polishing it off super fast, but it's going to be hard to wait _another_ 48 hours for the new one to ferment. Perhaps I need two bottles? One to drink and one to brew?

Finally, does anyone have any idea how I should count these calories? It's not the commercial stuff which I assume would have different calories, so I just don't know how to count it.

BFN!

Homemade Ginger Ale

2009-01-23T10:23:00.000-08:00

I saw Good Eats last week (with Alton Brown, love it!) and the show was about ginger. Alton Brown has taught me to make Ginger Ale, one of my favorite things. I don't often drink it because of all the nasties in it, unless I can get some Bundaberg Ginger Beer from BevMo.

It's really easy, I'll go over how I made it, here is Alton's Recipe.

Here are most of the things that go in it (I forgot the lemon oops!)

Sorry for the awful pictures, I had to use my phone.

I grated the ginger (1.5oz) with my lil grater (as I don't have one for ginger) but I chucked in most of the pulp that didn't go through anyhow. I added this to the saucepan and added the sugar (6oz), and water (1/2 cup).
I was surprised at how little ginger that was, I'd bought a few hands thinking it would need more.

I brought that to a boil, then turned it off and went to cut out some new patterns (more on that later).

I then used my wire mesh strainer to separate the solids, and put it into a pouring jug. I squeezed the ginger and a ton of liquid came out of it, I kept squeezing until it was just a few drops coming out.

I poured the syrup into my empty 2 liter soda bottle. Added 1/8 teaspoon of active dry yeast (actually had to eyeball it.. smallest measure I had was 1/2 tsp), 2 tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemon juice, and 7 1/2 cups water (I don't know why, the recipe says 7, but I misread it).
I put the top on then shook it vigorously, then re-read the part where it said to do it gently, and promptly stopped shaking it. I left it on the counter, and so tomorrow I'm going to crack it open and see if it's done!

BFN

Possible patterns for Showcase

2009-01-22T17:30:00.000-08:00

I've been researching patterns that conform to some basic needs for my Showcase long dress.
Must have:

Floor length (or ability to make that long)
Cinch at or above waist
Covers my back and front enough to wear supportive undergarments
Very large full skirt so my legs can move freely

Would like:

Sleeves (not fond of my arms)
Easy enough for me to sew without hurting myself

Must not:

Be a sheath (doesn't look good on a large chest/hips)
Turtle neck, or anything with a high neck (large chest!)

What I have found so far has been mostly through research on sewing.patternreview.com. I found some reviews from a fellow ballroom dancer (although she's very svelte) and got some ideas of things I can make that will require some switching around to work for me.

First is a McCall pattern 5136

The one I'm looking at is the long version. The skirt is what I love in this dress. This is the review that inspired me to use at least the bottom/skirt idea.

Next up is the Butterick 4919. Sadly the top of this dress doesn't appeal too much, although it's better than the first one. While it covers the most important areas, it doesn't cover my arms, and I'm worried I'll be too self conscious about it.
Of course the drawing is wonderful, such a tiny waist, and legs that go up to her ears! Another review from the same person that made the other dress is here.

I kinda like the sleeves from the "Decades of Style: 1930's Button Dress" so I was thinking I could pretty easily attach these to the McCall pattern, and with a bit more work, to the Butterick.

Please ladies (and gents) give me some feedback and help me choose before I waste oodles of muslin!

BFN

Diamond Star Ball Waltz Solo

2009-01-21T10:18:00.000-08:00

How do I get talked into these things? I know how.. my dance instructor (Sam) is extremely persuasive.. he manages to work through all my arguments and finishes it up with the sweetest puppy dog eyes (ask Loui.. it really works on me!).
At March's Diamond Ball I'll be doing 9 dances.. yes.. you read that right 9!! My feet hurt just thinking about it. 2 Tango's, 2 East Coast Swing, 2 Waltz (one of them being a solo), 2 Merengue and a Salsa. The Salsa is just cos.. and as a newcomer, because it's not in my program, and except for a special Christmas bonus lesson I've not taken any classes in it. Gosh it makes me dizzy!

So far we've worked out our Merengue routine, now I need to get a "cuban motion" thing going in front of a mirror. I just can't seem to do it. The instructors all make it look so easy, but I assure you, it's not. That's the main reason why my only real rhythm dance is Swing!! They may have made some crazy mistake over awarding me first in the Merengue at match comp.. but I'm sure they will see the error of their judging ways come the Showcase.

I need a new short dress, and long dress. I was thinking of doing a skirt/shirt combo for the short, as I'm making a gorgeous 6 gored skirt at home (while learning to make it in class with an easier fabric) that is teal. Just have to find either a simple plain (black) top, or a simple patterns for the top.

This is the pattern for the 6 gore skirt, it's the Butterick #4136:

Any ideas for the long smooth dress? Needs to be at least ankle length, and have great motion!

BFN

Pretty sunset, and pretty fabrics

2009-01-15T14:34:00.000-08:00

On Monday evening, Jessica and Loui joined me at the office to see the movie Valkyrie.
To ensure that traffic or other circumstances would not make them late, they showed up an hour early. We went up to the 11th floor, and watched the sunset. Sadly I only had my phone with me, so the picture is .. well.. you get the picture.

Below are (also phone camera) pictures of the awesome fabrics at my sewing school (sew-la).

BFN

A month has passed...

2009-01-12T11:30:00.000-08:00

I fell off the face of the planet over the holidays, many apologies for my extended absence. I have been busy though!

Just this past weekend I finished up my "Beginning Alterations" class at Sew-LA. I learned a lot of fabulous new things. Some great hand stitches to use (blind hem stitch is my new favorite) and great ways to use the machine to finish off hems.

On our second lesson (this past Saturday) I took in two things that I needed to fix. One project was a lovely pencil skirt, that upon my first wearing.. split all the way up to my unmentionables in the back. Really wasn't work appropriate, but I made it through the day with a lot of safety pins and the help of my co-worker (Nancy). It appeared as though the stitching tore, but there was only a small tear in the fabric. I added two small pieces of black interfacing (1cm square) to fix the hole, plus add stability to the bottom of the seam. I sewed it back together using a straight stitch on the machine, with a triple reinforced end of the seam, also stitched across ways.
If it doesn't hold now I'll be shocked!
My other project was a pair of pants I bought from Old Navy. I loved the fit of the pants, but the cuffs at the bottom were a disaster. After washing them the first time, the cuffs never sat straight again. They were stitched in such a way that even with pressing them after each wash, they were never straight! I decided to unstitch the cuffs completely, measure against me wearing heels, and do a regular hem. I ended up doing a blind stitch on the machine, and they look fabulous! (and straight). I'm half done on removing the back pockets on these pants, and am starting to wonder if they were worth all this extra work!

I bought this darling pattern at Sew-LA a couple weeks ago, and this weekend made a muslin of it.
I love almost all of the decades of style patterns, and most of them I can get in my size.
After trying on this dress, I was able to take in the side seams a little and it fits great. The only part I really don't like is the neckline. In the drawing it appears to be much lower than it is when it's worn. I have a large chest, so it just ends up looking like a long shelf from my neck to my ... you know. I think I'd like to make it a small V neck instead (more flattering to my chest size) but I have absolutely no idea how to actually do that. I was thinking perhaps I'll just cut/fold the muslin til it looks how I want, then unstitch the top part to create a new pattern? I'm just guessing. This Saturday I start my "Fitted Skirts" class at Sew-LA, so perhaps I'll take the muslin in and ask my teacher, Shaerie (who is fabulous BTW, as well as Alicia).

I would post pictures, but it sort of looks like nothing as a muslin, and I used matching thread (seriously it just happened to be in the machine) so cream on cream doesn't come out well in photos. Anyhow.. projects galore!

BFN

Pictures of making Hazelnut Chocolate Spread

2008-12-19T19:27:00.000-08:00

I made another batch with Jessica last night, so I decided I should document the process of the nuts being ground.. just for fun!

These are the blanched roasted hazelnuts after just a short moment in the food processor:

After about a minute longer:

Another minute:

Yet another minute:

Finished Hazelnut butter:

The cream and sugar before I heated it and added it to the hazelnuts and chocolate:

The finished product! So shiny when it's warm, it loses the gloss as it cools.

BFN

Home made pressies

2008-12-17T10:39:00.000-08:00

This year finances have been particularly tight, so I decided instead of buying things for my friends that they didn't need/want I'd MAKE them things they didn't need/want!

I have trouble getting over to my sewing school to buy a bunch of lovely fabric to make tote bags, so I went through my stores at home, and found I have tons of smaller pieces of fabric, none large enough to make an entire tote, but large enough to make these: Marcel 7997 from BurdaStyle.com.

So far I've cut out enough to make 11 (10 for gifts, one for Loui), tonight I will start sewing them all together. I'm using a pretty thick interfacing in all of them, to help block the light. I haven't yet decided if I will sew on ribbons (probably too girly) or sew on elastic. Will have to play it by ear!

Yesterday I bought some cute little jars from the Container Store. Bought the fixings to make some hazelnut chocolate spread! It was very fast to make, and it tasted heavenly. Loui was very upset to find out I had made just enough to fill all the jars, and there was nothing left for him!
I copied the recipe from angry chicken, here it is:
1/3 cup Hazelnuts (blanched, peeled and toasted)
3 oz chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
3 Tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt (half what the original recipe called for)

After toasting the hazelnuts, I put them in my itty bitty food processor and held down the button for an incredibly long time (felt like it anyhow!). I think it was about 5 minutes, first the hazelnuts turned to pieces, then dust, then slowly a runny nutty butter. It wasn't completely smooth, still tiny chunks in it but my finger got tired so I moved onto the next part. I put all the chocolate in the food processor and pulsed til it had blended completely with the nuts leaving a smooth chocolatey nutty happiness.
In my saucepan I put the cream, sugar, vanilla and salt, and heated it until almost boiling (it was hot when I stuck my finger in it). I then poured the cream mixture into the processor, and blended until it was smooth.
That's it! I poured it into the little jars, waited for it to cool (went to dance class) put it in the fridge.

Since this recipe has cream in it, it won't last very long, hence also the use of the very small jars. I'd say you'd get about 3 uses out of one jar. I was thinking of making up a little ingredient list, possibly even the entire recipe on a card to include with the jars. Perhaps some serving suggestions? Not sure, have to think of something soon!

I'll post some pictures tonight of the jars of goodness, and my masks as they are being sewn.

BFN

Pastries Pr0n

2008-12-13T14:59:00.000-08:00

My resolve to post less about food isn't going so well! Tonight there is a party at my dance school called "Naughty and Nice". For this party I was assigned the task of bringing "Naughty Pastries".
After some googling yesterday, I settled on visiting a local store called "Pastries by Edie" today to see if they were going to have pastries naughty enough. They do. I bought a whole box of them. They are so gorgeous, that I took photo's of a couple of them. if you can imagine, I have an assortment box full of these, all different and all just too lovely to eat! They come in mini and regular, so I bought a box full of mini's, thinking they'd be easier to eat standing up as little bites.

I have no idea what flavors these are, but aren't they lovely to look at!

I'll let you know how they taste after I pluck up the courage to destroy one.

BFN

The itty bitty potted Christmas Tree

2008-12-11T19:44:00.001-08:00

I finally took a picture! It's much nicer in person.. as usual the dark apartment doesn't make it easy to take a nice picture, even with the lights on the tree turned on. No contrast.. oh well!

Yes.. it's sitting on the ironing board.. small apartment remember?

BFN

Dancing pressure to Foxtrot or not

2008-12-10T14:54:00.000-08:00

I had a rather interesting discussion with my dance instructor last night during my lesson. Sam is really keen for me to add more dances to my program, and I am not interested. I LIKE dancing a lot, but there is a ton to think about while you're dancing, that isn't just the steps you need to take.
My argument against adding new dances is my memory. While I consider I have a fairly average memory, I am definitely better at learning patterns than most. This means the footwork isn't a problem, I see it once, and i can do it. The problem lies in that WHILE I am doing said footwork, I need to be doing something with my arms (mostly that's for swing), my posture, in waltz there is the rise and fall, pointing toes, and much more. Basically I'd rather "master" the dances already in my program (Waltz, Tango, Merengue, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing and Viennese Waltz) before moving onto doing more.
The argument Sam gave me to pick up more is "it's more fun". While I enjoy dancing, and it's certainly fun for me, I really don't want the stress! Another point Sam made was that of all his students, he pushes the ones that he likes dancing with. I wasn't sure if this was just something he says to all his students (he's very sweet.. so that's possible) or if he really thinks I should go for it.
Every time I complain about having not enough space in my brain to retain so much.. he points out that I won the Merengue at Match Comp, against all levels, not just people in my grade. I still think they made some sort of mistake in awarding me that first... but that's a whole other thing.

In the end, I love Foxtrot and it's not in my program. I won a first place at Match Comp dancing Foxtrot, and that's with only a couple beginner classes under my belt. I was considering dropping east coast swing instead of adding a new one. I like East Coast, but I find it quite difficult, especially when it's super fast, and my partner is doing a lot of improvisation. At least with West Coast Swing I can improvise on my own!

For Christmas bonuses for the dance teachers, they are holding a "two for one" day, on the Sunday right before Christmas. I've booked myself at 9.30am (I know crazy huh?) and 10:15am with Sam and Terra respectively. The students pay in cash, directly to their instructors. I think it's a great way to show our appreciation to our teachers, and get some extra lessons to boot!

Trader Joes had some small potted Christmas Trees for sale. Usually I dig out our tiny plastic one, but I was craving the smell of pine this year. It's totally worth it. It's tiny enough so it can sit on the cabinet that's below where the TV hangs on the wall. I took a picture, but then saved it to my home computer. Will upload laters.

In the meantime, I really love this photo Loui took of my dancing at Match Comp, and am thinking of getting a print of it to hang on the wall. Tell me what you think?

Stuffed with stuffing

2008-12-04T21:06:00.000-08:00

My task for Thanksgiving at my friend Heather and Luke's house was to bring stuffing. I've made plenty of regular stuffings before, sausage, bread, pretty simple. This time I searched around to try and find something a little more interesting. I found it! Right before Thanksgiving I gave it a test run, and it was an instant favorite.

The recipe is from Epicurious.com called Country Bread Stuffing with Smoked Ham, Goat Cheese, and Dried Cherries

The only moderations I made were to reduce the amount of ham (just didn't have as much as it asked for), added a few more cherries, and used an organic whole wheat bread.

I cooked it a little longer than asked as well, so the top ended up nice and crunchy, with a lot of soft veggies underneath.

I promise my next post won't be about food! (Well.. probably).

BFN

Hash browns - just the way I like them

2008-11-29T07:14:00.000-08:00

It's been a whole week since I posted! Strangely I had lots to talk about this week, but my camera and pictures never seemed to be with me at the same time as my blog/computer and posting time.
Enough with the excuses.. last week I made these fabulous has browns. How fabulous? I've been trying to make decent ones for years now, mostly with fail. I've tried them unrinsed, precooked, with egg, with all sorts of extra stuff, but finally last week I think I got them right.

I rinsed the grated potato really well, and heated some veggie oil in a non stick omelette pan.
I chucked in all the potato with a tiny bit of chopped onion. I put a little butter on top after almost 10 mins (my stove is electric and cooks super hot, so it was on medium low), and slid the hash brown onto a big flat lid from another pot. I turned the pan upside down over the hash brown so the uncooked side was facing the pan, and flipped as one.
Although I am fairly good at the pan flip.. this hash brown recipe means it doesn't hold together very well until it's almost done. I lost a lot of potato bits around the kitchen before I decided on this slower and safer method.
This is how they turned out:

I took the photo outside, since all my inside pictures just turn out yellow, and my apartment has absolutely no natural light. Don't you love the pool in the background?

Thanksgiving was fantastic, and I'll be posting about that shortly (after sorting out camera etc).

BFN

Polka Pink Wrap Skirt

2008-11-22T12:35:00.000-08:00

I used Kwik Sew Pattern 2954. Got some lovely pink polka dot fabric from Sew LA and used some thread I had from another project.

The hardest part of this pattern was cutting the darn thing out. Because I needed to cut the largest piece twice, as it's too big to fit on folded fabric. I have a very limited space in which to cut, and it's on the floor! This means sore knees and lots of sitting down and getting up, or bending.

The other slightly difficult part is making the Tie's. I should have followed the pattern to a T, it would have been easier. That or owned a tube turner. I tried a little "turning" gadget I'd bought at Mood Fabrics, but it just wouldn't grab onto the fabric, and stay grabbed on.

I didn't end up liking the skirt in the end, it's just not my style, and it feels like I've wrapped a sheet around myself when I'm wearing it.

Might reuse the fabric for something else.. since it uses so much of it!

BFN

Sunset to end the week

2008-11-21T16:38:00.000-08:00

Took a break with Nancy on the 11th floor balcony at 4.30pm Friday.

Here was our view:

BFN

Working far too much really

2008-11-20T10:03:00.000-08:00

All of this extra work is getting in the way of my blogging!

This afternoon I'll post the pictures from our Thanksgiving potluck! I roasted potatoes, carrots and radishes, plus made some gravy.
Here are the muffins (pumpkin spice, and cornbread) that Nancy made for today's festivities!

I finished the wrap skirt I started a couple weeks ago, it was pretty quick and easy to make. The hardest part was cutting out the fabric. It wasn't exactly hard, but the pieces were really large, and I only have a limited amount of floorspace to work with. Kneeling for a couple hours is also not very fun. In the end I don't really like the skirt. I'm considering recycling the fabric into some tote bags for Christmas presents.

Trip to San Diego was successful. Awaiting the forms returned in the mail, so I can go ahead and finalize everything plus get a new passport!

BFN

Grandma's apple pie

2008-11-15T13:42:00.000-08:00

That's what we decided to call it, since it has grandma's apples in it!

Jessica kindly donated the apples she got from her grandmothers orchard when she was home recently, and we baked ourselves an apple pie!

I baked one earlier in the week, but I think there was too much flour in it. This time around I think I put in too little! It was a tad sweet as well, but was very quickly devoured by Loui and Jessica.

See our creation:

BFN

Shake it OUT!

2008-11-13T15:08:00.000-08:00

Today was "The Great California Shake Out". For those who don't live in Cali, basically we all pretend that it's the "big one", duck, cover and hold.
For emergency services and such, they all practice what to do in the event of a massive earthquake. I've personally not experienced a large earthquake (thank goodness!) and hope I never do. It was a good way to learn how ill prepared we really are. How would I get home from work? What are my chances of getting out of a big old office building? What would I do once I got outside?
I work about 22 miles from where I live.. I'm sure roads would be out of the question, and phone's won't be working very well if at all. What would I do?
I realised that even though I have a fairly comprehensive first aid kit (thanks to Loui) it's all at home! I also have no bottled water at all. What I DO have is guns.. but again.. they are at home, locked up in a secure place to which I don't have a key!

For those who do live in SoCal, where did you spend the few minutes after 10am this morning?

Here is where I was:

While under there, with James also under his desk on the other side of the cube wall, we sorted out some cord issues. Altogether it was an interesting experience.. one I never hope to experience except for in mock format such as today's.

BFN

Papadums - great Indian snack

2008-11-12T17:13:00.000-08:00

There is a little Indian grocery store near my house in the valley which sells all things that remind me of home. Weird isn't it? Indian food reminding me of Australia? It just seems so rare here.. and I used to eat it a lot!

Thankfully I can get a decent Masala Dosa, channa samosa, biryani and groceries at this shop. One of my favorite quick dishes is the Papadums. They are cheap, come in a plastic wrap, and microwave to a crispy texture in just 35 seconds.

Packed of plain papad:

Cooked in the microwave at work for a snack:

I had a masala dosa last night, but it didn't last long enough for me to take a picture!
YUM, BFN

Chocolate cake inna mug inna microwave!

2008-11-10T20:47:00.000-08:00

Today I read about someone who made a chocolate cake, using a mug, a microwave, and 3 minutes. Intrigued, I memorized what I needed, and stopped by the store on the way home to pick up some eggs.

The basic recipe as I read it was:
4 Tbs flour
9 Tbs Hot Chocolate Mix
3 Tbs Oil (Not sure about this one)
3 Tbs Water
Cooking Oil
1 egg
Mug

I altered the recipe a little bit, because I read some comments that the other recipe was "rubbery". Here is how I made it:

1 Packet Nestle Hot Chocolate
~4 Tbs Whole Wheat Flour (don't have any regular flour)
1/2 tsp Baking Powder
1 medium egg
1 1/2 Tbs Vegetable Oil
1 Tbs Milk
1 Tbs Water
Couple Chocolate Chips

Actually I thought it looked too wet. I couldn't find a large enough mug (mostly I have tea cups) so I just used a small bowl. I nuked it for 3 mins on high. It didn't "rise" a whole lot.
I turned it out onto a plate and tried it. It has the consistency more of pudding.. sort of cake like pudding. Actually I really quite liked it! I wouldn't say it's the best cake I've had.. but as far as chocolate "desert" goes, it wasn't too bad at all!

Loui even liked it.

This was the bowl.. it didn't stick at all, just plopped out onto the plate:

Weekend's creations

2008-11-10T07:19:00.000-08:00

This weekend was a nice lazy "in" weekend. Didn't have really anything to do outside the house, except for sewing class on Sunday where I finished my first tote!

Here are the fun things I made yesterday:
Boxer shorts:

They are made using the "jane" pattern from Burda. The fabric is a silk/cotton blend, so they are shiny and a little slippery, but nowhere near as hard to handle as regular silk. I made them for myself, but they don't fit right, so lucky enough Loui likes them!

Tote bag from class:

Close up on stitching:

Close up on handle:

I bought some nice extra fabrics at my sewing school, and made this tote after I got home. Took me about 3 hours? I had a problem with my iron :( It absolutely refused to cooperate and kept giving the interfacing moist air while I was pressing it. Meant it is all bubbly! Darn.

Inside of that tote:

Anyhow.. BFN

Tap shorts in silk charmeuse

2008-11-08T00:29:00.000-08:00

They didn't get as far as I'd have liked, but I found I didn't even have some spare elastic here at home!

Here is the shorts so far:

Jessica is kindly holding them near the light in the bathroom!

Well Jessica and I need to get back to drinking.. btw wanna see her cute hair curly??

Cute eh?

BFN

Mood fabrics definitely changed my mood!

2008-11-07T16:49:00.000-08:00

At lunchtime today, Nancy and I headed over to Mood here in Los Angeles. Up until now, the only place I've really had to get fabric has been Joanne's. Anyone that's been there knows it's not the most inspiring fabric store. The one near my house is full of people every weekend, with screaming children to boot. Most of the stuff there is "crafty", for quilting, home decorating, or just plain fugly.
The other place I've had to buy fabric is at my sewing school (sew-la.com) which has wonderful organic cotton prints, and some other fabrics, but they have very limited space, so not a ton of choice.

Mood was amazing!! The sheer volume of choices was astonishing. I picked out about 20 fabrics I wanted to make something from (random images of finished garments were popping into my head) when I realised I'd have to actually check prices on them. YIKES! Quality really costs a lot. I managed to reel it all back in, and chose a very nice silk charmeuse from which I plan to make some nice tap shorts using a free Burda pattern

I can't wait to get home and try making them! Oh NO!! I just remembered.. I didn't buy elastic. Always something right? *sigh*

BFN

cough, cough

2008-11-06T14:51:00.000-08:00

Sadly I still have this awful cough. It's really starting to piss me off!!

On a good note, it's been quiet here at work since the new Valkyrie site went up, and Impact VOD launched this week as well.
Barring any unforeseen emergencies.. that should pretty much be it until the end of the year! I churn out a couple emails for Nancy, fix bugs as everyone finds them and have the rest of the time to myself. We're adding "sound tracks" to mgm.com soon, but that's not going to be a massive amount of work.. perhaps a couple days? (Don't tell the boss!)

I've been reading a lot of blogs lately, some really very interesting! My favourite is called "angry chicken". It's not even about chickens! Her latest blog is about arm warmers. I never thought of it before, but it's a great idea! I have a lot of short sleeve things (I live in the most painfully hot place I could) but occasionally for about 30 seconds in the middle of winter I am forced to wear a jacket, or a long sleeve shirt. These would be a great substitute! Best dust off my knitting needles and get cracking! Here is the blog post from Angry Chicken.

A friend from a very long time ago added me on facebook. This happens fairly often, but usually with people that I really don't feel I was friends with, just people I knew. Over the past day or so, tons of memories have been resurfacing concerning this one individual, and all of them pleasant. I was closest to them before I went to Germany, and don't have much recollection of them afterwards. Either way it's been interesting to learn about what they've been up to, and see how well they are doing!

Mum & Dad are still off on their cruise around Thailand. Seems like they're having tons of fun.. Dad emails me from internet cafe's every so often! I'm surprised they've lasted so long without a laptop or internet connection!

I've been told I use the ! too often. I'll try and use it less. I find it conveys my feelings quite well though. It's hard.. use my words I know.

BFN

Thoughtful?

Started Tote-bags

2008-11-03T17:18:00.000-08:00

Sunday I started my tote-bag class. So far so fun! I really don't understand why everyone else is so slow at sewing class. I know I perhaps could go a "little" slower and take more care, but seriously people.. slooooooooooooooooow. I was done with all my cutting, and had the teacher keep stopping the other students mid-something else to come over and see what I was up to.
I think perhaps I just "dive in" whereas a lot of other people prefer to do it perfectly the first time. I know I'm making "house" dresses and shopping totes at the moment.. nothing I could ever wear in public, nor give away as gifts etc.

Will post a pic of my "work in progress" aka skull tote asap.

I've also started making a wrap skirt from some cute polka dot fabric. It was a serious pain to cut out, because I had to cut one piece on a single layer of fabric.. twice, as it was too wide for just one. I don't have a great deal of room on my floor, combined with cats who are absolutely determined to sit on _anything_ I put on the floor.

Fun stuff, BFN

It's a Zombie Halloween!

2008-10-31T11:52:00.000-07:00

With the help of a wonderful talented friend.. I look AWFUL! I mean.. really really ugly. That was the point of course!

What a great makeup job eh?

Final look (I forgot to take off my glasses!)

Lazy eye:

What a fun Halloween!

BFN

Tonsillitis is not my friend

2008-10-30T09:10:00.000-07:00

It's been a whole week since I posted, and I have a good excuse really!! I was sick!

Anyhow.. Sunday was my last Pajamarama class, and I've finished now two pairs of PJ Pants. I also bought some fabric and some patterns and have since made a super simple tote bag (no interfacing or lining).
I had planned to do a ton more stuff, like sew a wrap skirt! No luck though.. all sick and sad.

Promise to post pics of my simple tote laters!

BFN

Impact almost done!

2008-10-24T11:19:00.001-07:00

Looks like we'll be done a week early for our November launch of the impact site. I really didn't think it was going to happen, but looks like now it might!

Even though it's a quick and simple site, it wasn't quick or simple for us. Missing a key person in our production team pretty much ground everything to a halt. That and all the other "bits and pieces" we spend all our time doing.

I was embarrassed yesterday when the contractor for the front end showed me how to shorten my ajax code down to a couple lines.. for something I had almost an entire page doing before. I thought it was working fine, but then later in the day I tested it again, and was vindicated.. by his code not working! I shouldn't be so pleased about that.. but I can't help it.

I managed to sew on all the bias tape to one of my dress projects, but can't seem to gather the energy to hem it and sew on the buttons. Once that's done I'll get back to trying to put the zipper in the other dress.
Here is the dress with the bias tape (also shown in the drawing top right in the header, looks much nicer on!)

Here is my drive to work yesterday (They reopened the freeway about 30mins before I got there.. so took me many hours to get to and from work!)

BFN

Updated look for the blog

2008-10-22T10:37:00.000-07:00

While the standard templates at blogger are fine, I've found one even better! I did a google search for templates for blogger blogs, and found this one. I changed the image in the header, and the alignment of the title (and margins.. woohoo I did CSS!) and got it all pretty much lined up.
Here is where I got the template: http://www.simplyfabulousbloggertemplates.com/ Thanks Lena!

It's amazing how much time you can spend making a blog look a certain way right? Hopefully this one I can grow with going forward, and I won't ditch it like I have some others in the past.

My mate Terri rang me this morning. Was so lovely to hear from her! She was trying to get my rather large self out of bed to go work out. Sadly my ringer was set to "Down Under" by men at work, so I didn't wake. Next time I'll set it to something much louder and much more irritating. Terri on the other hand was already back from her workout when she got ahold of me. Oops!

I've been toiling to get some XML stuff working for the new Impact site. I don't know why, but it's not been easy getting it to work. I think because they way they use the XML isn't quite right. Unfortunately it's the XML that's given to ComCast for the TV Station, so I don't get to complain about the format.
This will be the third time I've written these scripts to do the import. Each time we've received a new set.. the formatting was different. In the most recent set there were a lot of blank lines too. I'm honestly not sure that it's faster for me to write a system with a constantly changing input, or for someone to just enter 25 movies in a tool. Either way it's given me something moderately interesting to do for the past few days.

I took a picture of my carved pumpkin, but of course I haven't downloaded it. Soon I promise!

BFN

Carved a pumpkin

2008-10-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

Loui bought us a couple pumpkins yesterday and last night I carved one of them.

Not as fun as the one I did last year, but still cute. Will take a picture once I get a candle to light it up with!

Tonight is dancing, private lesson with my #2 instructor Alexis. He's much tougher on me that my other instructor, but it should be interesting. Of course I didn't practice my "rise and fall" for waltz, and I'm sort of hoping he doesn't remember that I was supposed to! I'll be "rising and falling" (hopefully not on my butt) as I walk around for the rest of the day, and hopefully that will be enough.

I didn't sew at all last night (was busy with the pumpkin) but the dress is staring at me whenever I sit on the couch.. hopefully the "binding foot" I bought for my machine arrives soon, so I can finish it properly. My sewing school is doing a charity "pajamaramathon" on Saturday. We all take our basic sewing kits, and help make pajama pants from donated patterns and fabric to give to womens shelters in the area. Should give me tons of practice, and hopefully I'll not snip anything not meant for my scissors!

Work is.. work. Temp started today working on the front end for one of the sites. He's quiet, and seems to be busy working on it, although I wasn't going to stand over him on his first day. It's hard to get started at a new place, although I think he's going alright. Our boss disappeared before lunch, and shortly after that we got an email from his assistant saying "Reminder: Boss will be out rest of the day, plus tomorrow." Awesome considering we were never told in the first place! I guess that means I'll be the point person for the temp.

Fun stuff! Hopefully some pictures tomorrow to jazz up the blog!

BFN

Back to blogging

2008-10-20T09:28:00.000-07:00

After I stopped writing my last blog, I haven't been able to get in the swing of writing a new one.

I thought it might be easier if I tried to be a lot more general... and write about the most interesting thing in my life... me!

Well sort of. I've been on a mission this year to learn new things. Not necessarily work related, or related to anything except something I "feel like" doing.
As a result, over the past 6 months, I've started learning ballroom dancing, sewing, and have taken some cooking classes.

Yesterday I took the second in a series of three classes learning how to sew PJ pants. It was all going swimmingly up until my fabric folded itself under as I was snipping with the scissors. I cut a lil slit in the leg of the pants.. :( Oh well, apparently they have this stuff you can make patches from the fabric you're using. Will do that next week.

Jessica helped me fit the dress I'm working on at home (from this pattern: Butterick B4790. My figure is closer to the ladies in the drawing.. sadly the pattern allows for a smaller chest, larger waist, and smaller hips. We moved all of the darts on the front, to try and stop my chest hanging out the sides. I'm hanging it right now (since the skirt is partially cut on the bias) and we'll hem it today or tomorrow. Then I have to attach an incredibly large amount of bias tape to the edges. I am thinking of making a small V at the neck too, so my chest doesn't just extend out forward so much (the line of it).

More tomorrow!