Friday, August 31, 2007
My Transvestite Cat
About 2 pm I was @ Clover Hill Yarn (a most outstanding yarn store, btw) buying a few things for SP11 when my cell rang. It was the vet. He said, "I'm calling about Brownie. I've got good news. And I've got some... interesting... news."
I'm not really sure what went through my mind at this point... maybe 'Brownie is having kittens?' or 'Brownie is the millionth cat Dr. Koelmeyer has spayed?" or 'A casting agent stopped by and wants to feature Brownie in a Meow Mix commercial?'
None of the above. This is what he says to me: "Well, luckily you aren't going to need to pay for the cost of the surgery... that's the good news.... Because Brownie is actually a boy."
WHAAAAAAAT?? I'm sure the ladies at the yarn store must have thought I was crazy.
Now I know that cats aren't hung like horses. Because cats aren't really hung at all. Both boy and girl cats have their junk pointing toward the back but I always thought you could kinda tell a little bit, even on a neutered boy cat, that he had some man junk instead of some lady junk.
And what about the other vet at the veterinary practice that gave Brownie the clean bill of health and all that? Apparently she just did a visual inspection and was fooled by what she saw. A common mistake apparently.
Dr. K feels that Brownie was probably neutered as a very, very young kitten and never had much chance to develop in the man junk department... hence why he's so ambiguous looking. There is also the very slight chance that he's "cryptoorchid", which is fancy vet speak for undecended cajones. If this is the case and Brownie starts acting aggressive, growing a giant head and all the other tomcat characteristics then I need to take him in for exploratory surgery. But since he's about 2 years old it's probably unlikely.
Truth is always stranger than fiction. Sheesh. You live with someone for a month and you think you know them... and then they go and pull a "Crying Game" on you. bahahaha!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Postcard from my SP 11
I got this hilarious postcard from my SP11 secret pal today.
What a riot - it depicts "Seven Robots Going to the Shops"... but has been altered to add an additional robot who is shopping for knitting items and other SP 11 related treats.
Thanks SP, you made my day! (although I had a very "american" moment and had to think for a minute about what 'loo roll' is. bahahahaha!)
A HUGE decision
Pick yourself up off the floor, Mother. Breathe. Stop crying. I'm an adult. I'm not making this decision on a whim. I don't regret the first one I got. And I'm not getting it on my forehead so I will remain employable.
I had originally planned to go to one of the shops in downtown Baltimore based on some recommendations. But after some research, I've decided to go to Little Vinnie's in Finksburg which is just up the road from me. I talked to them today and the totally awesome artist, Eric Gregory, is going to do my ink on October 5 (no, Mom, that most certainly doesn't give you a month to talk me out of it!)
Eric does really beautiful colorwork and seems to specialize in imagery that I really like (animals, non-tacky floral stuff, Buddhist and Japanese imagery). The work I'm having done is on my back, between my shoulder blades, and is my own design - its a hand w/ an eye (sort of based on the hamsa hand/evil eye) with a pair of peacocks flowing from the palm. I can't wait to see his re-draft of my sketches.
With that said, I have to share the story of my first tattoo... I got it about 8 years ago at Cool Cat Tattoo in Fort Lauderdale while my friend Paige and I were visiting our friend Abbe. The guys there were awesome and they took all three of us as walk-ins. (yes, it was done totally on a whim... and I also got my navel pierced that day). The tattoo is right below my sternum (not a comfortable place to be tattooed but not as bad as you might imagine) and is a depiction of the Indian deity Kali (many armed goddess of destruction) dancing in a lotus flower. I honestly don't remember the name of the artist, but he did a phenomenal job of translating my half-assed sketch.
And so I came home with every intention of hiding the tattoo from my mother for the rest of my life. Fast forward a couple of years when I have complications following abdominal surgery. My poor mother is by my side in the emergency room, I'm writhing in pain and the attending physician whips the front of the hospital johnnie up exposing my stomach (I do have to digress and give kudos to my awesome surgeon who changed the routing of laparoscopic incisions in order to preserve the ink).
And then that terrible slow motion scene ensued... where my mother tried not to faint at the sight of the tattoo and my own horror at the fact that my mother was trying not to faint from the sight of my tattoo broke through my wall of pain... oh yes, it was an agonizing moment. Six years later she's almost recovered...
You'll get over this one too, Mom. :)
Labels: tattoos
Monday, August 27, 2007
More socks done
Labels: knitting
Sunday, August 26, 2007
I can see the forest but not the trees...
25 [34] years and my life is still
Trying to get up that great big hill of hope
For a destination
I realized quickly when I knew I should
That the world was made up of this
Brotherhood of man
For whatever that means
And so I cry sometimes when I'm lying in bed
Just to get it all out what's in my head
And I'm, I am feeling a little peculiar
So I wake in the morning and I step outside
And I take deep breath and I get real high
And I scream from the top of my lungs
What's goin' on.
Several years ago a friend made fun of me for liking 4 Non-Blondes. This same friend recently told me that I think way too much and I should just play more video games. I wanted to slap him on both accounts.
And so, my existential crisis trudges on.
Someone once asked me, in response to my ill-formed grumblings about existentialism, "What if someone just gave you all the answers? What would you do then?" I've given lots of thought to that and I've come to the conclusion that I can't even begin to consider the ANSWERS because I've been on a life long quest for what the QUESTIONS are.
Earlier this summer I started reading a philosophy primer because I felt woefully unschooled in the art of thought. It was interesting stuff and I was suprised at what I actually already knew. But I don't think it really helped. If anything, it made me angry.
And then an acquaintence (who happens to be a very old soul in a young body) recommended the book Is Belief in God Good, Bad or Irrelevant?: A Professor And a Punk Rocker Discuss Science, Religion, Naturalism & Christianity. It is mostly comprised of an email correspondence between Preston Jones, a professor at a Christian college, and Greg Graffin, the lead singer of Bad Religion.
I won't say this was a life changing read or anything but it was very good and got me to thinking about a lot. Again, I was suprised at the concepts I already "knew" or had already considered that came out of their discussions.
And so I revisited some of my previous notions and considerations about Buddhism and the existence of God and what "consciousness" means. I feel like I have built on my earlier personal understanding and experience but, sadly, am no closer to any questions, much less answers.
Nothing seems to resonate with me as far as belief goes and, in fact, as I learned listening to an interview with Dr. Raymond Moody (the near death experience guy), I think I am a skeptic in the true sense since I have suspended coming to any conclusions. Unfortunately, while lack of conclusion seems to delight Dr. Moody, it makes me feel very unsettled.
I guess I desperately want to believe in something.
I also researched naturalism as a theory and came across Naturalism.org, as well as some articles, a podcast and a video lecture by Tom Clark (head of the Center for Naturalism). The podcast led to more podcasts at Skeptiko, a site concerning controversial science headed up by Alex Tsakiris.
I like naturalism as a theory... it seems more open and less dogmatic than materialism (which depresses me beyond belief) but there is so much I can't wrap my mind around or resolve my personal beliefs with (or lack thereof). The idea that there is no higher power is both comforting and bleak. The idea that we have no contra-causal free will is also comforting, yet also annoyingly confounding. Determinism makes me very uncomfortable.
Screw the video games. I think I need to think less and knit more.
Labels: naturalism, skepticism
Monday, August 20, 2007
Socks
Labels: knitting
Roofy Rooferson
It was only about 100 square feet and about 10 feet off the ground (it was the new roof to a shed overhang) but it took all day and, my god, do I have respect for people who do THAT for a living.
It was a very gratifying and "zen" experience but I think I'll need to develop a crystal meth habit to ever do it again
Monday, August 13, 2007
fly on the wall at the Cake household
Me: Oh yeah?
Him: Yeah..... I hate Kevin Bacon.
Me: You hate Kevin Bacon? Why?
Him: 'Cuz he's nothing like real bacon.
It was a job for the Lucid Dream Defender
It's usually touted as a way to deal with reaccuring nightmares (you can take control of whatever is plaguing you in the nightmare) or for a way of boosting creativity and problem solving abilities (since you aren't held back by real world obstacles in dreams... like gravity or clothing or the fact that one must have meat juice to make gravy).
I've never had much control over my dreams but occasionally I've had the pleasure of realizing I was dreaming in the midst of a really good dream and I've gotten to do something heroic or interesting in my dreamworld. And then usually the alarm clock ruins it all.
Last night I was stressing over the subject of my previous post (the enigmatic Integrity post) and I kept telling myself that its really not a big deal and I just need to get over it and move on. But I couldn't and it was making me lose sleep. And then I had the dream. (insert dramatic music here)
I dreamed I was back at the place and time where some crappiness went down. Of course I knew for certain that I was dreaming since the time and place wasn't "normal". So I confronted the person who did the bad thing. And then I got revenge in a benign, silly and satisfying way. As always, some things are better left to the reader's imagination but here's a hint... revenge involved the person's real car (which is white in real life but I also gave it white upolstery in my dream) and lots of mustard.
Labels: dreams, update to the rant
It's Secret Pal 11 time!
Secret Pal 11: The Questionnaire
1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I’m not really a yarn snob but I prefer natural fibers (acrylics and novelty yarns aren’t my cup of tea) – I truly heart Merino (I like felting). Alpaca is great and I recently knitted a few pieces with some silk blends as well as bamboo. I’ve also recently tried some lace knitting so lace weight mohair is intriguing me. Superwash sock yarn is always appreciated. Although there are some great companies out there (Yarn Ahoy, Woolgirl, Socks that Rock, Collinette), I don’t have any strong brand allegiance.
2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
My knitting bag… between my couch cushions…. My purse…. I have a couple of galvanized tins that serve as their “official storage receptacle” but I’d really love a travel needle case (hint hint!)
3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I learned how to knit many moons ago from my mom but didn’t really take it up as an extreme sport until last year. I’ve tried a lot of things and am always willing to try more. I think I would classify myself as solidly intermediate.
4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Yes. I love books like I love air. http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/ref=lst_llp_wl-go/105-0168924-5019662
There are tons of other strange things on the list but you don’t have to look far to find the knitting books.
5. What's your favorite scent?
Lavender and very light citrus scents (like the way Earl Grey tea smells!). I’m not a big fan of smelly lotions or candles. But I do love lavender sachets and things like that!
6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Oh yeah. Unfortunately for my waistline, yes. Milk chocolate all the way! Plain old Hershey bars make me very happy. I will also sell my soul for Vermont Maple Sugar candy. And I’ll commit crimes for See’s blueberry or pineapple filled cremes or Roger’s Chocolates Victoria’s Cremes (maple and blueberry, duh!). IMPORANT: Sadly I’m allergic to most tree nuts… some are ok and others are deadly… But really, I don’t expect anyone to have to go to the trouble of analyzing ingredients on my behalf so please don’t stress about it.
7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
I’m a fiber person - I sew and make art quilts. I also do 3-D assemblages and collage. I don’t spin at this point but I learned drop spindle when I was in art school and would love to try it again…. However at this point yarn and fabric and gobs of art supplies don’t leave much room in my house. I have no idea where I would put fleece….
8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I like all kinds of music and my computer does play MP3’s. (there is a link on my blog to my Myspace page for an actual list of what I listen to).
9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
Pink is my favorite color… except when turquoise, orange or lime green are. HA! I love bright colors in general so I’m not really picky. I’m not a huge fan of neutral/natural or dark tones in my knitting and I love unconventional color combinations so the wilder the better.
10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I have a hubby and a 10 year old son. We just got a new cat – her name is Brownie and she’s 2 years old. They are all fairly uninterested in my knitting – although the men have been grateful recipients of knitted items. I briefly considered knitting the cat a sweater but then she gave me a look that said “Don’t even think about it, lady.”
11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes, yes, yes, not so much. I love scarves and mittens and although I look like a dork in hats I wear them anyway. I don’t think I have the body type to pull off a poncho.
12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I think I will knit anything at least once. I am a big fan of small and quick-to-knit items and things to give as gifts. I love knitting socks and mittens and baby sweaters.
13. What are you knitting right now?
I don’t think anyone has time for the full inventory but the quick run-down is a couple of sweaters and more socks than I care to mention. Also a pair of mittens, a shawl that is very close to done and a lace wrap that I’ll probably be knitting until I die.
14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts? Of course! What kind of monster doesn't??
15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Depends on the project. I prefer wood for the most part. Brittany’s are my favorite straights and DPN’s with Clover bamboos a distant second. I also recently acquired a pair of Bryspun plastic needles and those are pretty darn groovy. For circulars I’m a complete Addi Turbo convert.
16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift? Yes to both.
17. How old is your oldest UFO? Hah! Are you kidding me??? I bet I have unfinished craft projects from when I was a child! But my oldest knitting UFO is probably a scarf I started for my husband when we were dating… so 12 years old?
18. What is your favorite holiday? My birthday! Just kidding! I don’t really have a favorite. I like them all, especially if there are presents and/or good things to eat.
19. Is there anything that you collect? I’m a packrat… so the question is: what do I NOT collect…. But I love vintage sewing notions, old buttons and squirrels (figurines and tchotchkes and such, not actual live rodents).
20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
There is nothing I have a burning desire for. I sort of live for the moment and covet beautiful things as I see them. I have tons of knitting related books on my Amazon wish list. I get Interweave Knits and buy the other magazines when there is something that catches my eye.
21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn? I’ve been working on lace knitting. I think I’ve got the basics down but I haven’t tried knitted on edgings yet. I have the Victorian Lace book and hope to find the time to work out the actual technical requirements soon.
22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements? You bet! I wear a women’s size 9 shoe – my feet are sort of normal/average…. 9 ½ in length – 8 ½ - 9 in circumference.
23. When is your birthday? September 23
24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
Nope, not yet. I added my name to the list, and here are the statistics…
You signed up on July 3, 2007
You are #12963 on the list.
4156 people are ahead of you in line.
12135 people are behind you in line.
25. Ok, so there isn’t a #25 but I’m adding it in here. Grin! Is there anything else your Secret Pal needs to know about you?
You can learn more about me than you would ever want to know by checking out my Flickr page (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stephaniecake/). There are pictures of me, my friends, my family, my artwork, my knitting and my yarn. I haven’t posted a lot over the summer because I’ve been busy but between there and my blog I think it’s an open and shut case.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Oh yeah, and I smoke crack too.
Labels: knitting
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
My latest excuse
Sadly, my contract with the great name-withheld-for-my-own-protection hospitality organization for whom I have been facilitating training for over 2 years has finally come to an end. Admittedly, I was fully aware it was coming (and should have been suprised it actually took so long to end) but it still threw me for a loop and I've been battling some pretty miserable hopeless feelings.
I'd be remiss not to throw out some shameless self promotion here.... If anyone knows of any freelance/contract training opportunities, please don't forget about me! I facilitate AND design! I'm multi-talented and have experience in lotsa different industries! I'm comfortable with audiences up to 100 participants! I average 4.5 out of 5 in training evals!
Ok, enough of that. The better news is that I have finally adopted a new cat. Her name is Brownie and she was a stray that showed up @ a friend's house. She's an absolute sweetheart and the vet thinks she's about 2 years old. Naturally, I'm in ♥ !
Labels: brownie
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