Pineapple Pub Crawl 2012

I found some pictures on my phone from the Annual Pineapple Pub Crawl on July 14, 2012 in Cambridge, MA. I designed the pineapples' costumes and we pieced it together. Enjoy!

Planning out the Cowardly Lion.

Dorothy knows that safety is very important. Buckle up!

The Scarecrow enjoys the ride into Cambridge.

Jay, Chris, and Bailey posing near our pineapples.

Tin Woodman, Scarecrow, Dorothy, and Cowardly Lion in Porter Square.

Tin Woodman, Scarecrow, Dorothy, and Cowardly Lion in Porter Square.

Hanging out at Tavern in the Square.

Shedding all the leis and hats.

Chris being silly.

The only survivors of the night. We lost the other pineapples...

Hope you enjoyed our lovely pineapples. :)

Patti

Keeping Track of Books

Okay, I have a confession to make. I used to have a spreadsheet of all the books I own. I was keeping up with it until May when I went to Thailand. It seems that after Thailand I pretty much stopped doing everything that I used to do for better or worse. I'm not on facebook 24/7 anymore and I barely update my photos. I still tweet, but less often. I used to crochet like a fiend, but now I can't find the energy to do so. I used to blog all the time, now I update maybe once a month.

Part of it has something to do with starting a full-time job and getting a puppy. I can't blame Kujo for my laziness. It's just me. I got sick of the internet after experiencing Thailand for a month essentially without it. Maybe I have less to say? Nah, I doubt it. I just don't feel like typing it all out right now.

About that spreadsheet... I need to find it and update it soon. I have way too many books that I haven't kept track of.

NU Night at Fenway: Red Sox vs. Yankees

Okay, so Senior Week is the last week of April. One of the events was NU Night at Fenway - Red Sox vs. Yankees. This morning at 9 am, the NU Pay Portal was open but got jammed by 500+ students trying to get their hands on those tickets. The reason? They were $12. Yes, I wrote it right. So I got through and my boyfriend had asked me to log onto his account and get him a ticket too. I tried but during the minute it took me to get onto his, it was already sold out.

So what should I do? I'm bummed that he didn't get one too. I wanted us to be there together. I'm sure some of the students will be selling theirs on Craigslist or some other online ticket sales site for way more than the $12 NU price. Going off to work with a heavy heart.

Addicted to Reading

About once a month I do this thing... I stay up until the wee hours of the morning to finish a book, most likely one of my romance novels. Last night's read was First Comes Marriage by Mary Balogh and I stayed up til 5:30 am. I own most of her work except for the Web series. I enjoyed this book. Some authors like Stephanie Laurens will put intrigue into their books. Some authors like Julia Quinn will put tons of witty remarks and hilarious adventures into theirs. But Mary Balogh will tell a love story without the extra things to distract you. I like to read her books when I just want a story about a guy, a girl, how they got together and kept it together.

If you never read a romance novel, I suggest anything by Julia Quinn (she's my all-time favorite). I have a list of romance authors I've read. Maybe I'll make a page about that one day.

Clearly I'm Not Doing Work

Okay, so I've been at the library for the past hour or so and I haven't even touched my Capstone report. I'm supposed to edit the draft report for the midterm deadline. Instead I updated my google group website, browsed facebook, and g-chated with a classmate. Here's an excerpt of that chat.

Reason why I messaged him: His status said "Strawberry milk: the source of my greatest strength, but also my greatest weakness."

6:28 PM
me: I like chocolate milk
we should battle
Scott: haha i like it
some sort of godzilla-vs-mothra super hero battle?
me: my milk will dehydrate your milk and make it powder
yea
Scott: i will have to scoop up the powder and take it back to my secret lair where i can make it back into strawberry milk
me: oh, and it's soy based, so it's good for you
Scott: oh man, mine is made with crap :) me: lol
Scott: there is negative health in this bottle
me: yea, that sucks

How I Spent My Weekend

Last Saturday I went to Happy Hour at McFadden's on State Street in Downtown Boston. Happy Hour was from 8-10 pm and we got there a little later so we were playing catch up. It ended badly for me and I'm thankful that I have such great friends. =)

This weekend will be different. Lesson learned. Last night I went to Jose McIntyre on Milk Street with Sean. He was meeting up with a few friends/old roommates there. The bartender was awesome. I didn't know what to get so he asked me what kind of drinks I liked. My response was something fruity with vodka. He made me a Raspberry Smoothie. Here's what's in it:

Raspberry Smoothie

Splash of: Grenadine, orange juice, and lime juice (or two lime slices)
2 oz sour mix
1.5 oz raspberry vodka
0.5 oz raspberry liqueur

Add all in a glass and shake it up. Add fresh raspberries and enjoy!

A Week in Connecticut

I arrived safely in Connecticut on Saturday, December 27. My boyfriend picked me up from Bridgeport, CT. We went to his mom's boyfriend's brother's house in Somers. They have this amazing recreational room in the finished attic. All hardwood paneling with leather chairs spread out in different nooks. There's a bar-like area with a beer/alcohol fridge. The fireplace was huge and gorgeous. In the middle was the pool table. I wish I took pictures, but I think one of Sean's relatives might have some.

Sunday was spent hanging out and shopping. We went to Canton and had lunch at Five Guys. It is the most amazing burger place ever. EVER. I went to Barnes and Noble and got the Interweave Crochet Winter '08 magazine and a crochet book: Beyond the Squares Crochet Motif by Edie Eckman. Then we went grocery shopping at Shaw's. We always stock up his mom's kitchen when we visit. The total was $180. Oh jeez.

I'm also crocheting my aunt's new hat. Pictures to come when I get back to Boston. I forgot to bring the cord with me. =( Well, I've been distracted by my new Nintendo DS game - Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia. Okay, I know what you're thinking at this point... Is she seriously playing a little kid game? Yes, I am. It's so addicting. I got it on Saturday and as of Sunday night I already played 6 hours of it. Ahh. Well, I'm probably going to go play another hour and then finish the hat or vice versa. I think the hat is easier to finish and I need to get that out ASAP.

Until next time!

Catching Up

Okay, so I've been a bum and haven't updated my blog in quite some time. So here's an update. I won't say it's a quick one because I can write on and on about nothing. Hm. I rant.

Crochet Projects:
After weeks of intense crocheting, I decided to give it a break and get back to my romance novels. I managed to read 3 of them in the past two weeks. I made my aunt's cloche, 15 mini Christmas stockings, and started Chris's convertible mittens and a tiger amigurumi. I'll post up some pics soon.

San Fran:
I went to San Francisco, CA for Thanksgiving and stayed there until the Tuesday after. While there I went to Sausalito, Tiburon, and the Marin Headlands on Friday. Took in a Raiders game on Sunday afternoon (they lost) and went on the Alcatraz Night Tour on Monday. Sean took most of the pictures so I don't have much to put up on Facebook. Alcatraz was pretty cool, though it gave me the creeps... just a bit. The Raiders game was an interesting experience. I have the worse luck... every time I went to the concession stands they would score a touch down or field goal. =( We had really good seats in the Season Ticket Holders area. Section 139 Row 42.

Work:
My co-op is winding down to a close. I have about 2 weeks or so left. Originally I'm supposed to work until December 19, but that might get extended to the 23 or 24. I planned on going home on Dec. 20, but I'm going to aim for the 24. I can't wait to see my mom and doggie again.

Random:
While I'm on the subject of home, I plan on bringing up some of my yarn stash and taking home random clothes that I don't plan on wearing anymore while I'm up here.

School:
The upcoming spring semester is my last. I'm almost done! Last day of class is April 15 and commencement is May 1. I'm sooo excited!!!

Upcoming Trips:
I plan on going to Thailand mid-May and then Europe at the beginning of July, both for a month. Well, it depends on my financial situation next year... sad story.

Okay, I think that's about it for now. =)

Stockings Sweet Stockings

Okay, so I finished two so far. They were made using two different weight yarns so one's bigger than the other. Well, I extended the pattern a bit for the brown one. I have a lot of random color yarns... I think I'll go buy red and green yarn to be traditional, but I swear that's it. No more yarn until Christmas. =)

I think I'm gonna go have dinner and watch a movie. My sister went to the University of Delaware for an Ultimate Frisbee tournament so I'm gonna be lonely this weekend. I guess I'll hang out with my other friends. =)

Mini Christmas Stockings (Learn to Crochet)

Stroller Blanket (Crochet Today! Nov/Dec)

So cozy!

Update for November

I clearly have too much time on my hands. So this is an update video. It's just funny watching myself communicate via video. I finally got to register for classes today. I was worried that I wouldn't get a spot in the Basic Drawing class, but everything worked out. Here's what my days look like:

M - 2:50 - 4:35 PM (Capstone)
Tu - None
W - 2:50 - 4:35 PM (Capstone)
Th - None
F - 1:35 - 5:05 PM (Basic Drawing)

**Independent study to be schedule in there. M - 10-2 AM and W 10-12 AM?

And that's my schedule. Seems like a very slacker schedule, but I earned it. I only needed Capstone and an elective to graduate, but I'm also doing the independent study. I'm redesigning the labs for the Dynamics and Vibrations course. If you asked me to tell you what they used to be, I couldn't tell you because I don't remember that lab at all. =)

So I'm a yarn addict and it's gotten worse. I think it's time for an intervention. No more buying yarn until Christmas... *sighs*

Okay, that's it for now. I leave you with this video to amuse yourself. I'm a dork. I fully acknowledge it.

Little Octopus!

He's done!!! Super cute!

He's all smiles!

He has eight arms or is it called tentacles?

Current Work In Progress

Hi everyone! I've been working on many projects simultaneously again. Don't mind me in work clothes. I just felt like updating and didn't bother to change into something more comfy yet. But I will... I'm going to read my romance novel for an hour or so then I'll continue my little octopus. Then I'll work on the stroller blanket.

This is the start of my little octopus. (Ana Paula Rimoli)

I still need to make his 6 other arms.

Baby stroller blanket for my friend's daughter.
(Crochet Today Nov/Dec)

Halloween crochets and new projects...

So I've been busy making hats, candy corns, and other cute stuff. Now I'm trying my hand at making amigurumi animals and objects. Here's some pics of what I've been up to...

Candy Corn! They're about 3" tall. (Lion Brand)

Pin Wheel Candy (Lion Brand)

Snuggly Hat (Crochet Today Nov/Dec)

Floral Cloche (Crochet Today Sept/Oct)

Puff Stitch Newsboy Hat (Mary Jane Hall)

Puff Stitch Newsboy Hat- front view

Puff Stitch Newsboy Hat - back view

Work In Progress (WIP) - Lion (Ana Paula Rimoli)

Stories about Columbus Day Weekend

Okay, so I have a lot of stories to get down before I forget everything. I also have two new Thai recipes, but we'll see how long my attention span is today.

Story #1: Apple Picking on Saturday

So my mom had this great idea to go apple picking at the Lewin Apple Farm on Fresh Pond Avenue in Calverton/Riverhead, NY. Great. I decided to join the trip since I haven't been to an apple farm since I was 15 or 16 years old. That's a very long time ago, well, maybe not that long ago, but you get the point. Back to the story, I decided not to bring along my hand bag because I hate carrying unnecessary items around with me. So I stored it under the front seat. My mom saw what I was doing and did the same and so did my mom's cousin (I just call her aunt instead of my first cousin once removed).

We took some cash and our cameras and headed into the farm. We managed to bag about 6 lbs of apples. It was slim picking since it was late into the season. While heading back to the car my mom realizes that she didn't bring the car keys and none of us had our spare keys or cell phones. Oh man. So I borrowed people's phone and called my neighbor. He has a spare key to our house and can retrieve our spare car keys. While waiting for him my mom and I decided to go pick more apples and left with another 10 lbs. It took my neighbor 2.5 hours to get to us (we were only 30 minutes away). Oh man. What a waste of a good two hours that could have been spent at the mall.

I decided to walk to the nearest cross street (2 miles down the road) while I was waiting for our back up key. I ended up going to this Poultry Farm on Rt. 25. My family had bought turkeys from them in the past. It's been a good 12 years since the first time we visited. My mom ended up picking me up from the poultry farm and we bought an apple pie. It was delicious.

We went back to the car and realized that my right rear wheel was flat. It had a nail in it. I ended up changing the flat with the dummy. My mom and I drove to the nearest service shop and had them patch it up. Pretty quick. Then we head to Stony Brook to go shopping. So the lesson of the story is: Don't get too excited about something that you only bring cash and camera and not your keys and phone. And check for flats before you drive.

I got the goods...

... and so does my mommy.

Story #2: Yarn Freak

Okay, when I get really into a hobby (usually for some short period of time) I end up buying everything necessary to participate in that hobby. My current hobby is crocheting. I ended up going to Michael's and AC Moore while I was home and buying $80 worth of yarn and accessories. OMG. They were on sale so I bought them. It amounts to something around 10 lbs of yarn. I couldn't help myself. They had all these pretty colors. I also bought two volumes of Crochet Today magazine (Sep/Oct and Nov/Dec). My current project of choice are hats and caps. I'm making my mom and my aunt one. They're super cute. I'll take pictures and put it on here later.

Thai food - upcoming recipes include Gang Som (Sour Curry) and Kaow Mun Gai (Chicken with Rice). Okay, I gotta go get ready for bed now... after I kick my sister out of it. She likes to come over, talk, and fall asleep on my bed while I type away on the computer.

Columbus Day Weekend

One more quick post. I'm going home tomorrow afternoon. I won't be getting home until midnight. Fun stuff. On Saturday my mom is taking me apple picking and then we're going shopping. She has to stop at Macy's. I'm probably going to go to Michael's Art and Crafts afterward and buy more stuff for my yarn collection. I decided that I want to make my own paperboy cap. I had an awesome one last year, but I lost it. That's the story of my life. I have something I really like and I end up losing it. Anyways, here's a link to the hat I'm going to make. Have a good night and a great long weekend!!!

http://mjcrochet.com/newsboycap/newsboycap.html

Oh Roommates...

Did I mention that my roommate has the thermostat that control both of our rooms in her room? (My on-campus apartment is so weird like that. Two out of the four bedrooms actually has their own climate control. The two that don't are controlled by the living and by another bedroom). So my room is either freezing cold (her bf sleeps over a lot and they have a lot of body heat) or super hot (she turns off the air conditioning when she wakes up in the morning and I get back before she does). So today I had Joy and her friends over and Joy commented that it was hot. So I knew that my roommate was out so I opened her door a crack and turned on the AC and shut the door again. She came back about 30 minutes later. So to be polite I told her that I adjusted the thermostat and that she can turn it off again if she'd like.

So she was getting ready to leave or something 10 minutes after Joy and friends left and I hear this noise... she was testing out her room lock or something (we use our school ID to swipe into our building, our apartment, and our rooms if we lock it). Goodness, like I would really rifle through all the shit she has on the floor, peak around, or steal her stuff. Right. So she leaves to sign in her bf or something and I checked her door and she definitely locked it. Okay, now that's just being ridiculous. I never go into her room unless it's to adjust the thermostat which is right inside the door and I always close her door like how it was before. If she keeps locking it this is going to be a problem because it's not fair that she's also regulating my room temp without my input and I can't adjust it when she's not around. And she's never in anyways. She gone most of the day and comes back late at night to sleep. I hate waking up cold in the morning... brrr.

I can't wait to live in my own apartment. Then I can control every aspect about it.

P.S. I love playing the Sims 2 because I get to live in this fantasy world. The Sims I manage do get annoying sometimes. Especially when they know they have to go to the bathroom and don't quite make it there. Lame.

P.S.S. My sister also does a lot of art and crafts stuff. She makes beaded necklaces. She's just saying that it's a granny thing to do, but I know she thinks it's cool. =)

Video about Sims 3, Cross Stitching, and Aptera

Hey, I made another video or two actually. My sister is in the second one with me. I got interrupted while filming the first one. So check them out.

Take 1

Take 2 with Joy