Not Again...

Okay, so I've been getting this lost feeling for the past year pretty much. I used to have my life planned out, but now, I don't know anymore. I get so frustrated with myself and every now and then little things will just trigger me to breakdown and cry. I'm never like that. I try to refrain from showing a lot of emotions.

I'm just an emotional and confused mess right now. My life (mostly personal, not academic or work life) suffers from it. Sometimes I feel like I'm fooling myself. I paste on a happy face when sometimes I don't want to smile. The stress of not having a job lined up and my Capstone project being behind schedule doesn't help.

I just have to deal with it somehow. I just have to let it out and stop bottling my frustrations and do something about it. Okay. Breathe. Everything will work itself out. It has to.

To Drop or Not To Drop

Okay, so I only needed one elective and my Capstone class to graduate. But to maintain my financial aid I need to take 12 semester hours (3 4-hour classes). Then 3 classes cost as much as 4, so I decided to take another. I was thinking of dropping my CAD/CAM class. It's okay, I guess I'll see how it goes until next Friday.

I'm also taking Capstone, Basic Drawing, and an independent study. My independent study got changed. I'm supposed to redesign the Dynamics and Vibrations labs, but the professors like their old, forgettable labs. I got reassigned to designing new Control Systems labs. They never had a lab class before. This will be a great opportunity for me to create and find cool experiments to perform. I'm working with Jeff Doughty and Professor Rifat Sipahi. I'm actually looking forward to it.

Okay, I'm going to do the in-class assignment for the CAD class before I go to it so I can leave after lecture. Fun.

Monster Mix

What is a Monster Mix? It is a trail mix that you can buy from Target's Archer Farms brand. Sean and Ty picked it up in California and Sean had it in his car. It's amazing. I decided to make my version of it. Here's what's in it:

• Chocolate Chips
• Peanut Butter Chips
• Raisins
• Unsalted Peanuts
• M&Ms (I went with the dark chocolate)

You mix it up in a bowl, in a bag, it doesn't matter. The proportions however does. I bought a bag of Tollhouse Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chips, a large bag of M&Ms, a jar of peanuts, and a pound of raisins. Note that each item was less than a pound in weight, but close to it.

When I made it I used 1/2 a bag of Tollhouse chips and 1/2 a bag of M&Ms, 1/3 of the peanuts, and about 1/2 pound of raisins (maybe a little less - it's up to you). I also like my raisins plump and juicy and not totally dried up.

Anyways, experiment with it and happy eating!

First Day of Class

Today is my first day of class in my last semester!!! I'm excited. Very EXCITED!!! I'm working in the school's bookstore from 10-2 and then my first class is at 2:50 pm followed by another class until 5:40 pm. Then I have a Tau Beta Pi meeting at 6 pm. After that's done I'm going grocery shopping - round two - with Sean. We also have to pick up miscellaneous items at Target and Home Depot. Fun!!! Pictures will be posted up later when I have time.

Stash Much?

I spent the morning organizing my yarn stash on Ravelry. Oh geez. I have 100 types of yarns stashed at the moment. There might be more since I haven't updated in a while. Now I'm going to go and be productive. Sitting here eating Chicken Chow Fun is nice, but I'm way behind on my crochet work. Michaels might be in the mix too. Oh yes!

Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia

Okay, I have to say that Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia is taking up all my time. Sean gave me the game for Christmas and I have been playing it for 3-4 hours a day since. Ahh! I should be spending all my free time crocheting, but instead I've been playing this Nintendo DS game like it's my job (but way more fun). What's not to love about a girl who saves and befriends Pokemons then use them during missions and quests? Okay okay. Tomorrow will be my big crochet day. I have two projects lined up already.

My friend Jenna asked me to make her two hats and I have Chris's mittens that I mentioned earlier. That's all I'm doing tomorrow. Well... I think I'll go to Michael's again too (if Sean can find it in his heart to indulge his girlfriend). =)

Good night!!!

Slippah Luggage Tag!!!

Crochet Update:

I finished making my slipper luggage tag. I'm probably going to start Jenna's hat tonight and work on Chris's mittens tomorrow. I've been putting his mittens off because I was frustrated with the yarn (and I messed up quite a bit and hate to frog - undo stitches - my work). Here's pictures of the Slippah Luggage Tag (enjoy the awesome floral background courtesy of Sean's mom's dining room chair and table):

Slippah Luggage Tag

Happy New Year!!!

It's finally 2009. Oh wow! It's a brand new year and a chance to start fresh again. New Year's Eve brought snow in the morning and festivities in the evening.

Last night I attended a party with my boyfriend. It was a party hosted by his brother's friend, John. His house was huge and pretty. I think it's kinda interesting in a weird way that my boyfriend's ex-girlfriend happened to show up with her latest boyfriend. Fun stuff. I can't stand the girl and it's the first and last time we'll ever see each other in person. It's almost symbolic that I ended 2008 with her there and started 2009 oblivious to her presence. I hope it's the last time I ever see her face. She caused a lot of drama the entire time I've been with my boyfriend. It's about time she grew up and get her own life instead of interfering with mine via Sean.

Anyways, on to something else. We're going to Sean's grandparent's house for some New Year's Fondue. I'm excited! I made the guys bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches this morning. Sean and I made the Baked Macaroni and Cheese for his grandparent's and it smells heavenly. =)

The McD's Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Serving Size: 6-8 people (maybe more)
Preheat oven to 350 deg F

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Macaroni (we prefer elbows)
• 1 tsp salt
• 5 tbs butter
• 5 tbs flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 3 cups milk (we use fat free)
• 4 cups cheese (we use 2 cups White Cheddar and 2 cups Monterrey Jack)

To Cook Macaroni:

1. Follow instructions on the package.
2. Drain then rinse in cold water.
   

To Make Sauce While Macaroni Cooks:

1. Melt butter.
2. In a large sauce pan combine flour, salt, pepper, and melted butter. Stir.
3. Add milk slowly and continue to stir until sauce thickens.
4. Add shredded cheese to sauce and stir constantly until cheese has melted.

To Combine Macaroni and Sauce:

1. Place cooked, drained macaroni in casserole dish.
2. Pour cheese sauce over macaroni. Stir to combine.
3. Optional: Dot with butter.
4. Bake in 350 degree F oven for 30 minutes.
   

Shannon's Lotus Flower Bracelet

I finished Shannon's bracelet today. I was going to have Sean stop at Michael's Arts and Crafts for black crochet thread, but I guess I'll get it another day. Here's the finished product and close-ups.

Lotus Flower Bracelet by CreativeYarn

Close up with button.
I wanted a teal button, but this white one will do.

What I've Been Up To...

Okay, so finally I have a chance to take some pictures and upload them. The ones on my camera will have to wait until I get back to Boston. These are the pics from my webcam (actually Sean's).

White Cap with Purple Flower

Lotus Bracelet

Irish Rose Dishcloth

Picture of me with Sean. Haha. I'll make him take a picture!

Nice face, Sean.

Okay, so we're not on the same page yet. =)

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!

Oh Yes!!!

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope everyone got what they wished for today. My sister and I just finished watching Love Actually. I love that movie. <3 Tomorrow we're going to the mall so I can finally get a winter jacket. I also need to exchange the gift we got my mom because the glass was cracked. Eh. I can't wait to go to Connecticut on Saturday!!!

Okay, back to crocheting. I have a lot of projects to finish!

Christmas Eve!!!

Okay, so I woke up this morning and read for a hour or so. Then I started crocheting my mom's hat. I love the green color; it's called Olive. (Pictures to come.) Plans for the day: CVS to buy a last minute card, bake an apple pie, wash my dog, and clean up my room.

I've been to Michaels Arts and Craft on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Crazy. I bought probably $80 worth of yarn and accessories. I'm going to have to tally up all my stuff and organize it. Wait until you see a picture of my yarn stash. I'm going to have a fun time cataloging them online at Ravelry.

I went to Borders yesterday and bought a new book - Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker by Debbie Stoller. I'm a fan of her knitting and crochet books. I can't wait to try patterns out of it. I also bought a book about making potholders and dishclothes. It's called Kitchen Basics in Cotton by Carolyn Christmas. I'm making my boyfriend's grandparents - what else? - some potholders and dishclothes. I can't find most of the colors for the cotton yarn in stores so I'm going to have to order it online soon. No rush.

Okay, off to run my errands and get things done. =)

Home, Sweet Home!

Okay, the only thing not sweet at home is the fact that we have no internet service. My mom doesn't use the computer and Joy and I are never really home for long so to save money we canceled our internet service a few years ago. I've been surviving my withdrawal by going to the local library or by lugging my laptop to Panera, Starbucks, or where I can get free wi-fi.

Well, having no internet is actually a good thing. I managed to get more stuff completed. I'll working on the test reports for Randy. I have 1.5 more tests to finish up. Okay, I gotta go work on it now.

Plan of attack for the day:

Go to A.C. Moore, Toys 'R Us, Joann Fabrics and Crafts, Old Navy, Panera, Borders, Ulta's, and then Michaels Arts and Crafts.

I will still update via cellphone my Twitter account. If you scroll down and look on the right side of this blog there will be a section called "Twitter Updates". I'll be posting to it often throughout the week since it's faster to text then drive out to a wi-fi location to just get internet service to blog. =)

Going Home

I'm traveling home today in 3 minutes. So I'll make this quick. I catch the Amtrak from Back Bay at 8:45 AM and take it to Bridgeport, CT. Then I hop on the Port Jefferson Ferry and it takes me to Port Jeff, Long Island, NY. Then my mom or sister picks me up from there and drives 20 minutes to our house. The total trip takes about 4-5 hours depending on how long I have to wait in between the train and ferry. It's snowing out a bit, but I hope it doesn't impede my travel.


Happy Holidays! Stay warm and toasty!!

Pictures from Friday's

Yankee Swap at Friday's on December 18, 2008:

Deciding what to eat...
Matt and Randy

... the menu can be challenging when there's a lot of options.
Steve M.

Anthony (in the white) why do you look so down?

Clearly I wasn't sneaky.
David

John, Rick, and Karen

Joe Q.

View down the table, part 1.

View down the table, part 2.
Oh look, Dan's in a picture!!! (Green stripes)

Clearly the best gift of the night. Her boobs jiggle.
My supervisor, Ken

Checking out the gift.
Ricardo, Steve D., and Ken

Some funny faces with Matt and Randy.

Massive Snow Storm

Oh yea, there's a huge snow storm outside. I'll be back in my room in an hour or so and I'll be uploading new pictures. Stay tuned!

-----
December 20, 2008 1:30 AM

Getting a ride back with Steve. 93 South, North of Boston.
Zakim Bridge in the background.

All's quiet on Westland Avenue.

Still no one on Mass Ave. (I was dropping off my blockbuster movie.)

Bundled up and ready.

Huntington Avenue and Opera Place. (Outside of Speare Hall.)

The Nano Dog covered with snow.

Looking towards the Student Center.

Looking towards the Library from the Student Center.

Looking out onto Sweeney Field and nearby Huntington Avenue from my window.

New Blog

Hi everyone! I have a new blog that I started a few days ago. It's dedicated to talking about my co-ops, engineering, and work. My Books & Hooks blog used to be about everything, but now it's mostly about my favorite topics of interest. So take a peek and see what's been on my mind.

http://mysocalledengineeringlife.blogspot.com/

Thanks for viewing!

Not So Funny...

So today went by pretty quick. Of course it usually is when you have a lot of things to get done. Hopefully the snow stays away until later in the day tomorrow. I need to finish a test report, a very long one. I have a doctor's appointment in the morning so I won't be in until noon if the weather holds.

So after work we gathered at Friday's. Everything was going great and everyone was having a good time and lots of different conversations were happening at the same time. About an hour in we started the Yankee Swap. There were some cool gifts and some not so cool ones. My favorite was the one my boss picked out. It was a top half of a women with bouncy jelly like boobs. OMG. It was hilarious. It was suggested that we put it on the shake table. Haha. That will make Art and Cristian's day.

At the end of it all I got a $20 Au Bon Pain gift card. Hey, college kids never turn away free food. Lisa, one of my co-workers gave me her scratch cards that were part of her gift. The first one had nothing, the second one had $1, and the third one had $2. The last one looked the same as the other ones and the prize was $10,000. I proceeded to scratch the pyramids one by one and then in front of my eyes... $10,000. I was like... serious? No way... I was so happy that I shed some tears. Then someone suggested that I sign the back to claim it. So I turned it over and I started reading...

It was a fake. It had stuff on the back like "Write to [...] the NorthPole" and "Winners only get laughed at by their friends." Something along that line. Great. There are two things I hate doing and I did them tonight. 1. I cried in public and 2. I was made a fool. At one point during my happiness I yelled out that I was going to go to Europe with that money. Guess not. Oh well. My tears of happiness became tears of sadness and disappointment.

Money's always been an issue in my family. We always just had enought to make do. Since I was 9, my mom has raised us, Joy and me, single handedly and gave us everything, though she had nothing. When I was 16 I understood the debt my mom was living in and wanted to help. I've been working every summer and every school year since then. The only time I wasn't working was when I was in San Fran for two months this summer. Every other paycheck up until my second co-op went to my mom to help pay for the phone bill, the electricity, and other expenses. Even now I'll go home and give my mom $500. It's something to help her out for all that she's done for us. I love her and I can't say no if she's feeling pinched.

So when I saw that $10,000 I thought of what I can be doing with it. I would put half towards my trips and the other half will help pay off some of my schooling. To find out that it was fake was very disappointing. I'm not sure who put it in or why they bought it. Maybe they didn't know it was fake, maybe they thought it would be funny. The wrong person got to scratch that card and definitely didn't take it as a funny joke. I think the people around me felt awkward because here I was so happy and finding out it was fake totally killed my happy mood. Well next time I'll read the back before jumping up and down and making a cake out of myself.

Mr. Cactus and His Hat

Okay, so I'm a bit ridiculous. I finished Mr. Cactus today. Then I sat back and realized that transplanting a cactus to the Northeast was not a good idea... he'll get cold. So I crocheted him a little ear flap hat. OMG! It's sooo cute! Hope you guys like it!!! He's going to be sitting at Azure Dynamics. Us co-ops can't keep plants alive. =)

Mr. Cactus (Amigurumi World)

I just made the little hat pretty much out of nowhere (actually off the top of my head).

Okay, so I also made a little scarf...

... clearly having too much fun.