Monthly Archives for October 2008

Campus Photos

When I left UF, I thought about taking photos of campus but never bothered to do so. I’ve always regretted that and didn’t want to make the same mistake as I leave CSULB. Friday afternoon I had my last AESB meeting and decided to use the morning to take a bunch of photos around campus. Unfortunately I managed to break Matt’s zoom lens as the camera fell off the tripod. Thankfully it’s a cheap lens and one he doesn’t use much. Of course this left me with just the 50 mm fixed to use to take campus shots. I think I got a couple good ones.

First, though, the busted lense. I had a feeling it’s supposed to remain in one piece forever..

oops

We’ll start with a photo of our “bell tower” – quotes because the bells come from speakers, not real bells

CSULB

Two views of the stairs from lower (North) campus to upper (South) campus – All of my classes are on lower campus but food is on upper campus so I spend lots of time going up and down

CSULB

CSULB

Our rather unshiny Tau Beta Pi symbol – the candidate list just came out so it’ll be a few weeks before the newbies get around to shinning it

CSULB

And, to complete our mini tour, lots of shots of the three main engineering buildings (ESC, VEC, and EN2)

CSULB

CSULB

CSULB

CSULB

CSULB

Announcement

Now that we’ve gotten the chance to tell anyone who doesn’t read my blog, it’s about time I inform those who do. In just a few weeks, we’ll be moving to the Washington DC metro area. Matt accepted a job there to begin just before Thanksgiving. We’re really looking forward to being close to family again. As much as I love to think I’m a West Cost girl, I feel much more at home on the East Coast. Sure, my politics fit in here more but the focus on status was starting to get to me. I also have real reasons now to be a knitter. Matt’s already taking bets as to when I start complaining about the cold.

I won’t be finishing the semester so it’s the life of a housewife for me until late January when classes resume. Then I’ll be starting at either the University of Maryland or George Mason in Virginia. Most of my time between now and the move will be spent doing one of two things: a) preparing for SWE National Conference or b) prepping for the move.

And on that bombshell….I’ve got nothin’.

On the Chopping Block

No, not me, my knitting. Decided it’s time I frogged my progress on the February Lady Sweater. From the beginning, I’ve done lots of little things incorrectly. I didn’t do the eyelets evenly, the sleeves are too wide, the lace is all screwy, and I’m certain that I didn’t do enough raglan increases. Don’t get me wrong, the pattern is clearly written and produces a lovely sweater. I’m pretty sure I’ll restart sometime in late November, when it’s starting to get really, truly cold. But, for now, back into balls it goes.

Before Frogging

Update – Great Dishcloth Project

While I haven’t made any progress in the last three or so days (been working on a scarf for Matt), I have a pretty impressive collection so far: two full-sized, three mid-sized, and three mini sized. The plan is to sew small bags to give them away in but that greatly relies on a sudden acquisition of sewing skills. They may simply be tied up with coordinating ribbon. We’ll see. I’ve still got a few weeks.

Great Dishcloth Project - Progress

Great Dishcloth Project

I’m sort of between knitting projects right now. Sure, I’ve got a scarf and socks for Matt, a baby blanket, and a sweater for me on the needles but none of those projects really excite me. Actually, the sweater is exciting but it’s too darn hot (upper 90s) here right now to knit anything requiring a ton of acrylic on my lap for hours on end. I need something fast, something quick, something mindless. Dishcloths!

Last weekend I was in Scottsdale, Arizona for a SWE region meeting. At a special celebration Saturday night, I got to talk with one of the professionals about knitting. Her mother (or was it sister?) routinely knits dishcloths as hostess gifts. Before I knew it, I volunteered to make her several in time for the National Conference (1st weekend in November). So the Great Dishcloth Project began. My goal is 10 full-sized and 10 small/mini sized cloths by Nationals.

Here’s what I’ve got done so far:

1. Mini Garterlac – Actually made this before the whole project began but it still counts. Made with leftovers. I think it’s the perfect size to actually use as a scrubbie.

092/365 Tiny dishcloth

2. Lizard Ridge (Ravelry Link only, sorry) – Yes, pattern is by the same woman who did the Lizard Ridge blanket on Knitty. Making this dishcloth really made me want to make the blanket. I’m thinking black and bright blue. If I ever make it, it’ll be for my brother as those are his frat colors.

SWE Dishcloth #1

3. Tribble – Somehow mine turned out with a hole in the middle. Oops. Still cute, though, and has the benefit of being named after a Star Trek “character.”

094/365 Tribble

On the needles now:

Ballband Dishcloth – About 60% complete, started last night in a caffeinated fit of lucidity

SWE Dishcloth #2

Coming up next:

- Four tiny ballband dishcloths

- Ballband dishcloth with opposite colors of my first full-sized one

- Any ideas? I’ve got four more balls of the bright Peaches & Cream I used in all of the above but I’m also willing to run to the store for other colors. Cotton yarn is super cheap and, hey, they’re for gifts.

(Oh, my whole learning Continenetal thing is on hold. It was killing my right hand. Pain’s a good enough reason for me to stop trying for now.)