anne is an artist

Toledo was pretty hilarious. But now I am back in Milwaukee, greeting my new students. Lots of terrified faces, but soon they'll be so busy they won't even recognize it.

I got some really nice yarn in Chicago. I'm making my mom some nice socks. After I finish all of my other projects. SHEESH.

Shrinky dinks were successful! At least for my first try. Mark and I both drew some Day of the Dead skulls. I made mine into magnets! He also made me some "Te Amo" Charms and then got me a Claddaugh Ring at Irish Fest. What a Romeo!

So the summer is coming to an end fast and furious. I need some more vacation time, more relax time, more time to work on stuff I actually want to do. I'm sure many feel like this, but I am really getting overwhelmed by the feeling that I should have done something this year. I'm not sure what.

Good news: New Orleans again in January!

Six Flags Tomorrow. Toledo, OH Thurs-Sun. See you, Milwaukee!

So we started on Thursday with Germanfest. Nice shops, lots of beer!

Friday was Gallery Night, but we skipped the Third Ward chaos and stuck of all of the MIGA galleries, which was a wonderful choice. Stops along the way included the White Whale, Borg Ward, Paperboat, Fasten and Amoury. Mark told me to plan the night, so I got to pick all of the galleries. The guys were tentative to visit a bunch of crafty places, but I am pleased to announce that it was the most fun part of the night. And I got a sweet vintage tunic! But then I lost my debit card.

Saturday, we went to a work BBQ and played MORE volleyball. Then we went to Tracks and played even MORE volleyball. I've played so much volleyball in the past week then I have in my entire life. I can safely say that I am starting to get the hang of actually aiming the ball. And serving it so that it makes it over the net. Two very important aspects to volleyball, apparently.

Clean laundry, uploading photographs and going to BBQ's.

I've had a great weekend so far. Photos to come..

So I've been pretty MIA. I've enjoyed it. I've gotten some knitting done, cleaning, and some vacationing. Highlights include:

• Finishing a glove
• Learning Fair Isle knitting
• Getting a rad sunburn
• Finishing my garters
• Learning Spanish (No hablo muy bien todavia...)
• Starting French
• Playing Mud Volley Ball
• Making a huge life-changing decision that I'm not quite ready to share.

Pictures can be found here

I just can't get used to hummus.

I know that it is a vegetarian staple, and the hip kids spread of choice, but man. I just can't get used to eating it. This is my resignation.

His name is Jeffrey.

Actually it is the nephew's snake that Mark is babysitting for the summer. Still doesn't mean that I haven't taken him out of his cage several times, and renamed him.

In all seriousness---I would like some geckos. Two geckos, specifically. I would name them Jeffrey and Scott. Regardless of gender.

When I first learned to knit, I was really good at knitting squares and keeping even gauge. So instead of learning how to knit consistent squares, I jumped right into sweaters and socks. Ugly sweaters and socks at that. As much yarn as I probably wasted, I am now at that point where I am confident to follow any pattern and follow it well. I've started back with small basics and they are knitting up great (and a lot faster than I've ever been!) It is as if it has finally clicked into the idea of making practical, wearable items - rather than learning the ropes and practicing techniques on baggy ugly sweaters. Yay!

On a fairly serious matter, I have narrowed down some serious grad school choices. My goal is to enroll in Fall 2010. I will surprise you with a list later, as I'm not sure I want it to be that "real" yet. That gives me a good couple years to start on a portfolio and earn some sweet monies/scholarships.

Hint: I'm thinking east. "East" as in so-far-east-it's-on-another-continent east. Maybe. Maybe just a little east. But so far I haven't gone west.

I got my stimulus check in the mail yesterday. I'm kind of bummed that it is only $300. I'm not sure why it is only $300. But then, can you really be all that bummed with free money?

Nope.

WOO HOO! Disneyland, here I come.

Get leashes, take cats to Jazz in the Park, photograph progress.