tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-282276752024-03-05T19:42:10.905-06:00It's a sweater!Eat. Sleep. Work. Knit. Not necessarily in that order.jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.comBlogger63125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-62147931828030834442009-02-05T17:43:00.004-06:002009-02-05T17:56:44.050-06:00Hand Knitted Goods Raffle for Charity!That's right. You know you've been eyeing my hand-knitted goods for a while now, and now is your chance to get your hands one (or in) them! This month I am raffling off two items:<br /><br />A Hand-knitted stripey scarf made of a sillk/wool blend:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3312/3224384688_fcabf2467c.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3312/3224384688_fcabf2467c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The scarf is about six feet long and encompasses pretty much every color in the spectrum.<br /><br /><br />And just in time for Valentine's Day, a beautiful set of Smittens, mittens you can hold hands with.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3461/3256135979_4e3a63287c.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 375px;" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3461/3256135979_4e3a63287c.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />The mittens can be worn with your sweetie, or you can wear the outside mittens on your own. They're made with 100% merino wool and are sooo soft and beautiful!<br /><br />Here's the rules. For each $10 you donate to <a href="http://www.summitforsomeone.org/main.php?page=4&climber=6047">my charity climb</a> (click on the link to donate), you will get your name entered once into the raffle. If you donate over $100, I will double the number of entries you get. The raffle will cover all donations made in the month of February and I will draw at the end of the month. Don't worry if you don't win, I will have a drawing each month up until the climb with new hand-knitted goods as prizes. Give early, give often, and come away with some knitting!jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-51692908374890427332008-07-19T12:06:00.002-05:002008-07-19T12:28:00.145-05:00YEEAAAHHHH BOYYYYEEEE!<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/robertloerzel/2682715832/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/2682715832_b5203bcbb8_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/robertloerzel/2682715832/">Public Enemy</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/robertloerzel/">Robert Loerzel</a></span></div>OMG. OMG. That's really all I can say. I can die a happy woman now. Last night I had the rare opportunity to see one of my all-time favorite groups perform -- a group I never thought I would ever get a chance to see. <br /><br />Public Enemy was in the house last night at the Pitchfork Festival in Chicago. Not only have they not played together in the States in years (YEARS!) but this was also the first, time they have played their iconic album (now celebrating its 20th anniversary) "It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back," in its entirety, track for track, exactly. (They apparently have been playing this album in Canada and elsewhere to celebrate the anniversary, but in most concerts it appears the tracks are done out of order). <br /><br />This was so rare an occurance that Chuck D tossed out a couple of pieces of trivia, such as the fact that the band hadn't played "Terminator X" since the famous DJ retired in 1998, and had never played, I think it was "Mind Terrorist" (or was it "Louder than a Bomb"?) in concert ever before this tour. <br /><br />Amazing. Unbelievable. Even though both of these guys are pushing 50 they were jumping around the stage and rocking out like 1988 was yesterday. Totally not lipsynched - they brought it and delivered what I believe was the best PE show I could have asked for, despite some of the Pitchfork sound issues (not PE's fault). <br /><br />Even though I was sad Terminator X wasn't present, DJ Lord did an amazing job on the turntables, and they had a great live drummer to back it up. Flavor Flav even rocked out a drum beat -- pretty good! <br /><br />They went way over their time limit, busting into a general PE concert after finishing the album. Totally worth my money, and it caught my breath to finally get a chance to see them after having listened to their music for the 21 years of their existence - buying all their tapes and wearing them out. <br /><br />By the way, I've got killer Flavor Flav moves that I've cultivated over the years. You can see them if you ask nicely. :)jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-3229607115776734462008-06-26T15:35:00.004-05:002008-06-26T15:44:21.618-05:00My attempt at an "Onion" headline:<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sskrplaw.com/blog/gun.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.sskrplaw.com/blog/gun.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" >Gun control supports express outrage at Supreme Court decision by shooting gun rights activists. </span><br /></div><br />Irony at its best, I think. The alternative:<br /><br />In midst of celebration of the Supreme Court's decision, gun rights activists shoot gun control supporters.jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-21127657988702263082008-06-03T17:34:00.003-05:002008-06-03T17:39:55.970-05:00First mistake.I'm usually really good at buying yarn on the internet. So when I began searching for yarn for Peter's seamless hybrid sweater, I wasn't worried. However, I should have known that the curse of the sweater would come back to haunt me. See I started another sweater for him years ago, four years ago to be exact. I didn't like the yarn -- it was brown Rowan Cashsoft DK. Not that the feel of the yarn was bad, it was just that as I was knitting it up it didn't appear to be a color that I thought Peter would wear. I thought the Cashsoft was just too unsweater-like -- too soft and silky. But I wanted brown, so this time around I went with Knit Picks "Wool of the Andes," again, in chocolate. When I got it in the mail, I loved it, and so I stupidly threw away the invoice. Now I'm knitting it up and I don't love it at all, I don't even like it. I've realized what I was missing all along with this sweater -- heather. The yarn needs to be less solid. I guess that's what I was getting at before but could never really identify. I've made one last internet purchase, this time from WEBS, with some closeout Berroco Ultra Alpaca. We'll see if this color satisfies my needs, otherwise I think I'm going to pause with the internet shopping and go back to the yarn store so that I can feel, smell, and see the wool first-hand. Until then, know anyone who needs a boat load of chocolate Knit Picks?jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-26782983319394639642008-05-30T16:57:00.002-05:002008-05-30T16:58:13.646-05:00Friday cuteness!<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/-jon-/215720296/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/97/215720296_b7333b399e_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/-jon-/215720296/">Her Royal Cuteness (Red Panda @ DC / US National Zoo)</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/-jon-/">Nikographer [Jon]</a></span></div>Collective *sigh*.<br /><br />On a side note, Peter and I went to see the <a href="http://www.kidsinthehall.com/">Kids in the Hall</a> last night. They're touring a live show right now across the U.S., though I don't know when it ends. However, if they are coming to somewhere near you, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT! It was so great. I'm not as big of a fan as Peter, though I like them, but it was so funny and so great. They're still relevant and they've still got it!jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-484662077088902412008-05-29T09:37:00.002-05:002008-05-29T09:38:23.230-05:00Synopsis to come...<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcovell/2532945128/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3089/2532945128_5e55916b25_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcovell/2532945128/">Dusk</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/jcovell/">Faux pas</a></span></div>...but in the mean time, you can view all our Seattle photos (minus Peter's broken toe, which he made me delete) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcovell/sets/72157605309213332/">here.</a> Enjoy!jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-18574181535135762142008-05-28T11:22:00.002-05:002008-05-28T11:27:27.945-05:00It finally IS a sweater!<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcovell/2510124704/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2244/2510124704_82273bdc52_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" ><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcovell/2510124704/">My first sweater</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/jcovell/">Faux pas</a></span></div>This post is a little over a week late, but here it is: I finally finished my first sweater! It's the Hourglass Sweater from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Last-Minute-Knitted-Gifts-Joelle-Hoverson/dp/1584793678">Last Minute Knitted Gifts</a>, knitted in a beautiful green <a href="http://www.yarnmarket.com/yarn/Noro_Yarn-Cash_Iroha_Yarn-567.html">Cash Iroha</a> -- totally worth what I paid for it on <a href="http://www.ebay.com">eBay</a>.<br /><br />I used the T-shirt hem method from the Nothing But a T-Shirt pattern, which is still available on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com">Ravelry</a>, but no longer on MagKnits. I knitted the small version, but I added a couple of inches to the body and the sleeves. I also added a few extra yoke decreases to make a narrower neckline.<br /><br />I'm so in love with this sweater that I took it with me to Seattle this past weekend, despite the fact that it's not blocked yet. It was so warm and springy, perfect for the sea breeze there. <br /><br />I'm so happy with this first sweater that sweaters no longer seem so daunting. Hence I've got two more on needles already. <a href="http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=103&d_id=1">This jacket</a> from Drops in what has to be my favorite yarn so far <a href="http://www.mirasolperu.com/sulkayarn.htm">Mirasol Sulka</a>, and a seamless hybrid sweater for Peter. I figured after six years together (anniversary next week) it's now safe to knit him a sweater :)jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-68595531634549360592008-05-22T16:32:00.001-05:002008-05-22T16:32:11.848-05:00We're going back!!!<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/manleyaudio/254977905/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/119/254977905_c687050060_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/manleyaudio/254977905/">Kerry Park 5 TTHDR</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/manleyaudio/">manleyaudio</a></span></div>Peter and I leave this evening for a fun-filled weekend in Seattle, including two nights of backpacking in Olympic National Park! I can't wait to introduce him to my new favorite city (sorry San Fran :)). Wish me luck in trying to convince him that the west coast is where we need to be!<br clear="all" />jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-63571188159929526882008-05-15T13:15:00.001-05:002008-05-15T13:16:48.244-05:00Sorry, but I just can't get enough...... of sad panda. Awwwww.....<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://forum.modblog.de/images/pandas75za.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://forum.modblog.de/images/pandas75za.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-45094663539615179662008-05-12T09:10:00.002-05:002008-05-12T09:14:35.019-05:0030 years ago today.You know, I really thought that 30 wouldn't phase me. I've been calling myself 30 for months now, even years - just rounding up when it was too taxing to try to remember my actual age. But then it comes and it says, "Here, have a few gray hairs and a slowing metabolism to go along with your adolescent acne that you'll never be free of," and it starts to bum you out a little. Not to mention the feelings of inadequacy because you're not exactly where you thought or hoped you'd be at 30. <br /><br />Peter has been great though. He bought me some beautiful flowers (photo to come when I get it uploaded), chocolate and some great wine. We played games last night and he's cooking crab for me this evening. Plus he's put up with my weekend depression. A girl couldn't ask for more :)jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-39608379628276525332008-05-09T15:09:00.001-05:002008-05-09T15:09:02.896-05:00Your Friday cuteness.<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/floridapfe/2478107696/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2042/2478107696_4228b6d0fd_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/floridapfe/2478107696/">Baby marmoset </a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/floridapfe/">floridapfe</a></span></div>Who knew they'd be so small when young, and yet still have so much fur?<br clear="all" />jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-79192601716242176262008-05-06T07:05:00.002-05:002008-05-06T07:11:44.375-05:00The just-over-one-year mark<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcovell/2468678211/" title="photo sharing"><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="on" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);"><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif" alt="Link" border="0" /></span></span></a><br /></div> <span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcovell/2468678211/">New hair</a><br />Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/jcovell/">Faux pas</a> </span></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jcovell/2468678211/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2268/2468678211_27dd099402_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><br />Well, it's been just a little more than a year since I cut off more than a foot of my hair and donated it to <a href="http://www.locksoflove.org/">Locks of Love</a>. It has been such a life-changing experience having short hair. You<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2368/2164794182_46f038f27f_b.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2368/2164794182_46f038f27f_b.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a> would never believe how differently I'm treated with short hair, for better and sometimes for worse. It makes me want to write an article about it, maybe for Venus? That can come a little later. Right now I just want to vent at how long it's taking my hair to grow back. Here's a picture from a year ago.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Wow that was an ugly haircut. But anyway,d o you see the difference? A little? Besides the fact that I am apparently wearing the same shirt? That's the problem. There's little difference between the two. My hair grows so slow, despite the fact that I'm taking prenatal vitamins. Hopefully next year at this time it will at least be close to my shoulders. Halfway down my neck would be fine. I just need it to get long enough to tuck behind my ears, maybe put into some kind of ponytail... Grow, grow, grow.jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-15783035481561892142008-05-05T11:39:00.003-05:002008-05-05T11:57:01.979-05:00I-go Crazy!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.northwestern.edu/shared/cms/images/newscenter/2006/05/igo.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://www.northwestern.edu/shared/cms/images/newscenter/2006/05/igo.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>So recently Peter and I joined the <a href="http://www.igocars.org/">I-Go Car Sharing</a> program. For $15 a month we get three free hours and each additional hour is approximately $8.50. This includes gas and insurance! There are three cars just down the street from us, and we've taken out the Prius the last two times. It is so nice, as we've been able to do our grocery shopping at several places at once, including my favorite, <a href="http://www.traderjoes.com/">Trader Joe's</a>. This is a big deal since it has been a year since our closest grocery store and the fruit market both closed, and we've been trucking it a half mile to the Jewel in the snow, sleet, rain... you get the idea. Plus we've been able to do other things, like finally go to the tailor and get all my pants and Peter's shirts done. Peter's going to take one of these cars to my concert next week, and we may even make an <a href="http://www.ikea.com/">Ikea</a> run soon.<br /><br />The down side is this: I get super cranky when we're running errands with the I-Go car. Why? Well, you book it for a certain timeframe ahead of time, and so you are limited to the time you reserved. This becomes problematic when traffic is bad, or, in my case, when you have no idea how long a given errand is going to take. As a result, Peter and I have become super-shoppers, running like bats out of hell around the various grocery stores trying to fit in as much as possible in our alloted time. We've actually made a Trader Joe's run from the apartment and back in less than 20 minutes. Including shopping time. We're most efficient when we go to <a href="http://chicagoist.com/2005/05/24/stanleys_fruit_vegetables.php">Stanley's</a>, this amazing fruit market that sells super cheap produce. How cheap, you ask? Well, I recently got a case, that's right an entire CASE of strawberries for the low, low price of $.98. Anyway, on Saturday we were at Stanley's doing our crazy go-go-go shopping when the Top Gun theme song "Highway to the Danger Zone" came on the loud speakers. It was fitting, and I used it to keep me motivated as I counted out the number of lemons we needed for homemade lemonade from our most recent <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/everyday">Everyday Food</a> magazine (the best recipe magazine ever). By the way, that recipe right there? Great with some pureed strawberries :)jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-38663541273962174302008-04-25T11:42:00.005-05:002008-12-10T22:30:26.088-06:00Long time...Wow. Sorry about not blogging for so long. I'll try to provide a quick summary of the last three months.<br /><br />I took and passed the Illinois Bar Exam, thankfully. I ate a lot of marzipan while studying.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mL-6v_0e2fK-nwxDBlmf2OchEjZK1cgbJ40gbdGwQCYhb8tBaTDPeViIDZZsGGtAIxBgqxWC3YJ9GTEI-bJdSp9gHsGpdHHZwVA9YSTpIOYyLRevU4KuexVYr6I-qWWN5ix_kQ/s1600-h/IMG_1617.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6mL-6v_0e2fK-nwxDBlmf2OchEjZK1cgbJ40gbdGwQCYhb8tBaTDPeViIDZZsGGtAIxBgqxWC3YJ9GTEI-bJdSp9gHsGpdHHZwVA9YSTpIOYyLRevU4KuexVYr6I-qWWN5ix_kQ/s200/IMG_1617.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193227302882596994" border="0" /></a> I awarded myself a new pair of shoes, and Peter some new socks, after suffering through that. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-glOx6IZlGwn0Mlz3kAqwhFRbUiyz9dEEY8BgMssUWFrjF2cIQXfZgvKhfV-2mzQMvYDEot8RerlXyOsYG8srozTAx6BsxLta_o9-m36kyIOEaNYFXJKfO-jG8FJtZmUgYR7gQ/s1600-h/IMG_1632.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-glOx6IZlGwn0Mlz3kAqwhFRbUiyz9dEEY8BgMssUWFrjF2cIQXfZgvKhfV-2mzQMvYDEot8RerlXyOsYG8srozTAx6BsxLta_o9-m36kyIOEaNYFXJKfO-jG8FJtZmUgYR7gQ/s200/IMG_1632.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193227328652400818" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQeGc2X0G96n7GlzQov1qK0-U1m4WZB0YCvqaF-ZlD4AtPvyyWvWDA5D-6dGcqvejqA_OWUk550OUAlBd-XJctfQCBtb8PTqVHrxiWrISQjrcQv3N2zUhIH_xImZno_uT09UbHA/s1600-h/IMG_1620.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQeGc2X0G96n7GlzQov1qK0-U1m4WZB0YCvqaF-ZlD4AtPvyyWvWDA5D-6dGcqvejqA_OWUk550OUAlBd-XJctfQCBtb8PTqVHrxiWrISQjrcQv3N2zUhIH_xImZno_uT09UbHA/s200/IMG_1620.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193227311472531602" border="0" /></a>Peter and I went to see a taping of Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!, the NPR news quiz, for Valentine's Day. I got to have my picture taken with Karl Castle, which is almost as good as getting his voice on my home answering machine.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJ8PYI6acbNWbCc2sZ7QnwLOaOa8Ya0bmG8NmjrhW6ARDEAste0Y9dJXxEDov4v5KALgGlkyxfTDt5EimWBkCDhmhdWaqERbjENGXadIcwW2i3ovLfER0H55vxtNy3uL0JSKVOg/s1600-h/IMG_1614.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimJ8PYI6acbNWbCc2sZ7QnwLOaOa8Ya0bmG8NmjrhW6ARDEAste0Y9dJXxEDov4v5KALgGlkyxfTDt5EimWBkCDhmhdWaqERbjENGXadIcwW2i3ovLfER0H55vxtNy3uL0JSKVOg/s200/IMG_1614.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193227294292662386" border="0" /></a>The girls and I flew to Miami to visit our friend Tiffany. It was wonderful and warm. I love being there with her.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWGKGYeX9FNgzHq4C7g2gy5S3jygyDJr5zcwJL_YspDSlF2Ii8MSW_aeW91BzFBciQQO0SnMEqD1dy7SFjlm_iC7ESFR0hyphenhyphenRuYflteodmVifctcRwy9gOtlCzwKe3He6JWKdQEw/s1600-h/IMG_1631.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWGKGYeX9FNgzHq4C7g2gy5S3jygyDJr5zcwJL_YspDSlF2Ii8MSW_aeW91BzFBciQQO0SnMEqD1dy7SFjlm_iC7ESFR0hyphenhyphenRuYflteodmVifctcRwy9gOtlCzwKe3He6JWKdQEw/s200/IMG_1631.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193227320062466210" border="0" /></a>We also had Chris's baby shower. She's becoming a house!<br /><br />I've been working hard trying to work out. Peter and I ran the Shamrock Shuffle at the end of March, an 8K. I realized I hate running. I still hate it, but it's definitely the hardest exercise for me, and so I get the most out of it.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynkLXEi84DP8A8YD-jTv5Ta7qcExE-OXXa1AbfDshiu7V-6QbQ6JuCsEfBAhl_aksIVVjvtIuwwBsy59ypLd9d8wAB9PrxHXPFF6gTBySExJSQTCvX8TDAsg3T5C-DCKWGMzghg/s1600-h/IMG_1638.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynkLXEi84DP8A8YD-jTv5Ta7qcExE-OXXa1AbfDshiu7V-6QbQ6JuCsEfBAhl_aksIVVjvtIuwwBsy59ypLd9d8wAB9PrxHXPFF6gTBySExJSQTCvX8TDAsg3T5C-DCKWGMzghg/s200/IMG_1638.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193228462523766978" border="0" /></a> It was super cold and we got there too early, but it was okay, overall. I've since run a few times by the lake, which has been much nicer since the weather has finally turned.<br /><br />We survived our first earthquake. I woke up when it happened thinking that we were having a tornado, but when I looked outside I noticed no wind. Peter and I decided it must be an earthquake. It lasted perhaps 20 seconds and shook the bed and moved the kitchen table out of place, but obviously no damage. It was actually pretty fun.<br /><br />I'm also knitting more. I've started a Raverly account to keep track of my knitting and to keep me motivated. I'm doing a hat and booties set for Chris's baby. I frogged my sweater and reknitted it, and I'm back to where I was, getting ready to start the first sleeve. I've also tried to keep going on Peter's scarf, but it's slow progress.<br /><br />Other than that, the cats are fine, the weather is warmer, and I'm almost 30 years old. I found my first gray hairs the other day, and I think my metabolism has taken a quick turn for the worse, but other than that I'm as healthy as a horse, so I can't complain. Well I can, but I won't.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQLRcoW-HctRERfOACrfbRcGsPSVKwASsD_mhHMQsPkmNO_OC6jQHQvZX9s-UP01CrWHUCIGKP3MbzzNwkpxHZ6_nZOnU68sQ-8wpdbxFmS0Cw5njUF1K6kGJvJ_gWxtE9-GcZg/s1600-h/IMG_1637.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQLRcoW-HctRERfOACrfbRcGsPSVKwASsD_mhHMQsPkmNO_OC6jQHQvZX9s-UP01CrWHUCIGKP3MbzzNwkpxHZ6_nZOnU68sQ-8wpdbxFmS0Cw5njUF1K6kGJvJ_gWxtE9-GcZg/s200/IMG_1637.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5193231056684013778" border="0" /></a>jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-46258418650241804992008-02-08T08:54:00.001-06:002008-02-08T08:54:14.389-06:00Friday Cuteness<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilcrabbygal/453693564/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/188/453693564_8ae6663801_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lilcrabbygal/453693564/">Cute Tiger Moth Caterpillar</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/lilcrabbygal/">Vanessa Pike-Russell</a> </span></div>Most people would not associate caterpillars (glorified worms) with cuteness. But this one - this one is cute. Enjoy!<br clear="all" />jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-73095074848420380272008-02-06T07:56:00.000-06:002008-12-10T22:30:26.954-06:00Mt. Washington - 1, The North Conway 13 -0Well, we didn't make it to the top, but I feel like it was a success in that we actually made it to New Hampshire, after being stuck in the Chicago Airport for 8 hours due to snow, and then more ice and snow once we got to Manchester. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRT9DwxAChOpMGEgRQ07FXX0nJmCj4sxq5xsBtBayPUPIgpi3EyzLdIF06q30AiEKnKGG1_HKooYxcOmTLcjK_TBH-Q97nP0tOkKO-KD1pwsk6TaVw3mj061tMb6euG43daGfRDw/s1600-h/IMG_1566.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRT9DwxAChOpMGEgRQ07FXX0nJmCj4sxq5xsBtBayPUPIgpi3EyzLdIF06q30AiEKnKGG1_HKooYxcOmTLcjK_TBH-Q97nP0tOkKO-KD1pwsk6TaVw3mj061tMb6euG43daGfRDw/s320/IMG_1566.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163866403310642114" border="0" /></a><br />We started the climb at about 9 a.m., with lots of wind and snow. There were thirteen of us climbing - most knew only one other person there, so we were all getting to know each other, and everyone was super nice and friendly and helpful. Things were pretty calm below the tree line, though the route was very snowed under, which made for slow going (1-2 feet of snow with every step). Avalanche danger was high, but not for the route we were travelling. Once we got to the Lion's Head Trail, things got tricky. It's very steep in parts and requires some thinking. We were forced to front-point with the crampons and actually use our ice axes to ascend some icy steep rocky parts. I was more worried about how we'd get back down. Once above of the treeline things got considerably harder. The wind was sustained at between 70 and 80, with gusts above 100 mph. It was hard enough walking in 1-2 foot of snow with every step, but then add being pushed into drifts up to your hips and being knocked back 2 steps for every one, and it adds up to taking forever to even make it to the rock outcrop, the Lion's Head. Once there a couple of guys went on reconniasance to check out above, but were quickly knocked back. The winds on Saturday topped out at 118 mph. There was lots of blowing snow and ice chunks. It was crazy. Below are just a few pics, and a video (sorry it's sideways). I'll put up some more pics once other people start exchanging them. Sue took some great ones.<br /> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1yPXVI_tWctQ2JglEwNL3B4ICQYjM5E1zFfjnzFnNR-IugjvsGBlx7uh9jE406I5RaVzYglxv4cLgPX7vdoqVkHJoTvcHQoafZKtOHvmPGXR7hTIQ25uxBESKaR2r37YkL0BaA/s1600-h/IMG_1568.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF1yPXVI_tWctQ2JglEwNL3B4ICQYjM5E1zFfjnzFnNR-IugjvsGBlx7uh9jE406I5RaVzYglxv4cLgPX7vdoqVkHJoTvcHQoafZKtOHvmPGXR7hTIQ25uxBESKaR2r37YkL0BaA/s320/IMG_1568.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163867949498868690" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPueKjwKP4QdCGbFbx_MtXw0i4NhtBLeX4SFfJ6rpQfiyT_pkjYlDBR47ZDzs6mIhaQB2C_sBAEfyJWMAYEXF0jF61RYOjzJ909L9L_Gz6rjk5pxtsrdMrXXSwATqMI7e4HAbHkw/s1600-h/IMG_1571.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPueKjwKP4QdCGbFbx_MtXw0i4NhtBLeX4SFfJ6rpQfiyT_pkjYlDBR47ZDzs6mIhaQB2C_sBAEfyJWMAYEXF0jF61RYOjzJ909L9L_Gz6rjk5pxtsrdMrXXSwATqMI7e4HAbHkw/s320/IMG_1571.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163998731253031938" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZe7sU_ZMQrLQngigwqZh4x9hHYkDD6gacCP4lMGxoXuFR5xEqobHw-oBn5n5U5PbFvsnXy6PTnQOOqVTxj5_DflnXTUsHXkBvA8D2V-seuhRyUcODLIm30FtT4Bgf5XIjzLW0Eg/s1600-h/IMG_1575.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZe7sU_ZMQrLQngigwqZh4x9hHYkDD6gacCP4lMGxoXuFR5xEqobHw-oBn5n5U5PbFvsnXy6PTnQOOqVTxj5_DflnXTUsHXkBvA8D2V-seuhRyUcODLIm30FtT4Bgf5XIjzLW0Eg/s320/IMG_1575.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163998984656102418" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwwiNjnlNq9J7TFCoV3dO7NIsLoBbW0GPyvruI-gIKLbgXTMPFbQ8kLj0BV-fX5mZYCNRtTrErM6og' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-2004869890633130122008-01-29T09:22:00.001-06:002008-01-29T09:24:56.724-06:00Four Days!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.mountwashington.org/photos/journal/2007/12/2088-450.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px;" src="http://www.mountwashington.org/photos/journal/2007/12/2088-450.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />Only four days left before I head up this beast with my friends Sue and Nancy. I've got all my gear packed, and my pack is superlight. Considering most of what is packed is going on my body, I think this climb won't be too bad :) The weather has warmed up quite a bit. What were lower than -50 windchills seem to have subsided. Today it's 32 degrees up there, which has to be an abnormality. The forecast so far for Saturday is snow/wind with a high of 18 and a low of 2. I can do that. Wish us luck!jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-23450373545873677772008-01-24T15:53:00.000-06:002008-01-24T15:59:11.930-06:00Famous Cheerleaders in History!So I generally catch a lot of flack when people find out that I was a cheerleader in high school. Cheerleaders definitely get a bad rap, and while some of it is warranted, most of it is not. My high school cheerleading experience was great for may reasons, not the least of which was that we were the only team in the school to consistently go to, and win at, state finals. So, for all of you still scoffing at my former self, I present to you (insert "Pigs in Space" voice here):<br /><br /><a href="http://www.wmur.com/slideshow/entertainment/13010870/detail.html">FAMOUS CHEERLEADERS IN HIIISTORYYYYY!!!! </a><br /><br />Some you may have been able to call, others, not so much, and while I hesitate to classify myself in any category that also holds President Bush, sometimes you've just got to suck it up.jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com333tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-74541953733385658572008-01-08T12:35:00.001-06:002008-01-08T12:35:52.567-06:00If you still think global warming is a myth...<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicksuydam/2177522356/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2402/2177522356_4c8249c14c_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicksuydam/2177522356/">2nd Tallest Lightning Rod in the World</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/nicksuydam/">Nick Suydam</a> </span></div>Trying being in Chicago in January. Last Wednesday it was 6, count them, 6 degrees outside. By Monday it was 64. With thunderstorms.... and tornados. Did I mention it's January in Chicago? WTF? We're supposed to be getting violent snow storms, not thunderstorms. Even the buds on the neighbor's trees have come out too soon. When will we realize this is our fault and it is up to us to reverse this? We can't just leave this to our children because 1) that would be selfish, and 2) the changes are happening so fast that we'll still be alive when the worst goes down. Doesn't anyone realize this?<br clear="all" />jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-77270395237859045222008-01-04T11:19:00.001-06:002008-01-04T11:19:33.234-06:00Sweater done and on!<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnstom77/2139035537/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2183/2139035537_30dd32c949_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/johnstom77/2139035537/">Mommy and Me</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/johnstom77/">johnstom77</a> </span></div>Here's Elliott in the sweater that I knitted him for Christmas (my first completed sweater ever).jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-79386824925341985762008-01-04T11:15:00.001-06:002008-01-04T11:15:51.855-06:00Your Friday Cuteness!<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8088314@N08/860771860/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1106/860771860_8e39a863fe_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8088314@N08/860771860/">deep thoughts</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/8088314@N08/">A Pandographer (Cassie)</a> </span></div><br clear="all" />jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-13447615853034512042008-01-04T10:50:00.001-06:002008-01-04T10:57:48.517-06:00New Haircut!Well, it's that time again. Time to do something with this amorphous mop on my head in an attempt to continue the growing-out-but-not-too-awkward phase of my hair. Here's what I'm going for.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://hairstyles.free-beauty-tips.glam.com/images/short5.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px;" src="http://hairstyles.free-beauty-tips.glam.com/images/short5.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br />The problem with my hair right now is that the top is still too short to do much with it. I need to cut the mullet off the back of my head while I wait for the top to grow out. So I've decided to suck it up and cut the back short again in the mean time.<br /><br />This is certainly taking a lot longer than I had expected when I first decided to do this. It's almost been a year since I donated my hair!jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-67048412265085258932008-01-03T15:03:00.001-06:002008-01-03T15:04:14.154-06:00Best. Concert. Ever.<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/soo/2162680181/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2199/2162680181_85d1ff3ec6_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/soo/2162680181/"></a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/soo/">Sue P</a> </span></div>My friend John introduced me to Jon Brion, and I have to say, I'm hooked. Peter and I went to see him at the Harris Theatre on NYE, and despite the rowdy crowd (it was an open bar) the show rocked! Jon Brion is like Andrew Bird on crack - he goes from drums, to piano, to guitar, and records all the parts, looping them and then playing and singing on top. He also takes requests. Lots of requests. Obscure requests. And he enjoys audience participation, like the entire theatre singing Bohemian Rhapsody. <br /><br />We liked the show so much we immediately went home and bought tickets for a second impromptu show at Martyr's for last night. He was even better in the more intimate setting, though some of the crowd (loud guy right next to me you know who you are) was still annoying. We had to leave after what was supposed to be the show (1 1/2 hours of straight playing - solo), which was unfortunate, as he played for another 2 1/2 hours I heard, and played some really amazing stuff, including an entire John Lennon tribute medley. He's also a musician's musician, calling random audience members on stage to fill in positions at the drums or bass or even vocals. And most of them are certainly up to the task, which is surprising (I exclude Nirvana dude - you suck). Anyway, if you're ever in Los Angeles and you notice he's playing a (becoming rarer) show at the Largo, you MUST go see it. Or check him out the next time he's in Chicago, which seems to be the only other place he plays outside of L.A. Lucky us!jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-46274419581081136692007-12-21T14:51:00.001-06:002007-12-21T14:53:18.212-06:00Bacon, Cuteness, and NEW JOB!<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/leahballia/1487029019/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1203/1487029019_83eca8fec6_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: 2px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" /></a><br /><span style="margin-top: 0px;font-size:0;" > <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/leahballia/1487029019/">sad puppy</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/leahballia/">leahballia</a> </span></div>Friday cuteness abounds in <a href="http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=sad+puppies&s=int">sad puppies</a>!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.boingboing.net/2007/12/21/web-zen-bacon-zen.html">This </a>is hilarious. You must read it. Especially if you, like I, love bacon.<br /><br />...and I GOT A NEW JOB for when my clerkship is over in September (fine print - I have to pass the quite-extensive FBI background check, but that shouldn't be a problem).<br /><br />I will be working for the Department of Justice in Washington D.C.! I'll be in the Antitrust division as a criminal prosecutor. I'm really excited. Send me good wishes!jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28227675.post-58430241060048966042007-12-14T15:27:00.001-06:002007-12-14T15:27:50.632-06:00Friday Cuteness<div style="float: right; margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/massimiliano_peana/2109748405/" title="photo sharing"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2150/2109748405_f2349f55f4_m.jpg" alt="" style="border: solid 2px #000000;" /></a> <br /> <span style="font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0px;"> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/massimiliano_peana/2109748405/">Super Ray</a> <br /> Originally uploaded by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/massimiliano_peana/">*MSM*</a> </span></div>This, my friends, is Super Ray. Found on Flickr's "Explore." <br /><br />BTW, I have exciting news... but you'll all have to wait until Monday to find out what it is... I'll post pictures of my knitting then, too.<br clear="all" />jessicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04596302511472621614noreply@blogger.com0