getting crafty

I am one of those people who go through phases of wishing I was a bit more crafty. I am never going to be a full DIYer, but I occasionally do feel the urge to learn a new skill to keep my inner math geek from feeling too far away from artsy endeavors. Tapping my inner grandmother/hipster, I signed myself up for an introduction to crochet class. I knew I’d be heading to a studio for two Sunday morning sessions, but I really wasn’t sure what to expect, or if I was going to drive my instructor bonkers.

Before going to class, I had grand ideas that this would be how I’d start my bohemian crafts, or really do something other than Candy Crush while watching television. Major goal would be to be able to make Norbs a blanket or something to that effect.

Week one was pretty good, and the class was tiny – only three of us learning to become crochet masters. One of the other girls had clearly been studying up before hand, and I just kept getting mine all twisted, the other was equally as frustrated as I was.  I will say the instructor was lovely and patient and kind (all things anyone should be for teaching adults new skills).  I learned I don’t like to point my index finger and leave it waving in the wind, like you are supposed to for a good crochet.  I was left with homework to practice during the week.

For week two, I missed my train and was 15 minutes late – which made me feel more guilty then I already was, because that homework didn’t happen. The week was busy with different things, and I when I got home each night the last thing I was up for was suffering with my crochet hook. Anyway, I was honest because being a slacker is already pretty bad, but lying on top of it is way worse.  Luckily though, all was forgiven and I got some good attention and started to master some of the stitches in during the rest of class. I realized that the hardest part of any project was going to be the starting two rows and after that as long as I paid attention I would be able to get my craft on.

Upon graduating from my beginners class, I bought a book for reference and some beautiful sage green yarn, and started what’s turning out to be a fairly decent looking first scarf. I really want to make some blankets as I think that would be an amazing thing have, that would actually get used. I also promised my family wash clothes for Easter. I’ve also started toying with the idea of taking the second class in the series – after a few weeks of really getting comfortable with things I’ve already learned.

Have you ever tried a new hobby? What’s a favorite new skill you’ve learned?

40 days?

I am a completely lapsed Catholic – I attend mass only on high holidays with my mother if I am home. For some reason though, I feel the urge every Lenten season to figure out something or somethings to try to absolve from. I think I view this as another chance to take on a resolution from the new year, or something to that affect. Anyway I’ve contemplated a few ideas:

Alcohol:  I actually really want to do this, it’s one of my 15 before 2015, but this is not the year. I have a weekend girls trip to Florida – and I already want a drink while I am in the pool. I also have a coworker from another office coming to town and we want to get drinks and catch up. I clearly have my Irish Catholic priorities in place.

Soda: I love me some coke zero at lunch time, and seltzer should pretty much be a food group as far as I am concerned.  So far today, I skipped my lunch time beverage and stuck to water and tea at my desk. This could be reasonable, but then what do I mix the alcohol I am not giving up with? I mean a nice straight up drink is good for one, wine is not a pool drink…  can we make it week day soda?

Shopping: I love to online shop (who doesn’t?). Nothing makes me feel better than a nice new piece of clothing to wear and enjoy. My fear with this one is that it’s going to go from 20 degrees to 80 degrees and I am going to feel like I need something to refresh . However, I do think I could keep myself on track.

Sweets: Chocolate… oh so good, this would actually be a bit of a challenge as I’d include a trail mix that has chocolate chips in it, which is one of my current vices. I also will just crave something sweet and indulge myself. This is definitely a strong contender.

Right now I am thinking of going with the sweets and shopping and holding myself to it. I’d also like to spend the next 40 days cleaning out the clutter around my apartment and start minimizing again. 

(photo via pinterest via someecards)

Twosday || Yellow

I recently discovered Twentieth Street, a blog by  Stephanie Court. She takes amazing pictures and I’ve been really loving her Twosday posts. The rules are  share two photos based on a pre-determined theme and link up with the rest of the group. This is my first time attempting this link up, and I couldn’t be more excited. This week’s photo challenge was Yellow:

glad you came

I just wanted to take the time to extend a little thank you to my readers and followers. For the longest time I had two followers, myself and one of my good friends (thank you Ali! – always so supportive of me), and that was mighty fine as I blog for my own enjoyment. In the past few months though my followers through a few sites has grown to approximately 15 people, some of you who’ve found yourself here on your own. This touches me deeply, and in a way I am surprised about.  Thank you for visiting, I do hope you stay for a long while.