I just checked not only my credit report but also my credit score. The credit report shows an error--someone misspelled my last name, and it shows up as an alternate to my real name. When I clicked on it to dispute it, it said I can't do that online and gave a telephone number. After several minutes of a phone tree forest I was told hey, typos happen. It's not affecting your credit score. ...do you still want to dispute this trivial thing? Guess not.
My credit score came back and I'm thrilled with it--a B in their convoluted, non-FICO number system. Not bad for two and a half years of credit history. Oh, and in those two years I've had four addresses. Natch.
The friendly if ill-designed report even had some "tips" to help me improve my score. They boiled down to grow older (for a longer credit history) and buy a house. Um... no?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Day 158 - Moving On
This may seem sudden... but that's because it sorta is.
I'm moving to Japan.
The whole story:
My boyfriend, Ken, is Japanese. He'll be finishing up school this December, giving us the opportunity to move someplace neat to start the whole adult/life thing. And where better than Japan? The chips really fell into place--his dad dabbled in real estate during the Bubble and bought an apartment, hoping to make money on it. He picked an awesome location--a five minute walk from two different train stations, a half hour from Shinjuku, Tokyo, on the 21st floor of a modern apartment building with views of Mt. Fuji on a clear day... the works.
Well, the Bubble crashed and now the apartment is worth half of what it was in the early 90's. The mortgage was finally paid off and the last renters left long ago, leaving a nice, furnished crash pad for Ken's flight attendant sister and business-tripping dad.
When Ken's family heard that we were interested in moving they said, "Why don't you stay in the apartment?" Rent free. O_O
So, we have a place to live, he's searching for a gaming company to work at (he's an illustrator), I'm doing the whole job search thing to find a nice English language school to teach at... and my life will be changing significantly come 2009. I can't wait. ^_^
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Day 125 - Moving Forward
Test date: December 7th. Mad studying has been going on for a while and will only continue. Wish me luck!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Day 115 - Newness
I've tried out a few new things since I last wrote:
#71 - Dim Sum on Clement--yum.
You know the place has got to be good when it's packed with Chinese people and you hear Mandarin every where you turn. I tried a bunch of stuff where I didn't even know what it was... and it didn't matter. It was all delicious.
Yan here was a tour guide of sorts, telling us what was in each dish. "Who wants chicken feet??"
"Um... we'll pass."
Leslie, Susan, and Cathy. Totally going to eat here again.
New teas have been tasted:
Chai from Other Avenues--Pretty good. There's the right amount of spice, but it's missing a little something. Much better than some other chais I've had recently, though.
Blackberry--I got this in a tea swap, and it's decent. My tea tastes have developed over time, I think. Five years ago I would have been adding a ton of sugar to this and deeming it awesome. Now I'm not sure I'm a big fan of the fruit in my tea. I guess my taste buds have matured?
Organic Green--Also from a tea swap, so I'm not sure what brand it is. It's a decent morning cuppa, but nothing special. Scorches very easily.
Mystery Tea #1--It's a German(?) tea from the swap. It's the first herbal to knock my socks off in a long time--the nice red color hints at hibiscus, but there's some cinnamon in there to add a nice kick. If I ever see it in any kind of specialty shop I'm picking it up. ^_^
Tasting ten new teas didn't take long at all--another item off the list!
#71 - Dim Sum on Clement--yum.
You know the place has got to be good when it's packed with Chinese people and you hear Mandarin every where you turn. I tried a bunch of stuff where I didn't even know what it was... and it didn't matter. It was all delicious.
Yan here was a tour guide of sorts, telling us what was in each dish. "Who wants chicken feet??"
"Um... we'll pass."
Leslie, Susan, and Cathy. Totally going to eat here again.
New teas have been tasted:
Chai from Other Avenues--Pretty good. There's the right amount of spice, but it's missing a little something. Much better than some other chais I've had recently, though.
Blackberry--I got this in a tea swap, and it's decent. My tea tastes have developed over time, I think. Five years ago I would have been adding a ton of sugar to this and deeming it awesome. Now I'm not sure I'm a big fan of the fruit in my tea. I guess my taste buds have matured?
Organic Green--Also from a tea swap, so I'm not sure what brand it is. It's a decent morning cuppa, but nothing special. Scorches very easily.
Mystery Tea #1--It's a German(?) tea from the swap. It's the first herbal to knock my socks off in a long time--the nice red color hints at hibiscus, but there's some cinnamon in there to add a nice kick. If I ever see it in any kind of specialty shop I'm picking it up. ^_^
Tasting ten new teas didn't take long at all--another item off the list!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Day 92 - New Tea
I've tried all different kinds and have failed to mention them here. First, from Other Avenues:
Earl Gray--pretty good. Not as good as my favorite (Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf--it's to die for) but not as bad as some others I've had.
Gold Rush--meh. I think the base is Darjeeling which would explain why I don't like it. Lots of neat fruity stuff in, though.
There's also:
Mighty Leaf's Leaves of Provence--another meh. I like my black tea to be a bit stronger, with more kick.
It's been a while since I've had a tea knock me off my feet. I recently received a tea sampler of sorts, though, so I'm hoping.
Earl Gray--pretty good. Not as good as my favorite (Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf--it's to die for) but not as bad as some others I've had.
Gold Rush--meh. I think the base is Darjeeling which would explain why I don't like it. Lots of neat fruity stuff in, though.
There's also:
Mighty Leaf's Leaves of Provence--another meh. I like my black tea to be a bit stronger, with more kick.
It's been a while since I've had a tea knock me off my feet. I recently received a tea sampler of sorts, though, so I'm hoping.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Day 77 - Pot Luck
I wrote this some time ago, but as you can tell it got stuck in draft mode for a while.
A little bit of everything recently. List style:
- Another pair of socks (#1).
Hedgerow Socks with a Socks that Rock Mediumweight mill end.
- An only in SF event (#73)--Pride. Do I need to say anything more?
- Get out to see a movie (#68). Ken and I saw Wall-E and it was wonderful. One of those movies where time flies and you're mesmerized the whole time.
A little bit of everything recently. List style:
- Another pair of socks (#1).
Hedgerow Socks with a Socks that Rock Mediumweight mill end.
- An only in SF event (#73)--Pride. Do I need to say anything more?
- Get out to see a movie (#68). Ken and I saw Wall-E and it was wonderful. One of those movies where time flies and you're mesmerized the whole time.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Day 64 - Socks Galore
This was my desk earlier this week:
Go to flickr to see what each project is, but suffice it to say--I had a lot on the needles. A couple of things have made it off. ^_^
Sunrise Socks in Trekking color 108 on size US 1 dpns. Sock pair #5 towards #1.
As for the other pair I finished... I can't find the second sock of the pair, so pictures will have to wait. :P I cast off yet another pair (!) last night, bringing up the total to six pairs. Maybe they can have a joint photography session. -_^
Another radio internship application made its way into the mail this week (#8). It took two months to get an answer for the last one, so I'm not quite holding my breath.
Tried a new restaurant (#71)--Asuka Ramen, which is really really close to my apartment. They had a limited menu for their "pre-open" and it was hit and miss. Not really authentic Japanese. More like, Chinese food done in a Japanese-esque way. Which makes sense, considering that everyone in there was speaking Mandarin. It's kind of silly and sad that Ken and I can go into a Japanese restaurant, speak Japanese, and not a single person understands.
Up for this weekend--Pride. Yeah baby. -_^
(Total checks for the month: 11)
Go to flickr to see what each project is, but suffice it to say--I had a lot on the needles. A couple of things have made it off. ^_^
Sunrise Socks in Trekking color 108 on size US 1 dpns. Sock pair #5 towards #1.
As for the other pair I finished... I can't find the second sock of the pair, so pictures will have to wait. :P I cast off yet another pair (!) last night, bringing up the total to six pairs. Maybe they can have a joint photography session. -_^
Another radio internship application made its way into the mail this week (#8). It took two months to get an answer for the last one, so I'm not quite holding my breath.
Tried a new restaurant (#71)--Asuka Ramen, which is really really close to my apartment. They had a limited menu for their "pre-open" and it was hit and miss. Not really authentic Japanese. More like, Chinese food done in a Japanese-esque way. Which makes sense, considering that everyone in there was speaking Mandarin. It's kind of silly and sad that Ken and I can go into a Japanese restaurant, speak Japanese, and not a single person understands.
Up for this weekend--Pride. Yeah baby. -_^
(Total checks for the month: 11)
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Day 51 - Checks Sans Pics
Tonight I had a dinner party at my apartment, and nothing exploded, yeaa! -_^ One towards #66. I also completed the third grade kanji (#42) and am working on the next set. I tried a new wine (#22) but I didn't like it much, so no check there. I also finished a pair of socks (#1). I would take a picture now but it's dark and I've had a glass of wine. -_^
Eight checks for the month... on pace for 15!
Eight checks for the month... on pace for 15!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Day 47 - More Pictures
I finished up another pair of socks for #1, this one in record time:
Spiraling Coriolis sock by Cat Bordhi in Zen String Loopy Legends, Laurie's Carolina Morning
I finished the pair in six days, my fastest full size pair ever. The pattern was so new and innovative that I had to see what happened next! My new favorites. Actually, I think each pair I finish is my new favorite pair. ^_^
As far as other checks go I feel like I'm slowing down a little. I've been eating out, but at the old standbys. I have been getting through my podcast folder (#12) but it's slow going, especially when there's so much cool stuff to download! My kanji study has been stalling a little numbers wise, though I did get a new grammar book that I'm working through. I cleaned off my desk today and threw out a couple of things, so there's two for #83.
Oh, I forgot some stuff! I sent mom a "birthday care package" with some handknits--#81 complete! I also went to an "only in SF" event (#73), the Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest. I have an audio clip of the second place winner at my radio blog, My Urban Eyes.
My goal for this month is 15 "checks" and now I have, lessee... five. Huh.
Spiraling Coriolis sock by Cat Bordhi in Zen String Loopy Legends, Laurie's Carolina Morning
I finished the pair in six days, my fastest full size pair ever. The pattern was so new and innovative that I had to see what happened next! My new favorites. Actually, I think each pair I finish is my new favorite pair. ^_^
As far as other checks go I feel like I'm slowing down a little. I've been eating out, but at the old standbys. I have been getting through my podcast folder (#12) but it's slow going, especially when there's so much cool stuff to download! My kanji study has been stalling a little numbers wise, though I did get a new grammar book that I'm working through. I cleaned off my desk today and threw out a couple of things, so there's two for #83.
Oh, I forgot some stuff! I sent mom a "birthday care package" with some handknits--#81 complete! I also went to an "only in SF" event (#73), the Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest. I have an audio clip of the second place winner at my radio blog, My Urban Eyes.
My goal for this month is 15 "checks" and now I have, lessee... five. Huh.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Day 38 - Owed Pictures
There's a bunch of knitting I need to catch you up on. ^_^ My completed socks!
Stand 'o Birches, Great Adirondack Soxie - Wild Birch, size 0 dpns
This was pair two towards #1. My knitting has been getting even looser lately (darn RSI) so these ended up a touch big. Maybe they'll fit my mom. ^_^ And speaking of my mom, here's the lace scarf I made her (#6 - complete!):
North Star Scarf, Zephyr, size 2 24" circ
I learned that, while it looks nice, pictorial (i.e. not logical) lace is not for me.
I've also finished a couple more dishcloths (numbers 2 and 3 for #5):
Let's just call the first one "pretty" and the second one "practical". Oh, and I've started my Irtfa'a shawl:
This is me fixing a mistake several rows down. Logic, a dpn, and a crochet hook to the rescue!
Stand 'o Birches, Great Adirondack Soxie - Wild Birch, size 0 dpns
This was pair two towards #1. My knitting has been getting even looser lately (darn RSI) so these ended up a touch big. Maybe they'll fit my mom. ^_^ And speaking of my mom, here's the lace scarf I made her (#6 - complete!):
North Star Scarf, Zephyr, size 2 24" circ
I learned that, while it looks nice, pictorial (i.e. not logical) lace is not for me.
I've also finished a couple more dishcloths (numbers 2 and 3 for #5):
Let's just call the first one "pretty" and the second one "practical". Oh, and I've started my Irtfa'a shawl:
This is me fixing a mistake several rows down. Logic, a dpn, and a crochet hook to the rescue!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Day 29 - Check by Check
Two, count them, two bold items today!
#6 - Complete lace scarf
I finally finished the North Star Scarf that's been weighing on my mind this past month. It's pinned out and drying now, so no pictures quite yet. I have a couple of un-photographed FOs lying about... I may just have a photo session tomorrow or the next day. ^_^
#58 - Procure a fitting black necklace cord
I actually did one better--I fixed the one I have. The lobster clasp had broken, dropping my favorite stained glass necklace down into my bra several times a day. I found an extra clasp I bought last year and replaced the old with my bare hands (who needs pliers?). I saved money and got instant gratification. Sweet.
I also made some headway towards partials this week. Tried a new tea (#21), the Pettiagalla I mentioned. ...it's kinda weak. I like more robust black teas. Nice for mid-morning sipping, though. I'm this close to buying the pattern for the Irtfa'a shawl. Always more with the Japanese, of course, and while I tried to make it though the New Yorker in time it didn't happen. Always next week.
It didn't fit any of my listed goals, but Ken and I went to the SF Zoo Thursday. It was a bunch of fun, if a little cold. The animals were great, though.
#6 - Complete lace scarf
I finally finished the North Star Scarf that's been weighing on my mind this past month. It's pinned out and drying now, so no pictures quite yet. I have a couple of un-photographed FOs lying about... I may just have a photo session tomorrow or the next day. ^_^
#58 - Procure a fitting black necklace cord
I actually did one better--I fixed the one I have. The lobster clasp had broken, dropping my favorite stained glass necklace down into my bra several times a day. I found an extra clasp I bought last year and replaced the old with my bare hands (who needs pliers?). I saved money and got instant gratification. Sweet.
I also made some headway towards partials this week. Tried a new tea (#21), the Pettiagalla I mentioned. ...it's kinda weak. I like more robust black teas. Nice for mid-morning sipping, though. I'm this close to buying the pattern for the Irtfa'a shawl. Always more with the Japanese, of course, and while I tried to make it though the New Yorker in time it didn't happen. Always next week.
It didn't fit any of my listed goals, but Ken and I went to the SF Zoo Thursday. It was a bunch of fun, if a little cold. The animals were great, though.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Day 23 - A Couple of Things
Before I forget:
#5 - Another dishcloth has been completed; all I need is a picture.
#6 - The lace scarf I'm working on is over half done. Woo!
#12 - I'm now keeping a running count of how much audio I have in my podcast folder. I've been downloading without listening lately, boo. Today I listened to two hours worth of audio only to have that gain swallowed by downloading a single podcast. Gah. Still at 33 hours.
#42 - I've been doing more Japanese than radio recently (125 of the third grade characters done, woo!). Is this just a fad? Dunno...
#83 - Material thing number two--a pair of pants beyond mending.
#5 - Another dishcloth has been completed; all I need is a picture.
#6 - The lace scarf I'm working on is over half done. Woo!
#12 - I'm now keeping a running count of how much audio I have in my podcast folder. I've been downloading without listening lately, boo. Today I listened to two hours worth of audio only to have that gain swallowed by downloading a single podcast. Gah. Still at 33 hours.
#42 - I've been doing more Japanese than radio recently (125 of the third grade characters done, woo!). Is this just a fad? Dunno...
#83 - Material thing number two--a pair of pants beyond mending.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Day 20 - Another One Down
I get to use the bold button again. ^_^
#38 - Update info at work
It took all of five minutes. Yea! I now have two truly complete items and 11 "partials" done. Using the math I figured out in an earlier post that's 39 days worth of "work". At least I'm not behind!
I've tried a couple of new teas (#21) since I last posted - Bigelow's Darjeeling and a Green Apple herbal they have at the coffeeshop my knitting group meets at. Wasn't a big fan of either. I have tried darjeeling before and didn't like it, but thought a couple of years and a different brand would make the difference. Nope. And the green apple just tasted... gimmicky. Yesterday I went to Lupica and picked up black tea called Pettiagalla. I've never (knowingly) had a plantation specified tea before, so it'll be neat to discern this particular grove's characteristics. The tea I really wanted, Monte Cristo, was out, but hopefully I'll be able to get some next time.
I forgot to mention a "me" lunch (#72) I had the other day--Indian buffet. Ken doesn't like spicy food very much so I tend to hit the all you can eat Indian places on my own. I've been to this restaurant several times and this time the selection was kinda meh. Won't prevent me from going back, though.
The third grade kanji (#42) are now half done, which is nice. If I do ten a day I should be able to finish the rest this month. Hopefully.
#38 - Update info at work
It took all of five minutes. Yea! I now have two truly complete items and 11 "partials" done. Using the math I figured out in an earlier post that's 39 days worth of "work". At least I'm not behind!
I've tried a couple of new teas (#21) since I last posted - Bigelow's Darjeeling and a Green Apple herbal they have at the coffeeshop my knitting group meets at. Wasn't a big fan of either. I have tried darjeeling before and didn't like it, but thought a couple of years and a different brand would make the difference. Nope. And the green apple just tasted... gimmicky. Yesterday I went to Lupica and picked up black tea called Pettiagalla. I've never (knowingly) had a plantation specified tea before, so it'll be neat to discern this particular grove's characteristics. The tea I really wanted, Monte Cristo, was out, but hopefully I'll be able to get some next time.
I forgot to mention a "me" lunch (#72) I had the other day--Indian buffet. Ken doesn't like spicy food very much so I tend to hit the all you can eat Indian places on my own. I've been to this restaurant several times and this time the selection was kinda meh. Won't prevent me from going back, though.
The third grade kanji (#42) are now half done, which is nice. If I do ten a day I should be able to finish the rest this month. Hopefully.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Day 18 - Little Bits
Yan and I went on a field trip on her Vespa last weekend. Riding the scooter is a ton of fun, though it took some getting used to. Rule number one--don't flail about. Rule number two--squeeze Yan's butt with your knees. Rule number three--lean forward when going uphill. Rule number four--try not to kick Yan with your looong legs. -_^
Yan and Red Sonja. Yan has a thing for red.
While out we went to Outback (#71), and I can't say that I cared for it. Then again, I don't care for steakhouses much, period. The french onion soup was pretty good, though.
We also went to JoAnns so I could finally use the $25 gift card I got for Christmas. I picked up sock needles, stitch holders, stitch markers... all the stupid little stuff you need but always forget to buy. I also grabbed two balls of self-striping dishcloth cotton.
Miter dishcloth based on Mason-Dixon Knitting's miter square. One towards #5--woot!
As far as other knitting goes I'm trying to make a lace scarf (#6) in time for my mom's big Alaskan cruise. I've finished four of nine pattern repeats, so it's getting there! I also finished a pair of socks (#1), which I'll show you as soon as I get some pictures taken.
I'm saddened to report that I lapsed in taking my vitamins for a few days so #26 has been reset and told to sit in the corner for a while.
I like the way that thinking about this list has kept me goal oriented. Just making it was a wonderful exercise in figuring out what is important in my life. It also prevents me from living on auto pilot. Who wants to do that?
Yan and Red Sonja. Yan has a thing for red.
While out we went to Outback (#71), and I can't say that I cared for it. Then again, I don't care for steakhouses much, period. The french onion soup was pretty good, though.
We also went to JoAnns so I could finally use the $25 gift card I got for Christmas. I picked up sock needles, stitch holders, stitch markers... all the stupid little stuff you need but always forget to buy. I also grabbed two balls of self-striping dishcloth cotton.
Miter dishcloth based on Mason-Dixon Knitting's miter square. One towards #5--woot!
As far as other knitting goes I'm trying to make a lace scarf (#6) in time for my mom's big Alaskan cruise. I've finished four of nine pattern repeats, so it's getting there! I also finished a pair of socks (#1), which I'll show you as soon as I get some pictures taken.
I'm saddened to report that I lapsed in taking my vitamins for a few days so #26 has been reset and told to sit in the corner for a while.
I like the way that thinking about this list has kept me goal oriented. Just making it was a wonderful exercise in figuring out what is important in my life. It also prevents me from living on auto pilot. Who wants to do that?
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Days 10, 11, and 12 - Ups and Downs
I get my New Yorker on Thursday or Friday, always. In Albany I got it on Monday or Tuesday, but I'm on the West Coast now. It takes longer to mail things out here. Then why oh why did my New Yorker come on Tuesday this week?? I was only half finished with last week's. #10 has been reset. Simply opening my mailbox made for an insta-fail.
Tuesday was a great day otherwise--free museum day! Two friends and I went out for some free culture. We started the day at the Conservatory of Flowers, which is like a greenhouse on steroids. They have different rooms for different climates--tropical, mountain highlands--that are brimming with flowers.
Their special exhibit was about butterflies, which is a yearly thing, apparently. The coolest thing is that they're not in cages--they just flutter around the room as they please. You can watch them feed from pretty flowers and feeders or just plain ol' hang out.
This guy might have been my favorite.
Then we went to the de Young Museum and went up it's observation tower to get a look at the city and the bay. Didn't go through the exhibits, though. We took our time walking about of the park, and found this lake while we were at it:
It was huge. There were people in rowboats and peddleboats enjoying the weather. Really neat. Then it was off to the Legion of Honor. We arrived about an hour before close and realized that the Annie Leibovitz exhibit was there. We only had to pay five dollars to get into the special exhibit and man, it was amazing. We spent most of that hour in awe. So cool. We bought our postcards in the museum shop and were greeted by this happy sculpture on our way out:
First of all, San Francisco is one of the few places you could have this thing outside. (There was another one inside.) Number two... how cool is that?
After that we headed back to more familiar territory for dinner. It did end up being a new-to-me restaurant, though. I don't know the name, but it's the Thai place kitty corner from the coffeeshop in the Richmond. (It means something to me, trust me.) The pineapple fried rice was amazing. Definitely will be heading back.
So, in all that, what list items did I accomplish? While it looks like I went to three museums... I didn't. First of all, the Convervatory of Flowers is not a museum. Second of all, we didn't see any of the de Young past the observatory. And third of all, we only saw the special exhibit at the Legion of Honor. So... no checks for #64. The new restaurant counts as #71. #10 got put back to square one. And I did take my vitamins for #26. ...let's just called it a mixed day.
Tuesday was a great day otherwise--free museum day! Two friends and I went out for some free culture. We started the day at the Conservatory of Flowers, which is like a greenhouse on steroids. They have different rooms for different climates--tropical, mountain highlands--that are brimming with flowers.
Their special exhibit was about butterflies, which is a yearly thing, apparently. The coolest thing is that they're not in cages--they just flutter around the room as they please. You can watch them feed from pretty flowers and feeders or just plain ol' hang out.
This guy might have been my favorite.
Then we went to the de Young Museum and went up it's observation tower to get a look at the city and the bay. Didn't go through the exhibits, though. We took our time walking about of the park, and found this lake while we were at it:
It was huge. There were people in rowboats and peddleboats enjoying the weather. Really neat. Then it was off to the Legion of Honor. We arrived about an hour before close and realized that the Annie Leibovitz exhibit was there. We only had to pay five dollars to get into the special exhibit and man, it was amazing. We spent most of that hour in awe. So cool. We bought our postcards in the museum shop and were greeted by this happy sculpture on our way out:
First of all, San Francisco is one of the few places you could have this thing outside. (There was another one inside.) Number two... how cool is that?
After that we headed back to more familiar territory for dinner. It did end up being a new-to-me restaurant, though. I don't know the name, but it's the Thai place kitty corner from the coffeeshop in the Richmond. (It means something to me, trust me.) The pineapple fried rice was amazing. Definitely will be heading back.
So, in all that, what list items did I accomplish? While it looks like I went to three museums... I didn't. First of all, the Convervatory of Flowers is not a museum. Second of all, we didn't see any of the de Young past the observatory. And third of all, we only saw the special exhibit at the Legion of Honor. So... no checks for #64. The new restaurant counts as #71. #10 got put back to square one. And I did take my vitamins for #26. ...let's just called it a mixed day.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Day 10 - Simply Keeping Up
Work has started again, and so my life is crazy again. This week I'm a little short on hours, but it will give me three days off to enjoy. Tomorrow I'll go museum hopping with friends (#64), and who knows, maybe I'll get to try a new restaurant (#71). And the vitamin thing (#26) is still going strong.
I'm up to page 34 in this week's New Yorker (#10)--I love David Sedaris. Some of his essays are on the short side, but I'm savoring this four page reflection on quitting smoking. The rest of the magazine should go quickly, as I usually skip over the fiction. I want to work in radio and news, and any reading time spent on "fake" stuff kinda feels like wasted time. I aspire to fill my head with facts and true stories, instead.
I've been working on my Japanese 社会 textbook (#48) as well and have now reached page 43. To be fair it was a picture and graph heavy section. Having a Japanese boyfriend is absolutely wonderful when I reach weird parts of the text.
I love it when it's not just me.
I leave you with the most beautiful character I've scribbled down in a long time--a hiragana ki. It has the perfect proportions and swish factor. Starred for easy identification and my own amusement. ^_^
I'm up to page 34 in this week's New Yorker (#10)--I love David Sedaris. Some of his essays are on the short side, but I'm savoring this four page reflection on quitting smoking. The rest of the magazine should go quickly, as I usually skip over the fiction. I want to work in radio and news, and any reading time spent on "fake" stuff kinda feels like wasted time. I aspire to fill my head with facts and true stories, instead.
I've been working on my Japanese 社会 textbook (#48) as well and have now reached page 43. To be fair it was a picture and graph heavy section. Having a Japanese boyfriend is absolutely wonderful when I reach weird parts of the text.
Me: Hey Ken, take a look at this sentence for me. I think it means this, but the way it's written confuses me.
Ken: That's not natural Japanese--it confuses me, too.
I love it when it's not just me.
I leave you with the most beautiful character I've scribbled down in a long time--a hiragana ki. It has the perfect proportions and swish factor. Starred for easy identification and my own amusement. ^_^
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Day 6 - Unexpected Free Time
I thought I would be going to work today, but they have most everything set up for tomorrow's soft open so I just stayed at home. It didn't quite feel like a day off, but I can't quite figure out why. Action on a couple of new items today:
#4 - I now have yarn for the Irtfa'a shawl. It isn't exactly the shade I was hoping for, but getting 1,760 yards of laceweight for $10 isn't an everyday occurrence. It should be fine. My next "action step" (I think I picked that up from a 'steps to success' book somewhere... GTD?) is to buy the pattern from Anne's website. I won't be able to start working on it until I finish a lace scarf I have on the needles, though, so it might wait a couple of weeks.
#8 - Tomorrow ought to be the day I find out if I have this internship or not. The not knowing is not fun. Once I have the answer I'll be able to plan the next few months of my life, which I look forward to.
#10 - The next New Yorker just arrived today. I'm on page 24, which means I skipped over all the movie and show listings in the front and read half of a Talk of the Town article. -_^
#26 - Yes.
#48 - I'm up to page 38 in the 社会 textbook. This section is all about the jobs people do, from banker to construction worker. Not too much new vocab and lots of pictures make fast going (it'll be reversed in later chapters--I know, I already peeked). The best new word in this section is 勧誘する人, or roughly traveling salesman.
Tomorrow I think I'm going to have a "me" lunch, and there's a chance some friends and I will visit a museum or two on Tuesday. I like this feeling of making progress. ^_^
#4 - I now have yarn for the Irtfa'a shawl. It isn't exactly the shade I was hoping for, but getting 1,760 yards of laceweight for $10 isn't an everyday occurrence. It should be fine. My next "action step" (I think I picked that up from a 'steps to success' book somewhere... GTD?) is to buy the pattern from Anne's website. I won't be able to start working on it until I finish a lace scarf I have on the needles, though, so it might wait a couple of weeks.
#8 - Tomorrow ought to be the day I find out if I have this internship or not. The not knowing is not fun. Once I have the answer I'll be able to plan the next few months of my life, which I look forward to.
#10 - The next New Yorker just arrived today. I'm on page 24, which means I skipped over all the movie and show listings in the front and read half of a Talk of the Town article. -_^
#26 - Yes.
#48 - I'm up to page 38 in the 社会 textbook. This section is all about the jobs people do, from banker to construction worker. Not too much new vocab and lots of pictures make fast going (it'll be reversed in later chapters--I know, I already peeked). The best new word in this section is 勧誘する人, or roughly traveling salesman.
Tomorrow I think I'm going to have a "me" lunch, and there's a chance some friends and I will visit a museum or two on Tuesday. I like this feeling of making progress. ^_^
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Day 5 - Back to Work
Today was our first official store meeting. It was great to meet more of the people I'll be working with, and I love a bunch of 'em already. Awesome sign.
Today's progress, in order by number:
#1 - I'm halfway through two different socks--one in plain stockinette and another in a nice, logical pattern. The yarn for that one is pretty dark, though, so I can only work on it during the day.
#8 - Still no news, but every time my phone rings I jump.
#26 - Taken.
#83 - I got rid of a material thing today--an extra needle sizer with incorrectly milled holes. No point in keeping it, or even giving it away. Tossed.
Today's progress, in order by number:
#1 - I'm halfway through two different socks--one in plain stockinette and another in a nice, logical pattern. The yarn for that one is pretty dark, though, so I can only work on it during the day.
#8 - Still no news, but every time my phone rings I jump.
#26 - Taken.
#83 - I got rid of a material thing today--an extra needle sizer with incorrectly milled holes. No point in keeping it, or even giving it away. Tossed.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Day 4 - Short and Sweet
Monday, April 28, 2008
Day 3 - First Completed Item
I finally get to bold an item today! It's this:
#41 - Complete 2nd grade kanji (160 characters)
I may as well bold it here too--it just looks better. -_^ Some background info: Japanese was my second major in college and I studied abroad in Osaka for a year. I love Japanese and gets lots of opportunities to speak it at home with my boyfriend. So while my listening and speaking are pretty good my reading and writing need some work. In order to pass Level 2 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (#47, wouldn't you know it) you have to know 1,000 kanji, or written characters. That's about half of what Japanese people learn in school, or nearly every character from first to sixth grade.
I've studied a lot of kanji in the past, and at my peak I probably knew close to 600... but being two years out of practice really puts a damper on things. I'm closer to 400 now. My current study strategy is to read level appropriate material (3rd-4th grade at the moment) and go through the characters systematically by grade level, brushing up the ones I know and fully learning the ones I don't. So--second grade kanji, done. Third grade kanji, you're next.
To go along with this I've been going through a textbook I recently got called 小学３･４年社会自由自在 ...it's a social studies book for third and fourth graders. Not only am I learning new words ("Oooo, harbor! Breakwater!") but it's also great for getting Japanese culture and common sense into my head. There's a section on Japanese map symbols, which are totally different from ours. Another chapter gives a geography lesson about each prefecture and what goods it's famous for (Niigata = rice, if you ever wanted to know). It's the stuff that every good Japanese should know, and every bumbling American needs help with. It's been satisfying study, not to mention #48 on my list.
Okay, enough about Japanese, it's time to ask the question I know is on your mind--did I take my vitamins today? Yes. Yes I did. One more to #26. I also finished reading this week's New Yorker, but I'm not putting #10 in italics. I'd rather it feel unofficial. The moment it feels real, like an obligation, I'm going to drop the ball. Right now it's just an... experiment. ^_^
Related to #8, I called the people at a radio internship I applied to and they said decisions will be made this week. When I called the really nice guy on the other end was like, "If you don't get it, do reapply". That made me think two things. One, does he already know if I made it or not? And two, maybe this is more competitive than I thought. It was encouraging, though. New internships come up every few months, and this isn't something I'm going to give up on.
Okay, this long entry dearly needs a picture. Here's that first completed pair of socks I mentioned, for #1:
Comfort Socks in Trekking (color 62) on size 1 needles. Plain Jane.
#41 - Complete 2nd grade kanji (160 characters)
I may as well bold it here too--it just looks better. -_^ Some background info: Japanese was my second major in college and I studied abroad in Osaka for a year. I love Japanese and gets lots of opportunities to speak it at home with my boyfriend. So while my listening and speaking are pretty good my reading and writing need some work. In order to pass Level 2 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (#47, wouldn't you know it) you have to know 1,000 kanji, or written characters. That's about half of what Japanese people learn in school, or nearly every character from first to sixth grade.
I've studied a lot of kanji in the past, and at my peak I probably knew close to 600... but being two years out of practice really puts a damper on things. I'm closer to 400 now. My current study strategy is to read level appropriate material (3rd-4th grade at the moment) and go through the characters systematically by grade level, brushing up the ones I know and fully learning the ones I don't. So--second grade kanji, done. Third grade kanji, you're next.
To go along with this I've been going through a textbook I recently got called 小学３･４年社会自由自在 ...it's a social studies book for third and fourth graders. Not only am I learning new words ("Oooo, harbor! Breakwater!") but it's also great for getting Japanese culture and common sense into my head. There's a section on Japanese map symbols, which are totally different from ours. Another chapter gives a geography lesson about each prefecture and what goods it's famous for (Niigata = rice, if you ever wanted to know). It's the stuff that every good Japanese should know, and every bumbling American needs help with. It's been satisfying study, not to mention #48 on my list.
Okay, enough about Japanese, it's time to ask the question I know is on your mind--did I take my vitamins today? Yes. Yes I did. One more to #26. I also finished reading this week's New Yorker, but I'm not putting #10 in italics. I'd rather it feel unofficial. The moment it feels real, like an obligation, I'm going to drop the ball. Right now it's just an... experiment. ^_^
Related to #8, I called the people at a radio internship I applied to and they said decisions will be made this week. When I called the really nice guy on the other end was like, "If you don't get it, do reapply". That made me think two things. One, does he already know if I made it or not? And two, maybe this is more competitive than I thought. It was encouraging, though. New internships come up every few months, and this isn't something I'm going to give up on.
Okay, this long entry dearly needs a picture. Here's that first completed pair of socks I mentioned, for #1:
Comfort Socks in Trekking (color 62) on size 1 needles. Plain Jane.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Day 2 - Triple Check
There's no way I'm going to keep this pace up, but it's fun while it's lasting!
I organized a little get together (#67) with my knitting friends today--we all went to Leland Tea Company and had tons of goodies. I forgot how hot in can get in there! We had lots of fun anyway. While there I tried a new tea (#21), pear caramel. I'm not sure caramel belongs in my tea, but it was a really interesting flavor. And yes, I did take my vitamins (#26). -_^
In an earlier post I figured that in order to finish on time I need to check off one item every three days. If that holds, I've done 18 days of work in 48 measly hours! It won't last, though, I know. And maybe I'm just buying myself time so I'll actually have days available so I can finish the travel-based section of my list. And while each check is roughly 1/100th of the list they're not weighted equally. Taking a vitamin does not equal buying a laptop or writing a letter in Japanese. Maybe it's like taking a test--you know how they tell you to get the easy questions out of the way first, so you can concentrate on the hard stuff? Maybe I'm doing that--blowing through the fluff.
I organized a little get together (#67) with my knitting friends today--we all went to Leland Tea Company and had tons of goodies. I forgot how hot in can get in there! We had lots of fun anyway. While there I tried a new tea (#21), pear caramel. I'm not sure caramel belongs in my tea, but it was a really interesting flavor. And yes, I did take my vitamins (#26). -_^
In an earlier post I figured that in order to finish on time I need to check off one item every three days. If that holds, I've done 18 days of work in 48 measly hours! It won't last, though, I know. And maybe I'm just buying myself time so I'll actually have days available so I can finish the travel-based section of my list. And while each check is roughly 1/100th of the list they're not weighted equally. Taking a vitamin does not equal buying a laptop or writing a letter in Japanese. Maybe it's like taking a test--you know how they tell you to get the easy questions out of the way first, so you can concentrate on the hard stuff? Maybe I'm doing that--blowing through the fluff.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Day 1 - Check, Check, and Check
There's nothing like hitting the ground running. I took my vitamins first thing this morning for #26 and finished up a pair of socks for #1 (pics later). Check, check. And here's the third check:
A big batch of pasta headed for the freezer for #20. Ken and I got our microwave only recently (I know, welcome us to the 20th century) and we've been enjoying the convenience. I used Paul Newman's Sockittome sauce (...the name was close to that) and half boxes of pasta I had lying around. Five meals all set for me.
Even though I'm not officially going for #10, I'm trying to get through this week's New Yorker in order to unofficially go for #10. -_^ The mag is currently on my desk, opened to page 26. We'll see where I am tomorrow.
A big batch of pasta headed for the freezer for #20. Ken and I got our microwave only recently (I know, welcome us to the 20th century) and we've been enjoying the convenience. I used Paul Newman's Sockittome sauce (...the name was close to that) and half boxes of pasta I had lying around. Five meals all set for me.
Even though I'm not officially going for #10, I'm trying to get through this week's New Yorker in order to unofficially go for #10. -_^ The mag is currently on my desk, opened to page 26. We'll see where I am tomorrow.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Getting Started
Going through my list several things catch my eye. First of all--am I going to be okay with so many long term projects? What if I hate knitting socks a year from now? Will I really be able to do all that cooking? I planned for everything to be doable (no "floss everyday (0/1001)" for me!) but still.
I'm going to get one of the long term projects, #26 - Take vitamins every day for a month, started right away. I'm also nearly done with a pair of socks, so that'll knock one off of #1 - Complete 40 pairs of socks. Tomorrow I think I'll make some pasta to freeze, which will be a start on #20 - Make and freeze meals ahead of time. Some of the long term goals are tempting (#10, I'm looking at you) but I don't want to burn myself out by taking on too much too soon.
If you space everything out, 101 in 1001 is roughly one item every 10 days. But when you count up all the multiples in my list (like those 40 pairs of socks) it's more like one item every three days. Eeep. Time to get started!
I'm going to get one of the long term projects, #26 - Take vitamins every day for a month, started right away. I'm also nearly done with a pair of socks, so that'll knock one off of #1 - Complete 40 pairs of socks. Tomorrow I think I'll make some pasta to freeze, which will be a start on #20 - Make and freeze meals ahead of time. Some of the long term goals are tempting (#10, I'm looking at you) but I don't want to burn myself out by taking on too much too soon.
If you space everything out, 101 in 1001 is roughly one item every 10 days. But when you count up all the multiples in my list (like those 40 pairs of socks) it's more like one item every three days. Eeep. Time to get started!
101 in 1001
Jumping on the bandwagon. Day Zero popularized this meme and, being a lover of lists, I'm going to give it a go.
I've tried to make everything as concrete and doable as possible with it still being a stretch. If some things become impossible due to unforeseen circumstances (like moving cross country) I'll revise the list.
The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).
Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
Start date: April 26, 2008
End date: January 22, 2011
Kazen's 101 in 1001
Craft
1. Complete 40 pairs of socks (0/40)
2. Design a sock
3. Give a pair of socks to someone other than my mom
4. Start and complete Irtfa'a shawl
5. Knit or crochet 20 dishcloths or tawashi (0/20)
6. Complete a lace scarf
7. Try spinning
Work
8. Get gainful employment in radio or Japanese
9. Take a 4-5 day "omg I need a break" vacation twice a year (0/5)
Media
10. Read the New Yorker the week I get it for 8 weeks straight (0/8)
11. Watch 20 documentaries (0/20)
12. Get through my entire podcast folder once
13. Back up important files to external hard drive
14. Review 10 pieces on PRX (0/10)
15. Do one narrator-less piece
16. Do one "sound art" piece
Food
17. Try 20 new recipes (0/20)
18. Make 10 new cookies/treats (0/10)
19. Get the oven working
20. Make and freeze meals ahead of time (0/20)
21. Try 10 new teas (0/10)
22. Find 3 wines I like (0/3)
Health
23. Go ice skating 3 times (0/3)
24. Get my annual exam (0/2)
25. Do the fasting blood test
26. Take vitamins every day for a month (0/30)
27. Take an intro to ballet class
28. Stretch nightly for one month (0/30)
29. Get an eye exam and new glasses
30. Go veggie for one week
31. Get a simple manicure
Finance
32. Check credit score once a year (0/3)
33. Donate to Glide
34. Become a member of KQED
35. Grow savings account to "x"
36. Get out of SIP plan
37. Move checking account to a better bank
38. Update info at work
39. Join the ACLU
40. Donate to a political campaign
Japanese
41. Complete second grade kanji (160 characters)
42. Complete third grade kanji (200 characters)
43. Complete fourth grade kanji (200 characters)
44. Complete fifth grade kanji (185 characters)
45. Complete sixth grade kanji (181 characters)
46. Take level 2 JLPT
47. Pass level 2 JLPT
48. Finish 社会 textbook
49. Interpret for someone (ただでもいい)
50. Take another class at Soko Gakuen
51. Write 10 bilingual blog posts (0/10)
52. Get a Japanese magazine subscription
53. Write a letter to Ken's grandmother
Shopping
54. Buy a laptop
55. Buy a rice cooker
56. Find another pendant I love
57. Buy a nice nightgown
58. Procure a fitting black necklace cord
59. Get fitted for a bra
60. Buy 2 threadless t-shirts (0/2)
61. Buy a furniture upgrade that I love
62. Buy a DS game in Japanese
63. Go to Rainbow Grocery
Entertainment
64. Go to 7 different museums (0/7)
65. See 3 plays (0/3)
66. Entertain as best my dinky apartment will allow (0/5)
67. Organize get togethers with my friends (0/5)
68. Get out to see a movie (0/5)
69. See a sit down concert
70. Visit a planetarium
71. Try 20 new restaurants (0/20)
72. Enjoy a "me" lunch (0/15)
73. Go to 5 "only in SF" events (0/5)
74. Attend a rock concert
75. Have a full on Movie Night with Ken
76. Have a sleepover with "Girl's Night"
77. Celebrate a summer solstice
78. Play a board game with friends
79. Go to a hands-on science museum
Betterment
80. Volunteer for 3 different organizations (0/3)
81. Send mom a b-day "care package"
82. Move
83. Get rid of 101 material things (0/101)
84. Memorize a poem
85. Learn 5 constellations (0/5)
86. Vote (0/3)
Travel
87. Return to Japan
88. Visit a foreign country other than Japan or Canada
89. Visit a state I've never been to
90. Visit an aquarium
91. Visit a beach for more than a day
92. Travel somewhere with Ken
93. Go to a service at Glide
94. Go to an amusement park
95. Visit WEBS again
96. Go on an Alcatraz night tour
97. Go to a drive-in
98. Go to an SF beach
99. Go on an SF walking tour
100. Go to Western Canada
101. Go to NYC
I've tried to make everything as concrete and doable as possible with it still being a stretch. If some things become impossible due to unforeseen circumstances (like moving cross country) I'll revise the list.
The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).
Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
Start date: April 26, 2008
End date: January 22, 2011
Kazen's 101 in 1001
Craft
1. Complete 40 pairs of socks (0/40)
2. Design a sock
3. Give a pair of socks to someone other than my mom
4. Start and complete Irtfa'a shawl
5. Knit or crochet 20 dishcloths or tawashi (0/20)
6. Complete a lace scarf
7. Try spinning
Work
8. Get gainful employment in radio or Japanese
9. Take a 4-5 day "omg I need a break" vacation twice a year (0/5)
Media
10. Read the New Yorker the week I get it for 8 weeks straight (0/8)
11. Watch 20 documentaries (0/20)
12. Get through my entire podcast folder once
13. Back up important files to external hard drive
14. Review 10 pieces on PRX (0/10)
15. Do one narrator-less piece
16. Do one "sound art" piece
Food
17. Try 20 new recipes (0/20)
18. Make 10 new cookies/treats (0/10)
19. Get the oven working
20. Make and freeze meals ahead of time (0/20)
21. Try 10 new teas (0/10)
22. Find 3 wines I like (0/3)
Health
23. Go ice skating 3 times (0/3)
24. Get my annual exam (0/2)
25. Do the fasting blood test
26. Take vitamins every day for a month (0/30)
27. Take an intro to ballet class
28. Stretch nightly for one month (0/30)
29. Get an eye exam and new glasses
30. Go veggie for one week
31. Get a simple manicure
Finance
32. Check credit score once a year (0/3)
33. Donate to Glide
34. Become a member of KQED
35. Grow savings account to "x"
36. Get out of SIP plan
37. Move checking account to a better bank
38. Update info at work
39. Join the ACLU
40. Donate to a political campaign
Japanese
41. Complete second grade kanji (160 characters)
42. Complete third grade kanji (200 characters)
43. Complete fourth grade kanji (200 characters)
44. Complete fifth grade kanji (185 characters)
45. Complete sixth grade kanji (181 characters)
46. Take level 2 JLPT
47. Pass level 2 JLPT
48. Finish 社会 textbook
49. Interpret for someone (ただでもいい)
50. Take another class at Soko Gakuen
51. Write 10 bilingual blog posts (0/10)
52. Get a Japanese magazine subscription
53. Write a letter to Ken's grandmother
Shopping
54. Buy a laptop
55. Buy a rice cooker
56. Find another pendant I love
57. Buy a nice nightgown
58. Procure a fitting black necklace cord
59. Get fitted for a bra
60. Buy 2 threadless t-shirts (0/2)
61. Buy a furniture upgrade that I love
62. Buy a DS game in Japanese
63. Go to Rainbow Grocery
Entertainment
64. Go to 7 different museums (0/7)
65. See 3 plays (0/3)
66. Entertain as best my dinky apartment will allow (0/5)
67. Organize get togethers with my friends (0/5)
68. Get out to see a movie (0/5)
69. See a sit down concert
70. Visit a planetarium
71. Try 20 new restaurants (0/20)
72. Enjoy a "me" lunch (0/15)
73. Go to 5 "only in SF" events (0/5)
74. Attend a rock concert
75. Have a full on Movie Night with Ken
76. Have a sleepover with "Girl's Night"
77. Celebrate a summer solstice
78. Play a board game with friends
79. Go to a hands-on science museum
Betterment
80. Volunteer for 3 different organizations (0/3)
81. Send mom a b-day "care package"
82. Move
83. Get rid of 101 material things (0/101)
84. Memorize a poem
85. Learn 5 constellations (0/5)
86. Vote (0/3)
Travel
87. Return to Japan
88. Visit a foreign country other than Japan or Canada
89. Visit a state I've never been to
90. Visit an aquarium
91. Visit a beach for more than a day
92. Travel somewhere with Ken
93. Go to a service at Glide
94. Go to an amusement park
95. Visit WEBS again
96. Go on an Alcatraz night tour
97. Go to a drive-in
98. Go to an SF beach
99. Go on an SF walking tour
100. Go to Western Canada
101. Go to NYC
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