A Long Time Coming

Benjamin's AfghanIn May 2007, I started crocheting an afghan for my friend Alysa.  It was for the upcoming birth of her baby.  Unfortunately, due to time crunches, unlucky circumstances trying to find the yarn I used when I needed another skein, lack of desire to crochet, and pain in my hand from cubital tunnel syndrome which contributed to the lack of desire to crochet, I never finished it … until today.

(Sorry it took me so long, Alysa! Hopefully, Benjamin will have it by Christmas if the mail cooperates.)

I got the itch to crochet again in October.  I’ve been crocheting off and on again since then.  I have to take breaks here and there to let my hand rest so it doesn’t cramp up and aggravate my cubital tunnel syndrome.  Luckily, as long as I’ve taken some Ibuprofen before I start crocheting, then I usually don’t experience any pain.  However, if I do get some pain, I’ve found some hand stretches I can do to help relieve it. I’m actually planning on finishing some other projects I’ve had in the works for a few years, not to mention starting a couple of projects for Christmas gifts.  I guess we’ll see how well finishing my ongoing projects works out with starting school in January.

Brain Slugs

One of Corey’s and my favorite TV shows is Futurama.  It’s created by Matt Groening, the creator of The Simpsons.  It was canceled in 2003, but has been in syndication on Cartoon Network since then.  Last year, Comedy Central picked up the show and contracted an additional 16 episodes in the form of four straight-to-DVD movies.  We were pretty stoked when we heard about this! We’ve seen both movies that have been released so far.

One of our favorite minor characters are brain slugs.  Brain slugs are little parasitic creatures that attach themselves to the heads of intelligent beings, such as humans, and control them.  Someone possessed by a brain slug speaks in a monotone voice and does everything to further the spreading of brain slugs throughout the universe.

You’re probably asking yourself why I’m posting about brain slugs?  Normally, I dress up for Halloween.  However, I didn’t think I’d be able to this year with packing, moving, trying to buy a townhome, etc. until I came across an amigurumi pattern for a brain slug from Futurama.

As you can see, I made two of them.  They both have barrettes sewn onto them so Corey and I have a costume to wear for Halloween.  Corey’s pretty excited about it! I’m excited too, especially since my co-workers and I are doing a Simpsons theme at work this year.  (I’ll post pictures tomorrow.)  I may not be dressing up as a Simpsons character, but at least I’m dressing up as a Matt Groening character.

As you can see from the picture of me on the left, I tried to take a picture of me looking “possessed” by the brain slug.  However, as my co-worker Erin told me last year when I was trying to look menacing as Mrs. White, I just look like I’m sad or about to cry.  Oh well, I’m just glad the slugs turned out to be as awesome as they are.

A New Hobby

Last year, my niece Megan took up a new hobby.  It’s called amigurumi, which means crocheted doll in Japanese.  Since I know how to crochet, I decided I wanted to learn how to do amigurumi.  I decided to do an amineko, or crocheted cat, for my first project since the pattern is free, online, and I love cats.  It seemed like a good starting place.

I started my amigurumi on Sunday and finished him last night.  I’ve decided to name him Smokie since he’s gray and white and reminds me of a cat I had when I was a little girl.

I ordered an amigurumi pattern book from Amazon.  I’m really excited to make other things now.  I can’t wait to give away some of the animals/dolls I make to all the little kids in my life.

Winter Wonderland

Two years ago, I built a mini snowman.  I named him Chip and he was about nine inches tall. I used a baby carrot for his nose, twigs for his arms, and chocolate chips for his eyes and buttons. I also crocheted a hat and scarf for him.

Since it snowed yesterday, I decided to resurrect Chip today. However, I couldn’t find the hat or scarf I crocheted for Chip. So, this year my snowman has a purple beanie and scarf.  I’ve decided to name him Chaim because he looks Jewish. Don’t you think he looks like he’s wearing a Yarmulke and a Tibbit? What can I say? I’m an equal opportunity snowman builder. Chaim is only seven inches tall.

Some of the kids in our neighborhood built a ginormous snowman yesterday. I had to take a picture with me standing next to it because it really is huge. This snowman will probably last a while unless someone knocks it down.

Me & Huge Snowman

Addison’s Blessing

Me & Addison

Yesterday, I met my niece Addison for the first time because Corey and I went up to Logan for her blessing. She wore my sister-in-law Jen’s blessing dress, which was very pretty.  She was also blessed with the afghan I crocheted for her.

Randy, Jen, & Addison Addison Addison

As stated in previous posts, she was only 4 lbs. 5 oz. when she was born. I was only 4 lbs. 2 oz. when I was born so I wanted to see her to get a feel for how small I was. (It’s really hard to fathom a baby that small.) When I met her yesterday, Addison had almost doubled her weight. She now weighs 7 lbs. 12 oz. Even though I was a little disappointed because I didn’t get to see her when she was small, I’m glad she’s doing so well.

Me & Addison Me & Addison

Me & Addison Corey & Addison

Me Corey

Brooklyn (niece) & Bret (brother-in-law) Jen & Addison

Jen had some professional pictures of Addison taken. Here are some of them. She’s so cute!

Addison Addison Addison