Aaaaand, we're back

Back from my wonderful summer at camp and ready for the fall. The big news just all came in at once, and I've been too busy to post!

1) I got engaged to a charming young man, and we're going to get married on October 27. Yes, of this year. I've already done a ton of planning for the wedding, and I'm really excited about it.

2) I got a job in DC where the fiance lives. I don't start until December (hence, the wedding while I didn't have to worry about time off).

3) I got a freelance job in Atlanta so that I can still earn a little money while I plan the wedding.

With all that on my plate, I haven't been doing much else lately. But, I have been plugging away at my Clessidra stockings, and I just turned my second heel. I'm also about to cast on for a stole for my mother (shhh, it's a surprise), Harry Potter Quiddich socks for me and a friend, and mittens for my brother. I feel like I should start something for the new mister too, but I just don't have the time right now. Any way, that's all for now! Big things are happening and I'm excited to be along for the ride. :)

Give 'em the finger

You Are the Thumb

You're unique and flexible. And you defy any category. Mentally strong and agile, you do things your own way. And you do them well. You are a natural leader... but also truly a loner. You inspire many but connect with few. You get along well with: The Middle Finger Stay away from: The Pinky

What Finger Are You?

Off to Camp!

So, today is my last day in civilization for the next two months. This isn't a bad thing though, 'cause I'm going to camp! Camp Juliette Low has been my summer destination since I was 8. If you add up all the time I've been there as a camper, CIT, and counselor, I've spent over a year of my life on Lookout Mountain. Yes, I love it so much that I'm still looking forward to living in a tent and hanging out with the small children. This year I'm moving into Olympus (that's the counselor only unit), so I won't have to be directly responsible for the kids unless they're in my class. I'm hoping to have a little bit of downtime with which to work on my Clessidra stockings and possibly start my Orchid scarf.

My job this summer is to be the Project Adventure director. For those of you who don't know, PA includes trust activities, strategic puzzles, and climbing way up in the trees to do crazy things like walk across a log. 'Cause it's more fun to do it 30 feet up than on the ground, of course. Actually, I'm scared of heights, and I have to put up all of the equipment before the kids get on it. Eeep!

Really, the only downside to this job is the lack of internet and phones. So, if you want to be awesome, you will send me mail.

See y'all in August!

"In your life...be bold, be silly, speak your mind, behave in camp-like fashion, and if things don't go well...blame your Inner Child." --Sara Beth Hitt

Cutest pooch!

I was flipping through my RSS reader today, and what did I find on Cute Overload but my friend's dog Scooby! Congrats Amy on making your pooch a star!

Cooking Revue

My kitchen has been crazy the past two weeks. I've eaten great food, no doubt about it. I've probably gained weight too. The kitchen has been a buzz of activity with people coming and going (and singing). My dog isn't quite sure what to make of it all, but people give her treats, so she stays.

Some of my accomplishments:

Last night I made blackberry cobbler from a rather incomplete recipe found in my mother's recipe box. No indication of what size (or kind) of dish to cook it in, which made it a little tricky. It could have come from Paula Deen too... first ingredient: 1 stick of butter.

I learned how to make tortillas from the Mexican guy staying with us. It's super duper easy, and I can't believe I've never done this before. Right now I'm only making corn tortillas, but I hope to soon learn the art of flour tortillas too.

This weekend I helped my mom make homemade pasta. A little more time consuming, but worth it.

Finally, the past two Friday nights I made pizza dough for homemade pizzas. Talk about tasty! Again, the dough was easy, and I'm almost ashamed to admit it, but I got the recipe from Barbara Kingsolver. What she did not offer though, was my great Mexican themed pizza that had salsa verde and chicken on it. Why have I not cooked with that many jalepenos before?

That's just a sample of the culinary masterpieces. I have a few pictures, but they have not yet made it up to my computer. Maybe I'll get it done before I head off to camp (send me letters people!)

I'm a real librarian!

So, my stalking of Craigslist has finally paid off - tomorrow morning I'm going to go pick up my very own card catalog! I've been looking for one of these for quite a while, and the double bonus is that this one is very cheap! I think it needs some refinishing work (the picture they sent me was a bit blurry), but I'm willing to do that. Check it out:

Fiesta!

Yes, it's been quite a while since I've taken the time to post, mainly because I had to pack up everything in my apartment and move home. I still don't have a good way to access the internet in my house (go to the basement, use the hook-up in the kitchen). My father hasn't figured out that he could put in a wireless router and make me happy.

But... I did graduate! Hooray!

All of my stuff is in storage in Durham - I hope it's all right. I only had a 10x10 ft. space to store my things, so the movers really had to pack things in. It is floor to ceiling crammed with boxes. I figure if I'm paying for the space I might as well use it.

Since I've been home, I've mainly been relaxing and taking things easy. Today I mailed off a bunch of packages to friends around the world. Hopefully they will all get there pretty soon.

My dad is an engineer, and one of his Mexican workers has been staying with us this week. I can't really communicate with him (his English is much better than my Spanish though), but he's been very friendly. Twice this week he has cooked us dinner, and it has been fabulous both times! Sunday night we had picadillo (beef with corn and potatoes) and tonight we had some national dish made with beef, onions, tomatoes, and jalepenos. Oh, and he taught my mom how to make real tortillas, and we had guacamole. So very very tasty. I'm really full, but I would love to eat more. My goal is to start eating a lot more peppers in my food. Yum city.