I made it out of the fall semester alive, and I've got the next three weeks to vegetate as I see fit. I'm nowhere near done with Christmas shopping...and I'm starting to panic. Endless snow is in the forecast through the end of the week.
C'mon pup, let's go sit by the fire.
Intro to Paper Manufacturing: isn't college exciting?
Good thing I remember where I parked...
Right there. Hey wait... what are they doing up the hill?
A roadblock?! ...and is that a laundry cart on the sidewalk? Whose crazy idea was this?
Whoops, the culprits are caught and forced to take apart their hard work. Props for using a laundry cart, but you should have waited until the middle of the night to build it, when the authorities were not looking. They should be studying for their exams, anyways.
I don't think I've smiled this much in a while. And with the stress of exams coming up, there was no better time for it. Let me explain...Every year, Graphic Arts Society holds a Christmas party at the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. It was my first year helping out, and it was a huge success. All the kids, and even their parents lined up to have their picture taken while sitting on Santa's lap, and receive their presents. There were paper ornaments to color, cookies to decorate, face painting, and goodie bags for everyone. I'm going through all the photos and can't help but smile at each one. We're sending back copies of the photos for everyone staying there to enjoy. Here are just a few:
Happy Holiday Season to everyone! What are you doing to celebrate?
A Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!
Yesterday, I adopted yet another plant for the room. I think they designed Meijer so that I have to pass the plant section on my way from the groceries to the pharmacy. I'm pretending it's a present celebrating the first day of my (paid) internship.
Louis L'Amour 
I watered the plants and pulled some weeds in the garden, and we all went into town to scout the nursery for fall plantings. Mom came home with three huge purple asters, and I found a beautiful Marble Queen pothos that I couldn't leave the store without. I've been wanting more foliage in the room to improve the atmosphere. White, painted cinderblock and white asbestos ceiling tiles don't really say "homey".
This pumpkin is about 7" around, but you could blow up or shrink the pattern to whatever size you want. I'm working on several different sizes to scatter around the room. It is a quick project with maximum satisfaction. I recommend very springy stuffing and stuffing lightly to keep the crinkly effect.
In the forest of basil where leaves perch atop tall woody branches or neglect, a lone elephant lurks among the trees.
It's absolutely delicious (healthiness is an added bonus). A great way to showcase fresh (esp. homegrown) veggies. Lettuce/Garden greens and red onion dressed with balsamic vinaigrette, topped with tuna steak and surrounded by garden green beans, baby potatoes, fresh-picked tomato, and sliced hard-boiled egg.
My latest WIP. Paper embriodery requires a little pre-planning, but it takes the work out of placing each stitch precisely when you've got thread on the needle. This is how I unwind after day of classes/labs, homework, and mediocre dorm food.
Picked up this pillow at Bed Bath and Beyond. It's extra firm; perfect floorpad, backrest, or concussive weapon. $20
...and Lappy finally came! No more long breaks at, or bus rides from Parkview with nothing to do. I'm looking forward to impromptu blog posting and weekend LANs, mostly.
Every year, over 400 student organizations, university departments, community members, local businesses and area restaurants participate in Bronco Bash. This is a great opportunity to showcase your organization to over 25,000 participants.That 25,000 number is very real but I managed to find a few choice bits:
The haul is meager, even paltry compared to most, but I wasn't grabbing every pamphlet, piece of candy, or signing my name away for t-shirts (and credit cards). 
The lions were surveying the patrons...
the tiger was lamenting the heat...
and the staghorn ferns looked like giant alien pods.
Found my next knitting project today. Boring blue was completed despite being an acrylic-yarn, curled-up bust and needs to be forgotten about. Pattern for this double-sided cable scarf available (free!) here via Sweater Surgery.
There were several LoL moments....
And a few calm moments of cuteness.
After some deliberation, I've decided to stay on vacation in the Chicago area.
I'm definately not a vegetarian, but that doesn't mean I don't like or eat plenty of vegetables. Plus, when you're a college kid, it's hard to find any served in the dining hall with any taste, let alone any of their nutrients still intact. So let me introduce to you: The spinach panini!Spinach Panini:
2 slices bread of choice
handful of fresh spinach
tomato, sliced
2 slices provolone cheese
onion, sliced
couple leaves of fresh basil optional
Place a slice of cheese on each side of the sandwich. On one side- pile onion, spinach, tomato. Drizzle a little olive oil on each side, then put on the panini grill, or toast in a pan until the cheese is melted, spinach begins to wilt, and the bread is nice and golden.
All that's left is to eat it! I'm in love with basil and have started growing my own so I like to throw a few leaves in to spice it up (and recommend it) but it's up to you to take this sandwich and make it your own. Experimentation is encouraged!
These little golden heralds appeared in the garden this very morning. Soon I'll finally have cuke slices to go with my overflowing supply of lettuce.
I don't even know what these crazy beetles are doing... mating? battling? circus act?
I have to admit I don't really like this color, so I won't be sporting this scarf in my own wardrobe, but it was the only yarn I had enough of to complete a scarf. I always thought that cables were some sort of scary juggling act of knitting, but after a little surfing found out that you don't even need a cable needle. So, the LionBrand pattern became a base for a few of my own tweaks. I used only the first cable pattern throughout the whole scarf, and I've done a left-cross cable instead of a right-cross.
Ok, so it's not -outside- in the garden, but I would hate my dear new friend to feel neglected. Currently undergoing light therapy to revive it's white and green variegation, this plant is an exciting new addition to my home (the basement, until I'm back in the dorm).
Hydroculture:
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