Weird Things About Me

It looks like maybe this will be a year of firsts (maybe not), but here are two new things I've never done before (interestingly to do with knitting).



"...Along": Out in the knitting world there are a lot of Knit Alongs. People will all work on the same thing at the same time and share their experiences in our digital world on a particular project or a purpose. Cece and Amanda are having one that is a stash busting/UFO finishing binge - a Bust Along. I have about four sweaters going that all are stuck plus several other projects that just need to be wrapped up. Plus I skipped the Webs big sale this year because I felt guilty I hadn't used the yarn from last year (and the year before) that I bought.



BTW, I still don't know exactly what it means, but what I can gather a UFO is an unfinished project - at least in my mind. Next step is to take stock of what I've got that needs to be done and put together a target list - I have until tax day and am a woman on a mission. It starts on Jan. 15 so will report next week what my plan is.



Tag Meme: I looked the word up on wikipedia, but still don't quite get it. I've read others, and just got tagged by Cece and it's fun reading. I'll take Amanda's approach and not tag anyone (I only read three blogs). Here are THE RULES:



Each player of this game starts with the weird things about you.People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says you are tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog. I thought this would be really hard to do at first - six is alot, but once I started it was interesting how many things started coming to mind. And I'm sure I'm not even thinking of the weirder things - I don't always notice.



So here goes, 6 Weird Things About Me.

1. I know this is going to cause me trouble down the road later, but I actually like that I can't swallow pills still. I'm in my 30s and if I absolutely have to, I take Bayer's Children's chewables. It's a testament that I've had a fairly healthy life so far. I used to think it might be genetic as my brother couldn't swallow pills either. Alas, he succumbed to peer pressure in his early 20s and learned. Which, of course disproves the whole theory it was something physical (and not mental).



2. I didn't notice this was weird until someone pointed it out to friends at a dinner party I hosted once. I have fairly organized clothing. In my closet, everything is ordered within category (i.e. all shirts together, all pants together). Which I still don't think is that unusual. My thing is that if you are doing that already, might as well go the next step and have it organized in subcategories. So all my shirts are organized where the long sleeves are together, than the short sleeves, than the sleeveless shirts together - and they are all facing the same direction. Within each subsection, they are arranged by color so that there is a pleasent gradation as one looks at the clothes, shifting from blacks to greys to blues to whites... Than the sweaters are all neatly folded and in color coded piles on the shelves - greens together, browns together, blacks together. Even the socks - the best way to store them is so that they are on their sides (like file folders in a filing cabinet, instead of in piles), and again in a color gradiation. If I think about it, it's my attempt to have some form of order in a chaotic, uncontrollable life. There's nothing like a crazy day and you open your closet and it's... not crazy but calm.



3. When I listen to music I can't for the life of me listen to the words. I'm a tune person. I didn't realize this difference until early college when people would dissect a song and have long discussions. I had no idea, even though I had listened to the song a billion times, I might now a little of the chorus, but that was if I was lucky. Just this morning I had to listen to a new song four times before I heard all the words. I just can't keep my mind on it and start thinking of other things - it takes a lot of concentration (a lot). Singing to a song for me is impossible. That would take a week of solid work for me to get to that level as it turns into rote memorization (not a strength).



3b. I love bagpipe music - I could listen to it for hours straight, days even. Maybe this explains #3 - no words after all. Not really sure how weird this is though.



4. My only case of OCD pops up when I leave town. Before I leave my house on any trip - doesn't matter the duration - even a weekend, I can't just pack up and leave. Let me preface this that I don't like to clean and am quite content to live with a sink full of dishes, the carpet unvacuumed for weeks, stuff dumbed everywhere, etc. But when I start packing, I have to not only tidy everything and put everything back where it belongs (cramming stuff in a closet won't cut it) , but do a fairly thorough cleaing. Inevitably, I will come home from work late, pack the stuff for the trip and than proceed to spend a good two to three hours cleaning - mopping, scrubbing, vacuuming, tiding, etc. Frankly, traveling and having guests are the main reasons my place gets cleaned.



5. I'm a concept girl. Not into details so much. So I have a hard time with words. Especially evident in common idioms (had to ask my coworker what the word for what I was trying to say was - idiom). It comes in batches. In college was bad and recently it's emerged again. Of course I can't think of any good examples. I generally get confused if it's chicken, turkey or poultry you are trying to quit cold. And I do like to put my two pennies in a lot. Generally I know it sounds off, but than again, the right way sounds off to me anyways, so there I am back to parrallelogram one (ok, that one I made up).



5b. Along with not doing so well with the words, is my spelling (which I'm sure you have noticed as I gave up spell checking months ago - amazing how lazy one gets when you have auto spell check on the other programs you use). Well, because I can't spell so well, I have trouble saying some words. Apparently I visualize the word and say it the way it's spelled. A classic is elementary school (I say it like Sherlock Holmes, can't remember how you are supposed to slur it). The catch is that since I can't remember the words so well, I'll start off with the beginning of one word and end up with the ending of another. Luckily, most people know what I'm trying to say. And in architecture school I blended right in as they make up morphed words all the time.



6. I love garbage smell and manure smell. The garbage was from working at a landfill for a summer before college. I became quite acclimated to it and now it's like any other smell and brings back fond memories. Same for manure but can't pinpoint it as well. Only that it was in the country where we would visit alot and can remember dad rolling down the window and taking an over-acted deep breath - fond childhood memories of carefree summers in the adirondacks.



Well that was fun and thanks cec for tagging me.

Famous Person

Christmas came and went, my break is over and I'm back into the normal grind. I'm definately at a crossing though as I spent alot of time trying to get back onto the horse (ok this analogy isn't going the right direction). Work has been taking its toll. Long hours, absolutely (didn't you catch my complaining about not enjoying christmas because I was working long hours and weekends). But that I could take, it basically boils down to two things, ok, three (this is what I spent my break fuming about but it had to be fumed): there is no management at my job, no communication, and way too much negativity. I'm a patient person but I've been turned into emotional mush. I was seriously considering moving on as this has not been a healthy work environment (although I have to admit I've been learning alot about myself and what not to do). But, I come back in and love the people I work with and the work I do, so what does a girl do. I'm giving myself until India to see how things go in the new year - a solid month.





On a brighter note, I was up visiting dad for Christmas. Had a lovely time as I got to spend Christmas the way it should be done - with kids. My 6 year old cousin Tyler and his family were up visiting and since Nick and Karin (my step sister) were not in town this year, everyone got to sleep under one roof. We watched the movie Wordplay which I had had free passes to see last summer but never got around to. It was interesting and John Stewart is hilarious. They had Bill Clinton, and Ken Burns and other famous people in it as well. Well, next day, dad and I were at the co-op picking up some groceries. We're in the produce section and dad says to me casually, there's Ken Burns. I turn around and so it is, with the classic hair cut. I couldn't believe it - I just saw him on the big screen (ok, rental) the previous night. I realized I was staring, so strategically stood next to my dad while he was getting some groceries so that Mr Burns was in my line of sight. It even sounded like him! As we worked our way through the store our paths kept crossing (I think he started noticing I was staring after awhile). I even came this close (being several inches) on our way to the check-out. Later I find out that this was the first time for dad sighting a famous person. I thought the way dad acted he saw Ken in the store all the time. It was pretty neat. Of course, I'm a PBS nut so the guy is pretty famous in that circle, for others they might have no clue who I'm talking about (having ruled out the famous Simpson character). But for me it made my day. I still wonder if I should have gotten his autograph, but what would I do with that. Wow, I saw Ken Burns at Christmas.

The Holidays and Telemarketers

I got the big report for work out the door Monday, late. It was a big push and many hours, but it's finally done, sort of. Unfortunately there is still more to do, but for now it's done, and my body just crashed on Tuesday, so stayed home and slept. Next up, Christmas.



Along with feeling stressed about work, I was not liking that time was just breezing by and I hadn't finished Christmas shoping. The tricky one this year was mom. I had collected two items for her over the months, but didn't have that last, great gift to give her. And then, of course, I wanted it to be good as I won't be spending Christmas with her. The good news, is at lunch while out shopping with friends downtown, stumbled upon something - of course, when I wasn't looking. I'll stop by Harvard Square tonight for the last three things I need, and than it's just a matter of packaging everything up and wrapping. I just checked and all the packages I had ordered online (gotta love amazon and ebay) have arrived. So I'm coming down the home stretch.



Tomorrow's my last day, at work, and then off to Vermont, which means no more blogging until the new year. So, as a holiday gift, I leave you this link (it had me crying with laughter - especially as I've started getting telemarketing calls on my cell recently).

Random summary post

In an effort to keep regular posts, and because I'm procrastinating, here's my random post. In knitting world, I haven't been knitting. Short story there - it's funny because I think it's what my friend Cece was talking about, I have three sweaters right now - will love them when they are done. But they are fairly boring stockinette stitch and I've been too busy to knit (crazy talk).



In work world, which seems to be my world, I've been super stressed trying to get a huge report out for next week as well as close up a bunch of projects. Doing one or the other of the tasks would be a feat in itself but doing both is just down right crazy. However, still pushing forward because it will be so nice to come back to work in the new year with a clean slate (well, as much as possible). That being said, I can't wait until I'm done with work next Thursday and can kick off the shoes and crash. I feel like I'm back in studio and pulling the late nights before the final review.



In holiday world, I've got to say I'm not really there yet. Even though I work right next to Macy's downtown, the decorations don't seem to be bringing me into the Christmas mood. I think I've been too busy running around with work and trying to figure out what to get people. Case in point, my Uncle Fred (I don't think he reads this, so should be safe for now). It's taken a long time, but I think I finally thought of something to get Uncle Fred that 1) he doesn't already own, 2) he wouldn't think to buy for himself, 3) will be a surprise, 4) he will actually use, 5) will get there on time.



In dating world, I have lined up a bunch of dates for the new year which is exciting (if not all that promising). Granted, one might have fallen through as I just sent back responses to his questions this morning, and having not slept well and being stressed, I'm a bit punchy. Backstory is that this was the fellow that my coworker is also communicating with online and he sent a fairly similar question to her (what is a sustainable building consultant), so wanted to answer differently. Here it is (and back to work for me):



What is a green building consultant?



It's been scientifically proven that painting buildings a shade of green provides an optimum environment to work and play in. There is more harmony, less stress and productivity increases. But what shade? There's so many choices out there - you have everything from the warm yellow based greens to the wonderful blue toned greens - that's where we come in. As a green building consultant we help you through the decision process to find the best match for your needs.



Actually, I've been thinking of changing the title on my business cards to something like 'environmental building consultant', as people don't really know what to make of the 'green' part. I have had people think I worked in the landscaping industry or even in design where I did help with the color selection (just so we are on the same page, the first paragraph is completely fabricated). My job works to make our built environment more environmentally responsible.

Disappointing/Interesting

Disappointing news first: was talking with my colleague at work, Marie, who is also doing the whole eharmony online dating. We don't usually share stories too much, but some how it came up that we were both communicating with Thomas. Prior to the conversation, I was all excited about him as he seemed really neat and fun, but interestingly enough, knowing that he was talking with someone else (just like I am) kind of deflated my hopes. On the up side I think it will be fun here on out to compare stories and joke about it.





Interesting news: just got this email from another colleague at work. It's really strange how our mysterious brain works.





"Don't delete this just because it looks weird. Believe it or not, you can read it...





I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdgnieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe."

Work and Play

Again, I find myself working on the weekend. The good news is that this will end come the new year (promise) as it's the final push on a project I got dumped. Next time it will be different (honest) and I do love what I'm doing.



Plus, having taken a breather from the whole online dating thing, I've jumped back in and have a new batch of boys. I'm starting to line them up for the new year - plus still haven't been able to get together with Doug from round 1, but finished his book - well, one by the same author, which was really a fun, quick read - it's called Them: Adventures with Extremists by Jon Ronson.



I feel like last time was a test run. I've thrown out the whole open minded attitude - and am being a bit more selective, kind of. There are two that I am hopeful about the others should just be fun. So, with out further ado, here's the roster:



Thomas: He has fun photographs and really seems to have a fun personality. He seems to have a fairly similiar background/interests which I'm starting to realize makes a difference. He's in marketing/advertising and talked about laughter (plus) "Did you know the average child laughs 410 times per day and the average adult 11 (true stats based on a study done by Crayola - I worked there for several years)..." Sounds goods.



Chris:

An Industrial Designer - again similar back grounds (plus). Seems like a fun and laid back guy. Had a good book listed (plus): The Immortal Class about a bike messenger and his life in Chicago. And lives in Cambridge - another plus.

Stephen:

He's from Scotland - enough said. Ok, so I love the scottish accent, plus he works with children with TBI so that always gets points. The thing is he is 6'8". Now, I'm bad with measurements, but I know my brother is 6'4" (I think) and he's pretty tall in my book, so I can't imagine how tall this guy is - only one way to find out.

Tim:

This one is for the parents (jk) - he's a struggling musician, working as a waiter (I think). He seems a bit young for me even though he is only a year younger (more of a newer soul I guess). But has a lot of good energy and positive outlook - a good person to get to know.

So that's it for now. A fun break from work to read responses and profiles.

Travel Plans

As some of you know, my brother is off in Delhi clerking for the Supreme Court Justice there. Of course this just begs one to come visit and my whole family is making a pilgrimage east. My Dad and Barbro are heading over in late Jan/early Feb, and mom and I are visiting the last three weeks of February. We bought the plane tickets awhile back and have been reading up, but just this week in a flurry of emails we have finally started nailing down our travel plans. I thought I'd share (even though they are not completely booked), as it's a fun distraction from the daily grind (and I definitely am needing a break from work).



So, here is a map of India, Delhi is up there in the north (in the pink state). Three weeks seems like a long time, but you factor in jetlag (this is the other side of the world), travel time (India is a big country) and general down time, and there isn't much time left. The basic idea is the first week will be spent in and around Delhi - catching up with Nick, and seeing the touristy sites. This will most likely include a day trip to see the Taj Mahal, and possibly a day trip to Jaipur. (Delhi, Taj and Jaipur form the tourist circuit that most people do).



Next, we are hoping to fly to Mumbai (formally Bombay), which seemed to have moved last time I looked at a map. I could have sworn it was further south, but it's in the purple state there, on the west coast. Nick lived there one summer so will show us around. Than hop onto another plane down to Kerala which is the green state at the southern tip. It's gorgeous country downthere, known for their backwaters. We are looking into a state run package which basically provides hotels, travel and some food.



The hotels are wonderful and range from an old Dutch palace, to thatched cottages on stilts. It's a 6 day/5 night package and we have our own driver who can take us around on designated tours (I think). The first two nights are at a tea plantation (must start drinking more tea now, still wish I enjoyed it more than I do). A night in the heart of a game reserve, another at a bird sanctuary set in some mangrove woods (note, look up what mangrove means), and our last night just outside of Kochi (the big urban center of the area), where we get to our hotel via boat.



The last leg of the trip will just be to fly back to Delhi, have a few days more to see the sites and hang out with Nick and than back to the U.S. Doesn't that sound wonderful! It's definately been fun planning and now that the date is getting closer I am engaging in it more. An interesting factor has been my brother. He's been wonderful in keeping us moving along in figuring out exactly what we want to do and making plans. He's even taken on the role of travel agent and booking most of the things for us. It is easier for him to handle the arrangements for us since he is over there, and also, he needs to book farther in advance as he isn't there on a tourist visa so has to go through different chanels for reservations.



Oh, I almost forgot the other part of our trip. So, it's a long flight to India. When we were booking flights, it was a choice between an hour layover somewhere in europe or a 10 hour layover. Frankly, mom and I felt the one hour was cutting it too close, so we chose a flight that via red eye, gets us into London in the early morning and leaves after dinner. Perfect arrangements for a day trip and am hoping we will go visit the new Tate Modern. Last time I was in town, it hadn't been completed and have been dying to visit it for years now.



So that's the plan for now. Nothing booked yet, but working on it. Did get the Visa, so am good to go. Although I still haven't gotten my shots yet. I'm really hoping we don't need malaria pills - I hear they really do job on you, plus I have the whole don't swallow pills thing.



Between travel plans to India, running around for Christmas stuff - think I'll get the tree this weekend, and work being super stressful, I've been fairly busy. The whole dating thing did get put on hold a bit, although there is a new one on the radar who I will wait to write about at another time. That my friends, is my weekly update (ok, not so much an update, but more like installment).