I thought

The weather was supposed to be more pleasant in the midwest. It is too hot to do anything, including knitting. Even my computer is rebelling by overheating after 15 min. I don't appreciate it enough, but I think ac has to be one of the world's best inventions. Too bad my apartment doesn't have it.

Camp Loopy Project 1

Yay, I finished something! And I am absolutely in love with it. I decided to join Camp Loopy this summer. We have to do three projects, each in one month. The first project was to knit a scarf/shawl/wrap, something to keep your neck and shoulders warm by the campfire. The challenge was that we had to use at least two colors of yarn. I decided to do the lace in a different color than the stockinette on my shawl.

Pattern: Asking for Roses by Amy Swenson
Yarn: The Loopy Ewe Solid Series in Ice and White
Needle: size 6 circular
Date Started: June 25, 2011
Date Finished: July 6, 2011
Comments: The final size (55" x 11") is a little smaller than the pattern said it would be, but I think I used thinner yarn. I am very happy with the size though because I can wear it more like a scarf than a shawl. As I said, I am in love with this project. How about a close up of the lace?

Nightmares

Do you ever think about nightmare scenarios? You know, those things where your heart drops and you stop breathing? Of course there are TRUE nightmares involving loved ones, health, shelter, natural disaster, etc. But I was surprised by a smaller nightmare today that I never thought of - my computer not turning on. When I get up in the morning, I feed the cats, start the coffee pot, and turn on my computer. Except things did not go as planned today. I turned on my computer, it made a spitting sound, and the screen went black. Ok, power off, try again. Same thing. AHHHHH! The majority of my research is either on Dropbox or a remote desktop, but I have started a new project recently and I have not backed that up. I backed up my photos a month or so ago, but there are some new ones. Not to mention the expensive software that I use to do my work. AHHHH! Ok, what to do? I have a monitor from the last time the video board died. Plug that in, easy peasy, right? Nope, it will not recognize the monitor. Ok, now what? Call Dad, of course. Except that he is in Japan. Ok, text then. Thank goodness he had not gone to bed yet. Long story short, I am typing from my computer, and my most important files are backed up. Nightmare postponed. However, who knows if I will be able to turn on my computer next time. I really did not want to buy a new computer. And even if I had the cash readily available, I cannot stop working for the week or so it would take to get the computer, set it up, and get the new (and very expensive) software. Not thinking about that now. As far as nightmares go, this is not bad at all. I just have to keep reminding myself that.

Madison

Mr. DB went to the University of Wisconsin Madison for undergrad, so I have been hearing all about it for years. I finally got to visit this weekend. I only got to see a little bit of it, but it is a fun city. I could see us living there, if we were ever fortunate enough to get jobs at UW. For now, here are some photos. Can you tell I have been having fun with Hipstamatic?

My favorite building.

The Union.

I stole this picture from either Mr. DB or his sister-in-law. The sunset was amazing.

2011 Goals- June Recap

I just got back from spending the 4th with Mr. DB's family in Wisconsin, so this is a little late. A fun time was had by all.

1. Make one scrapbook- no
2. Start and finish a sweater- didn't work on it
3. Make a color work project- no
4. Knit Nana and Grandad socks- no
5. Finish or frog all 2010 knitting projects- finished one project. Only one to go.
6. Make a felt advent calendar- no
7. Work out 111 times-worked out 5 times- yikes!
8. Lose 11% of my body weight- not sure, I've been slacking, as evidenced by the lack of working out
9. Learn to walk in high heels- forgot about this
10. Prepare an academic paper for submission to a journal- working on two papers
11. Read 11 non-school books by different authors- finished!

Because this was not very exciting, I'll leave you with a picture from the plane last night. We could see all the different fireworks displays.  Pretty amazing. If you ever get the chance, it is definitely worth it to fly on the 4th.