this aim thing is so frigging addictive. Ever since I got the new computer I've been chatting, and the worse thing is, I'm doing it all the time with people in the next room!

I have to say after seeing what Andrea is doing I am feeling a little jealous about wanting to learn crochet. for the longest time I figured that since i know how to knit I don't really need to learn crochet. Even though the sock pattern called for a crochet cast on, I was able to figure out how to do a chain stitch without too much trouble. The only thing that really want to do, however, is to learn how to do amigurumi....all those cool little designs that I've seen on the web. As with all other hobbies of mine, I don't see why I need to learn something else only to amass more soft toys, since it's not like I play with them anymore, but yet...perhaps I can find a way to give them away, like I had been with those baby sweaters I knitted.

I have finished one sock so far...it looks really good as it's made to fit my feet (I have very small feet for my height, and for a grown woman in general), though I have to remember to bind off loosely for the next sock as it took an almost herculean effort to get this one past my heel. It was a lot easier than I had imagined, partly because of this particular pattern I think, as I didn't have to do a traditional heel turn, though I did have to learn short row shaping. Not to mention, it's quick to make and relatively cheap too. I'm looking forward to wearing them when my extremeties get cold during the winter like they usually do. Of course, now that I've made the first one a little of the challenge has gone out and I'm going to be a little less interested in the second one, not to mention I am supposed to finish Eric's sweater, which at present consists of a front, back and almost a sleeve.

Am looking forward to going to asilomar for Lauridsen weekend. though I haven't started looking at the music at all. I've heard that it is not too hard, but still, ain't the best sightreader in the world. I think Eric is going to freak out when he realises that they don't have TVs at the conference center.

Lucas Tu

baby Lucas is 100 days old!

I am knitting again.......am tackling something new this time, a pair of socks. About halfway through the first one. It's a little challenging, but hey that's what I like so it's been fun. Much more entertaining that knitting Eric's sweater, which I have finished the front and back, and almost done with one sleeve. too bad he's so big and uses all that yarn.

New kntting book I like, all with projects you can make with one skein of yarn...

Woods hole here I come???

I booked my ticket to the SU meeting. I wasn't really planning on going, or rather, I was hoping that I wouldn't have to go. But really I was in denial about the whole thing. So when I found myself on the program yesterday (which came as a surprise to me mostly) I realised that all my hopes had been wishful thinking. But looking on the bright side, I will be visiting the toad in NYC for a few days after that, and it would be really good to see Takuya again, and all the other former Davidsonians.

It turns out that the genuis here hadn't emptied the trash for a LONG time. After I did that, my hard disk space immediately doubled. :P

How the Hell did this happen?

I was just mucking around with my computer when I realised that I only have 9GB hard disk space left. Bear in mind that this is a brand new macbook with an 80GB hard drive! And my last computer only has 20GB. So where did all the space go????? Yikes, I might need one of those external storage devices that I've read about.

I've decided that the only way for me to avoid food poisoning is to not eat out. Yesterday I went to the coffee bean for one of their ice blended mochas and spent the better part of last night alternating between projectile vomiting and explosive diarrhea. Yeah I know it's not a pretty sight. On the bright side, one recovers surprising quickly from such things.

Finally decided to turn down the Oxy job. It was a really really difficult decision, as I think the job was a really good one at a good institution. But I just need to focus on finishing right now. Well B was nice about the whole thing, and suggested that perhaps I can go back in the future? In the meantime I have an interview at UCLA next week, and according to the grapevine I have two competitors....hmm

No more operas!!!!!

Traviata was tonight. I really for some reason hadn't been too into it, but we did have beautiful costumes and after the dress rehearsal last night I was finally getting into the mood. The drive to Redlands was a real bitch though, and I am glad it is over. For the first time in months I do not have any impending singing engagements! Sure there is Amahl, but rehearsals don't start till september, and I believe I don't have to go to all of them. Whoa, I can finally start working on my own repertoire, including those new American art songs that Kathleen was talking about. It would give me the time to focus on my research and think about finishing......

Still haven't decided if I want to take the Oxy job. It's a good job, I'm just not sure if I can do that and finish up. Well, the clock is ticking and I have to decide soon...

Avec Roger 

With Eric 

Candide finale 

Hat Box trio 

Hat box trio 

Beth's aria 

Chef Wayne's creation. 

Canyon House Concert

I think it went well. It is pretty much the first time I performed an aria in front of an audience (auditions not counted of course) and sang a trio. Was a little stressful but glad I did it. Got some good feedback re: Beth's aria. One lady told me that I made her want to weep! Yeah! That hat box surprising managed to be together. Now I just want to see the DVD. Of course I'm sure I'll hear mistakes and be annoyed...The Chef made a really fantastic meal of salads and dessert. Yum!

Us big kids Lisa, Adrien, Mary and me! 

Me and my kids Alexi, Elan, Veronica and Claire. 

Hansel and Gretel Pictures

After a rather long delay, I am finally posting photos again. Enjoy!