Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Monday, October 29, 2007

Rata-tat-tat-touille

Well, I finished my costume! Wore it to the Bridge yesterday and was having a great time. Then Annie's ex showed up. Awkward!

It's not like there's really anything to be awkward about, at least for me. It's not like I "stole" Annie from her (they'd been broken up for a looooong time before I came along). But I think it was just knowing that we'd all been sort of friends at one time, and then all of a sudden this girl is straight and into Jesus (not that being into Jesus is a bad thing) and Annie's left going, "huh?"

So, it was weird. But Annie's costume was a total hit, and so was mine, and that was the important part.

Rhionna's birthday was also a huge hit. Super-kudos to Tim for doing the bulk of the work to make this way-too-genuine Ratatouille recipe I found. It was a pain but it was also delicious. The kids didn't like it, but it was vegetables so I don't think anyone expected them to. I'll post some pictures from the party later. Hmmm, that makes me wonder if anyone took pictures of the finished ratatouille before we devoured it.








Next crochet project on the list is the shrug I have to make (and wear) so that Mom will get off my case about not wearing a jacket :) Oh and I'll post pictures of my finished costume later, too.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Not quite, but almost

You know it's been a productive day when your fingers start cramping up from holding a crochet hook. My costume is really REALLY close to being done. The top and fringe are all done, and all my ends are weaved in except for the skein I'm working with right now. It's long enough that it doesn't look funny, so I've decided I'm just going to finish off the current skein and when it runs out I'll call it done. I also glued my horns onto my hair clips today and they're all dry. Just in time for the Bridge tomorrow!

Next project up is a shrug. Mom had a "Mommy Moment" the other day and told me it was time to start wearing a jacket or something to cover my arms. We compromised and a shrug will do. I was going to use my Knifty Knitter, but now I think I might just crochet it. Hopefully something in my current yarn stash will do. Decisions, Decisions....

Alright, back to work!

Friday, October 26, 2007

Time to get cracking

Annie's in Seattle with Jen and Michelle until tomorrow afternoon/evening, so I've got 24 hours of home alone time. Time to finish my costume!! I've also got the first season of House and the second season of Law & Order waiting for me to finish watching them. I might be up all night.

Speaking of Halloween, here's Rhionna and I carving her pumpkin together. She's going to be my apprentice.

Restaurant Review: Meeka Japanese Restaurant

Meeka Japanese Restaurant
730 NE 181ST Ave
Portland, OR 97230-6706
Phone: (503) 667-1000


Last night we had dinner at Meeka to celebrate George's birthday. Sushi connoisseurs that we are, I was a little dismayed that the place is in the middle of a strip mall, tucked between a cleaners and a tienda. I was pleasantly surprised when we arrived. Seating includes booths, tables, as well as more traditional Japanese low tables. The place was pretty quiet and the wait staff wasn't pushy, but didn't ignore us either. The sushi was fresh and there was a generous menu of both raw and cooked options. The "Sushi Pizza" was a neat invention - a piece of nori covered with sushi rice (like a roll, but not rolled up yet) and covered with I think 3 types of fish, spicey sauce and mayo sauce, then baked long enough to heat it through and cook the fish a little. The tempura could have had a little more flavor but was light and crisp. Prices were about average for a sushi place, but keep in mind you're buying a whole roll, not by the piece/plate. Very easy to over-order for those of us who are used to Sushi Takahashi :) We'll be back for more!

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Wubster Wednesday

Yesterday was Wubster Wednesday. I love Wubster Wednesdays. I'm glad that they're close enough that we get to spend one night a week with them pretty much every week. Not that we couldn't see them pretty much any time we liked, but having a set day gives us all something to look forward to. Usually we pick the kids up, have dinner at Jen & Carolyn's, and watch Kid Nation. Last night was a little off because Carolyn was recovering from eye surgery and we had to leave before the show started to head to my dad's birthday party. Chyanne learned a new word, "hospitable" and Baby learned to correctly pronounce "envelope" (she was having trouble with the V sound). This weekend is Rhi-Rhi's third birthday. They're growing WAY too fast.

The birthday party was alright, nice to see Dad and Marcella and a few of their friends. Plus Dad's always good for a shot or two of scotch or a pint. We celebrated George's birthday too (which is today) and he got the coolest kitty-dragon t-shirt. I gotta say, for 55 years old, my dad's not looking too bad. He's got the memory of a 70-year-old, but he's still having fun so I'm happy for him.

I've got about 68 hours left to finish my Halloween costume. I'll spend at least probably 11 of that at work, and about 24 of it sleeping. That leaves just 33 hours. I've got to be able to finish it in that time! All of the small parts are done, so all that's left is the cape, but that's taking the longest (duh, it's the biggest). I thought I picked a pattern that wouldn't take very long, but I guess I was wrong. When it's all done, I'll post pictures and probably the pattern (which I made up along the way).

Until next time, Wubsters!

How did I get here?

Well, that's a good question.
The thing is, MySpace is starting to get un-useful, since a lot of my friends and family don't use it. This way, everyone can keep track of me without having to sign up for anything.

Plus, I can logon to this from work :) teehee.

So welcome to Zarah: with a mouse, a hook, and a dream.

Cheesy, I know. But the mouse is because I'm addicted to my computer, the hook is because I've become addicted to crocheting too. And the dream? Well, it sounded good.

Thanks for visiting :)