Eat less cake

The time has come, my friends, to talk of healthy things — of working out and eating right, of trying not to get diabetes by age 30 cabbages and kings. Thanks to a promotion for the first 100 customers, I saved $100 today. I'm now an official Curves member, with the little swishy key thing and everything.

My first workout day is next Thursday at 8:30 a.m. (They were full up until then!) Anyone have a quick knitting pattern for a sweatband?

Lilac-adaisical

Despite the nice weather (except for waking up icy this morning), I feel a bit blah and uninspired. I managed to take some nice pictures of flowers and other springy stuff, though, so that's happy.

Living in a verysmallhouse with a very large dog with a penchant for gnawing on underwear who is prone to chewing up anything he can sink his teeth into is beginning to wear on me. He chewed the binding of my $5 Queen of Clean book the other day. I think it's still readable, but I'm afraid he might go for my Turkish pillows or Daniel, my Heart-to-Heart bear. (Don't worry — the yarn's already hidden in the closet which, unlike my bedroom, has an actual door.) I'm going to go to evil Wal-Mart soon (tonight?) and get a baby gate. They seem to deter him enough.

We had a cookout on Saturday. I managed to remember the sunblock in time to not get sunburned. I was so proud of myself. You can view a couple of photos of KT, Brie, her 'rents and their very large vehicle if you click our house.

Here's a clever way to use up bits of yarn, which I spotted this morning somewhere on Craftster. If you don't enjoy knitting i-cord or with beads, then this may not be the project for you. (Or maybe it will convert you.)

It seems we may be printing the paper elsewhere, so it looks like I have some actual work to do.

ETA: Was going to buy some yarns at WEBS but decided against it. Woohoo for restraint! Also, since the new Curves opened the other day, my mom and I have a tour thingy tomorrow. Hooray for fitness!

Charities

Do you step out on your front stoop or veranda just to watch the world return from its winter slumber? Are you airing out the house just because it feels so good outside? Is the spring weather making you feel lighter in step? Then go lighten your pocketbook a little and consider donating to these (or any) charities.

Butterflies in Bushwick: helping low-income children in the Brooklyn area learn about the world of butterflies. This activity will enrich students' knowledge and teach them to respect living things as well as enhance their language and writing skills. They're currently 32% funded and have $460 yet to raise. Get out your plastic and go be generous.

Creating Fyber Ducklings is Fyberduck's brainchild (of course). Help support the newest generation of fiber artists! Children from low-income areas want to knit, weave, and crochet; but, they lack the necessary materials. She's set the goal high ($1 000), but I think she'll make it.

In unrelated news, I may not have to work for Jesus much longer. But shh! Don't tell anyone.

Prepare to be astounded

Okay, probably not astounded. Entertained, yes. I just discovered wikiHow today. wikiHow is a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest how-to manual. Here are some articles that I browsed:

• How to Survive a Freestyle Rap Battle: "Don't worry if you lose your first few real battles, the point is to constantly practice spitting. Continue practicing until you've got it down."
• How to Fold Paper into a Secret Note Square: "Some people have trouble opening this type of note, so it's perfect for passing secret notes to your friends."
• How to Exercise an Open Mind: "Join clubs based on things you have no knowledge of, such as a Scrabble Club, an Investment Club, etc."
• How to Draw a Frog: "Learn to draw a great-looking frog in 12 easy steps."
• How to Draw Bubble Letters: "Avoid the temptation to show off your newfound skills on someone else's property."


Finally, someone who spells it out!

• How to Meet a Homosexual: "If you use 'gay' or 'fag'/'dyke' as a derogatory slur, chances are that you are -- at least on some level -- homophobic. You should work on that."
• How to Know if You Are Gay, Lesbian or Bi: "Know that you are not alone. There are many, many gay people in each community, and many people are supportive."
• How to Admit That You Are Gay: "Don't worry about what people will think; what is important is that you are true to yourself."
• How to Learn to Accept a Gay Marriage: "Gay couples are probably judged enough, and the last person they want to hear it from is you."

Speaking of weddings, I was invited to one today! (The wedding was not today — it's in May.) Funny, the things that happen when you stop to buy apples at Fareway ...

To-whit, to-woo

I feel slightly crazy right now. I've got a bit of a headache and my mind is racing. Hello. My name is Naproxen Sodium. You hurt my head. Prepare to die.

I sent a package to Finland today, after realizing that the post office closes at 9:30 on Saturday mornings. I thought it was noon, but I mixed it up with my bank hours. I should know stuff like this, because I'm at the post office every Wednesday. Oy.

This next one's for Fyberduck: What Jane Austen character are you? Elizabeth Bennet.

As one of Austen's most beloved characters, Elizabeth Bennet represents what most women would like to become: strong, independent, and loyal. Of course, she has her faults including a stubborn will of iron and a clinging to first impressions. Overall, Lizzie is bright and lovable...something to admire and aspire to.

Elizabeth Bennet 81% Elinor Dashwood 75% Marianne Dashwood 69% Jane Bennet 69% Emma Woodhouse 59% Charlotte Lucas 50% Lady Catherine 9% Which Jane Austen Character are You? (For Females) Long Quiz!!! created with QuizFarm.com

That's all I've got. This naproxen better kick in soon. Aaah.

ETA: I'm sitting here smiling like a goon, because dayzi got her PB package. I posted a small picture of everything, details of which can be found hereabouts on my Flickr.

Fezzik has come home

I had a great post written, and then Blogger ate it, so I'll have to make this short and sweet.

Look what I got from my Princess Bride swap partner! It's Fezzik! He came with a holocaust cloak and wheelbarrow so that he can storm the castle as Dread Pirate Roberts. She also sent iocane powder (pixy stix), a treasure box with a map of Florin and Guilder pasted on the lid, a princess tiara, and a keychain that reads, "I refuse to have a battle of wits with someone who's unarmed!" I love it all. It's fabulous.

And here's what Timmy and Brie and I did after I got done working on Friday.