Sunday, September 25, 2011

Water, Water Everywhere...





Since moving to Point Richmond, I've gotten back into swimming and have been swimming every now and then at the local community pool, which is a 5-minute walk from my place. When I heard there was going to be an open swim event at Keller Beach (also a 5-minute walk from my place) I knew I wanted to do it just to do it and to test my fitness level.

Of the three events offered (a 2-mile, 1-mile, and 1/2-mile swim), I figured it would be better to try the 1/2-mile. Albert and I signed up this morning around 8am, received a latex swim cap with a color that denoted our swim event (pink for 2-mile, yellow for 1-mile, and orange for 1/2-mile), and picked up an event shirt. I was number 100, Albert was 102. The event started in waves with the 2-milers going first, then the 1-milers, then the 1/2-milers. There were lots of people in the 2 and 1 mile group and not so many in the 1/2-mile group. I purchased a wetsuit just for this event since I didn't want to freeze. Albert didn't get a wetsuit, but said the temperature of the water was fine.

Everyone entered the water from the beach. As I started swimming I could see my group split into two: the faster swimmers and the slower swimmers. I was in the latter group. During the first leg, I accidentally swallowed and inhaled a lot of salty bay water, which was unpleasant. I couldn't get used to submerging my face to continously do a freestyle stroke so I alternated between freestyle, breaststroke, and backstroke. There were many times when it seemed that I wasn't actually making progress. On the way back from the first leg, the waves were a little easier to deal with and I enjoyed seeing the beach from the water. When I finally got close enough to the beach, I touched the sand with my feet and ran to the finish. My time was 29 minutes and 6 seconds!

Albert and I are really happy we participated in this event. If we were to do it again, we'd train for it next time.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Homemade Papusa



My neighbor made the slaw for papusas and, in getting hungry, decided to make papusas with a homemade masa mix! She is awesome.

Handmade Bib and Burp Cloths

This past weekend I was in SoCal for a baby shower and spa day. Albert and I had so much fun shopping for gifts for Cora Ayumi. She is the first baby of our group of friends so you can bet we're going to spoil her senseless!

In addition to buying toys that we would have wanted as a kid, I spent some time making handmade items, including a bib and several burp cloths. (Tutorials and inspiration from here and here.)







First of all these items are super easy! Once you make one you want to make a whole bunch since it's just rectangles. And second, it's easy to make a set using fabric scraps or buying coordinating fabric. Plus, it gives you an excuse to actually buy really cute fabric that you might not consider for sewn garments!

There are a ton of projects and tutorials for baby items on the internet. I had difficulty paring down my list to items that I could make in the amount of time I had, but I am super pleased with these!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Japanese Style Lights



Ohmygoodness! Why don't they have a store like this in the Bay Area? I love these types of lights! I have a string of these at home, but haven't found the right place to put them. Maybe I'll try hanging them in the bedroom like so...

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

New Favorite Blogs

I should be training for the upcoming Gladiator Rock 'n Run (which is beginning to intimidate me - I have to run through giant swinging balls and run across water and rocks?!?!?), but instead I've been surfing the internet, eating, watching tv shows and movies, and all sorts of non-physical activities. The internet is especially rewarding as I've accumulated a few new, favorite blogs.

Emmadime


Emma Robertson's blog, Emmadime, showcases her knit designs, personal style, and inspiration. This blog also led me to the following blogs!

Le Dans La




To be honest, sometimes blogs with numerous photos of children are too saccharin for me, but the photos on Le Dan La are just perfect. Minimal, yet styled. The color choices and knitwear are also inspiring me to try new color combinations and knit more!


la cannella fragola




la cannella fragola is a tumblr full of images on fashion, decor, food (especially sushi), travel, and photography. The tumblr is very well tied together through the selection of neutral colors in the chosen images.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Kayaking



Kayaked in the Santa Cruz Wharf this past Sunday. Saw otters and seals (or is it sea lions?) in the kelp beds. Got a bit nauseous from eating right before heading out on the water. Sang the Song of the Marines. You know it, right?




Start at 3:47.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Life


Image from Creature Comforts. Original from Katie Licht.

It's been a very busy time these past few weeks and it isn't over yet. I can't believe it is September already! Pretty soon September will be over and then I'll have to prepare for the holiday season. Yeesh...

Some things to look forward to:
-Concert this Thursday to see The B-52s, The Human League, and Men Without Hats!
-Baby shower/girls spa day for Lisa
-Plate by Plate on September 16th
-Trying to squeeze in some training for the Gladiator Run on October 1st
-Attending The Mystery of Irma Vep at the local playhouse

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Ticking Fabric Pillow





Finally got around to sewing this pillowcase using the scrap ticking fabric I purchased at the Alameda Antique Fair. Now the fox doesn't feel so lonely on the couch.