You Are Who You Are

Been thinking about this whole blogging shebang-a-bang and I decided to resume soybean589.blogspot.com. Sometimes you just gotta be you.

Jewelry Box

Posting about my jewelry box is a bit strange because I don't often wear the items inside. Only every now and then I may dress up an outfit with a necklace. I tend to not wear anything else because earrings can irritate my earlobes and bracelets get in the way of office typing. I moved my jewelry box from the closet to a small table in the hopes that I will be inspired to wear my jewelry more often. In the move, I decided to edit the contents and take photos. In reviewing my jewelry, I realize that I am developing a small collection of dainty necklaces - the kind that my coworker thinks was gifted to me by Albert. (Even though I get my jewelry from my mom or purchase it myself.) I have also kept many of my handmade earrings from when I went through a jewelry making phase. I even have Sailor Jupiter pins that I'd like to wear. (Please tell me that it is socially acceptable for a 28-year old to express fond affinity towards Sailor Moon-related things.)

If anybody wants to tell me about their jewelry stash, I'd love to hear about it. =)

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.

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!

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...

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.

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.

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

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.

Colors In Chicago

A Collection: Chicago Bridge Abutments

Highlights of Chicago

Crowley


Chicago-style pizza from Pizzaria Uno. (The cornmeal crust is the best!)


Deep dish sundae also from Pizzaria Uno.


Taking the Chicago Architecture Boat Tour...and drinking a bottle of champagne.


Dinner and drinks with Sheela and Joey!


Rolling down the hill near the Field Museum.


Chicago-style hot dog...mmm!


Garrett's popcorn - caramel mixed with cheese.

Albert and I went to Chicago for 4 days to visit Joey and Sheela. (Joey and I lived together for almost five years. And Sheela will be graduating soon and got a position in Amsterdam!) This is my second time to Chicago in the adult phase of my life. Even though it's my birthplace, I did way more touristy things this time - and it was fun!

Joey and Sheela - Thanks for showing us around and taking care of us. We had a blast!

Glen Aulin at Yosemite

The beginning.


The gang






The views.


The destination.


The action.



The bonding.


The camping.




The sleeping.


The satisfaction.


The reward.

The end!