Pirate Skulls and Bones

It actually has nothing to do with Pirates. Even though I do love Pirates. I have had a busy past two days. I'm all finished with my G.E.D testing. Thank the heavens. I'm relieved that it's done and now we only have to wait for results. Also, My check finally went through, so we now wait for the money to clear with Bank Of America..Which I feel is kind've cocky name for the bank..But that's just me.

Today was a generally good day, as was yesterday. My mood's significantly improved, also good news.

Grilling Party

Today was amazing or rather tonight was. I had a little get together, hosted by my friend's mom. We grilled like maniacs! From grilled Zucchini with a marinade to grilled Eggplant with tomato and mozzarella. It was so fun and summery gathering around the grill with friends chatting and joking.

Minus the extreme stress of yesterday, I managed to calm down a bit. I found an apartment and am hopefully moving in by August 1st. It's so ridiculously expensive getting settled into an apartment. But it's has to be done.

Tootles everyone

Why hellloo

Good gravy it's been so long since I last posted. I feel terrible for just disappearing off into the blue. But, I do have a valid excuse! So much has gone on since I moved back to America. It's been a crazy roller coaster ride of events and emotions. It's over though, and I will do my very best to get back into the swing of posting..Honest!

School begins in a mere five weeks. Which will pass with a intense speed. My weeks seem to be flying by this summer. In all it's been exciting to be filling out papers, meeting Chefs, and getting everything into place. Providing the funds work out I should be set to start in August!

As for my love life, well it's not so full of love. In fact, me and Love are on terrible terms. We have decided not to believe in each other. Everyone else is welcome to frolic with love. But for right now, I'll pass.

Spending time with my Family and Friends has been wonderful. In general I've felt a lot more at ease with my family. Which never happens for me, so that's really exciting. I spent the Fourth of July down at the Cape. Really a splendid weekend of sunbathing and eating with my cousins. In fact yesterday my cousin Kristen and I spent the entire day together. So much fun laughing and rekindling our friendship. All in all it's been nice to be with family again.

I must draw this to a close. Work is calling my name and I must answer. I hope all of you out there in blogland are doing well and enjoying your summers. I am back for good, for now.

7.5 miles and my Ipod

Yesterday, was cold and windy.

Yesterday, I planned on seeing old friends and hanging with the new.

Yesterday, I planned on being here and there.

Yesterday, I walked 7.5 miles.

As we all know, days never ever go as planned. I mean, the world would stop turning if they did.

I visited with a darling friend and managed to score a few hours of work for the week. How exciting! I walked on over to my other friend who lives near my darling friend. Only to find they weren't home. Conveniently forgetting to tell me they'd be out when we had planned on seeing each other. No biggie. I looked down at my Ipod and wondered, 'Do I wait three hours for my ride home, or do I attempt to walk it?' Being Irish and stubborn, I walked it. All 7.5 miles (I googled it!) I enjoyed every step, even the uphill ones. I still can't quite believe I walked all that way on mer whim. But, I did end up getting a Latte,Basil,Rosemary, and Beef eater tomatoes. Because, when one walks for a very long time, you become attracted to the idea of growing things. Because, when one walks past forests and ponds, you become excited by the idea of maybe growing and having little things in your yard...That is also how one spends 20 dollars..

Hopkinton.

I've finally reached my old town.

It's cold, expect to hear this alot.

Much is like old times.

I've seen so many old friends already. It's been lovely catching up and sharing laughs with good friends. Today I will find out the status with my work. Whether I have a job or not. I'm hoping I can get hours right away! I hope to continue seeing my friends today.

Hannah, my sister, has been so amazing. She's helped me out soo much with everything. And has been wonderful in keeping me fed. But, now I've got to figure out my food status in the house. And hopefully get to the grocery store asap. Hannah was able to set me up with a phone, so if you want that number. Let me know

Miss you daddy

Water everywhere.

I've spent the past few days soaked to the bone.

It's Songkran.

Which means a massive water-fight.

It really is insanity. Whoever decided this holiday would be a waterfight was brilliant.

Only a week left in my beloved little city. I can't come to accept that I'm really leaving my home.

That I will never be back in this manner. I will never be my Daddy's little dependent daughter.

When I come back,I'll be a grown-up. I will have conquered living on my own and getting my career started. I'll have finished living in Boston and will maybe have a steady someone in my life.

Who knows if I'll be back at all. It's so hard to tell, everything changes so quickly in my life. I want to come back here, but will I? I want to live among Thais and in Thailand, but will I?

I want to be with my Dad as I get married and Kids, but who knows if I'll even get married.

It's all very scary.

I Have Been A Bad Blogger

I know

It's a horrid crime I've committed.

Ignoring my dearest blog.

I do have some wonderful new pictures!

Dress Making and Sun bathing

Hello little flower:]

See how it's reaching out with it's little arms to hug you?

Oh go on, smile and admire the little beauty.

Life is so lovely right now, between sun bathing and enjoying the last weeks of my life in Thailand. I couldn't be more content. It's tinged just a hair with sadness, but mainly I'm happy.

I'm attempting to make a dress. Boy oh boy do I wish I had a body form. But one makes do with using my own body as the body form..Pins are not my friend..

In other news I've developed a obsession with my hanging plants. They've become like my babies, I water them and prune them while smiling up at them. Also, I've adopted another little raggity cat. He has come and made himself at home.

Enjoy the sun dears!

Rinse and Review

Finally some of the smog has cleared.

Both in my Brain and Outside.

Life returns to normal.

Marcus returns to Sweden

And hopefully Daddy will return home.

The past weeks have been busy and wonderful. I've gotten over some of my fear of going back to the U.S. And now I'm ready for time to hit the fast-forward button and start passing quickly.

I've got my gotta-get-it-done cap on and am ready to grow up and begin life. I can't wait to start classes and figure out what sort of restaurant I'd like to be a part of.

All in all life is good. I'm designing my first dress, so hopefully it turns out lovely. Using up some leftover fabric to begin a new quilt. Whew!

Up,down and around

The past week has been such a roller-coaster of emotions.

It's mostly been a wonderful high.

But tinted with fear and cautiousness on my end of the happiness. I tred so lightly around happiness, waiting for it to crash down. Mostly this happy little feeling I've had is due to a certain young gentleman. As most of you who know me know whom I speak of there is no need to divulge more then that. But, it's been very hard and easy at the same time. I can almost forget that it won't last and let myself enjoy my little happy world. But then, something always happens to shine a red-light in my face. Blinking and reminding me that it's all quite untrustworthy.

In other news, I discovered that lake. Isn't it stunning?

Wolves and werewolves

I've been so terrible about keeping up with this.

I have been busy, I swear!

I'm very happy these days. My weeks have been flying by with a scary speed. But, I wouldn't trade them for all the time in the world. It's been so lovely having Marcus around. I had forgotten somewhat how fun it is when we go bopping around Chiangmai. A friend whom you can be totally at ease and ridiculous with is hard to come by. And I'm truly lucky to have three of these sort of friends.

Bikes,sushi, and Mad Hatters

Just a few pictures from the past few days

I've been enjoying time with best friends and Hatters.

Loved Alice in Wonderland.

Loving riding the Phantom.

Having a panic attack on how soon I leave

Scuba Gear and other underwater things

The beach has been wonderful.

Thanks to my two dear Sweds I'm a certified Padi Diver.

Which means, I can go look at coral reefs,sharks and other lovely things.

It was such a intense feeling taking my first dive.

Being terrified of not being able to breathe, small spaces, and confined things..The first dive was crazy. I mean the life under the ocean is breathe taking. It gave my such awe at God's imagination and love of detail. Thanks to my best friend I was able to calmly dive and not get totally scared. Nothing beats having your best friend being underwater and experiencing something sooo life changing. Pictures soon to come

Getaway Island!

Tonight I head off to the Bangkok.

I dislike Bangkok.

But! I do like my friends in Bangkok.

I've got a long bus ride, yet another one, ahead of me. I really am quite adapted to sitting in one seat for nine hours. Afterall, I do it often enough lately. It's amusing how I go about three months without visiting Bangkok.This month I've been there three times already in less then two weeks. I don't mind though, I should truly hate the bus by now. I figure it's a good way to travel, cheap and comfortable. Granted I miss my bed were I can stretch out my legs, but if it saves money sign me up.

I'm off to Koh Lanta, I think it's an island off of Krabi. That's what I've been told at least..Who knows for sure. My toughest challenge is deciding what to craft while I'm down there. Since, I have to plan a week of creativeness..Due to the fact I start to go crazier if I don't sew or crochet at least once a day. So, I have to figure,cut, and pack what I want to work on..What to bring!!!

In other news, I've begun my first crochet blanket..So much work ahead of me. But, I'm sure it'll be worth it in the end. It better be... Also, I'm working on a tote for my laptop, due to traveling I needed a pocket made for my laptop. So it doesn't bang around or whatnot, so I've designed a tote to carry everything plus my laptop. I hope to finish it by tonight.

Enough chit chat! Instead, have a peak at an elephant and her baby that I saw:]

Tea n Crumpets!

I'll be gone again for a week.

But a few pictures to give you some inkling of what I've been up to!

Between visiting Tigers and exploring Bangkok it's been so fun with Leah!

Can't wait to head down to the beaches!

Leah is here!

I do apologize for not posting!

My bestie, Miss Leah, is here in Thailand.

In Thailand!!

It's been most wonderful having my Bestie here.

She's so fun and lovely.

We've been doing the tourist things, which I never tire of. Well, Maybe the temples get a bit tiring.

But I do so love showing off my little city. I'm always reminded just how lucky I am to live here.

At the same time it makes me incredibly sad to know I'm leaving so soon. So I must enjoy to the fully full! Anyways I'm sure I'll have tons of pictures soon. Love you all dearly

Squishy Pillows.

I made this little guy last night.

He took me a little over an hour.

I had this shiney and purple-y yarn.

That was super soft and crazy.

So, I made it into a circle pillow.

Thank you Attic24!

It's perfect for snuggling,laying on your bed looking cute, or laying under your while you're blogging on the floor...I had a whole conversation as to why I'm always on the floor with my Daddy. I mean, I'm always sitting,laying, or sewing on the floor. I just gravitate to the floor; specially in the kitchen. In the U.S my girls and I would often have our serious or silly convos on the kitchen floor. I'd be sitting against the oven, Hannah against the fridge door, and Leah against the back door. Just last night I was totally tuckered from being sick and busy and I was laying on the floor while talking to Dad. It's all very strange..

The green bit up there is the strap to my new crochet bag. You heard right, I finally finished it! I'll show you pictures soon, I promise. I'm also in the middle of frantically finishing Miss Leah's quilt. She comes in two days and I have one day and one night to finish it. AH! I had a fit yesterday, scissors became involved, and well I had to revamp the who quilt. I became mad at unstraight seams..

Lovely experience at the gym today. Lately I've been complimented on my working out ability. See, I never knew it took a talent. But, people are often just watching me look completely ridiculous and then say 'Wow, you're very good!' I feel like replying' Good at looking crazy?'

Apparently, while doing a squat, using dumbbells, and without falling over you get a audience.

Tomorrow I shall spend the day with Miss Olivia before bussing to Bangkok. I really don't feel like going to Bangkok, but it's a must. Mostly I feel like sleeping,sewing, or eating sweets..I dislike being sick. But, on the brightside, I will get to go to Outback and have 'Thunder from Down Under' and induce more sickness. It will be well worth the tummy ache after..Woe is the lactose intolerant girl.

In a none complaining note. I chit-chatted with my dearest sister. A very exciting event, one to be written in history. We rarely get much chance to enjoy a conversations due to our lovely busy lives. But it was wonderful none the less!

Tootles!

Five senses Sunday.

Tasting

Apples with peanut butter.

Hearing

The cleaners banging around.

Smelling.

Cleaning fluid mixed with coffee..hah!

Seeing

A new vest pattern I want to try.

Touching

Super soft black yarn!

Stripes!

Pillow love.

I began cutting cloth and playing around.

I finally figured out a pattern I liked.

I mean, I must have six maybe seven blocks made.

And have only liked these eight.

The yellow one is now in someone else's house.

I loved it while it sat all cute on my bench.

For five minutes.

Then it was wrapped up and sent out!

As the Mushrooms brown

I finished my fourth quilt,

First belt

and fallen in love with browned mushrooms.

Seriously folks, don't underestimate them.

Daddy has been absent due to work in Bangkok. Which, leaves me to cook for myself every night.'Cause goodness knows I'm not going to eat out on my own. Yuck.

The other day I figured I'd give the mushroom a second chance in my life. I figured 'What the cupcake why not.' So, I browned them in butter and olive oil, added in red wine and chicken stock. A few spices,cheese, and pasta later. Deliciousness.

Remember don't crowd in those mushrooms, or else they'll get soggy on you. Their all about personal space.

It's Mac's Fault...

I have a weak spot for Mac n Cheese.

Ever since I was a tyke making the box kind.

I made some tonight.

Hoooly danish it's good.

Recipe.

4 handfulls of macaroni.

1-2 tbs butter(depending on your preference)

1tsp dry mustard

salt and pepper

1 egg

about 1/4 cup soy milk (Eyeball it, you want a good two splashes)

1/2- 3/4 cups shredded cheeses.

Cook up your macaroni, drain out the pasta water. Melt the butter in the pasta. In a seperate bowl whisk egg,mustard,s&p,milk, and pour that into your pasta, Turn on majorly low heat. Add in cheese stir slowly, careful not to scramble the egg/milk mixture. Be super patient and keep that heat barely on. Stir it until it coats the noodles. And has become creamy and thick.

Eat!

I added in a stir fry of Peppers,mushrooms,onion, and garlic. Just to make it seem healthy

In other news, daddy's in Bangkok..Which is why I'm eating alone tonight. But, with a meal this yummy I can't be sad!

Original recipe

Alton Brown's Stove top Mac n Cheese

Five senses Friday

I've decided to try out five senses friday.

Miss Abby Try Again does this every friday.

So, I'm hopping on the bandwagon.

Tasting

Balsalmic vinegar on my salad.

Hearing

Indie soup's Swedish Invasion podcast.

Seeing

A white butterfly fly around the flowers.

Feeling

Un-motivated to do anything at all today

Smelling

Dry leaves and fresh cut grass

Why I disapeared!

Who ever said Yoga isn't intense..

Never did it.

I've spent the past few days working on this little number. She isn't done yet, a few extra details are needed. But, I wanted to show everyone. My first time doing a log cabin design. I really am proud at how it turned out. Every bit worth the irritation at the uneven flowers!

I've been doing yoga again lately. Sadly not with William, but with Chas via Yogamazing. Every other day for at least thirty minutes. I noticed my muscles had been getting all tight, which is never good. And my stress levels were higher, thus yoga waltzed back in and now I'm sore, but happy.

In other news, I'm getting excited for next month. I have so much to look forward to!

Second post in one day. Weird.

Second post in one day.

It happens..

Mostly because I'm sitting feeling odd. I have a married Thai couple cleaning my house as I sit munching on lunch. Which looks like I scooped it out of the woods. Due to the fact bran cereal looks like tiny branches..But,that's not the point! Anyways, I'm watching them scutter around my house cleaning up my tidbits of thread and dust-waffles. Yes, dust-waffles not bunnies.

I feel like I should help out, even though their paid for this. And each sunday they come around to clean. Normally the whole family comes over and chills at my house while Mom and Dad clean. I actually used to play with their little ity bity boy, sadly he's a wooping two years old and has no interest in the white girl anymore. Sigh.

In anycase, I was playing with bits of clothe. Making them into mismatched stripes. I think When they're finished I might like them. So far, it's a little chaotic. I like chaos...Typically anything imperfect when it comes to sewing I like. Which is why I never use a pattern, much like my cooking. I like to 'Do it myself!.' My child-like stubborness is born out of this. NO, mama I wanna DO IT. Ring any bells?

As for the photos, Think of them as a peak at my odd life. One is from the Navel Academy the other from the Himalayas..In the same month I believe..

Foot to shoe

Coffee,sun, and sewing.

My life for the past three days.

Marcus' mom's birthday gift is consuming my days.

She'd best like it!

Cooking brings peole together

Yesterday was highly interesting.

After sharing stories,coffee, and lots of laughter with Pi' Ang; I headed over to the market. Determined to make Tom Yum Kong( Spicy Shrimp soup) The one problem being, I had no idea what or how to accomplish such a task. So, I picked a random Thai market woman and marched up to her and asked how on earth do I make my soup! She found it funny that a little farrang(Foreigner) wanted to make thai soup to begin with. She puttered around picking up oddities of veggies and spices. A few I knew, others looking like aliens from outer worlds and handed them to me. I asked her what to do with it, she proceeded to explain in a mix of thai and northern thai. I did my very best to catch what she said and thanked her and went on my way.

Coming home I grabbed my That cooking book(written in Thai) and tried to decipher the recipe. Gathering that I needed to chop things and stick em in water..But how much of things and water?! In any case I decided to give it a wing and it came out super yummy!

Being inspired I figured I'd take my Cook book to class today to see if my teacher would help me out with reading it. And she loved it! We both learned together, me reading and her explaining what it all meant. She was sad when our lesson was over and begged me to bring it next week. All n all..Cooking makes my little world go round:D

Real Sewing Lady now!

Shh. I didn't disappear for two days I swear.

I'm an official sewing junky.

I went shopping for shoes yesterday.

But, discovered a lovely shop called Hobby Time

So as you can imagine from the name, I went crazy. I bought all kinds of odd's and ends.

I bought a measuring tape, so I no longer have to attempt to bend a ruler. Not to mention lovely vintage bias tape. I love it all! I won't go into much detail as to what I'm working on. But, it's a quilted bag for Marcus' mother's birthday:] I love it already!

Mista Airon, the love of my life

Over the past few days I've watched.

Sebastien's voodoo(A short)

Coraline (Movie)

And Nine(Movie)

Feeling the need to create a little pal for myself. I came up with a pattern and waaalaa! Mista Airon. Isn't he precious? He's wearing all upcycled materials, so he's eco friendly. He wanted to be a voodoo doll but didn't like the idea of being pricked with pins. (Being made was pins enough for him!) So he settled for looking like a friendly sort of doll. But, he wanted a crazy outfit, more so than this. But, my fingers are pricked and He'll have to wait until tomorrow for new clothes.

Pancakes and Snakes.

I went to the snake farm.

Watched snakes slither around and spit poisen.

I held a python around my neck.

Chocolate chip pancakes comforted me.

And I joined a challenge.

Sorry for my absence, as I mentioned before, Kids. But, I'm finished with the job so I shall be back in action.

The snakes were so much fun, I enjoy being able to speak Thai and chat with everyone around. Makes for fun adventures, they tease me all the time due to my lack of vocabulary. Mostly I throw things together and hope for the best. Somehow this is funny and fun for them.

I joined a challenge, using up scraps to make fun things! My Ipod cover was a first, slightly annoying due to the screen and click-wheel, but still cute I think.

Walls

Walls, I dislike them.

Not actually stone walls, no, the emotional kind.

Blocking out really isn't the way to go.

I actually have pictures! But, I was too lazy to upload them..I know, how pathetic is that? I'm telling you, swinging a small 5 yr old around takes it out of you. Huge respect to all the blogmothers out there! And on the subject of small children, congrats to Lucy of Attic24 who just gave birth to a widdle bundle of joy. Anyways, a little shout out to Andre for reading, hello you!

Today was mostly uneventful, I received some fun news, Babysat, and enjoyed Bucky's and some hooky time. All in all a pleasant day.

First Impressions

This morning amused me.

I walked into Starbucks,bobbing my head to my Ipod.

I was dressed in skinnys and a black T.

Looking like a troublesom teenager(or so this old woman thought)

She eyed me distastfully, as if she'd bit a rotten apple.

I smiled at her before plopping down in the nearest arm chair.

Slinging my leg over one of the arms.

Earned me more looks.

I was running a test you see.

On her, only she didn't know it.

I leaned down to pull out my crocheting.

Pulled out my yarns.

And began crocheting.

She came over all friendly and smiling.

Asking what I was making, all the sudden the troublesome teenager

Became a respectful intersting little adult.

Funny how first impressions are.

Weird weather + Coffee spills+ Chaz

No pictures today.

I do have a link for you though!

It's a fun sewing sight.

Full of pretty things people sew

Today was most bizzare, it rained..In cold season. It never ever rains except in Rainy season.

I think God was playing a trick on me, trying to make me think I have much more than three months left here.

I was sitting in Starbucks observing people come in and out. I had forgotten to tighten the cap on my coffee. A delicious cappuccino became friends with my stripey shirt. All was ok, I laughed and smiled. I then noticed two europeans hadn't noticed their coffee's were ready. So I brought them over to their table. I felt good about making them smile and feel loved by a complete stranger.

Stay dry or warm in the case of my New England friends

Hello Grammy and Gramps!

Shout out to my wonderful Grammy and Gramps C.

I got a lovely letter from them letting me know

they read my bloggy.

Also telling me they love and miss me.

I love letters

So, as I mentioned before I am taking care of small children with Liv. Today was an epic of a day, whew. We were stuck at the hotel for the entire day. As you can imagine, it was no picnic!

Other than that I haven't been up to a whole lot, doing a bit of hooky goodness and finished afew cute headbands. Thanks to ThreadBanger's awesome tutorial. Enjoy your day and night.

Old souls in little boys

For the next few days my dearest friend and I

shall be taking care of two old souls.

I've met a few of these rare children

but never two together.

Will and Jack, 10 going on 40 and 5 going on 20. It should be interesting, I've missed child care.

@)!) Aka 2010 holding shift down

As one year ends with a beautiful full moon fear and doubts follow.

This year holds so many challenges for me.

Living on my own

Starting my adult life

Leaving Daddy

Starting School for Cooking.

Just to name a few, but I look forward to each challenge.

Because, with a fairy tale sun-rise, how can you possibly worry. Instead, I've made resolutions.

I intend to be a healthy vegetarian, a bit of an oxy don't you think? But, I went and bought a one a day vitamin to improve my viti intake. I've begun my new quilt, for someone's wedding or maybe a graduation present, or perhaps to sell. I've decided to stop criticizing my weight and body. In anycase enough new years nonesense.

Today was lovely! I was able to spend some quailty time with my Needle and Thread. Nothing, I mean nothing, beats music,coffee,sewing, and daddy time. Night world