Now who doesn't love the macro setting! Seriously!
Look at how pretty this is! xD
I have my iced coffee... in hand.. yummy caramel and I think I am going to do some knitting today!
Yesterday I did not knit one stitch, but instead played (and finished!) Professor Layton and the Curious Village on my Nintendo Ds.
Today... I think I will focus on finishing my mothers fingerless gloves. If I do not get those done soon... I will never get them done.
I have been working on her socks though. The 1st of the blue wool socks, I turned the heel and finished the gusset. The 2nd blue wool sock, I just casted on recently and am finishing the cuff.
The two Patons olive colorway socks, are at the heel flap portion.
So I am trying to keep it all... kind of worked together, so in the end I have 2 complete pairs! ;D
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Sock yarn o color!
Patons Stretch Socks
These are the yarns that I bought at Micheals that were half off!
I kinda think, mix rastia sock yarn from knit picks and the color from tofutsies... and you got this yarn. ;D Luckly, I like both of the previous yarns... and these were on sale! ;D
It was normally 5 bucks a skein... but half off makes it 2.50... which makes it 2 of these for 10 dollars! xD So I spent total of 20 dollars on this yarn when it should have cost me normally 40 dollars! Also the colorways dye lots are the exact same! ;D
I am thrilled though, about the bottom four (colorway Sugar) in that this was the yarn I was thinking of when I should have been sleeping before my CSET. But when I got to micheals I was lucky enough to see that there were 5 skeins left and that these 4 all had matching pairs in dye lots! xDDD So I bought my 4 skeins and was very pleased with myself.
Now all I need to do is wait for Red Heart and Sole sock yarn... to go on sale >.>; lol
Oh the colorways, the top left is call Mineral (for me, blue is pretty), and then the top right is Plum (also for me! ;D). Then the bottom for is called Sugar.
Which is going to be a pair of sleeping in socks for my Aunt Jennie, Pink is her favorite color... and she fell and beat her self up (she had a black eye!) lol tangled up in her night gown, trying to keep her feet warm... and fell when trying to get out of bed. She was fine, this women has the tumbling gene. But I thought why not maker my <3 Aunt Jennie a pair of socks to keep her feet warm! ;D Then I thought about making a matching pair for myself, so when she does pass away (she is in her mid 80's *crosses fingers) eventually I can have something I made for her... and a coresponding pair for myself, to think of her even more when I miss her. Aw geez, I am tearing up thinking about it. I love my Aunt Jennie, she is my 3rd Grandma! (She is my Great Aunt, but I have called her Grandma since I can remember, because she raised Alex and I when my parents worked <3333 awesome women)
Alright. Alex wants to go get breakfast, at McDonalds (oh we are so healthy)... I had a bowl of cereal... I think I will just get a large iced coffee... that stuff is so good!
Friday, January 9, 2009
Head desk
If that food bowl was a desk... I my head would be planted on it. u.u;
- - -
Faye doing what she does best... shoving her face into her food. <3
- - -
So I've taken about 2 practice tests.... for the CSET... and I am getting scores that are borderline 57% to 61% (off by one question!) for each section.
Ideally, you want to get at LEAST 60% for each section (2 sections, LA and Hist) and then 2 (out of 3)'s on each of the essay (4 total). to pass.
220 points out of 300.
I am borderline between the not passing and passing. u.u;
I do not wish to take this test again... but I worry I may have to. Granted the test is 52 Multiple choice Questions (26 each) and then 4 essay (2 for each section). So it is not pain painstakingly long.... but some of these questions are ridiculously detailed.
Here is a fun sample:
Q:
A first-grade teacher notices that one of her students is struggling with reading. He is in the lowest achieving reading group and the teacher has tried some strategies to improve his reading, but he seems to not make any progress. What are the next steps the teacher should take in working with this student?
Answers:
A. Assess his reading and target instruction to meet identified skill needs. In addition, keep anecdotal records of reading behavior and communicate with parents to gain assistance.
B. Request the help of any specialists, such as the reading specialist, resource specialist, or counselor, at the school to make a joint decision on how to best help the student.
C. Send home more homework for the child to practice reading skills at home with his parents.
D. Read more often with the child to encourage him and increase his confidence level; have the child do additional work with volunteers or peer tutors, and provide for reading time with more capable students so that he can see a good example.
- - - I originally thought, ok... in a realistic situation... D is probably the most P.C. way of doing it.... and can in reality be done. I just took a course in Second language acquisition in how peer groupings can benefit the students in learning yada yada.
Well guess what the answer is........ A!
Yeah.... seriously. Because when I have a classroom of 30-35 first graders.... I have time to assess his reading to meet the exact skill needs. Plus keep anecdotal records of his reading skills.... and of course parents alwaysssss have the time to assist, when both parents are working and get home close to 6pm and bed time is 8pm.
Also I have yet to even go into the history and social science section. u.u; I don't even want to go into that one.
I should get ready for bed honestly. The test is at 7:15am tomorrow... I have about a 45 minute drive to get there... so I am leaving at around 5:30am (waking up at 5am) and having breakfast by the high school (which apparently on google maps is in the middle of no where. u.u; oi).
CSET Woes
Just another random Cat photo I have.
- - -
So my first CSET is tomorrow.... at 7am (uck, so early). I am taking section 1... Language, Literature, Retoric, History, Social Science, Geography.
U.u; I am not sure how I am going to do on this test. Some/ most of the test questions are rather detailed.... so I don't know.
Also I should have studied more on the book I have (Cliff Notes). There is about 40 pages of material to study of outlines of information, like amazing outlines of the history portions etc. I think it basically is the answers I need to know... and I haven't even finished reading all of the history material. I've only just gotten to the World history section. I am so disappointed in myself... procrastination yet again.
The positive side to the CSET is that I can take these tests as many times as I need/want. Another benefit is that I do not have to pay for these tests, because the school can pay for them... but I honestly do not like the idea of taking tests multiple of times. However this is the first CSET test and I have no idea how the format is etc.... so it is a true learning experience.I also have a year to take and pass these tests. (3 Sections of CSET, and the CBEST, which I have signed up to take in Februrary)
I should have been more prepared for this... I hope I do pass... but I don't have much confidence in it.
Alex and I are going to get the mini vans break lights fixed (again! we did this 2-3 months ago). So I am going to bring my CSET book with me there.
I should get ready actually. We want to get to the shop early... before they get packed today. ttyl.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
CSUN visit!
So I went to CSUN yesterday with my brother, Alex, and I had an absolute blast!
I have over 100 photos of the gorgeous trees, buildings, landscapes, and even turtles. ;D
The school is amazingly impressive! I think if Alex did not go there... and I would have seen the campus when I was in high school, I would have fallen in love with CSUN. Granted Alex has said they paid a lotttttt of money to beautiful the campus over the past 6 years (since he started attending). But still!
I even twittered in how CSUN is like x10 in comparison to what CSUCI has. Even the bookstore is like 10 times the size in comparison to ours. xD I loved that book store by the way (I even have photos of it too lol).
Alex and I had lunch with his friend Matt... whom he and I had a discussion about teaching and the credential testing. (For example, I have to take Section 1 (of 3) CSET testing on Saturday). Also lunch was super yummy, I could only eat half (Chinese food) so the rest is in the fridge.
Went back to the campus, I had a better tour of the library (which is in the background of the photo) which is HUGE it is the second largest library, after UCLA. Insane! Alex had worked on the 4th (highest) floor for like 3 -4 years.... so they all had stories of him and such. It was really fun to hear about him and meet the people I heard about for so long.
Then after the campus visit (which the campus is hugeeeeeeeeeee omg)... we went to Anime-Plus http://www.animeplus.com/ which was down the road from the campus. Oh my goodness... my Otaku fandom came out there! xD The store is absolutely lovely, large, spacious, organized, tons of stuff, and clean. I loved it.
I bought this:
http://www.amazon.com/Gothic-Lolita-Bible-v-4/dp/1427803501/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_i
I love it! :D It also has some knitting patterns in it! Once I saw that I had to have it! xD I always was interested in looking at all the Gothic Lolita styles and such, and this is such a great collection and it is in english! ;D It's great!
I had an absolute blast with my brother yesterday. I honestly enjoy hanging out with him more and more. ;D He is so funny and I love the banter we have all the time.
Oh I also got to drive on the way home. We switched when we got to Moorpark... we took the 118 home. So I just had lots of straight aways. ;D It was a lot of fun.
I should get back to studying for the CSET... I swear the amount of information it takes to become an elementary school teacher is insane... but you know what... this if this is what it takes to get the job.... then the job is worth it... they don't give the benefits and pay to just anyone. :) bye!
Monday, January 5, 2009
My Dashings!
These I finished a few weeks ago, and use them all the time. They are super warm and cozy. Also I loveeee the color ;D.
My fingerless gloves!
The pattern is called Dashing. The yarn is wool/ alpaca mix , Berroco Ultra Alpaca.
If you click the first link, it is to my 'set' of photos of this. :D
Close up of cable
Both gloves laying flat, palm side up.
Thumb openings never look pretty, in my opinion. ;p
This is what the cable looks like when it is worn. :) Much prettier, I think.
So yes... fingerless gloves.
No I am not emo. ;p They are nice and warm and comfy. :D Especially since it has been so cold lately.
sleep vs knit
Such a difficult choice. I wish I could have this option every day of the year!
Last night I kept waking up and turning (also it was really cold all night) .... along with dreaming about disneyland/california adventure... it was an odd dream... just like the night before. ;p I was in love with all disney characters... and was having a hard time to choose who. I am crazy.
- -
This is Socks sleeping on my bed as I was working on the first glove... I am about the same spot on the second glove. I do not enjoy knitting it as much, mostly because I have to check a chart/pattern for each row... it's not difficult... just a bit tedious.
- -
Not going to CSUN today with Alex, for him to finish some paperwork. We are going tomorrow. So I will have sock knitting with me for the car ride... because I know I am not going to be driving. I am able to drive so much lately, because it is just around here, and I know this county so well... I don't have to think much about location etc. But I am excited to go there... because I haven't really been to the campus since Alex signed up to go to the school... 6 years ago! ;p So I barely remember it. xD
- -
I think it is time for me to curl up in bed and continue reading The Friday Night Knitting Club... I at page 200ish. :D Which is great. I am really enjoying it! I am wondering what happens in this book is continued in the second one. I can't wait. :)
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Carting around
So I am becoming more comfortable with driving. Today I drove back in the mini van with my brother... and I reached over 70 mph in that car on the freeway!!! O.o;
oh my goodness... that was horrible. You do not feel the speed as much in the mini van then you do in the volvo. So that is something I need to pay attention to. I will certainly not be a speeder. ;P
Saturday, January 3, 2009
grumble
Oh I am so upset!
In the chart it did not denote to the 'note' section in the beginning of the pattern that I had to decrease in the middle of the first cable.... and so I had an extra stitch alllllll the way up (purl st) the left of the glove!
Even my mother noticed the oddity. :( But she said it looked fine and she liked it.
Oh I was so upset I was wanting to rip it out.
- - -
I am working on the second glove.
Stupid pattern.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Leaving at 10am
So I woke up and thought oh yay! I get to working on my princess mitts today!
http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/pottercraftnews/nov07/pattern.html
But then I go out of my room and get some water... nope... my dad tells me we have errands to run at 10 (which means I can most likely drive! which is nice).
However, I was looking forward to working on those mitts... because it is the most 'complicated' cable I've done as of yet.
Boo. Still, I get to practice my driving which is good in reality.
My book (pattern) will still be here when I get back and my knitting will not be destroyed by socks. I can live.
My Farmor has offered me all her christmas stuff! She has decided she (at the age of 84+) does not want to put up her tree anymore and emailed me asking if I would like to take it. Artificial xmas tree (which is about 6 feet tall tops, nice size), all the ornaments (including the handmade ones from her family from denmark!!! xD), and the handmade (by her) tree skirt! Oh gosh I feel so honored that she wanted to give this to me! I am the baby of the family... and I am her eldest daughter, so I think that helped.
I am so excited. Because when I do move out of my parents house (whenever that is, I am in no rush)... I will have my own christmas tree with all the history and tradition of it! I feel lucky really~ <3 the farmor. I defiantly want to make a point to go see her come spring break~
Alright I should start getting ready... who knows my dad may want to start getting ready earlier. ;p
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
fin the shawl
I finished my mom's shawl tonight! :D It is about 4 and a 1/2 in length (in the photo I folded it in half).
I just came up with the 'pattern' as I went along. I do however wish it was longer and a bit wider... but I casted on length wise so I couldn't change much of that as I knitted towards the end. So win some lose some... I think she will like it. It is her favorite color so I have that in my favor. ;)
Time to go start another project.... or wait... can it be.. work on some sock knitting! Oh it has been so long! xD I am at the heel portion of the socks... oh that is the 'exciting' part. xD
Xmas => New Year?
I swear the holiday season always have me baffled and confused... but that's its own thing.
Christmas... nothing major happened, went and saw family. So that was nice.
New Years? Not much going to happen. I know I am going to finish my mother's shawl today so that is excited. Now I am getting nervous that it is not long enough... so we will see. Hopefully.
Um. Oh Andrew and Adrienne got their scarves yesterday! xD So that was excited they called me on speakerphone last night and it was so nice to hear from them! :) They loved their scarves and were like 'you should sell them etc' lol.
I do however have another gift project that I need to do soon... my friend (and Jimmy's) Jon in Seattle. He is to get two gifts. a Dark blue neckwarmer and a Black palindrome scarf! :D I asked him what colors he likes to wear and he told me he has a dark blue and white cashmere scarf and he would like a dark blue and black scarf.... um yeah no I like the 1 colored scarves really. So hence the two items. Everyone I think needs a black scarf. ;D Then the dark blue neckwarmer will be nice... and shorter to do. xD I've never done one so I need to figure out what info I need.
So I need to dash to Micheals and buy a half ton of yarn for gifts etc. I should look at patterns I like and what would be a good yarn option. :D Oh Ravelry how I love thee. ;D
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
I am sick~
Yep I have a cold...
Stuffy nose, congestion the whole nine yards.
Which is alright... what do I have to do really during winter break?! Nada~ ;D More reason to stay in bed and finish reading "The Friday Night Knitting Club"! ;D I am already at Chapter 10. I cannot wait to read the second one. :D
All is ok. Got my complete grades for the semester 4 A's and 1 B (I was intentionally lazy and hence the grade, I 'earned' that B)
Ummm... what else to talk about... Not much really.
Back to knitting and watching House! ;D
Saturday, December 27, 2008
What I did today
I drove around town all morning long! ;D
With my parents of course, which caused some yelling from both of us (nothing bad lol we are just a loud family).
But I drove for us to get breakfast (at the super fancy mcdonalds) lol, to vons (same parking lot), then to target (which isn't that far, but I took the scenic route by my old high school) and then the scenic route back home. :D
Nothing bad happened, no close calls. My parents pin-pointed on things I need to look at and focus on as a whole that will come with experience and more practice. :D
So I took this photo when I was in the car waiting for my parents while they were in vons! xD I am so happy, its ridiculous. I just loved the idea of, oh I'll wait in my car. lol
I also reorganized my entire closet! ;D Which is nice. I have a shelf in there now.... and was able to put my basket of yarn in it... so hopefully I will have less digging of Socks trying to get a skein here and there.
Back to knitting my mom's shawl. I am about 55% done with it. I will post a photo of it when it is done. :)
