Since my last post one of the partners decided not to participate in the company, so that just leaves me and my sister. I was sad to let her go, because we really get along great. But I understand that she has some issues that she needs to work out before getting involved in building a company.
About the company, we've gone through some changes and adjustments. Now we're focused on creating products with local goods but with our own twist. We've drawn upon our last vacation and the amazing landscapes in this long and varied country. Check this site out. The photos are fabulous and really inspirational.
We've both gotten into "old" crafting techniques which are now in style again, like felting and origami. I really enjoy drawing from the past to make things new and more current.
Right now we only have about three and a half project done so I kinda feel like we're a jeep stuck in the mud: trying real hard but getting no where fast. Even so, I'm really happy and enjoying myself immensely. :) I'll make sure to post our products as soon as I can so that y'all can take a look at them.
Laters
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
New Phase
So after a few months of therapy, I can truly say (with documentation in hand) that I'm more screwed up than I thought. For the most part, I've enjoyed my sessions, but others have been stressful and draining. I've learned a lot about myself and my family. Now, I guess I'm on the road to dealing with those issues.
But that's not why I'm posting today. I wanted to announce that we have officially started our company: Top Era Designs. That's what we're calling ourselves. ERA are the last three letters of our last names. Pretty neat, huh?
Today was our first day of office work, and it was quite interesting. There are three of us: Me, my sister and Daniela. All of us are TCK and that's been helpful. But just like any group of people we have our differences. However, for the most part, I think that we are going to get along fine.
Good luck to us! And I'll let you know when we have our websites up.
But that's not why I'm posting today. I wanted to announce that we have officially started our company: Top Era Designs. That's what we're calling ourselves. ERA are the last three letters of our last names. Pretty neat, huh?
Today was our first day of office work, and it was quite interesting. There are three of us: Me, my sister and Daniela. All of us are TCK and that's been helpful. But just like any group of people we have our differences. However, for the most part, I think that we are going to get along fine.
Good luck to us! And I'll let you know when we have our websites up.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Summer + Viña = Seaside stroll
Last Saturday, I went to Viña with my sister and cousin, Yusi. We had lunch at Pizza Hut (yay!) and decided to take a stroll across the beach on our way to the mall. It was a gorgeous day, and luckily I had my camera with me. Enjoy the pics!
Sorry, wasn't in the mood to stitch the photos, but I think you can get a gist of the whole picture.
Sand art. I love the Homer Sand dude. hahaha.
My sister and Yusi on the boardwalk.
The poor pier.
Sorry, wasn't in the mood to stitch the photos, but I think you can get a gist of the whole picture.
The pier you see in the background is scheduled to be torn down. What a shame, it's a local landmark where ships carrying sugar would embark. Unfortunately, it's in such a state of decay that it's no longer safe to walk on.
Sand art. I love the Homer Sand dude. hahaha.
My sister and Yusi on the boardwalk.
The poor pier.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
One Month
So, it's almost been one month since my first panic attack. During the first few weeks I still had some minor episodes during sleep, but they were short and few. Since December 22 there have been no attacks or episodes. Yay me! Thanks to my happy pills (which are rather miraculous), I no longer have anxiety but I do experience passing moments of slight fear. Almost like something spooks me, but it's like a whisper and soon passes.
Despite my advances, December has been the longest month of my life, basically because I have done nothing. Let me re-phrase that: I haven't done anything on the professional front. That has got to be the hardest thing in the world for me to endure. I told my shrink that I feel totally irresponsible and un-professional, but he keeps reminding me that I'm not at 100% and that it's "me time". It's a moment in my life where I get to do what I want. That's kind of hard to adjust to.
I have been dedicated to doing some crafts, especially decorating pre-made mdf boxes. It worked out perfect because I gave some of them away for Christmas presents. I recently moved on to my unfinished knitting projects and am about to start making furniture because I'm getting so bored. Hahahaha! That's just like me, I always go overboard and not like normal people, but at the speed of light. But, my body keeps reminding me to slow down. At night when I wake up, if I turn around in bed too fast, I feel like I might lose my breath. So, I have to remind myself that no one is rushing me. I take it easy, breathe and everything settles. It's amazing to me that my body is so much smarter than my mind, so to speak.
Thanks to my therapy sessions, I've learned a lot about myself through my past experiences. I know that sounds weird and obvious, but when you have lay out your life in front of someone else, you pick up on things that you never noticed the first time around. The way my family unit is constructed is one of those eye-opening revelations. I thought that I was a psychotically independent because I was just born that way, and now I'm beginning to see that my nuclear family created such tight bonds that it made me an island.
The great thing about all of this is that it doesn't depress me. On the contrary, I'm really happy that I made the choice to treat my panic attacks. Since I started my treatment, I've had the opportunity to talk to a lot of friends and acquaintances about this. You would not believe the amount of people walking around with untreated panic attacks and depressions. I don't know how they do it, how they survive, how they remain so functional. Let me just tell you, my panic attack scared the *@!"$%&* out of me. I could not imagine going through this without treatment.
Anyways, that's what I've been up to. I'll be sure to post pics of my recent projects the next time I log on.
Despite my advances, December has been the longest month of my life, basically because I have done nothing. Let me re-phrase that: I haven't done anything on the professional front. That has got to be the hardest thing in the world for me to endure. I told my shrink that I feel totally irresponsible and un-professional, but he keeps reminding me that I'm not at 100% and that it's "me time". It's a moment in my life where I get to do what I want. That's kind of hard to adjust to.
I have been dedicated to doing some crafts, especially decorating pre-made mdf boxes. It worked out perfect because I gave some of them away for Christmas presents. I recently moved on to my unfinished knitting projects and am about to start making furniture because I'm getting so bored. Hahahaha! That's just like me, I always go overboard and not like normal people, but at the speed of light. But, my body keeps reminding me to slow down. At night when I wake up, if I turn around in bed too fast, I feel like I might lose my breath. So, I have to remind myself that no one is rushing me. I take it easy, breathe and everything settles. It's amazing to me that my body is so much smarter than my mind, so to speak.
Thanks to my therapy sessions, I've learned a lot about myself through my past experiences. I know that sounds weird and obvious, but when you have lay out your life in front of someone else, you pick up on things that you never noticed the first time around. The way my family unit is constructed is one of those eye-opening revelations. I thought that I was a psychotically independent because I was just born that way, and now I'm beginning to see that my nuclear family created such tight bonds that it made me an island.
The great thing about all of this is that it doesn't depress me. On the contrary, I'm really happy that I made the choice to treat my panic attacks. Since I started my treatment, I've had the opportunity to talk to a lot of friends and acquaintances about this. You would not believe the amount of people walking around with untreated panic attacks and depressions. I don't know how they do it, how they survive, how they remain so functional. Let me just tell you, my panic attack scared the *@!"$%&* out of me. I could not imagine going through this without treatment.
Anyways, that's what I've been up to. I'll be sure to post pics of my recent projects the next time I log on.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Panic Attacks
No, the title of this post isn't some clever heading or metaphor. I have been diagnosed with panic attacks. Me. How is that possible? At least that's what I though at first, but now I'm starting to get the idea as to why.
My first panic attack was last Wednesday night, and I thought it was just due to a respiratory infection. Then, wham! Friday I got another another one. Still I thought it was the cold. I went to the doc's office and I just started bawling. He (general practitioner) said he couldn't diagnose me with panic attacks based on 2 episodes, but he could tell that I was under some severe stress. "Go see a psychologist, ASAP", he said. And I did.
That same day (Dec 5) I met with a shrink and had another bawl-fest. We talked about how I had gotten to where I was, and he sent me to a psychiatrist. "OMG", I thought. "Now I need medication!?" I just went with it. I was so beaten down that I just said yes to everything.
My appointment with the psychiatrist was last Saturday, and I had another two episodes within a 40 min span that morning before my consult. I was seriously considering it wasn't psychological. Anyways, I kept my appointment with the new doc (bawled a whole lot, again) and, sure enough, I got medication: a tranquilizer and an antidepressant.
Every doctor I've seen since my first episode has said the same thing: I have trouble delegating tasks, I'm too much of a perfectionist, I have control issues, and at the same time I have issues with taking the right amount of responsibility so sometimes I just give up my responsibility to others...I just give up.
So far I feel that I am in good hands. And if I'm blogging right now it's because I thinks it's important to do so. I have no qualms about being pegged as a fruit-loop or "damaged goods". I don't believe that panic attacks are or should be stigmatic. Why should they be?
I refer to this as my wake up call. You would not believe how easily this rearranged my priorities and how meaningless some things have become. I think that I would have eventually killed myself with all of the stress I was putting up with.
My panic attacks manifest themselves as a closing up of my throat and the sensation that I can't breathe. Obviously, I feel like I'm going to choke to death. My medication has helped with that, thank goodness. But for those of you who are going through something similar, SEEK HELP FROM PROFESSIONALS. Don't let this slide. I have NO idea how some people can go through this alone, I surely couldn't. Maybe my episodes are a bit noisier than the norm, but I would never wish the sensation of sure death on anyone. And that's basically the reason I sought help so quickly.
I've had awesome support from my doctors and my family and friends. I really couldn't ask for more. Since I started with my medication, I've had about 7 pseudo-episodes. Last night was the strongest one, but it was no where near as strong as the first few episodes. I actually controlled it before it got too far. Yay, me!
Anyways, that's what I'm going through right now. I'll keep you posted on my progress.
My first panic attack was last Wednesday night, and I thought it was just due to a respiratory infection. Then, wham! Friday I got another another one. Still I thought it was the cold. I went to the doc's office and I just started bawling. He (general practitioner) said he couldn't diagnose me with panic attacks based on 2 episodes, but he could tell that I was under some severe stress. "Go see a psychologist, ASAP", he said. And I did.
That same day (Dec 5) I met with a shrink and had another bawl-fest. We talked about how I had gotten to where I was, and he sent me to a psychiatrist. "OMG", I thought. "Now I need medication!?" I just went with it. I was so beaten down that I just said yes to everything.
My appointment with the psychiatrist was last Saturday, and I had another two episodes within a 40 min span that morning before my consult. I was seriously considering it wasn't psychological. Anyways, I kept my appointment with the new doc (bawled a whole lot, again) and, sure enough, I got medication: a tranquilizer and an antidepressant.
Every doctor I've seen since my first episode has said the same thing: I have trouble delegating tasks, I'm too much of a perfectionist, I have control issues, and at the same time I have issues with taking the right amount of responsibility so sometimes I just give up my responsibility to others...I just give up.
So far I feel that I am in good hands. And if I'm blogging right now it's because I thinks it's important to do so. I have no qualms about being pegged as a fruit-loop or "damaged goods". I don't believe that panic attacks are or should be stigmatic. Why should they be?
I refer to this as my wake up call. You would not believe how easily this rearranged my priorities and how meaningless some things have become. I think that I would have eventually killed myself with all of the stress I was putting up with.
My panic attacks manifest themselves as a closing up of my throat and the sensation that I can't breathe. Obviously, I feel like I'm going to choke to death. My medication has helped with that, thank goodness. But for those of you who are going through something similar, SEEK HELP FROM PROFESSIONALS. Don't let this slide. I have NO idea how some people can go through this alone, I surely couldn't. Maybe my episodes are a bit noisier than the norm, but I would never wish the sensation of sure death on anyone. And that's basically the reason I sought help so quickly.
I've had awesome support from my doctors and my family and friends. I really couldn't ask for more. Since I started with my medication, I've had about 7 pseudo-episodes. Last night was the strongest one, but it was no where near as strong as the first few episodes. I actually controlled it before it got too far. Yay, me!
Anyways, that's what I'm going through right now. I'll keep you posted on my progress.
Friday, November 28, 2008
"27 Hours of Love"
I always complain about the bad things this country has to offer: spite, mockery, laziness, tardiness, etc. However, I must as readily accept that there are certain things that are truly impressive and praise-worthy.
One of the most impressive is the Teletón. The Teletón was begun in 1978 by a famous, Chilean television host: Mario Kreutzberger aka Don Francisco. He invited the Society for Disabled Children (founded in 1947) to work together through a televised event. The idea was to raise more money and help even more children. Now, thirty years later, there are several establishments throughout the country dedicated to helping and rehabilitating disabled children and young people and their families.
Tonight, at 9:00 p.m., the Teletón begins its yearly transmission which lasts for 27 straight hours. Every year a monetary goal is set. Large companies, philanthropists and the ordinary Joe donate money to attain that goal. It isn't always reached within the 27 hour limit, but it's a true testament to the Chilean people's solidarity and committment to this cause. The whole country comes to a standstill. No matter where anyone goes, they always ask a store clerk, the bus driver or a random stranger in the street: "How are we coming along?" or "Are we getting close to our goal yet?"
It's a beautiful thing. During the televised transmission, we hear stories about families that have had to learn to live and excel with a disabled child: heart wrenching. I don't know of anyone who can sit and watch the whole 27 hours. I, myself, can only sit and listen to a couple or three per each Teletón.
Anyways, I just wanted to spread the word about this wonderful cause. I wish every Chilean luck in reaching this year's goal.
One of the most impressive is the Teletón. The Teletón was begun in 1978 by a famous, Chilean television host: Mario Kreutzberger aka Don Francisco. He invited the Society for Disabled Children (founded in 1947) to work together through a televised event. The idea was to raise more money and help even more children. Now, thirty years later, there are several establishments throughout the country dedicated to helping and rehabilitating disabled children and young people and their families.
Tonight, at 9:00 p.m., the Teletón begins its yearly transmission which lasts for 27 straight hours. Every year a monetary goal is set. Large companies, philanthropists and the ordinary Joe donate money to attain that goal. It isn't always reached within the 27 hour limit, but it's a true testament to the Chilean people's solidarity and committment to this cause. The whole country comes to a standstill. No matter where anyone goes, they always ask a store clerk, the bus driver or a random stranger in the street: "How are we coming along?" or "Are we getting close to our goal yet?"
It's a beautiful thing. During the televised transmission, we hear stories about families that have had to learn to live and excel with a disabled child: heart wrenching. I don't know of anyone who can sit and watch the whole 27 hours. I, myself, can only sit and listen to a couple or three per each Teletón.
Anyways, I just wanted to spread the word about this wonderful cause. I wish every Chilean luck in reaching this year's goal.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Business....as usual
Hey everyone,
I'm back from vacay. It was great! I promise to upload some pictures as soon as I can. Between Facebook, replying emails and paying the very-important-after-vacations-visit-to-briefly-describe-the-wonderful-food-and-sites-I-was-privy-to to most of my friends, I am totally out of time. Oh, and I forgot to mention that I also have to work every once in a while, hahaha.
Even though I had decided to take a break from architecture, my vacations gave me a fresh outlook on the problem. So, while I work on other projects (crafts and stuff) that I have lined up, I will be getting back into the architectural swing of things.
So let me see....right now I'm working on:
I'm back from vacay. It was great! I promise to upload some pictures as soon as I can. Between Facebook, replying emails and paying the very-important-after-vacations-visit-to-briefly-describe-the-wonderful-food-and-sites-I-was-privy-to to most of my friends, I am totally out of time. Oh, and I forgot to mention that I also have to work every once in a while, hahaha.
Even though I had decided to take a break from architecture, my vacations gave me a fresh outlook on the problem. So, while I work on other projects (crafts and stuff) that I have lined up, I will be getting back into the architectural swing of things.
So let me see....right now I'm working on:
- 3+1 projects that are only paperwork. Those projects have already been built sans the proper permits. Therefore, I have the "pleasurable" task of putting together the properties' municipal dossiers with all of the missing documents, plans and reports. bO-ring and tEE-di-ous. At least they are almost in the bag.
- 3 bids (or estimates, not sure how to call them) for different projects that have yet to be built. All of these require design (my FAVORITE part). One is a restaurant, the second is a group of small cabins, and the third is the headquarters for a moving company. That sounds a lot more impressive and glamorous than it really is, believe me. I'm not sure if they'll except my bid yet, but I'm keepin' my fingers crossed.
- 1 project to turn two houses on one lot into collective housing...just paperwork and the owners are a pain.
- 1 project that was supposed to be finished by now. But the owners decided that the project they approved is now too expensive and they want us to change it to a less expensive budget without us charging for that!!!!!!! Clueless, they are completely clueless.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
I totally swiped this from Shannon :)
Hey guys,
I'm just killin' time here. I found a wordle on Shannon's page who found one, in turn, on Jenna's page. Awesome.
Just one question: Why is the word bread SO big? hahahaha
I'm just killin' time here. I found a wordle on Shannon's page who found one, in turn, on Jenna's page. Awesome.
Just one question: Why is the word bread SO big? hahahaha
Planning this Vacation is going to Kill Me
Okay, it¡s been about two weeks since I last posted. I've been so busy trying to tie up loose ends and trying to plan my upcoming vacations. Vacations, FINALLY!!!! I haven't had any vacations in 12 years. I'm not kidding. When I was a kid, my parents, sister and me would go to Alberquerque, NM every summer. But when I came to Chile, the fun stopped along with the vacations. My one and only vacations were in 1995 o 1996 with a friend and her family. Let me just tell you by experience that no vacations is NOT the way to go.
Anyways, I'm stoked and at the same time stressed out!!!!! My parents always did the planning, and I just went along for the ride. Now I realize all that vacationing entails: reservations, checking schedules, itineraries, money and millions of other details. I still have to buy a memory card for my camera and shampoo! Should I take warmer clothes or just a heavy jacket? We're traveling by train and bus, so picking the right things to not have to carry too much weight is essential. It all so daunting.
On the upside, our vacation spots are most definitely some of the most beautiful places in Chile. We have a road trip planned, kinda sorta backpacking but with swankier lodging. :) We're planning on hitting Concepción, Valdivia, Puerto Varas, Frutillar and then onto Chiloe.
Chiloe is an island and as such has a particular cultural. The churches that were built all over the island are all wooden. No nails if I remember correctly. And they were declared world heritage a few years ago.
We leave Sunday to Santiago where we'll take the train to our first destination spot, Concepción. We get back Nov 2 or 3. When I get back, I'll be posting about the trip, hopefully city by city. Until then. Bye! :)
Anyways, I'm stoked and at the same time stressed out!!!!! My parents always did the planning, and I just went along for the ride. Now I realize all that vacationing entails: reservations, checking schedules, itineraries, money and millions of other details. I still have to buy a memory card for my camera and shampoo! Should I take warmer clothes or just a heavy jacket? We're traveling by train and bus, so picking the right things to not have to carry too much weight is essential. It all so daunting.
On the upside, our vacation spots are most definitely some of the most beautiful places in Chile. We have a road trip planned, kinda sorta backpacking but with swankier lodging. :) We're planning on hitting Concepción, Valdivia, Puerto Varas, Frutillar and then onto Chiloe.
Chiloe is an island and as such has a particular cultural. The churches that were built all over the island are all wooden. No nails if I remember correctly. And they were declared world heritage a few years ago.
We leave Sunday to Santiago where we'll take the train to our first destination spot, Concepción. We get back Nov 2 or 3. When I get back, I'll be posting about the trip, hopefully city by city. Until then. Bye! :)
Thursday, October 2, 2008
How to Make Chilean French Toast
Okay, I'm back. Sorry about the disappearing act, but I'm trying to get a lot of work done before I go on vacay (yea!!!!!!!!). But, more about that later.
During my absence from blogging, I got a craving for one of my favorite foods in the world: French toast (thank you Denny's for making me an addict;)). Let me just tell you that there is NO French toast in Chile :(...at least not around Valpo. So several years ago I "created" Chilean French Toast.
Since this is a fusion dish, I couldn't just use the same old bread that comes pre-sliced (yes, that I can find in the grocery store) or the typical syrup (also in the grocery store, although it's a little pricey for plain, old maple syrup). So, I tried using bread from the local bakery.
In Chile, there is a bakery or small store selling fresh bread on every other block, even Santiago. Therefore, you are never far away from fresh, crispy bread. You will find several types of bread at any one of these stores, but the most popular types are hallulla (ah-yu-ya) and batido (literally whipped, but I'd go with kneaded. it's also called marraqueta in some places). In the first type, the dough is rolled out to 1/4" thickness and cut with round cookie cutter-like things. In the second, the dough rolled into the shape you see below.
So, here goes the recipe:
Have the whisked eggs ready with a little bit of milk in them. Take your day-old batido and slice it to about a 1/4". The bread can't be too fresh cuz it will turn into a glob of mush. I suggest discarding the slices from the top and bottom crusts.
Dip the slices into the egg and milk mixture and let them get soaked through. The milk will help soften up the bread, which can get a bit dry and hard. Then, throw the soaked slices onto a hot, greased griddle or non stick pan. Once they are golden brown, serve them warm with coconut palm syrup or your favorite jam. And that's it. Simple, fast and tasty, my favorite type of food.
During my absence from blogging, I got a craving for one of my favorite foods in the world: French toast (thank you Denny's for making me an addict;)). Let me just tell you that there is NO French toast in Chile :(...at least not around Valpo. So several years ago I "created" Chilean French Toast.
Since this is a fusion dish, I couldn't just use the same old bread that comes pre-sliced (yes, that I can find in the grocery store) or the typical syrup (also in the grocery store, although it's a little pricey for plain, old maple syrup). So, I tried using bread from the local bakery.
In Chile, there is a bakery or small store selling fresh bread on every other block, even Santiago. Therefore, you are never far away from fresh, crispy bread. You will find several types of bread at any one of these stores, but the most popular types are hallulla (ah-yu-ya) and batido (literally whipped, but I'd go with kneaded. it's also called marraqueta in some places). In the first type, the dough is rolled out to 1/4" thickness and cut with round cookie cutter-like things. In the second, the dough rolled into the shape you see below.
So, here goes the recipe:Have the whisked eggs ready with a little bit of milk in them. Take your day-old batido and slice it to about a 1/4". The bread can't be too fresh cuz it will turn into a glob of mush. I suggest discarding the slices from the top and bottom crusts.
Dip the slices into the egg and milk mixture and let them get soaked through. The milk will help soften up the bread, which can get a bit dry and hard. Then, throw the soaked slices onto a hot, greased griddle or non stick pan. Once they are golden brown, serve them warm with coconut palm syrup or your favorite jam. And that's it. Simple, fast and tasty, my favorite type of food.
I tried to get a picture of the finished product, but the vultures beat me to it! They were gone in 5 minutes. :D
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
What's the Difference between Chileans and Americans?
I get asked this question a lot. I hate it. It's right up there with "Can you translate this song for me?" After a few months of living here, I came up with the following answer:
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre los chilenos y los gringos? Ni se imaginan cuantas veces he oído esta pregunta. Al principio no supe que contestar. Pero al cabo de un par de meses en Chile, surgió la siguiente repuesta. A mi juicio, ilustra a cabalidad la diferencia.
Si mañana se me ocurriera escalar el Everest, un gringo me diría "-Bacan, te deseo lo mejor! Cuando regreses, me tienes que contar todo!" Un chileno, en cambio, me diría "-Para que queri hacer algo así? Teni que tener cuidado, te podi lastimar. Estai segura que es algo que quieres hacer?"
(fyi, the italicized words are Chilean slang. You probably won't find them in a translation dictionary.)
If I decided tomorrow that I wanted to climb Mt. Everest, an American friend would say, "Awesome! Go for it! Keep me posted!" A Chilean friend, on the other hand, would say, "Why in the world would you want to do that?! You better be careful, you might get hurt. Are you sure they'll even let you into the country?"
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre los chilenos y los gringos? Ni se imaginan cuantas veces he oído esta pregunta. Al principio no supe que contestar. Pero al cabo de un par de meses en Chile, surgió la siguiente repuesta. A mi juicio, ilustra a cabalidad la diferencia.
Si mañana se me ocurriera escalar el Everest, un gringo me diría "-Bacan, te deseo lo mejor! Cuando regreses, me tienes que contar todo!" Un chileno, en cambio, me diría "-Para que queri hacer algo así? Teni que tener cuidado, te podi lastimar. Estai segura que es algo que quieres hacer?"
(fyi, the italicized words are Chilean slang. You probably won't find them in a translation dictionary.)
Photos Pending
Here are the pictures I promised.
The yarn...so shiny, sooo perty (45% acrylic, 55% nylon)
The yarn...so shiny, sooo perty (45% acrylic, 55% nylon)
This is my progress so far. Check out my new fangled stitch markers (lol)
Close up
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
(So NOT) Mindless Knitting
Okay, so I'm almost done with the hot pink cardigan. Yippeeeee! Soooo, I decided to get started with another project. Knitting lulls are death for any knitter.
Here's the new project. Last week I saw the perfect yarn. It's kinda shimmery and light-weight. Yesterday I bought it in a pearly- blue tone (photo pending). I was so psyched!
Alright, this was my logic. Since the hot pink cardigan has a lacy pattern, I thought I'd try a more challenging pattern. After all, I've risen to the occassion so no biggy, right? WRONG! Huge biggy.
I've started with the lacy part and have already had to rip back three times!! It's really slow cuz you can't make the slightest mistake. You can see by the photo that there are four different patterns in each row. To top things off, my gorgeous yarn is really slippery, so it doesn't hold the stitch for long when I have to rip back. x(
Right now I'm working 4 rows at a time and everyone is forbidden from talking to me while I knit. hahaha
All I can think of is that I must be insane. I'll keep you posted on my progress :)
Here's the new project. Last week I saw the perfect yarn. It's kinda shimmery and light-weight. Yesterday I bought it in a pearly- blue tone (photo pending). I was so psyched!
Alright, this was my logic. Since the hot pink cardigan has a lacy pattern, I thought I'd try a more challenging pattern. After all, I've risen to the occassion so no biggy, right? WRONG! Huge biggy.
I've started with the lacy part and have already had to rip back three times!! It's really slow cuz you can't make the slightest mistake. You can see by the photo that there are four different patterns in each row. To top things off, my gorgeous yarn is really slippery, so it doesn't hold the stitch for long when I have to rip back. x(
Right now I'm working 4 rows at a time and everyone is forbidden from talking to me while I knit. hahaha
All I can think of is that I must be insane. I'll keep you posted on my progress :)
Thursday, August 28, 2008
HIguerillas
Well, its been a really long time since I've had the occasion to visit the coast which is funny because I live 4 blocks from the Pacific Ocean. But you know what it's like: we always take for granted the things we have right at hand. Fortunately, I had a chance to go to Higuerillas yesterday to drop off some magazines at a restaurant and decided to snap some pictures for you guys.Let me bring you up to speed about Concón (pronounced more like cone-cone'). This city was founded as a tourist spot for plantation/ranchers that lived in the Aconcagua Valley (i.e. surrounding the Aconcagua River that flows from the Andes Mountains). It was traditionally a place for wealthy Chileans to take vacations (still is), so the cliffs that look upon the Ocean were settled first. One of these areas (maybe you can say that it's a barrio) is Higuerillas (fig orchard, literally). Presently, Higuerillas is a place where you can find fisherman and restaurants specializing in seafood (duh, right? lol)
In the first picture you can see a sea gull (noisy bastards) and a pelican. That was sheer luck. I was waiting for a bus, and I just starting snapping all I could before it passed me by.
A view towards the East. Higuerillas, along the coastline, is only about as long as a football field. Maybe a little longer.
Towards the West. This square was made a few years ago. Before that there was only a side walk wide enough for one person to walk on. The big stones are there to create an artificial harbor for the fisherman. Behind the red building you would find Concón's Yacht Club. 
These are the restaurants at the foothills. If you were facing the ocean, these would be at your back.
These are the restaurants at the foothills. If you were facing the ocean, these would be at your back.
And there you have it. Your first look at Higuerillas.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Mopin' Around
Yep, last week was a b****h. This week hasn't been much better. I found out just how much scum roams the Earth. It's amazing how hard work and dedication are always met with laziness and incompetence; how kindness and concern are met with disregard and aloofness; and how responsibility is met with blaming others for your lack of it.
Oh well, but that's something that will be dealt with in due time.
Last week, I had to measure (survey, whatever you call it) a warehouse. The owner needed blueprints for Health Services. That day it was freeeeezing in Valparaiso. It's almost Spring here and Spring means the beginning of the windy season. Sometimes we get cool soft, breezes. But when the winds blow as early as August, we get cold gales.
To escape some of the cold we decided to chase the sunlight. Not too much luck because the sun was setting. But we did stumble across a couple of benches that had been covered in mosaic tiles. We stayed a sec, just enough to snap these two pictures, and then we were on own way to a warmer place. :)
Oh well, but that's something that will be dealt with in due time.
Last week, I had to measure (survey, whatever you call it) a warehouse. The owner needed blueprints for Health Services. That day it was freeeeezing in Valparaiso. It's almost Spring here and Spring means the beginning of the windy season. Sometimes we get cool soft, breezes. But when the winds blow as early as August, we get cold gales.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Meet and Greet (en Español, tambien)
Okay, so I couldn't come up with a clever name, sue me. :P...
So here's the deal. The other day I ran into my sister and one of her (ESL) students. Her student was a little shy about speaking English with me, so my sister and I thought it would be a good idea to get her in a social setting with other Anglophones. That way she would be forced to speak English (insert wicked laugh).
Well that idea took off, and now we're planning a get together for Friday evening. All English speakers are invited as well as those who want to spend the afternoon brushing up on their conversational English. The only rule is NO Spanish (insert another wicked laugh)
We're going to meet up at Margaritai (across the street from Anayak in Viña) at 7:00 (19 hrs) on Friday (22). So, you are all welcome to join us.
SPANISH:
Sucede lo siguiente. El otro día me encontré en la calle con mi hermana y una de sus alumnas. A su alumna le dio un poco de cosa hablar en inglés conmigo. Tener vergüenza al hablar un idioma que uno no domina es absolutamente normal. Nisiquiera yo me atrevo hablar otro idioma ¡que plancha!
En fin, una idea surgió de juntar anglo parlantes con Chilenos que están aprendiendo el idioma. Al parecer, mi hermana conoce a un montón de ambos. Por esto, fijamos una reunión para el viernes 22 en Margaritai (al frente de Anayak en Viña) a las 19 hrs. El horario es para acomodar a los mas viejitos y los que viven mas lejos...y, porque no, aquellos que tienen carrete más tarde.
La única regla es que SOLAMENTE SE HABLA INGLES. (jejejeje). Están invitados todas aquellas personas que hablan ingles o que quieren practicarlo por un rato en grata compañía. Nos vemos.
So here's the deal. The other day I ran into my sister and one of her (ESL) students. Her student was a little shy about speaking English with me, so my sister and I thought it would be a good idea to get her in a social setting with other Anglophones. That way she would be forced to speak English (insert wicked laugh).
Well that idea took off, and now we're planning a get together for Friday evening. All English speakers are invited as well as those who want to spend the afternoon brushing up on their conversational English. The only rule is NO Spanish (insert another wicked laugh)
We're going to meet up at Margaritai (across the street from Anayak in Viña) at 7:00 (19 hrs) on Friday (22). So, you are all welcome to join us.
SPANISH:
Sucede lo siguiente. El otro día me encontré en la calle con mi hermana y una de sus alumnas. A su alumna le dio un poco de cosa hablar en inglés conmigo. Tener vergüenza al hablar un idioma que uno no domina es absolutamente normal. Nisiquiera yo me atrevo hablar otro idioma ¡que plancha!
En fin, una idea surgió de juntar anglo parlantes con Chilenos que están aprendiendo el idioma. Al parecer, mi hermana conoce a un montón de ambos. Por esto, fijamos una reunión para el viernes 22 en Margaritai (al frente de Anayak en Viña) a las 19 hrs. El horario es para acomodar a los mas viejitos y los que viven mas lejos...y, porque no, aquellos que tienen carrete más tarde.
La única regla es que SOLAMENTE SE HABLA INGLES. (jejejeje). Están invitados todas aquellas personas que hablan ingles o que quieren practicarlo por un rato en grata compañía. Nos vemos.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The New Project Part 3 (and extras)
Here are some more pictures of the hot pink sweater.
Here's a close-up of the front piece (and the horrible knitting needles). Once I finish the back piece, I'll switch over to the other one.
Now for the extra stuff. I finally finished my granny square throw. It's one giant granny square (44x44 inches). I got the idea from another knitting blog. Once I find it again, I'll be sure to post her url.
Oh, and I decided that I'm going to make a second throw and add it to this one to make a blanket...check out the sketches:
This is the back piece (almost finished :)) and the front right piece. See the orange needles...I absolutely HATE them. But, they were the only ones I had that were the right size. :P
Here's a close-up of the front piece (and the horrible knitting needles). Once I finish the back piece, I'll switch over to the other one.
Now for the extra stuff. I finally finished my granny square throw. It's one giant granny square (44x44 inches). I got the idea from another knitting blog. Once I find it again, I'll be sure to post her url.
Can't seem to get a picture of the whole thing, sorry.
Oh, and I decided that I'm going to make a second throw and add it to this one to make a blanket...check out the sketches:
And this is my mom's new project. This is what I call the "epic project": projects that last a long time, that sit there for weeks and that you can pick up in between shorter projects. Shawls, throws and blankets fall into this category. She's just buying small skeins of yarn when she runs out...the color scheme is arbitrary, depending on the colors they have at the store.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
The New Project Part 2
Sorry about the delay on updating. I had planned to post these new pictures of the pink sweater yesterday, but it had been raining cats and dogs (all day) and I as I sat down to type, the power went out. The power was restored 12 hours later (yep, I know!)
Any who, here are the pictures I promised a few days ago.
The yarn is bulkier than the one in the original pattern. That's why the holes in the lace aren't as noticeable. But I don't mind. I actually like how it's turning out.
I'll post s'more pictures of my progress soon. I'm almost done with the back piece and am half way done with the right front piece. Wow, I'm so excited to see it come together.
Any who, here are the pictures I promised a few days ago.
Here's as far as I had gotten with the lacy part before I realized that I had gone too far. I had to rip back (aka frog) about 4 inches (10 cm)! That sucked, but I'm not going to be short on yarn like I thought I was.
Here's a close up of the back piece.
The yarn is bulkier than the one in the original pattern. That's why the holes in the lace aren't as noticeable. But I don't mind. I actually like how it's turning out. I'll post s'more pictures of my progress soon. I'm almost done with the back piece and am half way done with the right front piece. Wow, I'm so excited to see it come together.
Monday, August 11, 2008
"Por eso Chile no Surge"
¿Cuantas veces he oído esta frase desde que llegué a Chile? Por lo menos día por medio. Lastima que lo escucho solamente de los Chilenos.
Hace un par de días me tocó pagar los derechos de una casa. Después de esperar varios minutos, me dieron el "papelito" que necesitaba para pagar en caja. Fui, confiada que iba a salir en otros cuantos minutos. Resulta que llego a la caja y me dicen que no tienen impresora. NO TIENEN IMPRESORA!
Como es que me pueden emitir un papelito para pagar si la caja (que está a 4 cuadras) no está funcionando? Acaso el personaje en la caja no es capaz de avisar que la caja no está funcionando (por teléfono, no estoy pidiendo que se sobre exalte el señor corriendo de depto en depto)? Es mucho pedir un poco de competencia? Aparentemente, sí.
Por eso Chile no surge.
El mismo día tomé una micro porque tenía una reunión en Viña. En promedio, me demoro 40 minutos en llegar a mi destino, por lo tanto me doy una hora. Total, he vivido acá por 15 años así que sé que las micros (los choferes, mejor dicho) se pueden demorar. Y llego 10 minutos atrasada porque el caballero decide darse su tiempo. Es media hora de mi tiempo que no podré recuperar jamas.
El sistema de transporte es un chiste. No puede ser que uno tenga que perder mitad de su día para llegar a la hora acordada. Y, obviamente, me abstengo en esta oportunidad de comentar sobre la tardanza generalizada en el país.
Por eso Chile no surge.
No señores, no es por eso que Chile no surge. Chile no surge porque todos están muy contentos con vivir su vida como está. A nadie le importa implementar un cambio porque da mucha "lata".
Aunque no esté de acuerdo, lo entiendo. Es muy simple la lógica: Es mas fácil vivir una vida donde todo funciona a medias que sacrificarse un poco para luego tener una vida mucho mejor. Pero, les digo que es una gran equivocación y por eso Chile no surge.
Hace un par de días me tocó pagar los derechos de una casa. Después de esperar varios minutos, me dieron el "papelito" que necesitaba para pagar en caja. Fui, confiada que iba a salir en otros cuantos minutos. Resulta que llego a la caja y me dicen que no tienen impresora. NO TIENEN IMPRESORA!
Como es que me pueden emitir un papelito para pagar si la caja (que está a 4 cuadras) no está funcionando? Acaso el personaje en la caja no es capaz de avisar que la caja no está funcionando (por teléfono, no estoy pidiendo que se sobre exalte el señor corriendo de depto en depto)? Es mucho pedir un poco de competencia? Aparentemente, sí.
Por eso Chile no surge.
El mismo día tomé una micro porque tenía una reunión en Viña. En promedio, me demoro 40 minutos en llegar a mi destino, por lo tanto me doy una hora. Total, he vivido acá por 15 años así que sé que las micros (los choferes, mejor dicho) se pueden demorar. Y llego 10 minutos atrasada porque el caballero decide darse su tiempo. Es media hora de mi tiempo que no podré recuperar jamas.
El sistema de transporte es un chiste. No puede ser que uno tenga que perder mitad de su día para llegar a la hora acordada. Y, obviamente, me abstengo en esta oportunidad de comentar sobre la tardanza generalizada en el país.
Por eso Chile no surge.
No señores, no es por eso que Chile no surge. Chile no surge porque todos están muy contentos con vivir su vida como está. A nadie le importa implementar un cambio porque da mucha "lata".
Aunque no esté de acuerdo, lo entiendo. Es muy simple la lógica: Es mas fácil vivir una vida donde todo funciona a medias que sacrificarse un poco para luego tener una vida mucho mejor. Pero, les digo que es una gran equivocación y por eso Chile no surge.
The New Project
I finally got new batteries for my camera! So, here's what I promised: the new knitting project.
As some of you may know, I absolutely love knitty. It's got some great patterns, helpful articles and it's just plain fun. However, I've always been a little intimidated by the awesome guys and gals who post their designs.
Now, I decided to throw caution to the wind and begin with this "piquant" design. Checkout the pattern here. I've never been too keen on doing lace-y patterns because they require a lot of concentration (and when I'm commuting, holding on to the bars on the bus is what commands my full attention). But this pattern is simple and attractive, so I'm giving it a go.
The color is similar to my favorite cardigan. I wear the darn thing everywhere and at all times...it's getting kinda embarrassing so my intention is to retire my poor, worn out cardigan for this new fangled garment
This is how far I got on the first day. Not bad, right?
Well you can't see too much of the sweater yet, but it's coming along rather nicely. I've even decided to do a second one in a ecru colored yarn that I've had for almost a year.
Well, I'll be posting more of my progress tomorrow. I've already started on the lace-y part...I've also already started on the front left (just cuz I got bored with the lace. Ha!)
As some of you may know, I absolutely love knitty. It's got some great patterns, helpful articles and it's just plain fun. However, I've always been a little intimidated by the awesome guys and gals who post their designs.
Now, I decided to throw caution to the wind and begin with this "piquant" design. Checkout the pattern here. I've never been too keen on doing lace-y patterns because they require a lot of concentration (and when I'm commuting, holding on to the bars on the bus is what commands my full attention). But this pattern is simple and attractive, so I'm giving it a go.
This is the yarn I chose. I fell in love with it. It's a cotton blend and fairly chunky. At the same time it isn't too heavy.
The color is similar to my favorite cardigan. I wear the darn thing everywhere and at all times...it's getting kinda embarrassing so my intention is to retire my poor, worn out cardigan for this new fangled garmentThis is how far I got on the first day. Not bad, right?
Well you can't see too much of the sweater yet, but it's coming along rather nicely. I've even decided to do a second one in a ecru colored yarn that I've had for almost a year.Well, I'll be posting more of my progress tomorrow. I've already started on the lace-y part...I've also already started on the front left (just cuz I got bored with the lace. Ha!)
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