'You would've gone in second, but you weren't ready yet.'

And that's what she said.

Thank you Jesse for that gem of the evening.

And what evening, do you ask? Why the awesome evening we had friday night where we had our good friends Katie and Jesse over for pizza and cupcakes and some forced conversation. It was a lot of fun, and I had gone into it planning to take photos to share. Not only for proof that I have friends but also to show you the delicious pizza my boy and I have been partaking in.

I had not, however, planned on slicing the tip of my finger off. So, once that happened I sort of forgot about my camera. You understand.

Luckily the finger chunk (and it was a sizable chunk) did not end up on our pizza. At least not mine, and that's what matters. :)

It is a bit sad though... I was working on a Power Up #2 from the post before, and sadly can't finish with a mangled hand. Depressing right? Just means I have more time for blog posting. How lucky for you guys, right?

Right?

Hello?

...

Rejuvenated

There is something about getting a job after a hiatus that just energizes me. It's like a revelation: I will be useful to society! I will, yet again, be a contributing member. And there is something in the revelation that makes me think: you know what else I should do? I should craft!

And craft I have!

I find it's best for me to ease into a project. I really have a short attention span, as you can tell with my sporadic blog posting. I think calling is sporadic is a little bit generous, but I digress.

I decided cute little plushies are the best way to get in the mood of making things. Because they can be cute so quick I don't get worn out. Because I know if I just finish this last arm it'll be adorable!

If I just finish this last damn arm...

So, boys and girls, say hello to Henry:
Henry now resides in my husbands backpack to assure a safe journey. He has a koala (of an earlier vintage) that sits in his truck, but I felt he needed a friend for his morning treks. And so there was Henry.

Then I decided I needed something to spruce up my new back pack. And I don't want cuddly mammals. Oh no... I want a power up!
And this morning I stumbled upon a lovely pattern: a power up just for me. I did change it slightly, making his bottom flat so he would sit straight, and adding a few rows. But they were perfect. Exactly what my life was missing.
And with it I will be unstoppable at that first day of work. People will see me strut by with him dangling from my backpack and they'll know: she is awesome and I must be her friend right now!

That or they'll wonder why I have a mushroom hanging from my bag... because they have no idea how awesome it really is. And if that ends up being the case... well... I don't want to talk to them anyways.


But I do love bacon.

Recap

You know what I always hated when I watched cartoons? The recap episodes. This was especially popular in anime. It's the episode they have in the middle of the season/series that just kinda lets you know what's been happening. As if you haven't been paying attention. As if you haven't waited all week for the next episode and can't wait to see what's happening next... and instead of something new it's just the friggin recap!

Well lucky for you this recap has purpose, because you have no idea what I've been doing all summer! It's actually useful! Well, useful if you're curious about what I've been up to. Or bored out of your mind. Or mentally unstable...

First off I think I should show you the craft project I've been working on. The Blanket. Ah, sounds powerful, doesn't it. Well, it is friends. This thing has exploded. With awesome.

Craftster and Ravelry have an annual crochet-a-long where they post an afghan square every month. It's a lot of fun, and nice if you have a short attention span, and can only finish one mini project a month. So naturally, this is a great group for me to be a part of. I've started adding on extra squares because I want this to fit on my bed. I'm all caught up, at the moment, which I'm very excited about. Last year this is when I gave up.


Here is all the squares I've done put together. Last year I quit because I had 9 blocks that needed their ends weaved in AND to be connected together. It's the worst part of making this blanket. So this time around as soon as I finish a square I deal with those pesky ends and I attach it asap. That way it doesn't just sit in my craft box, hidden away and lonely.

It's been working out for me so far. Here are some closer pictures of the individual squares.

FOOT!

What's with those papers on the floor? That chipped nail polish? That red thing poking from under the blanket it? Don't you ever clean, Brittney?

Why yes. But one must have priorities. I had to breed a Golden Chocobo today. Very important stuff.

...

Recently my husband and I moved back up north, so he could continue his learnin'. So now we're living in a nice new apartment. One especially cool thing about this apartment is I get a craft room. The reason we decided I should get this craft room is because before my crafts were in every room. All over the floor, on the shelves, in drawers, taking over, inching it's way into every corner of our home. So now we have a room to contain it all. Which is good, because really it needs to be contained.

It's nice because I get to decorate it anyway I choose. And what do I choose? To decorate it with pages from my coloring books.
The artists listed from upper left to bottom right: Katie, Hans, Me, Me, Lyle, Jessica. All people who have come to visit our new abode. Of course my boy has yet to color one that I can hang, and Jesse hasn't either. What's wrong with those two? Seriously.

Sadly, that's all I have for pictures. You'd think I would have LOADS, what with not posting all summer. But... I forget to bring batteries, or even the camera, so... you know. Here is a list of things I've done since I've last posted!

The List

Went to Sturgis*
Moved
Started playing FFVII again
Made some excellent Pizza*
Made honey toffee ice cream and chocolate ice cream
Made bagels

*there will be photos of this in the future

And that's about it. How dull. When I started that list I thought I had a lot more to add. Oh well. Hopefully my brain will be pumping out more enjoyable reads for you denizens of the interwebs. But c'mon, you know better.

And this is my magic murder bag.

Holy crap, there are people still here?! Why do you take this abuse from me? Will I post, won't I? It must be killing you.

Or you don't care. Either is very likely.

I am very sorry I haven't been posting anything, but believe it or not, I've been busy! The boy toy and I have moved back down to the coast for the summer so he can make some money so we can move back up to Portland. Doesn't make sense, but it does! Anyways, I made a vow that we would actually "do stuff". Because "doing stuff" to us meant, lets watch a different movie, or play this video game, or cuddle.

Did we go outside if we didn't have to? No! And that's why we're so creepy-pale. Okay, Bkins isn't, but I kinda am... a little. Can you say, farmers tan?

Good job!

Anyways, we've been crabbing, rock climbing on the beach, canoeing, swimming, and boating. And while Bracken works my Bad Ass Nana takes me on rides on her Spyder. I even learned to drive it a little on my birthday. Okay, I didn't really learn, because I killed it like 80 times, but it was a start! And in my defense, I was on gravel.


Last week we were in the Tri-Cities of Washington celebrating Bkin's grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary. Holy crap... that's a long time. I very much enjoy visiting Bkin's family, there are so many! My family always consisted of my Nana, my Mom, and my sister and I. I don't have aunts or uncles or cousins. So when we got hitched I all of a sudden had a HUGE family to remember the names for. Whoa, said I. But, like I said, I enjoy seeing them. They appreciate how awesome I am, and I appreciate that they appreciate how awesome I am. It all works out.

Well, I sadly don't have any pictures to share, although I've gotten a lot of my blanket done, and made a new hat, and knit some wash cloths. Next time, dear friends.


Maybe.

Don't hold me to it or anything...

Ta ta!

To clarify...

I realized when I said "game night" in my last post it may have sounded like I am a fan of sports, and like to have friends over on game days.

This is a lie. So, if someone comes to you and looks like me and asks if you saw the game last night, shoot them, they are a robot clone here to destroy the earth. Fyi

No no, the games I'm talking about are good old fashioned board games. I love board games. My family loves board games, and we love to play them together. I sometimes invite my friends. Sometimes.

I've decided to post my top 5 favorite board games. These are the games I'm always up for playing.

5. Clue

The object of the game is for players to strategically move around the game board, in the guise of one of the game's characters, collecting clues from which to deduce which suspect murdered the game's perpetual victim: Mr. Boddy, and with which weapon and in what room.

This game is a ton of fun to play with a group of people. The worst part is you can't play it with just two people. Lame :( However, if you do get a group of people to play with you it's always fun to try and figure out whodunit. I do have a couple family members who have realized that I can get kind of sneaky when we play. By watching people when they mark off answers I could find out what they were shown.

I'm so sneaky. Now you people know, if you're playing with me, make sure I'm not watching when you're doing your thing. ;)

4. Apples to Apples

Each player is dealt seven "red apple" cards; on each is printed a nouor noun phrase, or possibly a gerund .

The judge (a chosen player) draws a "green apple" card on which is printed an adjective("scary", "frightening", "patriotic", etc.), and places it face-up on the table for everybody to see. Then each player (except the judge) chooses a card that they think is the best match for the green apple card, and places it face-down. The judge shuffles the red apple cards, reads them (often aloud), and decides which noun is the best match for the adjective. This decision is subjective; the official rules encourage the judge to pick the match that is "most creative, humorous or interesting"

I know this could be called a card game, but since it comes in such a big box I'm calling it a board game. But seriously, who doesn't love this game? Probably people with no humor, or someone who isn't good at reading people, or even if someone just isn't creative. This is a great party game, but we have found that if you have too many people it can get kind of tedious. The night before Bracken and I got married we played Apples to Apples with about 20 people. 20 people is too many. 6-10 seems to be about right. Everyone stays interested, and there isn't too much straying from the game.

I do have an apples to apples match, as you will find you'll get every now and again. It's the person that just gets you, and you just get them. Mine is one Thomas Huff. We're just that awesome.

3. Balderdash
The dasher draws a "definition card" from the supplied box, and rolls the die to decide which of the five words listed there shall be used. Then the dasher writes the definition (as supplied on the card) on a piece of paper. All other players then write down a definition, which may be an honest attempt to supply the correct definition, or, if they do not know or for tactical reasons decide not to, a fictitious definition for the word designed to sound convincing. The players hand their definitions to the dasher, who checks if any of their definitions are the same as the real definition. If there are any, the player(s) submitting the correct definition is/are immediately awarded three points, and, if there is more than one, the round is abandoned (though the points are retained). The definitions, including the real definition, are then read out in random order. Players record which answer they believe is correct. Players are awarded two points if they guess the correct definition. Players are awarded one point for each other player who incorrectly chooses the fake definition they wrote. The dasher is awarded three points if no one guesses the correct definition.

This game is such a fun game! It's another one that takes some creativity, but it really needs humor to reach it's prime. Bracken is really very talented at raking in the laughs with this game. And honestly, having the fake definitions read is always more fun than the real ones.

Luckily, the game does a good job of choosing words that not many people would actually know the definition to, so it would only be super easy if you spent your free time reading a dictionary. I would never hang out with someone who did that anyways. How dull.

And ever more fun is that sometimes, the real definition is so crazy that sometimes it doesn't even seem possible. This is a very well made game, and is very educational as well as entertaining.

2. Life

The game simulates a person's travels through his or her life, from college to retirement, with jobs, marriages and children (or not) along the way.

Now, I do need to make it clear that I only like the 90s version of this game. The newer versions are just not the same. This is a good basic roll the die and see where it takes you board game. Just good for wasting a couple hours with your friends and family. What else can I say about this game that you don't already know?

1. Scattergories
Each player takes a folder with an answering pad and category cards, each card has 2 lists of 12 unique categories, for a total of 16 lists and 192 categories. All players must agree on the list to use. One player rolls a 20 sided letter die to determine the first letter used. The timer is set for up to three minutes. a word or term that fits each of the 12 categories and starts with the rolled letter. Any number of words in the answer is allowed, as long as the first word starts with the correct letter. When using alliterations though, remember to follow the category. You cannot use generic adjectives to score points. Writing a bad answer is still better than no answer though because there is always the possibility that the group playing will accept the answer. All players stop writing when the timer is finished. Following the list, each player, in turn, reads their answer for each category. Players score zero points for an answer that duplicates another answer in that round, and one point for an answer no other player has given.

Now this, this is my number one game, and is often the one we play at home. This is a great one to play with my family, we're usually pretty good with something clever. The only downside is Bracken and I usually think of the same level. Luckily, my Mom and D-man also write similar answers, so it's usually pretty fair.

One of our favorite lists is List 13, especially when played with the Letter B. Because then we can do: Beets, Bears, Battlestar Galatica. The only problem of course is that all of us end up doing it, so we're all our 3 points. Ah well, the comedic effect is more fun anyways.


So there they be. I have plenty more board games I love, but these are the best.

This is why you're fat.

Last weekend was a good weekend to be on the Oregon Coast, at least until Memorial Day hit. Sunday we headed out with my Mom and D and the two dogs to the beach. It was a nice sunny day, only a little wind, and few clouds. The dogs had a blast playing in the water and chasing the wind.

We all did some rock climbing, even found some really pretty agates on the beach. Bracken and I got home and ended up being very very sore, but it was nice to have the exercise.

You want to know why it was so nice? Because tonight we decided we should have these for dinner.

Oh yes, that's what you think it is.

Chips... cheese....


Beans, meat, jalapeños...
and even more cheese... lots and lots of cheese.
Then we topped it with some corn and black bean salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
We piled it all into the cast iron, put it in the oven and let it all melt into a big glob of bad-for-you tastiness.

Luckily, we only ate half of it, between the two of us. If we had finished it, boy we'd be in trouble. But let me tell you, this would be a great game night dish to have some friends over for. It would be messy, and there wouldn't be much talking, but gosh, it'll make people love you.

And now I have a nice sweet gooey strawberry pie sitting in my fridge just waiting to be gobbled down.

Someone stop me!

*edit

I guess I should be like that good friend of mine Katie who is always pointing out her new followers. It seems to get her even more followers! So, Jenna, thank you wasting your time with me.

Get a grip.

I'm possibly the worse blogger ever. I check my favorite blogs and get upset when there aren't any new posts. But then I never post. Ever. Once a month, apparently. What if I'm *your* favorite blog? I'm such a jerk! Woe onto me.

And onto you, of course... I guess.

The sad thing is there have been a lot of exciting things going on in my life, I really should've been posting on this stuff.
First off, a couple weekends ago I went to ride my Nana's new Can Am Spyder. Wow, my trip to Sturgis is going to be like a luxury trip. The 2010s have a passenger back rest. I don't even have to hold myself up, people. I get to be the pretty pretty princess. It rocks!

It's such a smooth ride. That thing corners like a car! Very very fancy. I'll be able to ride that for a few hours a day with minimal whining. Hopefully... maybe... Luckily my Nana has dealt with my whining for many years and I'm sure knows how to tune that out, just in case.

Next on the list of exciting adventures was our trip to see Kooza a Cirque Du Soleil show. It was a gift from my In-Laws, and it was *amazing*. I'm kind of a vocal person so I'm sure all the people around us were hating my: "oh my gosh.... Oh My Gosh!... *GASP* OH MY GOSH!" It was truely breathtaking, and was an awesome date night for the boy and me. We go out to dinner on occasion, but it was wonderful to have an excuse to dress up. (I wore heels even, people. WOAH)

My favorite part was probably the Wheel Of Death! Oh wow, those two guys were truly amazing. The craziest part was when one of them tripped on his jump rope while on the outside of the top wheel. He was hopping, one legged to catch up. And he did it! And he did it well. I may or may not have cheered myself hoarse at that part. No one has proof, either way. :3

And last on my list of exciting things that happen to me, we went and met Ree Drummond. It was awesome, that lady is hilarious. I got one of the girls I work with to come see her too. She loves all the recipes I try and bring in to share. It's not because I'm nice, it's because if I eat it all I'll double in size. I tell them that but they still like me. Someday they'll learn how silly they are.

Whoa, got of track. Of course I don't have any pictures because I forgot our camera. I'm a dork, but I should be getting some from some friends shortly, and maybe I'll post em. Maybe.

Anyways, we got our books signed and gushed about it on the way home. Mostly because she took our picture with her HUGE camera. We're on Pioneer Woman's Memory Card. HA!

That's the end of my fan girl phase, I think. Hopefully.

I have started on some crafts lately, but they're mostly food crafts, and we're usually too hungry to take pictures. Someday we'll be better, I promise.

I'm going to drink some more coffee now...

Where oh where...

I hear your cries of despair friends. Fear not, I have returned.

I'm not sure for how long... you people smell funny.


So what has been keeping me away, you ask? Well, I'm not telling because it's personal.

That's a lie, I'm just lazy and very easily distracted.

Here are some things I've been doing though.

Chocolate Cookies. Delicious Chocolate cookies.

And a very very tasty pie... someday I'll show you how to make this.

The boy and I have definitely had a lot more food adventures than that, but unfortunately, those pictures are still in the camera, so you don't get to look at that stuff yet. But let me tell you, that boy can cook. And he looks really cute in my aprons. I'll show you that some time soon, much to his displeasure.

Craftnight has been going well. Of course I have no pictures of that either. I'm so awesome! This week we will hopefully have someone new joining us, and I'm very excited. Also nervous I'll scare her away with my wit. I am *so* witty.

As you know.


On the crochet end of things I haven't made much of anything. I've done my crochet blocks, which were done the 1st of march. And you are just not seeing them. Laziness!



ta da!

Well, that's all I can think of for now. In the future it'll get better, I promise. I can change!

Ta ta

Wings, chai, arm warmers. What a day!

That man of mine made me lunch yesterday. And I'm not talking Mac and Cheese or Sandwiches. No, I mean that boy found a recipe, took me to the store to retrieve the items and whipped up a batch of Cajun Honey Wings. It's a KFC recipe. This was much better than any KFC I've ever had.

I decided during lunch: we need pictures! I was half way through my plate, but Bkins was just about done. I caught this little guy just before the end. Isn't he pretty?

Here's mine, sauce free. It was a bit too spicy for me, so I dipped.
And here's that tasty sauce.

And that sauce went perfect dipped in a little bit of this good stuff: blue cheese dressing. A smart person would've turned the jar around so you could see what it was. I am not that person.
Action shot! I figure this is better than watching us shove it in our mouths. (Bkins stole one of my pieces for this shot)

And here's Bkins. Proud of his work. His delicious delicious work.

In other news these are what I finished at Craft Night. Arm warmers! I've always wanted some, but never found a pattern I wanted to follow. So what does a crafty person do when they can't find what they want?! They make it up. I really love these. I made them tight and out of a nice cheap cotton I found on clearance.

I think the cream really adds a little bit of girlishness to these. See those ends that need to be weaved in? I weaved them this morning. Go me!

Here are the pictures from our adventures at Craft Night. We went to a nice little coffee shop that Katie said would be easy to find. (she got lost. what a loser) But we arrived, and fun was had by all!

Here of course is the I'll take a picture of you taking a Picture. We're so original.

And Katie being classy as ever. Whose hands have touched that cup?!

Susan arrived fashionably late, but still got to enjoy a chai and amazing company (me).

Here's that Chai I mentioned. It was wonderful. I got more cinnamon than Katie. :)

Back to where my mom lives.

Bkins and I have finally reached the point where we're not going home when we go visit our family. We're just going to where they live. Our apartment is home now, and I like that. I also like going to visit our families, but when it comes down to it, I prefer crawling into my own bed and giggling with Bkins before we fall asleep.

We saw this truck on our way down. Cute, right?! I made Bkins let this guy in front of us for the perfect shot. You're welcome.
And this my friends is one of the first watercolors my Nana did. Wow, right?! Well, she's gotten better. Unbelievable I know. I would have loved to hang this in my kitchen, but my Mom snatched it out of my hands before I could say so. Poo.

Oh, and here is our V-day dinner. Which we had on Monday. It was delicious. The only thing I was unhappy with was the hollandaise. I tried the blender version, but I was in a hurry and didn't let the butter get hot enough. :( It was still delicious, but next time I won't be so impatient.

I've finished crocheting one of these. Now I just have to buy the fabric and line it. Oh goodness, I can't wait!

Dear Gravy... thank you.

My friends, I don't think I've ever made something so delicious that I didn't plan for. I did plan on getting the ingredients for those hellish beauties in the post below... and what did I get instead?

Delicious things. We found cube steak at the store for a very good price, and then I remembered: my mom makes a mean chicken fried steak. It's something I've requested as a birthday dinner on a few occasions, and something I used to look forward to if I knew it was coming.

And then I forgot about it. Until yesterday. I called my dear momma up (and woke her up too. I'm such a jerk) and asked her how she made it. When she told me it was just some steaks soaked in milk then breaded in flour, salt, and pepper I thought that was crazy. The gravy must be the hard part. Nope, it's just chicken broth, milk and garlic in all the goodies you cooked the steak in.

Wait, what?! It's that easy? So easy I could have made it 20 times without breaking a sweat? Well crap. Now I know. And I'm happy I do.

Look at that stuff, bubbling away. Oh how I love you gravy. It's Damian's favorite beverage.

I didn't think of taking a picture of the steaks cooking, so here they are hanging out in the oven. Being delicious.

Ignore those ice cream cones. I don't know whose those are...
But that lovely gravy covered steak and mashed potatoes? Oh that's mine. Back off!

Look what happens to the poor recipes I drag into my kitchen. Poor little guy :(

Now look at the rest of my kitchen. Wow. I'm ashamed to say it stayed that way until I got home from work today.
But see that lady in the red dress in the left hand corner? Oh that lady is one sweet momma, let me tell you.

And that lady in the red dress, she knows how to get dirty.

Oh and what's that, you ask? That's donut dough. Oh I know... I know. I can't wait either.