One of the best feelings in the world is crossing an item off a list. If I had saved my to-do lists from the last six months, it would have amounted to a fairly shocking amount of receipt backs, old envelopes, post-its, scratch paper, journal pages, and other miscellaneous paper goods, all with scrawled jobs, tasks, items, lists, deadlines, and reminders that helped me get through the days leading up to my wedding. For someone who makes herself as busy as I do in general, the magic of a good list is the ability to transfer the internal reminder of "wasn't I supposed to be doing something???" onto a piece of paper, which then frees up my mind to concentrate on one task at a time. In theory, this enabled me to continue to work full-time, sing a little, and plan a wedding at the same time. Now as to whether this particular organization strategy kept me from turning into a crazed bridezilla or not, you'll have to ask my family and coworkers. :) But for me, it seemed to keep me above water during a very busy stretch.
Now that I'm married? Ah, bliss. I haven't made a wedding task list in three weeks, and it feels lovely. (Seriously. Every person I know who has planned a wedding warned me that the process is insane. I am now a believer. It. Is. Insane.) Yesterday evening I watched three straight hours of television with my dog, knit on a cutie little sweater (that I will post pictures of shortly), and went to bed feeling relaxed and ready for the next day. I even pulled out some fabric and have my eye on a few sewing projects! The thought of it!!
Since the wedding was such a huge part of my non-blogging life for six months, I would love to tell you all about it in little bits here and there. Stay tuned for updates on craftiness and weddingness!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Hello little bloggie
I finally followed the instructions to migrate my blog back to blogspot after it stopped supporting automatic forwarding to my website. Before the migration, my mind was full of great ideas for a snappy new "welcome back" blog entry. But now? I forgot what I wanted to write about. The husband (oh right, I'm married now!) thinks I should tell gross pug stories, since she has been particularly weird and smelly tonight. He has a theory that dorito cheese causes gas. Oh my gosh, did I really write that?
In any case, now that wedding planning has been taken off my evening to-do list, I can wander back here now and then to resume my random ramblings. Oh blogosphere, how I've missed you. :) I hope you're ready for a slew of wedding recap posts and pug pictures--stay tuned!
Happy Monday!
In any case, now that wedding planning has been taken off my evening to-do list, I can wander back here now and then to resume my random ramblings. Oh blogosphere, how I've missed you. :) I hope you're ready for a slew of wedding recap posts and pug pictures--stay tuned!
Happy Monday!
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Friday, February 26, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
La Perichole
Wow, last week was a whirlwind. Final rehearsals for "La Perichole" took up every spare moment of my non-working awake time, but it was worth it. We had a solid dress rehearsal last Thursday evening, and three energetic shows over the weekend. It's funny to think that the production is concluded, and that I won't be working with my castmates in that show again. Well, at least for awhile.
Did you miss the show? Well, if you'd like to see some pictures, check out the website of our very talented photographer, Angie Barttels, to check out the gorgeous costumes and sets. There are oodles of pictures that really tell the story quite well.
I have a week without rehearsals, which I will use to prepare for the next production I'm in with Puget Sound Concert Opera. By prepare, I mean nap on the couch with the dog, watch some Olympics, and translate the French text. :) No seriously, I need a couple days of lazy evenings to get my energy level back, but I am looking forward to learning some new music after singing the same pieces for so many weeks in a row.
As if singing weren't enough to occupy me, I signed up for the STP over the weekend. Well, actually the BF signed us up. We have been talking about it for the last 6 months or so, and registration is filling up fast, so we decided to go for it. For those of you who haven't heard of it, the STP stands for Seattle-to-Portland, a 200+ mile bicycle ride that happens every July. My Dad rode it a few years back and had a positive experience, and it will be great motivation to actually use my gym membership and road bike. So far I've only been on a few rides this year, but I have my training schedule printed out and will start knocking out my training rides this week. It sounds like a scary endeavor, but the training schedule for two-day riders (I will not be one of the people attempting to ride that far in one day) seems very reasonable, as long as you stick to it.
So, lots going on around here. What's new with you?
Did you miss the show? Well, if you'd like to see some pictures, check out the website of our very talented photographer, Angie Barttels, to check out the gorgeous costumes and sets. There are oodles of pictures that really tell the story quite well.
I have a week without rehearsals, which I will use to prepare for the next production I'm in with Puget Sound Concert Opera. By prepare, I mean nap on the couch with the dog, watch some Olympics, and translate the French text. :) No seriously, I need a couple days of lazy evenings to get my energy level back, but I am looking forward to learning some new music after singing the same pieces for so many weeks in a row.
As if singing weren't enough to occupy me, I signed up for the STP over the weekend. Well, actually the BF signed us up. We have been talking about it for the last 6 months or so, and registration is filling up fast, so we decided to go for it. For those of you who haven't heard of it, the STP stands for Seattle-to-Portland, a 200+ mile bicycle ride that happens every July. My Dad rode it a few years back and had a positive experience, and it will be great motivation to actually use my gym membership and road bike. So far I've only been on a few rides this year, but I have my training schedule printed out and will start knocking out my training rides this week. It sounds like a scary endeavor, but the training schedule for two-day riders (I will not be one of the people attempting to ride that far in one day) seems very reasonable, as long as you stick to it.
So, lots going on around here. What's new with you?
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Apple Fritters
I have become a connoisseur of donuts over the past several months, and have been going on "donut dates" with friends to Top Pot, a really yummy donut shop with storefronts all over Seattle. On one particular visit, I brought the BF with me to partake in some donut deliciousness, and he ordered an apple fritter, his favorite. Well, he was fairly unimprissed with the fritter, and said that they seemed too expensive for how they tasted. Ah well, to each his own.
Fast forward a few months to the summertime, when the Thurston County Fair comes to town. My family had a great time sampling the different fair food offerings, and the BF found a stand that sold all things apple, including fresh-pressed cider, and apple fritters! They were hot out of the fryer and we ordered one to share, and oh my goodness, it tasted like heaven! Ever since then, the BF has joked about making apple fritters at home, but since we had never done anything like that before, the idea fell by the wayside.
We were gifted a Fry Daddy for Christmas, and it has become an extremely popular (and tasty) appliance in our home. After mastering several savory dishes, including portabello mushrooms and orange chicken, I thought it would be fun to try a sweet dish, and apple fritters seemed the perfect thing to try.
After doing a bit of searching on the internet, we decided on this recipe. I read in the comments that they got mixed reviews, but with such a simple collection of ingredients, I figured we wouldn't go wrong. I increased the apples to one whole apple, and we started frying!
The key to tasty fritters is to use a fairly small amount of dough (we ended up using an ice cream scooper to dole out dough) and to let it get nice and brown in the fryer. I made about half the recommended glaze with powdered sugar and milk and still had some left over. But take a look at what we ate for breakfast this morning:
I pulled it open so you can see the little apple chunks inside. It was steaming, too. The recipe (thankfully) only makes a small batch, so you can eat all of the fritters while they are still warm and not feel too bad about yourself. What a treat!
Fast forward a few months to the summertime, when the Thurston County Fair comes to town. My family had a great time sampling the different fair food offerings, and the BF found a stand that sold all things apple, including fresh-pressed cider, and apple fritters! They were hot out of the fryer and we ordered one to share, and oh my goodness, it tasted like heaven! Ever since then, the BF has joked about making apple fritters at home, but since we had never done anything like that before, the idea fell by the wayside.
We were gifted a Fry Daddy for Christmas, and it has become an extremely popular (and tasty) appliance in our home. After mastering several savory dishes, including portabello mushrooms and orange chicken, I thought it would be fun to try a sweet dish, and apple fritters seemed the perfect thing to try.
After doing a bit of searching on the internet, we decided on this recipe. I read in the comments that they got mixed reviews, but with such a simple collection of ingredients, I figured we wouldn't go wrong. I increased the apples to one whole apple, and we started frying!
The key to tasty fritters is to use a fairly small amount of dough (we ended up using an ice cream scooper to dole out dough) and to let it get nice and brown in the fryer. I made about half the recommended glaze with powdered sugar and milk and still had some left over. But take a look at what we ate for breakfast this morning:
I pulled it open so you can see the little apple chunks inside. It was steaming, too. The recipe (thankfully) only makes a small batch, so you can eat all of the fritters while they are still warm and not feel too bad about yourself. What a treat!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Happy Friday!
Every Friday the greeting in my office is "Happy Friday!" I like the tradition, and think it's festive without going the whole "TGIF" route. I have *big* plans for this weekend, so I am very excited that Friday is here. Starting this evening, my BF and I plan on.....
.....doing as little as possible!!! Yay!!!
I am so excited. Tonight is the opening ceremony for the Olympic Games, and we're picking up the best Chinese take-out I have ever eaten to munch on while we sit on the couch. Seriously, if you live within a 20-mile radious of this place, it's worth the drive to eat their Tai Ho House Chicken. So yummy.
On Saturday the BF is going to a cookie-baking party while I am in rehearsal, and then we are going to a birthday party in the evening. Although we have set plans, it involves food and singing, so I can tolerate that. :)
On Sunday, I plan on having the most spectacular Valentine's Day ever. Get ready for this: I am going to stay at home ALL DAY!! The BF and I have decided to extend Friday evening's activity to an all-day marathon on Sunday. We get Netflix on-demand on our TV, and the dog has been seriously ignored the last few weeks, so the three of us will work on deepening our couch dents while we catch up on movies and naps.
Isn't that the best-sounding weekend ever? Oh yeah, and I'm going to give the new Domino's pizza crust a try on Sunday, too.
If that weren't enough fun and sloth for one weekend, I don't have to work on Monday, and already have a donut date with one of my friends. This may be the weekend that I a) gain 10 pounds, 2) finally catch up on my sleep, and 3) remember as being one of the most relaxing weekends of the year. I can't wait!
Have a great weekend!
.....doing as little as possible!!! Yay!!!
I am so excited. Tonight is the opening ceremony for the Olympic Games, and we're picking up the best Chinese take-out I have ever eaten to munch on while we sit on the couch. Seriously, if you live within a 20-mile radious of this place, it's worth the drive to eat their Tai Ho House Chicken. So yummy.
On Saturday the BF is going to a cookie-baking party while I am in rehearsal, and then we are going to a birthday party in the evening. Although we have set plans, it involves food and singing, so I can tolerate that. :)
On Sunday, I plan on having the most spectacular Valentine's Day ever. Get ready for this: I am going to stay at home ALL DAY!! The BF and I have decided to extend Friday evening's activity to an all-day marathon on Sunday. We get Netflix on-demand on our TV, and the dog has been seriously ignored the last few weeks, so the three of us will work on deepening our couch dents while we catch up on movies and naps.
Isn't that the best-sounding weekend ever? Oh yeah, and I'm going to give the new Domino's pizza crust a try on Sunday, too.
If that weren't enough fun and sloth for one weekend, I don't have to work on Monday, and already have a donut date with one of my friends. This may be the weekend that I a) gain 10 pounds, 2) finally catch up on my sleep, and 3) remember as being one of the most relaxing weekends of the year. I can't wait!
Have a great weekend!
Monday, February 08, 2010
Latest Knitting Project
Thanks to some fairly long musical rehearsals in January, I was able to revisit my September Sweater project. (You know how it goes: "Okay, tenors, let's take a look at page 12. Everyone else just sit tight." Good thing I had a project to keep my hands busy!) After starting the project in April 2009, it was a real joy to finally get it finished. I have worn it a lot and it is very comfortable.
If you click on the above link, you'll notice that mine is a bit different than the original. I made the button bands a little narrower, and only used three buttons. They are more for decoration than anything else.
This sweater has side-to-side construction, which I really like. That makes it more customize-able for tall people like me who have long arms. I made them significantly longer than the original, which is my preference. I love that cable pattern running across my back. It's so easy once you get the hang of the cabling, but it looks very hard. Those are my favorite kind of knitting patterns!
You'll have to excuse the bad photos. The only photography/blogging time I have is during my lunch break and I snuck into a vacant office to snap these. Good thing there's an empty bookcase and a self-timer on my camera! :)
Anyway, this bottom photo is probably the most accurate color depiction of the sweater. I am in love with all the cables, and the fact that it turned out a little like a kimono sweater, with long bell sleeves and a more fitted torso. That was kind of an unplanned modification to the pattern, but I was running low on yarn and needed to make a few changes.
All in all I'd call this project a success! I managed to use up some yarn I had living in a box for over two years, so that was an accomplishment! Now I'm making a new sweater with some other "stashed" yarn, and hopefully that one will come together a little faster than this last one.
If you click on the above link, you'll notice that mine is a bit different than the original. I made the button bands a little narrower, and only used three buttons. They are more for decoration than anything else.
This sweater has side-to-side construction, which I really like. That makes it more customize-able for tall people like me who have long arms. I made them significantly longer than the original, which is my preference. I love that cable pattern running across my back. It's so easy once you get the hang of the cabling, but it looks very hard. Those are my favorite kind of knitting patterns!
You'll have to excuse the bad photos. The only photography/blogging time I have is during my lunch break and I snuck into a vacant office to snap these. Good thing there's an empty bookcase and a self-timer on my camera! :)
Anyway, this bottom photo is probably the most accurate color depiction of the sweater. I am in love with all the cables, and the fact that it turned out a little like a kimono sweater, with long bell sleeves and a more fitted torso. That was kind of an unplanned modification to the pattern, but I was running low on yarn and needed to make a few changes.
All in all I'd call this project a success! I managed to use up some yarn I had living in a box for over two years, so that was an accomplishment! Now I'm making a new sweater with some other "stashed" yarn, and hopefully that one will come together a little faster than this last one.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Random bits on Thursday
After taking a break from blogging for an extended period of time, I am noticing that I have fallen out of the habit of writing. Aside from the occasional e-mail, I haven't been putting many thoughts together in written form. Since I have started a handful of posts that have not made it to the "publish" level, I thought I would just write you a list of random bits. That should tide you over until I a) remember how to write or b) start taking pictures of my knitting projects, where no real writing skill is necessary.
#1: I love my Fry Daddy
The BF and I made deep-fried portabello mushrooms as an appetizer and then deep-fried chicken breasts to go with our orange chicken last night. Paired with brown rice and broccoli, this was a very tasty dinner. Good thing I have a gym membership!
#2: I lost my Passport
I still have this image of myself as a jet-setter, someone who always needs her passport handy just in case last-minute international travel is on the horizon. But the reality is not only can I not find my passport, but it has expired and I can't renew it until I either find the original or provide a scary amount of documentation that I am me. Funny that it is so hard to prove without my passport.
#3: I am eating a tasty brownie
I did say it was a random list.
#4: I have the BEST website!
My beloved has really gone above and beyond the call of boyfriend duty to make my webiste, www.teresamarielewis.com totally nifty. However, it looks like some of the page elements are a bit wonky on certain computers. If your computer is one of them will you let me know? Oh, and if you could tell me what operating system and browser you are using, that would be great, too.
#5: Come hear me sing next Wednesday
I will be singing about 30 minutes of music at the Downtown Branch of the Seattle Public Library next Wednesday, February 10th. I am performing pieces by Brahms and Schubert and they are all very gorgeous. It will be a bonus for you if you understand German, but these songs are all loverly from a purely musical perspective, too. Oh, and I will provide translations to the audience as well. Here are the details:
Seattle Public Library, Downtown Branch
Wednesday, February 10th
12:10 p.m.
Microsoft Auditorium
FREE and open to the public
No RSVP necessary
Sponsored by Ladies Musical Club
#6: I got nothin' else
#1: I love my Fry Daddy
The BF and I made deep-fried portabello mushrooms as an appetizer and then deep-fried chicken breasts to go with our orange chicken last night. Paired with brown rice and broccoli, this was a very tasty dinner. Good thing I have a gym membership!
#2: I lost my Passport
I still have this image of myself as a jet-setter, someone who always needs her passport handy just in case last-minute international travel is on the horizon. But the reality is not only can I not find my passport, but it has expired and I can't renew it until I either find the original or provide a scary amount of documentation that I am me. Funny that it is so hard to prove without my passport.
#3: I am eating a tasty brownie
I did say it was a random list.
#4: I have the BEST website!
My beloved has really gone above and beyond the call of boyfriend duty to make my webiste, www.teresamarielewis.com totally nifty. However, it looks like some of the page elements are a bit wonky on certain computers. If your computer is one of them will you let me know? Oh, and if you could tell me what operating system and browser you are using, that would be great, too.
#5: Come hear me sing next Wednesday
I will be singing about 30 minutes of music at the Downtown Branch of the Seattle Public Library next Wednesday, February 10th. I am performing pieces by Brahms and Schubert and they are all very gorgeous. It will be a bonus for you if you understand German, but these songs are all loverly from a purely musical perspective, too. Oh, and I will provide translations to the audience as well. Here are the details:
Seattle Public Library, Downtown Branch
Wednesday, February 10th
12:10 p.m.
Microsoft Auditorium
FREE and open to the public
No RSVP necessary
Sponsored by Ladies Musical Club
#6: I got nothin' else
Saturday, January 23, 2010
I'm Back!
Well, that was quite a long pause, now, wasn't it?
Welcome to my blog via www.teresamarielewis.com! I've had a domain name for several months now, but thanks to a very patient boyfriend and a lack of commitments this weekend, he was able to throw my ideas together to make a workable, clickable website in about a day. I didn't want to leave my blog behind and start from scratch, though, so it came along for the ride. Not only that, but you can now scroll through the archives that go ALL the way back to those first few entries in graduate school when I was about to embark on my audition tour in Germany. My three former blogs (How to become a professional opera singer, Gumby in Germany, and Chorister in Coburg) are now mushed together in My Day-to-Day Adventures. Feel free to click through the archives if you want to take a walk down memory lane with me.
Wow. Well, five months after my last post I'm back to the blog, and it's nice to be here. I've been working hard on some really great crafty projects, and I'd love to share them with you. Keep an eye out for some picture-heavy posts and some pretty cute knitwear. And now you can poke around on the rest of my site to keep up-to-date on my performances and see pictures and watch videos. Fun stuff!
Welcome to my blog via www.teresamarielewis.com! I've had a domain name for several months now, but thanks to a very patient boyfriend and a lack of commitments this weekend, he was able to throw my ideas together to make a workable, clickable website in about a day. I didn't want to leave my blog behind and start from scratch, though, so it came along for the ride. Not only that, but you can now scroll through the archives that go ALL the way back to those first few entries in graduate school when I was about to embark on my audition tour in Germany. My three former blogs (How to become a professional opera singer, Gumby in Germany, and Chorister in Coburg) are now mushed together in My Day-to-Day Adventures. Feel free to click through the archives if you want to take a walk down memory lane with me.
Wow. Well, five months after my last post I'm back to the blog, and it's nice to be here. I've been working hard on some really great crafty projects, and I'd love to share them with you. Keep an eye out for some picture-heavy posts and some pretty cute knitwear. And now you can poke around on the rest of my site to keep up-to-date on my performances and see pictures and watch videos. Fun stuff!
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