tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-326758972011-12-29T09:49:44.483-05:00Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.comBlogger1501100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-81578205687758975062011-07-07T18:34:00.003-04:002011-07-07T18:54:47.417-04:00

This is not a recipe. This is a how-to. Christine's "I-want-to-be-damn-sure-my-husband-won't-complain-about-the-lack-of-salad" beets:Break the roots off the beet greens. Keep for later use (unless you already used them, in which case this step is already done).Wash the beet greens - they're really flat, so I didn't sweat this too much, just rubbed the whole mass of them together.Grab the cleaver,

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-56272616562549048952011-03-01T12:05:00.003-05:002011-03-01T12:11:29.700-05:00

So, as you can see, I finally got the blocks done. The 21-month-old for whom they were made enjoys them, prompting his mother to comment that he wasn't letting her build anything. (He's 21 months. Enjoying them means that he knocks down towers). They do spell his name in different colours, and although they look a little less crisp after he stood on them a few times, they seem to be holding up.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-67153234683468006202011-01-18T19:13:00.001-05:002011-03-01T12:05:41.540-05:00

I apologise to leaving all one of you reading this hanging. The knitting crisis was solved with a potato masher & a plastic bucket.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-38030066274109771882010-12-16T10:58:00.001-05:002010-12-16T10:59:38.342-05:00

So I seem to have found a knitting technique I can't do. And the worst of it is that I left it too long, and it's close enough to Christmas that I might have to actually give up on this.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-63325703463995579912010-11-15T10:33:00.007-05:002010-12-11T11:28:31.305-05:00

So now that the baby (who I'm sure doesn't use the internet much) has received his gifts, I can show you the pencil pillow I made: It's from the Readers' Digest Complete Guide to Sewing, and I mostly followed the instructions. I hadn't seen any pictures of it online, so here we go. Sorry there's none with a scale factor, it was just past my waist if I stood it on end on the ground. There's a few

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-25329218091116981772010-07-27T16:44:00.002-04:002010-07-28T13:18:25.047-04:00

The lectionary gospel reading recently was the story of Mary and Martha. I've always had a hard time with this one. I am very much like Martha, who appears to be in serious trouble in this story. It's a really strong resemblance. When we had "The Sons of Martha" read for us I had a really hard time seeing how it says that life might be better if we cared more for the finer things - i.e. if we

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-43542406284462643302010-05-12T12:26:00.004-04:002010-05-12T12:48:02.852-04:00

So I think I saw a crow raiding a nest today. While waiting for the bus I heard a starling giving the oddest cry - it sounded almost like a juvenile, but this was clearly an adult bird. I watched it fly in a large circle and land on a roof - next to a crow. Frankly, that part was cool enough - I had heard the bird calling for help in chasing out a crow. (No other starlings ever came, by the way).

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-32500919373104071442010-02-07T09:10:00.002-05:002010-02-11T15:37:56.966-05:00

I'm fairly sure that anyone reading this already knows, but last week a good friend of mine died at the end of a long illness. The difference in this case is that there are many people with whom he worked who was unaware that he wasn't perfectly healthy. Jeff Aho, a former classmate and good friend of mine, committed suicide. Various people found out at different times, and it always came as a

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-14782799428955997392009-12-11T11:03:00.001-05:002009-12-11T11:05:15.153-05:00

You know I have issues with the whole idea of "growing up" when the highlight of my morning was walking across a snowy field. Specifically the part where I walked into the ditch (I knew it was there) that was completely invisible because the blowing snow had filled it in. It was halfway to my knees! (I LOVE the shock cords at the top of my boots).In other news, it's not cold enough for the amount

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-83639576446570317542009-11-09T11:31:00.002-05:002009-11-09T11:32:49.645-05:00

Just because I am biking there, it doesn't mean that it is a road. There is no need for you to hug the LEFT on a multi-use path. Please bear this in mind when I pass you on the right.That will be all, thank you.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-34603723712067697032009-11-03T09:38:00.002-05:002009-11-03T09:42:39.660-05:00

I know I'm possibly jumping the gun a little bit, but I've already figured out what I'm going to do for the Knitting Olympics. After all, athletes know years in advance what they're hoping to get to do at the Olympics. It's definitely an Olympian task. I am going to get my shawl blocked. I'm not quite sure how much I'm going to try to hold myself to "properly", because at the rate I've been going

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-41040346389197642742009-10-28T14:48:00.004-04:002009-10-28T14:52:30.416-04:00

I understand that some of you might have cultural issues with sticking your hand up in the air so I can see it easily, however calling me over is more disruptive, and calls more attention to yourself. Nor will it seem rude if you're more aggressive - we appreciate being able to see you, and know that you are trying to get our attention in a large room, and do so quietly. Sticking your hand up to

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-37340626876476697562009-10-16T09:32:00.001-04:002009-10-16T09:33:54.951-04:00

But if you search the CRA website for how to change your name and address, it doesn't say that you need to have your return from last year in front of you! The only info from my return that I've ever needed with them is line 150, so I wrote that out... shame that's not what they asked.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-15168592156798625852009-10-07T16:20:00.000-04:002009-10-07T16:21:56.167-04:00

Oh, can you read this while it's upside down like this?In his defence I hadn't needed to read it before, I was just doing so to follow along with him familiarizing himself with it.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-38511322155542567042009-10-01T12:56:00.004-04:002009-10-01T12:58:51.678-04:00

Ok geese. Bear in mind that you are known for tasting good. In fact, a certain faculty of engineering legend is a legend in part because one of you were turned into his Easter dinner. I know that you are known for not having sense, but when I get within a half metre of you, you really shouldn't wait for me to look directly at you and go"You look like dinner!"before you start to slowly shuffle off

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-13506069775965967632009-09-21T15:04:00.001-04:002009-09-21T15:06:43.547-04:00

It scares me sometimes, just how much importance is placed on academics. If you get good marks, it's assumed that you'll do well in the workplace. Presumably the converse is also true. Given the number of people I know with learning disabilities, I have serious issues with this. (I have issues with it for other reasons, but I digress).

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-14996188549954395122009-08-25T11:36:00.003-04:002009-08-25T11:42:24.824-04:00

It bothers me that any instance of being unclear in what you say, too wordy, overly technical, or demonstrating that the person you're talking to doesn't have a vocabulary appropriate to their grade level is considered to be the use of big words. Clearly, big means something other than what I was taught as a preschooler. Jam has some commenters referring to her use of big words.Now, that is an

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-49115641772581676682009-08-21T10:59:00.001-04:002009-08-21T11:00:21.583-04:00

For i = nGapNum to Gaps.Length -2 Gaps(i+1) = Gaps(i)Next

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-59576630642944822702009-08-20T22:09:00.000-04:002009-08-20T22:10:25.625-04:00

http://xkcd.com/625/It depends, of course, on what versions you have.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-48923360300401824862009-08-19T15:27:00.002-04:002009-08-19T15:29:24.137-04:00

Coding and motion-sensing light controls apparently don't go well together. Despite me bobbing along to GBS while I was working...So many Dilbert cartoons make far too much sense right now.(This may have something to do with me being in the corner, but that just means that someone screwed up royally).

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-1721258136071749912009-08-18T09:43:00.001-04:002009-08-18T09:44:55.218-04:00

- Well there's no letter, but I'm sure they'll send me an e-mail telling me to pick it up> Nope, only the letter- You mean that they only inform me through a letter in a mailroom to which I don't have a key, nor a door code, and they never told me about?>Well, in theory you were told about it

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-62744586804270766242009-08-10T15:07:00.001-04:002009-08-10T15:07:53.019-04:00

So it turns out that I wasn't paying attention at some crucial point. I hadn't realised that I didn't have a marriage certificate. However, Service Ontario is wonderful, and I liked the form. It was bright enough to recognise that I was the bride, even though I didn't give the name it asked for as "Bride". I also like that I got to give feedback after using the application. Ok, so maybe trying to

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-65352948147479659072009-08-05T09:49:00.003-04:002009-08-07T09:12:52.202-04:00

So I have finished the Ribena sweater. I haven't done the "armies" yet. Given the weight of this (it's quite heavy) I think that having the option to make it long sleeved would be nice. I wore it the other day, and it was probably around 14 or so when I biked in to work, and while I could feel the chill I wasn't freezing. I was, in fact, somewhat warm when I arrived. Since it keeps me warm, I

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-67348974647172036312009-07-30T13:19:00.002-04:002009-07-30T13:25:41.192-04:00

So, I read an article which was explaining why it makes sense to cohabitate before marriage. And I now have more insight into two things, namely why people feel that you'd get to know someone better when you were living together and not married (remember, if you live together for 8 years or so, the divorce risk is now down to normal, it's no longer elevated), and why the divorce risk might be

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-86480305769154375342009-07-29T10:03:00.005-04:002009-07-29T10:18:31.466-04:00

So apparently the chief executive of The Sunbed Association, a European trade association of tanning bed makers and operators, has issues with the WHO's recent declaration that tanning beds definitely increase the risk of cancer. The CBC reports that she released a statement which includes that "The fact that is continuously ignored is that there is no proven link between the responsible use of

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-27706050375404054662009-07-24T14:48:00.002-04:002009-07-24T14:50:13.301-04:00

Just like the Yarn Harlot does, I will take some pride in pointing out something that's going right here in Canada. The ACLU seems to be considered an anti-Christian movement in the US. I'm not sure if that's because they have crazier Christians or crazier atheists, but the Canadian Civil Liberties Association seems to be fighting for the... shall we say more unusual religious folks in this case.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-19424381566568045322009-07-10T09:21:00.003-04:002009-07-10T09:23:53.253-04:00

At least I sure hope I have.For example: after putting the plastic cutting board I used for chicken into the sink, I got a wooden one for veggies. It could have been worse though - I could have used the wooden one first and then got a fresh, plastic, one out for the chicken.Also: 2 am (that's my excuse) I wake up, and decide to put weight on both legs equally to see if my ankle was better. It

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-45597966685937353212009-07-02T10:42:00.003-04:002009-07-02T10:46:09.252-04:00

But I think it's misleading to title an article Vegetarian Diet 'Weakens Bones' when it turns out that lacto-ovo vegetarians have bone density which is basically the same as that of meat eaters.I think that the really sad part is that I had just assumed that this was the case before I read the article. I was prepared for the possibility that the small bones that meat eaters ingest (recommended

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-19399906017848708212009-06-15T11:25:00.001-04:002009-06-15T11:27:59.423-04:00

So my name change has gone through at the university. Perhaps I shouldn't have agreed though, when the administrative assistant who grabbed my form checked "so you're only changing your last name". Despite me providing a copy of the marriage certificate as proof of name change, I am still listed in the computer system with the courtesy title of "Miss". (And yes, I had to choose a courtesy title.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-43894634106028782832009-06-09T13:01:00.001-04:002009-06-10T11:28:39.641-04:00

http://www.phdcomics.com/comics/archive.php?comicid=482(the last panel)It looks like I get to travel all the way to... Toronto.But still! Coolness! (assuming it works out).

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-19824979438796645162009-06-07T07:25:00.002-04:002009-06-07T07:34:56.320-04:00

I can explain. Really, I can.It started innocently enough. I was intending to follow the recipe in one of our wedding cookbooks. Well... except that I wanted to add raisins and chocolate chips to the pancakes. I mixed the dry ingredients. And that's when it started. Because of my milk allergy I use soy milk instead of milk. Which, as far as I'm concerned doesn't really count as a change most of

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-14467880215025395082009-06-05T12:38:00.002-04:002009-06-05T12:40:18.953-04:00

But isn't "womengineer" the best title ever?? It was for a phamphlet from the group in the states that handles accreditation for engineering and technology programmes, back in the 1970s, i.e. when women in engineering where a new big thing.Speaking of women in engineering, in how many other fields can you hear your office mate using the feminine pronoun, and be fairly sure that he's talking about

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-63296384724068913972009-06-03T21:36:00.001-04:002009-06-03T21:40:34.165-04:00

Well... not literally rabbit food. Just the green crunchy stuff that gets referred to as such. My mom once was picking up food for the rabbit, and a friend commented that "normally when people say they have to buy rabbit food I don't believe them".Back on topic...So this evening I was in charge of putting together a salad. Allan had already chopped up some of the interesting stuff. I looked at

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-20890751805415459552009-05-08T14:08:00.002-04:002009-05-08T14:25:14.838-04:00

So we went to the library yesterday, and my mother foolishly took her eyes off me while she made some photocopies. Before you say that at my age I should be able to look out for myself, let me explain why this is bad. After realising that I had too many knitting books, I went up to find some fiction. My selection of books got me accused of bragging, and caused a minor tussle between my parents. (

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-3493926546993738392009-05-07T10:49:00.001-04:002009-05-07T10:52:06.153-04:00

So I have recently discovered that there isn't actually any point in me having a Facebook account. I found pictures of myself and decided to not bother doing anything about them. So who wants to help me with an experiment? I think I figured out a way to actually delete an account, but it needs an assistant. Anyone?

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-11721411986092806062009-05-04T15:06:00.003-04:002009-05-04T15:13:57.064-04:00

I found out at church yesterday that this is Catholic education week. Sometimes I wonder whether I had a particularly bad school, because none of the purported benefits really struck true to me. No, I don't feel that I had "Catholic values" integrated into every part of my education. I ended up learning more about a lot of folk practices, and I did get some basic (very basic) religion classes.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-61997666461058737442009-04-19T09:10:00.004-04:002009-04-19T13:38:47.742-04:00

So Father Lawrence was talking about Easter baskets yesterday, so I figured I'd share my first ever Easter basket here.The main part is the babka. None of the rest of the basket takes the better part of a day.Babka isn't really what I would call health food:In fact, the dough looks more like a cake than a bread:My mom had some problems with this, and she has since learned that no, you don't make

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-60540643145038856392009-03-31T16:50:00.001-04:002009-03-31T16:51:48.230-04:00

You go to see the prof and, without making any changes, the code works perfectly. For the first time ever.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-9158030956675011552009-03-29T14:54:00.002-04:002009-03-29T14:57:12.144-04:00

The Hymn of Breaking StrainRudyard Kipling, 1935The careful text-books measure (Let all who build beware!)The load, the shock, the pressure Material can bear.So, when the buckled girder Lets down the grinding span,The blame of loss, or murder, Is laid upon the man. Not of the Stuff - the Man! But, in our daily dealing With stone and steel, we findThe Gods have no such feeling

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-54841799349220049522009-03-25T11:01:00.001-04:002009-03-25T11:02:49.893-04:00

Ring size 5 1/2. Although given the troubles I had with my engagement ring, I might discover I need to size up to a larger ring after a little while.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-87507379181538007712009-03-13T07:52:00.001-04:002009-03-14T09:24:55.331-04:00

It's bad enough that there's already a UV index being posted on the Environment Canada website (I suspect that it's automatically posted anytime it rises to moderate). But having a UV index posting with a high of 1 , and a low of -10? That's just annoying. Spring, stop teasing. Either come, or let winter stay!

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-74437595630916039912009-02-19T14:39:00.002-05:002009-02-19T14:43:08.667-05:00

Ok, I have a job for everyone out there who is eligable to donate blood (yes Liz, I know you're too light, and yes, I know that they hate you, Jeff and Scott). Please make sure that you start going often enough that they don't need to harass me. You'd think that if it's been 5 months since the last time that I donated that they'd figure out that there's obviously something up, and I have a reason

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-3171265939709544442009-01-31T12:44:00.005-05:002009-01-31T13:09:37.163-05:00

So I recently got I believe is my first comic book ever. Well, not counting Archie comics. Yes, I am mainstream enough to read comics. Of course, this being me, can you guess what kind it is?Yep. It's a knitting comic. And if your reaction to that is the same as my initial reaction - thinking that it's going to be somewhat cheesy, because how do you make a superhero story about knitting, well

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-42742435324056015352009-01-16T14:15:00.002-05:002009-01-16T14:17:52.347-05:00

I'm getting a sneak peek copy of Handknit Heros! It's a graphic novel for knitters, and there will apparently be a knitted item featured in the issue, and it includes the pattern. All I know is that the pattern for this issue is a hooded scarf with pockets.I don't know if I'll make the scarf, but if anyone would like it, let me know.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-34112235133857606482009-01-16T14:09:00.007-05:002009-01-16T20:46:54.928-05:00

So these are the latest Allan socks. Actually, these pictures are so late going up, that there is another pair of Allan socks on the needles. The pair on the needles is going to take a long hiatus though, as once I have those needles free I am planning on starting the bridal attendants' socks. Alex, I love you so very much for picking heavy weight yarn. That makes the whole project easy.Back to

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-53583053937716548732009-01-03T08:37:00.007-05:002009-01-03T08:56:07.780-05:00

I finally have batteries in my camera. I took them out for my bike light, as being able to get around after dark is more important than pictures. It only took me five months to buy a new set of batteries...So, here is the shawl. If you want to see details, scroll down, that picture is quite large if you expand it (click on it).I finished knitting it back in August. As you can see, it's not

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-26836349267288750712008-11-11T13:16:00.001-05:002008-11-11T13:18:21.261-05:00

As some of you (*ahem* Allan *ahem*) have heard a few times lately, I am firmly of the belief that "Green Fields of France" should be THE Remembrance Day song. It covers both sides - the issue of "never again" and how much of a waste war is, while still (in my opinion) managing to be very respectful to the boys (and men) who died in the war.I just found an improvement, in terms of covering both

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-87126157283258588712008-10-23T09:32:00.002-04:002008-10-23T09:32:56.678-04:00

So I need to go see the psychologist on Hallowe'en. (I could have this Monday, but I wasn't willing to skip enough class to make it). Does this mean that I can't wear a costume? Or maybe I can wear it, and just take the beard off then... Decisions, decisions.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-8235060011562069332008-10-21T12:13:00.002-04:002008-10-21T12:16:02.329-04:00

I'm seriously thinking that some of the readings for my women's studies course should have "not suitable for women" warnings on them, because there is no WAY that they should be expecting me to get through these without sufficient academic training. The article I'm currently reading is talking about how new technology and pregnancy loss interact. What makes it a real kicker is that the author of

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-27071706527520930812008-10-15T16:50:00.004-04:002008-10-15T18:28:19.781-04:00

So I think I may have figured out why it's such a big deal to me that I actually have a jacket, and will be dressed all fancily, rather than just throwing a shawl over my shoulders and saying "good enough". Logically, it would induce less guilt to dress well enough with a new dress than to buy a new jacket AND a new dress to be dressed well.Now that I have the basics that everyone agrees on,

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-10315364577068982722008-10-05T19:52:00.004-04:002008-10-05T20:02:47.241-04:00

Ok, so I finally understood some of what we were discussing in Women's Studies! That's not to say that I'm not getting anything from the class. It's more that I tend to think it's utter BS. The idea that started to make sense to me was the idea of "the gaze". As far as I can tell, the idea behind it is that women always feel they're being watched (more that they are always being watched) by men,

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-50739049169821249822008-10-02T09:29:00.003-04:002008-10-02T09:38:09.278-04:00

So I'm currently supposed to be reading an article for my Women's Studies course. (As Allan points out though, "feminist" thought doesn't really seem to be connected to women per se). This one is about how make up came to be acceptable. Ever hear the term "painted lady"? That used to be a really horrible thing to be.I've reached the point where makeup became acceptable - where the "commercial

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-74105875048765571922008-09-07T22:28:00.002-04:002008-09-07T22:30:28.277-04:00

I suspect that "I'm asking about Asperger's, I can get away with writing this e-mail only once" really isn't a good argument to use on oneself. (Especially not when it works).

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-39105345158425362692008-08-26T20:53:00.003-04:002008-08-26T21:00:24.425-04:00

It's not a good sign when I think "we've been on the road for a while, I wonder how close we are to Toronto", look up, and discover that we haven't even hit the 401.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-13543026713251942422008-08-20T22:18:00.003-04:002008-08-20T22:22:50.946-04:00

Yeah, so my camera batteries are currently in my bike light. I need to get new batteries, and being able to ride after dark trumps taking pictures of my shawl(and I'm too lazy to dig out a screwdriver to get the batteries out of my camera. I just grafted 40 stitches in cobwebweight lace. I have an excuse).The shawl isn't actually done, just the knitting and grafting. I still have about 7 or 8

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-91392260382078346102008-06-17T08:37:00.002-04:002008-06-17T08:52:14.229-04:00

I suppose that when I try to compile my code as I'm going along (as a check) instead of waiting until I'm done I really can't get upset with the computer for giving me error messages when there's nothing wrong. (I was going to close those braces! Just... later). Nor is it the computer's fault when I spend two + hours trying to fix a bug which wasn't what I was interested, not even when it turns

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-61581962066300436662008-05-27T13:26:00.002-04:002008-05-27T13:32:06.610-04:00

So I understand that it's neccessary to have both languages on the label, even when it's something that we all recognise. (After all, the reason we know "lipides" is "fat" is because we see it all the time, especially if we didn't have to take bio.)And I can even understand why they need to say both "protein" and "protéines". It would look bad to omit one language every time, even if you don't

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-16335956729518149022008-05-22T22:45:00.002-04:002008-05-22T22:49:16.545-04:00

Why is it that everyone who discovers Allan's existance by hearing me refer to "my fiancé" feels the need to congratulate me? I am not someone you know who just got engaged, I am an engaged person you met.I feel really sorry for people who end up with really long engagements. It's even more of a fact of life for them than for me...

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-1166831594847751222008-04-18T09:42:00.002-04:002008-04-18T09:45:09.472-04:00

I, however, tend to consider them toys which are played with at the bottom, not at the top. (At least not anywhere with lots of water and/or high drops. 1m falls on the Madawaska are fine at the top). According to Snopes.com, there's a lot people who disagree with me.Apparently at the top of Victoria Falls there's a natural pool where people go play. Pictures show people basically sitting in the

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-9198684072182255042008-04-12T07:20:00.003-04:002008-04-12T14:03:57.862-04:00

Nothing to see here, move along.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-1671342301753562302008-04-09T16:19:00.002-04:002008-04-09T16:21:53.385-04:00

Ok, interesting question: why do we respond the way we do to bugs. I'm still not quite sure how much of me not squishing them is from the fact that it's a lot easier to trap them than clean up after them, and how much is from other aspects of being a city kid. Opinions?Oh, and if you don't get the title, my ME 380 project (nut sorter) is the closest I've come to making a robot. If you still

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-34642108997661486302008-03-31T16:21:00.002-04:002008-03-31T16:21:52.029-04:00

It's amazing how much more of a burden that becomes when one realises that it's intended to apply to smokers too.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-10231749937307736862008-03-28T17:41:00.002-04:002008-03-28T17:42:45.030-04:00

You know, running back and forth between Lever and E3x is a really good way to test if you're in shape. Of course, for a proper test, make sure you do it late enough at night that the hallways are empty.And let's say I got a 50% on the test.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-3530695222533427652008-03-20T10:04:00.002-04:002008-03-20T10:08:39.085-04:00

While this might be an appropriate title for a blog in this season anyhow, (and I know I haven't been blogging Lent very much), that's not what I'm talking about.I just wanted to say my own small good-bye to Arthur C. Clarke who passed away early Wednesday. In my mind, this is the end of an era: the last of the greats has gone. I might not always (often?) agree with their world view, but the

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-67365811330173158412008-03-07T20:39:00.001-05:002008-03-07T20:42:03.429-05:00

1) John in the shop wasn't trying to play pranks on the undergrad who didn't know how to work with metal by suggesting use of the punch1a) The clearance between the handles of the punch once you finally apply enough force to go through the metal is less than the height of my thumb.2) Using the density of water instead of the density of air with a height difference in a water-filled manometer

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-61947809709153108662008-02-12T11:37:00.000-05:002008-02-12T11:38:33.663-05:00

Across from Kitchener City Hall is the Public Utilities Building.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-70446246032560756372008-02-05T21:05:00.000-05:002008-02-05T21:06:47.193-05:00

I start toe-up socks using figure 8 cast on. On 5 dpns. I am either really crazy, or else effortlessly skilled. Either way, you should all be scared!

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-63200316539111922692008-02-01T20:08:00.000-05:002008-02-01T20:09:44.957-05:00

There is nothing quite like realise that the last couple hundred stitches were done in knit when they should have been purl.Tinking lace is not cool.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-87740135113167976802008-02-01T10:07:00.000-05:002008-02-01T10:08:52.682-05:00

Ok, so the winter term is officially the least productive one around. Not only has the senate decided to saddle us with a full week of no class (yes, I am still incredibly bitter that they never gave us a reason for giving a full week rather than getting rid of the half week), but we get snow days. At least this time I don't think anyone's going to ask us to make up the missed lectures.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-85663784042476706262008-01-24T20:08:00.000-05:002008-01-24T20:10:35.905-05:00

"What did you DO to it?"This was while looking at my SolidWorks lab. The really depressing part is that not only did I not know what I had done to it, but I had called him over to help me fix it.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-70326405019005241602008-01-08T17:18:00.000-05:002008-01-08T17:19:04.423-05:00

Ok, next ceili is on January 19th, Victoria Park Pavillion. Who all is coming?

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-76523950803976928712008-01-06T21:46:00.000-05:002008-01-06T21:47:49.927-05:00

When I have to do exercises all day,I feel worn outbecause they require a lot of thought and concentration.I would like to not have to do them.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-86367560055048586232007-12-17T21:05:00.000-05:002007-12-17T21:08:43.126-05:00

It's ironic how combining two things to make knitting easier - garter stitch (in general, but lace in this case) and knitting in the round - can make my shawl such a pain. Admittedly, both those techniques are designed to avoid purl, so I suspect it's like negative numbers - where two negatives make a positive. Except that in this case we want negatives... as in negative amounts of purl stitch...

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-3573477488720426002007-12-13T16:39:00.000-05:002007-12-13T16:40:05.610-05:00

So I direct your attention to this.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-64995234948004651052007-12-12T19:37:00.000-05:002007-12-12T20:13:19.723-05:00

Ok, Christmas gifts are kicking my *ahem* behind. I vote that it stays Advent from now on, and I don't have to worry about gifts anymore.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-32255293804151582422007-12-10T16:31:00.001-05:002007-12-16T13:00:44.650-05:00

***WARNING! I MADE THIS TODAY, SO IT HASN'T SAT FOR LONG ENOUGH YET***6 cups ( about three apples), chopped into 1-1.5 cm chunks. Use varieties which will stay firm when you cook them. I actually used four because two were only partial: Cortland, Ida Red, Northern Spy and Granny Smith.1.5 cups raisins0.5 cups dried cranberries (this is just in here because my landlady has some, and I wanted some

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-74559288328854320832007-12-09T20:07:00.000-05:002007-12-09T20:08:15.488-05:00

The season is not about getting lots of gifts - although that is quite nice.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-56288479952165213452007-12-08T18:23:00.001-05:002007-12-08T18:29:04.231-05:00

So I took Sophie out for another walk today (and forgot my camera, of course). I horribly cruel - she's going to get used to getting walks every couple of weeks, and then I'm going to leave. I went out in a different direction again (I was checking where the used bookstore was), and came across a little park. I'd seen it before, but I hadn't seen the plaque. So I dragged Sophie over to the plaque

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-69884588254327554282007-12-08T09:38:00.000-05:002007-12-08T09:50:26.659-05:00

Ok, so since I would no longer need to make the bolereos I might be able to get the shawl done, like Angela said. She's cool, not just because she's in engineering and knits an incredible amount of stuff, but also because she designed some cool tams.Oh, and by the way: I'm aware that I never actually needed to make the boleros.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-48356676346057803962007-12-06T16:30:00.001-05:002007-12-06T16:32:16.777-05:00

"Ok, new theory. It wasn't working because you were the one holding it."

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-65592191451071613252007-12-03T18:28:00.001-05:002007-12-03T18:28:18.047-05:00

15:00

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-66608367518205284272007-12-03T18:13:00.000-05:002007-12-03T18:27:48.681-05:00

So one of the strain gauges on a test grader needed to be replaced today. There was a "pick a number" contest to see who got stuck with it, however I volunteered to do it anyhow because really, having something to do beats having nothing to do.This job was more ummm... "interesting" than originally putting the strain gauges was because the grader has been reassembled. So instead of standing on

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-9344388296333505552007-11-29T21:24:00.000-05:002007-11-29T21:42:24.112-05:00

So, I have a question:Do people think that I can knit four of these and the rest of this: in approximately 18 months? (click the picture... you really need to).Actually I know I can. However let's add passing 3B and fourth year too.I was afraid of that...The shawl centre is somewhat odd looking because I didn't really bother blocking it much (I'm sure you can figure out why not). It seems a

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-7839654642228305682007-11-27T19:29:00.000-05:002007-11-27T19:39:30.820-05:00

So being quite dedicated to my bike (read: lazy) I decided to bike home today despite the heavy wind warnings from Environment Canada (I think the wind was down to a steady 50 km/h with gusts in the mid-sixties). I was ok leaving work, and then turned so I was biking across the wind. I work out where it's open enough that I get major cross-winds. When I hit the main highway I'd say I was a good

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-83957114309341035722007-11-18T08:32:00.000-05:002007-11-18T08:41:16.601-05:00

I just need a way to make the below threat stick to me.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-16887184342878294862007-11-16T16:40:00.001-05:002007-11-16T16:40:54.311-05:00

Psychologists have recently discovered more information about etymological amnesia. Specifically, it has been determined that, while the effects can be predicted with great accuracy, there still is no known cure or preventative measure. This suggests to me that there is simply no way to avoid that the fact that the next person to prematurely mention the w-word to me will completely slip my

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-13375535339995264412007-11-15T20:56:00.001-05:002007-11-15T20:58:53.905-05:00

"So what's the voltage now?""4.76...7...8... it's still going up.""What about now?""5.37...8...9... still going up.""That's odd.""Oh?""Yeah, I just unplugged the ground."

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-16011269272053974902007-11-13T19:29:00.000-05:002007-11-13T19:32:22.049-05:00

I will not deliberately fail PDEng as a protest.I will not deliberately fail PDEng as a protest.I will not deliberately fail PDEng as a protest.I will not deliberately fail PDEng as a protest.I will not deliberately fail PDEng as a protest.I will not deliberately fail PDEng as a protest.I will not deliberately fail PDEng as a protest.I will not deliberately fail PDEng as a protest.I will not

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-85617687144740065472007-11-12T20:06:00.000-05:002007-11-12T20:28:35.820-05:00

Although it was almost as bad.I had a short shopping list today - cereal, soy milk (to go with the cereal), peanut butter (my landlady only stocks the sugary kind), some fruit and perhaps check out the tofu products, see what the fruit ones were like (quite affordable, healthy, filling, but a little too sweet and just odd. It grew on me though). It sounds quite simple. At least to me. (And this

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-72764059357920026562007-11-12T20:04:00.001-05:002007-11-12T20:06:53.190-05:00

I just couldn't come up with a way to turn this into a "What the Rabbit Heard".After having been out on the floor for probably 15 minutes, covering three strain gauges with a butyl rubber coating (quite fun) and chatting with the test engineers and the shop guy who were showing me how to do this and actually doing the work...*touches face*"I'm not wearing my safety goggles"*head for door*"Yeah,

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-25046869948108982722007-11-11T19:23:00.000-05:002007-11-11T19:25:40.585-05:00

"So when they assigned this seminarian here they told me to put him to work. So he'll be preaching today."*insert panicked look on said seminarian's face*"No, don't worry, I"m joking. He'll be sitting on various committees and helping with different ministries."

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-54968299604736197362007-11-10T17:17:00.001-05:002007-11-10T17:38:26.045-05:00

I'd warn that this is a picture-heavy post, but really, all of you have high-speed. And besides, the title gives it away.I took Sophie for a walk today. Doesn't she look thrilled? (Ok, she looks confused about the fact that we're not moving, but close enough, right?)We went out and looked at the harbour. Since you're (largely) engineers I figure that the towers from the salt mine are

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-86101320905282695592007-11-09T16:45:00.001-05:002007-11-09T17:54:33.115-05:00

On my way home tonight I decided to get somewhat lost. Now, in Goderich this takes some doing (by the way though, I actually succeeded! I thought I was getting more lost and ended up heading home. I'm so proud of myself). And, of course, we need to take into consideration the fact that I'm lazy. So my technique involves missing a turn or two going home, rather than going in the wrong direction. I

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-14597683189578109782007-11-08T16:24:00.000-05:002007-11-08T16:35:57.927-05:00

So I was out at the track running some tests today. We're right at the edge of town. Fairly literally actually... to the North it's semi-industrial park, to the South and East it's fields and bush. It's just open enough to make me FREEZE while I was out there, this being the cold time of year - just warm enough to be damp, and we're still used to summer.So anyway, I was out at the track when I

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-88362593848444035122007-11-05T20:49:00.000-05:002007-11-06T18:26:29.203-05:00

C’est privée. Je ne comprends pas des gens qui veut me dire qu’est-ce que je peut croire.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-47455579012557556832007-10-28T19:56:00.000-04:002007-10-28T19:57:35.180-04:00

“And this is our co-op student, Christine”… *as people walk away* “So she’s in high school? Or college?”

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-32730750139226790982007-10-21T12:29:00.000-04:002007-10-21T12:33:03.893-04:00

A few observationsThe plastic part of a brake cable has metal on the inside. Never knew that before.Tightening up the rear brake makes things like "gee, I think my brake pads have worn into a funny shape" and "hmmm... my front brake seems loose" more apparent.Measure twice, cut once works a lot better if both measurements are done BEFORE cutting

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-60081800350864947172007-10-18T16:24:00.000-04:002007-10-18T16:25:50.551-04:00

That one of the things I'm looking forward to about being married is not having to try to make up full loads of laundry from one person's clothes?

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-6760202212521525042007-10-14T15:37:00.002-04:002007-12-09T20:07:14.350-05:00

You'll understand why in a bit.For those of you who like visuals: remember Sophie? The cute little dal-lab that I'm living with this term? The one whose neuron is probably in danger of dying of loneliness? Yes, that one.See, one of the reasons that she isn't the brightest, despite having some lab, is that her mother died while giving birth. This may have resulted in some brain damage in Sophie.

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32675897.post-19032034843223701602007-10-14T12:33:00.000-04:002007-10-14T12:42:07.373-04:00

So today the priest at St. Peter's wanted to keep his homily short, because the mass was going to be longer since there was a baptism being held during mass. He accomplished this quite simply. He announced that he was going to keep his remarks short, and the reason for doing so. He then explained that that was the sum total of his remarks. I don't really hold this against him, as it's a lot to

Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17026717428072942810noreply@blogger.com2