Class Assignment

Definitely not as impressive as my hat, this is my first scarf.

We were given size 15 needles and taught basic stitches: Knit, purl, stockinette and garter. I used that to create this pattern. I cast on 15 and knit 3 rows. Then on the right side I knit across. On the wrong side I knit 3, purled 9 and knit 3. This was repeated for 4 rows where I switched a purl for a knit. This created the textured stripe. Finally, I knit the last three rows then bound off.

It's a good first effort that will make a lovely Christmas gift.

My First Hat

This is not my first knitting project, but it was the most difficult to date. It is also my very first hat.

This is the 3am Hat pattern I found on Ravelry. I used Encore yarn. It taught me to knit in the round, decrease, and cable. I'm pretty proud of it! I finished it just in time to wear out for today's snow!

Oops!

Yeah. So I suck at blogging. Sorry kids. But there's hope, I may decide to video blog. No promises, just an idea I'm toying with (ain't technology grand?).

A new feature, which will be boring to many of you will be to post pictures of stuff I have knit and instructions on how to knit that item (or a link to instructions, depending on copy write). My 2013 resolution is to learn to knit. Unlike last year's pledge to blog, it's going quite well. I've completed one scarf, am half way through a second scarf and started a hat. It's mostly so I remember how I did stuff and what I used to make it, but at least it's something. These items may be gifts, so if you receive a homemade present, please act enthusiastic and pretend to like it. Even if you only wear it in front of me as not to hurt my feelings. 😉 Thanks!

That's about all for now... Later!

The Ressies are Back

I went to the gym this morning to find it crawling with Resolutionists or "Ressies". What is a "Ressie"? The "ressies" are a rude breed of people who feel the need to make a "lifestyle change" at the start of a New Year, but eventually stop coming to the gym after a month.

While I do agree that having a healthy lifestyle is important, I also think that people need to have proper decorum at the gym. That's where the rudeness comes in. If these "ressies" were at the gym all the time they would know the procedures and be on a set schedule. I would come at a different, non-peak time of day. I don't care that there are other people at the gym. I care that people choose to prance about like their in their own homes. For example, standing on the sides of the treadmill because you're too winded to continue while there's people waiting is just plain rude. Walking about naked in the locker room and popping pimples/picking at your skin in the mirror (yes, she was naked--and should NOT have been) is gross. Telling someone that they have placed their coat in the wrong locker is just ridiculous (happened to me today!).

I have to admit, I did go to the gym at a different time than I usually do. It is possible that some think I'm a "ressie" because I'm usually not there at 9:00 am in the morning. My usual time is actually 3 or 4 hours earlier.

Because I'm poo-pooing on the "ressies" resolutions, I would like to offer the "ressies" a list of alternate resolutions. Ones that wouldn't annoy the crap out of regular gym-goers, and these might actually be attainable. Here are 10 suggestions, in no particular order:

Bethie's List of Attainible New Years Resolutions

1) Resolve to purchase exercise DVD's. This is a win-win for everyone. a) DVD's are cheaper than the cost of a gym membership. b) You won't clog up the gym. c) When you get sick of the DVD's, you can trade them with other "ressies". Finally, d) this resolution only states that you will purchase the DVD's, it does not state that you actually have to work out to one.

2) Resolve to walk more. This one gets you moving and off the couch. It's easy. Take one step. Take another. Repeat. See? Told you it was easy. It will reduce carbon emissions from driving. Also, if people in the Chicago-land area are walking more, they can avoid the new craptastic fees that have come into place in 2012 including; Increased parking rates, increased rates on parking meters, increased city stickers and increased tolls.

3) Resolve to read more. Like my blog. (Shameless plug)

4) Resolve to become "A Person of Mystery". You don't actually have to do much, you just have to keep your mouth shut (ok, this one could be hard for a lot of people). One way to do this is to hide from people and cease communication. Another is to not walk around naked at the gym with your 40 year old breasts flapping about. (Clearly, I'm still scared from this morning.)

5) Resolve to avoid Barracudas. It just makes sense, those things are mean!

6) Resolve to put peanut butter on more things. If your allergic, try almond butter or Nutella... Hmm...put peanut butter on Nutella...

7) Resolve to be nice and friendly. Nobody likes an asshole. This would be a much better world if people stopped running their mouths, took a deep breath and just let things go or took a walk to blow off steam (see option #2 for walking details and benefits).

8) Resolve to catch up on your correspondence. Go to the post office, buy some stamps. Send people letters through snail-mail. Everyone loves mail that's not a bill! What? You don't know what to write? Send a thank you note (people should show more gratitude anyway). Or go to Hallmark. They have postage paid cards and post cards now. All you have to do is sign your name and address it. Easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy! The US Post Office has had to make cut-backs due to email and the internet. You'd be helping the economy by saving (or even creating) a postal employee's job. Doesn't that make you feel all warm and fuzzy?

9) On the list of not so fuzzy resolutions (hey, I needed one for the slightly evil readers), Resolve to help others break their resolutions. Again, slightly evil, but fun! This one keeps not only you, but other "ressies" out of the gym. Use this time to bond, plot ways to get others out of their resolutions (most people fail anyway), or get some hot chocolate.

10) Resolve not to make any more resolutions. When people ask why, tell them that you love your awesome-self just the way you are and that you don't need to change.

If you haven't made a resolution yet, I hope this helps you choose one. If you've made a resolution to run a marathon, awesome (If it's a fall one, you don't have to start training until June). If you've resolved to make a "lifestyle change", I hope this gives you an option for something immediately satisfying and allows you to wait until the gym clears out to get yourself in shape.

I'm ba-a-ack!

*tap-tap*

Is this thing on?

Wha?! Bethie blogging again? Crazy!

Ok, it's been a while. First of all, unless some random froggie heads my way, the Frog Chronicles are disappearing. That's right...I've found my prince and I'm getting married in June. Wedding plans are underway (know any good photographers?).

Last January, I was injured and had to take 2011 off from running. It sucked. I was fat and depressed. However, I've dropped my injury weight and am back to running again. Fingers crossed that my fiancé will let me run a marathon on our honeymoon. ;)

Still teaching, although sadly it's Science and not Art.

Seamus the Wondercat has been (unhappily) joined by Duke, an 85 lb. Weimarweiner.

Hmmm... Can I really sum up almost 2 years in a few sentences? I guess, if you have questions you can ask, it will give me something to blog about!

An Open Letter to All Froggies:

Hello, Froggies. Let’s chat about trying to kiss a chickie. There are several things to conceder before you try to get your mack on.

First and most important, ask yourself “Does this woman want me to kiss her?” Most women will give you signs including but not limited to flirting, hair tossing, application of lip gloss or just telling you. Don’t do the ‘lean in’ on less you are sure.

Second; location, location, location. Whether we admit it or not, the majority of women are romantic at heart. If you haven’t previously kissed this woman, wouldn’t you want the first kiss to be memorable? Surveys have shown a bad first kiss can be a deal breaker. Therefore, it would not be a good idea to make an attempt in a parking lot, near a dumpster (or trash of any kind—do I look like Oscar the Grouch?) or on a personal note, while I’m watching sports. (You all know, my own mother doesn’t even call me when there’s a Bears game on!)

I would also like to say that persistence does not, in fact, pay off. If a woman isn’t interested, then she’s just not interested. If you try the ‘lean in’ and she doesn’t reciprocate, then do not try a third time. It just makes you seem even creepier. On the same note, if you try, get the head turn and plant one on her cheek, the same applies.

Finally, check yourself. Do you have anything stuck in your Froggie teeth? Do you smell like man or frog? Is your fly down? Are you a douchebag/Froggie? If you answered yes to any of the previous questions, just don’t do it…and please, stay away from me!

Thanks! <3 Bethie

The Froggies Know...

Well, much to the delight of many a faithful reader it turns out I'm pretty much single again. It's a long and sad story I don't feel any need to get into at the moment. (But I'm sure I'll get to that ornery place where I'll feel the need to blog about it!) And so it seems, that the Froggies can sense my singleness and are back on my tail. In fact, were it not for the necessary submission of my boards (due in less than a week), I may have posted sooner.

So, without further ado, a quickie story for your pleasure (and my personal disgust):

I was at Walgreen's picking up a few items. Nothing major, just things that were on sale and for which I had coupons. (I know, bitchin' Friday night. I also have to point out that this was the third frog of the evening!) I was in the "girl product" isle trying to figure out if the sale with coupon was a better deal than the generic option when I notice this guy pass me not once, but three times. True there are other things in this isle but he was not pausing, rather circling. By the time I realized I was his prey it was too late. He came up to me and said "So, uh, you-um-uh, come here often?"

I just stared at him.

Really? Did you just ask that? What sort of response are you looking for? To the tampon isle? Yeah, about once a month.

Fortunately, (and at the risk of giving my wonderful readers too much information) no, Aunt Flo is not in town. So, I just grabbed what I needed and walked away. But I have to wonder, in the event I really were on the rag, would I have chewed this dude a new one? Did he really think that approaching a potentially pms-ing woman with that sort of line, in that location, was the best idea in the world?

Here's a tip, Froggies: If you're gonna hit on a woman who has the slightest chance of being hormonal wait until she's looking for chocolate or ice cream. And please, have a much better line.

The Bachelor (Drinking Game)

Time for a new Bachelor...with the cat fights, tears and roses. Now, while I'm a complete and total love junkie, this show is all about the crazy. Therefore, I would like to share with you the drinking game Danielle and I have made up to play while watching this show. I give you:

The Bachelor Drinking Game

• Every time they say the word "Rose".
• Anytime Chris is Captain Obvious. (ie, "This is the final rose of the evening.")
• Anytime there's tears or crazy.
• Anytime some one claims to "be in love" or that they're "not here to make friends".
• Whenever the Bachelor is confused about his choice.
• Any time someone does or says something that could be used for a future restraining order.

Please, feel free to join us on Monday nights, because this is a prime example of the Hot/Crazy Scale. Enjoy!

Long Lost Froggies

Hello Readers! I have some bad news and good news.

The good news is that I've started dating someone (Yeah for me!). The bad news is that we'll be loosing the Frog Chronicles (unless the boy does something stupid!). I do have some back posting to do, so there will be a few more entries. I also welcome the option for guest posts (come on ladies, share your pain!). But for the most part, there will be drastically diminished froggie posts.

Fortunately for you, I did have a froggie issue today.

I got home from work and was just checking my email when I got a text that read "New Years at my place hope you can make it."

I did not recognize the number at all. I sent a response explaining that phone had been damaged in last weekend's marathon and I lost a bunch of numbers and inquiring who sent this text. (Yes, my phone was damaged, but I don't think I lost any numbers.)

Moments later, I received a return text with a name.

It took a few minutes for me to place it. I had been talking to this guy back in June. That's right JUNE--six months ago. This froggie got my digits, exchanged a few texts and then disappeared. And now he's texting me to go out with him on New Years Eve? WTF?!

I don't even know where this guy lives. Even if I did and wasn't dating someone, why on earth would I think it's a good idea to go to some random dudes house after he disappeared for half the year for a holiday that revolves around drinking? I certainly have no desire to have the roofie special, thank-you-very-much!

Second, why on earth would a guy want to go out with a girl who didn't even remember them until prompted? (And even then, it took me a few minutes to figure it out!)

I have to admit there's a tiny part of me that wants to stir the pot, but I decided not to. I can't decide if this guy is ballsy or just plain stupid. You've really gotta wonder what these frogs are thinking!

Oops!

I've gotten behind in my blogging. I haven't even kept my training log up to date. I think it's that whole switching classrooms thing.

...maybe my New Years Resolution should be to blog more!

A Fruit Situation

My school has gone to a Universal Breakfast program where all students are to eat breakfast in the classroom. While there is some personal commentary on what these students are being fed, for the most part I find this is a good idea.

Unfortunately, some of my students are throwing away their food. Things that are packaged or have a thick peel (bananas and oranges) can be "recycled". I'm not sure if this means they're put back in a lunch at a later date, or if they're donated to a food pantry. Any who, partly eaten items or fruits with a soft peel are to be thrown away.

While I understand why they can't reuse fruit with a soft peal, it breaks my heart to see so many pieces of fruit thrown away. I saw, on average, 7-10 pieces of perfectly good fruit thrown away. It completely breaks my heart to see such a waste. I decided that collecting the fruit and eating it myself wasn't the answer. I mean, how much fruit can Danielle and I eat? So, what I will be doing is collecting the fruit and baking the fruit in to something.

Why do you care? Well, it's my blog and I haven't posted in a while (no worries, I have some froggie stories to share too!). And I figured you might be interested in some fruit recipes, or have some recipes for me to use. I'm fairly certain that I'll get sick of the fruit pie rather quickly, so I'm going to get creative and let you know how it works.

My first attempt was your basic apple pie--

I rolled out the pie crust using flour and butter.

Next, I washed, peeled and cut the apples. I mixed about a 1/4 cup of lemon juice to keep the apples from turning brown and to make the pie more tart (I like tart rather than sweet). Next I mixed the apples with a tablespoon-ish of cinnamon (I don't really cook with measuring implements unless it's a new recipe) and about a 1/2 cup of brown sugar. I threw some flour in the mix because I was out of cornstarch to thicken it along with some vanilla and some butter.

Put the mixture in a pie plate between the two layers of pie crust. I used a heart shaped cookie cutter to vent the top layer and then made a design with the left over pieces in the center. I also brushed some egg whites on the top crust to make it shine and brown. Finally, I baked in a 350 degree oven for 35 minutes and I got this lovely pie.

Isn't it pretty?

Not So Fine Dining

I was at the gym this morning. I really do enjoy going nice and early. There's less people, I don't have to wait for equipment, there's less weirdos...

Oh wait. There's not less weirdos.

I was in the locker room and was going to swim a few laps. I was walking to the pool and sitting on one of the benches is a woman reading a book. I've seen people reading on bikes, ellipticals and treadmills, but never in the locker room. I also noticed that she was also eating a bowl of cereal with milk!!

I'm not saying that I've never eaten while exercising. But cereal and milk? That takes some serious planning. I didn't notice a thermos for the milk. I also didn't see the box of cereal anywhere. Who eats their Lucky Charms in the gym locker room?

Is it just me, or is this really weird?

Always Makes Me Laugh

Everytime I see this sign, it cracks me up!

TDC09--Lutz Bakery

Today's long run was hot, humid and awful. The one thing that got me through? I told myself I could stop and get a cupcake. So I finally finished (after bonking and walking the last 2 miles). I stopped at Lutz Bakery. I've driven past it hundreds of times, and never actually gone in; today was the day.

I walked in and ordered a basic vanilla cupcake with pink frosting. They had a limited selection of cupcakes but had many other pastries and cakes. Lutz also had a small cafe area with coffee, but due to the heat the coffee situation wasn't happening.

I ordered my cupcake, and brought it home to eat. This was the absolute worst cupcake, I've ever had in my life. This just might mark the first time I've ever not finished a cupcake. The M&M's had been in the frosting long enough to mar the candy shell. You can even see that in the picture below. The cake itself was very dense and just tasted off and possibly a little stale. The frosting might have been the best thing about the cupcake, and even that wasn't the greatest. It might have only been considered "good" because the rest of it was so bad.
I was worried about heading to this place with out Danielle, but after actually eating a cupcake, she's lucky she wasn't with me. I figured if it was even decent, we'd head back for another go. NO WAY! I'd never order any cake or anything else from this bakery. If you can screw up a cupcake so badly that I can't even finish eating it, I defiantly don't want to try anything else.

Lutz Continental Cafe and Pastry Shop--* 1 Sprinkle (Can I give negative sprinkles?)
2458 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL, (773) 478-7785

More Froggy Gifts

I always look at dates with mild apprehension but in the back of my head, there's always hope. Hope that that day's frog will actually be a prince. Was this the case today? Not so much.

Today's frog, Ozzie* picked me up for our date. While he scored some points for the pick up, he didn't actually get out of the car and ring my doorbell (not that my front doorbell works...but that's not the point). I got in the car, and Ozzie very excitedly asked how my day was (almost too excitedly) and proceeded to tell me that he had a gift for me.

A gift? I'm having toothbrush flashbacks. He reaches behind the seat and gives me something in a black plastic bag. What the crap? This was much bigger than a toothbrush, and clearly much larger, upping the potential for weirdness.

I hesitantly opened the bag and saw a four pack of beer. Beer? On a first date? Do I look like one of your buddies with which you would watch a game? Let me say this again, FLOWERS!! You bring a girl FLOWERS on a first date! Not necessarily roses or anything major. Maybe a tulip might be nice (I like the ones that are multi-colored, if you're wondering). In his defense, it was good beer (Beemish Stout). However, do you really think it's a good idea to give a woman beer on a first date? Is he a creepy weirdo who's just trying to get me wasted to take advantage of me? (Not gonna work with 4 beers, buddy!)

**Sigh** I just don't get it!

*yeah, the names have been changed...Ozzie just seemed fun today.

Check Me Out!

I'm a "Resident" (too bad they spelled my name wrong)

Check me out here.

TDC09--Sweet Mandy B's or Happy Birthday Danielle

Tour de Cupcake--July 12, 2009

Today's cupcake is care of Melissa. She brought a dozen to Pauline's for Danielle's Birthday (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DANIELLE!!!) We had traditional yellow cupcakes with butter creme frosting (yes--that's my favorite kind!)

I personally love Sweet Mandy B's and it's very hard for me to be impartial to this cupcake. The butter creme tastes as if it's made with actual butter (rather than shortening) and the cupcakes are always moist and fluffy. This is quite possibly the best cupcake in Chicago.

While not in this case, I have been to the actual store. It's a cute little store front in Lincoln Park. The parking isn't fabulous, but do-able; especially if you go off peak and/or are just running in for a cupcake. The staff has always been friendly, and in one occasion has given me extra frosting (so tasty!).

They do have other flavors including Red Velvet, Chocolate and a specialty of the day. They have other baked goods as well.

Sweet Mandy B's ***** (5 Sprinkles!!)

1208 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614 (773) 244-1174

Hungry Frog

I was heading out for a drink with Ross*, when he decided he was hungry. He asked me if I wanted to stop for a sandwich. Ah Sandwiches. You all know how much I love them. I, of course, said sure.

We stopped, and he ordered a sandwich...but didn't even ask if I wanted one too! This was a second date...and he felt that he could get a sandwich and eat it in front of me!! What the hell?! Yep, he ordered a sandwich, sat down and ate it in front of me.

Shouldn't he at least offered? You take a girl out on a date, you offer to get her a sandwich. Am I so out of it that this is no longer a practice?

*Why I keep changing the names, I'll never know.

TDC09--Molly's Cupcakes

After the last few weeks of sub-par cupcakes, I was starting to worry that I would be stuck with only one good cupcake place with many other mediocre wannabes. However, after a rainy run, Danielle and I went to Molly's and were pleasantly surprised.

This Lincoln Park bakery is very cute! If it wasn't an old school, the decorations are fantastic. There are even swings for seating at the counter. Besides the aesthetic decorations, there's a sprinkle station for you to further decorate your own cupcake!!

But how do they taste? Well, Danielle and I took forever trying to decide because there were definitely many choices. Molly's didn't just have the traditional cupcake, but also had fun specialty cakes including the Ron Bennington, which is a chocolate cupcake with peanut butter filling. Very rich and very tasty! There were also coconut creme and many others.

Both Danielle and I really enjoyed this place. I loved all the flavors and I really want to go back to try more. Even the traditional vanilla with butter creme cupcake is fantastic! My only beef is the parking situation...but if you're really looking for a tasty treat, I'd double park if I had to!

Molly's Cupcakes--***** 5 Sprinkles!! :)
2536 N. Clark, Chicago Illinois 60614, (773) 883-7220

TDC09--Traveling Cupcakes (Laura's Wedding)

Well, it seems that you'll miss a long run or two. This week's long run was missed for Laura's Wedding!! It really was beautiful out on the farm with a small pond in the background. Laura looked absolutely beautiful and glowing in her elegant ivory dress. So pretty!

If there's one thing I know about Laura, it's that she loves a good cake as much as I do. Therefore, I knew that her wedding sweets were going to be good. I was NOT disappointed!

Laura had gotten muffin sized chocolate and vanilla cupcakes! They had either red or orange frosting. I thought that this was to match the flowers at her wedding, but Laura said "They were suppose to be white with pretty red and orange flowers but instead they were red and orange frosted with no flowers." Still they were VERY yummy cupcakes! The cupcakes withstood the warm summer day and were perfectly cooked. Even the frosting to cake ratio was perfectly balanced. Not easy to do with cupcakes of that size. I have to confess...I ate more than one. But in my defense, they were so good! Laura ordered them from La Brioche in Madison. It makes me wonder what other tasty treats they have there! I guess next time I'm in Mad-town, I'll have to find out!

La Brioche Bakery ***** 5 Sprinkles!!

2862 University Ave, Madison, WI 53705, (608) 233-3388