blue evening
God, I’ve been so busy. Every bit of my spare time has been spent working on my boat: Daniel and I have been building wooden dinghies since the middle of December.
Daniel purchased a kit from CLC Boats, specifically, the Eastport Pram. I decided to build my boat from scratch, primarily due to cost (more on this later). The boat? Sam Devlin’s Polliwog. I purchased the plans online.
Picture from Devlin Boat.
First things first…
Now, I have no experience working with wood, nor have I ever actually worked with some power tools. I know for a fact that I wouldn’t have been able to do this project if it weren’t for Daniel’s help. For first-time boat builders, I definitely recommend doing it with a friend. The encouragement and companionship makes it fun, and when you’re ready to throw something against the wall or kick the boat, you have someone who will go to Taco Bell with you for a break.
Due to budget constraints, I purchased Hydrotek marine plywood from Houston Hardwoods. (Note: Houston Hardwoods office guys are unfriendly and unhelpful. I swear, the guys in the office feel like they’re above others. The guys on the floor who get the wood, plane it, etc. are awesome – very sweet and helpful. They appear to give a shit about making your experience somewhat pleasant.) 2 sheets of 1/4″, 1 sheet of 1/2″. I would have loved to purchase okoume, but honestly, it was a bit outside of my budget; Hydrotek would be more than okay. I also purchased 2 x 8′ pieces of white oak for the seats, knees, breasthook, inhales, and gunwales. Mahogany would’ve been sexy, but it was frighteningly expensive.
After lofting out the boat, I clamped down the pieces of marine ply, and cut them out with a skilsaw.
Cutting out the bulkheads. Just so you know, I completely ruined the forward bulkhead because I mistakenly cut through it. ARGH. Stupid n00b mistake. I wanted to slam my head against the wall when I saw what I did. This was one of a few big stupid mistakes.
Incredibly unflattering picture of me and the stitched up keel. I refused to pose for a picture after spending hours in the shop!
This will be an ongoing “series,” especially when my attention span isn’t one of a gnat’s. :)
Happy New Year!
This picture was not taken on New Years Eve. In fact, it was ridiculously overcast that the sky would turn a solid patch of red, green, or whatever. So here’s a picture of the fireworks from July 4 instead. :D
After blogging at various websites for the past year, I figured I’d focus on publishing here again.
Without further ado, I’d like to formally state my 2012 resolutions, despite the fact that I hate everything resolutions. For me, these are goals, and by posting it here for all of 2 people to see, there will be some accountability.
1. Stop spending so much goddamned money on stuff.
NO MORE MAKEUP, NO MORE BEAUTY STUFF, NO MORE until I use up my (still) obscenely large stash. The only exception to this is paying for one last order submitted to Melissa of Morgana Cryptoria that I’ve already committed to.
2. Going hand in hand with number 1, save! Save more!
Put aside at least $400 per paycheck into your credit union account. I can do it!
3. Brown bag it.
I love buying lunches – I really do! However, this gets expensive fast. Pair this off with buying good groceries, and my food bill easily gets out of control. If I must buy lunch, I am only limited to no more than one per week.
4. I will not buy anymore cheap, disposable clothing.
Save up for those Billy Reid warehouse sales! :D Purchase from companies that do not exploit their employees. (Speaking of which, does anyone have a recommendation for workout gear? I’d like to find a source that makes fairly priced workout stuff without sacrificing a paycheck. I would prefer to not make an exception!)
5. Get at least 7 hours of sleep. But really, I should try for at least 8.
6. Sail more. Avoid the capsize. Gain confidence. Be a better sailor!
7. Squat and deadlift my weight.
Since I started lifting, I am about 25 pounds away. That is, if I haven’t gained any weight. I’m very excited about reaching this goal!
8. Project more!
I’d like to make more things for myself and my apartment this year. This includes sewing and anything that I can make with my hands. :D I’m totally interested in making a paddle board, but we shall see… :)
I think that’s it for now. I’m actually really excited about completing these things on my list this year. I hope that 2012 will be a wonderful year!
It’s been forever since I’ve written or posted anything here. Suffice it to say, I would like to refocus the little bit of time I have on handmade. That being said, here are two things that I made for my sister for Christmas/her birthday this past year. (Yes, it’s a bit embarrassing how long it took me to get this to her; her birthday was in April.)
The pattern for the ornaments can be found at Sew to Speak. When I saw this last year, I thought that this was the CUTEST project idea ever. My sister and I have a thing for matroyshkas, so this seemed perfect. (My sister has gifted me with a matroyshka doll, bowls, and plastic bento containers!) Plus, she’s super big on Christmas and trees.
Major props to Sew to Speak for the wonderful project and beautiful, clear directions. :)
The ditty bag was made using Keyka Lou’s Ditty Bag Pattern. I love how Michelle advises you to sew the zipper. It just looks so… clean and professional. :) Believe it or not, this is actually the first zipper I’ve ever sewn!
I used Japanese fabric for the body and a yellow poly-cotton for the lining.
I packed the ornaments in a slim box and tied it off with a ribbon. :) It’s a bit overexposed as it was taken indoors before this was packed off and shipped to my sister. I also included a little tag inside that said these ornaments were handmade.
A picture of one of the dolls hanging on my sister’s tree. :)
Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays!
Can I say just how much I enjoy meze meals? :)
I made dinner for Daniel and me. It was relatively quick to prepare, but the cleanup time was… annoying. It also didn’t help that I kept knocking things over and spilling things into my computer. Also, I really need to buy a little food processor; blenders honestly don’t cut it.
Greek Meze Menu:
- Tzatziki using Kalyn’s Kitchen’s recipe.
- Roasted garlic: cut off the top part of the bulb, set in aluminum foil, and drizzle with olive oil. Roast in oven for 375 until fragrant (slightly over an hour).
- Spanakopita: I actually didn’t make this; no time! Whole Foods makes a tasty spanakopita. :)
- Pan-fried halloumi in reduced garlic red wine with basil. Halloumi is delicious. Cheese that withstands heat? Yes, please!
- Broiled pineapple, feta, and mint: chilled. Makes a delicious salad! Pineapple is delicious grilled, but alas, no grill at the time…
- Hummus. I used a recipe online but ended up tweaking it to taste better. :)
01/12/2012 – Update: Spex Club has changed its name to Lookmatic – same business, different name. I’ve left the review in the Spex Club name.
So there have been multiple rave reviews for Spex Club; however, these “reviews” that I’ve come across pimp out their sales or are from magazines that are probably paid or received free samples. Maybe they’re not and my Google skills just fail me; however, I just want to read a real review from a real person who said they either loved or hated their new glasses.
Spex Club’s pricing: $88 for one pair of prescription glasses/sunglasses, which is a really, really, ridiculously good bargain. For US buyers, this also includes First Class shipping. As my fellow corrective lens-wearing cohorts know, buying prescription glasses is a great way that eye doctors royally fuck over their patients with obscenely jacked up prices.
Spex Club allows you to “visually” try on their frames by uploading a picture of yourself. You can then adjust it to fit your face. Two problems:
1. This program is incredibly spotty and barely runs on Lion. Safari refused to load Flash, so I used Google Chrome. About 1/3 of the time, I was successful in actually getting the program to load and trying on various frames. The other times, it did nothing and/or refused to load another pair of frames.
2. This isn’t an accurate portrayal of how the frames will look on you. You can get a general idea, but the fact you can adjust the size of the frame (make it bigger or smaller) — well, you can’t do that in real life.
Personally, I think Spex Club should allow you to print out actual size images of their frames that you can cut out and hold up to your face, but they do not. I tweeted them this suggestion, but I didn’t receive a response.
Ordering is very simple. Select the frame you want, enter in your prescription (yes, you will need to see an eye doctor for this), add item to the cart, fill out your information, and you’re done. One measurement that will probably not appear on your prescription form: pupillary distance (PD). Most eye doctors will not give you this measurement because they want you to buy their overpriced glasses from them. However, Spex Club approximates this measurement for men and women based on an average.
I selected two frames: Apprentice in black and Peyton in tortoise. I entered my prescription and used Spex Club’s average PD measurement, 63 for women. I didn’t get any of the bells and whistles to better my lenses. My order was submitted on 08/18. On 08/23, I received notice that my order shipped. On 08/26, my glasses were delivered.
Can I say just how excited I was to receive this order? I wasn’t sure what to expect, but after opening up my packages (each pair shipped separately in a hard, stiff cardboard Spex Club box that is actually pretty for gift-giving), I was seriously impressed with the quality of my order.
The frames were high-quality: sturdy, nicely weighted. I didn’t find them to be particularly heavy despite the large frames that I had chosen. They felt great on my face, and even better, I could see perfectly with them on. I won’t lie; I was a bit concerned about the PD measurement, but that just proved to be wasted worrying. I usually hate wearing glasses since I get headaches if I wear them too long (I prefer to wear contacts), but I was more than okay with wearing them all day. I actually felt quite sexy and confident with them on and received many compliments! :)
I wasn’t too crazy with how the Peyton frames looked on me, so I returned them. Spex Club has a fantastic return policy: if you’re unhappy with your order for whatever reason, you can return it within 30 days for a full refund (!!!) including free shipping (!!!!!!!). I opted for an exchange. I emailed their CS, and they sent me a prepaid label that I stuck onto my package and dropped into the post. I’m still waiting to receive my exchange, but I’m in no rush. They’re CS has notified me when they received my return and that they were processing it.
I can totally see why people toot Spex Club’s horn. Yes, they’re that good. I’m so pleased with my interaction with this company that I can’t stop recommending them to people. If you want a back up pair of glasses or need a pair that’s affordable, don’t hesitate to check them out!
I actually purchased my glasses using a coupon deal advertised on Refinery 29′s Reserve that offered 2 pairs of prescription lens glasses or sunglasses for $88.
Tabbouleh!
I made these for a swap awhile ago; free theme, sender’s choice. :)
All five were happily received, which always makes me happy. I really try to put out some nice cards.
Sorry the photos couldn’t be better. :/ I took them in the evening and posted them to my partners the next day.
I used:
- bristol cardstock
- pages of a dull book
- images that came with a Moonalisa order I made ages ago
- random scrapbook components
- hand-punched cuts from foil candy wrappers
- stamps
Wearing sunscreen is important! Skin cancer is bad! I know, I know, but honestly, I’m not going to cover my face in coconut scented crap: aside from making my face shine like a bucket of lard, shortly after application, the so-called waterproof/sweatproof sunscreen would irritate my eyes by migrating into them.
I wear makeup, and applying it over sunscreen would result in a huge greasy mess. Even though I waited for the sunscreen to absorb into my skin before I applied my makeup, it always seemed to leave an oil slick; my makeup barely lasted. Oh, and forget about working out with these sunscreens – sweat pouring down my face would lead to extremely irritated eyes.
And of course, I stopped wearing sunscreen because I hated the itchy, burning, watery sensation. After complaining about my irritated eyes, a good friend of mine recommended Z Blok: non-greasy, sweat and water resistant, fragrance free, SPF 30 + UVA/UVB protection.
I was a bit apprehensive of using this at first since it seemed like a super intense sports sunscreen (and was perhaps a bit “extreme” for daily use), and I was worried about it being greasy like the other sunscreens. There was a lot of positive press pertaining to this product on an athletic level, but would it be a bit much for every day use?
I had emailed Customer Service to ask about Z Blok’s performance underneath makeup. While Paul didn’t have a definitive response since he most likely doesn’t use his underneath makeup, he said that if I’m unhappy with it, I could return it for a full refund. Hey, even better! I had nothing to lose by trying.
When my sunscreen came in, I couldn’t wait to try it. The next morning, after I washed my face, I applied Z Blok to my face, rubbing it in until it blended out. I’m happy to report that this was not a pasty white cream that would only get whiter with frequent rubbing. According to Z Blok’s website, “The zinc oxide in Z Blok, called Clear Zinc™, is finely ground so that it will rub in clear. It is slightly harder to rub in than more watery sunscreens, but totally worth the effort.”
Applied to skin.
Rub, rub, rub…
Perfect! Blended, in under 10 seconds!
I didn’t notice it harder to rub in; in fact, I think it rubbed in much faster than any of the other sunscreens I’ve ever purchased. Even better? This stuff didn’t feel greasy, tacky, or smell like coconut crap.
I allowed the sunscreen to absorb into my skin while I got dressed and fed my cat. I applied my makeup as usual and was pleased as punch with application: my brush wasn’t coated with the typical sunscreen “film,” I didn’t need a primer! Z Blok worked extraordinarily well as one: it minimized my pores, so that when I applied my mineral makeup (perhaps infamous for emphasizing pore size), it was smooth. I found that I didn’t need to use as much product and didn’t have to buff the makeup to high heaven.
A few hours into the day, I noticed that my face was significantly less greasy. Although I do get shiny, I saw that the face blotting papers blotted away the oil and left my makeup intact. With other sunscreens and primers, I would blot away oil but also take off most of my makeup.
I wore Z Blok one weekend to visit my mom, and she asked what makeup I was wearing. I had been wearing the same makeup for years, but she hadn’t ever asked. When I told her that it was the same brand (which she also uses every now and then), she was shocked. I’m not kidding: Z Blok really makes your makeup look that good. It gives you a fresh dewy look with mineral makeup. :)
One thing worth noting… This can separate in the tube. I just give the tube a few brusque shakes to mix everything back up together. This hasn’t affected the product’s performance on my skin.
I cycle, sail, and run – Z Blok is what I smear on my mug before I do any of those activities. As others have praised, it performs phenomenally well during these activities, even with makeup over it (I hit the gym up on my lunch break or after work – I don’t get made up to work out, come on). No irritated itchy eyes, hooray! No drippies.
I use Z Blok every single day. I LOVE this stuff – LOVE. I won’t even put on my makeup until I can find my tube (it goes with me everywhere that sometimes I forget where I last put it!). I will not purchase another sunscreen brand for my face ever again. I’ve purchased the drugstore brands, the expensive beauty brands, and all pale in comparison to this product. This is my favorite sunscreen, my new love. :) I used to hate wearing sunscreen, but now, I won’t leave the house without applying this on.
I’m sure that some people will think that this product is expensive, but at $14.95 for a generous 4 oz. tube (which includes tax and free shipping in the US) and for what the product can do, it’s a steal. :D
PS – I purchased this with my own money. I did not get free product or free whatever for writing this. This stuff is so good that I typed this ridiculously long review praising it. ;)
My first race has come and gone. Looking back at it, I would say that I had a lot of fun. However, on the day of, I can’t say that I did. I love sailing, period, but the racing element was, um, stressful to say the least.
I didn’t realize just how AWFUL race starts are. :| I like it when boats go out, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t like it when they get so close to me — and you wonder if people who are driving know the rules of the road. Additionally, this is Bee’s boat, and I’m grateful that he permitted me to helm: I don’t want to hit anyone or anything!
Maybe my first race ever should’ve been beer bitch while sunbathing topless instead of having me drive. ;)
My crew was absolutely WONDERFUL!! I had Kevin, Trent, Chris, and Charles. Trent’s brother John came along and was our squirrel. Kevin is always a blast to sail with, even when he is Mr. Serious Face and shouting at me to not broach the boat lol. I’ve sailed with Trent (he’s the one with the nice boobs) and Chris before, and it’s always a pleasure. I’ve sailed with Charles and his wife once – Charles is pretty awesome and a lot of fun on race days. I hope when I’m older, I’m that much of a badass although Charles has that area of the market tapped out. :)
Okay, picture of the entire crew now! Well, mostly. You can see Chris’ hat, so consider this a group pic. :D
The regatta consisted of three races. We decided to race with the spinnaker, the balloonish looking sail that you use downwind, which then put us against lots of fast, speedy, light-air boats like Vipers… Eh. (Stinger is a J-105, and the handicap rating is not so good, especially when conditions are not the best.)
I love Stinger’s C&C (gray) jib. :) I think it’s great. I have so many good memories of this sail just because I learned how to truly sail by the telltales on it. It’s like my favorite child.
The first start didn’t go so well… I’m still not quite sure what had happened, but we were hit with a penalty. I think I had inadvertently cut someone off just because
1. I had no idea what I was supposed to exactly do
2. I was desperately trying to figure out what I was supposed to be doing
3. I started panicking a bit because I felt so lost and anxious
4. I freaked out that I was going to hit someone.
Ugh, thinking about it now still makes my stomach churn (or it may be the burritos and chips I’m feeling).
One of the first, if not first, upwind leg. Literally, haha!!
Thankfully, we had much better starts after the first, even if Tres Hombres thought it’d be lol-funny to cut it “close enough” to give me a heart attack (although it was agreed by the crew thereafter that they did a wonderful job on that start). Me, “MUST. NOT. HIT. ANYONE. D: D: D:”
Our second start. I love how all the boats are lined up. :D
Me: “I hope I don’t hit anyone. ;___;”
Rounding markers was NOT fun. I definitely think that I did improve on my turns throughout the day, but I would get so paranoid around the floaties. After the guys informed me that I’d need to stay away from them because the anchor could catch onto the keel of the boat, I tried to give us enough distance. :/ Even to this day, I’m still a bit unsure as to how much space needs to be between me and said floaty. Me: “!!!!!! I cannot get Stinger tangled up in the anchor. -__-”
Fwoooosh goes the spinnaker! I love how happy spinnakers look. They look like balloons. :D
Keeping my eyes on a target. Being very, very, VERY careful as to avoid an accidental jibe (when the boom swings across one side of the boat to another). Downwind is not my favorite point of sail due to the fact that if I’m careless, the boat can jibe and seriously injure one of my crew members.
Upwind is my absolute favorite!!
The race was kind of a blur. Time goes by insanely fast when you’re on a boat. I liked the breaks in between the races because I got to really relax then. I like sailing when there’s no stress or pressure – just good times with me watching people drink beer while I drive. :D
I think this is after my superawesomefantastic crew finished. :)
Hay look, a picture of me driving. :D
After the race, we had to head back for the awards ceremony, but I was ready to go out and do some real sailing. ;) Trent had told me about Bernard Moitessier, and while Bernard might’ve been super way ahead, I can see why he ended up ditching his race and doing his own thing. Sailing just to sail is just so much fun! :D
Oh, and for those who are wondering, we didn’t win. :) Competition was too damned good and much more experienced than me; but I’m so glad that I had this experience with my wonderful crew who put up with me! Practicing for this was just the best, too. I couldn’t have asked for better teachers or for better weather!
What meant the most to me was the fact that the guys thought I did a very good job for my first race and aren’t just saying it. :D :D :D BIG GRIN ON MY FACE. Such a huge compliment, waaah. ;___; My little heart was going to burst from happiness: I am so glad that I’m not incompetent at this sailing thing.
Charles was right: I’m still thinking about my first race, and despite the stressful moments, it was most certainly memorable, laced with adrenaline and excitement.
But I think that I may like driving while watching my friends drink beer just a bit more. ;)
Minus the first, all pictures were taken by a Lacy. :) I just can’t remember which one. :( Check out their awesome race photos!
So the Women’s Regatta is coming up this Saturday, and it looks like Stinger will be competing. What does this mean for yours truly? I’ll be in my first race, and I’ll be helming — it’s part of the rules. ;)
I can’t even describe how excited/nervous/barfalicious this makes me feel. -__-
I’m still a bit apprehensive about a lot of things. For one, I don’t feel like my sailing ability is great. I’m totally a noob. Granted, I talk out the ass about going sailing, but running my mouth about it does not equal skill. I think I’ve been on a boat maybe 10-12 times including when I took my class…?
I feel like there’s a huge disparity between my skills and others’ — and really, that’s not entirely unexpected since some people have been sailing forever!! I also don’t want to let anyone down because people had certain lofty expectations about my skills.
I think I’m stressing myself out from “pressure.” Trent has told me that this is all in my head, and he’s not wrong; it’s totally self-imposed. Stinger has had 10 first place finishes within the past two weeks, and ugggh. Daniel says I’m not ruining the boat’s amount of wins – just mine. While that is true, Stinger has had a fantastic crew and has been doing well, and all of a sudden, they have this chick with little experience driving the boat with a bunch of seasoned vets. One of these don’t belong together…
I realize how insecure I sound. There have been a ton of good things that have come from the prospect of competing this Saturday:
1. I’ve gotten a lot of practice on a lovely boat with excellent sailors. I am beyond lucky in this regard. I’ve spent the past week, knocking out hours on the water, learning a ton from Kevin. (Haaay, we flew spinnaker Thursday, and that made the worst point of sail fun, wheee!)
2. People have been really encouraging and supportive despite my noobness. Thanks for having faith in me, and for reaffirming that I’m not mucking this all up. :D
3. I’m flattered that the guys asked me to helm. There are others who they could’ve asked, but they asked me. Even if there were a shortage of girls, and I was their last hope, they’re still taking a chance with me. xD
4. Friends have said I’m improving quite a bit, and I believe this because I can’t imagine them lying to my face. (Not to mention, I ask them point blank, “Are you just saying this to me? :|” lol.) I’m glad that I’m improving; I want to see my skills increase if I’m putting in the “work.” Sailing isn’t work, by the way. ;)
5. I’ve had a lot of fun sailing these past two weeks. :) It’s just been… awesome. I can’t imagine anything more awesome than going out on the water, spending time with friends, and just talking about stuff that actually matters. Daniel said to me earlier today that that’s what Saturday should be about (well, minus the talking since you can’t really be doing that day of haha).
Oh hay, I feel better now. :D
(I really do. I’m still a bit nervous, though, but I’m hoping to knock out hours of profitable practice on the water with Kevin tomorrow. :D I wish Trent could come out tomorrow, though, so I can get two great teachers in one session on the water… It’d be awesome if Daniel could come, too, though. Three experienced people teaching me? Holy moly, learning orgasm.)
