Deva Knits...maybe

2009-01-11T19:01:00.000-08:00

Wow, when did this become a cooking blog?
On today's menu, Boñelos Aga'. You know it if you are from Guam, banana donuts!! Yum!
It took me a few tries to perfect it, but I think I got it now. I made a smaller than usual batch, but there are just two of us eating them.

3 ripe bananas (regular bananas)
1 cup of flour, plus half a cup just in case
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 tablespoons sugar (more if you like a sweeter donut)
Powdered sugar or granulated sugar for dusting
Oil for frying

These are deep fried, so your pot can be small but deep. (I use a small pot and make about 4-5 donuts at a time in it)

1. Heat oil
2. Mash bananas
3. Add the flour, baking powder and half of the sugar. Mix well by hand.
4. Add remaining sugar and mix.

The texture should be like pancake batter. When the oil is hot, use a tablespoon to drop the batter into the oil. The donuts will rise to the top. Flip after 1 to 1.5 minutes to brown evenly. Remove from pan and place on paper towels.
I do not dust with sugar regularly so I have not perfected the timing for this. I am not sure if you should do it while it is still warm or once they have cooled. In theory, if you do it while they are warm the sugar could melt, so cooled would make more sense to me. You could always just keep a bowl of sugar beside the donuts and people can dip. Haha, that is the way I do it when I want extra sugar. I think that they are sweet enough without the extra sprinkle of sugar, though.

If the donuts just don't seem dark enough, by all means flip them again and allow for more browning. This recipe is the closest I can get to writing stuff down. I hope you can figure it out. Comment and I will help if you need it.

I know they look really wonky, but I decided to try putting the batter into a ziplock and using the bag as a pastry bag to drop the batter into the oil. I wouldn't suggest this method as the batter is a bit too thin to do it this way without making a mess. However, using a spoon to drop the batter will make a more round donut. I was happy with the texture of the donut so I didn't care too much about the shape. They still taste yummy even when they aren't round.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2008-12-14T19:28:00.000-08:00

Not in my house. We have no decorations, no lights, no festive anything...until now! I wrapped some of the presents that I have purchased. I am not done with shopping at all, but I at least have a nice list of everything I am going to get. That is half of the battle, right?
Anyways, here are the pictures of the presents, which sums up the holiday "decorations" in my home.

Yes We Did

2008-11-08T17:48:00.000-08:00

Like me, some of you are part of a generation that is so young there are few things we can claim as our own. We can't say "I remember where I was when that historical event happened". We are members of the generation most believe to be lazy and uncaring of the future, selfish and self absorbed. Most events we know of come from our history books and the stories passed to us from the elders in our lives. Unfortunately for our generation, most of the things we could talk about were tragedies (specifically 9/11).
Today, we have a joyous event to add to our list.
We can now say where we were when we heard the United States of America had elected Barack Obama. Where were you when young voters, and voters period, came out to vote in record numbers? People even lined up for hours to cast their ballot for the leader of their choice. Where were you when the first cheers went up announcing a victory for not the democratic party, not the black community, not the minority community, but a victory for every person who believes that this is their chance for change? I know where I was and I am happy to be able to say that I was apart of American history today.
This is a new age for America. A new time where we come together for the greater good and leave behind old thoughts and feelings. We are going to come out ahead again.
Today, Yes We Did.

Beef stew recipe, Deva style

2008-07-13T15:20:00.001-07:00

Mmm...I adore warm beef stew over white rice. There is a restaurant back home, Rambie's, that served a fantastic beef stew. When we went back in July 2007 the only Rambie's to be found was at the Micronesia Mall, and they did not have beef stew on the menu that day. It was a sad day to be sure. I wish I could have had a taste to see if I could dissect what it was exactly that made that particular stew so fantastic. Since I couldn't figure it out, I had to come up with something. I did some internet searches and located a recipe with an unusual ingredient, Lechon Sauce. So, here is the recipe that I can no longer find and has been adjusted to my way of cooking.

Beef Stew
1 package of brisket, trimmed and cubed
2 large potatoes
1 small package of baby carrots or 4 regular carrots peeled and sliced
1 can diced tomatoes (I use low sodium)
1 onion, diced
1 can of beef broth
1 can tomato sauce
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 c. soy sauce
1/2 c. lechon sauce
salt and pepper to taste

Brown beef in batches to achieve proper browning to all pieces. Remove from pan and set aside. Saute onions in salt and pepper until translucent, add beef back to pan. Add beef broth, tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 1 1/2 hours or until beef is tender. Add carrots and simmer for 10 minutes. Add potatoes and remaining ingredients, cook until vegetables are tender.
Serve over white rice.

I have done this recipe in a pressure cooker, adding all the ingredients at once except for the carrots and potatoes. Then, once the beef was tender, added the veggies and cooked through. Needless to say, that reduced the cooking time quite a bit.
You could also use a more tender cut of beef to cut the cooking time.

You can also add chili peppers or use the spicy lechon sauce instead to add a different dimension to the dish.

What? You're knitting again?!?!

2008-04-19T16:17:00.001-07:00

Ophelia
Originally uploaded by empress_deva

It is very hard to read a book while reading a knitting pattern. I am struck with the impossible decision of which to do. So, I have put the books down for a couple of weeks (waiting for some to hit the shelves anyway) and have picked up the sticks.
I am working on Ophelia and hope to have my first completed knit since my first scarf. I can be honest - I am not a finisher. I am a starter. I have come quite far with this garment, though. I also love the yarn and the way it is looking, even though I am not too fond of the color.
I am knitting it up with Lion Brand Cotton-Ease in color pineapple (yellow). I bought the yarn at Tuesday morning a couple of years ago. I finally ripped open the package when I found the Ophelia pattern.

Total eclipse of the senses?

2008-04-12T12:38:00.000-07:00

Somebody please explain the Bonnie Tyler "Total Eclipse of the Heart" video to me, please. Doors slamming open, men dancing around in loin cloths, choir boys with glowing eyes (taking bright eyes a little too literally perhaps?), biker guys clasping fists to their chests while prancing on steps, Bonnie Tyler in a white dress fleeing through long hallways with red curtains blowing in the wind? Okay, maybe I missed something. Always like the song, now I am sorry that I ever saw the video. Was it a horror movie gone wrong?

I'm 27 for a moment...

2008-03-13T18:46:00.001-07:00

I turned 27 this week. Happy birthday to me.
I was struck at how old that is. I remember when I used to think that 30 was old and 50 was ancient. Life was going by so slow, time dragging while the world was spinning, waiting for me to take chances, to do fascinating and wonderful things. I couldn't wait for life to grab me and it seems as if it is going past me instead. I try to catch hold of moments, savor and store. Yet I catch myself wondering what I did each day, weeks and months go by faster. I wait for the weekends, rush dinners and phone calls, find myself catching up instead of keeping up with friends. It is the middle of March in 2008, where has the time gone?
I spoke with an old friend yesterday. I realized that I hadn't seen her since middle school. Middle school! Where has the time gone? She is married, I am married. We spoke of things we had been up to in the last 15 years, described our lives. We talked about people we knew back in the day, what everyone else was up to. We counted who had kids (and it seems like everyone does) and who is married, who turned out how we thought they would (nobody did) and who we still wonder about.
Life gets busy, people and places get away from you while you grow up and move on. Today I will try to remember to slow down a bit as life continues, to savor and store so that I can remember these days. The nights I spend talking with my husband, laughing and telling jokes. This quality time we have with just each other...before time slips away yet again.

Listening to: Five for Fighting - 100 years.

I'm fifteen for a moment
Caught in between ten and twenty
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are
I'm twenty two for a moment
And she feels better than ever
And we're on fire
Making our way back from Mars
Fifteen there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to lose
Fifteen, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got a hundred years to live
I'm thirty three for a moment
Still the man, but you see I'm a they
A kid on the way
A family on my mind
I'm forty five for a moment
The sea is high
And I'm heading into a crisis
Chasing the years of my life
Fifteen there's still time for you
Time to buy, Time to lose yourself
Within a morning star
Fifteen I'm all right with you
Fifteen, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got a hundred years to live
Half time goes by
Suddenly you’re wise
Another blink of an eye
Sixty seven is gone
The sun is getting high
We're moving on...
I'm ninety nine for a moment
Dying for just another moment
And I'm just dreaming
Counting the ways to where you are
Fifteen there's still time for you
Twenty two I feel her too
Thirty three you’re on your way
Every day's a new day...
Fifteen there's still time for you
Time to buy and time to choose
Hey fifteen, there's never a wish better than this
When you only got a hundred years to live

Another long pause...

2008-03-10T19:42:00.000-07:00

Wow, I didn't realize it had been a month since my last post. I have been meaning to post for a little while now, especially after Ms. Walker posted a comment in regards to my post for the book "I'll Be Hunting You". Yes, for the record, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It was well written and satisfying. Tori and Declan are two of my favorite characters. I was so unsure about the story, I even reread all of the other Hunter books to see if there was any mention of the pair being together in later books to make sure they made it through together before reading this particular addition. I wasn't disappointed and I really felt for Tori throughout the whole of the story.
After I read the comment I told my husband that I felt like a movie star had taken a moment to say hi to me. I was thoroughly star struck, just as I am whenever Patricia Briggs answers a question I ask on her forum. Now, Ms. Walker, please come to Dallas for a book signing and I will be speechless.

I have been busy working through a newly acquired TBR pile that I picked up for $5 at a used book sale a couple of weekends ago. It is mostly all Silhouette books, so I am counting each 3 books read as one novel. I will work on updating the list once I figure out how to make it scroll and once I compile the list properly. I am saving the books until I jot down all the titles and authors then they are off to Half Price to be replaced by yet another TBR pile. The little voice in my head is insisting that I also polish off the TBR pile on the book shelf, but that voice is evil.

I attended my first "American" wedding this weekend. It was beautiful and sweet and, umm, short. Now, you have to understand that I have only ever been to Catholic weddings, which consist of a full mass in addition to the marriage ceremony. My wedding itself also included an exchange of coins, a candle lighting and some other tradition where a lace like shawl was pinned shoulder to shoulder joining myself to my husband. This, needless to say, took more than an hour. The wedding ceremony I went to this weekend, well including the entrance and vows, took the better part of about 10 minutes. It was refreshing and I enjoyed myself. I also enjoyed their music choices. The entrance song was Blue October's 18th Floor Balcony and their first dance was a Jibe song, but don't ask me for the title because I can't remember the title. The version in my iTunes is untitled, probably because I got the song from the bride and groom years ago. Anyways, correct me if I am wrong about the songs guys.

The DH and I post shawl linking.

In other news, I have been contemplating knitting again, but I don't know if that will pass. I can't read and knit at the same time so the feeling may just pass.

For the people curious about the talus fracture, the healing process and how I am doing nearly 2 years from the accident and surgery. My ankle has been giving me a spot of trouble these past few months. I am contemplating another steroid injection before the BIL and MIL come into town for a short visit. It isn't unbearable, I can still walk and run for the most part. Walking around the mall is taxing, to the point that I am slow and limping to finish the round and make it to the car. Then it is stiff and sore for a couple of days following. I will discuss the arthroscopy with the OS when I go in for the injection. I may go through with it in the middle of the year. It really depends on what is going on around that time.
I noticed that since I stopped working out that it has been causing me more trouble than when I was working out. It is definitely more stiff and sore more often. It also locks up on me at weird moments, like when I am lying in bed or sitting at my desk. Certain positions are more painful than others, but I do not live with constant pain. I will post more about it after I see the OS and have some new xrays taken.

One last thing, I voted for the very first time ever. I will be 27 in a couple of days and I have never voted before. So, very interested in the democratic race, I attended the Texas Primary election on March 4th along with millions of other people in Texas, thousands of which have never voted before. I cast my vote for who I want to represent the democratic party and crossed my fingers, waited up as long as I could only to fall asleep before the final tally was up, woke up in the middle of the night to ask who won Texas (to which my husband shrugged his answer), then logged on to CNN first thing in the morning to discover that Obama had not won the Texas popular vote but was projected to win the delegates. A loss and a win. I could settle for half.
Voting was an exciting experience, as corny as that sounds. Now I can hardly wait for the general election. Baby steps, I know, we still have the better part of the year to go before then.

2008-02-03T18:49:00.001-08:00

Wendy and Jay are getting married soon. CONGRATS!!
And, well, I am a girl after all. Their upcoming nuptials have me reminiscing of my wedding. Since I got married before I started this blog, let me share my wedding invitation. It was designed by Star Press in Guam, though we printed it here in Dallas.

I did smudge the...uh...personal information.

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL!

2008-02-03T18:15:00.000-08:00

Superbowl XLII...the GIANTS are in the game. My husband, having been a Giants fan since LT was playing, is obviously very excited. The game is underway, the Giants up by 3. Nowhere near the points spread predicted so far, but we will see.
I hope they win. It will definitely make my house a very happy place to be.

A picture of Guam from when we were there this past July. The view is of Puntan Dos Amantes (Two Lover's Point) from a PIC balcony.

Investment in Characters

2008-01-25T18:58:00.000-08:00

Have you ever picked up a book where the characters pulled at you, your emotions getting the best of you while you read it. Then, all too soon, the story has ended and you are left with a strong desire for more. Then, you discover that there is a second book and, if you are lucky, a third. The more you read, the more the individual characters become people. Their lives are real for the time you are immersed in their lives. You pick up book four and learn more, then book five opens another door. Ah, suddenly you are on book 7 and you wonder where the time has gone.
What am I talking about, you ask? I am speaking of the darling Shiloh Walker. I first picked up Hunting the Hunter. It looked interesting. I found it at a bookstore I am sure, but who remembers where you pick up your books these days? I am nearly 100% sure that I purchased the volume new, which is rare for me. The cover struck me as interesting, the synopsis grabbed hold and I had to read the book. I was satisfied, but I wanted to know more. Who were these Hunters? What were they? What else could I learn about their universe?
After a brief google search I discovered that - gasp - Ms. Walker was an erotic romance writer. She, in fact, had numerous e-books to her credit. Many of those were of these Hunters that had captured my interest so thoroughly. Well, I decided to put my hangups aside and purchase the first book. A very erotic read, but I was hooked. I had to know more.
Ten books later, I discover that there is a second book to Declan and Tori's story. What? Declan dies in "I'll Be Hunting You"? Oh no, I could not read that book. I had invested so much time in these characters, they were important, they meant something to all the other Hunters. How could I enjoy the future knowing that the love that was Declan and Tori didn't survive? So, I searched online for a spoiler, something to give me hope before I invested in the book. I came up with teasers, "this is a romance and Tori couldn't be happy with anyone but Declan". (That is a loose quote) After reading Lover Unbound, I don't think I could handle another ghostly love story.
So, I decided to forgo the story. Then all day today I couldn't stop thinking about it, dammit! So, I bought it tonight. It is 65 pages short, which is good because I don't think I could have gotten through more pages of hurt. I was sure I would hate Shiloh Walker by the end. I don't. So if you want a spoiler, let me know and I will tell you the ending before you read the book. But, don't worry. The loose quote above is correct...and it isn't like LU at all.
So, take the trip into Ms. Walker's world, you will enjoy the ride. Oh, and because she doesn't like it, google her name in images. You will find one of the very few pics of her on the web. ;)

Okay, with that said.

Listening To: Garth Brooks "Live in L.A."
Reading: Nothing as I just finished I'll Be Hunting You - and rereading Mal and Leandra's stories.
Feeling: Content, relaxed, loved and warm.

The Edge...

2008-01-24T21:36:00.001-08:00

Lex and Terry are off KDGE/The Edge! What? Are you saying that the couple of years they were on the station and "going strong" was long enough? I wouldn't know, I tuned off of 102.1 when Lex and Terry came on. I will stick with my original assessment that they SUCK DONKEYS! And, yes, you may leave your lovely comments about how that particular morning show was your favorite wet dream, causing you to have multiple cargasms on the way to work...then you can listen to my opinion. I am so very happy that they are gone (also happy that the Eagle is back, but I just won't listen to their morning show) because now I may add 102.1 back to my pre-programmed stations on my radio.

2007-10-06T14:27:00.000-07:00

Anyone else think that they don't want a bull's eye on the top of their head while practicing shooting arrows? Anyone?
Archery Hat Knit Pattern

Working for the Devil

2007-10-03T16:43:00.000-07:00

I am home today because I feel like crap. I guess I have been getting sick since last week Friday...should have known because I was asleep during the whole drive to the fair and barely ate anything there, even though it was my first State Fair trip and I was so looking forward to it. Then didn't get out of bed on Sunday. By Monday my stomach was proving that I was not its favorite person...two more days of that and I was ready to just crawl in bed and never see the sun again. Anyways, this evening I am feeling marginally better. Hope that was the worst of it.
I am reading Lilith Saintcrow's Working For The Devil. I read the first five chapters on Sunday night and have been slogging through it since then. I am only half way through, which is a bit unusual for me. I am interested in it, just can't sit still to read it because I haven't been feeling all that well. Definitely not on top of my game. The book was recommended to me via this thread. I bought one of each of the books recommended, but chose the "darker" one to start with. It is an interesting take on the devil and a different world most definitely worth the time learning. Quite a journey, a ride I am glad I didn't pass up on. Ms. Saintcrow does a great job describing her characters. More about it when I finish it...I also have the second book in the series, which I am sure I will pick up immediately after completing the first one. Another nice thing? The series has an end in sight. It is slated for 5 books, with 3 out already, the fourth out in a month and the final one out in January. This means no long, drawn out, damning, cursing years of waiting!
I finally googled the song in the Old Navy commercials...you know the one. "if you are chilly, here take my sweater 'cuz I love the way you call me baby and you take me the way I am" I love that song! So, I googled the lyrics and it is Ingrid Michaelson. A lovely song...in which she professes to buy you Rogaine when you start to lose your hair. And if that isn't love then what is? And he takes her the way she is...that is just beautiful. *sniffle*
I have been thinking about Lover Unbound for this past week and the more I do the more I realize that the book wasn't as bad as I made it out to be with my last post. Obviously it didn't end exactly as I would have thought, but surprise endings are what make a book interesting. It is what should keep you coming back for more. I am disappointed in some of the comments I read on JR's website by supposed fans. I, at least, kept my negative opinions to my little blog that nobody reads. So...I am sure she came out with this so damn quickly because there was mass disappointment when it came to her book, but here is the link to the slice of life. It may help you feel better about the V/Jane HAE. I have to admit that it made me feel better, though it just said the same thing her book said: Jane can solidify if she thinks about it and V can touch her all the time without concentration because of his gift...but it just, umm, drives home that the other option for Jane would have been to grow old and die. Let's face it, what kind of happy ever after is that? Oh, and if that Slice of Life link doesn't work (you may need to be a forum member), try this link instead. Slice Of Life on Lifetimetv.com

So...
Feeling Like: Crap
Reading: See above
Listening to: Ingrid Michaelson and A Fine Frenzy
Watching: Mm...'Til Death and Criminal Minds tonight. Still need to catch up on Grey's Anatomy.

Lover Unbound Spoiler, Review, Rant...

2007-09-27T17:18:00.001-07:00

I had a patient come in on Monday and when I spotted what she was putting back in her purse I got all excited. I barely could contain myself.
"Is that the new J.R. Ward book?" I practically shouted, almost jumping across the counter to grab at it. Thank goodness for very recognizable book covers.
She said yes and I proceeded to bombard her with my trials of trying to locate that book (several Walmarts, calling all around the city to different bookstores). Turns out she found it at a Walmart that was going to take me a total of 45 minutes to get to and from. So, I had a hard time getting through the rest of the day, I was so anxious to get my hands on the book. It was the last one on the shelf. I want to jump up and down for finding it even a day early.
I stayed up until 3am to read it. I even put down another book that I was currently reading - which is something I NEVER do.
Okay, now that you know the back story let me tell you about the actual story.
Scroll Down a bit to see, just in case you don't really want to know my opinion or read any spoilers because I can't guarantee that there won't be any.

The happily ever after left a bad taste in my mouth as well a sadness that cloaked the whole read. I felt like I wasted my time, money and gas. I should have waited until it was at Half Price Books. Then maybe I wouldn't have felt so cheated.
So, I did read spoilers. I knew Jane was a ghost, though I didn't know how or when or what. I thought maybe she was a ghost from the beginning, but no, much worse. I understand the angst, the torture, the sadness leading up to what should have been the traditional happy ending you expect from a romance novel. If that is what you are expecting then you will be sorely disappointed. First off, Jane dies. Yes, dies. Then, somehow, the author makes it so that Jane can come back. Hmm...but come back as what you ask? A damn ghost. You remember the movie Ghost with Demi Moore. Remember how when Patrick Swayze meets the other ghost in the subway and the other ghost can touch things? Okay, Jane is like that. She has to concentrate very hard in order to be able to pick something up, or even be seen by others. Though, how this works I am not quite sure, V can see her all the time. He is able to touch her all the time concentration or not because of his gift/curse.
This isn't a happy ever after to me. To be with someone who can't really be there? Geez, people walk right into her - another thing that doesn't make sense because if she is wearing clothing you should be able to see the clothing, right? I mean, I think the book even mentions how her clothing looks empty. So how does Rhage walk into her?
The best parts were the V and Butch exchanges. It was very sweet. I don't know if the author always meant for there to be this love interest on V's part, but for me it worked. I never wanted them to be together, but I loved how they are there for each other, watching each other's back. Butch surprised me, pleasantly, by being so understanding and even considerate of V's feelings. Another good thing is that there are no Lesser POVs. I never liked to read things from their point of view anyways.
Oh, and in regards to the bondage thing. It wasn't a turn off, but not a turn on either. It seemed forced. I didn't like it. It felt almost like "Oh, I haven't addressed V's fetish and need for S&M with the love of his life, so I need to throw something in there." Tie him up and whip him. But, as I understand S&M bondage stuff, isn't the real power with the person who can call a stop to the whole process? So how would that make V feel so powerful, to know that at any time his sex partner can call a halt to the festivities? So the control stands with whom? Definitely not the "Dominant" person because that person does not control how far or how long things go for.
I hope that when it comes time for Phury's book that I will want to read it...and don't even get me started on Phury. I was so anxious for this book, but now I am "eh" about the remaining portion of the series. And the next one is supposed to be in hardback?!? I won't buy it in hard back, but maybe I will probably read it because I am invested in the series as a whole.
If you have read Lover Unbound by J.R. Ward, let me know your opinions. Maybe you can shed some light on this particular novel for me and help me fall in love with it.

Okay, enough of that. On a happy note I finished reading the first 7 Sookie books. Can't wait for the next one. I look forward to more Eric-Sookie interaction. I liked Quinn. I went back and forth with Bill, and I am not quite sure now. I don't dislike him, but he isn't my fave either. Didn't like Alcide, no matter how hot he is. I am not really pulling for any one person for her to pick, I am happy with how the book reads. Yum. Can't wait for the next one - at least I hope there is a next one. Also can't wait for True Blood, even though I am usually unsure of books to TV or movies.

Sookie!!

2007-09-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

I picked up the first two stories about Sookie Stackhouse, Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire series. I only picked them up because the second story had a picture of the Dallas skyline on the front. I love stories set in places I am familiar with. It helps me feel part of the story instead of just a bystander watching the story pass me by.
I love the descriptions of University Park because it was exactly how I thought of it. I have also heard of a lot of the cities she mentions in Louisiana. I know a few people who are from Louisiana and talk about their home towns. Those hometowns are mentioned in her books. I also have been to Shreveport, though I did not see a Fangtasia nor any vampires hanging around (at least none who were openly advertising themselves as vampires), it was still nice to read the story and think to myself "hey, I've been there!"
I am planning to get to the bookstore tomorrow to pick up the rest of the series, or at least book 3 and 4 (I have 5, but I am holding off on reading it until I read 3 and 4).
Listening: To nothing because even my ears are too tired to listen to anything after the butt kicking workout tonight.
Reading: nothing because I just finished the last page of Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris. I will wait until tomorrow to start a new read.
Knitting: umm, I seem to have misplaced Sheldon. I will look for him tomorrow morning so that I may continue to knit him. I want to finish him this weekend.

EDIT: I also meant to say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading the 2 stories that I have read so far and I can't wait to read the rest!! =)

For the person who left a comment about Dr. Heier

2007-09-10T19:22:00.001-07:00

Dr. Heier is great! He is honest, straight forward and very competent. He fixed my ankle, an injury that should not have healed considering the damage and the way I did not listen to medical advice. I have a great relationship with him and have no regrets about choosing him as my orthopedic surgeon. I suggest that you at least make an appointment and see him. You will see how great he is. He will answer all of your questions and take time with you. He is young, but don't let that dissuade you...he is very intelligent and keeps up with the new technologies in his field. In fact, he fixed my ankle with a new technique using different hardware. I know he practiced in Florida before moving to Texas. He started with Metrocrest in 1999 and has been their sole (no pun intended) foot and ankle surgeon since then. I guess all of that might be on their website.
When you do go to see him, tell him Deva (pronounced with a long E, like Diva) referred you. He will get a kick out of that. I'm not some random patient, he will know exactly who you are talking about (his staff may not know who I am, but he definitely does). =)
If you have any specific questions, email me at deva at gumaperez dot com I will be more than happy to answer any of your questions.

2007-09-08T09:57:00.000-07:00

After reading that I wasn't knitting much I decided to pick up something. So, behind everyone else in the times, I decided to knit Sheldon. I am 3/4 through the body knitting. I am using Caron Simply Soft in a beige color named Bone. Stash busting. =) I will post pics later. Maybe once I have the body completed.
Made chicken kelaguen last night and leche flan. yum. We are going to see a friend of the DH tonight for dinner, someone he knew from high school. He wanted me to make something to bring with us so he selected leche flan because he likes it so much and kelaguen because it is a taste of home. It is a far drive...hope I don't eat all the food before we get there.
I finished reading Nalini Singh's first Psy/Changeling book. I went through to 3 different Half Price Book stores this past weekend during their 20% off sale. Bought the first three of the Southern Vampire series by Charlaine Harris. Have yet to start it. I need to get to a real bookstore to get the other released books from the Psy/Changeling series. Hmm...and I can't wait for the end of the month. The newest addition to the Black Dagger Brotherhood hits the shelves on 9/25. Yay Vishous! I am excited. I want to know his story.
More later...listening to Hawaiian music...Kalapana, Ka'Au Crater Boys, Kapena.

What does an ankle fracture feel like?

2007-08-27T15:03:00.000-07:00

Well, this was a question that my tracker tells me brought someone to this blog. So, here is your answer. When the fracture first happened, I didn't think it was broken. I could still move my toes and I always thought if you couldn't move your toes then you had a break and if you could move your toes then it wasn't broken. WRONG! My ankle hurt only when I tried to move my foot, but there was no constant pain or anything. It was swollen like I did not know possible.
Then they splinted it in the hospital. By this time I was given pain relievers so maybe my memories of this are a little different than the actual event, but I don't remember it being too awful. It hurt, but not pull your hair, punch the guy splinting you kind of hurt. Just a normal hurt.
The pain started after surgery.
Anyways, if your ankle hurts and you think it could be broken then get it checked. I have heard horror stories about people who were diagnosed with sprains and told to weight bear as tolerated only to later find out that they had a talus fracture (part of the ankle) that was now irrepairable. Don't let that happen. I was lucky and the ER doc thought he saw something on the xray even though there wasn't an obvious break. The CT told the story of a shattered talus that is not visible on a regular xray because other bones obscure the interior bone structures. So, whether it hurts or not and whether you can wiggle your toes or not, if you think there is a possiblity it could be broken get it checked out. ;)

Is summer really almost over?

2007-08-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

Is it possible that I haven't posted since April? I guess it is. The summer has just flown by, probably because it rained so much in the beginning that it did not really feel like summer until August 1. Then the heat rolled in. So we haven't had the hellish summer we had last year, which was a nice reprieve.
The DH and I went to Guam this summer as well. It was fantastic albeit a bit short. We did not do nearly as much as we had hoped to do, but there will always be a next time. We hope. Considering this was my first time home since 1999, it was especially good for me. I guess it is always a nice when you go home and you realize almost everything is how you left it. That is the feeling I had in Guam. Like time froze until I got back and everything was peaceful, beautiful, and how it should be. We are all a bit older, all a bit wiser and all a bit more stressed out, but we are all the same. Friends and family just clicked right back into place as if we had never left. And, what a relief to know you can go home again.
I spent the rest of the summer reading books that I am sure most think will deteriorate the mind. I discovered paranormal romance/urban fantasy and have submerged myself into other worlds on a regular basis. I think I have read close to a hundred stories this summer, and have not finished. There are about 5 books in my TBR pile, but there were 9 on Friday night. As you can see, I am just plowing through them. I have never been one to pick up a series that had not been completed, I am not a patient person. Without thoroughly researching a series, I started reading at least 4 different ones...all of which have left me hanging with open ends that will not be closed in the near future. Some of them do not even have new books coming out until 2008! (damn you) But, to assuage some of the coursing want, some of the books I am waiting for come out this month and next month. (cheering inside)
A frugal person from necessity I have never had the habit of buying books new, but some of these series books have me hooked and I find myself haunting Barnes and Noble waiting, watching, ready to pounce on a new release. Unable to wait until a copy hits Half Price Books. *sigh*
On another note, I have been contemplating knitting and sewing, though have not actually done anything about it.
Another thing I picked up this summer is working out. I started in May. I go to an actual gym and I always have a goal of 5 days a week, but I am usually closer to 3 regularly. It still kicks my butt, but I pray that said butt will stop getting larger if I continue to make it to the godawful torture facility. My ankle screams at some of the torture I put it through, and the OS insists that I am healed, but sometimes I wonder if the pain will ever go away. I have asked and been told that I will need at least arthroscopic surgery and possible hardware removal. Though, the OS is hesitant about the hardware removal as am I. I had a steroid injection before the trip to Guam, and that helped immensely on the trip there. The trip back, however, caused my ankle to swell to double it's size and caused some mighty discomfort the whole 30 some odd hours home.
And finally, I will rant about television. Everyone who knows (and loves) me knows that I have a heavy addiction to the wonderful world of television. This summer has sucked because there have not been any new shows I have been particularly interested in. I am not a big reality watcher and it seems that the summer has been littered with reality show after reality show. I find it extra aggravating that the new seasons do not start until the end of summer. Do you remember the days when the summer hiatus ended at the end of August and started in June? Why do series end so early (in May these days) and start so late? You might as well not start until October. Geez! And then you take a winter hiatus as well!
Ahh...I can't wait for the office to start back up. I know that, even if you are a Pam/Jim fan, some people do not want them to get together as they believe it will affect the general integrity of the show. I, on the other hand, would like to see a season or two with them together, then a nice break up, then maybe even a series ending reconciliation. I could live with that. I know it sounds much like Ross/Rachel, but that was a good ride for a few seasons anyways. Plus it was just too painful watching Pam and Jim in the beginning of last season. I missed their easy banter and one minded foolishness. To me, that is part of the show and is hard to swallow without it.
Ok, I leave you with this. I am listening to A Fine Frenzy, One Cell In The Sea. I am reading nothing because I just finished a book. I have reread both Moon Called and Blood Bound by Patricia Briggs this week (don't torture yourself because Iron Kissed doesn't come out until January, dammit) GO ADAM! And the TV is off for once because the DH is sleeping quite peacefully. All in all, a good Sunday morning.

2007-04-09T10:44:00.000-07:00

All the fractures are now officially healed. The talus took the longest, a total of 7 full months before I was given the all clear, five of those months were spent in a cast.
A little bit about the whole experience since my last post was in October when I was first given clearance to walk. That was not a fun experience. For the first couple of weeks or so I was very unsure about placing any weight on the bad foot. I used a cane for those weeks. Eventually I was able to progress to walking without the cane, but I was only able to do it with a cast on. So, because I did not feel secure in the boot, my OS placed me in a removable cast. That worked out very well. I was up an walking within a week of receiving the removable cast. In December, he let me take the cast off completely and gave me a small ankle brace (like the type pro athletes use when they sprain an ankle). On 12/13/06 was the first time I was able to walk without any external bracing of any sort - and it was a short trip from my bed to the bathroom. I walked barefoot, something that I had not been able to do since July 14, 06! A whole five months! Let me tell you, it was not easy convincing my surgeon to let me out of the cast either. He kept saying, "Deva, I just don't think you understand the severity of this type of fracture." But I felt good, and he told me that after 6 months from the surgery I would be back to normal. How could I be back to normal if five months in I was still in a cast. So, a visit in December which involved x-rays and then I was on my feet without a boot or a cast. WooHoo!

The x-rays from the visit showed possible avascular necrosis. This saddened me because who wants to know that they are going to have arthritis in their ankle no matter what.

So, 2 months passed and I went in for a check up. In February I was given the all clear. And, great news, new x-rays were more promising. These showed no real sign of AVN. My OS told me to take it easy for another couple of months. No running, no kickboxing. Give it some time. And I have been. I still have a bit of a limp on long shopping trips. My ankle still gets sore first thing in the morning, but it loosens up throughout the day. The swelling is much better, only swelling very marginally. No real pain to speak of. I was warned that I may need a cortisone injection after a couple of months if I did have pain in the joint, but so far I have not had any symptoms to indicate that I will need that.

And, to answer a comment question, my pins are internal all 6 of them and the plate. The bone was in fragments, so my OS put it back together using the plate (a technique he had learned only 2 days before the accident). He used an ankle model prior to the surgery to bend the plate into the shape he wanted, and it turned out to be pretty close. He then used that along with pins to hold everything together.

I was in a fiberglass cast for the first 6 weeks - maybe 8 - weeks. When that was removed I was placed into a removable boot and remained in that until October. Then I was placed back into a cast, though this on was removable for showers and bed time. Then, in December I was taken out of the cast altogether. I have pictures, which I will post when I get home, as I am at work right now and don't have access to them. If you have any other questions, feel free to leave another comment.

On the knitting front - I know, it seems like I am a non-knitter these days. In my defense, I haven't blogged about anything. The knitting hasn't been neglected, just neglected being blogged about. I am joining the craftster knitting challenge this time around with the Summer Knitting Challenge. So I have been working up some designs, swatching like crazy. I have a perfect silk blend for this project and an idea working itself out. Maybe I will post some pics that don't show too much of what is going on.

More later kids.

STOP BREED SPECIFIC LEGISLATION - STOP BSL

2006-11-27T20:38:00.000-08:00

If you haven't heard of it before, then please take a moment to read about it. Breed specific legislation is what your government is spending its money on. It is your government trying to tell you what type of dog you are allowed to own. What type of dog it thinks is safe. Today it is the American Pit Bull Terrier that is at risk. And it is at risk in your backyard. Even if you do not own an American Pit Bull Terrier, please do not support BSL. If this is successful with the American Pit Bull Terrier it will be successful with other breeds. One day the German Shepard, Akita, Doberman, Wolf breeds, Rottweiler and any other breed deemed "dangerous" or "vicious" will be on the chopping block. People who are ignorant on the subject of how dogs react to different methods of training. Your dog could be next.
Please support the punishment of the deed and not the breed. We all know that breeding is not the only factor in an animal's behavior. The owner, yes, you and I, are what make our dogs strong or weak. Fierce or docile. Treacherous or loyal. We make our dogs who they are, we make them act the way we do. It is our training, our treatment of them, our energy that makes them the great dogs that they are. Unfortunately, there are people out there who think about themselves only and not about how their individual actions will affect the people who live nearby. And your city, county, and state reps do not understand. They want to keep the people who are scared and ignorant of the breed happy without doing the proper research.
Punish the people who teach their dogs to attack. Punish the people who do not love their dogs, who put their personal wants above the needs of their dogs. Punish the people who abuse their dogs. Do not punish the owners who take care of their animals. Who treat them as part of the family. Who protect their animals as well as the people who may come in contact with them. Do not punish us, the owners who care and do not want to lose our beloved dogs. We keep them because they are strong, loyal, and caring animals.
So, fight BSL. Even if you do not have a dog, do not have an American Pit Bull Terrier, fight BSL. Register to vote, write to your reps, sign the petitions. Get your voice heard. Before it is too late and your dog is taken away from you as well.

If you live in the Dallas area, especially DeSoto, please note that your city is trying to pass a breed specific ban targeting the American Pit Bull Terrier. Please go to your city's meeting as they will be trying to do this on 12/7. Sign the petitions. Let your voice be heard!

Do not let them take away your dogs because of one person's stupid acts.

Helpful links filled with educational information
Diane Jessup's Working Pit Bull
American Dog Breeders Association
PETA Kills Animals
Punish the Deed, Not the Breed!
Stand United - Support the Fight

In Your Eyes - Rogue Wave

2006-11-26T21:20:00.000-08:00

Quick post about Rogue Wave. I was watching Just Friends and the song that plays towards the end of the movie. You know the part, where Chris is flying back to Jersey and searching for Jaime. Anyways, I kept thinking how that song is so very familiar. It was bugging me, so I did a google search for the lyrics. I didn't know the title or artist when I did the search, so I just typed in the lyrics as I heard it. I came across this blog, which put my mind at ease. The song's title is Eyes and artist is Rogue Wave. You see, the song plays on an episode of Heroes. So, listen to the song, watch Heroes because it rocks, and go ahead and watch Just Friends if you need something to fill a void on a Sunday night when you do not want to go to sleep because then Monday will come that much sooner. Just have the TiVo tuner set to some comedy rerun so you can toggle during boring or just embarrassingly painful moments.
Oh, in case anyone is wondering. I had a good Thanksgiving. We had ham, chicken kelaguen, bbq chicken Guam style, rice, and some other things. Aaron's mom came in for a short visit. Her first chance since the accident. She wanted to come and put her mind at ease I guess. And it was a short notice visit...meaning she called us on Monday to let us know she arrived on Wednesday. We did a lot of shopping while she was here. Result? Mailing a whole bunch of stuff back to Guam. =)
Have a good night folks.

Deva

I can walk! (Updates on the infamous Talus Fracture)

2006-10-22T18:55:00.000-07:00

Well, almost anyways. I have been given the all clear to walk. My OS suggests using a cane. It is painful. I complained that the boot I was in did not feel supportive enough and he put me in a removable cast. This was done as a cast is custom to my leg and foot as it molds to me when it hardens. Currently I am not liking the fit and may have to go back this week for different one. He also suggested a cortisone injection, but I think I will hold off on that for a few more weeks. I am told that the injection will help with the pain which would make it more bearable to walk. It is still very painful and I have not worked up the courage to put my full weight on that foot yet. I am using a walker. I will pick up a cane this week and see how it goes.
The bad news is that there has been onset of AVN (avascular necrosis) at the top of the bone. This means that the bone is calcifying signifying the lack of blood supply to the bone. I am told that it could be worse. While the bone has not collapsed, there is still a chance of that. This is why I need to be extra careful when putting weight on it, using a cane in case I lose my balance. Knowing this is what feeds my fear of walking on it. But I am trying.
In addition, Dr. Heier wants me to break my tibia or fibula the next time I decide to break a bone. Ha! Like I chose this one in the first place.
Pelvis fracture is doing better than the talus fracture. The pelvis is healing. I was given some simple exercises to help increase strength in my thigh, back and butt muscles to hopefully alleviate the pain I am having in my back and glutes. We will see how it goes.

It's a Pumpkin Eat Pumpkin World

2006-10-15T19:35:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since a post, but I wanted to share my picture. I carved the pumpkin eating a little pumpkin. Like a cannibal pumpkin. Someone at my last job did a pumpkin like it and then I found a bunch of other pictures of people who did the same thing. I thought it was cool, so here is my rendition.

I noticed that some of the hits to my blog were specifically looking for a cannibal pumpkin pattern. Unfortunately, I do not have a pattern, but it was fairly simple to achieve without the pattern.
My particular pumpkin was carved partially with a pattern and partially free hand. The eyes I carved from a pattern, I got the pattern with the carving kit I picked up at Wal-Mart. You could just pick any pair of eyes you like and print it to carve on your pumpkin. I chose not to free hand this part because I wanted them to be symmetrical. I chose a spot for the pupils and scraped the pumpkin skin off to achieve that light yellow effect. This part of the eye (pupil) was not in the pattern, but I thought it added a realism to the pumpkin. You will notice there is no nose on the pumpkin, mainly because I forgot. (There went my realism)
Then the fun part. The mouth I freehanded. I carved the spot for the little pumpkin smaller than I thought it needed to be then slowly carved out more and more a bit at a time to make the space large enough to fit. I used the small pumpkin as the guide, periodically trying to shove it into the larger pumpkins mouth. I made sure to leave the "tooth" as the piece to hold the little pumpkin in the larger pumpkin's mouth. I debated with using a toothpick through the tooth and into the little pumpkin to hold it in place. In the end, I opted to just leave it alone. The tooth held the small pumpkin in place just fine.
The small pumpkin I did not carve. I just drew on him with a permanent marker.
I used WD-40 on the pumpkin post carving. Though it did not smell like anything other than WD-40, my pumpkin still collapsed after 4 days. I would not suggest this method. I think you should just leave the pumpkin as is after carving and let nature take it's course. You should, however, carve closer to the actual event you want to use it for, Halloween, party, contest, etc. OR - you could put your very large pumpkin in your refrigerator and just drink all the beer you have in there to make room. I vote carve closer to the date you will need it.
Hope this "tutorial" helps someone. If so, post pics and comments. :)

Just a small update on the talus fracture

2006-10-03T10:17:00.000-07:00

I saw the doctor on Friday (9/29) and the verdict is I still am unable to walk. I will be using the roll-a-bout for about another 3-4 weeks. I can weight bear in small doses to walk to bathroom and such, but definitely not outside of the house. My hips still hurt and get real sore after a long day of work or shopping. I am putting some weight on my foot, but have not tried walking yet. To tell the truth, I am scared. Dr. Heier, when I asked if I could walk, was still hesitant when he mentioned walking around the house. Hearing that, I am taking it slow. He says that the talus is just one of those fractures that he likes to take extra care with. The bone is healing nicely from what we can tell. So far there is no sign of AVN (avascular necrosis). We are concerned about that as well as arthritis, but we will wait and see.
I am still in the boot, and I have it on whenever I put any weight on the foot. I do not put weight on it without the boot on. I will probably be wearing the boot for a little while longer.
Okay, I am going to eat lunch. More later people!

CSI NY New Episode 9/27/06

2006-09-27T20:48:00.001-07:00

Does anyone else watch CSI: NY? I think this season may just be interesting. I know that some people like shows that pay more attention to the cases than to the personal lives of the characters. I like the personal sides. I like to get to know the characters, their backgrounds, their relationships, their lives. I think it makes the show more human, more real. This particular episode "Not What It Looks Like" was interesting in the last few minutes of the episode.
Danny shows that side of himself that we all know and love by asking Lindsay if she knows what she is doing. Telling her that they have undercovers to do that part of the job and she doesn't have to risk herself. He listened intently for clues and when she was made he was the first to realize it. Then, rushing in, the scenes showing Stella going for the bad guys first but Danny going for Lindsay first. They are sucking us in to this Danny Lindsay obsession. And that hug at the very end? Classic move to get us to watch more and more.
I like the idea of Danny and Lindsay hooking up. The flirting is cute and I understand stretching out hookups so that people keep watching, but I want to see this one happen already! Haha! I am just impatient because The Office has no hookup, Bones - no hookup, CSI - no hookup, House - no hookup. I have no romance this season! And, if you know me, you know I am a sucker for romance.
So, Danny and Lindsay. Please tell me there are other people out there who want these two to get together. Mack with the new ME is okay, but I have nothing invested in her. I don't know her. To me she is a new character and I can take her or leave her right now because I know nothing about her. Flack is hot and needs someone, but I think his character needs a little bit of development first. Stella, well, after that last relationship from last season I think she needs a break. Maybe for this whole season. But Lindsay? I like her. That small town girl who is strong enough to hold her own in a new, big city. She has built in character. And Danny, we know he was the tough guy from the wrong side of the tracks making good now. He has heart. A caring side. I think those 2 have chemistry best explored more in a relationship that happens this season.
So - the powers that be - if you read this know that I will still watch if the D/L hookup happens because I will just be thankful for SOME romance in this television season!

Okay, premiere week recap, knitting & injury updates

2006-09-22T10:24:00.000-07:00

I actually have pictures to post this time around.

Knitting - I am currently working on My So Called Scarf. It is going quick, whenever I decide to pick it up. The stitch pattern was very easy to memorize (this is great!) and the Manos is very nice to knit with. I thought it would be too scratchy at first, but not so far. The color is really pretty and I am glad I am finally getting around to this. I may just figure out a pattern to knit a hat version out of the scarf since I do not have the knitting magazine with Cross Hat-ch in it. I will post pics of the scarf progress when I get home today and a pick of the hat should I ever do it.

- I have also swatched for the Beaded Cami. I bought some pink silk yarn blend from ebay earlier this month. The gauge was dead on! This was very exciting for me. Now, I have to decide if I want to review the pattern and rewrite it so I can knit it in the round or just knit on straight needles and fight through the seaming process. I will decide this weekend.

- I have also received the Homespun yarn I bought on ebay as well for my grandma's friend's aghan. She requested a white afghan for her birthday in November. Considering that I have ADD when it comes to knitting, I do not think I will actually complete it in time for her birthday. But I will give it my best effort. In addition to the white request, she also wants it to be sparkly. I have some beads, but now I am thinking about using a metallic carry along yarn instead and maybe using a lacy type of boarder with the metallic yarns. This may add just the right enough of sparkle. I will post progress once I start it.

Injury update:
It has now been 10 weeks since the accident, 9 weeks since the surgery. This means it has been 10 weeks since I have walked, put weight on my left foot, driven a car, gotten up on my own without some type of human or other assistance. I am hoping that in a few weeks I will be given the okay to walk. I am also hoping that it will not be too painful when that time comes.
I have an appointment next week to take another x-ray of my ankle. All in all, I have been feeling pretty good. My back (hip) and right leg have been giving me some trouble. Numbness, pain, tingling feelings. Aside, from that I am doing okay. I sleep without the boot on my left ankle and that is going well. When I get home I immediately remove the boot and this gives quite a bit of comfort to have it out. I have good flexion and extension (up and down movements) without too much discomfort. It still swells vastly and makes it uncomfortable to move at those times. I am getting around well enough, though.
Since being back to work (August 7) I have only missed one full day of work. The first week back I worked half days, but have been working full time since then.
I have pictures of my foot when it swells (usually when I get home from work). I have been thinking about posting it on here, but I am still thinking about it. haha.
To all the people who have left comments about their talus fractures and encouragement to get better - THANKS! It is greatly appreciated. And I am sure it is a relief to all the other people out there (lurkers, you know who you are) to know that they are not alone with their injury and recovery woes.

Now - for the exciting stuff! Television!
Last night was the season premieres of My Name Is Earl, The Office, Grey's Anatomy, and CSI. Okay, I have not watched CSI yet, but it is on my list for Saturday morning television. I like to save some of my favorites for the weekend when the husband is still sleeping (usually because there are NOT his favorites.)

First - The Office
* I thought that the "Okay" was a little bit of genius and a little bit of WTF. My take is that Jim already knew Pam's answer. He knew what she was going to say at that point, but decided to put it on the line anyways. He had to give it one last shot. He knew she felt the same way, at least some of it. And though she was still getting married, he would have that moment.
* I am not so sure about the Stamford office thing. The Office (Scranton) is not quite the same. And I think letting Michael get so over-the-top with the conference room (the hug and kiss) was a way to show how things are without Jim. He was, after all, the guy who kept Michael in check while still making him feel like he was in control. Ahh, Jim, we miss you.
* Rashida's roll, I hear, is supposed to be a love interest for Jim this season. Knowing this going in to this episode I was curious to see what role she would play in the opening episode. Also, going in to this episode made me not like her already since I am a Jim and Pam devotee. The imitating Jim was a genius move though. She had it dead on and it was funny. We will see how he wins her over and how it all plays out.
* The view - dark, grey, dreary. Great!
* Jim in a suit. Aww, our boy is all grown up!
* "It pays to be gay"
* Angela was extra repulsive. I am not so sure about making her as ignorant as she was. I understand it was completely in character, but I still did not like it.
* Meredith and the hand sanitizer!
* Phyllis and Bob Vance of Vance Refrigeration.
* "My house now has 2 toasters"
* "That'll show them" Ryan regarding not being a temp.

Okay, enough of the Office obsession

Grey's Anatomy:
* "I am in love with you. So, you have a decision to make because when I had a decision to make I made the wrong one." This is what it means Meredith!
* Christina crying? Umm, I don't see it. When she lost the baby, I saw it. This time, I didn't see it.
* I know he is only signed for 6 episodes but "My hat is in the ring" Chris O'Donnell is gorgeous. Though I want Meredith and McDreamy to be together, I think being with Finn for a bit is not such a bad idea.

Alright, I really have a lot more to say, but I have to get back to work. More later - after I watch CSI tomorrow morning!

One More Month Down

2006-09-07T16:59:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, it has been a month since the last post. Apparently, even being injured has not improved my blogging skills. This is a quick update for anybody who cares. I am out of the cast now - I actually got out of it 4 days ahead of schedule. Dr. Heier was kind enough to take me out of it a few days early. I actually went in to see Dr. Guess about my back and Dr. Heier was kind enough to check to see what I was doing in the office not seeing him. So, he agreed to take the cast off. I am in a boot (you know the one, it looks like a huge black ski boot). This is 100% removable, which means I can sleep, lounge and shower without something covering my leg/foot. It is still too soon to tell if AVN will set in, but we have high hopes that it won't.
I am working full time, 40 hours a week just as usual. I am using a Roll-A-Bout to get around. So, no more wheelchair - THANK GOODNESS! I am still not able to walk, but at least I can get around on my own for the most part
Now for the problems.
My foot still swells to about twice its size on a daily basis. Everyday that I go to work, go shopping, or am not in bed with my leg propped up means my foot, ankle and calf will be swollen for hours before it decreases in size to something closer to resembling a human foot.
My skin is still very dry. The day the cast came off it looked horrendous. It was scaly and sensitive. My skin was tight where the dry skin was not shedding and loose where it was. My foot is still very itchy and not quite healed. I am suspicious that this has a lot to do with the fact that my foot still swells thereby stretching the healthy skin. This causes my skin to dry out and break. Oh, the itching is bad.
My back (really it is my hip and tailbone area) are still very bothersome. In fact, some movements of my leg cause a deep, shooting, nerve pinching pain down my leg. This is very uncomfortable and makes me very cautious about moving around, even when I am lying down. I also have pain while on the roll-a-bout. My right leg and inner thigh hurt constantly when I am it. Getting on and off is painful, though moving around on it is bearable. Most of the pain was concentrated on my right side, but has been becoming more bothersome on my left side as of late.
Okay, so that is enough of the injury updates. Now on to the fun stuff.
I have been knitting as of late and have some projects in mind. This weekend I will post pictures. Yes, I said pictures. These will be of in-progress projects as well as some pics of my post cast foot in case anybody is interested on what to expect if they are going through the same talus fracture woes.
More updates this weekend. I will keep everyone posted. I am going to try to post more often to see if I can keep up with the 4 post requirement for SP9 before I sign up for it. I really enjoyed SP7 and am really looking forward to taking part in another one.

One Week Down and 3 To Go

2006-08-10T17:12:00.000-07:00

Yes, I said one week down. In the cast, I have 3 weeks to go. Then I should be out of it. WooHoo!! But, I saw Dr. Heier the other day and he indicated that he probably would put me into a removable cast instead of a boot. I was hoping to be completely out of a cast, but I will settle for a removable cast over the regular cast that I have on now. Still no walking for another 8 weeks, but at least I will be able to take a shower without a plastic bag over my leg.
I went back to work this week. So far I have not completed a whole work day, but I am hoping to suck it up and do 8 hour days starting next week. Tomorrow is a short day as we get out of work early on Fridays. My ankle and leg have been swelling quite a bit while at work. The swelling causes issues because it is painful. It feels very tight with a burning and tingling. It isn't unbearable, just difficult. Surgery was on July 20. I have been off of all pain meds for one week now and I feel pretty good. I was taking the pain medication for 2 weeks post surgery. My stomach was very upset from all the medications. One day I just chucked all the meds and decided I could do without it. Maybe not the smartest idea, but at least my stomach is trying to kill me now.
My foot spasms every now and then. This causes bad pains in my ankle. It takes a while for that to ease. My toes also spasm and that causes pain as well. I can wiggle my toes, but I do not have full range of motion. I cannot lift them and I cannot bend them completely. This is very painful and can cause my foot to spasm.
I have been trying to do some research on talus fractures. Most of what I could find was not good news. Things like blood supply loss to the bone, bone death (avascular necrosis), loss of up and down movements, weakness, arthritis, continued pain. There was some good news like, if the bone was not displaced then there is a good chance that the bone will not die and the blood supply will naturally renew itself. Considering it took 6 pins to fix, something tells me the bone was displaced. The information that I have also said that the whole bone may not die. There may be sporadic death and that some of the bone may still be viable. I am still hoping for the best though.
I am hanging in there. It could be worse. I could have died.
With that I leave you with a picture of the crash. I was the passenger.

Broken ankle, broken pelvis, broken sacrum, sigh

2006-08-03T16:33:00.000-07:00

On July 14 I was in a car accident. A 4x4 GMC truck smashed into the passenger side of my Matrix. Unfortunately, I was the passenger. I have searched online for stories of other people's trials and adventures with a talus fracture and I have come up with very slim pickings. So, just in case there are other people out there searching for information on a person's adventures with a talus fracture and trying to heal from one, here is my story.
Yes, this was a mostly devoted to knitting blog, but I haven't been knitting too much lately due to some changes in living situations. Now that I have been stuck in bed, I haven't felt like knitting all that much. I find it uncomfortable to knit while laying down. Sitting is a also not very comfortable as I have a few pelvic fractures and sacrum (tail bone area) fractures on the right side. Ankle fracture is on the left side. So, needless to say, there is no comfortable position for me these days. I can lie on my back for a short while, turning on my right side is painful, turning on my left is difficult because of the cast. Lying on my stomach is comfortable for my back, but I can't seem to find a good position for the leg in a cast. So, 4 more weeks of this torture then I will be in a boot. Which, considering that I will have to be in the boot for 23 hours of the day, it probably will not be much better.
So, about the accident. We were driving home, turning left and did not see the truck in the oncoming lane. An "Oh, Shit" later and we were hit. I remember not being able to breath, thinking that I was going to die, then someone telling me that help was on the way. I must have passed out. Well, my ankle was hurting, my back was hurting and my chest was hurting. My husband, the driver, undid my seatbelt for me because I asked him to. He was trying to reassure me that we were going to be okay. Very scared, he asked me how I was every 5 minutes. After a while, I wasn't up to answering and was giving him a thumbs up. The paramedics or firefighters (really not sure which) cut the door off my car and got me out of the car. A trip to the ER revealed a talus fracture.
Me, not knowing much about a talus fracture thought all I needed was a cast and I would be back to work on Monday. The ER PA looked at me sadly and said "This is going to need surgery. You need to contact an orthopedic surgeon on Monday to get this taken care of ASAP." He gave me the name of an OS, Dr. Hayden, and informed me that Dr. Hayden would call me the next day, Saturday, to discuss the injury. I went home still with the hopes that this would be an easy fix. I worked in an orthopedic office for 5 years. I knew a great orthopedic who specialized in feet and ankles who surely would know the quickest and best way to handle this particular fracture.
Dr. Hayden phoned me on Saturday morning. He stated that
the talus, not a good thing to break. It has a very weak blood supply. In breaks of the talus, the blood supply is usually severed and non-renewing. There is, in fact, only a 10% chance that this blood supply would renew and the bone would heal to its previous glory. He offered to fix it for me, I thanked him for his help and told him that I knew a good surgeon who could help me out. He wished me well.
I hung up the phone and promptly burst into tears. It finally dawned on me that this fracture was not a simple wrap it in a cast and be on your way. So, I called a doctor I knew, Dr. Guess who is a back surgeon. He told me to relax, take my pain meds, get some rest and come into the office on Monday to see Dr. Heier. On Monday, Dr. Heier worked me in between surgeries. He was no more hopeful than Dr. Hayden. Dr. Heier told me the same thing, bad supply, bad bone to break, the bone will probably die and I will probably have arthritis in that ankle. But, we can definitely fix the break. Okay, Dr. Heier, thanks!
Surgery went well. It took 6 pins and a plate, but the bone fits into its rightful place in my ankle now. I am not quite sure how much of what is in there is actual bone, but there is something filling that space now and it isn't a bunch of bone spread about however it wanted. I was in a plaster splint for about 5 days then I was placed into a fiberglass cast for another week. I had the stitches removed this past Tuesday and I was placed into another fiberglass cast that I will be in for 4 weeks. A little window was cut into the top of my cast for my bone stimulator to fit into with the hopes that the bone will heal faster. The cast is torture, rubbing and pressuring spots that I find quite annoying. I can't walk and it feels like I will be in this predicament forever! It is hard to be optimistic when you know the chances. It is a waiting game now. Waiting to see if the bone heals, waiting to see if the blood supply renews, waiting to see if the bone is going to just die and calcify. Just waiting.
So, in short, if you are in the Dallas area and have a talus fracture seek out a surgeon who specializes in foot and ankle surgery for repair. Dr. Keith Heier in Carrollton is great. Talk to your surgeon at length. Get his best and worst case scenarios along with the percentages of a best scenario. Get it repaired as quickly as possible. Then hope for the best.
I will keep you posted as to how everything is healing. Email me or comment if you have a question or if you have been there and have some advice on how to cope.

More Radio News

2006-05-19T21:33:00.000-07:00

I just received an email from a friend telling me that you can now find Jagger, Dean, Mondo and Jasmine (formerly of the Morning Edge) on 105.3 Free FM in Dallas. I am not sure what the station is about. I only tuned in for a moment this evening online and it was all talk from what I could understand. Since I only listened to their morning show because it was on a rock station, I probably will not continue to listen to their morning show. But, just in case anybody is still curious about them, they can be found at 105.3 Free FM Dallas.
Thanks Wendy for the heads up!

Black Thursday

2006-05-04T20:37:00.000-07:00

Ever have a day of the week that you just dread? Now, don't get me wrong, I enjoy my job. But, dammit, I hate my Thursday uniform. Every Wednesday night I go to sleep thinking "Fucking A, it is Black Thursday tomorrow." And every Thursday I wake up thinking "Why does Black Thursday have to come every fucking week?" Why black? Well, I wear a uniform and every day is a different color. Thursday is, you guessed it, black. And, though scrubs are generally comfortable, these scrubs are cursed. Every other pair of pants I own, all the same brand, all the same size, all the same style fit perfectly fine, but these pants have decided to be my living nightmare. Not knowing any better, when I went to try on the uniform I only tried on one color. Ahh, if I only knew then what I know now. *sigh*

On a different note every day I resolve to actually knit something and finish it. And every day life gets in the way of fun. First of all, in case you haven't heard, we are - unfortunately - moving in with my mom. The one thing I thought I would never do again...thinking about it makes me want to cry. But, sometimes, you just have to do what you have to do. I had 6 great years mom free. Six fantastic, joyful, carefree years, just Aaron and I enjoying life. And the streak ends at the end of this month. So, you can tell by my ecstatic telling of this that I must be packing up a storm just itching to get into her house. I think I have one box packed. Got to take along the books.
And, aside from the moving, my job description at work has morphed in to a completely different position that what I was hired for. I am now the surgery scheduler. This is the first job that I have had that seriously scared me to think about taking on, but it turns out that it is not so bad. I guess it could be worse.

So, this weekend I will actually get some knitting done. Or, maybe, christen that sewing machine I got for Christmas that I was so happy to receive and even picked out myself.

Oh, and I have a few "new" music addictions. New for me anyways. I am really liking 30 Seconds To Mars (forget that Jared Leto is seriously hot) the music is really good. The first song that I heard was pretty good, now the new one is good as well. Their website plays a few songs, great. And I really like Shinedown's new song "I Dare You". I have been boycotting The Edge in the morning...and I only catch miniscule clips of The Edge in the afternoon...but I did catch Shinedown recently and I really enjoyed it. The lead singer's voice reminds me of Jibe - in case anyone out there remembers them. Wendy? You remember, right? We need to catch a concert again sometime soon. At least one this summer because it is pathetic that I haven't been to one in a really long time. =)

Aaahhh!!! It's a...snake?

2006-05-01T16:40:00.000-07:00

So, a couple of weekends ago, Saturday, my sister calls me to tell me that I need to go with her to their house tomorrow because there is something in the master bedroom's closet that I need to look at. They are moving in, and I ask what is it? She tells me that they think there is a snake on the top shelf in the closet. Well, my husband hears me talking and gets out of bed. I ask him what he is doing. He rolls his eyes and tells me "Well, if it is a snake we have to go and take care of it." I think about it for a second and I agree. No point in having a snake roaming around their house. So, I tell April to stay at the house until we get there.
We arrive at the house with Aaron's snake catching tools in tow. April and my mom are sitting on the floor in the corner of the living room as far away from the master bedroom as possible.
"Has it moved?" I ask.
"How the hell should I know, I haven't gone back in there." Was April's reply.
What was the point of having them stick around? I have no idea. That is my family for you. Even my brother, who was there at the time they found the snake, refused to catch it or kill it. Opting instead to let it languish in its comfortable den atop the shelf in the closet.
We set up the stool in the closet and I get up. Looks like a snake to me. Aaron gets up and makes a sound of disgust. He picks up the snake with a pair of tongs and laughs. Ahh, lo and behold, the snake is a...drum roll please...a piece of fabric. Aaron promptly runs out into the living room and throws the "snake" at my mom and April. They scream, he laughs.
Exciting weekend.
Aaron's snake fighting tools. ;P

Our lovely and terrifing snake.

Knitting everywhere I go...lalala

2006-04-22T13:48:00.000-07:00

Has anyone else noticed all the yarn and knitting happening on TV? I don't know if it has always been this way, but I sure do notice all the yarn/knitting references on TV more now that I ever did before. Could this be because I am addicted to knitting and I make a reference to them even when things aren't there to reference them to? Or has knitting always been on television and before I started knitting I never noticed them?
Well, the reason why I mention this is because I would like to know if anyone else saw the yarn store in the commercial for the upcoming episode of Everwood. The clip I am talking about is the one where Bright is making out with some other girl. I am sure that is a yarn store they are doing that in, am I right?

Husband "How do you know that is a store?"
Me "Look around. That is definitely not someone's house."
Husband "Well, it would be our house if you had the money to do it."
My response? "Well, duh!"

Wow, nearly a whole month

2006-04-20T17:30:00.000-07:00

I am sorry for not posting more consistently. I have been very busy. Aaron and I have decided to move out of our apartment and so we have been busy with decisions that have to be made. Though it is late, I did receive my SP reveal. Thanks BRONWYN!!!!!! She can also be found HERE. I loved everything I have received. And, I got my first installment of soap - Lime and Coconut - yummmmmmm!!! =) You made my first experience with secret pal a great one and I wish I could participate in SP8. (Sadly I can't participate in this round due to some other financial responsibilities).
Anyways, I do think I will be participating in the One Skein Secret Pal. Being able to knit items with one skein of great yarn intrigues me. Especially since I never have the money to splurge on yarn. Anyone reading this joining?
Oh, and in regards to some of the comments I have received about the Edge having a crappy morning show. I agree with the people who say to turn the dial. I think it is crap so I don't listen anymore. *Sigh* Which means no more rock on a regular basis. But, let's face it, the rock they played kinda sucked ass.
I am currently trying to knit up a lightweight cotton mix tank top without a pattern. I am winging it for the first time. We will see how that goes.

The timer for dinner is beeping so I have to cut this short. Once again, THANKS BRONWYN, YOU ROCK!!! =)

I am a bad recipient

2006-03-24T15:15:00.000-08:00

I suck at being an SP recipient. I haven't posted a single pic. So, I am back in town after the week long, much deserved vacation. We had a great time! We were sad to leave and I wish we could have spent more time with them. I have TONS of pics of the holiday, but that will have to wait until I get the new harddrive for my computer installed. Hehe...not enough space on the ol' computer right now.
But...here are the two presents I received from my secret pal.

Thanks Secret Pal! I look forward to discovering who you are!! =)

Wow, two posts in one day

2006-03-14T19:03:00.000-08:00

I didn't want to forget, so I thought I would make a quick blog about this. I got a set of Denise Interchangeables with my gift certificate to the LYS in Florence. And, Aaron broke a toilet here at my dad's house. It was quite funny, though embarrassing for him. I am sure it was more embarrassing that we kept making fun of him, telling him he needed to use the bathroom outside from now on and that he couldn't eat as much as he had been. Anyways, the toilet started leaking and overflowing. It was hilarious. We have to replace a valve (purchased on our way home from the LYS) and hopefully that will take care of the problem.

Ooh...it is cold

2006-03-14T07:47:00.000-08:00

We are in Colorado. It is cold. Very cold. We are having a good time. The drive out here was long, 6 hours to Amarillo and 6 hours to Pueblo. The drive to Amarillo was the worst. It took nearly and hour and a half to get out of Dallas. Plus, it was night and we were tired so it seemed to take FOREVER to get to Amarillo.

We met our grandmother on my Dad's side on Saturday when we got in to town. We met a lot of our family on my Dad's side on Sunday when we had a lunch time barbecue. Everyone was really nice. It is kind of weird that some of them remember me from when I was a tiny baby.

We went to Breckenridge yesterday to see some big snow. That was great fun. I have never seen so much snow. We drove up to the ski lift areas, parked and ate sandwiches for lunch in the snow. We also did a little sledding down the road. That was fun, especially since we have never been sledding.

Then we went up to their (Dad and Nita's) cabin. It was very rustic, I had to pee in a bucket (TMI). We took pictures, played Scrabble and ate dinner. Aaron shot a Magnum 357 right before we left. I knew the gunshot was going to be loud, but it was still a surprise when it went off.

I have lots of pictures, but I can't upload from here. I will post more pics as soon as I am back in town.

Oh, and I got a gift card to a local yarn shop. We are going there today.

PS: To my secret pal, THANK YOU for the wonderful yarn and yarn cutter pendant. It was wonderful. I took pictures right before I left town, but didn't upload them to my server correctly so the pics are unviewable. =(
There is a little story behind the yarn you gave me that made it extra great, but I can't tell the story until the Secret Pal 7 is completed.
I just wanted to say THANKS!!

Who is turning the big 25?

2006-03-06T20:08:00.000-08:00

Yes, I will be turning half of 50 this Sunday. With all the prep and excitement of our upcoming trip, I almost forgot that I have a birthday coming up. I took my mom with me to The Shabby Sheep this weekend. I went to look for something for my secret pal, and I ended up getting a little something for myself as well. My mom asked me what I would like for my birthday and I told her needles, circular needles. She had no idea what I was talking about. =)
So, I have compiled a list of needles I currently own. It is not too detailed, but all the DPNs I own are aluminum except for one, the great bamboo set from my SP (size 8). All the rest of my needles are either plastic or aluminum. I am partial to the plastic needles. I thought that I preferred to knit on straights, that was until I started knitting in public. Now I realize the upside of knitting on circulars. I was waiting for a table at a restaurant recently and I was very aware of nearly stabbing the patrons nearby, not to mention the needle getting caught in the sleeve of my jacket. Though, one woman did say that knitting was "amazing".

Just 3 more days...

2006-03-05T14:25:00.000-08:00

Project Runway finale is this Wednesday. Who do you think will win? I have a soft spot for Daniel V., but after seeing some of the garments that Santino will show I really believe it will be him. Daniel takes it too safe, and this is the reason I believe he will not win. Don't get me wrong, I think he has beautiful pieces, but I don't think he has put enough into his collection. He needs more color, more design elements, more oomph. We will see, I guess.

Oh, and trip countdown is 5 days. We leave on Friday.

I'm listening...

2006-02-28T21:55:00.000-08:00

It has been a little bit since I last posted. Not much to tell since I didn't finish my Olympic projects. I didn't finish the second project (hat for Grandma, I gave her something else for her b-day) and I didn't finish the secret project. I am kicking myself about the secret project and I know I have to get that finished soon. The Grandma project was okay to miss since she liked the gift I gave her anyways. It was a couple of books on hairpin lace and a large hairpin lace tool. I bought it last year and kept forgetting to give it to her. She hit me when she received it since she had been waiting so long for them. ;) Love you Grandma! (She just learned how to use the internet and can now check her own lotto numbers)

Grandma says "Wow, so this computer is useful for something other than playing solitaire and using as a personal stereo via iTunes."

On the knitting front...
I picked up the new IK this weekend along with the Knit.1. Yeah, wasted my money on the Knit.1. I should know better since I never really like the projects in them so much, but I can't help myself.

It is an addiction...

Deva in a store to purchase groceries, spots knitting mag from 7 aisles away, goes into trance mode, "Must have magazine", check out at register, get in car, put away groceries. "Hey, where did this magazine come from? I don't even remember picking it up."

Seriously, that is my story and I am sticking to it. Also, I went to Half-Price books the next day and that damn Knit.1 was there at half off. That will teach me. hmph.

I need to be put on a knitting magazine diet...or at least a calorie cut. You know, only buy magazine if there are, hmm, 2 patterns in the magazine that I would at least want to try and make? But the pictures are so colorful and pretty. I guess I will have to think about it.
I am also supposed to be seriously starting this losing weight thing and purling the pounds away project. It sure is easy to talk about shedding the, oh, 40 pounds I have put on in the past 6 years. There is something about moving out of your parent's house that puts weight on your bones. Late night dinners, eventually they catch up with you. Who knew?

Oh, lastly, I have been forced to listen to a light rock station, 103.7, and I think it is called Lite FM (original, I know). Well, on this station they play this song. Click here and just listen. It should be the first song that plays. It is beeeautiful and I fell in love with it. I play it all the time and it is the song on my MySpace page. Though, that song changes quite often with whatever new song strikes my fancy. But, this song rocks so you must listen.

Deva

Aah!! Knitting Olympics deadline is kicking my butt!

2006-02-22T10:04:00.000-08:00

So, the Knitting Olympics will officially end in 4 days. I have not finished the hat (project #2) that I am making for Grandma - and her birthday is today! Aah!! I am panicking. I was going to work on it today at lunch, then I remembered that today is the chili cook off at the office. How am I going to work in chili tasting and knitting? Even if I work on it at lunch, how will I ever finish on time. Not to mention the project #3 to complete my knitting Olympics projects. I think my heart is pounding faster...can't breathe...gasp.

My First SP Gift!!

2006-02-20T10:10:00.000-08:00

Yay! I am at work so no pictures, but I checked my mail this morning in hopes that I would have a little something in there. I did! I got a ball of beautiful purple wool yarn and a set of bamboo DPNs. I have never knit with bamboo, but I have always wanted to try it out. I can't wait! She also sent me some instructions on DPN knitting, which is helpful. Though I have recently started knitting on them, I have had absolutely NO luck knitting with them completely. I can knit with them just fine when I start on circulars, but I am all thumbs if I try to knit the whole piece on DPNs.
THANKS SP!!!

Have a great week! =)
Deva

Tada

2006-02-18T16:11:00.000-08:00

So, the umbilical hat was finished, wrapped and gifted. It was received well. I was quite proud of it since it was my first venture into circular knitting on both a circ needle and DPNs. I did have some slight trouble since (yes, I know this is bad) I did not read the tools needed for the pattern correctly. I needed 5 #7 US DPNs and I only had 4. I was so close to finishing it on Monday. I even thought, hey I am going to complete this tonight and it didn't take me too long. In fact, it would have only taken me a couple of hours if I had dedicated actual time to it instead of working on it on my lunch break and when in the car. I started on Saturday evening, didn't touch it on Sunday and would have finished on Monday had I had the needles. On Monday night I transferred all the stitches to the 4 DPNs I had, I then realized that I was in need of one more. A quick trip to Hobby Lobby on my way home on Tuesday solved that problem and the hat was quickly finished.
This was a fantastic project and I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn how to knit on circs or DPNs as it was quite simple to do and a very quick knit. I did it in Sidar Snuggly DK in some powder blue color holding 2 strands throughout. I was going to use a wool blend, but I wasn't sure about babies and allergies.
I do, however, wish I had chosen a different color as the blue didn't do the hat justice. The yellow in the picture was a good choice. Something bright and fun would have been the way to go as it would have matched the hat better.
I have a cousin who is pregnant, and since this was so fun to knit she will probably be receiving one. I do not know if she is having a boy or a girl, so maybe I will wait a bit. Or, I will just make one and hope for the best. =)
I also want to make the devil hat or the official kitty hat. Umm...I think I may be addicted to hats. Really, I am addicted to knitting in the round on circs. It is such an amazing process and I love the look. When I was working on it I told Grandma that I was only going to knit things in the round from now on. =P

Okay, I am off to work on the other aspects of the Olympics projects. I will post pics and details on them tonight or tomorrow morning.

*Pics above: hat on 4 DPNs waiting on the 5th, pic of finished hat with Stitch N Bitch, another pic with finished hat on Stitch N Bitch. *

The New Morning Edge with Lex And Terry Sucks Donkeys!

2006-02-16T18:39:00.000-08:00

If I wanted to listen to talk radio I would tune in to a good one on an AM station. Just because you put a rock song in the intro to the show does not make it a rock morning show. What was Clear Channel thinking? And who are these idiots who think this is better? At least, prior to this crappy morning show, I got a small dose of rock music on my morning commute along with the sports, weather and (though I don't need it) traffic. Now, I listen to my CDs and wing it with the weather. My husband fills me in on the sports. The Edge does not get air time in my vehicle in the morning. Let's face it, if a CD is playing in the car in the afternoon then I am just too damn lazy to change it. The Edge gets no air time in my car in the afternoon either.

Yes, my morning showers are a little out of tune since I have to sing without any backup, but my neighbors will just have to deal. If they don't like it then they can take it up with the idiots at Clear Channel.

On a happier note, I got an e-card from my SP and she says I should be getting a package soon. I am positively giddy. Also, I have completed one aspect of my Knitting Olympics project, but I can't post pics until after the baby shower on Saturday since I am not sure if she reads this blog or not. I don't want to ruin the surprise.
As far as the Knitting Olympics goes, I chose 3 smaller projects in which I will have to learn a new skill instead of one large project. This way I get three things completed and actually accomplish a feat worth being in the olympics. I am well on my way to getting the gold. Let us hope I don't lose steam. I will go over the olympic details on Saturday.

UPDATE: ARE THEY REALLY GONE? DESPITE THE LOVELY COMMENTS THEY APPEAR TO HAVE MOVE ON.

Crime Deterrent

2006-02-08T20:11:00.000-08:00

I did not watch the whole superbowl, but I did have time to pick a fave commercial. It was the Sprint commercial in the locker room. You can view that commercial at Video Google.
Yes, there were nice, sweet commercials like the Budweiser commercial with the pony pulling the cart and the horses pushing the cart. BUT, I am all about the funnies. =)

Morning Edge, where are you?

2006-02-02T15:45:00.000-08:00

This morning I was listening to 102.1 The Edge. This is the radio station I listen to every morning, but it was different this morning. Why? Well, because I realized that my favorite morning show was no longer my favorite morning show...because it was no longer the morning show! Oh, Morning Edge, what happened to you? I searched and searched, but I couldn't find you.
I was a little suspicious earlier this week when the talent was discussing their contracts. Then yesterday morning as I approached the parking lot at work it suddenly dawned on me that all I heard on the way to work was music, no talk. Then this morning I decided to pay better attention. Yup, no talk just music. So, I rushed out of the shower and turned on the computer. What do I discover? No more talent slot listed for the 6-10 am slot. Is there anything in its place? Of course not. They just cut us off. No explanations, no apologies. Just cold turkey.
Yes, I know that all Jasmin did was laugh and Mondo was annoying (you should at least be hot if you are going to act like you are hot). But Dean was a sweetheart and who doesn't like a good dose of Jagger (arrogant as he is, it was fun to listen to)?
The new people are supposed to start in two weeks and I hope they don't blow because there isn't another rock station around. Plus, I happen to like to listen to the ranting and talk and games.
Obviously, change is not for me. They should have never gotten rid of Slim Jim.

On a happier note, yesterday I received an email from my dad and a snail mail note from my SP7 pal! Yay! My pal is doing the Knitting Olympics, which is another reminder that I have to pick a project. I will pick one this weekend.

Who is good?

2006-01-27T10:05:00.000-08:00

I am good. Last night I went to the yarn shop and bought some thing. And, do I have pictures? Of course I do!!
Okay, I bought some pink bamboo yarn and some blue baby DK yarn (I see an umbilical hat and some booties coming out of that) and some self patterning sock yarn (because it was on sale and I want to try my hand on socks).

I also bought some really pretty stuff for my secret pal, but I can't show any pictures of it of course. I am thinking of knitting up something for her as well, I hope she likes it.
I am also thinking of knitting up a scarf to be one of those little gifts you give away at baby showers from the games. I won't offer it up until I am actually done with it, though.

I mentioned before that I was planning a trip to Colorado in March. Now that we are just about into February I am getting really excited. We are also planning on going to Boston in May for Bea's graduation and that should be fun. I haven't been anywhere in the US other than Texas and San Francisco. I can't wait to go exploring more. =)

Well, that is all I have for now. I will post more this weekend.

It has been a while

2006-01-26T10:39:00.000-08:00

What makes a good blog, pictures! Knowing this you would think that I would have some pictures to post, but I don't.

I have been thinking about what I will make for the knitting Olympics, and I think it will be a baby blanket. A friend of mine is having a baby boy in April and her baby shower is on 2/18. This means that I will absolutely have to complete the blanket in the 16 days allotted for the Knitting Olympics in order to have the present ready for the baby shower. Damn, I hope I get that done. Maybe I should come up with a backup present?
Also, my cousin is pregnant, so I have to think about a suitable baby present for her as well.

I have started swatching for the item I will be knitting for the Purling the Pounds Away. I will be knitting the Shapely Tank Top. I chose a tank top because it will show my arms and I hope to be done by the start of the summer. Well, that is my goal.

And, I have decided that I want to learn how to knit socks, but I don't know where to start. I guess I should look up some patterns and go buy some needles.

On the secret pal front, I have a list and I am heading to PassionKnits at Snider Plaza tonight since they are open late on Thursdays. I hope I find what I am looking for.

Okay, once again this is my lunch hour so I have to get going.

Knitting Olympics, Reality Shows and Naps

2006-01-18T10:15:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I got on the elevator to go downstairs for lunch. When the doors closed, I was all by myself. The first thought in my head? Wow, it would be so nice for the elevator to get stuck between floors for a couple of hours so I can take a nap.
I was really tired yesterday. Why was I tired? Well, on Saturday I discovered a reality show that I enjoy watching. I added the show to my Season Pass on my Tivo. On Monday night I decided to catch up on the series and I watched all the episodes. I was up till 2am.
I have never been really in to reality shows. I never liked the Real World, I do not watch Survivor and the idea of sitting through a whole Fear Factor makes me ill. But, I turned on the TV on Saturday to the Bravo channel. And what possible reality show caught my interest? Project Runway! I have seen commercials for it, but did not think I would be interested. Then I watched an episode and now I am hooked.
Well, I am better rested today, so on to the Knitting Olympics! I found a post yesterday about the Knitting Olympics and now I am determined to try it. I want to work on a sweater or something like that since I have never completed a sweater. I will pick one this weekend. I am thinking maybe the Ballet Wrap Cardigan in IK Winter 2005. We will see. Anybody have ideas for a beginner knitter ready to move forward?
Aaron's birthday is tomorrow. He will be 27. Wow, time flies. I haven't bought him a present, but I am taking him out to dinner on Friday. I won't say where because he may read this post, but I know he will love me even more by the end of the week. =)
Also, my grandmother on my dad's side will be celebrating her birthday tomorrow as well as Aaron's dad. A lot of January 19 babies. HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVERYONE!!
That is it for now, since I want to finish my yummy peanut butter and nutella sandwich. More later!

My Pit Bull, Pika

2006-01-15T20:37:00.000-08:00

My dog, Pika, is a great little dog. She is a 2-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier with a brown coat and a red nose. I see all these posts with pictures of their dogs, so here is a picture of mine.
I did not get much done this weekend. Actually, I really haven't felt too well. Maybe I will feel more normal tomorrow. I will post more then.

On my way out, but can't help myself

2006-01-13T14:40:00.000-08:00

I have to get going since Aaron and I are meeting a friend for dinner, but I wanted to get a post done in case I was too tired when I got home. I received an email from my secret pal, that was great! I am excited now. Also, since I know somebody is reading this blog, then I will actually post some things about myself. I will work on it this weekend, make the page all nice and spiffy. =)

I am also hoping to get some shopping in this weekend as I have a person to get things for! I have so many ideas. It is like Christmas all over again!

Also on my agenda this weekend is to pick up a skein of some bamboo yarn to start Bambozelle for someone I know. I have gone to one LYS and didn't really like the colors of the bamboo yarn they had. Plus, they had a really tiny selection of about 5 colors. Maybe I will use a different fiber, though I was so hoping to have an excuse to buy some bamboo yarn. We will see what I come up with.

I am also seriously considering teaching myself how to knit socks. I think I will stop by the library and pick up some books. Then it is off to the store to purchase some sock essentials. I really have no idea what those would be. I will keep you posted. hehe.

Lastly, I just emailed my dad a link to this blog. So, Dad, in case you are reading this. Hello!! =)

One of those days

2006-01-12T10:20:00.000-08:00

It has been one of those days. You know, when you get on the road to work and you catch every red light, see 5 cops, get stuck behind every slow driver and it all makes you late to work. So, I was about 2 minutes late. This is irritating since I wanted to get to work early today. Oh well.

I have been working on the dog sweater and hopefully I will complete it this weekend. I will post a pic of it then. I am also about to continue the shrug. Since I knit on my lunch break, and I am on my lunch break right now, I will continue it when I am done with this post. I will probably get a pic of that by Saturday. It is kind of a boring knit, so it is taking a lot of effort to keep my interest on it.

I spoke to my dad last night. My husband, sister and I are planning a trip to Colorado in March to visit him and his wife. It should be fun. We have never been on a real road trip. There have been a few trips to Houston, but that is only about 4 hours away. It will take us all day to get to Colorado. We are planning on hanging out there for a week. We are going to spend my birthday there...it will be a first with him.
I am working on a list of yarn shops that I can hit on the drive from Dallas to Pueblo. If anyone knows of any good ones, email me or comment.

I am going to look for some yarn this weekend to do the Corset in. Hopefully I find something I want to work with.

Oh, and I received my SP7 info. WooHoo!! Now I can shop around and pick out some things for her. This will be cool.

SP7 Questionnaire

2006-01-09T10:37:00.000-08:00

Hi, the following is my SP7 questionnaire. If you are my pal, then you are probably interested in the list. If you are not my pal you might not be interested in it, but read it anyways!

1. Are you a yarn snob (do you prefer higher quality and/or natural fibers)? Do you avoid Red Heart and Lion Brand?
I tend to stay away from Red Heart as I do not like straight worsted acrylic (like the SuperSaver stuff) because I do not like the way it feels. Some acrylics are okay-like the baby stuff. I do like natural fibers, but don't purchase the high end stuff too often for myself.

2. Do you spin? Crochet?
I can crochet, though I do not do that often. I do not know how to spin, though I would like to eventually learn that skill. My husband thinks the knitting takes up so much of my time already.

3. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
I have a needle case that was my first sewing project. I also keep needles in vases on my desk and in bags throughout my home.

4. How long have you been knitting? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I have been knitting for about 6 months. I would say I am an advanced beginner. There is still a lot I would like to learn.

5. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
I have a Froogle list

6. What's your favorite scent? (for candles, bath products etc.)
Though I do not like fruits, I do like fruity, berry scents like raspberry and strawberry. I also like Sweet Pea from Bath and Body works.

7. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
Sweet tooth? Me? Okay, I admit, I love milk chocolate and dark chocolate.

8. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do?
I am learning how to sew since I received my sewing machine for Christmas. I do like to crochet when I find an interesting project to work up.

9. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
Rock, punk, emo, alternative stuff mostly. I do have a soft spot for some country. And I can play MP3s.

10. What's your favorite color? Or--do you have a color family/season/palette you prefer? Any colors you just can't stand?
I love jewel tones and dark colors. I like green and black. I am currently into pink, but who knows how long that will last. I will try almost any color, though. Well, except for yellow, orange and anything too neon bright.

11. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I am married to a great guy. We share our home with an american pit bull terrier named Pika.

12. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
I do not on most occasions since it doesn't really get cold in Texas, especially this year.

13. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with?
I will knit with almost anything and I have not developed a favorite.

14. What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
Straight, plain worsted acrylic that feels yucky.

15. What is/are your current knitting obsession/s?
Don't have one. I just want to try everything.

16. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I am enjoying knitting the dog sweater I am working on now.

17. What are you knitting right now?
A dog sweater for a friend's dog and a shrug for myself.

18. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
I haven't really received any except for doilies and I don't use doilies.

19. Do you prefer straight or circular needles?
I prefer straight because I find circulars to be a bit awkward for something that can be knit straight. And, since I don't have many circulars anyways, I usually knit on straights.

20. Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
I haven't ever tried bamboo. I prefer plastic, though I also knit on aluminum.

21. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Nope and nope.

22. How did you learn to knit?
Books and then the internet. My grandma wanted to teach me, but I always thought it was too difficult. When I was finally ready to learn, she told me to get a book. haha! Gotta love her!

23. How old is your oldest UFO?
3 months, the amount of time I have been working on that shrug.

24. What is your favorite animated character or a favorite animal/bird?
I dont really have a favorite, though I love my pit bull.

25. What is your favorite holiday?
Thanksgiving, because it centers around food!

26. Is there anything that you collect?
Yarn and needles. Not knit related? Nothing really.

27. What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
None.

28. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on?
Any lace patterns and lace weight yarn. I have a list of books on my Froogle list. I am always interested in just about any yarn.

29. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
Lace work, short rows, socks and knitting on DPNs.

30. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
No, I cannot knit socks though my foot is a 9 US.

31. When is your birthday?
03/12/81

Oh, and per the comments, I do not have any allergies.

Filipino food, Chamorro staples and resolutions

2006-01-05T18:29:00.000-08:00

Okay, so New Year's has come and gone. This year just may be a great year. It is going to be the first full year of knowing my dad (I will tell that story soon). It will be the year I resolve to spend less money and save more of it. It is the year I will revamp my website and make it more functional with more content (old pictures be gone!). It is the year that my dog turns 3...and maybe gets a little better trained. It is the year I am going to learn to sew (now that I have that new sewing machine). And it is the year that I hope to get some real knitting done.
Yeah, all these resolutions and so little time. How will I pack it all in? Maybe this is the year I will stop procrastinating...maybe.

I bought the Crochet a day pattern calendar today and noticed something...it was compiled by Annie Modesitt. I thought that was cool since I read her blog. Ooh, another thing I want to do this year...knit the corset. I haven't really gone through the calendar, but I did see a pattern for a crochet needle case that I want to make for my grandma. Her birthday is in a month and she would love that.

This long weekend I finally made the Beef stew with lechon sauce. It was good! I was looking for a recipe that would taste like the beef stew I had at Rambies on Guam. When I ate the stew, I realized that I no longer remember what the beef stew at Rambies tasted like. ha! It has been 6 years. So, I have decided that the lechon sauce was the missing ingredient and I love the beef stew that way. You can find the original recipe here. Or, you can go here to see my recipe for it. I adapted it to do in my pressure cooker. I wasn't exactly sure if the Asian stores sold lechon sauce, but they do. Sometimes the bottle is marked "special sauce". Do not ask me why.
In case anyone is wondering...lechon sauce? A Filipino condiment used with lechon (pig). It doesn't have pig in it.

Also, in case anyone knows what I am talking about...does anyone know where to get lemon powder in Dallas? You know, the kind that is in the little yellow package and is sold about 3-4 packages per can. The can is blue. Anyways, email me at deva at gumaperez dot com if you know of a place in Dallas that sells that. Just put in the @ and .com

I think that is it for now. I will post pics of some in progress things this weekend.

A new year is coming

2005-12-31T07:27:00.000-08:00

I am cleaning out all of my old books, magazines and such in preparation for the new year. I am going to my favorite book store, Half Price Books, to see if I can find any new books and magazines to replace the old ones with. Then I am heading to a Barnes and Noble to see if their calendars are half off since I really want this.

I am currently working on this and I hope to be finished with it soon. I am using wool-ease in a purple color. I was lucky and found a beautiful color at Tuesday Morning - it was $7 for 3 balls! I will post pics when I remember to take a picture of it.

I am about to start work on a dog sweater for a friend. She really wants a doggie sweater and I got the Target kit for Christmas. Perfect person to try it out on. I am not sure if my dog will wear it, but I think I will make one for her as well. The cold season here might not last much longer, so I will have to finish it as quickly as possible so the doggies can wear their new duds.

Dear Santa,

2005-12-30T10:50:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa,

So the holiday rush has ended and I am sure you are tired. Your mailbox has probably emptied now that the post office has caught up all your mail. I thought I would drop you a note to say thank you. I know that I didn't get any of my presents from you as I have gone over the Santa age limit, but I think you had something to do with the wonderful things I received this year.
The ottoman was genius, now I can put up my feet when I am knitting. Also, I can put my knitting items in the ottoman to keep while I am sleeping or at work...which means I am not able to knit. This gives all these items a home.
The knitting kits were great and I will start on the doggie sweater when I get home today. It will be red and is for a friend's dog. I am going to make one for Pika and Tank as well.
The knitting desk calendar is filled with projects I can't wait to start on. I am not sure I will have enough time this year, but I am sure going to try.
My computer thanks you for talking with Uncle Alex about the much needed new hard drive. Now she won't have to give me little pop ups of how my hard drive is full and needs help.
I really enjoyed all the rest of my presents as well, the knives (sharp), dragonfly (beautiful), perfume (nice), pictures in their picture frames (because we all know I don't frame pictures), the back massager (aaahhh), and the books (knitting books!).
And of course, the sewing machine was much appreciated. Though I haven't used it yet, it is already set up and ready to go.
Well, I am sure you want to put this letter away so Mrs. Clause can get back to rubbing your big toes. Hope you have a great new year. I hope you get some rest during the down time of most of the year.

Sincerely,
Deva

Gumaperez

Ahh...the very first one

2005-12-29T15:57:00.000-08:00

So...this is what a blog looks like.

Anyways, I have started this blog for many reasons, one being that I want to join the Secret Pal 7 and figured it was as good an excuse as any to finally start this blog. I can't wait for that to start.

Well, that is the starting point for this. I have a busy weekend ahead of me since it is New Year's and all. My husband's family is in town and I foresee a lot of visiting before they leave on Monday.

I plan to post pics of projects ongoing. So, if you aren't too bored already, check back in a day or so. Hopefully, I will have given this page a facelift.

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