House

Well, I had great plans to start updating this blog regularly again. So it's been a couple months, but here I am again.

No knitting photos (though just about to finish up a couple more projects) but instead, I think I'll start showing a few house/garden/building projects. This house was originally bought as an investment/flip back in late December, but after 8 months of looking to buy, renovating it seems like the best option for us (nice location, 1/2 acre, we can get what we want). Walls still need to come down before new ones can go up, but we have a vision and are excited. And there's a hope of hosting Thanksgiving, even if we're not 100% complete.

These two are from January shortly after we bought the house. It's pretty scary. And skeevy (see that stained carpet in the second photo--don't ask). But we're working on that. This was before anything was demo'ed. We've already made a lot of progress (but I'll post that another day).

Photo/finished object

I've been wanting to take some photos of the beautiful spring-blooming flowers in my area. But I always forget my camera. So instead, here's a pic of my most recently completed knitting project.

For Baby Maia in Boston:

Livelihood

6 months ago, I was trying to get motivated to try out baking as a business. What I learned is that I love the idea of baking, but doing it all day, every day wasn't so much fun. So, at least for now, I've retired the shortbread idea to one I pull out for holidays and special requests, but not one that I use as a job.

In the meantime, I was lucky enough to be sought out by a company that I worked with a lot in my last job. I started 2 months ago. I am in the same field (Educational Publishing) but in a much different role, and in a much less-corporate setting. So far, so good!

I guess I've decided that I'm one of those people who really values the regular paycheck, and am ok with not being my own boss. Whew, only this many years to figure that out!

Anniversaries

One year ago today, I moved back to California. It's such a cliche, but so true--time flies. So much has changed in my life in that year, and yet, so much is still the same. I love living in Auburn, and am so happy being back in my beloved California.

3 years ago yesterday my dad passed away. I miss him, and feel sorry that I didn't come back "home" while he was still alive. He would've so loved having me back in town.

My life is so full and I am so lucky for all that I have. I never imagined a life so full of adventure and fun. I never imagined having my mom stop by a couple times a week to chat. I never imagined being able to find work and live where I wanted to. My decision to move back here was a very difficult one, but I know it was right.

6 months later

Time flies. It's been a long long time since my last post, and I thought for awhile that I wouldn't continue the blog. It all started just about a year ago with my move back to Cali, and my trip across the US. I felt like my daily life just wasn't that interesting.

But Spring has arrived in her warm, blooming, heady fashion here in the foothills, and I realize that the original intent of my blog--to chronicle my adventures--remains.

So, here's what's on my horizon this weekend: biking, gardening, spending some time with family, and enjoying this beautiful foothill spring. Maybe I'll even post some photos in the next few days . . .

Hope you're still along for the ride with me.

Under the weather/various

Well, I haven't exactly lived up to my intentions, but I have a good (ahem) excuse. I've been under the weather with a late summer cold. It's irritating to feel so lousy when there's so much I want to do.

I've tested a few new recipes:
Chocolate Chip: a keeper
Chocolate: not good
Brown Sugar: good
Brown Sugar/Coconut/Masa: weird

I'm heading to Trader Joe's today to restock some supplies and next want to make crystallized ginger. We'll see how it turns out.

In other news, I saw a bear and 3 cubs last week. Bear sightings here in Auburn are fairly common in the canyon area where I live. There are purportedly 3 different groups: Three mammas, two with three cubs each and one with two. They came really close to the house, but unfortunately, I couldn't find my camera. But then last night (middle of the night) there was definitely some kind of creature/animal just outside my bedroom. Bear? Asthmatic deer? Not sure, but it was creepy!

Progress/pressure

So about two weeks ago (gosh, where did that time go?) I wrote that I wanted to (once and for all?) really try out this cookie thing I've been wanting to do and making excuses about. I've been somewhat successful.

I have tested 3 recipes, deeming one a keeper, and one a possibility with modifications. I have been brainstorming name ideas, and well, that's about it. I am trying to keep up the momentum, but with no real deadline (other than a self-imposed calendar deadline) I'm having a bit of trouble.

So, this is another attempt at keeping myself honest. I WILL try another recipe today. I will look up a couple things on my list about how to start a business. I WILL!