Tuesday, October 04, 2011
A doodle a day, makes yummy pictures
Here's the start of my October 30. A doodle of our dinner tonight, lamb shanks seasoned with anchovies (inspired by Nigel Slater offa the telly). For some unknown brainfluff reason, my lamb shanks are caught in a whirlwind, waiting to woosh into ma belly! C'mon....finish cooking already, I can smell it.....
Next 30days (actually 28 days)
Inspired by Matt Cutts 30 day challenge (few posts ago):
I started small. For September, I made sure that whenever I was home, I would make the effort to have breakfast with my other half, even if I didn't need to be up that morning. It's only a small change that affects Mon-Fri and we would often have had breakfast together anyway, but the change was to do EVERY time possible. It's also a small change that I appreciate. My other half often works late and so having a brief moment in the morning together, sipping a cup of tea, catching a bit of Supernanny US together, is wonderful. Keeps me going til I see him in the evening.
A small change I wish to keep, especially since I was away for a big part of September.
I have already thought of what to do for October (4 days late starting) and I would like to involve this blog. I can hardly believe it's October already, what happened to 3/4 of the year already?!
I started small. For September, I made sure that whenever I was home, I would make the effort to have breakfast with my other half, even if I didn't need to be up that morning. It's only a small change that affects Mon-Fri and we would often have had breakfast together anyway, but the change was to do EVERY time possible. It's also a small change that I appreciate. My other half often works late and so having a brief moment in the morning together, sipping a cup of tea, catching a bit of Supernanny US together, is wonderful. Keeps me going til I see him in the evening.
A small change I wish to keep, especially since I was away for a big part of September.
I have already thought of what to do for October (4 days late starting) and I would like to involve this blog. I can hardly believe it's October already, what happened to 3/4 of the year already?!
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Craft Robo Bobo
I missed a week's post! Things have been going on, you know when time passes very quickly and you feel like you've been very busy and lots of things have happened and you then find yourself forgetting what all those things were?
Been on lots of workshops to learn things about NIC and tax and planning and record keeping. It fried my brain a little.
Did some more experimenting on the Craft Robo Lite to create a couple of birthday cards. Only, I forgot to take pictures of them, so here are pics of the bits that were left on my desk instead. I re-used the letters RT from birthday and the other one was of a golf ball, but the off cut looks like a planet with an eccentric ring.
Conclusion is that the detailed bumps of the golf ball was far too fine to ask of the CR. They were both simple designs. For anything super intricate, the good old scalpel is still useful.
Actually, a lot of things have happened and will be happening over September. It's a busy, milestone reaching month. Lots of things to look forward to.
Been on lots of workshops to learn things about NIC and tax and planning and record keeping. It fried my brain a little.
Did some more experimenting on the Craft Robo Lite to create a couple of birthday cards. Only, I forgot to take pictures of them, so here are pics of the bits that were left on my desk instead. I re-used the letters RT from birthday and the other one was of a golf ball, but the off cut looks like a planet with an eccentric ring.
Conclusion is that the detailed bumps of the golf ball was far too fine to ask of the CR. They were both simple designs. For anything super intricate, the good old scalpel is still useful.
Actually, a lot of things have happened and will be happening over September. It's a busy, milestone reaching month. Lots of things to look forward to.
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Cbeebies Blobs
My sister asked me to make her one year old twins a couple of cbeebies blobs because they love the ident whenever it's on tv. I drew two rough sketches of what I wanted, but then blob-1 turned out more like blob-2's design and blob-2 ended up more like blob-1's design! But since they are blobs, it didn't matter a great deal.
I think I will have an internet-free day tomorrow. Email, forums, other people's blogs, facebook and most of all TED videos and web tutorials...my day just disappears! They're all great but I need a break from learning and get down to some practising. Would like to do more on the Craft Robo. Watch this space.
And talking about TED, one guy (Matt Cutts) introduced me to the "do something new for 30 days" technique. It's just enough time to make it routine or just enough to check the box, say you did it, buy the t-shirt and revert to day 0. Might try it. Always looking for motivation.
I think I will have an internet-free day tomorrow. Email, forums, other people's blogs, facebook and most of all TED videos and web tutorials...my day just disappears! They're all great but I need a break from learning and get down to some practising. Would like to do more on the Craft Robo. Watch this space.
And talking about TED, one guy (Matt Cutts) introduced me to the "do something new for 30 days" technique. It's just enough time to make it routine or just enough to check the box, say you did it, buy the t-shirt and revert to day 0. Might try it. Always looking for motivation.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Blogging Mission
Dear neglected blog that receives sporadic bursts of attention,
I aim to do the following by the end of 2011:
1: Rejigga majig the background, banner and widgetaroos.
2: Get into habit of writing once a week.
3. Sharing more with the online community.
4. Create a couple of pages, About me and I've also been inspired by some "Day Zero" sets on other people's blogs.
5. Learn to write in a more intriguing prose.
Yours sincerely,
Anz
I aim to do the following by the end of 2011:
1: Rejigga majig the background, banner and widgetaroos.
2: Get into habit of writing once a week.
3. Sharing more with the online community.
4. Create a couple of pages, About me and I've also been inspired by some "Day Zero" sets on other people's blogs.
5. Learn to write in a more intriguing prose.
Yours sincerely,
Anz
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Toothache and other things
Been suffering toothache for about 3 weeks now. The 1st week was worst, but it subsided & I thought it would go away, as it has done in the past with wisdom emergence. But there's still a bit of sensitivity so I finally picked up the phone and called a local dental surgery. The lady was very helpful, suggested I get immediate help if I'm in pain, but I said I wanted to register anyway. So I have an appointment in 7days time and if anything needs done, could be another 10days after that.
I have no idea why I put it off for 3 weeks, or why I haven't registered with a dentist since my childhood dentist, who I last saw over 10 years ago!
Anyway, there are some specific things I put off doing and there is no rational reason for it. Registering with a GP or dentist are easy things to. Took a phone call and the first one at that. I sometimes think "well, they have better things to do, I shouldn't waste their time, I'm not ill" etc etc. I forget that it is their job to help! and it most likely gives them work satisfaction to help others.
The same can be said for friends you haven't been in touch with for a while.
"They're busy people, I don't want to bother them"
and then before you know it, you've not spoken or messaged them in years. When in fact, if they are indeed, a friend, then you'll probably find that they'd be overjoyed to hear from you, out of the blue, might even be a pleasant surprise, they may have just been thinking how you were too.
So reach out, and connect.
I have no idea why I put it off for 3 weeks, or why I haven't registered with a dentist since my childhood dentist, who I last saw over 10 years ago!
Anyway, there are some specific things I put off doing and there is no rational reason for it. Registering with a GP or dentist are easy things to. Took a phone call and the first one at that. I sometimes think "well, they have better things to do, I shouldn't waste their time, I'm not ill" etc etc. I forget that it is their job to help! and it most likely gives them work satisfaction to help others.
The same can be said for friends you haven't been in touch with for a while.
"They're busy people, I don't want to bother them"
and then before you know it, you've not spoken or messaged them in years. When in fact, if they are indeed, a friend, then you'll probably find that they'd be overjoyed to hear from you, out of the blue, might even be a pleasant surprise, they may have just been thinking how you were too.
So reach out, and connect.
Friday, July 22, 2011
F5 - Refresh Life
Reading the Clear Minded Creative 6 month and we all need a refresh.
OK. It's been a year since I gave up my day job and moved here. I knew freelance was a lot harder than you like to imagine so I have been holding on to hope I would find a day job, but times are tough. Work and money is out there, just need to find maybe a less conventional way of finding it. I think my upcoming milestone is a good time to finally bite that bullet and whole-heartedly go Freelance. That means changing CVs for marketing, portfolio for sales pitch.
I do wonder though, why are our successes so centred on our paid work?
Why do I find it so hard to admit to people, that actually, whatever it is I'm doing now, it is all heading towards my ultimate goal, which is to be a mother and a wife. These aren't low aspirations. I'm not settling for "less". Less money, yes; fewer possessions, yes; less recognition, power and fame; yes. But more of the things that matter to me, family, relationships and well being.
Yet, I can type it, but I can't say it.
OK. It's been a year since I gave up my day job and moved here. I knew freelance was a lot harder than you like to imagine so I have been holding on to hope I would find a day job, but times are tough. Work and money is out there, just need to find maybe a less conventional way of finding it. I think my upcoming milestone is a good time to finally bite that bullet and whole-heartedly go Freelance. That means changing CVs for marketing, portfolio for sales pitch.
I do wonder though, why are our successes so centred on our paid work?
Why do I find it so hard to admit to people, that actually, whatever it is I'm doing now, it is all heading towards my ultimate goal, which is to be a mother and a wife. These aren't low aspirations. I'm not settling for "less". Less money, yes; fewer possessions, yes; less recognition, power and fame; yes. But more of the things that matter to me, family, relationships and well being.
Yet, I can type it, but I can't say it.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Domokun
I wanted to blog about finally completing a 2 year shelved Domokun project. Dug him out of storage last week, bought some felt and a pair of eyes over the weekend and finished when I got a delivery of stuffing Weds morning (very early, these couriers are early starters).
From the first pic to the next in less than a week.
As for today, our B&B services are open again this week. 5th visitor this year, that's more than one a month!
From the first pic to the next in less than a week.
As for today, our B&B services are open again this week. 5th visitor this year, that's more than one a month!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Turnover a new loaf.
Ingredients:
500g flour, strong bread/plain/whatever
2 tsp/5g/sachet dry yeast
1tsp of salt
300ml warm water
Invest:
15mins of elbow grease
45mins oven operation
4-5 hours in total
Result:
Simple white loaf and a happy boyfriend :D
500g flour, strong bread/plain/whatever
2 tsp/5g/sachet dry yeast
1tsp of salt
300ml warm water
Invest:
15mins of elbow grease
45mins oven operation
4-5 hours in total
Result:
Simple white loaf and a happy boyfriend :D
Friday, April 08, 2011
Today's...
French phrase is "Je suis chômeur"
tidbit of obscurity is the accent ^ is called a circumflex
IT useless info the ALT code for ô is ALT-147
number is 147 is the highest break in snooker
mistake was typing ♫
tidbit of obscurity is the accent ^ is called a circumflex
IT useless info the ALT code for ô is ALT-147
number is 147 is the highest break in snooker
mistake was typing ♫
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Yoga, sushi & double bill of the Mentalist. Not much gets done after 9pm, I am full to the brim with homemade sushi & a shop bought doughnut.
I can hardly believe it's Friday tomorrow. I watched a programme lastnight about these teenagers training to represent UK in the International Mathematics Olympiad. It's a world that most people wouldn't even have heard about! It was fascinating how there were 2 of the candidates had Aspergers Syndrome and yet how it had completely affected them in very differing manners. Anyway, that's not what I wanted to blog about, I wanted to talk about Maths.
My passion for maths is for its practical applications. But the guys on the show and most academic mathematicians pursue a more theoretical, almost philosophical passion. The distinction between the two was introduced to me at A-level stages, where maths gets split into Pure and Applied (Mechanics & Statistical).
It got me thinking how it's similar to art!...I need a doodle to articulate what I'm getting at.
1. [arts genius] "I love my Art tree, because from it the view of the world is beautiful"
2. [maths genius] "I love my Maths tree, because from it the view of the world is beautiful"
3. [guy on the ground?] "those guys are away in the clouds"
4. [pragmatist?] "ooh all the commotion on the trees is knocking off fruit, lets make jam"
5. [stubborn artist] "I don't DO maths, I'm an artist"
6. [stubborn mathmo] "I CAN'T draw, I'm a mathematician"
7. [folk finding their feet] "ouch, fell from a branch" I'd say to them, "keep climbing"
8. [polymath] "I found a cool bridge that connects the trees!"
9. [monkey that can leap from tree top to tree top] "muahahaha haha haha haha"
Hey, it's just a brainfart. Don't take me too seriously. But the idea is that, the more specialised you go, the more beauty you find, whether it is in a painting or in a formula. And that we shouldn't be discouraged to climb all different types of trees, who is going to stop you? the tree police? yourself?
I can hardly believe it's Friday tomorrow. I watched a programme lastnight about these teenagers training to represent UK in the International Mathematics Olympiad. It's a world that most people wouldn't even have heard about! It was fascinating how there were 2 of the candidates had Aspergers Syndrome and yet how it had completely affected them in very differing manners. Anyway, that's not what I wanted to blog about, I wanted to talk about Maths.
My passion for maths is for its practical applications. But the guys on the show and most academic mathematicians pursue a more theoretical, almost philosophical passion. The distinction between the two was introduced to me at A-level stages, where maths gets split into Pure and Applied (Mechanics & Statistical).
It got me thinking how it's similar to art!...I need a doodle to articulate what I'm getting at.
2. [maths genius] "I love my Maths tree, because from it the view of the world is beautiful"
3. [guy on the ground?] "those guys are away in the clouds"
4. [pragmatist?] "ooh all the commotion on the trees is knocking off fruit, lets make jam"
5. [stubborn artist] "I don't DO maths, I'm an artist"
6. [stubborn mathmo] "I CAN'T draw, I'm a mathematician"
7. [folk finding their feet] "ouch, fell from a branch" I'd say to them, "keep climbing"
8. [polymath] "I found a cool bridge that connects the trees!"
9. [monkey that can leap from tree top to tree top] "muahahaha haha haha haha"
Hey, it's just a brainfart. Don't take me too seriously. But the idea is that, the more specialised you go, the more beauty you find, whether it is in a painting or in a formula. And that we shouldn't be discouraged to climb all different types of trees, who is going to stop you? the tree police? yourself?
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
And That's Wednesday....
"Hello, Mr Bing?....I loooove you"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Wt-xm48ckI
How appropriate that I should feel like blogging about this Friends clip on a Wednesday. Sometimes, I feel like Ross, I'm bored, I have so much time and I don't know what to do with it. And sometimes I empathise with Joey; "Dude, you've just described 7 days worth of stuff".
I started a new regime whereby I do things in 15minute intervals. It's following the notion of doing things "little and often". It actually started, boringly with the shower that I would have to scrub down every week. Another online clip showed me that if you dry the tiles after every shower, you give mould less time to grow. It may be more time spent, but it's easier to dry the tiles everyday than scrub once a week. I've only had to clean it once a month.
Blogging is another of those things that get neglected, so here is my 15mins of blogging for today. And That's Wednesday....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Wt-xm48ckI
How appropriate that I should feel like blogging about this Friends clip on a Wednesday. Sometimes, I feel like Ross, I'm bored, I have so much time and I don't know what to do with it. And sometimes I empathise with Joey; "Dude, you've just described 7 days worth of stuff".
I started a new regime whereby I do things in 15minute intervals. It's following the notion of doing things "little and often". It actually started, boringly with the shower that I would have to scrub down every week. Another online clip showed me that if you dry the tiles after every shower, you give mould less time to grow. It may be more time spent, but it's easier to dry the tiles everyday than scrub once a week. I've only had to clean it once a month.
Blogging is another of those things that get neglected, so here is my 15mins of blogging for today. And That's Wednesday....
Friday, January 14, 2011
CV paper stock
I read on a CV advice article that you should use the best paper stock you can afford for your CV but not thick card or something the recruiter can't scribble on. Now it's not been an issue so far, my CV has been sent as electronic files and for creatives, it's your portfolio that matters more.
But it got me thinking, in this age of austerity and urgency for low carbon living, surely it would be more impressive if you could use the cheapest, greenest stock available and still make it look cool. Just a thought.
But it got me thinking, in this age of austerity and urgency for low carbon living, surely it would be more impressive if you could use the cheapest, greenest stock available and still make it look cool. Just a thought.
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Happy 2011
So it's my first "working" day of the new year. Of course, I'm not in employment at the moment, but it's a figure of speech. Thought it would a good idea to start a fresh and give the old blog a spring clean. It felt right to archive off old posts from the last five years, some of those old posts were from a looong time ago and a lot has changed. I have changed. Hopefully grown up a little bit, but not lost the enthusiasm and ambitious outlook I had as a student.
Quietly, I've been giving myself a hard time about the last 5months. I need to let it go and only look forward. Stop beating myself up and just get on and do what I gotta do.
So I fired up the Bobby Chiustreams this morning to kick start the year. I've listened to them before but they are still relevant.
Wishing everyone a good year. If we work hard, we can live a good life and have plenty of stories to tell the grandkids.
Quietly, I've been giving myself a hard time about the last 5months. I need to let it go and only look forward. Stop beating myself up and just get on and do what I gotta do.
So I fired up the Bobby Chiustreams this morning to kick start the year. I've listened to them before but they are still relevant.
Wishing everyone a good year. If we work hard, we can live a good life and have plenty of stories to tell the grandkids.
Monday, September 06, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Paintings
Some paintings I've been doing while it's quiet. Just practising some painting technicques such as fur/hair and just honing Photoshop skills shortcuts etc. Reference images were used (christmas card & image from bbc website) but not traced, or colour picked.
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