Gah! I'm super late!

This is just a quick update on what's going on. I know, I've been a bad, bad girl! So bad that I only realized now that one picture from my package post is only half displayed! I'll get around to fixing that ASAP! Sorry!

Also, I'm so behind on answering the SP13 weekly question (or... well... this was in December)
Part A: Are you doing any holiday knitting?
Hehehehehe... no! :-D

Part B: Have you finished?
If I have none, then I guess I am finished! Amazing! For once I'm ahead and not way behind!

So.... what new? I am starting a new job in just over a week and a half! Weeeeeeee!!!! Note to self: get a book on digital photography techniques. I'll be working on putting items on a website, taking pictures of said items, writing up item descriptions, working with other departments to make one HUGE website... and I get to be creative! Oh, and benefits after 3 months, pension plan after 6 months and... AND... get this! Vacation time after a year! WHAT'S THAT?! **all wide-eyed** I can't wait! What's this company? It's a company that has an office in Montreal and 14 co-ops in the North of Quebec (and by North, I mean WAYYYYYYYY up north, as in permafrost my friend!). We supply all items for these 14 co-ops (food, clothing, gasoline, storage, building materials, programs, etc etc). It's a really neat company and big on helping out everyone in the community.

On my plate for the next week or so:
1- Finish up everything at the office here
2- Impress Salem's mother! I mean REALLY impress! She's in town until the 25th and I plan on cooking a crazy meal (yet I'm not too sure what to make yet).
3- Finish organizing Mom's 60th birthday dinner (shhh.... don't tell her I let her age slip out).

Projects I am currently working on:
1- Picture frame earring organizer (pictures to come soon). Of course, it'll be decorated with henna!
2- Dad's thrummed slippers (almost done!)
3- SP13 knitted item #1
4- Lama's scarf (may be frogged, I noticed a mistake - damn!!!!)
5- Mom's ab... abbyl...abhlynn.... errr.. cowl. I just need to add beads and hope she's a bit more enthused about it when I present it to her for the 2nd time (oh, the grimace on her face the first time I showed it to her. I must admit it really hurt).
6- Whatever I just forgot.

Upcoming projects:
1- My giant above-couch painting/mirror project! I swear, I'll do it!
2- Salem's Henry scarf
3- Do the 2nd herring-bone mitten
4- A shawl for Nanan
5- Henna jewelry and ... housewares (it's a secret!)
6- My personal website
7- Get back to my Bettie Page poster (done in Illustrator)
8- Make a hat for myself (if it's the Fishy hat, then I might even use various scraps!)
9- Various projects with dad (including a fold-down table/counter for my tiny kitchen and a deep shadow box to display my growing seashell collection)
10- I'm sure I'm forgetting something, I just can't recall what it is... :-S Sorry!

All that snow and I still got my first package!

Well, I just got my first package for SP13! A million packages to "Arnold" for the amazing package! I thoroughly enjoyed opening every item and looking at what I received! Even Pumpkin helped out (and even she had a little gift!). I really must say that I was floored!

Here are some pictures of the madness than ensued!




What's this? A surprise?




Pumpkin can't wait - she wants to open the package now! She gave me just enough time to cover the contents with a post it note (used in lieu of a fig leaf) before she sliced the box open - Careful Pumpkin!




Yes, mommy likes to take pictures. In the good old words of Monty Python: Get on with it!!!!




Of course we both really enjoyed unwrapping the numerous gifts in my package.




Yes, there's even something for you Pumpkin!




The full Monty! PS "Arnold" has beautiful handwritting.
Seashells from Florida, Milk chocolate with roasted almonds and seasalt, toys for pumpkin, homemade salted caramels, chocolate-mint body bar, a giant bag of M&Ms and 2 skeins of white angora yarn! *swoon*




Pumpkin eyes her new toy...




Pumpkin in bed with her new toy.



A huge thank you again to "Arnold". This really is amazing!

And now... About the snow. OMG! 20 cm on Tuesday (we were in the car for 5 hours - driving Lama to the airport) and another... 10 or 15 cm today? Oh, and the city still hasn't salted any sidewalks (not even in the downtown core). My co-worker slipped 3 times yesterday! It's only going to get worse - it's going to rain on Monday and then snow within a day or two after that. Tisk tisk!

"Dish bitch" is not in my job description!

Hello kids, it's me again, and I'm back to do a few things.

1. SP13 Question of the week (from last week - I'm fashionably late, of course): What are you most thankful for this year:
I'd have to say that I'm very thankful that my tonsils are gone, my number of translation contracts are up, Salem and I are talking marriage and babies on a regular basis, that I have everything I need available to me (job, money for rent/food/utilities/spending), that I've finally found my religion and that everyone around me in in (relatively) good health.

2. A big THANK YOU to my SP13 spoiler "Arnold" for my first gift! (yes, I'm very late, sorry! I've been so busy sending you novels). ;-) It's the Farmer Fox pattern by Jennie Lamond! He's amazingly cute and now he's MINE!!!!!

3. Re: Dish bitch. I was helping out with a conference one of my co-workers organized yesterday and guess what happened! The caterer came by and set everything up and then told us "we won't be able to come pick up the stuff until tomorrow or after tomorrow". SO basically, my co-worker and I were stuck carting everything (3 food trays, plates, cuttlery, serving trays, cups, etc) and cleaning up the mess at the end of the day. Did I mention this event had 25 people attending and lasted ALL day? Do you have any idea how dirty people are when they know they don't have to clean up after themselves? Not only did we have to store everything in our office, but we had to rinse everything as well to make sure nothing started rotting in here. I spent almost an hour and a half rinsing this crap! What the hell kind of crap ass caterer was this?!

Extra, somewhat weird questions I found on the internet!

50 Random Questions

1. Where were you 3 hours ago?

In the Library conference room of the main building of the hospital.

2. Who are you in love with?

Myself of course!!! ;-P Salem.

3. Have you ever eaten a crayon?

Not that I can recall but I wouldn't put it past me.,

4. Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you?

Why yes! A highlighter!

5. When is the last time you went to the mall?

Sunday.

6. Are you wearing socks right now?

No, I'm wearing thick cotton tights.

7. Do you have a car worth over $2,000?

Is the Nova bus or metro car even worth $50?

8. When was the last time you drove out of town?

I was off the island on Sunday, but I wasn't the one doing the driving.

9. Have you been to the movies in the last 5 days?

No. How about 10 days?

10. Are you hot?

Don't mind if I say so myself!

11. What was the last thing you had to drink?

Just plain water. But I had an awesome salted caramel hot chocolate this morning!

12. What are you wearing right now?

A long purple shirt/short dress (empire waist), charcoal coloured cotton tights and 3" spike heel, black leather boots.

13. Do you wash your car or let the car wash do it?

I don't have a car...

14. Last food that you ate?

Foul (mixed fresh beans with tomatoes and green peppers), pita, cucumber and tomato slices.

15. Where were you last week at this time?

At the same freaking place I am now - my desk!

16. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week?

Yes, tights.

17. When is the last time you ran?

Oh God...

18. What's the last sporting event you watched?

Hockey on Saturday. We lost!!!!

19. What is your favorite animal?

Dogs, cats, manta rays.

20. Your dream vacation?

Anywhere warm and historic with new foods.

21. Last person's house you were in?

Salem's.

22. Worst injury you've ever had?

I can only recall ever going over the handlebars of my bike once...

23. Have you been in love?

Duh.

24. Do you miss anyone right now?

Yes, lots of people.

25. Last play you saw?

I don't tend to do plays... Peter Pan in sec 5 (11th grade).

26. What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite sex?

If I told you then it wouldn't be so secret now would it?!

27. What are your plans for tonight?

Picking up translation package, going for an Arabic placement test downtown, eating, going home, watching the Tudors and going to bed early.

28. Who is the last person you sent a MySpace message or comment?

I don't do MySpace...

29. Next trip you are going to take?

Probably going to the United Arab Emirates...

30. Ever go to camp?

Once when I was younger, I hated it.

31. Were you an honor roll student in school?

FI was for most of high school and CEGEP.

32. What do you want to know about the future?

I think the future is best unknown.

33. Are you wearing any perfume or cologne?

Yes: Givenchy's Irrésistible

34. Are you due sometime this year for a doctor's visit?

probably should, but I'm not going to go.

35. Where is your best friend?

At work.

36. How is your best friend?

She's probably great as she just got back from a trip to the carribean!

37. Do you have a tan?

LMAO! That's a good one!

38. What are you listening to right now?

Talk radio - blah blah blah (boring topic).

39. Do you collect anything?

Seashells.

40. Who is the biggest gossiper you know?

Most probably me...

41. Last time you got stopped by a cop or pulled over?

NEVER! Actually, the first time I ever drove but simply because I was wandering around a mall in the dark...

42. Have you ever drank your soda from a straw?

I do it on a regular basis/

43. What does your last text message say?

To me: that I have a voicemail message. From me: "I love you habibi" to Salem.

44. Do you like hot sauce?

Do I ever!

45. Last time you took a shower?

This morning. How about you??????

46. Do you need to do laundry?

It seems ever ending.

47. What is your heritage?

I am 1/2 French-Canadian (Québecois), 1/4 Scottish, 1/4 German but raised 100% French-Canadian.

48. Are you someone's best friend?

I'd like to think so, perhaps I am disillusioned...

49. Are you rich?

Certainly not!

50. What were you doing at 12AM last night?

Getting into bed.

Credit Repair

MySpace Surveys and Quizzes

And now, for something completely different...

1. What is/are your favorite yarn/s to knit with? What fibers do you absolutely *not* like?
I currently have no yarn preferences. I am still exploring many options with every new project. I'd rather stay away from acrylics (I have plenty in my stash from my earlier days) and lets just say that the thought of making yarn out of a pet freaks me out just a tad!

2. What do you use to store your needles/hooks in?
A school bag - I really need to get organized with my needles.

3. How long have you been knitting & how did you learn? Would you consider your skill level to be beginner, intermediate or advanced?
I've been knitting for about 4 years now, seriously for 1-2 years. I taught myself thanks to some sites and then a book or two. I'd consider myself an intermediate knitter (always looking for a new challenge)

4. Do you have an Amazon or other online wish list?
Nope.

5. What's your favorite scent?
I love musks, sandalwood, lavender and "ocean" type smells. I ave about 20 essential oils I like to burn all over my apartment!

6. Do you have a sweet tooth? Favorite candy?
You have no idea!!! Chocolate is my favorite thing (milk or dark but I can't take white!). I will take M&Ms over Smarties any day!

7. What other crafts or Do-It-Yourself things do you like to do? Do you spin?
Ok, so I: knit, crochet, paint (acrylic and starting with oil and some water colour), I make the occasional bath bomb, I make my own chocolate truffles, enjoy baking (cakes, cookies), I love to cook in general (Indian food is always fun), I sometimes make jewelry, I love doing henna on people or wood, etc... I tried spinning once, I may try it again but lets just say I thought I pretty much sucked.

8. What kind of music do you like? Can your computer/stereo play MP3s? (if your buddy wants to make you a CD)
I listen to just about anything except for country, opera and rap. I'll listen to the normal top 40 stuff, some R&B, rock, metal, alternative and classical (Tchaikovski is one of my favorites). MP3s are not a problem, I also have an iPod.

9. What's your favorite color(s)? Any colors you just can't stand?
I'm still into my huge turquoise and magenta/fuschia kick! I can't do yellow and most shades of green.

10. What is your family situation? Do you have any pets?
I live on my own but spend most of my free time with my boyfriend of 2+ years. I have one cat, Pumpkin - she's great! I love her!

11. Do you wear scarves, hats, mittens or ponchos?
Yes, I wear all of the above except for ponchos (I'm trying to lose a few more pounds, the poncho would only add them back on at this point).

12. What is/are your favorite item/s to knit?
I'd have to say scarves - they please everyone and can vary greatly from pattern to pattern. I also made a toy once for a friend's daughter - that was very fun too (quick, easy and cute as hell!). But I have fun knitting just about anything!

13. What are you knitting right now?
I am knitting up a birthday scarf for my boyfriend's sister, then starting up on some thrummed slippers for my father and the Henry scarf for my boyfriend's birthday (December).

14. Do you like to receive handmade gifts?
Of course! Who doesn't???

15. Do you prefer straight or circular needles? Bamboo, aluminum, plastic?
Straight/circ: it depends on the project. I am currently useing more circs because it's much harder to lose the stitches on those when travelling in the metro. Any material will do!

16. Do you own a yarn winder and/or swift?
Yes, I use the back of my dining room chair (unfortunately, I had to fire the boyfriend as he kept putting his hands down on the yarn all the time!).

17. How old is your oldest UFO?
My first pair of socks is going on 1 year now! I really need to get back to them...

18. What is your favorite holiday? What winter holiday do you observe?
I like both Eids... I don't celebrate any winter holidays since my conversion, but I still gather with my family at Christmas and most other holidays - there's no reason why I can't wish them hapy holidays. Otherwise, I love Halloween (even though it's not a holiday) - it's the only day of the year where I actually have a valid excuse to play dress up!

19. Is there anything that you collect?
I love seashells!

20. Any books, yarns, needles or patterns out there you are dying to get your hands on? What knitting magazine subscriptions do you have?
I love the Farmer Fox pattern! He's beyond cute!!! I also want to start trying out some really neat lavian mittens.
I have no knitting magazine subscriptions, I don't feel a need for them.

21. Are there any new techniques you'd like to learn?
I'd eventually like to wrap my head around shawl patterns - for some reason I easily mess them up!

22. Are you a sock knitter? What are your foot measurements?
I'll knit socks, I'm actually thinking of making 2009 my year for making socks. I wear a size 8-9 : 23 cm (9") x 9 cm (3.5"). Warning! I have wide feet!!!

23. When is your birthday?
February 29th.

24. Are you on Ravelry? If so, what's your ID?
MaiCarInMtl

October - that means Halloween is coming!!!!

First, I would like to appologize to all my readers *cough* for not posting for a very long time. I spent the whole month of September day fasting, praying and coming home only to sleep.

Work has been ok but 2 fairly recent slaps in the face have made me decide that it is finally time to look for something else. I am currently looking for jobs in translation (in Quebec or Ontario). I am also thinking of moving overseas next year (to the Gulf) to teach English and French. To tell you the truth, it all depends on what happens with Salem.

Today, I will be signing up for my first official Secret Pal swap - Secret Pal 13. I had a lot of fun organizing my own small Montreal Knits one (although there are some issues that are still unresolved 6 weeks after the final deadline). But I think ti was a nice experience and plan to host another Montreal Knits swap in the new year.

And now, for the best part of this month: HALLOWEEN! Yes, I know, I am a Muslim, not a Pagan, but Halloween is still one of my top 5 days in the year! I get to dress up, have an excuse to spend all day in costume and no one can call me a freak! Wooohoo!!! I really want to dress up like Medusa (even though Salem and his sister really don't want me to - they rather I dress like a disco queen or something else.... Yeah, riiiiiight!). I'll see, I might be going to a theme party where I have no choice but to dress up as somethign specific - ugh - in this case, a superhero - double ugh!

That's all for my current, quick update!

Ramadan Kareem / Mubarak!

Well everyone, I would like to wish all my fellow brothers and sisters Ramadan Kareem! Yes, I know, I am posting a day late, but distraction was the key to getting through day 1 of fasting! I kept myself busy with 4 loads of laundry, praying and then a 2 hour grocery shopping trip with Salem.

Dinner was oh so very yummy!!! We had kibbeh, fatteh, hummus, lentil and bean soup, stuffed zucchini in a yogourt sauce, amareddine and tamarind juice. Later on, we had some apple tea with cinnamon and some nuts.

The weekend was quite crazy. I had supper with Mom on Friday, bought some more scarves and some shoes. I discovered that Commensal is just too expensive for my taste. I've only been twice and sure you get to try new things but it's just too expensive!

Saturday, I mailed out my package to my spoilee and I hope it gets there on time but with the holiday... er... not looking too good. Sorry!

Then off I was to Oka beach with Salem, Lama and Lama's friend Noura. She's a very sweet girl. We enjoyed the water, sand, sun and food. We even stopped off at a roadside stand where I got corn, Lama got berries, caramel and sucre à la crème, Salem got some apples and Noura got drinks for everyone. As if all this wasn't enough, we even went out clubbing at Moomba later on. I only got home at 3:30 am - boy was I pooped!

Sunday was horseback riding with Lama and Noura. Everything was going great until Noura fell off her horse while galloping. She had a pretty bad fall but she's fine (thank God!). Once back in the city, I had a Labour Day barbecue to attend at Aunt Lise's. The food was good as per usual, but with every family reunion, it is more and more apparent that I have next to nothing in common with my family, namely my cousins. It does make me sad in a way, but not sad enough to make me change myself to be closer to them. I'm sorry, but I do not agree with their lifestyles and their decisions. Then again, they probably don't agree with some of my decisions.

I was most dissapointed when my cousin Katie and my godfather (my father's brother) left without saying goodbye to my father, his wife, Salem or me. I feel really bad for my dad. He always calls his brother for his birthday but his brother never calls him for his. Another uncle left without saying hello but chances are he was busy with one of hsi 3 grandkids. At least his wife said bye to everyone. This breaks my heart a bit... a bit for me, but mainly for my dad. :-(

This week will be a longer one... adjusting and all. But so far, so good! :-D Subhanallah!