Cousin June is coming to Otakon!

 
 
 
Woot! The katamari costume is finally looking like a katamari! I still have to put the fabric over the head and do the elastic in the bottom of the dress but things are really looking like it might actually be done for Otakon this year! woo! More pictures soon.

Oh the Cute!

I just made this for my cousin's brand new son. I was surprised at how quickly and easily the pattern worked up! It is the 'Baby It's Cold Outside' sweater (link above) and it was about the easiest thing to make. My cousin asked me to make one for her older son to match so now I'm going to try to figure out how to do one up to fit a size 4T. It's so soft too because I made it with Lion Brand Homespun and edged it with Caron Simply Soft. I'd love to figure out how to make one Jessy sized. I just came home and it will likely be winter by the time he gets big enough to fit in it, but that's ok. They're so cute, but I'm happy just visiting. None for me thanks!

A longing for the hallowed halls of academia...

I miss school.

Sure, I bitch about having no time. I complain about being so busy, and I am. But I would find time to go back to school. I don't care about a degree or anything. I just want to go to school. I'd love to take a course or two, something fun. Another Japanese course would be awesome. I need a major refresher because, though my vocabulary is a lot better now, I've forgotten a lot of the grammar and verb forms and structure and whatnot. I'm also not at all confident with my pronunciation. I'd love to be able to talk to all the Japanese tourists that come to the welcome center. But while I can understand what they're saying, I don't feel sure enough in my ability to reply. I love the language though. Lately I've been really trying to brush up, to the point where I'm starting to dream in Japanese again. That hasn't happened since I finished my last class. I've bought a bunch of books, some more useful than others, and I'm thinking of replacing my electronic translator that my ex broke. (bastard) I have Rosetta Stone, but there is something about language study that calls out for human interaction...

It'd be fun to take an Asian literature course too. I've only been exposed to a small amount of it, but what I've read has been interesting and different.

Now if only ESU's website didn't suck so much...

Computers and Vodka

Fantastic News!
Job1 will be getting not only a new computer, but also wireless internet to replace our dial-up nonsense! Jessy is about the happiest cookie ever! It's like Christmas.

On a calmer, yet no less awesome note, I made vodka pasta yesterday for Games Night. I'm putting the recipe up here so I don't lose it. It's my mom's recipe and it is fantastic. Most certainly one of my favorite pasta sauces. And one of the easiest to make too.

Jean's Vodka Sauce

2 large cans whole tomatoes
10-12 leaves of fresh basil, chopped
1 cup vodka
1 cup heavy (or light) cream
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
black pepper
(makes enough sauce for 1 1/2 lbs of pasta)

In a large, deep frying pan, cook the tomatoes and basil until the tomatoes are soft. Crush tomatoes with fork. Add vodka and bring to boil for a few minutes. Lower heat and add cream and cheese. Season with black pepper and simmer for a few minutes more to thicken sauce. Serve over pasta with lots of bread. (because the sauce is just that good!)

It is filled with yummy and the whole process takes about half an hour. All amounts are vague so add a little more cheese or cream or vodka to taste. Yummy.