web-goddess

Author: Kris

  • Easter Show Rejection – AGAIN!

    So the Easter Show is upon us once more, which means it’s the time of year when Kris busts her ass to finish some gargantuan knitting project only to have it unceremoniously dumped in the corner of the display with no pretty award ribbons attached. I hate to sound bitter, but it’s really getting annoying to see the same (ugly) styles winning certain categories every year. I gave up on Arans after I realised that “cream” and “bobbles” were necessary ingredients. This year I thought I was playing it safe with the Snook’s Hipster Cardigan. Well, not only did I not get a ribbon, but they didn’t even award a first place in my class! (In previous years when that occurred, the judges explained it was because no entry was up to the “blue ribbon standard.”) It’s perplexing. And it’s not just sour grapes; other deserving entries also lost out to inexplicably awful designs. (There were some worthy winners of course, especially those from my friends like Fiona!) I guess I’ll just wait to see if they give me any actual judging feedback. (I’m guessing not.) Oh well, at least the Snook will have a warm jumper to wear this winter!

    Hipster Cardy at the Show

    Photo courtesy of Jody, since I couldn’t be arsed going out to the Arts Preview this year…

  • Celebrity Sightings

    Two weeks ago we joined Kunaal for a special Popcorn Taxi screening of the new sci-fi comedy “Paul”. Simon Pegg and Nick Frost (aka the guys from “Shaun of the Dead” and “Hot Fuzz”) were actually there to talk about the film and do a Q&A with us afterwards. It was really cool! Popcorn Taxi’s posted video of it on YouTube if you’re interested. (Part 1 / Part 2) We all enjoyed the movie quite a lot. I’d probably say it’s not as funny as their other ones, mostly because the humour is a lot more broad. It’s still full of awesome geek references though.

    Anyway, the cinema was in the Bondi Junction Westfield shopping mall, so afterwards we headed for the elevators to leave. While we were standing waiting for the lift to arrive, Simon, Nick, and their whole entourage suddenly came around the corner for the lifts too. One was about to arrive, so I turned to Nick and said, “That one’s free if you guys want it.” He said thanks and nodded and they all headed into the lift. The three of us stepped back and decided to take the escalators instead to avoid the crowd. And then I nearly fell over excitedly tweeting it on the way out to the taxis. How excitement!

    Last Saturday our Knitters Guild meeting was moved to Kings Cross (due to Surry Hills being booked for the Writers Festival). We always break in the middle for tea, so me, Fiona, Merrin, and Margaret went for a walk to get coffees. We were standing outside a cafe in Potts Point waiting for our coffee when suddenly, stepping up onto the footpath in front of me was THE COMMANDO. I actually stopped talking mid-sentence when I realised it was him. He was wearing his trademark sunnies, but other than that he was totally casual in jeans, sneakers, and a pink T-shirt. Once he moved up the street a bit, I took a sneaky photo of him. He’s shorter in real life than I thought. But, uh, dude can fill out a T-shirt. That’s all I’m sayin’.

    This Sunday we’re going to the Opera House for a special talk by Sir Terry Pratchett. Looking forward to that one. Maybe we’ll bump into him by the lifts too!

    I almost had another one. I was utterly convinced for about 10 seconds the other night that Alan Brough was drinking in the laneway outside that annoying tiny bar next to Morris & Sons in the city. When I got closer though I saw it was just some other giant Kiwi in a checked shirt. Damn.

  • RunningBlog: Week 15

    After last week’s monumental distance, this week ended up being a lot shorter. Sunday I went out for my scheduled 10K with the Snook. We did 1:1 all the way to Newtown where we met Fiona for a jog around Sydney Park. Great run with good friends! Monday I was feeling frisky so I did a Spudds circuit in the evening. It was a good workout, but my hamstring was feeling pretty tender afterwards. Tuesday I gave blood, so a deserved day of rest. Wednesday I meant to do Spudds again, but I felt pretty crappy. My allergies were acting up, and I had an awful sinus headache. I piked and rested. Thursday I still had the headache, but I dragged myself out for an easy jog at lunchtime. That afternoon, I discovered the point of my left cheek/jaw was tender and sore… which meant my mystery infection has returned! (My doctor suspects an infected salivary gland.) I took Friday off to rest and get antibiotics. WHAT A SUCKY WEEK.

    Apr. 10: 10.31km
    Apr. 14: 4.71km
    Total this week: 15.02km (9.4mi)
    Total in 2011: 359.22km (224.5mi)

    In order to meet my goal of running 1100km in 2011, I should be at 317.3km right now. So I’ve still got a hefty 40km cushion. One more week of cutback before the next long one. Hopefully I’ll be feeling better by then!

    Edited to add: I’ve just re-read last week’s entry… and I TOTALLY JINXED MYSELF, DIDN’T I? Gahhh.

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    RT @FlavourCrusader: hullo kris. i am using your sardine post as an example for my @openideo challenge – facing real food. // AWESOME!

    @Alacaeriel Ahhh, but we need you to gripe, because otherwise it’s just us being bitter losers! You can objectively complain. 🙂

    @Alacaeriel Complete lack of any published criteria for judging? Bad display? Inconsistent judging in other categories? THE HORROR CLOWNS?!

    @gingerthomas @witty_knitter Wow. I really like that effect! It’ll make my doggies look GREAT! 🙂

    Amused that Guild keeps asking me to teach at Camp instead of all the prize-winning knitters. Am I that good a teacher? Or just a sucker?

    @ozgamer Awww! Nah, it’s because I’m a sucker. I turned them down. I’ve done enough for them over the years.

    @drkknits Except for me, right? Because I love you (in spite of your crap knitting in non-traditional colours). 😛

    @witty_knitter @gingerthomas I love than a random joke has turned into an actual learning experience. 🙂

    @drkknits There’s a song in that.

    @witty_knitter @drkknits I remember when M-H was as virulently anti-socks as I am anti-shawl. Crap. I better not be knitting shawls in 8yrs!

    @knitterjp I turned them down. I think it’s more the “sucker” thing, and I’m through being the tall poppy that gets whacked!

    @knitterjp @drkknits The hipster part will come when it gets used as the soundtrack in an Apple advert.

    RT @FlavourCrusader: @web_goddess hai u r faaaaaaamous http://bit.ly/dL1jT9 love that photo btw // HAHAHA… Thanks! Love it too. 🙂

    @Kat13v Maybe doing a new class? Just seems pointless to ask me to repeat. Lack of imagination. Same folks always go so what’s the point?

    @Alacaeriel So in order to defeat the clowns… we must all become one with the clowns? NO. NO! THE HORROR!

    @AusVintageGrrl So if I swing by, I can pay you for the Folca??!

    Figured out why I feel awful. Mysterious cheek infection has returned. Back to antibiotics. 🙁

    Sinus headache entering 3rd day. Paracetamol not making a dent. Yes, I’ll be going to the doctor today.

    @knitterjp @drkknits I’m not stuffed up at all. I think this is infection in actual sinus cavity. Cheek is sore, nausea, headache, pressure.

    @SMinney This is the 3rd time in 1.5yr in exactly the same place. Antibiotics must not be killing it. Need something STRONG this time!

    Doctor booked in at midday (earliest I could get). Now to sit without moving my head for three hours.

    Okay, this is weird. Skyping with my sister, who had a salivary gland infection recently… in same spot I have pain. Another possibility?

    @redambition I don’t have any of those hippie things in my house! 🙂

    @HypnosisTips4u Banned and reporting you for spamming.

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    Easy R/W (mostly walk) around Domain to test out my gammy hamstring.

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    It’s gotten to the point where Snarky Bitching about the Easter Show is as much a seasonal tradition as hot cross buns and chocolate.

    Paracetamol, Zyrtec, and Diet Coke are my bestest friends today. #feelingbetter

    @HealthyLife_101 Banning you and reporting for spam.

    @redambition Rav has the highlights, I guess. Otherwise scroll through @knitterjp’s tweets from last night; she had most of them!

    Good lord. The Easter Show actually charges $2.49 for the iPhone app! You pay $34 to get in & they won’t give you a free promo planning app.

    @MiguelinaLubman Banning you and reporting for spam.

    @toastman Yep, according to the website. They also call it “one of the best bargains around.” *snort*

    The actual Easter Show app: http://bit.ly/gehK65. Maps, timetables, planner, and “great offers.” And a comp to win a wristband. #fail

    We officially booked in for the cheesemaking class. It’s going to be fun.

    @imdominating Whereas for me, if there is ever something that I *can* hit my head on, I will. Dryer doors, airplane ceilings, cabinets, etc.

    In bed by 9pm. Couple glasses of box red wine plus a Zyrtec. Let’s just all agree that today didn’t happen, right? Zzzzz….

    Also, I DEFIED the Snook and plugged in the electric heater. Before ANZAC Day. I’m a rebel, I am. (A warm one.)

    Aw, thanks @misswired. Just killer combo of allergy attack, post-bloodletting lethargy and lack of sleep (due to yowling cat).

    Once again ten hours of sleep makes everything better.

    I’ve decided on my entry for next year’s Easter Show. http://bit.ly/feyWUH

    @drkknits @witty_knitter I’m pretty sure it needs an intarsia kitten and/or puppy on it somewhere. I need to work that in. In faux fur.

    @witty_knitter I don’t want it to be too ostentatious!

    @witty_knitter I know we’re only joking, but you are FREAKING ME OUT. 😛

    @witty_knitter Don’t challenge me. I’m a sucker for reverse psychology. 🙂

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  • Jane Austen Drinking Game

    Oh man. If the Jane Austen Drinking Game had existed when Liz and I were in college, we would now be alcoholics.