Moving In

I finally moved into my parents' apartment in LA. The place is a total mess since I've got boxes and belongings scattered everywhere. I've slowly been putting together the kitchen and my knitting materials. I still have to get my closet and bookshelves sorted. I need to complete everything before my parents show up on Friday afternoon for the weekend. 

That is a picture of my yarn stash, which does not include 7 balls of yarn I'm using for my crocheted blanket, a scarf I've already got on needles, a beautiful green wrap I started in NJ, and my December shawl. I... need to stay away from any yarn stores for a while... or at least until I finish my holiday knitting and all the projects I currently have in the works.

In other news, I joined a gym yesterday! I had a training session this morning (followed by 20 minutes of cardio) and a rather intense yoga session this afternoon. When I wake up tomorrow morning, I'll head over there for a 20 minute or so light cardio session. I really really want to get in shape and start having more energy. I often start exercising and then quit because I lack motivation and have too many distractions. This gym is literally 2 blocks away and with no bar studying (yet), I really have no excuse to avoid exercising. So, here's to a new start, I guess.

The past few days have been a whirlwind of activity here in Apple Valley.

On Monday, my mother taught me how to make my favorite Iranian dish, Ashe Reshteh. We spent pretty much the entire day in the kitchen making a big pot-full since it takes forever for each ingredient to simmer in the soup before we add the next ingredient. The final result is well worth the time investment!

That afternoon, I baked an apple pie, using Ali's incredible recipe. It was so easy to make and such a big hit with my entire family. I can't wait to make it again and again and again... I'm also really excited to use Ali's recipe to make banana nut muffins for everyone, too!

I miss NJ terribly, but it has been super nice getting to hang out with my brother's family the past couple of days. My niece is incredibly adorable, though still a bit shy. My nephew is finally old enough to joke around with and play a little rough. I'm excited to go watch his Karate class later today.

My mom and I checked out the LYS yesterday morning. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and made me feel quite at home. There was a huge selection of yarns and completed projects on walls and on counters that I lovingly gazed at and touched. Despite being determined not to purchase any yarn, I couldn't stop myself from buying this beautiful Malabringo sock weight yarn. The purples in this yarn are much darker and richer in real life than in the picture to the right. The combination of purples and greens reminds me of something an evil step-mother would wear. I can't wait to knit it up into a nice fall shawlette. I just haven't been able to find the perfect pattern yet.

I've made decent progress on the crocheted blanket I started making in NJ right before I left. I've already run out of the first ball of beige yarn and might have to stop by the store and pick up another one, depending on how far this second ball will get me. I really like the teal blue I added and plan to continue using it on the blanket. I can't wait to finish this and start using it on cool nights while cuddled up on my couch, watching tv and knitting. I really wish I had my cat, Jack, out here with me, too, but I'm trying not to think about that.

Smith Lady

I had a fantastic day yesterday! After breakfast, the boy's mom, sister, nieces, nephew, and I went down to Smithville for some fun shopping. The village was incredibly cute and the prices were surprisingly reasonable. We walked through cooking stores, clothing stores, soap stores, and more. I purchased two really cute hats and an adorable greenish/brownish top. Before we left, we enjoyed a delicious lunch at Fred and Ethel's.

Apparently, the village goes all out for Christmas, lighting up all the buildings and most of the trees for the holiday season. I would love to come back to see that!

Later that evening, the boy picked me up for a surprise dinner cruise on the River Lady. We were the youngest people on the cruise by at least 20 years and we were seated right at the front of the boat. Needless to say, while I restrained myself a bit, I was still incredibly affectionate towards him during the whole time. About 20 minutes after we finished our salads, the boat pulled into a dock to wait out a storm that was passing over the area. We ended up remaining docked for at least an hour and a half, eating dinner right where we were. I think other people were disappointed about not getting a tour of the river, but the boy and I had a great time just talking. It's going to be difficult being away from him, but I think we've been bracing ourselves enough so that we'll be ok until he's able to come out to California to visit and meet my family.

I took out the yarn I've accumulated and projects I've started while I've been staying in New Jersey this summer. It's... quite extensive, especially given that I already took a whole bunch of yarn and needles with me to California earlier this summer. I finally feel organized though and excited to start going through all this stuff.
No more yarn buying for me! At least, not until I finish all the projects I currently have started and plan to start for holiday knitting.