It comes as no surprise when I do write about my passions, most of them are chirped out on Twitter or posted on Facebook. This past year of 2010 has been no exception. With it being the last month of the third quarter, I felt it is time I start trimming my website’s hierarchy and “get ‘er done” once and for all. So please forgive me while I break my website with various tests and tweaks.
After all, nothing is more exciting than changing on the fly, right? At least that is what my two bunnies, Julius and Sweet P, are constantly telling me in their “bunneh” ways. =:8
I have been pondering (obsessing is more like it) the definitions of the word “compromise” and the power that they yield. In one respect we come to an agreed status such as a battle where the opponents come to a cease fire. Another aspect is when self values and beliefs are held back between parties to ensure one another’s happiness such as a pair of lovers who do not share similar feelings about certain habits or tastes. Upon hearing the word, it is easy for some folks to feel angst.
For myself, personal situations arose in which I would staunchly compromise even though doing so would go against my internal gut feelings. The first is my battle with type 2 diabetes. I am constantly having to compromise what I cannot eat with what I want to eat. The deciding blow was the realization to perform more cardio exercise in order to burn up more of the sugar in my bloodstream. I love food and have accepted what I need to do in order to have more of it in my life.
The second was when I discovered Rufus the Rough had been beating up my Mischievous Julius so badly that Jules was terrified of leaving his sleeping spot outside my bedroom. I was blind to when I placed food in front of both of them in the kitchen — Jules would take his dinner and run back to his spot while Rufus stayed put on his side of the pen. My deciding blow was when I saw Rufus actually lunge and bite Jules in the same shoulder that was previously torn open. Needless to say, Rufus is back home with his warren.
The last personal situation I will mention was realizing what I was doing in order to have friendships. The past few months have shown me that I do not have to force myself in staying with an unhappy relationship just to look good for others’ eyes. I want to be friends with the folks who appreciate me and I do not need to compromise every single personal belief in order to do so. Constant compromise in that respect will lead to resentment, fighting, and overall a bad atmosphere.
As for being compromised in social media, so far the only issue is when I discovered I was being stalked recently. It scared me because I took it for granted that I do not publicize where I live or even the addresses of my friends whenever I visited them. The shock is slowly wearing off, but I am more cautious now of what I share on Twitter and Facebook. So please forgive me for not updating as I normally have, but I am a bit shy at the moment. Sometimes compromise can lead to wake up calls. In my case a few of them were screaming nightmares. =:8
If there is one thing I love, it is running around any yarn-fiber event. The busy time at TNNA was both exciting and fun, and I am grateful to all that met up with me. With Knitters Connection right afterward, I had the chance to take a class on a pattern that has been confusing me since I first read about it.
What you see is a miniature version of Elizabeth Zimmerman’s Tomten, which I learned how to make in Franklin Habit‘s (of the infamous “The Panopticon” blog) class. Now that I understand how to make it, I will be sending this first one back to the charismatic @Ron of Buffalo Gold as one of his samples after machine washing and drying it. It was modeled at one point by a very angry bunny, my Mischievous Julius. The second bunny-sized jacket will be a tad bigger than of Franklin’s original number. (Sorry, but you have to take his class to find out his version of the jacket’s specifications!) Hopefully this Tomten will be more roomy and will fit Rufus too.
Oh! Please forgive me in forgetting my manners. There is a new family member in the house thanks to Christina (aka RabbitRescuer in Ravelry). May I introduce Rufus the Rough. This big lug (his size is almost twice that of Jules!) has earned that title because he is extremely shy and very wary of human contact. He also is a food pellet FIEND and it took me a bit to get him to eat romaine and cranberries. At least he loves carrots, so that is a good sign. Jules and I are still working on his timorous nature. It will take time but will be worth it in the end to see him come out of his shell. And yes I still miss my boy Caesar.
As for love of food, lately I have been making some pretty flavor and time intensive meals. Before I left for TNNA, I made my lasagna and had so much leftover I gave it to my buddy V to finish. While in Columbus, I ate so much Jeni’s Ice Creams that I could not photograph each of the trios I put together. I did however bring back a few pints. So I leave you with a few shots of the trios and what I dined on the other night… Hope you get around to trying out the ice cream if not in Columbus at least in one of the shops who sell the pints! And no, I am not paid to talk about @JenisIceCreams. I personally love the wholesome goodness of what Jeni stands for in her products. =:8
To those folks who have not figured it out yet, I have many interests that run the gamut in sports, hobbies, technology, food, and drink. In the last six months I have been more determined to have no regrets because I want to try all that I can even if doing so causes pain. A few recent events have happened, and each offers its own lesson.
- Getting back in the saddle has more meaning now than falling off the mechanical bull I rode with @ShepherdSusie. I have started back into yoga and aim to lose the weight I gained since moving here plus the ten pounds required by my diabetes. I am also doing all I can to overcome sudden financial barriers that have appeared to blindside me. At least my new career has developed into a dream job that I absolutely love, and that I am grateful.
- Folks whom I had thought are friends were never ones in the first place. I now am surrounding myself with people who are worthy of my trust. These local friends and acquaintances are fellow professionals that I cherish in my private circle with my fiber arts pals, bunny-loving friends, technology fans, social media cronies, and fellow sports mates throughout the world.
- Seeing death calmly and peacefully does not allow the emotional and mental anguish to pour out. The passive cuts are slowly bleeding my soul. I am addressing each one in my own way — nurturing and repairing constantly. Each healed piece fills the jigsaw puzzle of my normally “hoppy” self. In time what I feel inside will match the energetic smile I always share in public.
Recently to lift up my spirits I have been alternating “The Princess Bride” with “For Love of the Game” (another one of my favorite movies). Kevin Costner is the starring lead as the MLB Detroit player Billy Chapel who is pitching against the New York Yankees. During his game, he shows the same drive and selfishness that I require of myself to achieve my goals. In my favorite scene, it is towards the end when Billy feels that he cannot continue with the game, his catcher replies:
“Chappy, you just throw whatever you got — whatever’s left. The Boys are all here for you. We’ll back you up; we’ll be there. ‘Cause Billy, we don’t stink right now. We’re the best team in baseball right now right this minute because of you. You’re the reason. We’re not going to screw that up. We’re going to be AWESOME for you right now.
Just THROW.“
Still on the edge between failure and heroics, Billy Chapel pitches poorly in the inning. He notices that his manager has begun warming up the bullpen and gets antsy. He then hears his father’s words in his head:
“Billy… Billy, you can do it. Just calm down. Throw the ball to the glove.
Just play catch.”
Whenever I am feeling down, I recall this scene. The two words “Just throw” could be applied in so many ways. “Throwing” is a technique in both knitting and crocheting. “Throws” are also known as blankets or shawls. Marketing and public relations speakers “throw” out pitches and ideas. Weekly I “throw” darts at a board with my awesome Blacksburg Area Darts team, Perfectly Awful. My goal this spring is either to find a team to play softball or to play rugby (lots of throwing there!). I constantly am “throwing” out my thoughts and feelings on Twitter, Facebook, and Plurk. It is when I step back, think, and not “Just throw” but also “Just play catch” that I finally relax. =:8
Sometimes, there is important news to share. To me, this item is that on Tuesday, March 23rd at 13:05-ET, my beloved Augustus “Gloop” Caesar died in my arms after succumbing to a destructive sickness he had. His half-sister Hayley had similarly left me in February of 2006. My screams of panic were amidst with tears as I held her dying body in my arms. I was determined not to do the same with Caesar. When I found him in the kitchen on his side, I called his name again in panic. He looked at me as if in relief in seeing me. I immediately picked him up and held him close as if he were the baby bunny I had rescued almost 6 years ago from a backyard breeder one month before Richie and I married.
I started bathing him as I have in the past few months, but he lifted his head as if to ask, “Mommy, do I really have to get a bath?” Tearfully smiling and kissing his forehead, I told him “No, my Baby. You don’t have to get one.” He then half-closed his eyes and sighed. We snuggled together and I sang to him like I always do. Repeatedly I kissed his forehead and told him how much I loved him — that he was my favorite above everybunny.
Yes, I know I am not supposed to have a favorite child, but out of the 7 rabbits that I rescued that day, Caesar was my Baby. I even remember the time when he sprayed/marked me — rabbit speak for “You are MINE!” It was early in the morning and I was about to leave for work. I was covered from head to toe so I had to re-shower and find other clothes to wear. Coming back down the stairs I said to Caesar, “Dude. Little do you know that you are getting neutered in 2 days. You are sooooo lucky to get that out of your system NOW!” He cocked his head to the side and looked at me with that sweet face of his as if to say, “But I love you.”
There is so much I could ramble about my Baby. He knew his name and would come when called. Most of the time he had a huge appetite and loved food. He would beg for whatever was being eaten or drunk. If he liked what he smelled in the air, he would leap onto our laps to get at the item — even meat. I had caught him multiple times on the couch to reach a table or desk to drink out of a glass containing beer, wine, soda, and tea. He would willingly leap back and forth from the couch, to the ottoman, then to the overstuffed chair — all for treats. He whimpered like a puppy when picked up. He snored in his sleep so loudly that I could hear him from the other side of our home. He had helicopter ears that would move forward when he was interested and make him look like a bull about to charge.
He was My Little Love, and I have been terribly missing him since his spirit left me. My one consolation is that his ashes are coming back to me on Monday, the 29th April 5th, the day after Easter and the week when I rescued him and his siblings. I have no idea how I am going to react when I get them. All I know is that when I see the Wisteria I wore as he died, when I see the Clapotis I wrapped his body in to take to the animal hospital, I hope he knew how much I loved him. I cannot wait to see him at the Rainbow Bridge. =:8
When I turned thirty-nine last year, I spent it alone against my wishes. I had never done so, and I was terrified. Richie was in his bowling league that night, and all my local pals were away on Thanksgiving break or had family visiting. Even the knit nights at the North Attleborough Borders and Sue’s Yarn Basket were canceled, so there were no knitters around. I ended up making the most of the evening and treated myself to one of my favorite meals at L’Attitude – A Modern Eatery: a French toasted grilled brie sandwich accompanied with a glass of zinfandel.
This year, I was determined NOT to be alone. I made sure of it by coming back home to Virginia Beach and spent this birthday as I should — with folks that I love and who love me.
The above shot is my birthday cupcake tower, and it was accompanied by what I consider my gift to me: pints of Jeni’s Ice Cream. As I am often heard saying to my closest friends and family: “Never let it be said that I had bad taste.”
“Da Boys” were so cute during their visit. They never failed to make me smile with their antics. It took 3 years for them to bond, but I think the photos show the waiting was worth it!
Not only did I spend time with my amazing family, but I also visited with my dearest friends Anita Garrison Kulp (Roommate from our days at Captain George’s and beyond) and J. Brett Swindell (old surfing buddy and former beau). In fact I ended up buying up some fabulous Festive Fig and Vanilla body wash from Bed & Bath Bodyworks thanks to Brett when I dropped in at Pembroke Mall’s Artistic Creations to see his incredible work of fish printing.
When Anita picked me up from Ace’s (my family name for my sister) home, we had a plan on celebrating both our 40th birthdays at the Jewish Mother. My one birthday request was to hang out there for the guacamole and hummus, and then have a slice of spicy pizza from Chicho’s (aka Cho’s to us native “Block” busters). We had awesome fun in checking out the band Bimini Road, and of course becoming “Forty and Fabulous” was our mantra that night.
All in all this Knitting Pirate handled turning 40 pretty well. And I am loving that most folks cannot believe my age! =:8
Many thanks to DKM for sending this message to me. I just love the idea.
Dear BunFriends,
As you are all aware the rabbit blogosphere was severely saddened by the unfortunate passing of Hans. No one can be sadder than his mom, the highly esteemed Furry Butts. I propose to fill her aching heart with the all powerful bunny love bomb.
What: Mass surprise for Furry Butts with her favorite thing-photos of FURRY BUNNY BUTTS (big fun for all!)
When: this coming Thursday, July 30th, 2009
What: All participants, (and I understand if you can’t for any reason) post their blog with the title ” Furry Butts Fursday” and have as the photo (s) pictures of your rabbit’s furry butt.
Who: Anyone with a bunny blog or with furry bunny butts photos can participate.
Other: Please feel free to pass this on to anyone except FurryButts. In fact please do, I don’t seem to have Emails for a quite a few bun folks who I think would like to join in…….
If you have any questions or would like clarification, please write back!
All Best to Everyone and Everybun,
Diana
The Spots
and Amelia too
Nothing is ever as devastating as when someone you love dies in your arms. It happened with me when Hayley turned unexpectedly for the worst, and the last thing I remember were my screams that begged her not to leave me. As I tearfully re-live those last few minutes with her, in my remembrance and understanding, here is my entry for Hans. Please note that not all the photos are from my kiddos. The first is a photo that Shalyn shared with me when she adopted Lady Beastie from Sweet Binks Rabbit Rescue. A lucky shot of Sven was made during one of the SBRR Education seminars that he loves to participate in with his mom, the awesome Ellen. The others are the Sweet Binks rabbits that I photographed during the Sweet Binks Rabbit Rescue socialization sessions I volunteered to do once a week.
To Hans’ mother and the warren he left behind,
*bunny hugs*
=:8
Various life changes have had me captive for quite a while, so I offer my deepest apologies once again. When the air clears, I know many of you will understand why I have not been able to write. For now, I am going to play with another Facebook meme that Ericka from the “Armed with Pointy Sticks” blog had posted. Enjoy! =:8
65 Questions You’ve Probably Never Been Asked
You know the rules. Tag people in this note (including the person who tagged you!) to learn more about people. Also, try to tag people whom you have tagged in other notes. Sometimes you learn things in new notes that you did not know about them before.
1. First thing you wash in the shower? My hair
2. What color is your favorite hoodie? Grey
3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? Perhaps 
4. Do you plan outfits? Yes
5. How are you feeling RIGHT now? Mellow
6. What is the closest thing to you that’s red? My Ravelry “love(1)” tee shirt
7. Describe the last dream you remember having? I was filling up a vehicle so I could tow a boat. I then went across the gas station to get some food.
8. Did you meet anybody new today? Yes at both SOWA and WEBS
9. What are you craving right now? Umm… I fed the sweets craving with a Hostess Orange Cupcake. (GAH!! Yes, I know I am not supposed to have them.)
10. Do you floss? Nowhere near I should.
11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage? I have to agree with Ericka: “Cole slaw!”
12. Are you emotional? I often wear my heart on my sleeve.
13. Have you ever counted to 1,000? I am a knitter…
14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it? If in a bowl, I bite; if in a cone, I lick.
15. Do you like your hair? I love my hair — especially after growing it out in college.
16. Do you like yourself? Most of the time I do; but I want to improve in a lot of ways.
17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush? How much will you pay me?
18. What are you listening to right now? The Red Sox and Mariners game on NESN.
19. Are your parents strict? They were, but they also spoiled my sister and me too.
20. Would you go sky diving? Yes! And hopefully I will with Anita for her 40th birthday this year.
21. Do you like cottage cheese? Yes, with peaches
22. Have you ever met a celebrity? Yes. My favorite meeting was with Muhammad Ali during a high school basketball game. His attorney’s nephew attended the school we were playing against.
23. Do you rent movies often? Not that I am aware of.
24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you are in? My ring
25. How many countries have you visited? Does being born in Cuba count? Otherwise, I have been to Canada and Denmark (with a layover in the Netherlands at the Amsterdam airport).
26. Have you made a prank phone call? I was too shy to do anything like that.
27. Ever been on a train? Yes — commuter, passenger, and I have ridden in the cab of a diesel freight engine.
28. Brown or white eggs? Whatever is fresher.
29.Do you have a cell-phone? Yes
30. Do you use chap stick? The only lip balm I use is “Heal my Lips” which is chocolate mint.
31. Do you own a gun? Not anymore, probably in the future I will again.
32. Can you use chop sticks? Yes, but not as well as most folks.
33. Who are you going to be with tonight? Home and online with the bunnies.
34. Are you too forgiving? It depends on how upset I become because I generally never forget.
35. Ever been in love? Yes — truly, madly, and deeply.
36. What is/are your best friend(s) doing tomorrow? Living their lives with their families. My BFFs are not local. 
37. Ever have cream puffs? Oh yeah… YUM!
38. Last time you cried? When I was last happy.
39. What was the last question you asked? “Who’s hungry?” while I was feeding the bunnies their dinner
40. Favorite time of the year? Spring — the air seems crisp and new.
41. Do you have any tattoos? Not yet
42. Are you sarcastic? Playfully so, and only to those I adore.
43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect? Not interested
44. Ever walked into a wall? Once due to being distracted.
45. Favorite color? Too many to list, but not neons please!
46. Have you ever slapped someone? Yes, and also with an umbrella too.
47. Is your hair curly? No, but it gets wavy when it is chin length.
48. What was the last CD you bought? I bought 2 at the time: Aaron Copeland and Chris Isaak
49. Do looks matter? Yes, but only for my tastes.
51. Is your phone bill sky high? Not that I am aware of.
52. Do you like your life right now? It could be worse.
53. Do you sleep with the TV on? When I have a choice, no.
54. Can you handle the truth? I would rather be told the truth than led on with a false parry.
55. Do you have good vision? hehe… NO, especially at night.
56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people? I cannot imagine hating somebunny, but if a person rubs me the wrong way, I avoid him/her entirely.
57. How often do you talk on the phone? Daily
58. The last person you held hands with? My nephew during Mass
59. What are you wearing? Ravelry cranberry red “love(1)” tee, grey WRV zipped hoodie, khaki shorts, and hand knit Apple Lane’s Apple Pie socks in the Lucky colorway.
60.What is your favorite animal? hahahaha… BUNNIES!!
61. Where was your default picture taken? At my friend Eric’s apartment
62. Can you hula hoop? Barely, but at least I can.
63. Do you have a job? If doing work on Ravelry counts, yes. Otherwise I am searching the market.
64. What was the most recent thing you bought? Uh, no surprise — Yarn!
65. Have you ever crawled through a window? Yes
This past week was full of lovely goodness. I managed to file for unemployment, sort out some financial items, and get packages in the mail. The snow has melted substantially; enough that I could open the windows to release the stale house smells and to draw in fresh air. Adding the couple of WIPs (works in progress) turned into FOs (finished objects), and there appeared a hoppy bunny dancing away. My little warren however did not share the same enthusiasm and protested my loud steppings with obviously disapproving looks.
Introducing the packages, I begin with the much anticipated one from Jessica, aka BunnySquirrel on Ravelry. Hers was actually a replacement to the lost one she had sent in the mail early January. After three weeks, we realized the package became a no-show and she promptly pulled another set of goodies for me. This time, she added sugarless treats that would appeal to me and appease my doctor. Does Jess rock or what? 
Two more packages in the mail arrived to cheer me up. A while ago, I destashed some yarn to a delighted somebunny in Sweden. Recently Ulrika was out shopping and spied some bunny stickers and matching fabric. She promptly purchased and mailed them to me. I love how the blue stickers are identical to the red fabric. If looking closely, two different rabbits are hidden. (See them yet?) The other package contained another square of soft fabric — white rabbits playing with beach balls in the green grass. The Japanese print has a beautiful shine and I am going to need help on translating the label. Yumi or Hiroshi, help?
If there is one thing I have learned in life, it is refusing to settle and be content with whatever is handed to me if I want something better. I love applying one of my favorite quotes towards everything I desire: “A thought came to you for a reason. PURSUE it!” The energy required for that gusto can be taxing. For the past few months I relied on caffeine and unhealthy food as my fuel. Now I am paying for it after being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and outrageously high amounts of cholesterol. After being told to cut eggs, butter, and starch in my diet, I decided to create dishes without denying myself flavor. So here is the first of my spontaneous recipes that are more health-conscious and are guaranteed to delight one’s taste buds. Please note that the measurements are estimates. I like to toss items together until they “look right” to me. Bon appetit!
Coconut Shrimp
Ingredients
1/2 cup flake coconut (optional)
2-4 tablespoons olive or canola oil (or 1-3 tablespoons sesame oil)
1/2 – 3/4 cup minced onion
2 tablespoons garlic
2 tablespoons parsley
1/2 teaspoon red/cayenne pepper
1/2 -3/4 cup coconut rum
1 pound of 31-40 peeled and deveined shrimp
pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
Toast the coconut by spreading it on a non-stick cookie sheet and baking in the oven according to package instructions. Set aside. Heat a 12-inch or larger skillet, tossing the oil, onion, garlic, and parsley. Adding cayenne, rum and shrimp, begin simmering on medium heat. When the liquid has reduced to half, add red pepper flakes and toasted coconut. Start watching the skillet contents because the shrimp will begin to caramelize due to the rum. When that happens, serve immediately with a favorite salad or side dish. =:8
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