Progress: #19. Get married

• License: ✔ 
• Hilarity: ✔

Original goal list posted here

Progress: #19. Get married

I guess I wasn't done yet, because I just made all these rustic table markers. I'm quite pleased.

Original goal list posted here

Progress: #19. Get married

The day's work:

Am I allowed to be amazed by my own skills of organization here? Because I am.

Also a magical thing happened and we got an extra round table because we aren't having a head table because we don't have a wedding party because screw pomp and circumstance. So. We are set -- and magically so! It is going to be a good night.

Original goal list posted here

Progress: #19. Get married

I have a newfound appreciation for how much work this becomes. Fortunately, I am a crafter, so it is definitely mostly a labour of love, but the logistical details over which I have no control get frustrating.

For instance, today I am revising all the seating because we realized we have too many people for our first choice round tables unless some people sit entirely by themselves at tables, so back to the drawing board, before I can even think about making table number pieces or a seating chart for display.

This is also particularly difficult when some people haven't bothered to (a) RSVP, or (b) answer my direct inquiries of whether or not they are coming. I'm going to just go ahead and assume that's a no, but, for reference: This really messes with people's plans. Don't do this.

I'm also making the (presumed) rest of the place cards and wedding favours today. I'm so glad it is the March Break because between this, a flu, marking, report cards, and preparing for a symposium at which I'm presenting 3 days after my wedding (which has involved seeking parental permission to interview students, interviewing students, and reading multiple books on inclusive education and autism -- and that's not even to mention the PowerPoint and how things will even be organized), I'm so pressed for time. It's all good, though, mostly. My life is moving in a direction I want and I am making that happen.

This week we also have to meet with our officiant and our venue to give final numbers / seating / payment / plans. Geoff will also be going to pick up our wedding license.

We can do this.

We can do this.



Original goal list posted here

Completed: #8. Use my 3Doodler

I had as Amber-esque a "bachelorette" as it gets, which consists of my little sister planning and driving, my mom cooking, my older sister bundling up her little ones, and two good friends bringing love and laughs as we all gather together in a mansion of a cottage with rescue animals on site. We made a lot of crafts.

My little sister taught me how to make my first dreamcatcher. Here it is:

I loved the process and want to get better at them. However, I am on a big buy-nothing-except-essentials-and-experiences kick, so I scavenged my studio upon arriving home for any hoops I could repurpose. It was to no avail.

During the search, I also stumbled upon my old boxed 3Doodler (coincidentally a gift from the same sister) and figured this would be a perfect opportunity to learn to use it. As the hoops will be covered in the dreamcatcher anyway, they do not need to be artistic yet -- just functional (and it's a good thing).

I traced out circular shapes on parchment paper, and tried all three types of plastic: PLA, FLEXY, ABS. PLA is best for the environment, so I started there. I couldn't figure it out. That is the disasterous pile at the left of the photo below. I'll endeavour again once I get more skilled. All videos tell me that the 3Doodler has a steep learning curve.

I moved on to FLEXY and made a small and medium-sized hoop. They were easy. I moved on to ABS and made a slightly larger hoop. 

FLEXY was by far the most user-friendly.

Someday I want to make something pretty, but at least this got me using the pen for now.

Now off to make another dreamcatcher before I forget how!

Original goal list posted here

Progress: #37. Plant berries or fruit trees

TreeMobile just opened for orders and I decided to purchase red grapes, raspberries and strawberries to be delivered to, and planted in, my backyard this April. Get ready for lots of jam. (Also, if you live in Toronto or Guelph, you need to check out this wonderful organization. Quickly. While supplies last.)

Original goal list posted here

Progress #5. Go greener

I killed my aloe plant. I didn't realize none of the water seemed to be evaporating or draining in the cold, so giving a little water bi/weekly was too much and I didn't realize until the spikes started getting soft at the base and drooping over.

I'm sorry, little guy, and I won't let your life be in vain. I have turned you into conditioner. I scooped out the aloe and mixed it with melted coconut oil. I'll give it a go tomorrow.

I made six jars of soy milk with the last of my soybeans in my SoyaBella. I have tried to make use of my leftover ground soy beans through a few dehydrator concoctions: crackers, plain dehydrated bean paste to rehydrate for stews and soups. However, nothing has worked palatably besides... cookies. Yep. I mix them with oatmeal and/or gluten-free flour, ground flax, soy milk/water, organic cane sugar/maple syrup, cinnamon, and nutmeg. I set to the highest setting for about 12 hours, turning halfway through. They are ugly, but tasty -- especially when warm. I can't say the same of anything else I've tried to make with ground soy beans. Blech.

Lastly, I roasted 2 pounds of Ethiopian Harrar beans. For awhile, I was selling small samples to friends -- mostly because I wanted people to taste artisanal coffee that was lovingly roasted. However, I think people are just content to love bad coffee instead. Not me, man. I've been trying to live off a big gross bag of dark roast Starbucks beans that I got in a Bunz trade and I'm losing my mind. 

These ones are all for me (unless I decide to take some for my pre-wedding lady party weekend. Coincidentally, these are my fellow ladies with coffee tastes of niche and delicacy. Hm.) I just need these beans to have their due appreciation.

I've been trying to replicate my favourite Ethiopian roast from De Mello Palheta, because their roasts are seasonal and I don't want to be without a suitable replacement. I read that Harrar has a reputation for having the strongest blueberry tasting notes. Here's hoping.

(PS: This saved dill pickle jar, washed thrice, is the perfect fit for 1lb of roasted beans.)

Original goal list posted here