Swappity goodness

A few weeks ago, I signed up for something I said I’d never do. It was a decision I wrestled with but, in the end, I decided to just go for it. I participated in my first swap!

Casey at Casey’s Musings was organizing this swap, and I really liked the idea. She called it “Creative Cacophony,” and to be in it you only had to send someone a mix cd of songs that make you feel creative. This idea appealed to me so much; I love making mix tapes. (Yes, I know it’s a cd, but I’ll always call it a mix tape.) I put together a mix of most happy, mostly female sung songs for my partner, Marcy, and knitted up a little cd cozy for it.

A few days later I received the package from Marcy, and holy creativity, Batman! Look at this package, it’s just gorgeous!

The package was wrapped so beautifully, and the contents didn’t disappoint. Marcy included a delicious Black Cat candy bar, which was quite possibly the best chocolate bar I’ve ever had. Dark chocolate + espresso = oh my. It was wrapped in a pretty clipping from an Anthropologie catalog.

Even the cd jackets were gorgeous! I’ve listened to both mixes through several times, and the music is fantastic. There are a lot of artists that I’ve been meaning to check out, so it was perfect. Thanks, Marcy! You rock.

The soothing nature of the cds definitely came in handy, as I’ve been trying to sew. The key word here is trying, as I’m running into some issues. I’m a newbie seamstress at best, and this was supposed to be the Mother’s Day gift for my mom and J’s, but alas. The thread keeps bunching up on the back of the fabric, and I honestly am at a loss. I’ve checked the bobbin, checked the manual, checked the trouble shooting section in my noob sewing guide and, seriously, I’ve whacked the machine about twenty times in frustration. Can anyone help? Marcy, I’m looking at you. (Seriously, go look at Marcy’s blog. She is so creative, and her sewing? Just lovely.)

And now for something random: Amidst all this frustration, I’ve been biking to work a few days a week, and I love it. Last night we saw Iron Man, and it was so good. I really love summer blockbuster season. I also love that Robert Downey Jr. Also, I’m heading to a new craft night tonight. Also? Haircut!

I was trying to grow it out for the wedding, but then I remembered that I hate my hair long. It seemed silly to suffer for a year, and then wear it up (which makes me look like a first class goober anyway). So, so long, long hair! I’m going for a classic 40’s, retro screen siren look for the wedding (can I do that?), and I figure some pin curls or something and I’m set.

In other news: we get married ONE YEAR FROM TODAY. Words can’t describe how excited we both are. I wish it were tomorrow.