Five-fer Friday

Ok, just for shiggles, I have decided to do some day-of-the-week-themed blog posts. I will implement "Five-fer Fridays" which will include a random list of 5 things (and really, who doesn't love alliteration?). You will have to tune in each week to find out what that list is about.

Today's Five-fer Friday is "Things I want to do this summer"

1. Learn to knit--I have been wanting to learn to knit for awhile. I tried to buy a "teach yourself" kit thingy and absolutely could not figure out what they wanted me to do. And in the spirit of being honest, it was a kit for CHILDREN. And still...I'm like "wha?" I think it comes down to me being a visual learner so I need someone to show me what to do. There are a couple of yarn places I know of that offer classes, so this summer I'm signing up! And for the next year or so all gifts will be: a scarf (that I knitted myself, of course)! I don't care if my brother lives in south Florida and has no need for a scarf. He is getting a scarf for his birthday AND Christmas (which are 3 days apart).
2. Go berry picking--I don't even care what kind of berries: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, whatever! I haven't been berry picking since I was in high school (ie-the 1990's). Back when I was really young, there was a strawberry patch behind the local library branch near my parents house (which, years later was turned into a Walmart and then a SuperWalmart). I have memories about picking strawberries there. And what's nice about berry picking, you get to pick what berries you want (no...I only want FREAKISHLY LARGE strawberries, thanks). Plus, most places are ok with you sampling as you pick. Good times.
3. Get back into rock climbing--I went rock climbing for a bit waaay back in the day. I really enjoyed it and was able to do some really fun climbs (although they were supervised by professionals who know what they are doing and not just, you know, me in the great outdoors left to my own devices). While I am nowhere near ready to go on my own and climb, I wanted to at least get back into the sport and work on my technique at a nice, indoor rock wall. There is one in the next town over and they do offer a student discount. So I'll need to mosey on over and get back to climbing!
4. Bake weekly--I used to LOVE all things cooking. But, long story short, a situation caused me to loathe it about the time I started grad school. I didn't want to cook. Period. I am pretty good about cooking at home now, but I would really like to get back into baking regularly since my skills have gone a bit to the wayside. A few years back my parents got me a Kitchenaid stand mixer (unfortunately it's white and not a fun color...) as well as a set of nice mixing bowls in a range of sizes for a birthday. Currently I only use my Kitchenaid about 3-4 times per year. That needs to change! I will try to post pictures and recipes (as well as any sources for my recipes for those who tend to me a little militant about their copyrighted recipes....) of my successes. My first attempt is going to be Apple and Honey Muffins. If anyone has any recipes suggestions, let me know. Also, if anyone who knows me in person wants me to bake something so that I can bring them some, I'm game.
5. Thoroughly clean my apartment--I tend to be a hoarder. I will hold onto stuff for eons. It was so bad I actually had boxes (yes, plural, I would guess in the range of 6-7 large boxes) of crap that stayed nice and sealed in their boxes that just got moved from place to place. I have already begun the purging process somewhat over the past 2 years. But it's really not getting that much better. I have so much stuff that I think it's mating in my closet. For instance, a few weeks ago I was cleaning out a LARGE storage bin filled with various beauty products...including lotions that I have been holding onto since like 1997. Yeah. I'm sure I can throw away a half-used bottle of 11-yr old lotion. I currently have two large boxes filled with clothing and various useful things that I just don't need or want anymore (that I will be taking to Goodwill). So I'm at least started on the process. I just need to finish it by the end of the summer (Labor Day weekend).