The other day I was going around the house picking things up in preparation for vacuuming, I saw something that looked like a flat bluish jellybean lying on the floor. I picked it up; it was a little squishy. I turned it over and saw some little dark red lines running up the sides. Then I saw that there was … a round thing … at the end … that was … the same … color … EWWWW! A tick, turgid with blood. Ew, ew, ew, ew.

We were sure to give the dogs their flea and tick treatment this weekend.

I made myself a dress this weekend. It's purple and looks kind of like a kimono from the waist up. It was a lot of fun. I've got patterns and fabric for two others, and once I'm done I'll put some pictures up. I wanted to have some more nice clothing besides skirts and blouses, but dresses I find in the store never fit properly. If I make them, I can adjust the pattern to fit. For this one, I cut along different size lines depending on the location, and I had to make the sleeves larger.

I wore it to work today, which was sort of odd. Obviously since I work with all men, no one else wears dresses to work, so it feels very different than just wearing jeans with my cool electrical engineering shirt or my matlab shirt.

I had a good time with my parents and Cullam when they were up here Saturday. Cullam got 11th place in his contest (at least that's what we're calling it, since there were only 10 awards given out). He wasn't too disappointed, though, and seemed to think he'd be trying it again next year with a little more practice under his belt.

I went and did a name report today. I don't really believe in this kind of stuff, but it was eerily accurate. Here it is.

Your name of Raina gives you a very idealistic but passive outlook on life. You desire culture and all the refinements of life but you are inclined to live in your dreams. Although you would like to do many things, procrastination undermines your accomplishment and success in life. You do not like to create issues and will do anything to avoid a conflict. Making decisions is difficult for you without the support and approval of others. This name gives you a very sensitive nature, making you feel much that you do not understand. Your feelings are easily hurt, at which times you are inclined to withdraw and become uncommunicative. Although you desire the friendship and association of others, you find it difficult to express your thoughts through the spoken word, and others find you hard to get to know. It is much more natural for you to express your deeper thoughts in writing. Inner tension can deplete your physical vitality. You are inclined to indulge in rich foods that lack proper nourishment. The physical weaknesses due to this name centre in the heart and respiratory organs, and in the fluid functions.

I did some other people I know, and they were totally off, so I'm relieved to know that my personality isn't controlled by my name