Project Updates:

Since I last checked in:

• My new bike has brakes. I was able to figure out how to get the handlbars on and the brake cables.housings installed. Thank you internet.
• I went to a dinner party on Wednesday. I made Chocolate Tofu pie. This time I did it the low-budget way. If you want to go all out get the expensive chocolate ( 75% is good) and use raw cocoa nibs and almonds in the crust instead of cookies.
• My car is back after a week of being stuck with the rental. The total damage, front and rear $1400. Hopefully I will get some of that back when my insurance company either declares this an uninsured driver case or finds the loser that ran off.
• I finished the Xmas presents. I made wish boxes. Unfortunately we had a shift in weather and the spray paint didn't cure for as long as I hoped.
  
• Pet sitting: Giant dog and hefty cat. After a few days of hair and dander, my allergies couldn't take it any more. I was sick for 2 days. Lucky for me, the owner of the hefty cat had a ton of dvds to me to watch while I was couch bound (Batman Begins, O Brother Where Art Thou, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and Ratatouille)
  
• I made a dress. Today I was feeling better so I made yet another black dress to sit in my closet.

• Scavenge for the following bike parts at Yellow Bike, Frankenbike, or Cl: ss crankset, bottom bracket, those brake line threaders that screw into the bike frame, reflectors, a rack for the back of the bike.
• Make more dumplings. This time with roasted pumpkin seeds and chevre.
• Write up my review of the year. 2008 is almost over.
  

 Crust (cookies, nuts,...anything that can be crumbled and spread into a
pie pan...)
1 cup chopped almonds (toasted)
3 chocolate almond oatmeal cookies

Filling
2 containers silken tofu
2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
3tbs cocoa powder

Preparation
(crust)Pulse cookies and toasted almonds in food processor
Press mixture into the bottom of a greased pie pan

(filling) Melt chocolate and let cool.  Place tofu and cocoa powder in
blender or food processor and blend until  uniform.  Add melted chocolate.
Blend until uniform.  Pour into crust and chill until firm.

Since I last checked in:

• Yet another trip to the peddler (you guys rock). My wheels were in so I brought in my mixte so it could be assembled. I also brought the working bike to ask which parts could be salvaged. I could use the handlebar stem and some of the misc. hardware. The rest will go to Yellow Bike or will be sold on Craigslist. I was hoping to leave with tires, tubes, a seatpost, brake line, and a freewheel. Unfortunately, the tires and freewheel were out of stock. I will need to make another trip.
• M and I went to fancy dinner last night. Atleast a few times a year we go out and splurge on an expensive meal (appetizers, wine, entree, and sometimes dessert). We went to the Good Knight. French comfort food (yes, there were veggie friendly options). The stuff that should have been on the menu at Bess when M worked there.
  
• More baking.
• Boot returning. My skinny ankles are hard to fit.
• I took my car to the shop to have the hit-and-run damage fixed. Since they have to keep the car for 2 weeks I decided to have the dent on the rear bumper addressed. All of this for a grand total of $1400.
• Meg and I saw my cat in the backyard on Sunday. He has been MIA since May and he suddenly reappeared. He ran off again though. Hopefully he's happy wherever he ended up.
• I saw Milk. If you get the chance you should check it out.
  

• Scavenge for the following bike parts at Yellow Bike, Frankenbike, or Cl: ss crankset, bottom bracket, those brake line threaders that screw into the bike frame, reflectors, a rack for the back of the bike.
• Finish making xmas presents.
• Make more dumplings. This time with roasted pumpkin seeds and chevre.
  

So my mom sent me an email asking if I had any contributions for the Family Xmas letter. I wonder if I can get away with a bulleted list. If so, here is what happened since the last letter...

1. I started the bicycle project (I have reached the reassembly phase)
   


2. Another year of volunteering at SXSW
3. Still teaching classes as FirstSamples
4. Louis (my cat) is gone. He disappeared in May and hasn't returned.
5. I participated in the Little Black Dress Contest
6. I survived my first Fashion Show
7. Volunteered at the Swap-o-rama-rama at Maker Faire.