Kind of addicting: USA Today and TV Guide Crossword Puzzles. I like that you can fill them out online or print them out to work on.

I've admired all the crafty girls making their own beaded jewelry for ages. I got a set of wire tools over the holidays and cranked out a few first attempts this weekend using a mix of purple glass beads. It's been interesting, and more importantly a perfect excuse to stay out of the rain that's been falling for the past three days straight (what happened to sunny so-cal?). Photos of the necklaces here.

I fell in love with this crocheted necklace and wanted to try making my own. I've got some kinks to work out (bead colors, different wire, clasps, etc), but I like it. And, it isn't difficult to make at all! See some in progress photos here.

My goal for this year, along with continuing to follow my diet, is to take up running. I've always been fascinated at the stamina of runners, but never really felt motivated enough to take it up until now. As mentioned previously, I've started out slowly... varying my usual workout to a combo of running and walking.

I read this great article called Running 101 that breaks down into a 10 week program to get you started. Seems simple enough, and is similar to what I've been doing so far (short bursts of running every few minutes). I'm starting this program tonight, since it's a more structured plan. Hopefully by the end of the 10 weeks I'll see improvements and be able to run 20 minutes solid, without passing out!

Photos of the twisted knit wrap pattern from Lion Brand I mentioned previously. I frogged some yarn from a previous poncho attempt and reused it for this quick project.

I've been on a roll with knitting lately. Since last updating this dead blog, I completed my mystery drop stitch wrap and the Lion Brand twisted wrap. I've got so many projects I want to start, where to begin? Socks maybe?