kmcaine

I have been: a drone in Corporate America, a mathematics graduate student, a middle and high school mathematics teacher, an adjunct instructor at a university (Mathematics and Math Education).

I am now: in Germany while my husband participates in a year-long mathematical research program.

While in Germany I am: trying to learn German, see as many sights as I can, reconnect with all of my craft ideas.

What do I craft: Almost Anything. I have very little ability to portray accurate depictions of people or objects so I like impressionistic water colors, making books, scrapbooking, KNITTING, polymer clay, etc.

Favorites: Blue, purple, brown. I'm especially into the brown/sky blue combination. I used to have two walls in my bedroom painted a bright sky blue ... I miss it. Paper -- particularly textured papers and hand-made (but acid free) papers. Cats ... and other animals but I really miss my two black cats (one that died shortly before we came here and the other is living with a family in Tucson until I get back to the U.S.). Vanilla scented things.

Dislikes/Allergies: There are very few colors I dislike. On paper I really do like everything. On my person, I don't do very well with Autumn color combinations. I am allergic to lavender. I make a point of saying this since I love purple and many purple scented things have lavender in them.

Needs: I have lived in California (Bay Area) and Tucson Arizona for the past 13 years. So I don't have very many winter clothes. This is a great excuse for me to get knitting. My wool-lined trench coat is hunter green and I have no hats, scarves, gloves, etc to go with this.

I love historical fiction. I have read many historical fiction books taking place in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. I've read one or two taking place in France but I've never read an historical fiction book that takes place in Germany. Since that is where I'm living now, I would love suggestions of titles.

I also like mysteries ... my step mother has gotten me hooked on the Elizabeth George books.

For the most part, I read newish general fiction. My favorite book this year (so far) has been "The Time Traveler's Wife." The library here in Bonn has a fairly large English language section ... but I think I'm going to be fairly out of date with my new fiction when I return home.

At least once a year I sit down on a rainy weekend and read Pride and Prejudice. I didn't bring it with me (for space reasons) so I'm thrilled to see that the library has a copy.

Law and Order (original); Heroes; Lost; Rachel Ray's 30 Minute Meals; HGTV decorating shows; Mythbusters;Gilmore Girls; Buffy the Vampire Slayer; The orignal Martha Stewart Living show (before she went to Jail); The Daily Show; Friends; Sex and the City; ...

In general I like television. When I am at home, I tend to have it on ... an old movie or HGTV or something ...while I putz around the house. I can't do that with German television (my language abilities are not that good yet). So I've turned to podcasts.