About this blog . . .

Hmm . . . what should I tell you?  I am an extremely fortunate person with a great husband, two dogs, and a job that I love.  I started this blog to share the various things that I like to do for fun!  The title, "Arizona Renaissance Woman", is not meant to imply that I am an expert at all of these things!  I'm just poking a little fun at the fact that I have a ridiculous amount of interests.  I always have waaaaaay too many projects going.  I can't say I've never left one unfinished, but I usually see them through - for better or for worse!  I also live in Arizona (for now, anyway - more on that later), and I thought a cactus would look cool on my blog.  So.  There's that, too.

So laugh, learn (either what to do or what NOT to do), commiserate, shake your head in disbelief . . . whatever!  Here are a few of the things you can read about if you follow my blog:

• I love to cook.  Seriously.  Especially if it's a complicated recipe - I'm IN!!

• I've been making beer for a few years now.  Nothing large scale - just 5 gallon batches in buckets.  They're usually pretty drinkable . . . yeah.  I've only have bottles blow up once or twice (early on).

• I like to preserve and can things.  I love vinegar and salt, and I think pickling improves SO many things.  Just think about it - would you rather have plain green beans or pickled hot green beans.  ???  I know, right?!?!  It's also fun to make mustard and jam, and other random things in jars.  I want to try sauerkraut soon . . . 

• I like to cross stitch.  I think cross stitching is the hobby that officially has the slowest potential progress per given level of exertion.  Let's SEW pixels, everyone!!!  :)  Subversive cross stitch patterns crack me up, and I can't promise I won't post any . . . 

• I just started quilting.  O.O.  Why?  Well, I spent most of the spring of 2015 deeply involved in a musical called Quilters (as a result of the above-mentioned job that I love).  After the musical and the spring semester was over, I bought a sewing machine I had no business buying and just dove in.   

• I like running, hiking, and other outdoor fitness opportunities.  Good thing, since BEER and FOOD figure quite prominently in my life . . .  At this point, I've done four full marathons, a bunch of half marathons, and some intense day hikes.  I just don't know any better.

• I can't promise I won't add to this list.  I like doing . . . stuff.  All kinds of stuff.  If you're like me, please read on and enjoy!