My 100th Post!!!!

In honor of my 100th post...I am going to give away some yarn...



Two skeins of Handpainted Originals by Brown Sheep (70% Mohair and 30% wool)...very soft...



and two skeins of Mandarin Petit (100%cotton)...for my Vegan friends...sock yarn perhaps....

I haven't quite decided what I want to do with this contest...so, I am going to need a little time to think...so, while I am thinking...you can go ahead and read 100 Random Facts about Me!!!

1. I have four children
2. I have four boys
3. I buy a lot of milk
4. My oldest will be 22 in December
5. My youngest is 15
6. Two in college, two in high school
7. I kept trying for a girl
8. I am licensed to teach grades 5-12 in Middle school and Secondary mathematics in both Minnesota and Wisconsin
9. I love Math because there is a right answer and a wrong answer...no grey area
10. I struggle with random
11. I am more than a little anal
12. I think anal and non random are good traits in a math teacher
13. I hate Geometry
14. I am teaching Geometry this year
15. I worked for 8 years as a special education paraprofessional
16. I have a minor in Special Education
17. I went back to college at age 36
18. College was the hardest thing I have done
19. I was married for 15 years
20. I have been divorced for 8 and a half years
21. I am sad about not ever having a 25th wedding anniversary...weird, huh?
22. I have been with my current love for 8 years
23. I have been engaged for four years...don't ask.
24. I love what my life has changed into from where it has been
25. I am half Hawaiian
26. I have never been to Hawaii
27. My biological father lives on the island of Maui
28. I met my biological father for the first time in St Louis, Missouri, during the summer of 2004
29. I am the oldest of five children
30. Our names are in alphabetical order (Alaina, Benita, Corina, Darren, and Erica)
31. I live in the house I grew up in
32. One of my four grandparents are still alive
33. I can still stand on my head (how's that for random)
34. My all time favorite TV show was Knots Landing
35. My eyes are dark brown to the point of almost being black
36. I cry at weddings
37. Little House on the Prairie is always good for a good cry
38. I can't sing
39. I would love to play guitar..but think I am tone deaf
40. I hate being cold
41. Did I mention how cold it gets here in January?
42. Spring is my favorite season
43. My birthday is March 29
44. I was almost 8 months old when President JFK was shot
45. I don't remember President JFK being shot
46. I remember when Elvis died
47. I don't like Elvis...(go ahead send me hate mail)
48. I grew up on a farm
49. I have watched piglets, calves, colts, kittens, and puppies all being born
50. I have seen a chicken lay an egg and held it while it was still soft
51. I know how to drive a tractor, a bull dozer, and an excavator
52. I am scared of the dark
53. I hate spiders
54. My favorite holiday is Christmas
55. I hate Halloween (again...go ahead...hate mail)
56. I was raised Catholic
57. Catholicism doesn't like the idea of divorce
58. I am raising my children Catholic
59. I have no idea where I am going to get married when the time comes...2010
60. I played basketball, volleyball and golf in High school
61. I spent a lot of time on the end of the bench during High School
62. I have friends that I have known for 34 years
63. I like to get dressed up, use my good table cloth, china and candles for every holiday
64. I am a little stubborn...thought I would put that way down here...since I am sure everybody has just scrolled pass all of this nonsense...to get to the contest
65. I count some of my sisters among my best friends...
66. Cats..not dogs
67. Chocolate... not vanilla
68. Dark... not light
69. I put chocolate syrup on anything I think I can get away with
70. I could stand to lose 15 to 20 pounds...okay...maybe closer to 20...
71. I've thought about adopting a daughter...from China...
72. I learned to crochet from my Grandmother
73. I taught myself to knit
74. I wish I was more organized
75. My first car was a 1975 Saab painted baby blue
76. I want to own a Saab convertible, black....
77. I took Swing Dance lessons...am not very good...lack of coordination...see #61
78. I was 5'8" in 6th grade
79. I have never watched a hockey game.
80. I know very little about football in spite of 3 sons playing...tight end??? sounds sexual to me
81. I graduated from High School in 1981...Didn't that work out nicely...
82. I once dreamed about being a professional photographer
83. I have all of the equipment to set up a dark room...just haven't made room in the basement...see #52 and #53
84. My middle name is Marie
85. I was named after the song Maria Elena
86. The legal spelling of my name doesn't have an "i" in it...I added that so people /professors would pronounce my name correctly at college...and kept it
87. My confirmation name is Theresa
88. I love being a mom
89. My favorite comfort food is hot homemade soup - preferably any cream soup
90. My favorite local band is Rock-a-Billy Revue
91. I don't drink...just didn't like how I felt when I did...nothing religious or weird or anything
92. I don't smoke
93. I've colored my hair since I was 29
94. I use to read a lot...not so much any more
95. I believe in love at first sight and happily ever after.
96. I believe we are all put on this earth for a reason and we need to make a positive impact on the lives around us
97. I believe there is good in all people
98. I believe in the power of prayer
99. I believe in the importance of investing time and energy in children
100. I am happy with the person I am and the life I have created for myself and my children

Whew!!!! That's not an easy thing to type or read

Now, for those of you who skipped the 100 facts and found the contest...

Here goes:

I want to know three things:

1. What is your all time favorite knitting book?
2. What finished project are you the most proud of... and... of course, why?
(Pictures worth extra entry)
3. Whose blog do you read daily and why?

Answering all three questions will get you one entry.
Showing me a picture will get you another entry.
Linking to my contest will get you yet another entry.

Easy as Pi (you know, 3.14159265358979323846....hee hee, just a little math humor)

I will make a numbered list of all the entries and use my TI-83 to randomly choose a number amongst the number of entries...first picked will get first choice, second number picked will get left over skeins.

I will draw for the number on Thursday night, September 6 at 6:00 my time.

I am looking forward to hearing about your projects and some great books to add to my library...

Hey.....thanks for sticking around...I appreciate it.

Hello??? Anybody still reading...

Or... Where?..oh...where is Alaina???

Well, I went on a mini trip with The Man...a romantic get away...just the two of us...fun and sun...here is a picture of our hotel/motel. Guess where we went??? Maybe I should make that part of my contest...hmmm???



And... a random picture of me taken by my children...thrown in for shits and giggles...




I did manage to finish my socks last week at some point...





I am really happy with how they turned out and will definitely buy more of the Bamboo and do another pair - and it seemed to go much quicker working both socks simultaneously. And when I was done with one...I was done with both...how cool...

Lots of stuff going on in my life...As of last Thursday morning, the other math teacher that the district had hired accepted a job in another district. (No, they had not signed a contract with our district) consequently, my district was scrambling to hire another Math teacher this late in the game...solution...hire a elementary teacher (licensed through 8th grade and have he/she teach 9th grade on a variance...)

And how does that affect me, you ask...well, I taught Junior high...so, I was bumped to Senior High math - because I am licensed 5-12th grade. Which means all of my prepared lesson plans are now useless. I am going to be teaching Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calulus and Calculus. It's going to be all good.

I have been spending a lot of time a school trying to get prepared...at this point, open house is tomorrow night and my room is done - haven't gotten to any lesson plans, yet...tomorrow....I've been spending a lot of time with the teacher that was hired on Friday - brand new...young...I'm trying to make this as easy as possible for her...

On to knitting news...I did finish a whole dishcloth on our drive to our destination...(major hint...we drove there...) and I cast on my next project while we were sitting poolside...I can't just lay in the sun...I get too bored...here I am knitting in bulky wool...sitting poolside...anyways, I am making a new felted purse for myself... more pictures to come on that...

Here are pictures of the yarn I am offering for my 100th post contest....More to come on that another day...





As much as I would love to spend a couple hours online...I have to go to bed...I can see this "job business" is going to put a serious damper on my blogging time.

I have taken a minute here and there at work to check a couple of you out and see what you're doing - just haven't taken the time to comment..

I'll be back...contest to follow...promise....

Oh..in case you're wondering Kim..no, I didn't get married on that romantic get away...

Procrastination....

I just realized that I have today, tomorrow and Monday before I have to be back to work...(Teacher workshop days begin on Tuesday)

How the hell am I ever going to get everything done that I planned on doing this summer????

Here's what is on the list:

1. Paint, wallpaper, change out sink, counter top in upstairs bathroom.
2. Paint dining area and kitchen.
3. Touch up paint job in living room...carpet installer scuffed walls.
4. Tear off and re-roof house, breezeway and garage. (I'm not kidding)
5. Really clean and organize basement.
6. Boys downstairs bathroom.
7. Garage - would be nice to park a car in it.

Hmmm....I don't think it's going to happen...

I must say - it was a very relaxing summer - as evident by the lack of work I accomplished. Although I did get a lot of knitting done. It's all good.

Dish Rag Tag

Here's a picture of what I got from Jen. An awesome dishcloth - I am not sure of the pattern she used...Jen?...a set of cute stitch markers and two skeins of yarn.


Close up shot of the fun dishcloth.

I chose to use the variegated - cause I like watching a pattern slowly emerge as I knit.


I did a very simple seed stitch pattern...nothing fancy...quick and functional...that's me.


I included some goodies and sent it on it's way to Kathi in Washington.

I also have a progress picture of my socks...



Stop over at Learn to Knit Socks. There are some awesome things happening over there....amidst much talent and squeals of delight... heels are turning...left and right... (that is almost poetic...not bad for a Math teacher) hee hee

I noticed I am at post #97 or something like that...am thinking I'll have to host my very first contest to celebrate my 100th post. Stay tuned to this channel for updates as they become available.

I'm it...

I got the box today....am now knitting my little heart out....go! go! go!!!!



I'll show you what I got and what I sent after I have the box mailed....

So much going on...

I apologize to Kelly for not posting my package sooner. It was one of those weekends...

Friday...Step daughter and boyfriend arrived in town from Sioux Falls. Jeremy and Andy took off for cabin weekend with their father and Chris. Nathan had to work and then a birthday party over-nighter...and it was Fair Weekend. We went to the Fair and watched the amateur talent show - was fun - walked around...and of course, bought miniature doughnuts.

Saturday...Left the house at 8:00 am, loaded to the gills (no, not me.. the car) to bring Andy back to college. For all you moms out there...if you have dropped a child off at college - you know what I went though...if you haven't crossed that bridge yet in your life...well, I'll be here for you when you do.

We drove 4 hours south - most of it in rain and construction with our view definetly obstructed by all the shit stuff he brought back. We unloaded said stuff in pouring rain...tried to make some resemblant of home out of a cold, cramped dorm room.

Up to this point...I was all about organizing, mothering, and all that...then...

The moment of taking your child in your arms for a final hug and kiss on the cheek...as you get in your car and drive away...well, that's when it kinda went soggy. I kept it together enough to minimize it to a "dainty cry" (silent tears running down cheek) as compared to the "ugly cry" (I know you know the cry I'm talking about.)...that happened after my son was out of sight...on the four hour drive home...alone.

I miss him terribly.

Looky...looky...

Look what arrived at my house on Friday....

My Dog Days of Summer package!


Here's what I found - As I opened the box - look at all that pink...how fun!! and...the most luscious smell met my nose - How cool...



After much oohhhs and aaahhhs and many "how cool"...I found all of these wonderful, wonderful treats.



Let me clarify for you what wondrous goodies were in my box - I know the picture is a bit shady....


I have a gorgeous fun dishrag in a rose color depicting the fun of summer flip flops (remember we can't call them thongs any longer)



A nummy (yes, that is a word) smelling bar of soap from Blessed Juno, three skeins of Peaches & Cream (pale blue, mint green and mocha swirl), a Yankee candle scented Peach & Sweet berries (how summery is that??)..and did I mention I LOVE Yankee candles?

...on with the list...a "Cosmos Grow Kit"...can't wait to pot that up and put in my classroom...a jeweled mint tin in bright rose colors...(this woman knows how to coordinate her colors).. a package of twizzlers (watermelon flavor)...a gorgeous Yankee candle plate/holder...Did I mention how much I love Yankee Candles?...Three chocolate flavored pops - How did she know I live for chocolate????..an adorable polka-dotted post-it notepad...and an entire book of dishrag patterns..Garden Dishcloths to Knit... summery and so fun...I can't wait to try out some of those patterns.

Ohh...last but certainly not least...she sent me a Gourmet Cheesecake (Strawberry Supreme)..well, I have to make it...but still, how cool is that? I just have to add cream cheese or cool whip and sour cream and pour into a graham cracker crust...How fun!!!

I have been utterly spoiled!! Thank you, thank you Kelly!! I absolutely love it all and you went above and beyond!!!!

Another Contest...

Hop on over to Jean's Blog, she's holding a contest. Make sure you tell her that I sent ya!

A big change

Well, what do you think? I did it...color and major cut...I am still in the "I'm not too sure stage"...I am not sure about the flip out on the ends...seems a little too "Mrs. Brady" for me...

I have no hair left....seriously...I have no hair!!!

Contest...

Go over and check out Rachel's Contest.

She wants to know:
1) Of my finished projects (see list on her blog), which one(s) do you like the best (everything included, not just knitting).

I really like the Oak Leaf Gourd and the Felted baby booties and hat. Her gourds are gorgeous...Try saying that fast...LOL


2) Of all the actual photography pics that I've posted, which one(s) are your favorite?

I am loving the Sunset in the Mirror picture. It is awesome....

3) List 3 of your favorite books (NOT restricted to fiction).

My favorite books...hmmm...as far as knitting...I am really liking One Skein Projects by Leigh Radford. I like reading Chicken Soup for the Soul for an uplift as needed...and my favorite just fun reading would have to be November of the Heart by LaVyrle Spencer

4) List 2 of your favorite knitting/craft blogs that I don't already have listed on my blogroll.

I really enjoy Jodie's blog and Becky's blog ...among many other's that you already have listed....

Ohh - and Happy (belated) Birthday Rachel!!! Hope your day was a good one and you are blessed with many, many more. ;)

What a week...

It's been crazy. I have had something going on every single day this past week.

Get ready for long itinerary of my boring, mundane life. hee hee

Tuesday 8/7: Long time friend from Texas was in town...We spent the day doing tourist stuff in Duluth...Vista Fleet Cruise around the Harbor (very interesting) and a visit to the largest fresh water Aquarium in the state? Country? I dunno. It was big and full of fish. On a scale of 1-10, I would give it a 3. But, I am not interested in fish. Nathan thought it was awesome.

Wednesday 8/8: Nathan's sports physical in Duluth and of course lunch...I made him eat a salad at McDonalds...am I a cruel mother or what? (salad and water - since I am not doing pop)

Thursday 8/9: Lunch with former colleagues from School at a restaurant in Duluth - Fun catching up on their summers. Food was good - conversation fun - afternoon...gone...

Friday 8/10: Drove to school to pick up my Teacher editions for the two new classes...spent almost two hours in the building...by the time I got home...afternoon...gone...

Saturday 8/11 and Sunday 8/12: Post office fiasco (see previous post) - then run to Duluth for paint for Nathan's room...totally redid Nathan's room - I might post pics...good bye dinosaur border that I lovingly painted on oh so many years ago - hello bold colors and new shelves....but an all weekend project...

Monday 8/13: Two hour trip to visit my friend Becky in Wisconsin - spent the day chatting, shopping, chatting, laughing, shopping, eating, laughing, crying, laughing...it was a very good day...Friends are such a valuable commodity.

Tuesday 8/14: It's Fair week and I should dig up a couple items to enter at the fair - Nathan is at football practice...I am going to get my hair cut and colored - darn sun is turning me blonde (nothing wrong with blonde, except my eyebrows are dark brown) - the day is flying by...

Future plans:
Wednesday: overnight company and a family dinner to entertain said company...
Thursday: Trip to the Casino with sister and Gramma
Friday: Step daughter and boyfriend coming into town for fair weekend.
Saturday: Bring Andy back to college (four hours away)

It's just a little crazy...no time for house cleaning knitting.

It's been so crazy - I even missed Cass's contest. I would pop on and off my computer, thinking I would have more time the next day...well, it didn't happen. So, congrats Cass on post #222 and sorry I missed the fun.

Signed, sealed and (hopefully) delivered...

I sent off my package today for the Dog Days of Summer Swap.

I knew my box had to go out today ...

I didn't even bother with the local post office (Barnum) cause...they are NEVER open ...seriously...someone should tell them who is serving whom...so, went to the next town (Carlton)...about 10 miles away...well...NOT even open on Saturday morning...What the Hell???...

Drive to the next town (Cloquet - another 7 miles further)...WEll...it's 11:36 and they closed at 11:30...Shit! ...Now I am getting a little miffed...What's with these Postal workers not working Saturdays!!???...

Original plan for the day involved a trip to Duluth to pick up paint for Nathan's bedroom project - so..

Before I could go any further North...I needed to go back 20 miles South to pick Him up...

Then go 45 miles North again...Duluth post office closed at 1:00 - we made it there at 12:55....And...the package is on it's way...

Seriously...what's up with the post office hours????

Dog Days of Summer Contest

Channon wants to know how I handle the heat...

I thought today with it's 95 degree plus the humidity would be a good day to answer that question...

I close up the house by 8 am - shut windows and doors and draw the curtains - turn every ceiling fan on that we have (four on the main floor) plus a couple floor fans - then. I find a cool place to sit and I knit while drinking my beverage of choice (raspberry iced tea) Boring.

Oh...News Flash for all those who know me well...are you sitting down....ready?...I quit drinking pop!!!...CAN you believe it!??!!!

I don't know what I am going to eat for lunch now since the Cherry Coke is gone...Cheetos and water just doesn't cut it....

Only 26 days until school starts...

...and it's official...I was notified that I am back to full time status!!!! WOO HOO!!!!

Due to budget issues two years ago, my position was cut to 5/7ths time, which means I taught 4 periods a day and had one prep...and only got paid 5/7ths of my salary....Which really sucked - I didn't work so damn hard putting myself through college to have a part time job. What sensible district cuts Math classes and leaves certain electives full time?

Just a little down side to this news...the new Principal has rearranged classes and I am now the new Pre-Calculus and Calculus teacher. Holy shit! Where the Hell are my college textbooks and notes?

So, am just a lot little nervous about that part of it...

I am thinking I need to get my butt off the couch, put down those lovely socks, and drive to school to get some teacher editions so I can start learning how to do it all over again writing lesson plans.

See...Teachers do work at home during the summer...shit!

Grand Marais

Here is a shot of the Harbor...Lots of rocks...and cold water...

Maybe someday...I'll post pics of the "Pickled Herring" eating contest or if you are really lucky....the "Sven & Ole's" Pizza eating contest...Such fun

Yarn, Yarn and more Yarn....

First stop on our yarn adventure is at Playing With Yarn.

What a great shop - a very talkative owner... three adorable Yorkies...tons of yarn...tons of completed projects...tons of patterns...I should have brought my camera in - just wasn't sure how people would react if I start taking pics of them, their store, and dogs, etc....

I told her I was looking for a worsted weight sock yarn.



Here is what she suggested - it is Hauswolle by Steinbach Wolle, 52% wool and 48% acrylic. I wanted to try the two circs method of knitting socks and it calls for a worsted weight. I love the blue/grey color...can hardly wait to get going. I also bought a skein to bring to my Aunt - I'm trying to convert her into a sock knitter.

Then we meandered up the shore (Lake Superior) to Tofte. In Tofte, we found Tall Tale Yarn Shop. (If they have a web page, I was unable to find it) Another awesome yarn store...less clutter, little more organized than the previous, owner just as helpful and friendly (she has 3 sons and is also waiting for granddaughters to share her crafts/knitting with)

As shown on the previous post, I found some sock yarn that is currently on my needles (both sets).

She had a bin of clearance yarn...don't ya just love "clearance"????



I selected five skeins of Cotton Fleece by Brown Sheep in the mint green. I hope to knit a cotton tank top at some point. I really like the color and the feel of this yarn.


And, she had a Pink Lady Bag hanging on the wall which was awesome... she had knit it using Lamb's Pride in Grey and a black/gold mixture of Tropicana...the result was a grey felted purse with sparkles in it. I am going to try the dark blue Lamb's Pride with the blue/green Tropicana.

Next was a stop at Raven's Beak Design right in Grand Marais. The owner is a personal friend of my aunt's who lives in the area. Friendly...knowledgeable...helpful...nice shop...


My aunt has been mass producing felted clog/slippers. I picked up the pattern and some Lamb's Pride to complete a pair.

I also bought three packages of antler buttons....I forgot to take a picture of them in my photography session - so will have to post another day...way cool...antlers cut across and polished into buttons...thought it would add a nice touch to something down my knitting road.

Then, last stop was at The Little Red House Yarn Store (Could not find a website) A complete house transformed into a yarn shop. She had the largest color selection of Lamb's Pride that I have ever seen. I picked up the coral color that I want to make into the clutch featured in One Skein Projects.


She had Sisik on sale. Sisik is made by Dale of Norway, 30% mohair, 30% wool, 34% acrylic and 6% rayon. Very soft stuff - but yet will be warm. I wasn't sure what I would do with it...Well, she showed me an adorable pair of fingerless gloves...so, I promptly bought a skein. Show me what to do with the yarn and I'll buy it every time....

there...all my treasures - now I just have to start knitting...

Sock Progress

On our weekend adventure, We stopped at Tall Tale Yarn Shop in Tofte, Minnesota. The owner recommended this sock yarn. It is called Panda Cotton and made by Crystal Palace yarns. It is 55% bamboo, 24% cotton and 21% elastic nylon. It is so soft feeling. I explained to her that I was a new sock knitter - she highly recommended buying a second pair of needles and casting on a second pair and knitting both socks alternately. I took her up on her suggestion and I would pass it on as a good suggestion. I like doing the second sock while the steps are fresh in my mind.

I am beginning to "turn" the heel and then on to the gusset....

One more pic

I finished the baby hat using the Fixation yarn....I have seen some patterns with cute tassels or a bow or something to dress it up...I may add to it at some point....but I am considering it done for now....I do need a baby to put under it.....

A couple of finished items...

TAH-DAH!!! My finished Mandy's Candy Bag...I just love the colors...reminds me of a container of sherbert...orange, lime, lemon, raspberry...

It might have to find it's way south to a certain three year old I know....

Dishrag Tag - Update....

Emily (Alabama) sent out The Box on August 1st... Wanda (Colorado) received it Friday August 3rd...knit her dishcloth... and sent it on it's way to Trek (New Jersey)...knit her dishcloth... and sent it on Monday August 6th.... to Deborah (Pennsylvania)...

Three down...seven to go...GO TEAM!!!!

Rah! Rah! Rah!

PIF Exchange

I found this great little swap on Jodie's blog. It's based on this gorgeous movie with Helen Hunt in it called 'Pay It Forward'. This movie is one of my personal favorites - and I highly recommend it.

How many of you out there have had a chance to watch it? O.K. If you're yet to see the movie, this is what the PIF Exchange is all about......


"Here is how it works! I'll send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange!I don't know what that gift will be yet, and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week...LOL... but you will receive it within 365 days, that's a promise! and it will be something yummy!! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog..."

So the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog, I can't wait to see who you are! I have some great treats in stall for you all, just you wait and see!

Oh, I have so much to share....

We (He and I only) went away for the weekend... We went up the shores of the Big lake (Lake Superior) to Grand Marais to visit my aunt, yarn shop, watch people, yarn shop, pickled herring eating contest, yarn shop, Rock-a-Billy Revue...and of course...yarn shop.....I have tons of pics - but am way too tired tonight - so first thing tomorrow...promise!!! Oh - and I found some luscious sock yarn (bamboo) and cast on not one - but TWO socks...)

I-35 Bridge in Minneapolis

Please remember the victims, their families, the injured, and the rescue teams in your thoughts and prayers......

I have been across that particular bridge perhaps hundreds of times.........

**I've had numerous contacts from friends worried we were down in that area - we were not...We are all safe.

Dish Rag Tag

The boxes have been mailed!!! I am on Team Running Ragged. Check our progress on the sidebar....

Got THAT out of my system...

I'm back....

Well, little compromise involved...I actually packed the camper and went a whopping 10 miles to the local KOA....that way everyone could come and go from the camp ground and still participate in the various jobs and activities.

I spent all day, lounging by the pool (I have the sunburn to prove it) with Chris. Andy was in and out all day, and Nathan is actually at Bible Camp for the week.

The weather was beautiful and I almost completed Mandy's Candy Bag. I am just trying to decide how big to make it.

I sat by the fire and it was all good....Didn't get to roast a marshmallow - thought instead we would try Jiffy Popcorn (you know the little pan you shake over the burner) - Well - I shook the bah-jeevers out of that damn pan and got nothing but very hot fingers....In the meantime, Chris goes in the camper and pops a bag in the microwave and comes out munching a bag of popcorn... it was pretty funny. So, I in no way, shape, or form would recommend Jiffy Pop Popcorn...I'm talking a LONG time I shook that pan...

Now...the Unpacking....