Out with the Old..
Just a day and a half left....2005 is almost history! Time for a new year, but first..I'm looking back at the greatest hits of ought-5!
* New Years getting off to an awesome start at a soiree in P-Town..just imagine how much fun it would have been if I'd actually hear the drag queens calling to me!
* The soon-to-be BFF *finally* meets up socially and has been inseparable every since
* I survived my first blizzard, with some yoga breathing and a fun night at one ghetto Ramada
* Nick and I hit 10 states this year, including a Valentine's trip to New Hampshire, an awesome birthday in the Big Apple and our fourth trip to Sin City!
* Somehow managed to land the most rockin' apartment ever. At age 27, finally starting to feel like a grown up
* A new addition! The family tree is growing! Welcome, baby Rylee! Can't wait to meet you!
* An awesome holiday season, with one more big celebration to come!
And so, as we wind down 2005, it's time for those obligatory resolutions. Here are mine:
* Breathe more. Live in the moment. And stop freaking out if I don't get everything off the to do list completed.
* Keep writing every day
* Be brave enough to make an appearance at the ten year reunion
* Be happy where I am now..and know it's ok not to know what's next
* No more potato chips!! (that includes cheetos and doritos too!)
See you next year!
Christmastime in Watch City
So, it's been awhile... but I'm back! The past couple weeks have been beyond busy!
I've been working, tutoring, getting together for the holidays and taking care of chores. And in the middle of all the craziness, I was close to breaking down with too much to do and not enough time...and realized I'm lucky to have it this way. Short of getting too touchy-feely..I know I am very fortunate. Before I opened any Christmas presents...I know I already have everything I need, and then some.
I have the boyfriend who's a perfect mix of sensitivity and sarcasm. He supports every crazy dream I have and never laughs when I admit the craziest things. He gives me everything I need, and knows just what's important in life.
I have a family who lives very far away but are always close by. No matter how much time passes between each visit, it's as if I just saw them last week.
I have this amazing group of friends, coast to coast, who've become this new extension of a family tree. They've been there through break ups, Vegas trips and rainy college graduation days. They know my secrets and my weaknesses, and still love me in spite of it all. We knit and shop and watch junky TV, and I am lucky for every minute of it.
I have a job where I get to laugh. A lot. Where I get to dress up, eat Theme Night foods, and play games. Oh, and did I mention I get to do what I love? All this with a group of people who are among the nicest I've ever met? You don't often get so lucky.
So, it's been a good season, and an amazing year. And I have you to thank.
Mending My Broken Heart
One of the most difficult parts about moving to Massachusetts two years ago was the lack of familiar restaurants. I knew there would be no Burgerville or McMenamins..but no Spaghetti Factory? No Red Robin? No Sweet Tomatoes?!? How was I going to survive?
Some solace, when we found an Einstein's Bagel in Watertown. It goes by Noah's Bagels back home, but it was all the same. And then, one day, it was gone. No goodbye. Just locked doors and an empty lobby. I lost one of my favorite places to nosh.
But just this week, a bit of home and hope returning...they turned the building into a Starbucks!! I'm feeling a bit more at home again.
Oh, and the upcoming trip to San Diego? No worries! Trips to Spaghetti Factory and Sweet Tomatoes already in the works! (So what if they call ST *Souplantation*, a rose by any other name is just as tasty!!)
Delish!
My Confession
I've never denied that advertising works on me. I see a commercial for ice cream...I want ice cream. Those iPod ads? So tragically hip I had to have one. And now, I must admit, advertising is working its magic once again.
Blame it on Coldplay... I had no desire to see that new King Kong movie. None whatsoever. And now, they start a new ad campaign (you can catch it during those girly shows, like vh1's *these people are so famous and you are not*). Have you seen it? An instrumental version of *Fix You* with all the shots of the emotional scenes from the movie. And damn if you didn't work again, advertising geniuses! Now, I admit, I kind of want to see this movie!
And, on another advertising note....I want to give props to the people who created that karma chameleon commercial. Pure magic and you know it! Oh! And that Domino's ad with the dad who let's his kids turn on the lamp for like 4 seconds. Gets me every time!
Oh, I love advertising!
Sick Days
I tried fighting it for two weeks. I took vitamins, drank tons of water and ate as well as I could...but I couldn't avoid it. I got sick.
Now, I don't like getting sick. I hate feeling like this. I hate my dry, cracked nose from too many tissues. I hate my raspy voice. I hate, hate, hate sore throats.
But sick days have some redeaming qualities. I caught up on my sleep. I logged an entire season of "America's Next Top Model". I bought a few Christmas presents online (an eBay virgin, no more!). I figured out a new knitting stitch or two. I made a mess in the kitchen.
And I don't even have the attention span to finish this post the way I want. So, I'll just leave it at this, and return to my orange and big glass of water. I can't wait to feel better.
Creative Inspiration
In search of some fabulous new yarn, I made a trip to my LYS (every good stitch 'n bitcher's down with the Local Yarn Shop!). Island Yarn in Waltham is my oasis. We hop in the car for the half mile ride. (I could walk, but I'll just drive...it's colder than it looks outside...)
If you've not been, and you're a knittin' fool like myself, may I suggest a trip to my 'hood for your next supplies run? It's amazing! A teeny store, crammed full of good stuff! And cheap!! Oh, the deals! So many pieces just too tempting...must resist!
And the best part? The staff is wonderful! I had several questions I needed answered, and she was patient and helpful...and even went into the back room when I asked for something the don't currently display! And when I told her about my recent project, she asked me to bring it in when done so she could admire!
I can't wait for January! I will so be back!
Lovin' the LYS!
Mad Props
Today is a good day. It's December. My Christmas shopping is almost done. The weather is mild. All is good.
And so, tonight, I want to give props to all the things good in my world, things much deserving of some love!
Mad props to:
* Awesome CDs in the car to sing along to during drives to work
* Not producing on a night Adam has off work
* My soulmates
* Poland Springs carbonated flavored waters
* A hide-away loft for dreaming
* New boots at half price
* Starbucks holiday coffees
* The Oregon Ducks making this a good learning year for me
* Hidden snacks in my desk so I don't have to head out for dinner
* The Internet, making keeping in touch so much easier
* Girly-smelling lotions
* Mall Santas that look legit
* Knowing I will never run out of good books to read
The list could keep going...but I must get back to work!
