The End of Another Year

Buh-bye 2009. Not sad to see ya go. Don't let the door hit ya in the butt on the way out.

Friend of mine on Facebook posted a status that asked you to name one thing that brought you joy in 2009. Danged if I could think of an event. Oscar went to the Rainbow Bridge in February; I spent the summer in Audit Hell; and the fall has brought a series of family, friend and business challenges. I mean, I'm thankful for my family, for my friends, and for my church, and heaven only knows where I'd be without them... but thinking of one event that just brought me incredible joy during the year??? I got nothin. Maybe my memory is just too short.

So I'm looking forward to 2010. Granted, like every year it starts with tax season -- that's just an occupational hazard. I knew the job was dangerous when I took it (to quote Super Chicken -- and that's a cartoon from the 70's that's way underrated in my book). We're anticipating some changes... don't know what hubby's company is going to do in terms of keeping his division, and of course, some of my client base remains fluid.

We're hoping to take an actual vacation this year. We've missed our trip to Highlands for two years now: in 2008 Oscar was too frail to make the journey, and in 2009 Penny was too young. It would do both of us a lot of good to get away for a weekend.

Resolutions? Yeah. Gave that up awhile back. Except I'm going to try to stitch and knit more out of my stash this year (yeah, I know... I have clients that pay me with store credit... and Stitches South is coming back and the siren's song of the marketplace will be overwhelming). I'm going to try to stick to the Quick Weight Loss Plan (down 14 so far since Nov 2 -- not as quick as they'd like, but I'm living with it). I'll try to be more diligent with my Bible study. And I'll try to be a better friend. My friends are my family that I've chosen.

So to everyone who takes the time to read my blog... I wish you health and happiness in the New Year. Be safe. And here's to a better 2010!!

Merry (?) Christmas, everyone!

Where have I been, having sadly neglected my poor little blog? Well... (scuffing toe in dirt)... it's complicated. Let's just say I've been living that ancient Chinese curse of "May you have an interesting life". Business issues, family issues, issues with friends... I've lived it all over the past couple of months, and if you don't mind, I don't want to rehash it here. I'm trying to look forward to the future. All in all, I won't mind seeing 2009 in the rear view mirror for a number of reasons, but there's some indications that 2010 will present a number of challenges as well. I ask your prayers and thank all of you who have stood by me with your friendship and support.

It's December... and as a lot of you know, I don't handle December well at all. It's hard for me to get into a holiday spirit when each holiday is a reminder that my father will be celebrating with us from heaven... and this year Oscar's howling to the Christmas carols there with him. I read an article somewhere that said being sad during the good news of the Christmas season is just one way the Devil wins. Could be. All I can tell you is that it's tough for me. At Richard's insistance, we did put up a small tree this year -- a tabletop model that isn't too tempting to Penny -- and the wreath is on the door. Baby steps...

And how is Penny? Rotten. Simply rotten. :) Little snot is now 9 months old. We've taken to calling her "Princess Chunky-Butt", since she's tipping the scales at 12.5 pounds and should weigh between 9 and 10. The girl loves her food! Unfortunately, we've discovered that she's prone to some of the same tummy troubles Oscar had. She had a bout of HGE in November that we got a handle on early -- having seen Oscar with it so many times, we recognized the symptoms and were able to get her to the vet pronto. It's a little concerning because it showed up in her so young; Oscar was 6 or 7 before he had his first episode, but Penny was 8 months old. I guess God knew we could handle dachshunds with tummy troubles, so he sent the Pennster to us. :)

Stitching and knitting, you ask? Well, I did go to ASG at the end of October with the girls and had a wonderful time as usual. It was great to see Ron and Rae and all the folks we normally only see once a year. The classes were delightful -- even though I now know that scrimshaw etching is "not my thing", I'm thankful to have had the opportunity to try it. Jackie duPlessis was an absolute joy to take a class from -- I loved her sense of humor -- and Rae continues to amaze me with the creative projects she comes up with year after year. If you click on the "Teachers" button on the ASG page, you can download a PDF describing the classes we took. Of course, none of the projects are finished yet. I've only finished one measly ornament and I don't even have a picture to share. I know, bad me.

Knitting-wise, I knitted up some pressies for my sisters-in-law. Pictures to follow after Christmas, because I don't want to spoil the surprise. I'm working on some socks for my mom now that I'm hoping to have finished -- simple pattern with two strands of worsted held together that goes fast, so I have some hope! I'm pondering a moratorium on stash purchases for the first 6 months of next year, but I fear that might endanger several small businesses. We'll see. ;)

I know some of you who come to my blog expect humor and something uplifting... I hope to be able to offer that to you next time. I promise not to neglect my sad little blog for as long as I did this time...

Until next time... I wish you health; I wish you happiness; and I wish you the peace and love of the Child of Bethlehem. To all my friends reading this, know that you are cherished.

Merry Christmas from me, Richard and Penny!