Final 2011 Victories

1. Fruits of my labor began sprouting-ziva paperwhites.

2. Built up my tolerance of other species.

3. FINALLY got around to organizing and decorating the office.

In process of moving everything out to prep for paint.

More put together, but not the final vision.

3a. Earthquake-strapped the bookcase to the wall.

4. Started new nail trends in the painting process, "the spackle".


5. Fixed the doorbell so that it's no longer on the same frequency as the next door neighbor's.

6. Hung rain gutters and down spouts.

Goodbye 2011, hello 2012. First anticipated victory will be staying up until midnight.

Christmas

A week of fun, frivolity, family, friends, and food (and sometimes lack thereof the latter.)

Employee of the month here, who braved Costco.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner Wednesday.

Business cat.

First real sewing project! Potholders for Leah!

Christmas Eve duets.

Really? It's own section?

Christmas morning breakfast.

350 miles shared with wonderful family.

Happy Christmas!

Victors

Winner, winner, Catchphrase clincher!!!





Shout out to Amie who always has her camera and tripod at the ready!

Please sir, a little wine for me?

Yes, I love my cat.

The most interesting cat in the world

He's the one controlling the laser pointer while the other cats run trying to catch it.

Help

My usual mix of vinegar and baking soda is not working.

Good Things

It was a weekend full of good things:
1. Boot camp to get this booty into better shape.
2. Celebratory dinner with Kerri and Rob to celebrate her new PhD status.
3. Sewing with mom.
4. Lunch with the in-laws.
5. Afternoon naps.
6. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince on the tele.
7. The Amazing Race, although my favorites Tommy and Andy were eliminated. They had an amazing run though.
8. Meeting babies, specifically Miles Sandfer.

The circle of life can be cruel.

A friend from work lost her baby this week. She was three months old, diagnosed with congenital heart defects while pregnant. I had never been to a baby's funeral before today and I hope I never have to again. Though her parents were in pain, she looked peaceful, like she could be sleeping. Ready to be picked up and loved. To have life taken so soon is unfair.

It is bittersweet. As Courtney left her family, Miles came to Virginia and Shawn on Wednesday night. I know they will make awesome parents.

I struggle to comfort the grieving while congratulating the joyful and making sense of how the cards fall.