Christmas was a blast. I had 5 days off, so it was a nice stretch of time, but no where close to what I am used to. I quite enjoy the December holiday season, and therefore generally try to take extra time off. This year my vacation bank was all used up...but that's perfectly fine with me..I used it for our amazing trip to Jamaica!
We arrived home to a house full of sick people. Not exactly what you want during Christmas time. However, it was short-lived for those who got it, and I've still yet to see the signs of me getting anything.
My brother and his 3 kids were also home for Christmas, which made it that much more special. There's just something different about Christmas when there are kids around. It's not just how their eyes light up when they see Santa arrive on Christmas Eve, or how excited they look when they open a gift they were hoping to get, it's also the joy and excitement that everyone feels when you are spending time together, whether it's playing a game, doing a puzzle, or simply helping prepare dinner. Mr. J and I spent most of our days entertaining the kids with the Wii, the onslaught on remote control devices Uncle J bought for the kids, and puzzles. It was wonderful - but I'm exhausted.
Christmas wouldn't be the same if I didn't get to see my friends. And I was happy the opportunity presented itself on Saturday. We drove into the city to begin a day of shopping and visiting. We had a chance to visit our friends from Dallas who were home visiting the family; we visited our local favourites that you just don't get here in Edmonton - comic book store, coffee/tea store and gaming store. We spent supper with our soon-to-be-parents friends, and then headed over to AJ and J'Bra's for the party.
It was wonderful to see everyone. It's been quite sometime since we all got together in one place to hang out. It reminds me of the many party's that happened over the years. It's nice to see that some things never change - getting together, talking about the usual - gaming and school. Although, as we get older the conversations are starting to include work, cool vacation spots, and other non-gaming activities. I am so glad we convinced BB to come out, although I hardly got to talk to him. (sniff)
After the hustle and bustle of Christmas, and having to work a couple of days this week, I am ready for some pj-wearing-naptime-moviewatching-relaxo time.
Today we leave for Canmore. In keeping with tradition, we are off to a special get-away (just the 2 of us) to ring in the new year. Last year, Mr. J planned the surprise get-away to Candle Lake, so this year it was my turn. I picked the mountains, considering neither of us have been since there since we moved here. I've got dinner planned for tonight and Banff Hot Springs (with massages) planned for tomorrow. Otherwise, we'll be enjoying some quiet time together watching movies, playing games, and sleeping.
I hope everyone enjoys their New Years, whatever it may be, and with talk to you in 2009.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Merry Christmas Everyone!
The holiday season is upon us, and I'm ready.
We leave tomorrow for Saskatchewan. We are spending the holidays with my family. My parents' house is going to be full with grandkids, uncles, cousins, and more. It'll be loud, chaotic, and maybe even a tad stressful, but it'll be great, because it's with family and that's exactly how I like to spend the holidays.
However, I do like to see my friends. And being that I am far away, and have been for 2 years now, I am looking forward to a visit on the 27th in the Big City with the old gang.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and safe travels wherever they take you.
From our house to yours,
neuba & Mr. J
We leave tomorrow for Saskatchewan. We are spending the holidays with my family. My parents' house is going to be full with grandkids, uncles, cousins, and more. It'll be loud, chaotic, and maybe even a tad stressful, but it'll be great, because it's with family and that's exactly how I like to spend the holidays.
However, I do like to see my friends. And being that I am far away, and have been for 2 years now, I am looking forward to a visit on the 27th in the Big City with the old gang.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and safe travels wherever they take you.
From our house to yours,
neuba & Mr. J
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Knitting Again
After somewhat of a long hiatus, I am back at the knitting game.
I had started a blanket for my girlfriend when I found out she was pregnant..that was almost 2 years ago. I would have to say, I slowly worked on it until it was about half done, and then I simply lost interest and quit knitting for awhile. As I've said before, I pretty much only knit in the winter, and last winter I really didn't do anything.
So....with her and her little boy coming to visit a couple of weeks ago, I figured I best get it done. He's only 15 months, but I was sure he'd still appreciate it. So, over the months of October and November I managed to get it finished and presented it to Little Man A on November 29th.
It was my first attempt at cabling, and I really liked it. Although, for you knitters out there, I am sure you've already noticed that the blanket is upside down. I was stretching it out, and didn't realize until the next day that I had it upside down...and of course, forgot to take another picture. Oh well, you get the idea.
As you can see, he is loving it.
I've already started on the next one. She is pregnant again, and so are our friends in Saskatoon. So I've got 2 blankets to finish in the next 3 months. And this time I want to be on time with the gift.
I had started a blanket for my girlfriend when I found out she was pregnant..that was almost 2 years ago. I would have to say, I slowly worked on it until it was about half done, and then I simply lost interest and quit knitting for awhile. As I've said before, I pretty much only knit in the winter, and last winter I really didn't do anything.
So....with her and her little boy coming to visit a couple of weeks ago, I figured I best get it done. He's only 15 months, but I was sure he'd still appreciate it. So, over the months of October and November I managed to get it finished and presented it to Little Man A on November 29th.
It was my first attempt at cabling, and I really liked it. Although, for you knitters out there, I am sure you've already noticed that the blanket is upside down. I was stretching it out, and didn't realize until the next day that I had it upside down...and of course, forgot to take another picture. Oh well, you get the idea.
As you can see, he is loving it.
I've already started on the next one. She is pregnant again, and so are our friends in Saskatoon. So I've got 2 blankets to finish in the next 3 months. And this time I want to be on time with the gift.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Y: The Last Man
I absolutely loved this graphic novel. Not only had Mr. J encouraged me to read it, but the local comic store girl went on and on and on about it.
It was already on my list to read, but I was trying to finish up all the other series' I was reading, like Sandman, and continuing with Jack of Fables, Fables and Walking Dead before starting on another.
Aside: When it comes to me, it's one novel at a time. I like to bury myself into one story and lose myself in it. Plus, I don't really like having a lot of different plot lines floating around in my head from various books I've decided to start reading. Surprisingly, when it comes to reading I like to focus on one thing at a time. However, with comics, it seems to be different. Perhaps, it's because the story isn't finished (if you reading it as it comes out). Or perhaps because they are short snippets of a plot line that can be easily put down or compartmentalized so as to not be confused with other stories in my head. Or perhaps I am just talking shit. Anywho, I digress.
I don't even remember when I started it, all I remember is making sure I picked up as many issues as possible at our local comic store because Mr. J didn't actually own them all. But I am finished now, and I am thoroughly happy with the choice I made to read it now rather than later.
I loved the different perspectives it offered on how women would deal with the situation. It really makes you question, 'how would I act if faced with a situation like that?' I am sure I've got some ideas on how I would continuing living, but would that actually happen in light of the tragic events and the behaviours/reactions of everyone else.
It was thought provoking. I liked it. A lot!
It was already on my list to read, but I was trying to finish up all the other series' I was reading, like Sandman, and continuing with Jack of Fables, Fables and Walking Dead before starting on another.
Aside: When it comes to me, it's one novel at a time. I like to bury myself into one story and lose myself in it. Plus, I don't really like having a lot of different plot lines floating around in my head from various books I've decided to start reading. Surprisingly, when it comes to reading I like to focus on one thing at a time. However, with comics, it seems to be different. Perhaps, it's because the story isn't finished (if you reading it as it comes out). Or perhaps because they are short snippets of a plot line that can be easily put down or compartmentalized so as to not be confused with other stories in my head. Or perhaps I am just talking shit. Anywho, I digress.
I don't even remember when I started it, all I remember is making sure I picked up as many issues as possible at our local comic store because Mr. J didn't actually own them all. But I am finished now, and I am thoroughly happy with the choice I made to read it now rather than later.
I loved the different perspectives it offered on how women would deal with the situation. It really makes you question, 'how would I act if faced with a situation like that?' I am sure I've got some ideas on how I would continuing living, but would that actually happen in light of the tragic events and the behaviours/reactions of everyone else.
It was thought provoking. I liked it. A lot!
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