Watch out! The vacation express is moving full speed ahead. . . with or without enough shoes

This week we are in full Get The Heck Out of Town mode. My list is extensive, my schedule tight and my OCD raging. I love to travel and I must admit that there is a part of me that even likes the preparation. While I immediately go into robot mode and start chipping away at the mound of stuff we have to do, my dear Cynical if frozen by the vast array of things on his list. It's ok, as that just makes me work faster and more efficiently and it all comes out in the end.

Right now we are striving to find answers to the age-old packing the car questions and discussions such as:

-I need shoes appropriate for each part of our trip, so let go of the "two pair are ample" mentality.

-There is nothing wrong with bringing three pieces of reading material. What if I am not in the mood for "Eat, Pray, Love"? Speaking of "eat", what sorts of snacks are we bringing?

-Do I have to wear make-up on vacation?

-The big suitcase it the better choice for me, right?

-We have room for approximately 25 of your favorite CDs, choose wisely or else it's Dave Matthews Band and ABBA for approximately 20 hours of driving time. (This could be a treat as my rendition of "Fernando" is, shall we say, "memorable".)

-Now would be a good time for a new camera, don't you think?

-I will have Internet access, right?

-She must love us if she's willing to clean the litter box while we're gone. She's getting more than an "I *Heart* Charleston" t-shirt.

Rest for the wicked

A busy week is behind us. A weekend full of travel preparations lies ahead of us. The countdown has begun, soon we'll be packing the car headed on an adventure all our own: our first official vacation.

Big plans to meet up with Needlefingers tomorrow in a nearby town for some knitting amongst knitters. Hopes to start on that travel to-do list.

Welcoming Socktoberfest with open arms, casting on for some autumnal socks this evening.

Hoping soon I will be able to communicate in complete sentences.

Another shot from the local farm stand from last weekend. Despite the 90-degree days, I can still feel autumn in the air.

Trippin'

All it takes is one cool evening and three falling leaves to set into motion a whole series of autumnal-related events at Chez Ragged. So, forgive me if I have been distracted by taking long walks with Cynical, making chili, planning my fall knits and digging our fall-themed decorations out of storage.

The big news is that we've finally gotten down to planning our vacation to the Charleston, South Carolina area next month. (Can you think of a more perfect place to be this time of year?) Yes, that's right, we are vacationing next month and just this week developed a plan of action. However, we are determined to take said vacation, despite our lack of preparation. It is, afterall, the first time Cynical and I have tripped for tripping sake. All of our other travels have been centered around family events, work conferences or such. This time around we're taking five days of glorious alone time and crafting it into an actual vacation. Extensive internet browsing landed us in a most posh place two blocks from the water at Folly Beach. It's such a nice place that I often find myself pausing during the day to find it on the web just to browse "our room" one more time.

We are planning a day at Folly, another in downtown Charleston and two others are set aside for touring and such. Then we'll head to Asheville for my middle brother's wedding and all of the festivities that surround it, including a family dinner, all-day picnic and extensive reception. And then, sadly, it's back home, back to reality. Don't feel too sorry for us because we're home less than a week before we board a plane for Seattle, Washington. This time it's for work, but who are we to complain?

In our spare time, we're completely obsessed with the new fall television season. Thus far ABC's "Dirty Sexy Money" tops my list of new faves. How could it not? Anyone else found a new fave?

In other news, there has been a lot of knitting going on. I not only finished my back-to-school vest, but also a cotton market bag as well, designed to be used on our little trek. And tonight I hope to start on Juliet by Zephyr in a pretty light blue color. My hopes are to have it done in time to wear to dinner one night while we're away.

Socktoberfest begins on Monday and it's a great excuse for me to knit up some of my stash. For some reason I am feeling a bit overwhelmed by my mound of yarn. I have gotten much better about my yarn purchasing: choosing yarns for specific projects, but that doesn't mean those lonely skeins aren't still clogging up my closet. Hopefully some careful planning will eliminate some of my stash concerns.

I have been wasting away my time on Ravelry lately. Such a great resource for knitters, designers and yarn fiends. Wonderfully put together and so intuitive.

That's it in a nutshell, a large nutshell, but a nutshell none-the-less.

The party is over

Today marked the last day of my extended vacation, and I must admit I am sad to know that tomorrow morning it's back to the same old grind. I wish I could say I was renewed and ready to go back, but in reality, I really wish I had more time.

I also know that Ragged needs income to support her lavish and extravagant lifestyle* and that makes employment a necessity. (*Butter cookies and yarn are not cheap.)

Cynical decided to dig right into our resolutions and conned me into helping him clean out our linen/utility closet. I must admit that it actually felt good to shed several boxes of stuff. That's the upside. The downside is that now I want to tear into every closet, drawer and cubby hole in the house. Not a good thing as it seems Cynical ran out of steam at about the second closet shelf. So, now our living room is full of bags and boxes bound for a local charity. Gone are an over abundance of towels, one too many foot creams and assorted magic markers.

After our decluttering flurry, we met my folks at their house for a traditional New Year's Day lunch comprised of pork roast, vegetables, black-eyed peas (not so Fergalicious), cabbage and soda bread.

Our afternoon has been full of stuff you gotta do to get ready to go back to work. Ugh. It really is time to go back to the real world. I can only hope the transition is a smooth one. Maybe some peppermint ice cream will soften the blow.

I am certain that Izzie is ready for both of us to get out of her hair, literally.

2006 didn't suck, well, not completely

I have tried not to jump on the "2006 sucks" bandwagon (membership includes a free t-shirt and a discount drug card), but I have to admit, it was a bit of a bumpy ride. It tested our stamina, our strength, our resolve, our moral fiber and our faith. We survived huge losses; we struggled with bad news.

However, I can't help but to think that it wasn't all bad. We marked important milestones, including the celebration of the tenth year with my beloved. We added pages, if not chapters, to our book of life. It was a year of new and renewed relationships, both online and offline. It was a year of expanded horizons, travel and adventure.

I am hopeful that 2007 will offer many changes and opportunities for us. If our best laid plans come to fruition, it will be such a year.

I have been struggling all week with what kinds of resolutions to make and even though I generally really get into that sort of thing, I am having some difficulty this year. I don't have a firm and concise list, just random thoughts of what I want to do in the new year:

-I want to continue to nurture the important relationships in my life. I could ramble here, but I think that sums it up.

-I will cable in 2007. Yes, this knitter is planning to broaden her horizons. Who knows, I may get wild and crazy even try some color work.

-I want to simplify. This is a perpetual struggle for me and as soon as I make big strides, I find myself sliding into old habits. This year I will wage a battle against stuff: stuff cluttering up my home; stuff cluttering up my mind.

-I will find more time in my life for the things I love. That means finding ways around the things that suck away all of my time: wasted television viewing (no more Law & Order: SVU marathons), maintaining our stuff, or useless shopping.

-I will make strides toward a healthier lifestyle.

-I will read more. I love to read, but haven't been able to concentrate long enough to do much of it. I am hopeful that as my life starts to declutter, I will have fewer things distracting me.

-I will destash. I will reduce my yarn supply by 1/4 before making any large purchases. This is primarily based on space; and of course money. A good deal of my stash is dedicated to specific projects, so I just need to start knitting those patterns.

-I will try to make most of the gifts I give in 2007. I am reminded of how touched I was by the afghan and apron presented to me this Christmas.

-I have some personal financial goals, but I am sure not only will they bore you, but they probably mirror yours as well.

And the list could go on and on, but for now I will celebrate New Year's Eve in our traditional manner: lots of finger foods, some wine and one last Law & Order: SVU marathon before those resolutions kick in.

Happy New Year to each of you. The past year was kind to me in many ways, one of which was the development of very special relationships with you guys, and you know who you are. . . for the wonderful gift of your friendship and support I am eternally grateful. I look forward to seeing (and reading) what 2007 holds for each of you.

In the meantime, I wish each of you a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year.

Does it ever have to end? (and a contest)

We had been planning all week to take a trip to a nearby town for a little shopping and gift card spending, but just hadn't made our way yet. So, this morning we decided to make the trek and for me it was pretty fruitful. I had a small return to make and some items to pick up: all knitting related, of course. The good news is that I ended up with more yarn. The bad news is that I ended up with more yarn. (All depends on whether you ask Cynical or me.)

So, we're back home now, trying to decide what to do with our evening. I suspect it will be a little knitting, some television and maybe a grocery run.

Even though our little vacation has been far too short, there has been much to be learned, such as:

-Daytime television sucks. This is something I knew, but was reminded of as I flipped through channel after channel in hopes of finding something worth watching.

-"Judging Amy" is a really, really good show. I never really watched it when it was on prime time, but have found that it is indeed the only redeeming show on daytime television.

-Time flies when you are having fun. I cannot believe that my time off is about to end. No complaints as I got a chance to spend lots of quality time with lots of people important to me.

-You can get your fill of butter cookies; no matter how much you love them, one tin of cookies is enough each holiday season.

-Knitting solid color socks is boring. I didn't think I'd ever finish the ones I made for my dad and I suspect that's because there was no excitement or surprises in the colorway.

-It's ok to return gifts. For a very, very long time, I suffered from receiver guilt whenever it came to taking something back. I am over it. If it doesn't fit, is broken, useless, a duplicate or simply something that will only end up in the back of my closet, it should be returned. There is no shame in that. And you know what, the same applies for any gift I give. If you don't like it, it's the wrong color or you have one already, well, take it back with my blessing. I want you to have something you need or want. It's a rule here at Chez Ragged.

-It's much easier to put the tree up than it is to take it down. Will someone please come take down our tree, wrap each ornament or put them back into their original boxes and lug them to the basement. I'd be your best friend forever. Oh, and could you haul the tree to the curb?

-No one sleeps alone at Chez Ragged. Our cats sleep all. day. long. Not just cat naps, but full fledged hours of dozing. And if you sit still long enough, one will be sleeping in your lap, on your back, against your legs or even on your chest.

-Your family is your family. You can't exchange them, get a refund or trade up, so you have to make the best of it.

-There is never enough time. If I could have asked for one thing for Christmas, it would have been more time. A gift I wouldn't return.

-Receiving an apron made by your sister-in-law will make you realize just how touching it is to get something created just for you. (And you would be afraid of wearing it, for fear you will splash tomato sauce, drip barbecue sauce or dribble melted cheese on it.)

-You know he loves you when he gifts you with a complete set of Knitpicks Options needles, even including extra cables, binder pockets and the larger needles.

-The best movie of the year is Little Miss Sunshine, even the second time around.

And now for a little contest of sorts. There is a prize in it for ya. I need to name my sock monkey. Every monkey deserves a name.

I guess it's officially over

So, it's official: Christmas is over. Our holiday loot is no longer cluttering the floor of our living room. Everything, except the enormous crock pot my folks got for Cynical, has now found a home in our little abode.

It's kinda sad, really, putting away all of the remnants of the holiday. I am not ready to tackle the rest of the stuff, decorations and the tree. I am sure that will come in time, no hurry.

I slept in today while Cynical went into work briefly. Then we headed out to breakfast and have now settled back in for the day. I am craving down time and that's just what we are going to get today: plenty of it. God bless vacations.

Tiny little wooden shoes I discovered during my travels last week.

The day after

There were lots of things I should have been doing today, but there was very little I wanted to do, so I wasted away most of my morning watching episodes of "Judging Amy", which is strangely addictive; conning Cynical into cooking breakfast and lunch for me; and reorganizing my Christmas stash in true obsessive-compulsive fashion.

Late in the afternoon we did venture out for a good workout, gift card spending and some gift exchanging. I had hoped to make a good attempt at a nap, but fell short of my goal due to repeated phone calls and general restlessness.

I joined my brother and nephew for a late dinner at a local restaurant that I don't visit often, but now wish I did. After a wonderful meal, great conversation and a shared canoli, we headed home. I do love spending time with my brothers, but it only makes me miss them more whenever I must say goodbye. Again, there is something about sharing time with those that you have shared most of your life with: your siblings. And the experience is always enhanced when they pick up the check.

And now it's time for bed, yet another day of my vacation slipping away. Come morning, I will be saying farewell to my family from afar and I must admit that I am so very sad to see the sweet little redhead and perpetually tanned little boy leave, not to mention their parents.

On Wednesday, I am hoping for a trip to a nearby town to expend a gift card or two and spend more quality time with my beloved. Maybe we'll squeeze in a matinee as well. The best gift of all is having lots of quality time with my Cynical.

It's amazing that such a small box can hold such a big cat.

PS: That's Ike in the box; but it does remind me so of Sammy.

Now it's time to rest

So, this is Christmas and what have you done?

I began my morning at 5:30 a.m. when my alarm announced that yes, today was indeed December 25. Cynical and I drug ourselves out of the warm bed and prepared to meet the cold, wet rain.

Our first stop on the Christmas Tour 2006 was my folks' house, where we watched my niece and nephew tear through gifts and ripped open a few of our own. Soon thereafter, we headed to Cynical's parents' house for some more of the same. After the first of two meals, we then headed back to my homestead for another meal and another round of gift opening.

We're home now, surrounded by our stash of stuff, dozing during lame holiday movies and wondering where the day went. It was all a blur.

I do remember a sweet little red headed girl putting a wiseman statue to her chest and comforting it as if it was "a babeeeee". I remember an 11-year-old hugging his much adoring aunt saying, "Merry Christmas." I seem to recall some laughing, some giggling and some oooohs and aaaahhhhhs.

But, it's all over now. In the peacefulness of our little home, our tree lighting the room, we are reliving new memories added to our book of life.

Merry Christmas

For unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given.

Wishing you peace, love and joy.

It's not Christmas until someone cries

You know sometimes when you expect the worst from a situation, and then you give yourself the "Oh, come on, it's not going to be that bad" pep talk. You perk up a bit and then everything you dread actually happens. It's not Christmas with my family until someone cries. Never fear, this year did not disappoint.

However, I am attempting to find a release from reliving the incidents leading up to and including all of the hullabaloo.

After the mayhem of this morning and last night, Cynical and I scooted our house guests out the door and then commenced with our own little version of Christmas, pretending Santa came, opening presents, dumping stockings and oohing and cooing over each and every gift. Then we headed out for our traditional Christmas Eve luncheon at a local Chinese restaurant where we were gifted by the host with a bamboo 2007 calendar; which for some reason delighted us so much that we actually hung it in our pantry immediately upon arriving home.

This evening holds promise of a beautiful service at my church; some games and pizza with the family; and then a quick get-away blamed on either "stomach issues" or "lack of sleep" all code for, "Enough is enough folks."

Tiny little socks created by a knitter in my Monday night group.

A good day begins with a good breakfast

Big news on two fronts:

I am going to be an aunt again! My brother and his wife announced this morning that they are expecting their second child, a little brother or sister for Princess S.

And my mom's health scare is over. . . the diagnosis is something we can certainly deal with and not as dire as some of the other alternatives presented. Thanks for your good vibes, prayers and thoughts.

So, today wrapped up the first week of my extended vacation. And I have to admit, it has flown by at the speed of light (or the speed at which I can eat a butter cookie).

It seems that even though I stayed up much too late last night, that didn't mean I was able to sleep late this morning. I was up at my usual time, tip-toeing around the house in an attempt to let our house guests sleep late.

Cynical, our guests and I joined my folks and the rest of the family for a huge breakfast this morning. After having an indepth conversation with Princess S about the sound a sheep makes, we headed home for some couple time before the holidays were upon us.

We intended on taking a nap and watching "Little Miss Sunshine", but I wasn't able to fully fall asleep; and I couldn't focus long enough to watch the movie. So, we headed out for a late lunch, some additional shopping and are now tucked in for the night, waiting for our house guests to return; watching yet another episode of "Star Trek: Voyager" and knitting. Guess which one of us is doing which.

I am still unable to believe that tomorrow is Christmas Eve. I somehow feel as if I have already gotten all of my presents: lots of quality time with the ones I love.

A beaded snowflake hanging on our tree.

Fridays full of fufu, friends and family

My Friday was full of tiny little sandwiches stacked on three-tiered plate racks, sweet little chocolate mice and rich desserts, as my mom took my soon-to-be-sister-in-law and I to a tea room.

After a quiet little lunch of being fussed over far too much by a much too kind hostess, I took advantage of having a fellow knitter in my midst and said sister-in-law and I knitted away the afternoon. I also seized the opportunity to watch her cable on a pretty green silk/alpaca sweater in a luscious green.

An accident involving a utility pole knocked out power to my folks' house, so knitting did cease soon thereafter.

Scribe M, her sister, Cynical and I met up for dinner and an evening that lasted late into the night, as we caught up, teased and tormented one another. Scribe M gifted me with yarn, a beautiful knitting bag and lighted 10.5 straight needles. Too cool.

My brother, his wife, and little Princess S joined us for the night and we all slept sound and cozy. It seems we all had a long day.

Shot of our tea room table.

Rain, rain and more rain: Day 4

Today was wet and rainy. So, instead of staying inside where it's nice, dry and warm, I ventured out for a trip to the grocery store. You see, we have guests coming tomorrow and unless they can survive on brown sugar, stale lasagna noodles and peppermint icecream, I needed to do some shopping.

After a tromp through puddles, dodging of carts and maneuvering through a crowded parking lot, I met a friend at her house for lunch. After a great visit, some reminiscing and some quality baby holding, I headed out for some last minute errands.

The rest of my afternoon was spent completing the last of a pair of mittens and getting our house ready for our guests. I fear it's the calm before the storm; so we are trying to prepare for the harsh waters ahead.

Cynical made it home early from work, so we snuck away for some last minute shopping and dinner.

Freed from my Christmas knitting, I am working on a mistake rib scarf in some Andes wool.

Road trips and day three

I love road trips. Especially when they involve meeting up with a friend that I don't see often enough. As a matter of fact Mommy L and I haven't seen each other in over a year, so this was a very, very welcome get-together. The moment I realized that our long awaited plans were coming to fruition, I packed my Christmas music collection, some whole wheat Gold Fish and tea and hit the road.

My old college buddy lives about two hours away, so we decided to meet up somewhere in between. And that would be Corydon, Indiana. I was a little unsure about meeting there, as all Corydon meant to me was a restroom stop and a White Castle slider on my way to visit family. However, a little more venturing and some help from the visitor's bureau, and we uncovered all sorts of treasures in that little town.

After lunch we ventured to the historic district where we found a cute little town square surrounded by a variety of antique and individual shoppes. So, we browsed, and visited, stopped for something to drink and meandered from storefront to storefront.

The visitor's bureau had also directed us to an art glass workshop just across a little stream. We made our way there hoping for a demonstration, which we did not get. However, we did enjoy watching the artisans shape and mold glass using a variety of kilns and rough tools.

Reluctantly, I made my way home, saying goodbye to Mommy L and little Baby M. I miss her already, and wish she didn't leave two hours away, but right next door, just as she did all those years ago. It's amazing that even though you don't see particular friends often, you truly do seem to just pick up as if no time has passed at all.

A shot of some vintage ornaments at one of the shoppes we perused.

Vacation. . . all I ever wanted

Day two of my vacation included a long-awaited trip to my favorite little quaint town across the river. The best part of the trip is that my dear friend, Queen of Cool, joined me. We ventured out for some shopping at the cute, original and sweet little shoppes all along the downtown crossroads.

A light lunch, a trip to a few mainstream stores and our day was complete. A few one-of-a-kind holiday finds including an ornament deemed "Ghetto Santa" by Queen of Cool, yarn for Knitty's Fetching (my first attempt at cabling) and two sock patterns. Queen of Cool, obviously humored me with one quick stop at the yarn shoppe.

Today I am meeting a college friend at a little town midway between both of our homes. I rarely see her and am so looking forward to catching up. Tonight I'll take my dad shopping for my mother; it's an annual event where my dad steps foot into stores he only enters once a year and complains about the prices of items.

Please keep my mom in your prayers. She's going through a bit of a health scare. We are hoping for good news today. In an effort to distract my mom, we visited the bookstore last night and toured around looking at Christmas lights. It was a brief distraction, but also some time together. Please send good vibes her way today.

On Monday I received the coolest of CDs from Farmwife. What a great mix. It accompanied us last night on our tour. Thanks, Farmwife. I luv it. I also got the coolest of Christmas cards from Phinner. Run, Phin, Run.

Another ornament from our tree. This one is huge, so it usually fills a gap in our tree.

On to something else

OK, I feel better just getting that out of my system, now it's onto something more cheerful, less pathetic and brighter in general.

While everyone around me is making their way to their job this morning, I am sitting, laptop poised in, well, my lap, as I sit in my cozy chair, wearing my pajamas and glasses, watching videos on VH1. Life is good. I love vacation!

Another ornament from the tree. Please note that you can see me in the shot, but the ornament has distorted my shape. Like I needed to see that after all of the butter cookies I have eaten.

(My last post is probably one of the most personal I have ever written and I am wondering if maybe it was a little too much so. Sorry guys.)

Ya'll let me know when it's safe

I'll switch over the Beta Blogger just as soon as you tell me it's safe out there, but not until I am certain that there are no pitfalls, hidden landmines or snipers. Keep me posted.

In other news:
I am still working on the never-ending pair of socks for my dad. Yes, I have had the yarn forever. Yes, I started eons ago, but for some reason I am uninspired and unmotivated. Ugh, I hate knitting on a schedule. (As you may know I am using a Red Cross kit to create these. During World War II, the organization apparently supplied similar kits to women wishing to knit for their soldiers abroad. I saw it online, had to order it and still think it's the perfect gift for him. Now I just have to get them done.)

My first day of vacation was productive but uneventful, full of household chores, wrapping, the season finale of "Little People, Big World"*, sock knitting (of course) and airdrying my hair. The highlight for me was digging out a shirt once belonging to Cynical, now belonging to me, and wearing it in an effort to remember "the early days", as it's the one he wore the first time we went to buy our Christmas tree.

I have some lofty goals for the rest of my time off, like making a pair of mittens, reading all of the magazines piling up around here, cracking open that tin of butter cookies, watching the first season of "Veronic Mars", making the bed every day, looking at the Christmas tree and losing track of time, assuring that we have clean towels in the linen closet, getting to know my Sock Monkey, and sleeping late.

My sock monkey.

Because even though you are moving in slow motion; the rest of the world isn't

Even though I am not sure where the last 48 hours went, I do know that I may have lost track of time and space, but the rest of the world hasn't. Life is still moving on.

And because I can't bear to write about Sammy yet, I will just share some of the random stuff rattling around in my mind.

-Last night Kissed Knitter and I got together for what I hope is the first annual Christmas knitting extravaganza. Being the hostess with the mostess (and the only one that cooks), she invited me to her house for dinner, knitting and Grey's Anatomy. I got that and much, much more. First and foremost, good company, great chit-chatting and of course a little venting. And then there were gifts. She gifted me with some Lorna's Laces in Poppy that I had coveted, but refrained from buying. It didn't stop there, she also gave me a book store gift card. That Kissed Knitter is too generous for her own good. Oh, and there was peppermint ice cream. She bought the good stuff and I did indulge. Christmas is officially here.

We aren't often blessed with people that are so very easy to be around, so easy in fact that I often find myself spilling my guts all over the table in a messy display of lack of tact and refrain. Thank you, Kissed Knitter.

-Today is my last day of work for the year. I decided to celebrate by eating a Ghiardelli Peppermint Bark bar that I had stowed for such an occassion. (It's these things that make me happy.) It promptly made me sick, so it wasn't so celebratory afterall.

I didn't set any goals for my time off. No painting of doors. No refinishing of floors. Just time with those I love. Several day trips next week; a luncheon and maybe a visit to a tea room. Yes, I will have to wear clothes, but I don't think I am required to wear my contacts.

-The holidays are tough for me. I love them, but they are trying in so many ways. Ways I don't want to share here because I'll only get fired up. However, what makes the holidays for me are my friends. I have a chosen family for which I am overwhelming grateful. It's those that you pull into your life that give you something each day to count among your blessings. It's those people that know you, make you feel whole and give you all that you could ever ask for and more.

-Lately I have squeezed in few little get togethers with friends. My work buddies and I recently got together for a little Italian and a gift exchange. And one of them gifted me with a Sock Monkey. There is a huge long story that details my affection for these mishapen creatures, but that's not important here. What's important is that she remembered the connection and she went to a lot of trouble to find this very sweet present. And Sammy loved him too, even snuggled him for a bit.

-On Thursday, a day deemed a "no cry day", another dear friend gifted me with an afghan, a beautiful, thick, soft, sweet-smelling afghan. Knowing how much work and time went into this, I was touched, so very touched that I did cry, just a little before choking it back and splashing water on my face. I am blessed, not only with this incredible gift, but with the time and caring behind it.

-And no holiday is complete without lots and lots and lots of food. This week alone, I have discovered tins of pecans, cheese straws, truffles and of course butter cookies on my desk. I am working under the assumption that I can eat anything I wish, it's the holidays afterall. I'll deal with that in January.

Notions

I may have mentioned that I am taking off the last two weeks of the year. In my mind, I had envisioned that I'd be sleeping late each day, lounging in my pajamas until sunset, eating grilled cheese sandwiches and butter cookies out of a tin. However, it seems my calendar is filling up with all sorts of fun things. I may need to wear actual clothes.

Photo of some of the notions gifted to me by my pedicurist.