Happy 2012!

So, it's a new year. Christmas, aka, December was a little crazy, but I did my best to keep things within my abilities. I made lots of cookies for my MIL, and even had enough over for my uncle, and visiting with friends.

I survived xmas shopping! Gods, I hate shopping in December, and what with all of November being devoted to NANO, December starts stressful. I think next year I'm going to start either the baking or the shopping at the end of October. Maybe get some halloween candy for stocking stuffers? LOL.

I watched this video via A girl's guide to taking over the world on the Facebook, it was about middle age women in the UK and how they go crazy over xmas because of all the stress and expectations they put on themselves. Part of it was funny, about how husbands tend to just totally sidestep all the crap we as women deal with.

It made me very glad I didn't go in for all that crap. I couldn't imagine worrying about Christmas for six months of the year!! o.0 I happen to love Christmas - for me it's all about spending time with my loved ones, and of course the cookies!

I really do hate baking with Splenda, BUT I also really love my husband and being able to bake for his mom. She appreciates it - I think it's one of the few times she doesn't have to worry about eating baked goods. But for me, it's about the man I love, and how much he appreciates it. I'd make 100 (actually that's close!) cookies every year to hear that hitch in his voice! aww! Yeah yeah.

Anyway. December. Christmas. It was lovely! We had the in-laws over a few days before Christmas, I cooked a turkey with all the fixings - which turned out fabulous!! We had a nice visit, and exchanged gifts. Then on xmas eve, we went to my parents to spend the night. That's really the gift my husband gives me, he lets me have Christmas with my parents. I'm SUCH a mamma's girl. I just... As long as they are living, I'm pretty sure I'm going to want to be there with them Christmas morning. It just... It wouldn't feel right to do anything else. They're my family, and like I said, that's what Christmas is all about for me.

Chris was off until today, so we had lots of time just relaxing, playing mario party on his new computer via a gamecube emulator, and watching the Doctor Who I got him. There was also lots of TV and knitting for me, and video games for him. A good time was had by all!

Today I cut the fabric for the lining I'm making for his coat - to replace the lining that's well, totally worn out. It took over two hours! o.0 I only cut out 4 pieces, effectively, but it still took forever. Part of the trouble is I don't have a dedicated table, so I took my time making sure everything was as flat and smooth as I could get it. Then cut carefully. Having your fabric well cut is 50% of the work of sewing, and if it's a simple sew, like what I'm doing, it's more like 70% of your effort, so well done!

Now that I've babbled sufficiently, I'm going to make the confession, that prompted this post: I am a huge Pink fan. Huge.

About, oh, ten years ago, when I was dabbling in pop music (again), I fell for her, and then sort of just went to boys and guitars exclusively for years. The other day, I'm not even sure how, in my browsing about Youtube, re-discovered her. Man, she rocks! I so want her, like, last three albums! She's got a great voice, and an even more amazing attitude. I loathe to say it, because usually only douches say it, but, she's fun!  She can be serious, and she has the smokey voice to go with it, but, gods help me, she's fun, and I love her for it.

And this video/song has me wanting to sing at the top of my lungs!

Vacation!

'Cause, you know, my life of housewifery is just so taxing. o.0 Nah, hardly, but even so, everyone needs a change of scene once in awhile!

A friend of mine asked if I'd like to join her in going to her dad's cottage for a few days this week. So excited! Lake! There will be a lake! woo hoo! Yes, yes, the lake, the swimming, the water is totally the highlight for me. Hopefully there will be good company, Morgan is a wonderful young lady, I'm sure that's covered, good food, and good weather - it's supposed to be warm, though rainy from Wednesday on. I'm okay with that, as long as it's still warm! Swimming in the rain is fun! You know, when there isn't chance of thunder and lightening. Canoeing in the rain likely not the best idea however. heh. But should be fun! I'm so stupid excited! It's likely why I didn't sleep so well last night. I was thinking of having a nap now, but, I'm too excited. My tummy is all upset/nervous-like. It's silly really, but there it is.

I'm bringing my camera, so hopefully there will be some kind of pictures to show for it!

Weekend in Montreal

This past weekend I went to Montreal with my darling boyfriend Chris to visit his brother Dave, and his very pregnant sister-in-law Alice (the only two members of his immediate family i've not met). We took the train in on Friday (and home again Monday morning). Six hours of lovely scenery, lots of leg room, and good company. The trees are just starting to turn colour so there were many oranges, reds, and yellows mixed in with a bit of green - it was so beautiful. I love, love, love this time of year!

Alice and Dave are the nicest couple, I must say! They made us feel so welcome. More to the point, they made me feel so welcome!

We went out to dinner Friday night, Chris' treat, and a really good idea as they were both tired from a very busy week. Saturday was a nice relaxing day, well for Alice and myself. I read Harry Potter VII (no, I'm still not finished), and Alice napped for a bit, then we bonded over Buffy. Meanwhile, Chris and Dave finished sanding the railings on the front and back balconies and primed them. Alice, fully pregnant, had done most of the power sanding a few weekends ago! Go Alice! She rocks. They both do actually.

Such a nice geeky couple they are! They met in university through a gaming club, so needless to day they are both gamers. As in role-playing games with like dice and stuff. They also have tons of different board/card games in their dinning room.

Sunday was their baby shower, thrown by their friends. It was the most unconventional baby shower I've ever been to! Very cool. Alice and Dave, and their friends are very modern. I mean, there were MEN at this shower! And none of those stupid shower games with the horrible door prices either. Chris and I helped decorate since they were looking for volunteers. We also ended up doing the dishes (serving platters, coffee mugs, etc) at the end of the day so Alice and Dave wouldn't be stuck with a kitchen full of dirty dishes. This was also an excuse not to have to play cranium with the crowd. I don't like making a fool of myself in public, and Chris just isn't fond of big crowds or board games, I don't think.

Chris and I are a lot alike. We both don't really like big crowds of people. Poor man seemed a little uncomfortable around all those people. I faired better I think. I come from a big family, it's not like I could ever avoid big crowds. I did ok for once with the chit chat with strangers thing (my most social skill I think), and I managed to join in the big round table discussion with all the girls, which was so fun.

We left very early Monday morning. Well, early for us. We were up, awake anyway, uber early. Like before the sun early. When I came back from a bathroom visit at like 3am, I got pulled into a cuddle. I love random nightime cuddles, heck, I love all cuddles. We ended up cuddling and not really sleeping until the sun rose. Wonderful surprise. He's just wonderful really.

Speaking of wonderful, we got hugs from Alice and Dave when we left, well when they left for work, and invitaitons to come back again. They are just so very nice. I really do like them. :D