Being Me

So you may have noticed that I haven't been around in a bit.

I meant to post.  I really did.  But, you know, I didn't.  So there's no excuse for that, not really.  I just...haven't.

Anyway!  To fill you in on what's been going on...

Went to the BFF's new place last Friday, and I made her dinner and we also baked cookies. The oven was a little bit possessed and there was a bit of cookie burnage, but we managed to own that bitch and 96% of the cookies were full of awesome. It's just a cute little place, and it feels like her.  It's nice, and I fucking love her back door (get your mind out of the gutter, people!  lol)  Her kitty, Cersei, attacked the crap out of me.  It was so damn cute I don't even have words.  My hand was all chewed up, but I forgave her.  But it was awesome to have BFF time.  And I really loved giving her prezzies, one of which was her very own bob!

I had two days off this week and it was...not all it was cracked up to be.  Unfortunately.  Monday, I woke up with a migraine, and they suck donkey balls, and I was extra super pissed because it was a day I already had the day off of work.  At any rate, pills, and coffee, and unfortunately a little bit getting sick, took care of that, and the afternoon was mine. 

Tuesday I got bad news (and I was very sad), followed immediately by good news.  And also the Flash Fic Holiday Blog Hop sign up went live!  It's super exciting.  We've had quite a few sign ups so far, and I'm just thrilled about that.  And I really, really can't wait to see all the different stories that people come up with.  I think it's going to be so fun to see what's the same and what's different.  So Tuesday was just a roller coaster of emotion, and that made me tired.  It was mostly good, though.  

I've been yarning a bit.  I wanted to get the mitts done BEFORE I went to the BFF's but, yeah, that didn't happen.  But now I'm nearly done, so she really will have them in time for winter.  Her birthday present on the other hand?  Nowhere near done.  And since her birthday is like, in less than three weeks, well...let's put it this way.  I already told her it might be late.  She loves me so it'll be forgiven.  But I still really fucking love it, and she will too.  

And so, yeah, that's pretty much it.  Work is still work.  I've been writing, and reading, and yarning.  So basically, I've just been being me.  There were some low points, and I was really low, but mostly it was good.  

And  now it's Friday night, and I'm chilling and happy.  And I'm about to make tea.  And enjoy the holy hell out of my weekend.  

Christmas Yummies

Today, we're having our Christmas Lunch at work.  What does that mean?  Well, basically, everyone brings something in, the boss buys us pizza for lunch, and we spend all day eating at our desks while we work.

I'm going to be so stuffed!

My contribution?  My (sorta) famous apple bread.  Looking at the list, everyone was bringing real food.  Buy that I mean, things that are actually meal-like.  I wanted something sweet and dessert-like to go with it.  So last night, I spend the evening baking.  I forget just how much I enjoy baking until I'm actually doing it.  And considering that I just baked some banana bread a few weeks ago, you would think I wouldn't forget so fast.  But there's something soothing about mixing the ingredients and putting it all together and have it turn out tasting like awesome.  At least there is to me.  And the delicious smells that waft through the entire house while the goods are in the oven ain't half bad either!

But I enjoy it and I was happy to do it.  Of course, I was also happy when it was done and I could set it on the rack and let it cool, too.  

So I'm going to thoroughly enjoy my day.  And I'll be spending the weekend trying to get as much yarning done as humanly possible!

Enjoy your weekend everyone!  Be kind to each other!

The Week Ahead

Wow.  Big day yesterday.  And I'm still sort of riding high.

I have the week off and I'm super happy about it.  I didn't actually manage to sleep in, which is okay, but I'm drinking my coffee in my pajamas and that feels like a luxury.  

Sis decided to make some Christmas decorations for her desk at work.  She's actually figuring out and crocheting them herself.  I'm incredibly proud.  She's not one to figure out how things work and though she's been asking my opinion on what and how, I'm just telling her what I think and she's figuring it all out on her own.  We raided my yarn stash so she could get all the colors she needs.  She said it was like going shopping.  I had to grin.  

I have to make a trip to the post office at some point today.  And also make banana bread (because the bananas are overly ripe and need to be turned into bread) but other than that, I have to get yarning.  Izzy's birthday is in a couple of weeks and I haven't made much progress on her shawl.  Needs to get finished, especially because I know she suspects what it is.  Which is fine, but I need to get on it!  I've only got one repeat done.  But I'm making it it with a slightly heavier yarn and a bigger hook than the pattern calls for so I don't think I'll have to do as many repeats as the pattern calls for to get a full sized shawl.  

Really, that's my plan for the week, pretty much.  Spend the whole time in various version of comfy clothes, yarn, write, read.  Maybe do a little cleaning.  A bit of decorating. I might end up having to spend some time babysitting my goddaughter but that would be a treat too.  All in all, just planning on relaxing and taking it easy. 

Hope everyone enjoys their week as well!

Happy Easter!

Since we know I can't be let near any bunnies because if I am then they might just die a horrible, gruesome, bloody death by carrot, I'm going to steer clear of the little buggers.

Family dinner, some candy, probably another nap.  Can't get much better than that.

I baked the pie (meh) and the banana bread (yay!) yesterday so we're all set.

Have a splendid holiday everyone!  Enjoy!

 

☺

So, we all know my need for external validation.  And how I've been known to try and fish to get extra praise.  Yesterday, I'm very proud to say that I got a lot of thank yous and praise but I did not fish for more!  This may seem like not a big deal, but for me it is.  I made apple bread for the office party and gave my coworker the lapghan she ordered.  For both of these things, there was much love shot in my direction.  But I smiled and said thank you and I'm glad you like it and went about my business.  It's very nice to hear that my efforts are appreciated but I don't need more than that.  Knowing I've done a good job is enough.  Admittedly, I had to give myself a stern reminder before I got out of the car that whatever was said was enough.  Even if it was nothing, I didn't need the external validation.  I'm a work in progress, but I did well yesterday.

I also started a new throw with what's left of the homespun thick and quick.  It's so cushy.  I really love it a lot.  I don't know if I'm going to keep it or give it to someone else.  It's not really my color, it's a wine-y color called Claret, but I may keep it it because it's so fluffy and cuddly.  Or I may purchase some more in a more me-like color.  There are at least four different colors that I like.  And if I purchase more I can make it as big as I want.  Hmm...

In other news, the living room is still sans Christmas tree.  If I hadn't been so tired last night, I would have gotten it up no matter what.  But I needed sleep more.  So maybe tonight?  I'm not going to make any solid plans just so they can fall through, but I'll see if I can't get it done.  It's starting to stress me out, not having it up.  And I'm not enjoying that feeling.  Besides, it will really start to feel like the season once there are pretty lights and garland.  

I also baked another loaf of apple bread last night because the first words out of everyone's mouths when they saw me was that they didn't get any.  I made two loaves for the office party and brought them both in.  I didn't make any for home.  Apparently, that was a very bad thing.  I had one extra large apple left and that was enough for one loaf, so I halved the recipe and popped it in the oven.  The family was very happy with that.  Though mostly they just wanted to devour the bread.

Foiled!

The great tree plan of this weekend was foiled by well meaning members of the family who really want to help.  What that resulted in was the tree not getting up and decorated.  At all.  I'm trying not to be upset about it.  I'm trying very very hard to just roll with it and say, "OK fine, then let's make a plan to get it up and decorated." But the truth is...

The truth is, I am upset about it.

And the reason is simple.  This has happened in the past.  A lot.  For years now, I make the big plan and then it's "no, I want to help and I can't do it that day," or "let's not do it tonight, let's do it later." And then?  Then, I end up doing it myself.  Because, when it comes to the day, and even though everyone is there, I still end up having to do it all myself while they sit and watch me.

Except...

Well, I guess that's sort of tradition now too.  So I guess that I shouldn't be upset about it at all.  It's how it always goes and that appeals to the part of me that likes things the same year to year.  And at least, if I do it, then I know the ornaments get put where I like them to be.  And the lights will go on just how I like.  So, I guess it's a good thing after all, huh?

Izzy's party tonight, which will be fun.  And then home to bake some apple bread because our office party is tomorrow and we're going to have food all day.  And maybe while the bread is in the oven, I can convince the family to watch me put up the tree.

There was a flood in the basement

Not a real flood, thank God.  But the kind that happens when somehow the washing machine's draining tube comes loose so that the soapy water from the load empties all over the floor.  The cement and dirty floor.  And manages to get under the water heater, which is gas, and puts out the pilot light only you don't realize it until the next morning when you go to take your shower and there is no hot water and you have no choice but to take a fucking freezing cold shower because otherwise you'll be way late for work.  

But thank all the Gods and Goddesses that you have an uncle who is the most fantastic man alive and drops everything to run right over and get your water heater heating water again.

That was my Sunday night/Monday morning.  It was fun! (insert sarcasm here)

But I brought a loaf of Apple bread to work and my office people just raved over it.  Ate it all up.  Went back for seconds, and thirds, and even fourths until there was nothing left but crumbs in the bag.  That was incredibly satisfying.

And Fall is here!  Time to permanently break out the sweaters and hoodies!  Yay!  I am well pleased with the turn of the weather.  Got lost in my head for a bit planning all sorts of scarves/hats/mittens.  Had to force myself to stop because I have way too many things working right now and I need to get something finished before I start anything new.

Sis and I play words with friends.  We somehow ended up with three games going.  For the first time ever, I'm actually beating her.  In all three games.  I'm certain it won't last but I'm loving it while it happens.  

Because it's so chilly, I'm working on Lyse's afghan (still not finished!) because it keeps my lap warm while I work!

Apple Update

It was rather disappointingly warm yesterday.  I mean, it was still chilly enough to wear a hoodie but I would have liked just a bit more crisp in the air.  And our favorite orchard wasn't picking at trees close up; you had to get on the wagon attached to the tractor and ride down the field.  Sis has an unnatural aversion to these things.  I'm pretty sure it's because she's terrified of falling off and getting injured.  So, instead of actually picking our own apples we just picked some up.  They have a bunch of already picked and bagged apples at their little store.  I got a half bushel of Cortlands (because they are my favorite to bake and cook with) and a peck of Jonna Gold, a peck of Crispins (my very favorite to eat) and peck of Honeycrisps.  I don't know if they grow Honeycrisps elsewhere in the country but they are so very delicious.  If it weren't for my unnatural love of the Crispin, it would probably be my favorite.  

Then I came home and took a nap.  

Then I woke up from my napping desperately needing to bake.  So, I settled on apple bread and whipped up a couple of loaves.  I had a little extra left over so I put some in muffin form.  Very delicious.  And I drank a glass of apple strawberry wine.  It wasn't too bad but not my favorite.  Some sips had a weird sort of after taste.  Maybe the apple cherry will be better?  Oh, yeah.  They sold wine too.  I couldn't pass up a couple of bottles!

And of course, my brain started thinking of characters who work at an orchard.  I told my muse to shut the hell up.