Getting it right and wrong

This year was a year of growing that I have not faced in a while. Trying to find a new me, hopefully a better me. It was a year of learning. How to deal with frustrations, how to ask for help, how to let go.

This day marks the end to my first year as the volunteer financial secretary to my church. It was a much bigger job than I thought. Learning as I go, teaching myself, setting up a new system and massive data entry did not make it any easier. Quite honestly there is so much more to do. It has been a bit like treading water, next year I might just learn how to swim.

So that used up a lot of my time. Time I would normally spend knitting, exercising, blogging and doing all the other things that fill up an evening/weekend. I missed those things.

I tried to knit at any opportunity. D gave me some great advice, knit at the very first church meeting I attend. Let them get used to the idea right from the start and don't worry about what others think. He is really quite a smart guy. I can tell you it worked. The only thing I get asked is if I've finished a sock during the meeting. I've proven that I can pay attention and participate, even with my fingers busy. And I resent the time away from home less too. You ever been in a meeting that seems to go in circles? It is not so bad when you have knitting that goes in circles too.

A couple of months ago I was feeling that my knitting time had taken a hit and wondered how bad it was. Turns out all those little moments can lead to good solid knit items, mostly socks. Sixteen pairs, half of which are not for me. I can add in three cowls and a hat. So while I may not have managed a sweater, no wait a minute I reknit half of a sweater for D because it was too big. It fits nice now. Anyways I was quite productive even if I was not as relaxed as I used to be.

I set 52 books as a reading challenge and crushed it. I've got 58 stories in my head now. I found listening to books and a new paperwhite Kindle to help. Most times I've had 3-4 books going at a time. My favorite was The Martian by Andy Weir Audible edition. My sister recommended it to me and wow what a great story! It was a bit heavy on the swearing but when you're alone on Mars trying to survive it does not need to be PG 13. I missed seeing the movie but have something to look forward to next year. What? It is all the small things that add up to make a good year.

Unfortunately the thing that I could put off and did put off was exercise. It was so hard to make that time for myself with a box of obligation weighing me down. D has been gently helping me find time and making it a priority. I did tell you how smart he is, right?

Jack is a fan of Mom's paperwork. He likes to sit next to me and make sure I am doing it right and taking breaks. Gus likes that Mom does not have quite so much time to focus on him. It is nice to be able to take a nap without getting poked.

Well that is about all I have to tell you for this year. May next year bring us more joy than heartache!

Hugged by a sheep

What is the saying? If you cannot be with the one you love, love the one you're with.

I took this picture back in October on Hug-A-Sheep day. It still makes me smile.

Gus had a bit of a set back this weekend. A bout of vomiting that was quickly remedied with meds. I am so thankful that we found meds that continue to work for him.

Christmas is usually the beginning of a tough time for him so I am happy that he delayed till after. I certainly have learned a lot from all his illnesses. Mostly I have learned to appreciate the good times while they last.

I came across a how old is your cat table recently. Both of my boys fall into the geriatric portion. Gus' human age is 88 and Jack is a very spry 80. Good thing they can make me feel so young.

As the Vulcans say Live Long and Prosper!

Cat Nip Balls and Christmas Cats

My boys are not spoiled, I have no idea what you're talking about. It is not like they get their own throne under the Christmas tree. Or that Mom's shawl makes a great throne cave.

Well it is not like they get their own entertainment system in the form of a purple and white cat nip ball.

Oh!?

It is not like they enjoy playing with the entertainment system on the throne.

You're right. But it is not like they use the tree for entertainment.

Gus did you just bite the tree????

I have no idea what you're talking about Mom. I was just sitting here doing a wee bit of washing.

Now Jack he has the innocent look down pat. Me? I'm just admiring the pretty lights. I would never bite the tree! Or at least not while you had a camera in hand.

In need of a bit of a lie down

Last night before going to bed I looked at my Ravelry account and confirmed a suspicion, you may need to sit down for this, I know I did. I only have one project on the needles! One!?

I know, breathe in to a paper bag for a moment. You may need to have a bit of a lie down to recover from the shock.

One project what kind of multi-knitter am I? And to top it off I/we put up a Christmas tree instead of casting on today. Seriously can someone drive over here and take my vitals? I think I may have overmedicated my Startitis syndrome.

Maybe if I look at some yarn I can get my levels back up to normal.

Thanks Jack I needed that.

I'll just be over here organizing all the needles I have free. Oh wait I had some fingerless gloves that need some thumbs added to them. Where were they again? Oh look I found the yarn I needed for them.

Whew this may tide me over till a skein of desperate yarn falls into my lap and asks me to knit it into socks. 

If you have not heard from me in a few weeks, send brightly colored sock yarn, I'm sure that would help.

Quickly before anyone notices

Did you feel that gigantic whoosh go by you too? I am pretty sure that was November. Or at least it felt like November. 

So I may not have proof of what I am knitting because I can't get any pictures now. I can tell you what yarn I just cast on this week. It is from my Rhinebeck 2014 stash so I did not even have to dive too deep. 

STR in the colorway Muddy Autumn. Shh don't tell anyone but I'm knitting these for myself. I know it is not like my sock draw is empty but I love the colors so I'm keeping them.

I may or may not have just squirreled away a Hubby sized pair of socks till I can get them wrapped. They won't be a surprise but I bet they will be appreciated.

Now I'm going to knit for ten minutes before I have to do a night of Christmasy activity.