December 31 - Part Two

The new year's eve party was great.

I kissed my man at midnight.

We watched people shoot fireworks.
It was quite fun, if possibly illegal within city limits... But it was very pretty to look at.
A happy new year to you.

December 31

This photo is from last January, when I had the worst hair cut ever. So glad my bangs have grown out since then.

It isn't midnight yet here on the West Coast, so I've actually got a little time before we head out to our party. Hope everyone is having a lovely holiday season.

2008 was a pretty great year. My word was discover. I am pleased to find that I did exactly that.

This year was the year I was 26.

I learned to really let myself play.

I cherished small peaceful moments.

I learned to let go of things that I was holding on to too tightly

I let myself be open to all kinds of artistic possibilities

I left things undone.

I finished things.

I documented.

I realized a lifelong dream

I almost lost my job.

I loved.

I grieved.

I spent too much money.

I think I grew up a little bit more.

And you know, I don't think I am quite finished with 2008 yet, but the calendar keeps progressing.

So... welcome 2009.

Bring it.

December 28-30

To be honest, nothing really exciting happened on these days.

Also, it is very very hard to document so much time consecutively.
You get a little tired of it after awhile.

So to recap. There was much relaxing, some movie watching, and a little crafting thrown in to mix it up. I went to work (driving because the roads are finally clear!!!)

The one thing of note was that my co-workers threw me an early birthday party (disguised as a meeting). Very nice.

But really, that was it.

December 27

In which I wake up early to make pancakes for Greg.

He was very pleased by my surprise. :D

Today was cleaning day. We got the house totally cleaned, including the spice drawer!

I worked on some more soldered pieces. Greg's mom liked the pieces I made for Christmas so much she asked me to make some more for her sister. I was happy to oblige.

I also began the de-Christmasification process of the house.

Unfortunately, since I hadthe new wreaths, I needed something to store them in. So I took a little field trip to Target to pick up the appropriate storage containers.

And while at the mall, I swung by the bookstore and picked myself up a copy of this:

So so awesome. And perfect for the new year.

December 26

After all the lazing about and staying inside that happened on Christmas Day, I was a little antsy to get out of the house.

So we ventured out for some coffee and groceries.

Later we went out for lunch and for Greg to meet his friend for a game of warmachine at the gaming shop out in Redmond, while I went to check out the sales at the Ben Franklin craft store.

For some after dinner fun, we had a little game night. We broke out the Mousetrap game I got Greg for Christmas. I totally trapped his mouse! It was awesome.And then we had a game of Betrayal at House on the Hill with the roomates. Lots of fun and games. And a great way to spend a day off. Good times.

December 25

Christmas Day dawned bright and clear.

The snow had stopped! Huzzah. We slept in until about 10 and then got ready to go have some Christmas. Sadly, my Amazon order had never showed up, so we had some last minute wrapping and I.O.U.s to make.

Then we headed over to G's parent's house for delicious waffles and presents!

There was much rejoicing and delight when the gifts were passed around.

I got some very lovely things. A journal, a calendar, a necklace, a velvet shawl. and a parasol (that one was from my sweetie). All very unexpected and delightful.

Here is me wearing the shiny new necklace that I received: After the gifts were all disbursed I took a nap on the very comfy couch in the living room while the menfolk played MarioKart.

Later there was some yummy dinner and celebrating with friends.

And some sweet desserts. It was a very Merry Christmas!
Hope you had a great day filled with cheer, friends, good food, and good times.

December 24

Christmas Eve.

The day started off with a lovely snowstorm (again!).

Sadly, I still had to go into work, despite the fact that I was 99% certain I would be sent home early. So, I bundled up, grabbed my umbrella and set off down the hill yet again. (Gee, I really miss driving to work.) At work, there was a very festive atmosphere. And I tried to remain productive. I really did. Until I came back from my first break and they told us we could all go home at 12:30.
What is a girl to do? Go Downtown of course.
I hadn't actually gone to downtown Seattle since the decorations went up, so I was very excited to go and see the Westlake tree and the carousel and perhaps do a little last minute shopping.... or as actually happened, early birthday shopping for myself. :D

A little trip to Anthro and Urban, some new wool socks... a little coffee at Nordstroms. Just perfect. There was a bit of magic in the air, I think. I even lucked out and quickly caught a good bus home.

Once I warmed up a bit, I proceded to bake molasses cookies (thanks Martha!). And then I put the finishing touches on the ornaments I made for Greg's mum.
I think they turned out lovely.

Hope your Christmas Eve was filled with peace and happiness.
Note: I am going to attempt to get the blog all caught up as soon as I can, but life sure gets crazy this time of year, neh?