2011, here I come!

It's a brand new year and I am filled with hope that this one will be better than the last. There is so much work to do in 2011. I want to come at the end of it a happier, more accomplished person. 2010 was rough. But let's leave it in the past. Onward with full sails!

I generally want to become a better version of me. I want to be healthy and fit, I want a clean house, I want success at work, I want financial security, I want to learn and experience something new every day, and I want to strengthen my relationships with my family and friends. In short, I want to live the good life.

This endeavor is quite overwhelming. So let's start with something I know and love. Official goal #1: finish 2 knitting project each month. One will be for me, one will be for someone else. This month's goals:

Citadel mittens for the battered women's shelter

One row lace scarf for me

I'll be home for Christmas

This year we hosted the holidays at our house. It was a lot of work (and stress-induced panic attacks), but the end-result was wonderfully cozy and unforgettable. Here are a few shots from the two days.

Yup - I did all of this

Moja familija

Sisters

This would have been such a beautiful portrait, but I ruined it with my big pumpkin head (and some stray hairs)

Niece Maggie was Santa's little helper

In-laws

Tricky humans

I knew they were up to no good. Mommy used her happy sing-songey voice. Daddy was extra encouraging. Most of the time I have to put up a whole dog and pony show (minus the pony) to get this much attention.

There is a reason they wanted me to follow them into the human potty room. My tail wagged and I squealed and whimpered with both happiness and anxiety. I'd leap happily forward and then retreat hesitantly back, thinking "I don't know about this."

And then mommy filled the human-sized bowl with water. I came close to check out this huge water bowl when daddy threw in my bestest toy into it. I always fall for that one. Hello! I am a retriever.

I tried to reach it with my paw and my mouth, but it was floating away. I had to put a paw in, then the other, until half of me was inside. Then I slipped a little and ended up entirely wet! I was in the middle of the big water bowl!

Then mommy and daddy put some nice smelling soapy stuff. They were rubbing and scratching me and I really like that, even though I get nervous around water.  I don't really trust it.

Then daddy took some pictures, and they laughed. I am not sure what was so funny.

After the bath, there was more rubbing in the towels, followed by some brushing. It felt really nice to get all that attention, even though I felt tricked. I smell like flowers and bees, but my preference of scent is usually daddy's used socks or rotten food. Oh well... this too shall pass. And next time I will know better.

Oh look - daddy threw my toy into the basement! I gotta go check this out.

Cherished, indeed

Ahhh, Kim Hargreaves - my favorite knitwear designer. I've blogged about her quite a few times.
Her latest book is so far the best! You can see all the designs on her website.

I also got some Rowan Kid Silk Haze yarn to make a gorgeous scarf from the book. Can't wait to make it. Looks so luscious and lovely. ::swoon::

Happy 20th birthday, little sisters!

Today was a good day. For one, it's my darling sisters' birthday. We spent some quality time together. I took them out shopping, and bought them some pretty things. Then we had dinner together. They have grown into such lovely, smart, pretty, amazing people. I could not be more proud of them, or more grateful to have sisters who I also consider my closest friends. Love you, girls!

It is also the first official day at my new job. But more on that later...

Alpaca and puppies

It's cold outside. Luckily, I made an extremely soft, colorful cowl from Misti Alpaca.

The yarn is handpainted and chunky. Pretty and warm. Yay!

Speaking of soft and cuddly, meet my mother-in-law's new puppy, Sophie (from the Animal Rescue League).

Sophie is such a sweet, loving dog. She seems to like me in particular. I think we'll get along well.

Cheese!

'Tis the season

I knitted a hat to donate to a battered women's shelter. I used Malabrigo yarn, which is heavenly to knit with. The color is a red I have no use for, since red doesn't wear me well. The pattern is called Butterfly, but to me, it looks more like bows. You be the judge.

Hope someone out there likes it as much as I do.