Jack Frost

This past week has seen several days with the highs in the single digits (and Anchorage has been warmer than lots of other places in the state).  I recently noticed that we're growing ice crystals (hoar frost) on the railing of the deck.  They're pretty impressive - in size, and also that it's been that cold for that long so that these have formed.  I took the pictures below using the macro function on my little point-and-shoot camera.

 

 

The forecast for the next few days is more of the same.  If I can just suck it up, this will pass.  Soon we'll be to February, where the growing daylight is much more noticeable, and temperatures start easing up the scale...

Prom

Rather than a Christmas party, each year my work hosts the Dinner Dance.  It's a gala affair to present the company's profit sharing donation and recognize all the "milestone" anniversaries (5, 10, 15, 20, 25 years, etc. - we've even had a few (very few) 40 year anniversaries).  Todd was being recognized for his 10 year anniversary, so there's no way we were missing this shindig!  It's a free dinner followed by a band for dancing, and a chance to socialize with coworkers that you may not see very often.  In my circle, we call it Prom - everyone puts on fancy duds, you get pictures taken, dinner and dancing... you get the drift.

My favorite parts of Prom are people-watching and visiting after the presentations.  I enjoy watching the couples dancing - some because they're rather goofy (I envy their abandon and lack of self-consciousness), some because they're interesting (one year we had a impromptu hip-hop competition), and some because they really know how to waltz/two-step, etc. (that's one of the things on my Bucket List).  I was excited that the band this year had a horn section but the music they played did not get people up and dancing, which was a little disappointing (for the people that wanted to dance also, I'm sure).  Greg and I usually try to get in a slow dance, but they only played two - and the tempo they used on those wasn't really that slow.  Oh well.  There's always next year.

 

I'm bummed that I didn't get a picture of Stacy in her cute black dress, but I did feel her leg... (she had on lovely stockings with a cool pattern).  So after an enjoyable evening visiting, we moved our small party to another venue to continue the fun.  On the way out, we noticed that the weather had cooled off significantly.  Not really a big surprise, since it's January in Alaska.  The biggest distress was to my freshly-shaved legs.  Apparently, when you only shave once every few months (in the winter), that extra hair acts like insulation (or fur?) to retain body heat.  My poor legs were shocked at the change, and my pants just didn't seem to retain heat like they've done before.  Almost makes me want to invest in one of those insulated over-skirts (like the one here).

 

It's been a long time since we've been out until after 3am.  I can tell I'm getting older, since it took a while for me to recuperate on Sunday.  Thanks Anita, Tasha, Amanda, Stacy, Greg, James, and Todd!!  If we don't do it sooner, let's plan another get-together like this for next year...  =)

Life Lesson #514: Silk Sheets Aren't All *That*

When Greg brought home our first set of silk sheets, I was enamored.  But somehow, my reality doesn't come close to matching the perception of what I think silk sheets should be.  When I contemplate silk sheets, I immediately envision a scene from the movie The Holiday (a cute, if unrealistic, romantic comedy with Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black).  The image I see is where Kate Winslet's character has come from London to a mansion in LA and she's enjoying sleeping in an oversize bed with puffy blankets, loads and loads of pillows, and silk sheets.  It's the ultimate in decadence and pampering, the epitome of a life of leisure.  Who wouldn't want something like that?  I want something like that.

My reality is that I'm probably too plebian for silk sheets.  They seem a lot like pedicures to me.  On the surface, pedis are a relaxing treat to pamper myself.  The more significant reason for such a treat is that I have calloused feet.  I do not have smooth, silky, soft, pampered feet.  For a couple hours every 5-6 weeks, I get a soak and scrub finished with a pretty polish.  The intervening 35 to 42 days my feet are working-class marvels (that are entirely under appreciated).  And how does this apply to silk sheets, you might ask?  In more ways than one.

With silk sheets, it doesn't matter that I'm fresh from a pedicure.  My scaly, tough soles catch the fabric.  My feet will apparently never be soft enough or callous-free enough to avoid snagging the sheets.  So instead of sliding smoothly between them, I stutter and have to free my animal-hide soles from the clingy sheets.  I can tell you from experience that after a while, silk sheets tend to ball up where they've been snagging on tough soles.  And the balled-up portion detracts from my perception of how things should be (and it's less comfortable, to boot).

In addition, I'm not one to make the bed every day.  If you're lucky, I pull the blankets up to the pillows so everything's kinda straight.  Knowing that, it shouldn't bother me that the blankets slide off the bed at random times.  Sometimes it's the middle of the night and I wake up freezing, and sometimes we get home and they've gone from on the bed to somewhere beside it.  (I blame the cats and their monkey-business for that.  If they wouldn't horse around so much, they wouldn't've created the blanket avalanche caused by the unstableness of slickery sheets.) 

So now I've got silk sheets that are pill-y, I wake up cold in the middle of the night because my blankets are off the end of the bed, and I have the distasteful realization that I'm not a pampered princess (nor will I likely *ever* have the leisurely lifestyle that includes afternoon tennis - I don't even play tennis - country clubs, and martinis at 3 o'clock - if it's an appletini, otherwise I'd better stick to fruity beer).  Not really the happily-ever-after that I've worked silk sheets up to be.

I much prefer sateen.  Smooth and rich, 800 thread count, sleek and lustrous.  My blue-collar feet haven't snagged on them yet, and it's so... luxurious... especially with freshly shaved and lotioned legs...  Good thing my real sheets are just about done in the laundry!

Bringing in the New Year

It's hard to believe that we've just begun a new year.  And yet, this past year has been long, sometimes hard, enjoyable, rainy, cold & dark, peppered with friends and family, interspersed with sun here and there, and extremely full.  We've had accomplishments and setbacks, triumphs and pitfalls.  In short, it's exactly the same as every other year - only different.  =)

To usher in the New Year, we went downtown with friends to the Anchorage Fire and Ice event.  It reminded me (on a very small scale) of New Year's Eve a couple years ago in Salt Lake City (my post is here).  Weather-wise, we were very fortunate.  It has warmed up over the past couple days to actually getting highs in the 20s.  The forecast for Friday was rain, but by evening it had cleared up and was a downright balmy evening (for December in Alaska).

We wandered around Town Square, taking in the ice skating and dancing, as well as the ice sculptures and fire dancers.  (Most of the pictures on this post were taken by Greg and his fancy-pants camera.  My poor little beast has such a long delay, especially when it's dark, that it was practically useless.  One of these days, it'll be time for a new one...)  It was an enjoyable, fun evening.  Everything had such a festive air, it's been a long time since I've been to an event with that kind of enthusiasm.  The kind that turns pressing, pushy crowds into comrades who are just as exhilarated as I am to see the sights and hear the sounds of gaiety produced by such an event.

For some reason that eludes me, the fireworks were scheduled for 8pm instead of midnight.  Maybe so that the kiddies could enjoy it and still be home and tucked in bed before they turn into pumpkins?  Regardless of the reason, we were able to spend a few hours enjoying the sights, watch the fireworks, get dinner at a sit-down restaurant, and be home before midnight.  We were tempted to go to bed before midnight too, but instead spent some time watching out the kitchen window for the fireworks going off in our neighborhood.  (This is the first year in a very long time that Anchorage allowed personal fireworks within the city limits - there were LOTS of people taking advantage of the change...)

The new year (any new year, THIS new year) brings with it a fresh start and open possibilities.  May this be a year of productivity and enjoyment, full of laughter and love, for all of us.

Christmas

It's here already!  It's hard to believe that I've run out of time again.  Last minute wrapping finally done Christmas Eve.  At least I wasn't doing last minute shopping then too.  We got most of our packages out in time to arrive... close to Christmas...  I still have one package to ship and the Christmas letters to mail.  (I'm sorry this is late, Grandma and Dad, but I wanted to include the most recent postings from my blog for you to enjoy.)

After a rough day at work (a half day, and Christmas Eve! - you'd think it would've been one of the easiest days of the year, but no...), I made it home to relaxing Christmas music, the lighted tree, some eggnog, and the Wrapping Center.  For those folks that get their presents wrapped last, I have to apologize.  I always get a little more sloppy with the bows and ribbons.  Some may only get bows, and where I can, I double up the presents and use one ribbon on two gifts (books work well for this).  In the beginning, it's always fun.  Towards the end, it's a race against the looming deadline (and my aching back).

Presents wrapped and under the tree, pickle ornaments hidden, now it's time to play games and really relax.  Greg's mom spent Christmas Eve with us, chatting, eating, and playing cards.  I over-indulged in the Macadamia Nut Brittle my friend Stacy made just for me.  Oh, sweet goodness!!  (And don't forget the sugar high...)

Christmas Day was one of the most relaxing I can remember.  It was a lazy morning, and part-way through unwrapping presents, Greg and I took a break to cook some breakfast (brunch, by that time).  More unwrapping, plenty of chatting, and then it's time to get together for dinner and games with friends who are family.

I keep hearing people say that Christmas is really just for the kids anyway... but I don't think I entirely agree.  Sure, kids bring an element of wonder to the whole event (and later greediness and stress - it's just their nature - then eventually the realization that it's about the giving not the receiving, and by then they're well on their way to adulthood).  But even without kids of my own, this whole Christmas season has been overfull of things that make me happy.  Spending time with friends; listening to our Christmas music; enjoying the lights and decorations; even the shopping and wrapping.

A truly splendid month-long celebration of gift-giving and joy.  Did I get everything I wanted for Christmas?  Yes.  A reminder of love and support from my husband and friends; an acknowledgment of the gifts and truths given by Christ; laughter and fresh-baked goodies (as a receiver instead of a giver this year - next year I'll get back to some baking); pleasure in the happiness of those around me.  I hope your Christmas was as lovely as mine.

Solstice Eclipse

As with every year, the official start of winter is the harbinger of light and warmth for me.  On the very day that Winter is proclaimed, the tides of darkness begin to turn.  Sure, it's not noticeable for a month or so.  But deep in the marrow of my bones I know I've made it to a milestone; that the Cold Death is beginning to lose its power.  It gives me strength to last through more bitter dark and cold, knowing that the light is slowly growing and with it will come more heat (eventually).

This year's winter solstice is also historical.  It's the first time in hundreds of years that solstice included an eclipse of the full moon.  I think the next time they say this will happen is 2094 - more than 80 years from now, and I doubt I'll be around to see that one.  (Actually, I kept my limbs inside nice and cozy, and just looked at the pictures Greg took from our deck with his fancy-pants camera.)

Look What Happens...

...when you've got a project with a deadline...

Nita ended up with a tight timeline to finish TWO quilts.  Need to have them both done before the 16th, since she's giving them away for Christmas and that's the date of the get-together.  While there's lots of work to do, we're fairly confident that we can get the work done in time...

Nita did lots of sewing on her own, and the times I was there I helped out by ironing to speed things along.  Sew the squares into strips, then sew the strips together; add a border or two and voila! You've got a finished quilt top.

 

Do that twice over and we're ready to put the layers together.  Pin the quilt top to the batting, then trim.  Lay the quilt face/batting layer on the right side of the backing fabric, pin, then trim.

Sew together (it's inside out right now), leaving a large-ish gap in one side.  Pull the fronts of the quilt (currently inside) out of the hole, then hand stitch the hole closed.  A little top stitching to hold the layers together, and you've got yourself two Christmas presents done before gift-giving.  Way to go, Nita!

After the holidays we'll pick up again with the other quilts.  Payton's deadline is sometime in April, and I've still got several kits to finish up (at least one of which is the pattern that Anita just finished here)...

It's About Time

A long, long time ago (say, two years and longer ago), I took several Mystery Quilt classes.  This is where you sign up for a class at the local quilting fabric shop.  You get a packet of fabrics and the first step of making the quilt.  You have absolutely no idea what the pattern is going to be in the beginning.  When you attend class, you get more and more of the instructions, and by the end you know the pattern and there's usually a finished product available to view.  The classes that I went to are generally a half day - definitely not long enough for me to put it all together.  But you get copies of the instructions to take home and you can finish the quilt at your leisure.  Thank goodness, since apparently my leisure is... *ages*... and my memory is not so hot after such a long break.

Well, I think I took at least four (maybe five) of the classes, and have only ever finished ONE of the quilts.  Time to get my ducks in a row and get some of these things done!

Went to Nita's to work some on my quilt.  While I was doing that, she was working on one of hers; and Payton started working on his (he'll be doing two, but they're the same pattern so he can work on them together).  It's... what... three weeks 'til Christmas?  Lots of work to do, but I think we can get it done.

The biggest problem I'll have with mine is figuring out what we did for the borders.  The instructions list two borders, but I have three border fabrics.  Fortunately for me, Sara was in this class with me (and she finished her quilt ages ago), so she can take pictures and measure the widths on her quilt.  Then I'll adjust for raw fabric and figure out what I need to do.  But that's a different day.

Today was ironing.  Lots and lots of ironing.  Three irons going for four different quilts.  It'll be a quilt making factory for a while, but it's always so nice to see the progress and feel that sense of accomplishment.

Christmas Is Getting Closer

I wasn't sure we were going to decorate for Christmas this year, but Greg surprised me by bringing up the decorations on Thanksgiving.  We waited to put them up until today, since part of our tradition is to put in Christmas music and have some eggnog while we're putting up the tree.  I've been thoroughly enjoying the music and am *so* happy to have my decorations up.  I'm excited for our "Twelve Movies of Christmas" - that starts on the 12th, so we watch the last one on Christmas Eve.  It's a new tradition and we're still working out the finer points, but I'm excited nonetheless. 

We have some of my all-time-favorite CDs in rotation right now: Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Eve and Other Stories; Jimmy Buffet - Christmas Island; Garth Brooks - Beyond the Season; Big Bad Voodoo Daddy - Everything You Want for Christmas; Chris Isaak - Christmas; and a new album: The Brian Setzer Orchestra - Christmas Comes Alive.  There's nothing like some good tunes to get me in the Christmas spirit!  If you care to contribute (the few out there reading this), I'd be interested to know what some of your favorite Christmas artists/albums are.

Now to sit back, enjoy the lights, listen to some good music, and enjoy the eggnog.  Oh!  And try to keep the cats out of the tree (always a losing proposition, but we've got to try)...

I'm Thankful

Thanksgiving was a low-key, laid back affair for us this year.  Greg cooked breakfast while we watched the Macy's parade; talked to family; read the paper.  For dinner, we picked up a pre-done chicken breast stuffed with ham, bacon, and cheese (mmmmmmm, bacon!).  Cooked that up and had green beans and salad - tasty and no mess.  And after dinner we shoveled more than a foot of wet, heavy snow that had accumulated throughout the day, then went to visit friends for a bit.

Greg even pulled out the Christmas decorations - but I refused to put them up today (except for the door wreath), since I don't want to mix holidays.  I wasn't sure we were going to decorate this year, since the entryway to the storage was blocked and it's so much work to get everything done, only to take it all down again in a few weeks.  But I find that now I'm excited to have the Christmas music playing and get our house decked out for Christmas.  (We'll be breaking out the eggnog Sunday for the tree decorating party!!)  It will definitely be worth the effort!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am posting five things that I am thankful for:

1. My job.  This last year has been particularly tough and busy, but I made it through with a little help from my friends and family.  I am glad to have a job that has good benefits and is relatively stable (if I can get past the office politics and keep sane).

2. My family.  We recently took a trip Outside to see family.  It was extremely rewarding and rejuvenating for me.  I love my family, and these new memories we made are like a warming fire - a homing beacon, if you will - that will help get me through the dark, cold days.

3. My husband (although he counts in the family section too, he deserves special mention). Greg is full of enthusiasm for everything.  And when I need something special, he figures out how to give it to me.  He worked hard to help remodel my mom's house, and spent his vacation traveling with me to various locations to see my family and friends.  He's supportive of any endeavor I choose to pursue.

4. My friends.  I consider my close friends as family, since I'm so far from my own.  They offer love and support, interspersed with fun and laughter.

5. My freedom.  There are those that have paid dearly for the freedoms that I enjoy today.  I appreciate my ability to speak freely and have the means to protect myself, should the need arise.  And I'm grateful for those that have given so much so that I can enjoy these benefits.

May your holidays be filled with laughter and peace, and may you be held tight in the arms of those you love.

Life Lesson #247: It's All About Perspective

Is the glass half empty, or half full?  This is a question often asked to denote perspective.  If you answer half empty, the indication is negative - no cloud has a silver lining, doom and gloom are impending (if they haven't already arrived).  If your glass is half full, you apparently live in a bed of roses, wear rose colored glasses, find the silver lining in every cloud, and skip to work with a song on your lips.

If we apply this theory to food-related items, there are several foods that are on the fence.  My personal outlook determines whether or not I deem these foods healthy.  For example: Cheese.  Full of fat, but has protein and calcium.  And it tastes good.  Ice cream.  Full of fat and sugar, but also has calcium.  Chocolate.  An under-appreciated vegetable (the bean family) that provides many feel-good benefits when ingested.  (I just took a break from writing this blog entry to enjoy a lovely, fudgy, chocolate chip infused brownie.  Ahhh, sweet nectar!) And Bacon.  A good source of protein and energy, but oft lamented for it's high fat content.  But bacon is good with everything.  Crumble bacon in a salad; bacon and eggs; bacon and broccoli: BLT sammiches; the list goes on and on.

A while ago, I started thinking about adding bacon to my cookies.  An irregular combination to be sure, but it has potential.  The salty-sweet combination has always been a favorite of mine (chocolate covered pretzels come to mind) and bacon tastes good with everything.  It can't be too terrible, and might be fairly tasty.

A potluck at work cinched the deal.  What better arena to debut the new flavor?  I made three other flavors, just in case the bacon cookies didn't turn out, or there were people that aren't as fond of bacon as I am.  (Like dragons and unicorns, these people are mythical, but I also wanted options for the timid souls who wouldn't have courage enough to step out of the norm.)

These cookies are almost a health food.  Vegetables (the cocoa bean) with feel-good properties, TWO protein sources (eggs and bacon), dairy (butter has calcium, right?), and grain (what little nutrients there are from the unbleached flour).  How can I go wrong with a combination like that?  Of course, I made Greg try them first (since I'm one of those timid souls that often lacks courage) - and since he didn't die and even came back for more, I gave in and had one.  It's my new favorite cookie flavor - I suppose in part because of the odd looks that I get when people ask what flavor they are, but also because they are tasty!! I made my second batch of them this weekend for a friend's birthday party.  I believe the term is unqualified success.  Or something along those lines.

I choose to see my bacon glass half full of the yummy goodness that embodies bacon.  And I'll have a cookie to go with that!

Another Vending Machine

Found this one in the mall.  Will wonders never cease?

I'm So Glad...

...that there are people in the world who can do things that I can't.  I'd never make it as a construction worker - not enough patience and I don't "see" how it can be before there's anything but paper and pencil or raw materials; nor would I be a good salesman (of any kind) - I don't have the ability to walk up to people and find out what they need, then tailor something (a product offering or change their needs) to fit the bill; I especially would not succeed as an author - not enough patience to put my stories onto paper (and they only really sound good in my mind anyway).

But I am grateful that there are people in the world who are suited to do the things I am not.  I am glad that I have a well-built house to live in, and that my husband comes up with ideas for remodeling and does most of the work to make it happen.  It makes our house look nice and feel comfortable.  I appreciate a really good salesman (or woman) - the kind that's not pushy, but can help me better define what I'm looking for and then helps me get just that at the best value.  The kind of salesman that makes me feel like they're really interested in my concerns, and not just making a sale.  And I always enjoy curling up to read a book.  It's my escape from the grind and a way to recharge and be ready to tackle more real life.

I that vein, I present the medical field in general and my sister, the doctor, in particular.  No way in heaven would I be fit or able to be a nurse or doctor.  M has been a nurse and is now a doctor.  She has compassion combined with great integrity, and something else that's just part of who she is, and this combination creates something magical that I will most assuredly never attain.  But I'm glad it's there; I'm awestruck that there are people who can do what doctors and nurses do - and actually thrive in that environment; and I'm hopeful that should I ever be in need, I will find someone like that to help me.

An excerpt from a recent obituary (italics and bold are my own addition):  The family wished to express their gratitude to Dr. Tso, Dr. Breeden, and all the caring SJRMC 4th floor doctors and nursing staff for their kindness and care.  A special thank you to Dr. Amy Plagge for allowing our loved one to pass with grace, respect and dignity.

I know this post is not about me or happenings around me. I just wanted to share. I'm proud for M. I'm proud of M. And she would never post anything about this, but I'm glad she shared it with me. She's a damn fine doctor. I'm glad that there are people like her in the world, and I'm especially glad that M is part of my world.

Home Again...

Been home less than a day...

Vacation - Wrap Up

We're home again.  To my dismay.  It's *cold* here.  And when it's sunny, it's even colder!  I find that I liked having warm weather in October.  And I definitely liked our road trip.  But the best part (I mean The.Best.Part.) of the trip was being able to spend time with so many friends and family.  It's going to be a tough adjustment for me to get used to being so far away and disconnected again.

 

We were able to stop at mom's house before heading to the airport.  Nice to see her and Dave one more time and as a side benefit, we got to see the finished remodel project.  Carpet's in and furniture is starting to re-populate the rooms.  I really, really like the end results.  The colors are beautiful, and it looks so comfortable.  I really hope mom and Dave enjoy the fruits of our family labor.  It was well worth it!

 

 

And now we've come to the end of another vacation.  It's lovely to sleep in my own bed.  But I already miss the nice weather and being around my family.  Maybe someday...