P1010007.JPG,
originally uploaded by anaphasedotcom.

It was wonderful having the week off, and I can’t believe it’s over. I finished up a few projects around here, including getting my needle case started AND FINISHED. I haven’t sewed in a long while, so this project was a lot more time consuming than I anticipated (compounded by having to double all the fabrics, which was a PITA). Still, I really enjoyed making it.

The outside, which you can’t see in the picture, is the same print as the top flap, but in blue & brown.

More pictures here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/anaphasedotcom/sets/72157603576258907/

I don’t have to go to work for a whole week! I don’t have to go to werrrrr-er-errrrrrk! For a whole weeee-ee-eeek! Damn hell, you say I don’t have to go to work? No, muthafuggas! I am on vacation! Take that, whitey.

Ahem.

So. I ran today. Just 3 glorious miles with my new orthotics, which solve some problems but make my feet ache a little afterwards. No matter. I rule because I ran! So I had a cookie, or 5. And some wine. A big glass of wine that is smoky and lovely and huge because I don’t have to go to work tomorrow. Did I mention that yet? Oh good.

Maybe now I can finally catch up on my emails, phone calls, and blog reading. I fear that I have been a terrible friend these last few months, and I really have to reach out to a few people. This is how lame I am – I am sending New Year’s cards instead of Christmas cards.

Anyway, this is how I’m going to spend my vacation, in order:

1. Running
2. Hanging out with Rob (unless he is playing Call of Duty III all week, then proceed to 3)
3. Catching up with people
4. Sending cards & letters
5. Sewing
6. Reading for my class

Wooo! Do you know what time it is? Time for me to have another glass of wine because I don’t have to go to work tomorrow! Seriously, I can’t remember a recent time when I have been this happy. And that’s sad. HA!

Well, it snowed again. We probably got another 8″ or so before it turned over to freezing rain. We don’t have much of a driveway, but we had drifts up to the car door handles, and in addition to the driveway & the sidewalk, we also have to clear a path from the back gate to the back door. Because we are nice, we also shovel our neighbor’s sidewalk & steps. Given that he has a double lot, I think this qualifies us for sainthood.

So.

Friday, I shoveled and ran. Yesterday I did pushups, situps, and yoga. Today I shoveled again for 2 hours. I ache.

Now I just have to finish the laundry, write a paper, call my mom, and cook dinner. And with that, the weekend is over. *sigh*

P1010015.JPG,
originally uploaded by anaphasedotcom.

I didn’t bother to take pictures of today’s snow, but this is what fell on Thursday. Friday morning’s workout was shoveling this – about 8″ worth – with Rob.

Later, it warmed up a bit and the streets were pretty clear so I ended up running 3 miles or so.

Work is getting the better of me. I’m tired all the time. I’m travelling some, and putting in a lot of long hours. Instead of looking at running as a release from all of that, I have been feeling like it’s one more thing I have to try to fit into my day. So I’ve been on a break for about a week, and it’s been good to not feel obligated to… well, myself and my schedule, etc.

I ran a few miles with Bo on Saturday morning before the rest of the dogs showed up at the park. That was fun, but I haven’t run since.

This weekend I will start back up, even if it is snowing (likely).

Also, I decided not to sign up for a spring semester class at Harvard. I might take a painting class at the museum school, or I might not enroll in anything until summer. I just need some down time. And a week off.

Maybe I will get my mojo back soon…

Even though brings to mind the scene in A Christmas Story where Ralphie is writing his Christmas theme (“I don’t think a football is a very good Christmas present”), I have been thinking about what I want for myself for the coming year – what I want to accomplish, I mean – and what I realized was that I really need to spend more time hiking.

I love hiking. I really do. Even though I have terrible balance and am afraid of heights, I love being outside in the woods, climbing to the top of rocky hills, and finding the joy in being alone with your thoughts, the kind of alone that you only seem to find on a trail. And with all the hiking I’ve done in my life, I’ve never done a weekend trip – real backpacking – and this year I’d like to do that.

Which brings me to my Christmas list. I want backpacking stuff. And it is pricey, let me tell you.

I have a few things, like a water purifier, an MSR personal size camping stove thing (like a JetBoil), and a good daypack, but no tent, no internal frame pack, and those kinds of things. My sleeping bag is crap, and far too thin for anything more than cabin or car camping. So I’m saving up. And maybe Santa will read this blog, visit REI, and leave me a little somethin’ under the tree. Even Smartwool socks would be great. Just sayin’.

I finally received my invite to Ravelry. Technically I received it on October 4th, but the spam filter ate it. Anyway, I’m registered now and just starting to add projects and whatnot. It is great site, and I now have more project ideas and inspiration than I know what to do with. Luckily, it’s winter, and that means more time to knit, as well as more enthusiasm for knitting.

Now if only I could finish the baby bibs I’m working on… :)