Take a look at what my awesome secret pal sent! The box arrived on Saturday but it wasn't until today that I had a chance to upload pictures. I got some lovely sock yarn, yummy peppermint drops, and best of all a beautiful Ashford spindle and some roving (I think it's roving) to play with. I have ordered the book Teach Yourself Visually Spinning from the library and as soon as it comes in I'll get started. I have always wanted to learn how to spin! And I am so excited by this gift.



DS has been in town since the 24th. So far it's been a good visit. He's gotten somewhat addicted to YouTube watching old classic cartoons and listening to music videos. Age appropriate behavior for the most part. The best thing was that he was home for most of Hanukkah. Last year he had his break after the holiday was over which was a bit upsetting for him and us.

DD and DS enjoyed the gifts we got them. DD spent the money she got from us and from her uncle (plus some that she'd saved up) on an 8gig Ipod Touch. She's been having a lot of fun playing with it. Makes me jealous I have an Ipod but it's not as cool as hers :).

Not much knitting going on these days. Frankly with the long hours at work I just didn't have the energy. Our late nights are over with now and life can get back to normal. Although next Friday I have to work inventory. That runs from 6PM to 2AM or there abouts. It's brutal but it has to be done. I don't know what department they have us assigned to yet I am hoping its Housewares and not Domestics or Kids. Last year I did Housewares and it wasn't too bad. Kids is supposed to be the worst one on our floor to do, tons of little garments to scan (we use a special scanning "gun" to count the merchandise by scanning the UPC's on their tags) and lots of them without the proper tags. It was supposed to be especially bad last year. So much so that they ended up doing the whole kids department over again. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

DD is asking for the computer back so I'll end this here. Happy New Year to one and all especially my totally awsome secrect pal!

Hello all. Work has been insane of late. Since I work in retail that's not a surprise. The store has been very busy which is good because the time goes faster and bad because it is exhausting. Last night I got home at around 12:30 and was falling off my feet. The kids that they have in Domestics (think towels and sheets) and Housewares are pretty new and I was, as a result, running between both departments all night helping them out and trying to keep order in all the chaos. I put things away, folded towels and generally tired to keep up the cleaning effort so we didn't have to stay any later than necessary. (the last time I worked before this I got out nearly a half an hour late). People are amazingly sloppy when they shop. They toss things all over the place, unfold stuff and take it out of packages that weren't meant to be opened until you get them home. In short they make my life difficult. So if you are still shopping this holiday season be kind to the retail clerks that take care of you. Don't make a big mess, put things back where you got them from, and don't show up 15 minutes before the store closes and act as if you have hours to spare. You will have my eternal gratitude and that of any sales associate you come across.

Spoke to DS a couple hours ago and was sorry to find out that he'd been sick today. Stomach virus it seems. I hate when DS gets sick because he isn't right here and I can't help him feel better. The nurse at school is taking good care of him, though. They kept him off solid food most of the day and gave him some jello at dinner to see if he could hold it down. He said he was feeling better than he had earlier in the day, so I guess that's good.

I have been working on my crochet squares this past week. My plan is to make as many different patterns as is possible and then put them together at random. So far this is working as the colors have been harmonious (pinks and purples for the most part). What is left doesn't clash too badly so my grand plan may work out. So far I have 16 squares done out of 49 that are needed for the afghan I want to produce.

DD will be home for a two week break starting on Monday, and DS comes home on the 24th (possibly the 23rd there is some confusion over the dates which I am trying to get resolved quickly) and stays until the 2nd. DD has a couple of projects to do over the break and DS is full of ideas on what he wants to do while he is home. Prominent on his list is some baking he wants to get done. Cookies, muffins and brownies are on the list so far. Brownies are usually something I don't do from scratch because we can get this really amazing mix at Costco. But the other day I made a batch from stratch for the holiday party of DD's girl scout troop. It was easy and they came out great so we will do it again while DS is home.

I am so excited I actually won something! Alison had a contest over at her blog . She was giving away a copy of her book Charmed Knits and a hat of your choice. (the book has Harry Potter inspired knits in it I chose Gryffindor, my personal favorite) Thanks Alison! I am sure that the hat will be awesome and I can't wait to get my hands on the book. DD has already requested I make her something from it.

The dinner for my MIL was a real success even if her sister bowed out pleading tiredness. The food was great and we all enjoyed being together. A wonderful old restaurant and a place I'd love to go back to one of these days. I had the Mushroom Risotto, very good an very rich. Not exactly on my diet but I lost weight last week anyway. (only a half a pound but I'll take it)

Yesterday DH and I were at Costco and saw a boxed set of Alien Nation DVD's. We bought it and I spent the morning watching one of the DVD's in the set. It was a blast to see the movie the series was based on as I'd never seen it before.

The Christmas hours at work have started with everyone getting impossibly long shifts. Everyone is complaining about it. They expect people to work 12 and 13 hour shifts, well the full timers anyway. I only have one extra long shift and the rest of the time I am in for 6 hour shifts (my usual is 4 hours). Even though I have to work till 12:00am a few days it's really not that bad and I can use the money. Yes believe it or not we do have people in the store till closing( and sometimes after it) they get despirite when it gets close to Christmas. Last year we had this one woman who did it habitually. She'd show up at like 11:30 or even 11:45 and shop like mad and expect us to act as if she had all the time in the world. I haven't seen a sign of her yet and hope I don't have to get stuck with her again this year.

Secret Pal Question Numero Uno

What are you most thankful for this year?

I think that would have to be my family. Through all the troubles and joys of life we support and love each other. I don't know what I would do without them.