2011 Redux!

Everyone on every blog I've been looking over this past week is having some sort of *year in review*. Well, I cannot for the life of me come up with an entire year of events or projects that would make you want my life....but I do have a bit to share about what "blew my skirt up" this year in 2011!

Starting into 2011 I completed a few really cool projects on Greg and I's newly renovated master bedroom. Man, are we enjoying that space. Truly, knocking out a few walls and creating a haven for me and the big guy was a HUGE plus!

Going from this

To this!

I did manage to get to rub elbows with a few celebs....OK, one. But I had so much fun at the Canadian Design Bloggers Meetup in June and meeting Mr. Tommy Smythe was a highlight!

I finished a really cool project and redesigned my kitchen space to include a wholly new cabinet and buffet my neice and I toiled over during some of the hottest days of summer....

....and we did manage to put in a little something for the boys this year, thanks guys, you may now nominate your parents as *Mom and Dad of the Year*....considering we had over a month of 40 degree+ weather, I'd say we rock! Behold, the May to September bathtub at my place!

We threw a humdinger (does anyone say that anymore??) of a Halloween bash for the kids this year and then I got right into my new project....the one that has languished in my living area for months now. This has been stalled not because I am lazy (PERISH the though) but because I cannot seperate myself from my new toy long enough to get it fixed. The radio works so well, the sound is so lovely....you should come and dance in my livingroom. We do it nightly now :)

But I will have this refurbished and then watch out....painting will ensue.

I have made a resolution to not make any resolutions, so that takes care of that for 2012. I think I'll continue to roll along. Kind of like a boat on the sea, just catching the waves as they come. Being surprised and enjoying the high spots and avoiding the lows...

Happy New Year to you all, my lovelies....thanks for diving in at the Mermaid throughout 2011. Your comments and support throughout the year is why I keep swimming back here...don't forget to feed my fishies before you leave!

Hairy Christmas!

I am getting ready this week to steal some remaining time off that I am owed. Down to the dregs of work hours and I am pretty proud of myself. Shopping for gifts, groceries and odds & ends is complete. Running around on Friday afternoon (on my lunch hour) to get the groceries into the house under the wire was worth every harrowing moment. I had pretty much all weekend to tidy and fluff the house getting ready for guests and friends.

My Dad will be flying in tonight and the family is super excited to see Gramps for Christmas. It's been at least 20 years since I had a Christmas morning with the old guy so I might be a bit excited too :)

I will admit that I have let up this year on the usual "cavalcade of junk" that makes my family room look like Santa's sleigh threw up....it's a smaller pile this year. As the boys get older the gifts seem to get smaller and more expensive and we have decidedly cinched the belts as well. Yo, we have a pool to pay off, right? Merry Christmas boys.

I am loving the milder winter weather we are enjoying, it's made driving around decent and errands don't seem like a scene from a horror show! Not being a "strong winter driver" means I have taken great advantage of the clear roads to get everything ship-shape prior to the snow flying.

I took the boys to the mall on Friday night, which is a 40 minute drive for us. I was amazed at the lack of whining and thoroughly enjoyed shopping for Dad with my guys. They always surprise me with what they get for one another. It really is sweet, and their gift ideas are so well thought out.

Here is wishing you and yours a lovely holiday. Hairy Christmas, yo!

It's my PARTY and I'll blog if I want to!

Yah, I know. If I didn’t show up here once a month, you would think I had run off and you’d have lost all faith in me. Never fear….

So today is my 42nd birthday. No, I’m not fishing for compliments. Although you can tell me how wonderful I look if you choose to do so…

It has been a process, accepting the fact that I am now in my 40s. This was a rough ride….one that took 2 years to master. I think I’m in tune with it all now though and I’m ready to accept and move on to better and brighter futures ahead. I’m a little embarrassed to admit I’ve spent the last 2 years bemoaning my 30s and trying a little too-hard, if you know what I mean.

So, there it is. 42….I’ve looked at it, turned it over and inspected every inch and I’m finally OK with it.

Cause, in reality this chic and I are the same age….

and I bet she gets asked if she’s Dharma all the freakin time! Right? lol