It wasn’t the best first outing, but they held up their pyramid and I’m proud of them. I hope this is the kick they need to bump it up a notch for the next one. They’ve got this!
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December 6
I was touched to see this unicorn I made for Rosina years ago sitting on top of a pile of stuffies in her guest room. I had forgotten I ever even made it. It looks a lot healthier than the one I made for Christina. But then again, a lot of things do.
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December 5
Robin’s first cheer competition is on Saturday, so we made some pins. We have eight hours between her performance and awards in which to give them out, which might just be enough. We learned a few things from last year and these were much simpler to make and probably cooler, too. We may need to reevaluate what type of glue we use… we’ll see how many of these charms survive the trip to Daytona. I’ll have to remember to pack some glue in my go bag.
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December 4
Got my boobs squished this morning (after they called me 17 times in less than two days to schedule). I was overflowing sarcasm at work, and then watched Robin’s cheer practice. The team struggled tonight and she was literally sick with anxiety over it. But the coach, who had pissed me off tremendously over the weekend with his endless condescending tone, came in on a complete 180. He was so motivational and supportive tonight. They dropped the same stunts every time for almost two hours. There were tears and Robin almost puked. But after an hour of talking to them, he got them out of their heads enough that they hit the whole routine without a drop. Robin never left a practice happier. It was exciting to watch. We’ll see if they can bring that momentum to Saturday’s competition. I hope so!
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December 3
I saw this dog sweater on Amazon a couple months ago that I really liked, but it wasn’t available in Pinot’s size or something, so I didn’t buy it and never saw it again. I decided I’m going to make it. I found a basic dog sweater pattern and am going to attempt to merge it with a Fair Isle pattern I designed separately. I am about 65% sure it will work. So far it still looks decent…
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December 2
I am so cold. I can’t wait to get under the comforter and thaw out my nose and toes. It’s not even that cold outside (50s, maybe?), but I am freezing. Yay winter?
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December 1
It’s gotten chilly here lately. I’m trying to avoid turning on the heat because I know Billy is part polar bear, but this morning it was 64 degrees in the house, and if it’s too cold to take a shower, then it’s too fucking cold. Also it’s 43 degrees outside right now and not only is the heat not on, I found an open window. Nope.
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November 30
Somebody turned 46 today, and it wasn’t me!
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November 29
It doesn’t really feel like Christmas to me yet. Maybe since less than 24 hours ago it was still Thanksgiving.
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November 28
I ran my first 5k since sometime in 2018-2019. I’m a little disappointed that I didn’t hit my 20-minute consecutive run target, but I got to 17 and my pace was faster than it has been while training, so not a total loss. Plus I ran a few more stints of about 3-5 minutes each in the last mile and a half or so, so I probably ran more distance than I expected to overall. I finished in 44:20, which is my worst finishing time ever, but probably the time I am most proud of because of the effort I put into getting out there in the first place. The rest of the day was fun. Great food, great family, and I know it sounds weird, but I also love the satisfaction of cleaning up afterwards. It is the messiest the kitchen and dining room ever get, and I love its gradual transformation back to clean. I generally don’t enjoy Thanksgiving much, but this year was pretty good.
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November 27
Christina and I went to the park and played catch and I even went on the swings. The rest of the day was dedicated to the Harry Potter game. Sadly, the glasses and table runner I ordered for tomorrow were delayed and will not arrive in time. I’m so disappointed. Also I’m nervous about tomorrow’s 5k. Mostly I’m terrified of waking up at 5am. And then running for 20 minutes straight. At least it will be over before the day even starts!
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November 26
Lazy day today. Highlights include: Running the wrong training program on the treadmill, knitting for hours, everyone but me playing Portal Knights, booking hotels for dance and a campsite for spring break, and writing one paragraph in the sermon I may never deliver but feel compelled to write anyway. It hasn’t been the most exciting week off, but I’ve gotten things done. I dedicate the rest of the week to… me.
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November 25
About five minutes after I took this photo, everything went to shit. Robin got sick, we ended up missing cheer practice, and everyone got upset. I think things are on the mend, but ugh.
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November 24
I went for a 4.5-mile bike ride around the neighborhood today, but more impressively, I repaired my bike before going, without any help. The brake line had come loose and the handlebars were misaligned. God knows how the kids have been riding this thing. I realized the front wheel was also loose since it wobbled and rubbed the brake pad the whole way, making my pedaling difficult regardless of what gear I was in. I managed to tighten that up when I got back too. And the seat was too low, which was intentional so Christina could ride it, but it made for an uncomfortable ride. Still, the weather was gorgeous and it felt good to be outside moving around.
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November 23
The kids were disappointed yesterday that I was seeing Wicked without them, so I took them today. They had more or less the same impressions I did. Robin says she knows what she wants to be for Halloween next year. She loved Elphaba. Seeing it the second time, knowing I would not get to see the end, I enjoyed it more. The actor who plays Elphaba is amazing. That last song got me today and I left in tears. I still think it’s too long. Looking forward to seeing the end… in a year or so, I guess? Agh!!
Year in Photos 