Trickling down

With the last bits of 2008 trickling down, I find myself thinking about 2009 and what it will hold.

Hopefully, beyond my new year’s resolution of Absolutely No Mould, 2009 will be less of a slap in the face than 2008 was. I went over it in detail on my birthday, so let me just say this: 2008 could have been better. It could have been worse, of course. I’ve got my health, family, mister lovah lovah and a Sita the cat, but it sure could have been better, too.

Despite the economy, 2009 is looking pretty darn good for a number of reasons.

Have leads on jobs. And you know what? Even if I don’t get a new one, I have a pretty solid job now. And my job is okay. I’m doing well at it and am unlikely to get the can. It’s a good feeling, knowing that a reliable paycheck will be coming in.

Am able to afford stuff. Not a lot of stuff, but stuff nonetheless. I don’t stress about buying a stick of gum, or about paying bills, or about buying a new book each week or about buying fancy coffee on many a morning. It’s nice. I enjoy these little things. I love that I’m organized, my finances aren’t depressingly in the red, and I feel in control.

Doug and I have started a trip fund and plan on adding a minimum, manageable amount to it each month, and I’m sure I won’t miss that amount. It’s even part of the budget! I feel that it is realistic to plan a trip to NYC, or even Italy for the fall. Realistic dreaming! Who knew it was even more delicious than the wild, non-planning, what-if sort of dreaming?

Yep. Safe to say that I’m very, very excited about 2009.

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Even though I’ve finished (more or less) making presents, I’ve continued knitting  at work. I find it really funny when people say “I can’t believe you have the patience for that,” all impressed.

Reason is that waiting, anytime I’m waiting, or doing nothing, or watching TV or movies, my hands aren’t busy. Stick some knitting needles in there and I suddenly feel productive. It doesn’t necessarily require patience if you have the right approach. You see, it’s relaxing (unless you hold needles with a vice-like grip, of course). It’s productive. It’s delightful.

Added bonus? A coworker has asked me if I will knit her a scarf, and sell it to her. I ended up teaching her to knit, and accepting to make her that scarf. I’m unreasonably excited about it because I suspect she’ll truly enjoy the scarf. Plus, she’s nice and groovy and laughs at my jokes. I approve of that sort of behaviour. The world needs more people who laugh easily.

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Oh, and I’ve decided to extend ProjectVJ’s deadline, owing to the fact that I didn’t have time and am only about half done. To 2010. I haven’t discussed it with VJ yet, but she’s got other things on her mind right now so I’m sure she won’t mind.

I haven’t forgotten 2009’s daily pictures, though. Looking forward to it and looking forward to the collage of photographs that will inevitably ensue at the end of the year.

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See ya, 2008!

A Worthy Resolution

I’ve decided that it’s time, Internet. It is time for me to do something about the escalating situation at home.

Check out a conversation that actually happened, here.

Doug and I got a wonderful set of pots and pans for Christmas (it was necessary– we have thrown out four pots in the passed couple of years) and I really don’t want to throw them out.

And I’m not even going to mention the three bowls we’ve thrown out. Shh, not mentioning.

All due to rotten food, with one exception. One was burned food at the bottom of the pot. One.

This brings me to my new year’s resolution.

I resolute to not let food go rotten in my refrigerator to the point that I cannot deal with its container.

In fact, I vow!

Tools and Rules:

• No putting pots and pans in the fridge.
• It’s all plastic containers, all the time in the fridge!
• Also, recycling the yogourt and pineapple containers. Cause dude, they’re practically made for this exact purpose. It’s practically the reason for buying yogourt. And pre de-pricked pineapple.
• And I will check the fridge every Monday.
• Every! Monday!
• Beginning today.

I’m excited at the idea that I will not have a dreadful feeling and fear of mould hanging over my head. Or a dreadful fear of mutant aliens coming to life in a bowl of three-week old soup. Or larvae. (Ewwwww.)

Very, very excited.