HEL-LO 2005!

Wow, I can't believe I actually made it without internet access for about 14 days. I don't even know where to begin catching up out in blogland, but it is great to be back and I hope that all of you had a fabulous holiday season and a safe entry into 2005. Many people in the world didn't so I am even more thankful for everything that I have in my life.

That being said, I had a wonderful time at home with my family the last couple weeks. Of course, I vacation had to end with me being stuck in the Central Valley while my car was at the mechanic because the truck wouldn't close [no, it's not because it is stuffed with gifts, although Santa obviously thought I was a good girl this year... more later].

First off, the biggest news is probably that I GOT MY NEW JOB! This morning I accepted the position of Admissions Recruiter at San Jose State U. After about 6 monthes of waiting and convincing myself that I didn't get this job, I was absolutely thrilled to start out 2005 with this new opportunity. I officially start on the 10th - I definitely think this calls for a celebratory trip to the mall for new work clothes [and yarn!] My time at home was, well, I could lie and say it was productive but who would I be kidding. It had the usual Delia antics: I ate, slept, hung out with my buddies, drank, fell and twisted my ankle, laid on the couch, ate some more, walked home 1 1/2 miles at 4am, knit, slept some more, had my first experience in a dune buggy, went skiing, re-twisted my ankle, finally saw Napolean Dynamite, drank some more. Is it strange I had a crazier night on Christmas than I did on New Years? Anyhow, Santa treated me well, and I ended up getting my love bag. I also got all sorts of knitting goodies, including a total of $75 to the Knitting Garden, Rowan Mag #35, Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk pattern Book, Rowan Summer Tweed pattern book, and some super-soft baby yarn. I also got to see literally every member of my immediate and extended family including my step brother Matt who lives in NYC, which was awesome. He L-O-V-E-D the Irish Hiking Scarf. He put it on a Christmas morning and still had it on when he got on the plane bound for NYC. I totally got a knitter high from this, so I spent most of the rest of the break knitting for other people.

I'm the 'Old' cousin. Me and the Dune Buggy. Nanny, the coolest grandma on earth. Me at 4am. Mike at 4am.

Perhaps the most memorable part of this trip home was getting stuck in Shaver Lake at New Years, during a snowstorm, with no power for 48 hours.

When you are stuck in a cabin with 7 other people for that long, your mind starts to talk you into doing very bizarre things - Just a glimpse, because most of the photos I have in my camera would probably get me kicked off blogger if I posted them.
I swear, this was not the sick beginning to Eyes Wide Shut! We were fortunate enough to have running water, and a free-standing fireplace that we could cook on. Of course, with boys being stuck in the cabin even cooking became a chance ot show off. Literally.

The best thing about being stuck in the snow was all the knitting time! Seriously, I think that was all I did (in between drinking Bloody Marys and impromtu snow fights, of course). I started and finished these two scarfs, on the right for my sister and the left for my mom:

Also completed was beenie for my sisters boyfriend (forgot photos! Will ask him to send me one of the hat in action), made with a blue-brown Cascade 220 and done in a woven stitch. I also started a baby blanket for my step-sister and the Spider Caplet from SnB Nation. All and all, a pretty successful knitting trip.

So here Viva and I are, chilling out back in San Jo and waiting to start the week (AH HA! I had today off too!] I actually unpacked when I got home, so I am off to surf blog land with my glass of Shiraz! 'Till next time.