The Weekly Cute

It happened again. I almost forgot the weekly cute.
Luckily Dad sent me a reminder and some sources, including these sweet little jaguars...at'll do. :)

You see, we've been running around quite a bit today to get ready for our trip tomorrow (!!!) There was: the regular kitten tending gig this morning, lunch to catch up with a friend, Christmas tree disposal, a library visit for airplane reading material, car cleaning, and now, some laundry and house cleanup. >phew<
We're so excited to get there! However, not so excited for the 30-40˚ temperature drop. Yikes!
Hopefully we'll see you in Iowa so soon! :)

Post Holiday

Hello again! Christmas came and went in a flash, as it does. I'm glad that Christmas Eve seems to technically count for celebration so it can be stretched out over two days. I had the good fortune to have the day off work so we could have some fun. Wednesday was a tough day in the retail world, so I was so pleased to come home and see Nathan had put up the stockings, cleaned, put candy canes on the tree, and downloaded Christmas Vacation!

On Christmas Eve day I prepared a big lasagna as my mum always does and Nathan made more chex mix. We watched the latest SNL Christmas Special before dinner and then snuggled in to watch Scrooged before bedtime. On Christmas we had Stollen from Dinkel's Bakery in Chicago for breakfast (my roomie Dania works there!) and opened packages (spoiled again this year!) We cleaned up the apartment and lazed about before heading out to participate for the first time in the great Chinese food Christmas tradition. My friend Naomi joined us for Chinese buffet and to see Avatar in 3d! It really is as exciting as they say.

I hope that next year we will be able to celebrate with family, but if not, I think Chinese food and a movie might be the way to go. We missed you all and hope you had a warm and lovely holiday! I am eagerly awaiting our trip to Iowa at the end of the week.

The Weekly Cute

via cuteoverload

Two words: Puppy Tuckus

What do puppies dream about? The same visions of sugarplums? Milkbones?
A very Merry Christmas to you, Puppy. To all puppies of the world.

Solstice Day

Solstice day! The 21st is here already, and I am still not "ready" for the holidays. It is officially the first day of winter, though I'm sure most of the country feels like they have been blanketed in winter for some time. We're missing out on the seasonal pity party because it has been 50 degrees here the last two days! While I'm glad we aren't dealing with blizzards and the panic that ensues when the Seattle area develops even an inch of snow, it would make our holiday a smidge more complete to have some flurries, to make some snow angels.

You see, I have kind of dropped the ball. It seems like we've been all kinds of busy and hubub, but there isn't much to show! The apartment is a mess of my crafting materials and the general dirt that occurs when I craft too much and routinely clean too little. Thanks to Nathan finally being home to stay (and not having to run into school to turn in grades, proctor tests, and attend extracurricular meetings), we have peanut clusters and chex mix. :) But that's the extent of our treats thus far. I made a slew of salt dough ornaments with friends, so our tree is slightly more full than the photo you'll see below. (You'll also see I haven't removed the banner left up from Nathan's birthday but believe it will have to do in lieu of the proper Christmas decorations I have yet to create!)

But you know what? I'm having fun anyway. I like having projects, and in some ways I like this feeling of not being able to keep up with the holiday Jones's. It is missing the warmth and magic of nostalgic childhood Christmases, but it is realistic to the way Nathan and I are forging our own little life together. Right now we're cutting some corners, discovering the essentials, holding things together in a duct tape sort of fashion. I was afraid the holidays would feel empty without the delights we're used to, and of course we're missing family, but it's a bit like starting from scratch. Each little thing (like watching Die Hard because it's one of the only 'Christmas' movies available free on netflix!) is adding up to make it our own.

The tree, now with some ornament.

The holiday stationery I made for Mom.

A homemade Secret Santa gift for my coworker.

Nathan preparing the Chex mix. I can't keep my hands out of the bowl.

The Weekly Cute

Do you remember Mueski? Remember how sweet he is?
Well...he now has a cute little friend! :)

My friend just adopted a kitty from MEOW to be Mueski's little buddy. So far it is still a rocky friendship, but as you can see, they are warming to one another--no pun intended. She has named him Spartan, and I'm so excited to meet him! (And maybe be his catsitter, too!)

Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Shelene!

A wintery birthday cake for a December birthday girl.
I hope you have a happy, cozy, marvelous day!
xo

The Weekly Cute

Better late than not at all...

Thanks to my friend Naomi for tipping me off to Surprise Kitty. :)

The Nutcracker

Clara before the tree, pnb.org

One of my favorite things about the holidays is The Nutcracker. I love to listen to Tchaikovsky to get into a festive mood, and I have fond memories of watching the animated movie as a child (which my brother managed to uncover for us to watch last year!). But the very best, if you can manage it, is to go to the ballet.

My mom took me to the Des Moines ballet's rendition when I was younger, and I had the great joy to see the Joffrey perform this a few years ago in Chicago. Even if you don't consider yourself a ballet fan, it's a magical experience. The music, the dancers, the costumes--perfect holiday memories.

Seattle's Pacific Northwest Ballet is said to be quite impressive. Imagine my excitement to learn that each year they perform The Nutcracker with sets and costumes by Maurice Sendak! It looks amazing. Even sweeter, PNB made a movie of this back in 1986 AND you can watch the whole thing free on Hulu! Merry Christmas to us! :D

{who doesn't wish they had an Herr Drosselmeyer?}

How It's Shaping Up

Christmas has arrived at the Nathan-Callie household!

Well, a tannenbaum at least. And a good one I must say!

We picked it out and brought it home Saturday night. I believe the tree selling fella called it a Norwegian Spruce. It has short, pokey needles and it smells divine! It might be a little big for our living room (you can see it has been wedged between the couch, desk and window) but it is such a nice presence. It's a nice thing to look at. I even love the funny little cactus top. I can't wait to hang ornaments. We discovered that one strand of lights wasn't nearly enough (which filled me with a strangely intense but short-lived feeling of Christmas failure) so it isn't twinkly yet. I will be so excited to share our tree, all dolled up, with you in the next few days! :)

It has become downright cold recently. Fortunately it hasn't rained in sometime and a bright sun has been showing. In general, we have been doing some projects around here and filling time. Nathan is finishing up work for his classes (woot, last week!) and internship. I am making holiday cards and a few other little things. I went to a large craft show in Seattle this weekend with friends and now have several diy projects on the back burner. There is a certain hustle and bustle feeling around the season, isn't there?

How is it going for you?

The Weekly Cute

After all these years...still, all I really want for Christmas.
Check out that center split, those feisty swipes! This puppy's been watching too many Jean Claude Van Damme movies. Watch out for Chong Li, Puppy--he'll getcha. Me, however...I'll just hug you til forever.

Hello, December

style-files, martha

December, I'm excited to see you again. :)
The gray of the season has come easier this year, perhaps because of other distractions, or perhaps because I have eagerly awaited the holidays. The Bright and Merry shines out on the rainy days. The holiday music has been playing since the day after Thanksgiving. The teas are brewing. The decorations are in the works.

Who else is feeling gleeful?
If you were here, I'd invite you over for tea. We would make salt dough ornaments and paper chains. I'm hoping to pull Nathan into my holiday spirits and put up a tree soon. I hope you are filled with all the merry and bright I'm feeling this season.

Seventeen

Here's wishing the Aman twins a marvelous 17th Birthday!
My sisters have really spectacular children. You guys rock.

In their honor I have compiled a short 17th birthday playlist... :P

Seventeen

After the Feast

I hope you all had a marvelous and delicious Thanksgiving! Nathan and I had a great day. We took a mini vacation to my friend's house to dogsit her pup Paddington while she was away. The food was tasty and on time (check out that cornish hen we made for Nathan!) which I will consider a success. Paddington is a big goofball and a good host. He loved Nathan, but of course. It was a good holiday. Now, to prepare for Christmas time! :D

The Weekly Cute

I'm thankful for so many things this year--family, good food, mini vacations, friends new and old, income....and of course Cutes that add some aww to my Wednesdays. I hope they improve your Wednesdays too.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!

{Did you think I would post a turkey? I thought about it, but that seemed a little cruel. But do say your thanks to turkeys (and tofurkeys) this year!}

Vacation Recap

My, oh my, I've gotten behind again haven't I...
I was indeed gone for a few days, but it's been a week without posts since I got back. Droughts and downpours, I suppose. So here is what happened over Dad's birthday. A summary, if you will.

I had a really wonderful trip. Early Thursday the 12th I flew from this coast to the other and was happily met after a long travel day by some of my lovely family in DC. We--my folks, brother, sister Anna, nieces Jane and Jenna, and I--enjoyed some late sushi and catch up conversation before heading to my sister Stacia's home. Much of our weekend was spent in that great family tradition, lazing around the house chatting and eating, simply hanging about.

Friday afternoon the bunch of us, minus brothers-in-law and Jane who was at a conference, visited some amazing artist studios at the Workhouse Arts Center. The Workhouse site was formerly a reformatory and workhouse (hence the name). After a late lunch in a cute, nearby historical town (you'll have to help me out here, sisters, I forget) it was back to Stacia's for preparation of Dad's big birthday dinner. The sisters made a beautiful dinner for the whole clan, and dinner came with a side of Roast of Father....the laughing, story retelling kind. Dad's a good sport. :) The night capped with a small living room dance party...we're a silly lot.

Saturday was a laid back day for most of us...again Jane got stuck with a conference and also a soccer game. We showed up as a large, intimidating? family cheering section. :) Later that night we went out for a couple games of bowling. We were able to make two big teams and work up some friendly competition. The alley played dance hits. We danced some too. It just happens.

On Sunday we gathered at a park and had family portraits taken, a special occasion to have everyone together at once. We look pretty cute. Unfortunately I don't think I can post any here to better illustrate, but most of you who might read this will know. :) I was able to book a later flight and stay until Monday morning, allowing me one more night with everyone. I would have stayed longer. I miss all you guys.

...

It was a really fantastic weekend. Thanks, Pop, for turning 60, if just for all of us to have had reason to get together. I wish there didn't need to be special reasons. I wish we could all just drop by for dinners and conversations in the kitchen, for sporting events and family nights. Alas, here I am 2000 miles away, sending love from afar. :)

The Weekly Cute

Sharon Montrose takes absolutely amazing photos of animals. I'm in awe. And she has an etsy where she sells prints! Who doesn't need a rabbit or a baby goat portrait on their wall?

Happy Veteran's Day

My granddads sure looked handsome in their uniforms.

I know they've seen things I'll never have to, and that is why we have Veteran's Day. I don't like wars, and my feelings toward our military are less than rosy, but I realize I get to say that as a detached critic. It is a humbling matter to acknowledge those who have taken the soldier's path, whether out of duty or circumstance. Whether they were valiant or scared. This day is for them and for the families that wait for them; because I'd never let my loved ones go, and that is our luxury.

(Obama's speech at Arlington Cemetery is wonderful.)

The Weekly Cute

Meet Coyote.
Dare I say love at first sight? I spotted him at the shelter this morning and that was that. He has a little pink bottom lip and pink inside his ears. He has a rounder face than his friends and tiny white paws. He sure is a little lovey. Were it possible, I'd be ready to bring him home today. And I'd keep the name.

Monday Musings, Mi Amor

A rainy Monday, it makes me feel like I should stay in bed and read or watch 30 Rock all day. I work the late shift tonight, so I have the day to myself. Nathan is at school. I really love this kid. Sometimes I think of him all day. For instance:

We live together, and we like it.

He laughs at my quirkiness and only pretends he thinks I'm crazy.

He gets especially silly on only rare occasion, which makes it hilarious.

He has a way of knowing exactly when I need cookies, and then he makes them for me. Really good cookies, too!

He takes me to the movies I want to see.

You may notice that he pays attention to me in photographs.
He pays attention most of the time.

He cares how I think of him.
And I try to live up to what I'd like for him to think of me.

He and me, we've got history.

And maybe one day we're going to get married. And we'll get a dog.

The Weekly Cute

Le sigh. Mueski had to go home today. His lady-mom was very excited to see him. I will miss the snuggles and the funny cat tricks (like climbing headfirst into a standing paper bag and falling over). I was going to post a Mueski cute, but I think you've gotten the gist, and it's time to move on to new dreams. This will do, don't you think?

I usually feel a little bad for animals in costumes, but this one works out so nicely.

via cuteoverload

So Far, November

So far November has greeted us with surprising sunlight. For the past three days it has perfectly angled into our window and cast warmth around the room. It has a golden hue, or maybe it appears that way because of the yellow leaves outside. It seems to sparkle some. It is wonderful and kind, but it makes me feel a little sad...knowing it will not last, that the days are short, dark and cold by 5:00pm. It feels like Autumn is waving a glimmering hand 'goodbye' to us before it slips away, and I look on afraid it will go when I'm not ready. I'm never ready for fall to leave, though.

I am looking forward to seeing my family in just over a week. (!!) We are convening in Virginia with my sisters' families over my Pop's birthday weekend. I am excited.

Oliver Mueski

I am kittysitting for a friend this week while she is out of town. Little Mueski arrived on Nathan's birthday and has been growing on us. The first night he mewed at the door, homesick and confused, which kept us up. He settled in quickly after that and has been snuggling a lot...I think he particularly likes napping with Nathan. He enjoys looking out the window, chasing after a wiggled stick, bubbles, sunbeams, and cuddling. He is a sweet little boy.

(Here Mueski is assisting me with my Paper Source Halloween costume; his role is cat stuck in the tree.)

Mueski is here until this Wednesday, but I wouldn't mind it if he stayed longer.
Like, indefinitely.