Saturday 12/31, Mom texted wanting to know what we were up to and that she wanted to come over. We wanted to run some errands first so we took off for Macy’s to use our gift certificates. First I stopped at Nordstrom and recycled a bunch of empty MAC containers and got a useless lipstick. They used to do eye shadows; I wish they still did. Next to Macy’s Home, picked up a steamer that was marked way down and basically only had to pay $4 in tax because our gift cards covered the rest. We went to Super Supplements then home. Mom came over and gave us a toy in a bag that Lucia loved. Mom stayed and chatted for a bit then left. We went up to BB&B to get stuff to organize the front closet. Eric put together the steamer and I did the closet. Much better. Blair came over at 3:30 and we worked with her for an hour and a half. I was tired so I took a nap with Lucia. I had some leftovers when I woke up and started getting ready to go over to Schuyler and Chrystol’s for New Year’s Eve. I put on so many layers it was nuts. It was hard to move. I felt really comfortable temperature-wise though. I was in a flat mood but pepped up once we got to S&C’s. We talked for a couple hours then took off for Queen Anne. We sat in the car for a while and talked about how Schuyler and Eric are bears and who’s the Mama bear (Eric). We walked down to the park and didn’t have to wait long for the fireworks to start. We planned it very well. It was a great show and we left promptly after it was over. On our way back to the car we went by the sax man’s house and caught him playing for only a minute before going back inside. So cute. Back to their house and we talked for a minute before taking off for home. We went to bed when we got home.

Friday 12/30, Eric wanted to hang with S&C and suggested we go over to their place. P let me leave a little after 3:30. Eric told me to just relax and he would handle dinner and feeding the dogs. I walked Lucia, then Clancy and Nyx. I showered and got ready and we headed out after 7. We ate shortly after arriving and talked around the table. We sat on the couch and chatted after dinner and ate a bunch of cookies. We watched Kassie’s wedding video then went through some of the pictures. We left around midnight. I was exhausted and knew I wouldn’t be getting up early the next day.

Thursday 12/29, Did more stuff around the house to clean up and organize. Probably watched tv and chilled out.

Wednesday 12/28, I worked on getting my xmas presents put away and that took the majority of the evening to get that accomplished. I watched some tv and went to bed early, probably.

Tuesday 12/27, P was gone all day and let me leave a half hour early. I talked to Jess and she wants to rendezvous in London next year; we'll see. I went to BB&B to get Alix a bday present then home. I showered and hung up some clothes before heading to Kirkland to meet up with Day to get my bra and give her her bowl back. We waited for 10 minutes or so in the car and talked about Eric's new invention, the "VUE". It's a thing for ladies to pee out of so they don't have to sit on the toilet. Met up with Day, gave her a hug and off we went to Mom's. Kass, Sky and Alishia had just shown up and Dro*vh and Ak*mi arrived shortly after. David and Maddie were also there. We ate dinner and it was a fun evening. We had cake and opened presents and Eric and I left shortly after at 9:30. At home we got ready for bed and I did stuff online and Eric read his new book. Lights out by 10:30.

Monday 12/26, I woke up around 8:45 but stayed in bed and tried to go back to sleep. Eric had texted that he was on his way. Mom came out and we talked for a long time about Kassie and her tardiness and also about Alishia and Mike's skyping. Mom went inside and I followed shortly after. Not many people were up yet. Eric arrived at 10:30 and we didn't eat breakfast until like 11:30. I stayed in my pjs forever and finally got dressed at like 1. Sherlock Holmes started at 3:30 so we started gearing up for it. Bought tickets online and headed over to the mall. Found some seats but not all together. The theater filled up and then mom texted that it was sold out so it was just going to be us kids seeing it except Sky who went with Dad and Brad to see Mission Impossible. I liked the movie but I think I was in the minority. Aubs ran out of the theater before the end and stayed out there on the phone as it turns out Christian was lost in Amsterdam and it was 3am there and no one to ask for directions. We walked down to the bookstore then Mom and Auntie found us. We headed home and Kass told me she felt like we didn't care about her because we left the house without her and Sky. I told her not true and then we noticed Eric and Aubrie were walking behind us to come with us. We drove home and Alishia was there. Eric and I needed to leave to go home but we waited until everyone was home. It was about 7:15 by the time we headed out and we made it home in an hour and a half. We talked for most of the way about Kass and presents and the weekend in general. The dogs were very happy to see us. We played with them a little before getting into bed. We were exhausted.

Sunday 12/25, Eric seduced me as we were waking up so I made it worth his while. We showered together, which was really nice because we haven’t for a long time. We got dressed, got the presents loaded up then sat on the couch together to exchange gifts. He got us tickets to take the train down to PDX. Mom called and said it would be nice if we came over a little early to chat before everyone was up or arrived. Kassie hadn’t called yet, but we took off anyway. We had breakfast when we arrived: delicious French toast, bacon (tons) and quiche. I didn’t have any of the shrimp, but Eric more than made up for that. We waited and waited and I bitched about Kassie being late and that we should just start but Jake didn’t want to start. He had a gift he was excited to give Sky so I think that was why. We finally started making bets for when they would arrive and Eric guessed 10:45; he won. I was pissed when she came in and she knew it. I tried to shake it off to avoid ruining Christmas. We got underway with the presents and everything was fine. We left there sometime after noon and went home to get the dogs situated and pack our stuff up. We were out of there by 1 and texted Kassie. We stopped for gas in Marysville right across from Don’s so I texted Billy and he remembered going there with Trevor all those years ago. We beat K&S up to Bellingham and Dad wasn’t there to film us in our matching xmas sweaters. Aubrie was still making hers and people were hardly moving. Dad and Mom stayed in bed until 11 apparently. We sat around for a long time waiting to do presents, did some pictures then finally started after a roundup by Aubs, Hailey and me. We opened all the presents up and Kassie and Sky gave each other the most presents and the presents with the highest value. The rest of us did ok too. It was pitch black by the time we were finished. Dinner was started and we all sat around talking, snacking, puzzling, etc. Dinner was finished at like 8:30 or maybe later. It was very good, perfectly done roast, Auntie’s famous salad, potatoes and rolls. We opened our prizes and went around the table telling jokes. We all changed into our pajamas, including Eric. He ended up leaving by 11 and getting home at 1. I called AL and thanked her for our presents and we talked for a while and she told me to go online and pick out one of Mercedes’ paintings. A bunch of us sat in the living room and talked and laughed hysterically when talking about a clitoris that could have it’s own profile painting. Kass and I got into a tiff and I went to bed not long after. Alishia never came out to bed so I had the bed to myself.

Saturday 12/24, We were up at 8:30 because we were meeting Mom and Dad for breakfast up in Everett at the Chuckwagon. Kassie bailed but we expected that. Sky was sick. We made it up there right after Mom, Dad and Rose arrived. Rose was better than I expected and can talk a little bit which is good. We had enormous breakfasts and none of us could finish. We went back to Rose's house (assisted living) and sat with her for a while and watched the movie Mom made for her for xmas. We took some pictures and when we were going to leave she started crying and I started crying and everyone was teary. Life goes on and it sucks sometimes. We said goodbye and I was off for home and emailed Blair asking if we could postpone our session since it looked like the app wasn't going to go through for Lucia so there wasn’t an urgency to work with her. She was fine with that so I took a detour on the way home and stopped at GlassyBaby to get Mom one. I went home and scooped poop and played with Clancy and Finn in the backyard and took the other dogs out before heading out again to finish the rest of my shopping. I went to Bartell’s and developed a couple pictures then to Sports Authority to get Jake a Nike jacket then to Michael's for frames and wrapping paper. When I got home I checked emails and things, had some yogurt then started cleaning up and wrapping presents. I did that for quite a while and got about 10 presents done. I took a shower and got ready for xmas eve, fed the dogs and left right on time to get there. Kass was 35 minutes late and we were waiting for her because she had the cheese. Chip, Monique and Dane arrived and we all sat and talked. Alissa and JJ came too so it was a big fun dinner. Mom made lamb stew but it wasn’t very warm; it was still good. Kass asked if we could start Christmas morning at 9:30 so we said fine, but asked if it was really going to be 10:30 – 11:00. Everyone laughed, but Kass didn’t deny it was a possibility. Everyone, except me, wanted to play catchphrase. I played a couple of rounds then took off for home. Eric, for once, wanted to stay and continue to play. He arrived 20 minutes after me. He started making the quiche and I kept on with wrapping. I didn’t finish until almost 1. I was so tired, I crashed.

Friday 12/23, I woke up early for my dr appointment. I was back to the house a little after 9 and all of us went to Lil Jon's for breakfast. We had fun and when we got back home I took off right away to go down and meet Mom at Alexander Lighting to pick out light fixtures for xmas for either my bathroom or the hallway. Back at home Aubrie was reading and Eric had taken off to do his own shopping. Aubrie and I went to Susan Wheeler to find a black and white photo for Kassie and we admired all the other trinkets and things. Back at home Blair arrived and brought her husband who helped out and was able to give Lucia treats right away and she let him pet her after only 5 minutes. It was crazy and we were all shocked. Once we started doing the work with her while Eric held her she changed and was very upset. Blair was guessing that she used to get punished when she was picked up and that it will take quite a bit of work for that. They left after we did some more treats. Aubrie and I decided we wanted to see Drive so we took off into Seattle (3rd time that day) and went downtown. We got good seats and popcorn. Aubrie liked the movie and is as enamored as I am with Ryan Gosling and was filthy talking all the way home. When we got there we got ready for dinner quickly and took off, the three (Eric) of us, up to Everett to meet Mom and Dad at Arnie's. We beat them there. They were not happy we weren't upstairs but it was fine. Dinner was good. We were there until 8 and headed home. We called Kass to tell her our status, packed up our stuff and took off for her place for a sister sleepover. She had donuts and chocolates for us to snack on, smut to read and I brought Crazy, Stupid Love so we could finish it from when we started it at Thanksgiving. She also brought down all her hand me downs and had three bags worth. Got some good stuff. We finished the movie then went upstairs to bed and I think we stayed up until 12:30 or so.

Thursday 12/22, Good day at work and when I got home Mom and Dad were there with Aubrie. I hopped in the shower because we were having dinner at Kassie's. Mom and Dad gave us a cute xmas pair of reindeer with our initials embroidered on the outfit of each reindeer. We took off for Kassie's and when we got there Alissa and Kass were in the kitchen whipping up dinner. We took a tour of the house to see the finished product and she's got all kinds of knick knacks and artwork all over. It looks great. We had some cheese and chatted until it was dinner time. Kass had poppers and each person got a whistle and we tried to play a song but it didn't really work out. Dinner was good: meatloaf muffins, mashed potatoes and broccoli. For dessert we had cupcakes. The girls hung out in the living room after dinner and chatted. Eric brought over a large horse blanket for Ida Lou and it fit her perfect and she seemed to like it. We left around 10ish maybe. At home we all went to bed after getting Aubrie settled in the back bedroom with Finn, who ended up keeping her up half the night.

Wednesday 12/21, Lucia was much better in the morning and ready for her breakfast. Eric had to work and I tried to get things done around the house, cleaned the kitchen and picked up. Watched Modern Family, etc. Finding out more about the app but still getting more info to make an educated decision.

Tuesday 12/20, Eric took care of getting Finn all situated. He said Lucia was not happy and boy she wasn’t. When I got home she was shaking, ears down, hesitant to take treats, etc. Got ready for Blair to get there; when she arrived Lucia was still acting not herself. We decided to do some work with Finn and Lucia on a walk. She did pretty good, but at first vomited and was clearly uncomfortable. She did better then about halfway around the block she was not happy and Blair sent us home and caught back up with us back at home. She gave us a few tips and suggestions and took off. Eric and I chatted while I ate a little dinner then took off for Kristel’s to make cake pops. Mandy was there when I arrived and they had decided not to make them, and instead just made a cake and had frosting on the side. We talked until almost 10 then I went home. Eric had Austin and Schuyler over and they were still playing. I took some of the dogs out then into the bedroom to see how Lucia was doing. She was still shaken up but I managed to get her to an ok point on the bed. Got ready for bed and Eric and I got the dogs settled. I updated this and watched Frasier. Got an app for Lucia but needed to know more before making a decision. She threw up again two more times.

Monday 12/19, I got home a little early and Eric was cleaning and I got things ready to have Blair over. She worked with us for over an hour and we made some good headway. She wanted to come the next day again. I made plans with Judy for Finn to come over the next day for our 15-day dog-sitting stint. We took off to go try and find ugly xmas sweaters but came up majorly empty at Goodwill. Next we went to the other independent second hand store but nothing there either. We went to Fred Meyer and hit the jackpot for xmas sweatshirts. Eric was like "You're looking for a sweater with a cardinal on a branch and that doesn't exist" then I turned and there was a rack with that exact design on it, plus a ton of other awesome ones. We got matching ones and Eric bought a women’s medium. We went home and had dinner, watched the end of Jeopardy and I ended up in the bedroom to shower and watch SNL. We went to bed at like 10.

Sunday 12/18, Lucia’s fourth birthday. Eric went to work after getting the dogs situated and making us breakfast (kielbasa, mushroom and bell pepper scramble). Jess came into bed and we ate breakfast and looked people up on facebook for hours. Lucia came up and let Jess pet her and all sorts of stuff. The minute she sat up Lucia was out of there, so that was important information. We wanted to go to a movie or do something, but instead we decided to just watch a movie instead. We watched Scoop. After it was over Jess left. In the evening Chrystol and Schuyler came over for dinner. Eric made tortilla soup and it was excellent. He even fried the tortillas. We listened to Christmas music and watched xmas movies on tv. We talked about our favorite songs. For dessert we went to Whole Foods and picked out our own treats. Back home we continued to watch movies on the Canadian channel and eat our snacks. They left after 11 and I was exhausted and couldn't wait to get in bed.

Saturday 12/17, I asked Blair if we could reschedule so I could see Jess and she said yes so I got ready and headed up to Jess’ dad’s house and made it there by lunchtime. We went on a walk and she filled me on men, jobs and other fun topics. Back at the house we helped set up for the party and spent some time in the bedroom chatting. The party started at 3 and I talked with some people who were at Linda’s bday party during summer. Met some guy who knows P. Kinch and I told him he was my neighbor when I lived in Everett. I had some snacks and took off by 4. I got home, showered and got ready to go to Mom’s. Eric finished up his enchiladas and they smelled good. We went over and were the fist there. Peter and Stef arrived first then Chrystol and Schuyler, Kristel and lastly Jess. There were quite a few people who were there who I hadn’t seen in a long time like Rick A., David K. and Ken. Jerry and Pam were there too. Kass and Sky showed up late. We stayed until 11 or so then I drove Jess’ car back to our house. Lucia did fine meeting Jess and hardly even registered her presence. We talked for a little bit then went to bed.

Friday 12/16, I had a half day at work and was off at noon. When I got home I had lunch and Eric was in Queen Anne at a bookstore. I did some things around the house and when Eric came home we chatted. I was feeling tired and convinced Eric to lie down with me. I fell asleep and by 4 Eric had left for work and I looked at my phone and realized I’d totally missed my 3:00 appointment to get the lenses put in my glasses. I went over and sat for 45 minutes and waited; at a little after 5 I was out of there, back home to feed the dogs, grabbed some stuff on the way out and headed to Mom’s. I was not the last to arrive fortunately. Sky and Kass were picking up dinner. We all chatted and ate dinner when they arrived (tons of Thai food). We started the tree and decorated pretty quickly with Kass taking some of the cast-offs for her own tree. They left and I stuck around for a while and chatted in the living room about relationships. I left and got home just after Eric. We took the dogs out and got everyone ready for bed.