Like many, I was eager to kick 2008 out the door and welcome 2009 with open arms. Despite the constraints given my work and personal schedule, I tried especially hard this past year to stay connected with friends and family, both near and far as well as "somewhat" communicate to them how much they mean to me. This blog helps with that a bit - at least my mom doesn't have to start each conversation with "are you traveling this week?". My immediate family is scattered across 4 states and, unfortunately, we don't get to see each other as often as we would like. The chance for all of us to be together at the same time at the same location only happens about once per decade. As I get older, I long for more "together"opportunities with my parents and siblings. In the last few years especially, I have grown much more aware of how rich my life is because of cherished family and friends.
Rob and I met almost twenty years ago and have been married 15 years. Despite contrasting differences in our personalities and how we approach each day, we share the same values and a vision of what our life together can be. He is one of the smartest and most disciplined persons I have ever met - and while I greatly admire that... yes, it sometimes drives me crazy. We laugh together every day over something silly.
Whimsy dog is 10 years old and likes to occasionally "bark up her importance". Her favorite activities are to swim, chase balls, go for walks and ride in the car. Marilyn, Rob's mom dog-sits Whimsy when we are out of town and is always willing to chop vegetables or help wash dishes after family get-togethers. She is especially complimentary of whatever knitting or jewelry project I am working on and that is such a boost! She is easy to be with and there is always a warm spot in our home for her. Otherwise known as the guest room with a down comforter and fluffy feather bed!
Aubrey, my sweet boy, is the light and joy of my life. When does a mom stop worrying about a child? Obviously, he is no longer a child - he is almost a foot taller than me, yet thoughts of his well being are always in the back of my mind! He has grown figuratively and literally. He is smart, creative, works so hard and has the best sense of humor. I am very proud of him and am honored to be his mom. My sisters Paula and Teresa and brother Tim share memories of a life growing up in the middle of "no where" on Adak Island where we all had to rely on each other for companionship. My sisters are my biggest allies and we are close even though we fought like "cats and dogs" growing up. Just ask Teresa how I got the scar below my lower lip when I was 6 years old! Paula and I speak on the phone several times a week. She is the best veterinarian and the best cook and the best gardener ever. Teresa was in Seattle over New Year's Eve to help celebrate her best friend Joy's 5 year anniversary of remission from cancer. It was fantastic to spend time with her during that heartwarming event and to also have her as a comrade in the hunt for fiber at local yarn stores and feast on muffins at a Belltown bakery. Special thoughts with regard for good health to her and to my mom and dad, who are my unwavering supporters. Telephone calls pale in comparison to time actually spent with them.
In late fall, I took the ferry to Bremerton to help Laurie celebrate her 50th birthday. She is a gifted athlete, realistic, and has a generous heart. I have known her for 40 years and while I don't see her very often, we share a childhood history that will keep us close forever. Rod, another childhood friend, came to Laurie's party and it was special because I hadn't seen him in many, many years. Small world because my mother and my ex-husband both worked for his father Forrest, at different times, in different states, in different roles. Sadly, Rod's parents have both passed away, but I recall his mother Dorothy being one of the most talented, creative, artistic persons I have ever met. She was a special influence on me when I was a child and I will always remember that.
Rob and Paul served in the Navy together on the USS New Jersey 20 years ago - they were walking in Pioneer Square together when I first met Rob during SeaFair. Rob long ago left his Lt's bars behind but Paul remained in active service of this country. Paul and Ingrid only had a short time stationed at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Washington state before the Navy took the Captain to the shores of Rhode Island and the Pentagon in Virgina. Hopefully they have forgiven us for dragging them to Mt. Rainier on a cool and rainy day for a picnic. Ingrid had the best medical care in Pacific Northwest and survived the pink ribbon cancer with grace, dignity and optimism. She is a huge inspiration to me and I hope to see that lovely smile again soon.
Margaux, my dear friend, is one of the most personable people I know. She is an eternal optimist and has a cheerful outlook on life. She is a bright spot in any day. I wish I could be more like that! My college friend Lynn is like that too. We met in college and were two of very few women in the computer science program. She is full of laughter and looks at each day as an adventure and is a wonderful mother to her two sons. I need to see her more often too! Barb, who lives on the shores of the Hood Canal is a dependable, "always there" true friend. I can't believe it has been more than ten years since we first met during the vendor meeting at Microsoft! Justine is an extraordinary network architect-engineer at that same company. She is an amazing talent and easily turns life's lemons into lemonade. I am so fond of her. My friend Terri is simply the best designer ever, and is so patient with my untrained design desires and love of purple. Willowy JoAnn is pragmatic, elegant and the most energetic person I have ever met. She never gives up on trying to get me out walking on those Lakemont hills! Barbara and Asher are role models for the best teacher and doctor ever. They are two of the most loving, generous people I know.
Janice and Gene live in California - Rob and I have enjoyed the time spent with them at their beautiful home there and during their visits to Seattle during Copper River Salmon season. Janice is an esteemed, talented colleague and we have had great fun and plenty of memories traveling the globe on business together. I am delighted at all the major happenings in her life right now. The little one is due the middle of March so I am looking forward to visiting again once the baby arrives! 8 more weeks!
My Nihon Vogue classmates have become a special part of my life and I can't imagine not having the variety of friendships and laughter and learnings with Naomi, Candace, Scottie, Arlene, Melinda and the rest of the group. I learn so much from each of them and enjoy our time together.
I value my family and friends and am so grateful for them in my life. So many more individuals are not mentioned directly but I think of them often. I wish all my friends and family nothing but the absolute best in this new year. Hugs and much love - JMB
Despite my precautions, I still managed to miss a decrease and had to frog about 20 rows on the back side. Once I completed the front and back pieces I was alarmed to realize that each piece seemed a few centimeters longer than what the pattern draft was. What was that all about? I checked the knitted row gauge over and over and it seemed to be very close to the row gauge I had used in my calculations. Even if it went from 26 to 25, that would only account for 2-3 rows difference, not the extra length that was confounding me. I debated ripping out each piece back down to the armhole bind offs and doing the raglan decreases again. I took a deep breath and made the wise decision to wait for my moment of panic to pass. Other classmates have run into issues and have put their sweaters into a corner hoping a "knitter's miracle" would occur during the night. Yes, that is what I was fervently hoping for as well. The next morning I woke up around 4 am. Later that day Rob asked me "you woke up early because you were worried about your Raglan, weren't you?". It was more of a statement than a question. Ha! That man knows me too well! 
I decided to throw caution to the wind - finish each piece, pin it together, and try it on to determine what the potential was for "letting it be" or decide if I should proceed with the dreaded ripping back. Arlene had tentatively joined her sweater together for a "trying on" as well and it seemed to be a good sanity check. I was sufficiently relieved to find the back and neck edges were not as high up on the neck as I had feared. Whoo Hoo. I forged ahead by removing the provisional cast on waste yarn and knit 7 rows of 1x1 ribbing for the front and back hem edges. Next up - ribbing on the cuffs. I can see the light at the end of the Raglan tunnel after all...
