Sometimes...

...I think I might be a boy. Not in a sexual identity sort of way but in a stuff I do and like sort of way. Here's why:

1. I work with all dudes so I am immersed in testosterone and guy culture all day long. And I like it. Guys are straightforward, if they have a conflict they address it without playing games. They don't mince words and if they don't like someone they just don't talk to them. (As always there are plenty of exceptions but I'm just speaking about the dudes I work with.)

2. Every time I go out to lunch the restaurant is 95% guys. I don't understand this one. Is it because, I'm generally eating cheeseburgers or bbq? Is it because guys, statistically, eat out more? Women aren't hungry? Not sure, but if lunch is an indicator I am a boy.

3. I like beer. Now, I know a lot of girls who like beer but judging by the way beer dudes react we are the exception to the rule. I went to the beer supply store the other day to buy kit to brew and when the guy helping me found out that I was the brewer he lost his mind. It was an all caps reaction, "WHOA! THAT'S SO COOL! WE NEED MORE FEMALE BREWERS!" I was amused and a little flattered by the extent of the positive reaction, but I have heard stories of more offensive beer dudes, like when my friend was asked if her husband told her which beer to buy. Like number 2 above, I don't really understand this one, beer is tasty, much like cheeseburgers and bbq, so why don't the ladies like it as much as the gents? I guess I won't ever know the answers to these questions. I'm just going to be thankful that I get to enjoy good things and use the same philosophy my grandma used when I didn't want to eat my dinner as a kid - all the more for me.

Over and done...for 2012

Wow. This Christmas season seemed crazier than usual -sick baby, work stress, changing plans, trying to fit it all in, sick me - it was not the relaxing respite I remember it being before I had all of this grown up responsibility. And now I'm more tired than I was before.

But I still made another pair of mittens. They're great! I got the yarn for Christmas from my mom and they knitted up so quickly. Super soft bulky yarn is my new favorite thing. From start to the last palm decrease was one movie (that's how I measure the time it takes for me to knit things, movie lengths). The thumbs of both and the sewing in ends was another movie. Super fast. Super sweet. For comparison my other mittens took me many many movies, I think I'd put it in the range of six, maybe more.

I can't believe 2012 is over. It feels like just yesterday it began. All of those plans and undone things are now done and history...well maybe not so done, just history. All I want for this year is to hold steady on the same course and keep all of the people I care about with me on the journey.

...And maybe lose a few pounds. ;)