(I started this three weeks ago and then managed to forget about it.  *sigh*  It has been so busy it is crazy...)

Time to access my 2012 goals. I posted this on my fiber journal.  But I am also posting it here as I posted the goals on both places.

- Spend time with friends or have some solo time without DH & the kids

I am happy that I have gotten to have lunch with a friend.  I am staying hopeful again happen soon.  *crosses fingers*  Still need to focus on this more.

- Complete at least one pair of socks

Done!  I should post pics and do the write up on the blog.  But I haven't.  Here is the Ravelry link.

- Put buttons on at least half of my WIPs with missing buttons

Four are done.  So yes.  Half are done.  But honestly, I really need to finish the rest.  Though I still haven't found buttons for one.  Another doesn't fit Eldest Munchkin anymore.  And I am not sure it will fit Little Guy.  I need to check.  The other is that embarrassing one that is missing *a single button* since 2008.

Here is the 2011 WIPs list and status:

Done -
Simple Shrug for 18" Doll - Button added / done
Shrug for DD - Button added / done
Aviatrix Hat for Ella - Button added / done
Baby Jacket with Moss Stitch Edges - Button added / done

Still in Progress but Some Progress Made -
Crest of the Wave Scarf - Missing some beads - added about 1/4 to 1/3rd of them.  Taking longer than expected
Flora Dress - 90% done

For the Flora dress, I am ever so close.  *sigh*  I had 3 of the 4 straps done.  Was cranking along on the last one.  And bam.  Ran out of yarn.  *grumblegrowl*  So it either requires that I shorten the other by at least 2" each which also means reknitting the ends as they have the pattern on them.  Or just giving up and finding matching ribbon for straps instead (which is what the pattern actually calls for).

Suri Bias Scarf - 60% done (though could end any time really)

The Suri isn't any hurry as it is an Xmas present that is actually long enough that I could just end it where it is.  It is very mindless knitting but the yarn is a pain in the tush.  It is fluffy with a thread to bind it.  So if you don't catch the thread, it can be very bad.  I did a few rows recently after getting annoyed with the Flora Dress.  Didn't last long.  I am tempted to just say it is done and bind it off as I really am not a fan of the yarn.

Untouched -

Cardigan for My Hobbit Elanor - Missing buttons
Simple Cardi for Bella Ella - Missing buttons
Mary Janes for DD Daughter - 30% done
Maeve Socks - 55% done
Beaded Evening Bag/Purse - Missing button since 2008.

The Beaded Bag has been in limbo for way too long.  Problem is I finally figured out the perfect button for it.  And of course now I can't find it!!  *groan*  I really tried as I was seeing the recipient in March.  I really wish I could figure out where they are!!

- Have at least three dates with my DH

We got out for a late lunch for our anniversary. So that is progress.  Woohoo.  Definitely nice spending time with him.  And we discovered an amazing beer bar in Jersey City!  So a big win.

I am thinking when summer Fridays come back that we should take at least one to go there and have a late lunch again.

- Spin

I have spun!  Woohoo!  And super thrilled about it.  I am about 80% done with spinning a 5+ oz Bullseye Bump from the Loop.

I am super sad I missed them at Maryland Sheep & Wool as I wanted to meet the woman who creates these amazing batts.  But due to some people being sick, that didn't happen.  But my amazing SIL actually waited on line to get me a Bullseye Bump.  Too wonderful!

- Get back to some activity

Nope.  That simple.  Haven't been good about it.  I feel happy that I actually walked from my doctor's office to my office once.  If I could manage to get out of the house in time in the mornings, I could walk from the house to the train station.  It is almost a mile.  I think I have done that 2-3 times since the new year at most.  *sigh*  

Almost three weeks ago I decided I was late anyhow, so the walk would do me good.  And guess what?  I tripped!  Fell and bruised a rib.  Two weeks of really nasty pain but it is finally getting better.  Hoping to be able to spin again this weekend.  But that was also put on hold since the fall.

- Knit Sweaters for the Family (added after the original post)

The plan is to knit for DH, the two kids & Eldest Munchkin's 18" doll.  Made a vest for Little Guy.  Love it and happy the weather dropped a bit so he could wear it a couple more times.  Started a sweater for EM which is about 30-40% done.  Looks cute.  I am making it big so she can wear it next winter.  Of course, if I were a smarter human, I would have done the doll one first as they are matching.  *laugh*  But I wanted to start EM's first.

I know DH will be last.  That is kinda the plan.  I need to find a pattern for it.  He is pretty good about things.  But I know he doesn't want anything too crazy.  The yarn is a heathered grey yarn (Lion Brand Wool-Ease Sportweight).  It is a superwash wool/acrylic blend.  I suspect it will be a pullover as he likes them.  

So there is progress.

Harry Potter Personality Quiz by Pirate Monkeys Inc.

Saw this test on someone's Raverly profile.  I like that it goes into that personality types.  And I love being Hagrid who is definitely one of my favs in the the books.

Bit of silliness.  Now back to the serious work...  Whee.

I really need to get rid of all the dirt and grim.  I hate that we never get around to a serious cleaning anymore.  I would love a serious cleaning where we get rid of all the dust and grim.

I am just thrilled that all the boxes of books that can be unpacked have been. That alone is a huge relief.

The days my kids were born were the best days of my life. 

I have a work conference in March in Arizona.  It has been eons since I flew. 

DH said I have enough time to get these...
http://cargocollective.com/4thamendment#802019/Metallic-Ink-Printed-Underwear

Love them.  If I traveled more than once a year tops, I might have to.  *chuckle*

Also found out that I had better bring a meal or pay the insane prices they want for in flight food.  Glad I noticed "food for purchase" on my ticket.  Yuck.

I wish I could get excited about going away.  The problem is that it is meetings all day and planned activities at night.  So it really isn't a break.  And I am gonna miss the kids & DH.

Though I have to admit I am much happier to be going to Arizona than yet another Florida one.  I have a couple friends in AZ.  So I am hoping to see them.  *crosses fingers* 

And I confess there is a little part of me grateful that I might actually get some sleep!  *grin*

(Cross-posted to my knitting journal as it has a lot of knitting stuff too.)

I hate making resolutions.  But the video-cast I watch, Round the Twist, went over what her goals were for 2012 and reviewed her 2011 ones.  I think it is good for me to set some goals.

They are in no particular order.

- Spend time with friends or have some solo time without DH & the kids
I love my family dearly.  But I need some solo time, either with friends or just doing something for me.  I am not even putting a number on this.  Though I did tell DH I think we could both use one night a month to ourselves where the other watches the kids.  I think we could both use it.  I know he would like to go shooting again. Been ages.  And I would love to see some friends.  Maybe I could even try finding a knit night somewhere local.  I think it is a good thing for me and the family.

- Complete at least one pair of socks
My knitting has been all about the littles or gifts these days.  I just checked my ravelry projects to discover that last thing I knit for me was 2010!  So nothing for the entire last year...  And what's more embarrassing is that the last pair of socks I knit were completed May 10, 2009.  I have a pair that have been on my needles since December 29, 2010 that are toe-up.  Done with the foot.  Problem is they are very detailed cables.  My brain isn't so good with that these days...  I am thinking I just need to pick some yarn I like and make *simple* socks.  I wear my handknit socks all the time during the winter.  And the ones I have are getting pretty ratty with some.

- Put buttons on at least half of my WIPs with missing buttons
There are currently *seven* items that are knit but just missing buttons!  (And one missing beads that need to be sewn into it.) That is pretty embarrassing.  And the oldest has been there since 2008.  Embarrassing also to admit there are 12 WIP currently listed...  So 2/3rds are about missing button or beads.  Of the other four, one might need to be frogged because it may no longer fit DD.  One is the previously mentioned socks.  Another is a scarf started in Nov. 2009.  Only one is recent!  (And I stalled on those as I have been mostly making up the pattern and just haven't had the brain power to figure out what to do with the heel turn...  *blush*)

That has led me to add...
- Finish at least half of the WIPs
Here is the list so I know when checking my goals:
Mary Janes for DD Daughter - 30% done
Simple Shrug for 18" Doll - Missing single button
Shrug for DD - Missing single button
Maeve Socks - 55% done
Suri Bias Scarf - 50% done (though could end any time really)
Baby Jacket with Moss Stitch Edges - Missing buttons
Crest of the Wave Scarf - Missing beads
Aviatrix Hat for Ella - Missing single button (embarrassing as E never wore it because of the missing button but it fits LG)
Simple Cardi for Bella Ella - Missing buttons
Flora Dress - 40% done
Cardigan for My Hobbit Elanor - Missing buttons
Beaded Evening Bag/Purse - Missing button

- Have at least three dates with my DH
We have gotten out a few times.  But embarrassingly few.  I think it is time for us to get out a bit more.  It does take money as we have to have someone watch the littles.  Though I appreciate when my SIL watched them for free when we were down in southern NJ.

- Spin
I haven't spun.  At all. Since DH was born back in Sept. 2009.  Over two years ago.  Kinda embarrassing.  I miss it.

- Get back to some activity
Since the gym in my building closed their space where they had classes, I haven't been doing much of anything at all.  With the new apartment, I rarely make the walk from the house to the PATH.  The old place didn't have any useful transit.  Where as the new place has a bus that picks me up half a block from the house and drops me in front of the train.  I keep swearing I will make the walk in the morning.  But I am always running late.  So it doesn't happen often.  I am hopeful that when I am done breastfeeding the Little Guy that I will have a bit more time at work because I won't be having to pump.  That should be right around the start of spring.  So I am hoping that even if I don't join a gym again, I can start taking lunch hours again and go for walks.  It would be good.

I will see how it goes.  I really don't know how many of these I will reach.  But we can see.  *smile*  Figure it is good to set some goals.

I am so happy the last present arrived today for my DH & the kids.  I am happy with what I got the kids. Because it is the first year Elanor is really paying attention, I think I went a bit overboard.  Still need stocking stuffers for DH.  But otherwise, done and here.  Hooray.

But guess what I have gotten anyone *not* in living in the house?  I have part of the work present for the party on *Wednesday*.  Need to pick up a gift card from Starbucks to go with it.  Have part of the present for a swap/grab bag thing we are doing with Paul's family.  Other than that...well...  *sigh*

Next paycheck is Friday.  So I will get some things then.  But it is dreadful to think about going out shopping two days before Christmas.  *gulp*  Thing is, we are going to see my family the day after Christmas and some of Paul's the following day.  So there isn't time after Christmas for most people.

It is truly terrifying.  We have some presents we are making.  I am honestly not sure how many people will just be getting those this year.  It is up in the air for that.  Only time and the local Target will tell.  *laugh*

Luckily there are some people we won't see until after the holidays.  That helps.  But not enough that I feel comfy.  

But hey, at least 95% of what needs to be here Christmas day is here.  Though shoot...that reminds me Santa needs to bring something for Pete the cat's stocking too.  *sigh*

And nope, we don't have our Christmas cards yet.  Not at all.  Whee.

Can it really only be six days til Christmas??!

Honestly, I am going to be happy if I get anything this year.  It is a tight year for most everyone I know. 

My biggest wish is that Elanor will really enjoy this Christmas.  It is the first year she *get* that something is coming called Christmas.  It is wonderful to watch. 

I should post the dream world list, but I have to dash to get home!

(Though my knitting blog has my fiber wish lists!)

Elanor told me last week that there is a T-Rex in the corner of her room between the bookshelf and the wall.  *grin*  It is adorable. 

Apparently Paul asked what the T-Rex eats.  He offered various things and she said no to them. She responded that it eats "pasta".

I love my daughter.

Beauty and the Beast.  Hands down.

Though I hate it when the Beast turns into the prince.  He is sooo lame.  And I hate the redo of the title song.  Angela Lansbury's version is so much better.

Also loved Mulan.  I think it is highly underrated for Disney movies.  Self-rescuing princess (or in this case, non-princess but female lead).  The best kind.

I still like The Little Mermaid.  Mostly for the music and such.  Ariel is kinda lame.  But that sorta feisty teen that is appealing to younger girls.