While I was relaxing and enjoying my time away from work, I did entertain myself with some of my favorite activities.

Family: My siblings that live out of town made the grand journey to Salt Lake City. I especially appreciate my sister’s effort. Flying from Detroit to SLC in December is no small. Every year the trip turns into a grand adventure. The kids now expect some mishap and wait to see how Delta will make it all right. While the family was here, I spend my time playing, shopping, and eating with them. And I can’t forget the piñata. It’s our token nod to our paternal heritage. As I write, it sounds rather mundane. Really, it’s the best. I miss them. (sigh)

Movies: Family tradition dictates that we see a on movie on Christmas afternoon. Really, we don’t have the energy to do much else. This year’s flick was Avatar. Technically, it was a beautiful movie with a very predictable script. But what did I expect from James Cameron? Then in my lazy moments I managed to see a few more movies on DVD: Julie and Julia, Up, Northanger Abby, Star Trek, and District Nine. I’m sure I missed a few. I have the habit of letting movies run on my computer while I sew. Now I remember some more: A Good Shepherd and Coraline. How could I forget Coraline?

Sewing: Yes I sewed. How could I not? I don’t have my pictures ready to share. But in a few days, I’ll show a new ironing board cover (Yes, I know. Exciting.), hot pads, and a quilt in the works. I even scored some fabric on clearance for $2.50/yard, which rarely works out for me.

Reading: I finished my book club book, The Help, early. Instead of starting a new book, I decided to finish a book I started two years ago, Les Miserables. Yes you got that right. I started the book two years ago when Ross gave me a copy for Christmas. I’ve been stuck on page 700 for over six months. Now, I’m on page 1050 or close to. With a bit of effort I’ll be done in a couple of weeks. The plot started to move again. So I’m hopeful.

Playing: For Christmas I got an iPhone. This is the gift that keeps on giving as it entertains me whenever and where ever I’m bored. Plus, I keep on discovering new apps and new features on the phone. I have to say the ability to easily mute a call it makes the phone worth it. Actually there are a lot of features that make it worth it. So far my favorite apps are Tap Farm, Facebook, Flickr, and Solitaire. Now I just need to find a good calorie counter app, a to-do app, and a grocery list app. They’re all there. I just have to pick one. Oh, the paradox of choice.

I did have a few really productive moments. It took two days, but my kitchen was beautiful. I should have taken a picture, because it will be a while before I see it like that again. Also I got a haircut, which was way over due.

Now, I’ll remembering all my projects that were pushed aside for the Christmas bustle. Must get to work!

As you might guess, I’m not thrilled about the color. A nice mauve from the ’80s. Regardless, I’ve decided to work with it. It fits in the room and our money can go to a million other home improvement/decorating needs. The list is endless. I figure as long as I stick to browns and beiges and avoid blue altogether, the room will look OK. Then the browns and beiges will transition to any other color palette that I choose to go with in the future.

Sunday revolved around the Oscars. Every year I host an oscar party for my family that includes dinner and prizes. My family that lives away gets to participate as well. I use ABC oscar website to keep track of the results and everybody gets to track their progress. Well this year ABC totally failed me. Their website sucked. That’s the nicest thing I can say about it. In fact, I got kicked out of my own group. This morning, I sent ABC an email outlining my dissatisfaction in detail, not that they really care. Luck for me, dinner was great and everybody enjoyed spending time together.

Some where in the weekend, I managed to start quilting my table runner. The middle is done. I’m working on the borders tonight.