Gott Nytt År!!!

And to you losers who don't know Swedish... "Happy New Year!!"

And to my Andhra Pradesh friends... "Nuthana Samvathsara Subhakankshalu!" which is the Telugu way to say it (I'm trying to learn - it's not easy, but I have a very patient teacher).

We had a quite swell long weekend including a visit to the Adventure Science Museum, shopping, visiting with friends, New Years party, excellent Chinese and Thai food, and fireworks watching from our bedroom window, which overlooks downtown...

So some of my goals this year include learning more Telugu, finding a balance between work life and home life, running the half marathon, keeping up with my friends, playing more piano, and eating less ice cream (kidding!).

I think 2006 is going to be a great year...

Sophie update

Sophie is now 7 weeks and 1 day old.

She sleeps through the night without accidents - yay!

She did have an accident today, but that is because we left her at home for 4 hours to go shopping for a diamond and white gold necklace for me (yay! again) and surround sound speakers for Todd. Totally our fault...

Right now she is watching the first season of The Amazing Race with us (or possibly sleeping - she sleeps a lot).

We think she might be bipolar - but apparently that's how most puppies are.

She is still the cutest puppy on the face of the earth - and that is *not* our biased opinion.

Speaking of cute, my husband tells me that I snored last night, but it was cute (even sexy) snoring. I'm not sure how snoring can be cute (or sexy), but I'm glad that's how it came across, because there's some pretty non-sexy snoring out there...

Sophie's first bath

Sophie's first bath
Originally uploaded by tabita.

She was not pleased. Especially with the hair drying that followed.

But as the Swedish saying goes: "Vill man bli fin får man lida pin" (If you want to look good, you have to suffer the pain...)

God Jul!!

God Jul!!
Originally uploaded by tabita.

Merry Christmas to those of you who still visit this blog. I've been baaaad about blogging lately - just been so busy. I can't say that I'll be better going forward - feel kind of non-committal, but anyway...

We've had a good couple of days with baking and a Christmas Soiree at the house yesterday evening and cozy Christmas fun at the house today - including traditional Swedish Christmas buffet and gift wrapping. And of course lots of quality time with Sophie - she is so sweet.

Right now we're watching Elf - funniest movie ever. Ho ho ho...

Meet Sophie

Awwwww...
Originally uploaded by tabita.

Today, our lives changed forever (or at least for the next 15 years or so). We added Sophie to our family. Rebecka finally has a little sister.

Sophie is a Bichon Frise - and the softest little thing you ever held. We've been spending some good snuggling time since we got back from the breeder.

Right now, we're trying to get her to eat. It seems to be quite a challenge. She keeps on sliding away from the bowl on our slippery floor. It's quite amusing.

Wedding in India

The Americans + some
Originally uploaded by tabita.

So, I just got back from India. Again. This time I went for my friends Prasad and Madhuri's marriage. It was such a gift to be able to be present for their big day(s). Yes, it's not just a one-day event, for sure. Lots of rituals and formalities that we can't even begin to imagine here.

There was much hanging out and eating and dancing and shopping and more shopping. Last time I got made to order shoes... This time it was made to order jewelry. Too cool. My friend Balu is the best haggler in the world. :)

The procession to the wedding hall from Prasad's home was amazing. For the first part, I got to ride in the car with the groom and his sister and aunt. For the second part, I was "forced" to get out and dance with the other people. It was a blast. I suck at dancing. :)

Thanks to Todd and Rebecka for letting me go - they are so good. I promise I'll introduce you to my third home country one of these days.

Now I need to start thinking about Christmas. Shopping with Todd today - what a joy.