Let’s take a break for a minute from the flurry of start of the year posts to get a little “E! True Hollywood Story” and catch up with what’s happened over the last three-ish years at ‘the house on fire,’ as I affectionately call my life and home.

• I’m still on the sunny side of the Bay. I love my apartment so much, they may have to demolish the building if they ever want me to leave…

• I’ve traded jobs MANY times over, though I’ve finally settled down and have been quite happy with for over a year now. I’m especially excited that my current role leaves me plenty of time to work on my side projects, like RoseonFire.com!

• In late 2010, I took up running again. I ran in high school, but fell out of practice during college and after. Sometime during all the employment upheaval, I needed to burn off some extra frustration and lit a fire under my inner athlete. The habit stuck and I’ve now completed about half a dozen half marathons (13.1 miles) and one full marathon (26.2 miles). I don’t see this stopping any time soon, and I’ve found it’s a great way to explore the city. This has done nothing to moderate my eating habits.

• In 2011, I learned how to ride a bike. No seriously, I’m a grown woman who couldn’t ride a bike until she was 26. Don’t judge. I’ve now got two steel and aluminum beasts crowding my dining room on the daily and love to use them take quick trips around the lake or out to run errands.

• In 2012, I FINALLY learned how to use my sewing machine (as mentioned in my last craft post). For a veteran maker this is a little embarrassing, but everyone is a beginner to start off with. I’ve since made quilts, purses, skirts, and sweaters, and can’t wait to share some fun how-tos, project diaries, and pattern reviews.

• In 2013, I adopted my sweet baby pup, and official Rose on Fire co-mascot Joley (full name:Jolene; AKA: Joley bean, Joley pup, and Joley the wonder dog). You’ll probably see her poking her face around a post or two, and she, along with Conor the invisible cat, fill my home with warmth and happiness. And a lot of excess fur… but that’s a complaint for another day.

This brings us back to today. In 2014 I restart Rose on Fire and reconnect with my creative outlet. I get to share all the things in that make my life rich, and connect bring all of you out there into my home and life. Thank you so much for joining me, I hope you enjoy everything I’ve got to give and have a fabulous new year, too.