Progress

I've been making progress on the February Lady Sweater. Christmas is now officially 4 days away. I need to get this done! I have had to frog three times due to knitting while sleeping. (Missed a yo here and there). I love the progress. The Gull stitch really looks nice. I'm glad I chose this pattern. I've already got plans to start another one for my other Grandmother.

The girls are with their dad this year for Christmas, and I found myself rather lonely Saturday night. It always happens around three to four days after they leave.

Joe will have a few presents under the tree. But on the whole, things are quite lean. I only have several decorations, and the tree is outside on the deck because this little trailer doesn't have the room.

Got to housesit for a friend this weekend. I think that's when I started feeling sorry for myself. (yes, I know it's totally unnecessary, but I had a weak moment). She has this big house, hardwood floors, a washer and dryer, .etc. whereas, me,.. I got it out of my system as soon as I could but that left several unreturned phone calls from friends because I was being human. I guess.

Today we are going to be pretty busy at work. I love my job! Keeps life interesting. I only wish it paid better, then I wouldn't have to go back to school.

I was thinking about actually saving money in 2010 to go to the Black Sheep Festival in Canby, Oregon. And, maybe, if there's another Sock Summit- to get into there as well.

Well I had better get dressed.

Keep on Knitting

These pictures are a little better than the earlier ones. I was on lunch break and the natural light just looks better. I would input that they are much more purple than blue. I've finished the first one and now working the leg of his mate. I can't stress enough how easy these are to knit. I don't even need the pattern for the second.

The Wonderful green hank on the right is Cascade 220 yarn. 100% wool, and I started the February Lady sweater with it. You can find it on Ravelry. ( Cool!! I just learned how to post a link!!)

I am not impressed with myself with my Fall term grades at College. When I was all High speed-low drag to get back to the books, I really didn' t consider the time demands and how many different ways I got pulled. I took two really hard classes, and never had enough study time. I guess I'm trying to justify myself somehow, but dammit, I had so much going on, and to get a solid block of time all to myself- well that just didn't happen. I'm not quitting tho. Just backing off and re-grouping. Still have full - time credits, just pairing an easier class with a hard one.

When all this gets to me, I shut down and start knitting. I can think, I can organize, and keep sane. Millions of things going through my head. My friends say, "why do you need to keep going to school? What's wrong with your income? By the time you're done your kids will be all grown up anyway.".. My family.." You're running out of time. You need to hurry or you'll be too old." I need quiet. Mental quiet.

My daughter listens to the radio all night.. I don't mind the music but the commercials- I could reach through the radio and pull that ^$&(&* announcer right through by his ball hairs.

Not to mention, on top of all of this, we are having RECORD COLD WEATHER HERE. My cozy little 5th wheel doesn't have water (froze) or a toilet(not hooked up). It is 11' out. You try going pee out in a portable john and enjoy that little thrill of sitting on a frozen plastic seat. OH yeah. Bring it, baby! If I can make it through all this.. well I will be one HELL of a Physician Assistant. There won't be anything that some patient will whine at me for that I can't find a solution.

OH yeah that reminds me. Now that it's Christmas break, I gotta start applying for Scholarships!.. (Essays, Essays, Essays..)

"Just keep knitting, just keep knitting , knitting knitting.." (crazy giggle here..)

What a heel

I'm working on the Nutkin sock for a Christmas present with Plymouth Sockotta yarn (cotton/wool). I really enjoy the pattern. It's easy to remember and works up quickly even with small needles. (I'm using a 2.5mm, where the pattern calls for a 1.5mm) That makes up for the larger size I need. Anyway, all this includes a short row heel. I tried it several times, and after frogging more than my patience allows, just switched to a regular back-and-forth heel (sl1, k1, p the w side) and pondered about that short-row heel. Why does it even exist? Sure it keeps you from working back and forth, but what's so intimidating about picking up stitches? I suppose we al have our preferences. I look for fast and easy. I admire those that try to keep the "old ways" alive, but I guess my gauge is too loose. oh well.

Everybody is getting socks or Mitts this year. I just don't have the time I had last year what with school and work taking up all my extra time. I went to all the trouble of setting up a sewing room, begging Mother for some space, and have only stepped foot in it to clean or add a box of projects long overdue.

Finals week is Dec 9th. after that, the time is MINE. All. Mine. ( I hope, anyway)

Catching up a bit, yah?

The Socks were made for my mother's best friend, Kathy. She is also a great quilting guru among our "Blockheads" quilt group. Kathy retired this year, which, to me is a great accomplishment. I am proud to know her, and hope she has many happy creating years ahead. Anyway, these socks are wool, and I made them big so she can run them through the cold water wash and they will felt down just a little. They make great slouchy house socks (that's what I call them anyway) I have a pair. They are nice for sleeping in on cold nights, and to putter around in the mornings. (I don't like slippers much. They make my feet sweat.)

The Wallquilts are something I made a while ago out of Laurel Burch fabrics, gold fabric paint, and Amish Black Kona cotton. I have these for sale at DonTerra Gallery in Sisters, Oregon. I think the Green one already sold. You can check them out at: http://www.donterra.com and find my name in the Artist Registry.

I like to make stuff. All kinds of stuff. Even when I have to study rational expressions in my Algebra class, I still make stuff.

Love it!

Time- or lack thereof

After reading a blog (okay, it's the Harlot's) about moms and how we selflessly sacrifice our time, and our interests for everyone else in our family, it made me think about how much time we, as mothers, do actually give up.
I'm going to school three nights a week. (to get a degree, to make better money, for the family).
I work a full-time job, (to make money to provide for my family)
I knit and sew and crochet and make stuff when I can (to sell, and provide nice things for my family)

I guide and correct my children, in order to (hopefully) raise productive members of society. which takes time. which is what I don't seem to have (above entries mentioned).

So, where do we, as mothers, actually get to do a few things for ourselves? And when if we do, why do we feel guilty? Is there some unspoken rule that says: You have had a child. Give up your life forever. The end. that's it. So everything that I might want to do, just for me, just for a little while, is.. bad?

Why?

As much as I love to knit, and crochet, I'm finding my interests expanding to this phenomenon called "American Tribal style" (ATS) Dancing. I've just finished a 6 week beginner's class and have been feeling so much better about myself I went ahead and signed up for the next class up. It is a lot of fun and makes me feel.. feminine, less worried about how my waistline looks, (now that I've had three kids it's hard to be a size 10) and I have connected with other women my age that share the same interests, which, up to this point, have only been here and there.
These women also knit, crochet, and surf Ravelry and know who the Yarn Harlot is. Even miss Castlefibers is a classroom name. Wow. I'm not just a cyber knitting junkie talking to .. whoever ever ever decides to read this.
Of course it takes time to learn, and by jove, I think I have a few "dance skilz" !!

In the meantime, I study chemistry and math, try to keep the kids fed while learning how to be a good Surgical Tech, and stay busy by knitting a few rows here, and crocheting a few rows there.. usually before I fall asleep.

I'm saving up for a digital camera also so it's easier to post photos to back up the things that I talk about.

Facebook keeps me connected to old a new friends, even friends I didn't know I had, and chat here and there when I can. I'm at the Lane community college campus after a lab class right now trying to figure out. Stoichiometry..sigh..

I will be online at home by the end of the week- exciting! I signed up with Wildblue satellite internet. I did a lot of research, and it looks like a long-term plan that will go with me wherever I decide to live or go to school. It will also help with the kid's school projects, etc.
Might even get to see an episode or two of " community"... :0)

currently

Currently,
that guy I was texting? You know, the 17 year "FB reunite" thing? Well, seems that he wants to work things out with his ex. Fine by me, don't get me wrong. But, then. (okay can we see what's coming, ladies?) I get the eternal, "can we be friends"? texted to me a few hours after the previous news. (by text, of course). And, we ALL know what that means. The universal code for, "Can I use you as back-up in case this doesn't work?" NO! WHY does that NOT ever change?

Thus, currently,
I'm totally immersing myself in 'me' stuff. My children, my school, my work, my knitting, sewing, dancing, etc. NOT dealing with the 'relationship' stuff anymore. NOT worth my time. Sorry guys, just don't see what's in it for me. Can do just about all of it on my own. (well, then there's that. but - let's not go there, shall we?)

Currently,
Still working on Christmas projects. Plus catching up on orders that were paid for eons ago, plus the horse blankets from the drill team still aren't done.

Currently,
I need more time to do all of this.