Nov 5, 2011
Long Day
The day started before sunrise and ended after sunset. A long day filled with beautiful friends and beautiful yarn.
Nov 4, 2011
Nov 3, 2011
Do Over.
Okay, I really thought I was going to jump in to the crazy pool last night and begin my NaKniSweMo sweater. Really. I have a stockinette swatch, have done some of the math required, plan to get the sweater in my head turned into an actual pattern, and want to put all of the technical reading I've been doing in the past few months to good use, and grade the pattern so others can knit it too.
But you know what they say about the "Best laid plans. . ."
When I was realistic about my time and energy, as well as the commitments I have to my job and to others in the upcoming months, I thought it probably wasn't a good idea to take that leap. I did wind yarn into cakes, and plan to cast on my Philosopher's Wool sweater tonight or Friday so that I have some knitting to do in the car for our long trip. My guild friends will say I'm cheating. . .but rest assured. I plan to finish this sweater in November, and have another kit (and will probably buy a third) that I can keep knitting during the KAL. It just doesn't make sense for me to pull myself into so many directions right now.
I have UFOs in the double digits. I have designs only partially written, with submission deadlines looming. I have lessons and samples to knit along with students in my finishing class. I have annual paperwork to complete for my students at school. I have a family that needs my attention. . .I have a full life. I am just like most of the adults I know. I do not need to add pressure to an already pressure-filled life.
So today is a do-over. I'm reviewing the goals I rashly set for myself yesterday. I'm setting a more realistic goal for myself this month. . .I'll be starting my NaKniSweMo sweater on Friday, so that I'll be ready for up to 10 hours of car knitting time on Saturday. I'll be making a Philosopher's sweater. It may look a little atypical for a Philosopher's sweater, but I think I'll wear it more.
I'm going to shoot for four posts per week. Not daily, not "more regularly". If I want to be a better writer, I need to write. (At least that's what I tell my students, anyway.) So look for me here. Hold me accountable. If you don't see pictures of my sweater in progress, ask for them. If you think the silence is growing long, poke me. I know my life is pretty mundane compared to some, but I'll try to share the "good parts" versions with you. (bonus points if you know that reference. . .)
What goals are you setting for yourself this month?
(And thanks for the comment, Harriet!)
But you know what they say about the "Best laid plans. . ."
When I was realistic about my time and energy, as well as the commitments I have to my job and to others in the upcoming months, I thought it probably wasn't a good idea to take that leap. I did wind yarn into cakes, and plan to cast on my Philosopher's Wool sweater tonight or Friday so that I have some knitting to do in the car for our long trip. My guild friends will say I'm cheating. . .but rest assured. I plan to finish this sweater in November, and have another kit (and will probably buy a third) that I can keep knitting during the KAL. It just doesn't make sense for me to pull myself into so many directions right now.
I have UFOs in the double digits. I have designs only partially written, with submission deadlines looming. I have lessons and samples to knit along with students in my finishing class. I have annual paperwork to complete for my students at school. I have a family that needs my attention. . .I have a full life. I am just like most of the adults I know. I do not need to add pressure to an already pressure-filled life.
So today is a do-over. I'm reviewing the goals I rashly set for myself yesterday. I'm setting a more realistic goal for myself this month. . .I'll be starting my NaKniSweMo sweater on Friday, so that I'll be ready for up to 10 hours of car knitting time on Saturday. I'll be making a Philosopher's sweater. It may look a little atypical for a Philosopher's sweater, but I think I'll wear it more.
I'm going to shoot for four posts per week. Not daily, not "more regularly". If I want to be a better writer, I need to write. (At least that's what I tell my students, anyway.) So look for me here. Hold me accountable. If you don't see pictures of my sweater in progress, ask for them. If you think the silence is growing long, poke me. I know my life is pretty mundane compared to some, but I'll try to share the "good parts" versions with you. (bonus points if you know that reference. . .)
What goals are you setting for yourself this month?
(And thanks for the comment, Harriet!)
Nov 2, 2011
NaNoWriMo, NaKniSweMo, NaBloPoMo
Huh?
After a long silence, I guess I need to come to the realization that summer is over. With it being National Novel Writing Month, National Knit a Sweater Month, and National Blog Post Month, I figured I should probably come out of my vacuum and say hello. Hello!
Those who take these challenges seriously will have a novel, a sweater, or daily blog posts by November 30. I'm planning to just come out of hiding. (Well, and knit a sweater too. . .why not?)
I've actually been working on some knitting designs that have pulled my attention away from the blog, since I can't really write much about them, and have to keep pictures under wraps. School has been a challenge this year as our schedule has changed, and it's made it tough to find a groove to getting all of my responsibilities handled every day. . .I think I'm almost there, though and report cards were due this week. . .we're one quarter of the way through the school year--Wahoo!!
While I'll continue to work on a few designs that will be submitted later this month or early next, and I didn't actually start yesterday, I'm going to drink the kool-aid, and join in with other knitters this month and crank out a sweater. I'll be casting on today. . . probably in worsted weight, possibly a Philosopher's Wool kit, since I'll be taking a trip to their farm on Saturday.
I'll also strive to be a more regular poster again. . .daily? don't hold your breath. . .but more regular. I've sort of missed this opportunity to share what's going on, even though I don't always think it's that interesting to others!
If you've missed me, leave a comment. . .ask a question. . .post a picture. . .we can encourage each other along as we pick up speed towards the holidays.
After a long silence, I guess I need to come to the realization that summer is over. With it being National Novel Writing Month, National Knit a Sweater Month, and National Blog Post Month, I figured I should probably come out of my vacuum and say hello. Hello!
Those who take these challenges seriously will have a novel, a sweater, or daily blog posts by November 30. I'm planning to just come out of hiding. (Well, and knit a sweater too. . .why not?)
I've actually been working on some knitting designs that have pulled my attention away from the blog, since I can't really write much about them, and have to keep pictures under wraps. School has been a challenge this year as our schedule has changed, and it's made it tough to find a groove to getting all of my responsibilities handled every day. . .I think I'm almost there, though and report cards were due this week. . .we're one quarter of the way through the school year--Wahoo!!
While I'll continue to work on a few designs that will be submitted later this month or early next, and I didn't actually start yesterday, I'm going to drink the kool-aid, and join in with other knitters this month and crank out a sweater. I'll be casting on today. . . probably in worsted weight, possibly a Philosopher's Wool kit, since I'll be taking a trip to their farm on Saturday.
I'll also strive to be a more regular poster again. . .daily? don't hold your breath. . .but more regular. I've sort of missed this opportunity to share what's going on, even though I don't always think it's that interesting to others!
If you've missed me, leave a comment. . .ask a question. . .post a picture. . .we can encourage each other along as we pick up speed towards the holidays.
Aug 24, 2011
Sucking the Life out of Summer
The countdown is official. Only today and two more school days until I report back to work for the 2010-11 school year. You'd think I'd already started back to work, since I've done some homebound teaching, summer school teaching, have worked on some new curriculum and have been responding to many phone calls and emails since we let out in June. I've also been shopping the back to school sales so that I have supplies for the students who are unable to purchase them on their own. To those who say that a teacher has a cushy job, and doesn't work for three months, we should spend my vacation together next summer!
To be fair, I've also spent much time enjoying myself this summer too. I've kayaked nearly every week, have spent a good amount of time with friends, enjoyed a couple of trips, have taken fiber classes both online and in person, have knitted and spun a TON of fiber into a new fall wardrobe, and have gotten many massages and chiropractic adjustments. I do not take any of my life for granted. I truly live a blessed existence, and enjoy many perks of a reduced summer schedule.
That said. . .I have only a few moments left! I'd hoped to finish a couple of designs that are floating in my head. I'd hoped to spin up the remainder of my fiber stash. I'd hoped to finish a cardigan that is only about half way done, and a vest that is in about the same position. The last few days of vacation always put me in a bit of a frenzy trying to determine what my last, best day of summer will hold. I feel like a kid again, both excited for the new start to the school year, and saddened to see the days grow shorter, and have real responsibilities (and homework) again.
A good friend is in from out of town this week, and we're taking her to see the Stanley Cup this afternoon. . .plenty of knitting time on the drive, but what to take?
I was informed that we're having a party this Friday too. .
.if you're in town, stop by! (BSKGers, that means you!)
To be fair, I've also spent much time enjoying myself this summer too. I've kayaked nearly every week, have spent a good amount of time with friends, enjoyed a couple of trips, have taken fiber classes both online and in person, have knitted and spun a TON of fiber into a new fall wardrobe, and have gotten many massages and chiropractic adjustments. I do not take any of my life for granted. I truly live a blessed existence, and enjoy many perks of a reduced summer schedule.
That said. . .I have only a few moments left! I'd hoped to finish a couple of designs that are floating in my head. I'd hoped to spin up the remainder of my fiber stash. I'd hoped to finish a cardigan that is only about half way done, and a vest that is in about the same position. The last few days of vacation always put me in a bit of a frenzy trying to determine what my last, best day of summer will hold. I feel like a kid again, both excited for the new start to the school year, and saddened to see the days grow shorter, and have real responsibilities (and homework) again.
A good friend is in from out of town this week, and we're taking her to see the Stanley Cup this afternoon. . .plenty of knitting time on the drive, but what to take?
I was informed that we're having a party this Friday too. .
.if you're in town, stop by! (BSKGers, that means you!)
Aug 22, 2011
Going, Going, Gone!
A design of mine was recently accepted by a new magazine in the UK. Today I emailed all of the photos and documents and put the samples in the mail. Wahoo! Now comes the wait until the publication date...
Aug 19, 2011
It's Not the Hilton
But it's my home for the weekend!
A flat spot, close to the showers, and really close to the classrooms and shopping!
Looking forward to learning a lot, and having fun with friends new and old.
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