Feeling Behind

You know things are bad when you start to feel like you're even behind in your craft projects. I was just barely keeping up with work and home stuff before I broke my foot, and the broken foot really took off my stride, literally and figuratively. I have spent the last couple weeks struggling to catch up again, and I think one more week ought to put me back where I started at least.

With knitting projects, even though you tell yourself that it doesn't really matter how quickly you finish, sometimes it really does matter. Say, for example, when you're knitting something for a growing child. What I've learned is that I should start things about a year before I actually want RJ to wear them, just to make sure I finish in time. Luckily, I knit a bit loose so things end up a bit bigger anyway (gauge swatches for baby clothes seems like a waste of time to me). After almost a year, I am nearly finished with Anouk for RJ. All that's left to do is weave in the ends and sew on the buttons. Very nearly an FO.



I have to say that it is wicked cute and a really fun pattern. Due to the dress/shirt versatility, the fact that it took me a year isn't too awful. Even though I chose to knit the 3 month size (yikes! she's nearly a year old!), thanks to my loose gauge and good pattern design it still fits. It's probably a bit on the short side for dress, but it should look really cute over leggings and onesie (and I've already bought them to match). I am tempted to go through my stash and pick out some yarn for a winter version, in a much bigger size of course. It would look cute in green and burnt orange for fall, don't you think?

Sixth Photo

JenfromRI at Newton's Knitting tagged me for the 6th photo meme, so here's mine. You pick the the 6th photo in the 6th folder. Technically this is the 7th folder, because the 6th one only had 2 photos. So, here it is:



I take my lab class (in animal behavior) to the local aquarium for a behind the scenes tour and this is a photo from that visit. We got to feed a sea otter too. I think I enjoy it more than the students, but they do seem to really like it.

My Wonderful Husband

Today is my husband's birthday. In honor of this wonderful day, I want to name just a few of the things that make him such a great guy.



-He is a great dad, very patient and loving, and always happy to change diapers and do the other unglamorous stuff of parenthood.

-He's one of the smartest people I know, but he's very humble about it.

-He's very romantic, bringing flowers and chocolates randomly for no reason at all.

-He works really hard, both at his job and doing things around the house.

-He has a fantastic sense of humor, and makes me laugh every day.

There are lots more wonderful things about him, and I feel so lucky that he married me. Happy Birthday!

A Lucky Date

Thanks to those who have shared words of support, both publicly and privately. My foot is feeling much better and we are slowly getting over the shock of my husband's layoff. Things have always worked out for the best in the past, and we are hopeful that things will work out this time as well.

I wanted to be sure to post today, since it is Friday the 13th. Although we're not especially superstitious people, my family has always felt that 13 was our lucky number. It stems from my mom, who was born on a Friday the 13th. It might seem obvious, but it certainly was a lucky thing for me that my mom was born. My affinity for 13 has continued and had recent significance. For example, our plot number for our house was 13. It is one of the few houses with a larger yard and a private corner, so it was not surprising that someone else had chosen it. That person backed out just as we were starting the buying process so we got our lucky number 13! Luckiest of all, my daughter was born on the 13th of March, and she shares her birthday with her grandmother who started all this 13 stuff. A very lucky number indeed.

What's Been Going On

I know that the long absences have been more common than the regular posting lately, but honestly I just haven't felt up to it. My goal is to keep this blog focused on knitting or other crafts, but frankly other things have really dominated our time lately. I have been knitting a little, though. Here is my brother's gaiter, which is coming along.



What has really been dominating our thoughts, however, is the recent news that my husband's manufacturing plant will be closing it's doors permanently. So far this horrible economy has affected so many of my family and friends, and now us. It's hard not to let it get it you. We are trying to stay positive and hope that he will be able to find another job. It always seems like when you are under extra stress that's when accidents happen. Yesterday morning I woke up at 4:00 am and in my groggy state I went to check on the husband and RJ, who had not come back to bed after getting up at 2:00 am. I didn't turn on the light (in case they were sleeping) and tripped over the last step, breaking my foot. Thankfully, it's not a bad break so in about 4-6 weeks I should be good as new. I am particularly ticked because I just got a new pair of cute shoes, and now I won't be able to wear them for a few weeks.


Hopefully, in a few months we will look back at this bad streak of luck and laugh.