California Waiting

I know that I have been knitting too much (yes, that happens occasionally) when my back feels like it is on a rusty hinge. Generally, I sit in the same position on the couch, forgetting to keep both feet on the ground and moving about every now and then. The next morning, or whenever I get up for some water, my lower back feels like it is being held in place by a tiny screw that might fall out any moment. So, to make a long story short, my back could really use some WD40. Granted, there has been some knitting to speak of, but I always forget that this is the eventual outcome for a knitting binge.

Christmas was relatively low-key here at Chez Ava and flock. I guess that happens when your kids reach a certain age and their Christmas list comes complete with links and specifics. Don't get me wrong because I am very, very grateful to have the ability to sit at the computer, select PayPal, and be done with Christmas shopping before I head to knit night . . . but Christmas isn't the rushing quest to find the "IT" toy of the year . . . not when your list has boots and skinny jeans and Harry Potter sweaters on it. So other than the America's Next Top Model paper doll book and College Vegetarian Cooking (for next year), there weren't many surprises. The girls found the Flyer a Twin Peaks t-shirt (which he loves), and they bought me a bead for my bracelet (which I love). Dinner? I went low-key and pre-ordered from Boston Market . . . easy-peasy and didn't spend half the day cooking or cleaning. Plus, it made an afternoon showing of Sherlock Holmes a possibility.

So, the knitting you say? I spent a furious two days knitting part of Rambling Rows since I am teaching it as a class at the shop. I think that my New Year's resolution ought to be: no teaching of classes that you don't have a sample . . . no exceptions. For some unknown reason (cough, cough - knitting ADD), Rambling Rows was pushed on the back burner and then forgotten about - until the pot boiled over. My reading teacher is due in April with her first baby, so I decided to knit her a blanket and teach it as a class. That being said, after two days of knitting non-stop, I have a little less than half done. I can see how this gets kind of addicting, but I took it over to the shop (before real addiction could set in) so Joanne could put the sample in the case (and so I could buy some needles . . . too lazy to locate mine). I promised the Flyer some Beer Gloves over a year ago in Jackie's 9th Doctor colorway. I figured with David Tennant's run as the 10th Doctor coming to an end, I really ought to get the gloves done for my sweetie. Truly, they might have been the fastest knit that I've done in a while (photos next week . . . pinkie swear). After that, the only choice was to make something for me: Rose's Wrist Warmers partially because I love them and partially because it is so damn cold here . . . but not cold enough for a coat).

This post actually started off as a "Here's what I learned and loved about 2009" but somehow it morphed into pretty much just a post . . . hmmm. Well, here's what I learned and loved about 2009:

I learned that I could cope with my kids going away to school. It didn't destroy me, it didn't leave me curled up in a fetal position, it didn't cause me angst that could only be cured with medicine. It's been a pretty good transition for us all (I think). Do I miss them? Absolutely. Have I figured out what to do with my spare time? Unfortunately, yes.
I learned that there was tons of new music to listen to. Personally, my favorite song of the year was "Sweet Disposition" by Temper Trap (fine, it came out in 2008), but "Show Me What I'm Looking For" (Carolina Liar), "Ghosts" (Laura Marling), or anything by Fleet Foxes or off of the Glee! soundtracks would have been fine as well.
I loved both Up and (500) Days of Summer as far as movies went. I think I got most of my crying over graduation done during Up, so thanks Pixar . . . you made graduation a little bit smoother. I did learn, though, that I could go to see movies all by myself and knit and not really give a damn about it.
I learned (and love!) that Malabrigo sock yarn is just as divine as regular Malabrigo. If only there were a closer source for this marshmellowy loveliness . . . if only, if only, if only.
When you only get to see your sisters every once and a while, you learn very quickly that you still miss them, so when Lola can get into the City, I'll run in front of a train (really very stupid) or pose in front of a large poster of Gerard Butler (equally as stupid) to see her . . . that last one made the family calendar.
Speaking of posing in front of a large poster of Gerard Butler, I learned (fine, I already knew this) that my sister is a far better photographer than I am . . . but I'm willing to take some tips and get better.
I also learned that I have way too much yarn and really ought to do something about it. Knitting comes to mind, but then again so does destashing, donating yarn to new knitters, and knitting (probably deserves more than one mention).
Unfortunately, I learned that spinning your brand new sweater because you are lazy has horrible results . . . and can force a very strong woman to tears and lots and lots of beer.
I'm sure there's more . . . but I have a pair of wrist warmers to knit, so resolutions might have to wait until tomorrow

Have a Happy New Year! Stay safe and warm . . . and get some knitting in when you can.

Ava

Comments

I hope you post some pictures of your Rose's Wristwarmers. I actually was thinking they'll be my first project for '10. I may do a super long pair but, we'll have to see!

Posted by: Lauren | December 31, 2009 at 07:13 PM