Bloglines — Blessing or Curse?

Well, it’s report card week here at the school of the tired teachers so that means that I am finding anything I can do to avoid grading papers and writing thinly veiled prose about “darling” children.

One of the ways I have been procrastinating is by adding to my bloglines. This, of course, is self perpetuating procrastination (say that 10 times fast…) The more you add, the more there is to read. The more you read, the more you find to add. Quickly hours disappear!

On my journey I came upon someone who is actually studying how memes spread. As someone who was once a graduate student, I, in the name of research, provide this link to his work. Check it out, blog about it, it will be interesting to see what he finds out. Once in the distant past I did research on how people interacted on-line… my how times have changed!

Ok, back to bloglines. I have found that while I love knowing when blogs are updated, I am finding that there is some guilt involved. Why is it that I read some right away and find that I let others build up? Who should I add? Should I ever delete any? The questions are endless…

So, do tell. How many feeds on your bloglines? Read them all? Every day? Am I there (do I want to know?)

Odessa

Pizza for dinner and Bunny bathed and to bed without a fuss. Time to avoid correcting papers for a little while and post about some knitting.

First, and actual finished object (modeled here by one of my students who has really good hair!). I made my first (and certainly not my last) Odessa. I made it as a chemo cap for Cheryl, a colleague fighting lymphoma. I don’t know Cheryl well, but I know that in the few times she taught Bunny before she got sick, she turned him from just a curious kid into a budding scientist. I will never forget his explanation to my father about how roots hold up trees, it was Cheryl’s words coming through him… Full details on my FO page for it.

In other knitting news I have been working hard on Bunny’s Avery and trying not to get distracted by other projects that don’t involve endless rows of stockinette on size three needles. I have a new goal for the sweater, I want him to be able to wear it for the Christmas pageant. Let’s hope this one goes better than all the other goals I set for this project!

I have a full line-up waiting in the wings

• Christmas stocking for Bunny
• Hat for mom
• Buzzy baby set
• something for me!

Thankful

A little late..

I am thankful that I have a fun kid, who enjoys playing and discovering.

I am thankful that I have a spouse who puts up with me being grumpy and when I ignore his suggestions, he suggests them again.

I am thankful for in-laws who understand that parents are better parents when the grandparents make sure the parents have a break.

I am thankful to have parents who are always willing to listen.

I am thankful that I am basically healthy, and I am thankful that I live in the 21st century when I’m not.

I am thankful that we have enough money for all of our needs and many of our wants.

I am thankful to live in a country when regime change is possible without blood-shed.

What are you thankful for?

Having a great SP can turn that frown upside down!

This has not been the best week… I won’t go into the low-lights becuase this post is about the highlights, my Secret Pal!

On Tuesday I got a great e-card, really cute and made me smile.

Then yesterday B said a package came for me… I brought it with me to SLK last night so that the opening would have the approprite audience! Many thanks to Amber for the photo documentary.

I arrived very excited (ok, it looks deranged, but I was going for excited!

Then the opening began…
A card, some note cards, a pocket calendar (perhaps there’s hope I will be organized in ‘07), and some bubble bath.
You want to know what else? Well… Yarn of course! Beautiful Briar Rose (Tuscany I think) and she sent along a great pattern as well.

I really feel blessed to have such a great pal. Now, I have to get some things done so I can knit with this beautiful stuff!!

Thanks SP!

Flower Power!

What would you do when stuck in O’Hare Airport for upwards of eight hours while thunder and lightning hold court?

Why knit of course!

I present the airport flower power washrag!

The pattern can be found here and I made it from some Crystal Palace Cotton Chenille.

You can tell from the photo that I clearly didn’t bring a tapestry needle. Guess I better get working on those ends!

It was quite a fun knit and kept me busy and not too annoyed while my flight was delayed, and delayed, and delayed…

Becca (the pattern designer) was running a cool contest. You were supposed to send her a photo of your knitting being (mis)used for something it wasn’t intended. As usual, I’m a day late and a dollar short, but in any case, here’s the washcloth being used as a holding pen for confiscated items. I really don’t think you need a tennis ball in math class, but maybe that’s just me. Oh yeah, I’m the teacher, I get to decide!

Armistice

November 11, Armistice Day.

According to M-W.com: temporary suspension of hostilities by agreement between the opponents

On November 11, 2006 there was a suspension on the hostilities going on within Melissa’s body. My only hope is that she is now at peace.

Knitting content to resume soon!

Dear Melissa

Dear Melissa,

The last week has certainly thrown me for a loop. I am rarely speechless (ask anyone) but this has done it. Young women aren’t supposed to have heart attacks. You were supposed to enjoy Halloween, not be in some ICU.
In addition to speechless, I feel so helpless. I hardly know you. You’re married to someone I work closely with. Even though I had the best intentions, I have yet to even have you all over for dinner.

Helpless… It doesn’t seem right for me to spend endless hours at the hospital. I collected money and got some gift cards, but it feels like nothing. I just don’t know what to do or say.
My life goes on, I go through the motions, but all the time there is the thought of you. Of your young students waiting for you to return. Of your family and close friends by your bed wishing the best for you. Of you, what are you going through? What more can your body take?

So Melissa, the only thing I can do is write and let you know that all the time you are in my thoughts…