More on the Blanket Saga and Other Random Thoughts

The Problem of the Blanket
I've been thinking about the difficulty I've had working on the blanket. I'm kind of bored with it. Not a real surprise there. But I've refused to start anything else. So I gave it some thought and realized that I feel guilty about not working the blanket and about wanting to start something else. I figured out that if I do 2 rows a day, I'll still have it done before the baby arrives. I tried to tell myself that I could do 2 rows each day and then work on something else. It's ok to work on a shawl for myself, or finish that pair of socks, or whatever. But I wasn't buying it. So I tried a different tack. I could work on something else for the baby. So today we have this:

The first half of Baby's First DNA Model. I thought James would get a kick out of this too.

If you look at the directions for the DNA Model you will see that they are a little sketchy. As Kimberly herself says "I don't do knitting patterns. I don't know how to read the abbreviations myself, so knitting patterns make my eyes cross. I'll describe in each case the general how-to for making your own version of the project, but half the point of any creative work should be for you to change it to your own tastes and needs."

That's fine. After all, when was the last time I followed a pattern exactly? However, her general how-to, including the twisted-tube tutorial, took up 6 pages. I've condensed that down to one page and am adding the missing details as I work so that I'll have the pattern if I ever want to make another DNA Model. If you decided that you have to make one too, I'd be happy to share the pattern notes.

Notes from Sally
This morning there was a dead earthworm in the middle of the living room floor. I'm pretty sure Sally had to be involved somehow but when I confronted her with the evidence she feigned ignorance.

I was worried that Sally would be very upset when Maggie left but she's doing just fine. I think it helps that she gets all of her toys back and can play as crazy as she wants.

American Idol Gossip
I know that we are all looking forward to tonight's American Idol performance show. Joy and I disagreed about Chris's performance last week. I thought it sounded like an alternative Christian Christmas song and, well, Joy didn't. I read that Chris's version of "I Walk the Line" is actually a version that the band Live did a few years ago. I don't think Chris ever claimed it was his version but some Live fans are incensed. I personally can't wait to see who he copies this week.

First Baby Gifts
Is there anything better than a surprise in the mail. No. Last week I got a surprise in the mail from our Miss Brooke! Of course, it was monkeys.
Aren't they precious? And notice the knitting themed note card. I've been threatening James with a monkey themed baby room so I'm calling these my first baby gifts. THANK YOU BROOKE!

Super Secret Surprise!

Yes Brooke, I'm making fun of you.

As some of you know, I am expecting my first born to arrive sometime in October. Today, I got to see the baby for the first time. And now I'm making you see him (or her) too.

It was definitely very exciting. I haven't really felt pregnant and I was half expecting the doctor to say "You're not pregnant. You've just missed a couple of periods. Now get out of here!"

Clearly, that is not the case. When the baby first appeared on the screen James caught his breath and grabbed my leg. We could see the baby wiggling around and waving his (or her) arms. We even got to hear the heartbeat. Of course, I kept giggling and messing things up.

Now, I think I'll go work on that baby blanket. Even though I really want to start my shawl or a nice pair of entrelac socks.

Trips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

Ah! So many things to share and none of them related to knitting.

First let's discuss American Idol. I think we were all pleased with the results. Now we can get down to the business of voting off Bucky and Ace.

I wasn't terribly impressed with this week's show. Everybody did ok. The only performance that stood out to me was Kelly Pickler's. She sang well and she convinced me that she understood what she was singing. Unlike Paris, who sang remarkably well but didn't seem to understand exactly what she singing. Fever is a very sultry song and she sang it like a pop song.

Taylor Hicks was his spastic self and I thought Chris's version of Walk the Line was a little odd. I didn't particularly like Elliot and Bucky and Ace were terrible. Kevin's gone. Let's leave it at that.

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My father-in-law came into town last night. He's going to help James work on the deck. Who came along with my father-in-law? That's right. A little dog. It took a little getting used to, but Sally and Maggie are getting along fine. Sally is about twice as big and 20 times more energetic than Maggie. But Maggie is holding her own and Sally is calming down a little. I've had my hands full trying to mediate playtime, do the laundry, and get the house ready for the realtor.

That's right the realtor is stopping by tonight and the house is going on the market. I'm not spending too much time trying to plan what will happen next. James is worrying enough for both of us.

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I should probably post about our trip to Wyoming but I'm running out of time right now. Suffice to say that Wyoming is beautiful, though somewhat knitting impaired. I'll have to go to Salt Lake to fill my yarn needs.

I think this view makes up for it though.

Rantings on American Idol

Guess who's feeling better! It's me! I can't believe it's been almost a month since I posted. I doubt anyone is even reading this anymore.

Over the past week I have picked up the baby blanket again and I am now up to 72 rows. Only 148 to go. I don't have any pictures because it looks pretty much the same as it did before. Which also means no mistakes!

Now! Let's talk about American Idol. Before this week, I haven't been very impressed. The performance simply weren't interesting. If I'd had to pick someone I'd have picked Mandisa simply because she seemed like the most genuine performer. But this week I actually liked two of the performances: Katherine McPhee and Taylor Hicks. Of course, now I can't remember what they sang or why I liked the performances. But trust me, I did.

None of the other performances impressed me. They weren't bad, they just didn't make my heart sing. I wasn't surprised to see Melissa go, though I think there are other people who did far worse than she did this week. Bucky for one. He's got to go. He looks like he ought to be holding a fifth of Jack and shot gun. How did Kevin get this far in the competition? He's cute and funny and he does alright, but he's definitely not at the same level as the other contestants. I also thought it was a little silly for the judges to compliment Chris on his originality. I don't see how singing the Chili Peppers version of Higher Ground is original. And Elliot is starting to freak me out. I can't seem to get past the idea that he is a werewolf, menonite or not.

I don't have any comments on the girls. They all sound the same.