Color for a Dreary Day

I was going to write about serious stuff like the topsy-turvy economy, how screwed up our priorities have become, how we've forgotten what Christmas is for, stuff like that. But, I decided instead to concentrate on something that makes me smile a little... handknit socks.
I found the pattern for these here, and originally intended to make a mismatched pair as shown on Faith's blog. I loved the way the first one I made turned out and really didn't think that the colors in the rest of the Noro Kuryon skeins would look very good, so I decided to try to match the second sock instead- I think it came out pretty well! I have a feeling that a certain 13-year-old girl for which they're made (ssshhh, they're for Christmas!) will love the bright colors and warmth of soft wool on her perpetually-cold feet. I should have enough from the two skeins to make myself a pair, though they will be completely different colors! The pile of yarn at the top is what I cut off after I cleaned up the ends. I did weave in the important ones at the beginning and end, and along the heel, but at color changes for the stripes I carried both colors for about 6 stitches and I felt that was likely enough to hold the new and old colors in place- anyone have any thoughts on that? Do you think the sock may be uncomfortable that way?

I have been knitting a ton, and we cocooned a lot this weekend and watched the Anne of Green Gables DVD's that my sister-in-law loaned us. Mirian and I cried in so many places, and of course I was ogling the gorgeous handknits throughout. What a great series! I can hardly wait to start on my next project!

Mondays get me down...

Remember the old Karen Carpenter song, Rainy Days and Mondays... Always Get Me Down? It's a perfectly beautiful day, but the old Monday syndrome is hitting as I force myself to make up a to-do list and try to focus. This is where the Loco Life name comes in, as I have SO many things I need to catch up on and also so many things that I just want to do (digital scrapbooking experiments, knitting projects, baking), and I can't seem to reconcile it all in my head.

I have resolved to de-horde and organize a lot of stuff this year, and I have been whittling away at it, one corner at a time. But it seems that every time I turn around there is yet another corner! I just can't seem to get myself back into a routine, though this is a familiar feeling this time of year since August has been back-to-school time for, um, about 40 years of my life (including going to school, teaching for 13 years, and now having kids in school).

I keep telling myself that once Robert goes back next week, I can get myself back into a schedule.... but I am also trying hard not to wish any time away.

I live with such a "full cup" of blessings.... my faith, great husband, two healthy children, beautiful farm, wonderful home, I really could go on and on. In fact, I know that's what I need to remember to start each day with, gratitude. But when your child has forgotten their lunch (that school is 9 miles away), another has to get to soccer practice nearly 35 miles away, clients are calling and emailing, 2 employees need direction, you need to go to the grocery, clean your messy house, and do about 5 loads of laundry... no wonder I'm loco!

4 hours later.... okay I'm feeling a bit better now that I've gotten Mirian's lunch handled and picked up Robert's friend whose mom has to go to work. I suppose that most of the rest of it can wait... ironically an upbeat friend wrote today in her email, "I think I'm suffering from a plethora of good luck and wonderful opportunities. Hard to feel sorry about that!" I can't agree more, sorry to be complaining.

I've never been a journal writer, but I am finding a bit of valuable reflection from blogging so far... my subsequent car time made me think of what I had already written, and enabled me the perspective to remember how fortunate I am to HAVE a house to clean, clothes to wash, a job of my choosing, food to prepare, and a great family to serve. Thank you, Lord, for my "problems."