Trying to Fill the Gap

Happy February! Welcome to the 'new look.' I needed a change, and my hope that this is a simpler, less distracting style, and easier to read.

A couple of things are happening: I finished my third pair of Norwegian-style mittens. Now I’m trying to finish everything else: A cable scarf, a garter-stitch shawl, a lace stole, a bulky bog jacket, and a super-bulky sidecar jacket!

In addition to knitting, I’ve been very inspired by my friend’s beautiful quilts that she has made over the years. My curiosity is piqued and I’ve decided to learn how to quilt. I have a bagful of fabrics, and I thought a baby quilt would be a reasonable place to start. I found a nice, free pattern. It looks beginner-friendly enough. I just need a few tools: A rotary cutter, a ruler and mat.

In other arts, recently Mitch and I performed with Glass Half Empty, a band of primarily St. Edward’s school parents--at the Big Red Rocks fundraiser at St. Ed’s gym. It was probably the best we’ve ever sounded. Such a fun show! I always enjoy singing for those guys. Too bad it’s only once a year! Now, one of the musicians from the event asked me to sing a few U2 songs for an upcoming pre-St. Patrick’s event at the Irish American Heritage Center, so I’m getting ready for that as well.

Yesterday, I donated platelets at the Rush Blood Center. I was actually able to see “Black Swan,” (sorry Mitch) which is every bit as good as the critics said. I’d see it again! The movie made the world of ballet look intensely grueling, both physically and emotionally.

While volunteering at the Food Pantry a few weeks ago, and had a chat with the head volunteer coordinator there, and learned that she was going to interview for a job. I said, “What?! What are we going do without you?!” And she said, “Well, I’m looking for someone to replace me, and I think you’d be perfect for the job!” Although it’s a volunteer job that requires a real commitment on my part, it’s only 1 morning and a couple of homework hours per week, and I enjoy working at the pantry. I must admit that I felt a surge of excitement when she suggested that I take her place! It will be a slow transition, but I’m looking forward to that.

In addition, I learned that a neighborhood organization’s newsletter needs a new editor (actually, less writing/editing, more dtp/typesetter work—which is right up my alley), so I volunteered for this too. Again, a monthly project, takes about 1 week or so of my time. This begins in April.

I just realized that this summer will be my 7th year working for the Magic Mushroom Summer Program. Where did the time go?? I’ve already begun publicity work for the Shrove Tuesday Pancake supper, which is the main fundraiser for Magic Mushroom. Once that is done, the train will charge full speed ahead towards July.

I know it seems like a lot, but I realize that as long as I get a good night’s sleep, I can handle it. If not, then many can tell you—I can be a bitch.

Finally, and this is probably most prominent in my mind, after much struggling, after much hesitation and vacillating, I came to the realization that I cannot do this alone, and joined Weight Watchers. I think what actually tipped the scale (haha) for me was that I really didn’t know where to begin. I didn’t know what the right portion was for me, nor did I know what type of food to eat. I figured that WW would help me overcome that hurdle. It’s only been a week but already, I’ve made some decent meals for dinner, which even Mitch enjoyed—a pleasant surprise for me. And I don’t feel like I’m starving.

I’m only doing the online version of WW, which is fine for me. I’m not really interested in going to meetings. However, I am interested in reading about other people’s WW journeys. I’m surprised that I haven’t found any personal blogs about the subject. Any blog I find is actually an advertisement. Is it too personal? I’ll have to keep looking.

Next week I’ll be driving downtown to give chair massages to a number of hardworking, weary employees. I’m looking forward to seeing them again. After the blizzard, and shoveling themselves out, I’m sure they could use a healing hand!