I've got to admit that life has offered me a few more challenges than I think I can handle right now. My move back to Seattle is scheduled for August 3rd, which is distressingly close. I don't know where we will live; Gingko hasn't signed up for school; I have hardly begun to pack (and everything has to fit in our two cars). The book I work on each year is in full swing--83 medical articles to coordinate, copyedit, and lay out for publishing. Due date: October 14. Mother-in-law is totally confused and in need of constant help. I need to transfer to a new computer, a situation always fraught with anxiety. Plus, Typepad is being very strange today and this post has been delayed for hours.
I appreciate all your comments, and offer a blanket apology for not being a better correspondent. See above for justifications.
OK, now, take a big breath...
You guys crack me up! Thank you, Susan, for telling us about the early days of Knitting Camp, when it was, nearly, a camping experience! But these days it is far removed from mosquitoes and humidity and s'mores. We camp in comfort, totally. I am reminded of Greg's first experience as a camper. His dear friend Cindy, who insisted that he attend after dreaming of it for many years, packed him a Camper's Survival Kit: a mosquito-net hat, makings for s'mores, bug spray, flashlight... She was unpleasantly surprised to learn that camp was held in a conference hotel! This year, she continued the tradition by sending Greg, Marilyn, and me off with another kit. Mine had popcorn, freezedried macaroni and cheese, kleenex, playing cards, granola bar, a copy of Gulliver's Travels, and a Knitting Playset for making colorful I-cord. This was accompanied by a list of camp rules: Play safe; Have fun; Make a new friend; Don't poke your needles at other campers. The last proved to be the most difficult...
Wherein My Friends Attempt to Distract Me
Emily has organized a Farewell Knit-Out for the afternoon of Sunday the 31st, in Oakland. If you'd be interested in coming, let me know!
You DO have a lot on your plate. I think maybe deep breaths and not thinking to much about the total amount of work would help. Just pick one thing to do. Stop when you are not being efficient. Do another thing. Lots of partly done stuff will eventually get done. And you have friends where you are going so hopefully, someone will bring around a lasagna or something when you arrive. :-)
Posted by: JoVE | July 25, 2005 at 12:11 PM
I'm rooting for you from the sidelines, Janine, and can completely sympathize with the chaos you're immersed in. Wish I could help but I've got my own chaos to deal with. And I'm missing your knit-out because I'm going camping with Mom & Dad far, far away. Cut yourself some slack, babe. You already have the camping survival kit. If you don't find a place lickety split you can camp out when you get back to Seattle.
Posted by: Celia | July 25, 2005 at 02:56 PM
I've been to Marshfield too, 1st the quite nice dorms at the U of W, then on to the motel, haven't been since 2000, I'm an irregular old oft-timer, perhaps next year I can make the new swank place.
Posted by: Susan Wallace | July 25, 2005 at 03:19 PM
Whew! I don't envy all the tasks you have to get done. If I can help in any way, let me know.
I am looking for ward to your knit-out. I hope you have things well in hand by then.
Hugs, Maia
Posted by: Maia | July 25, 2005 at 04:56 PM
you can do it!
Posted by: vanessa | July 25, 2005 at 05:57 PM
Sunday the 31st is a possible for me! Send me the details. :)
Posted by: Sharlene | July 26, 2005 at 11:42 AM
Hi Janine -- I can't make the knit out, but I am going to miss seeing you at Deep Color. I hope your time is Seattle works out, but that you come back to the Bay Area soon. Maybe you'll find a way to come and visit for one or two of Claudia's weekend-long events and I'll see you then. Good luck with everything. I find not thinking about things in their entirety, but just sloshing through usually works best -- especially when teenagers are part of the equation!
Posted by: Betsy | July 27, 2005 at 03:24 PM
My fingers crossed and prayers for you, Janine. I've gone through some of what you're going through now and am still going through some 'uneven' moments family-wise (which also means all systems are not always on 'go')... Your own quiet time is especially important now.
Posted by: Nancy J | July 28, 2005 at 11:06 AM
That Greg is sure a "scary" guy. I always thought that Iowan's were a bit staid by nature. Love the look on Meg's face in the background.
Posted by: Holly Neiding | July 29, 2005 at 05:59 AM