Three things on my mind this Thursday . . .

1. Hannah’s graduation tonight! I’m so proud of her and the work she does already, having her Master’s in Special Education won’t make her a better teacher but it will make her eligible for advancement and a raise. She’s worked hard to get this done and I still remember how I felt when I finally got my Master’s in Library Studies – relieved and happy and proud – so I hope she feels all of that and more.
2. Knitting. I’m currently only knitting a pair of socks as the sweater I had started is languishing – partly because it’s too warm now to care about sweater knitting but also partly because I think it’s going to be too big. When I was at SPA I bought a kit from Ball and Skein to make A Walk in the Woods and I’d really like to get that started this weekend. I’m hoping by putting it on the blog that I will remember to actually do it. I also need to block my Islington Shawl. It’s been on the arm of the sofa in the den for a couple of months now and I need to just.do.it.
3. Making the blog more lively. I feel like I’ve settled into a boring routine around here. Weekending on Monday, Three on Thursday, Eye Candy Friday . . . it just feels a little stale right now. It’s easy because I don’t have to think too hard about what I’m going to blog about but . . . the goal here shouldn’t be to get a post written in 5 minutes, the goal should be to share my life and ideas and thoughts. I need to set aside more dedicated time for writing because when I go back and read what I wrote a few years ago it feels sharper and better and more meaningful.

And that’s what’s occupying my mind this day. What are you thinking about? I’d love to know!

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Thank you all so very much for your kind comments yesterday. My heart breaks for all of us who are without our moms, especially those who are dealing with a recent loss. And those who lost a mom at a tender age. And, well, let’s face it, no matter our age and no matter the circumstances, it’s a blow.

I have 3 things that happened yesterday that made it easier, though.

1. Hannah called. I told many of you who commented yesterday that this happened. I never expected, when I recommended that those of you with a mom call your mom, that I would get a call, too. But my girlie came through in an amazing and unexpected and totally loving way. She told me that she loved me and was proud of me and that she was grateful to be my daughter. There’s nothing better than that and, aside from not being able to tell my mom about it, it was a perfect moment.
2. I got flowers from my friend Rose. Even though she is super busy with her own family and running her own business, she stopped by after work with a lovely bouquet of tulips and daffodils. Just because. And that’s what makes Rose one of my favorite people in the whole world.
3. An evening with Jack and his mom and dad. Who can be sad with that little face grinning at you? And, you know what? My mom would absolutely adore him.

So, yeah. It was a hard day . . . but . . . YOU all helped and my family and friends helped and . . . you know what really helps? I’ll never have to go through the 20th anniversary of my mom’s death again. So there.

Happy Thursday, friends. If you wrote a post for today please include your link below!

Your mileage may vary but to me it felt like January just draggggged itself out longer than usual. I did my best with the hygge and the savoring but I can’t say I’m sorry to say goodbye to January. And that means HELLOOoooo to February! And here are three things I’m looking forward to this month.

1. School vacation week. Dale is off and I’m planning on taking the week off as well. I don’t think we’ll be traveling anywhere but it means we don’t have to get up at o’dark thirty and hopefully we can get cracking on painting a room that we’ve been putting off for way too long. And by we I mean that I will do things like select paint colors and supervise while he does all of the actual, you know, work.
2. SPA. It’s at the tail end of that vacation week and I’m so ready to go to Maine with friends. To hang out and spin (which I haven’t done since last SPA, I think), to knit and tell stories and laugh, to walk around Freeport and shop, to eat and drink and just do whatever we have a mind to do.
3. New knitting projects. The first clue for the TTL Mystery Sock 2018 is released today and I’m planning on starting tomorrow. I’m also planning on joining Berroco Knit a Lopi sweater knit-a-long. I’ve narrowed my choice down to either Skógafjall or Iðunn. I’m leaning towards Iðunn but I need to make sure I have enough yarn – I ordered 2 sweaters worth when I knit my Stopover but Iðunn is longer and I don’t know if I’ve got enough. I’ll be making a decision first thing tomorrow, I think, so feel free to weigh in on this one. Whichever I choose, I will counting this project as part of the Team Rules Schmules group that Vicki and Terry started as part of the Knitting Olympics.
   

February is getting to off to a great start, I think. And it’s a short month which means it will be March before we know it – and March brings the first day of SPRING.

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Do you like this Thursday Things I’ve been doing lately? Do you hate it? I find it’s a great way to round up the things I want to post about that aren’t really enough for an entire post on their own. I can’t say I’ll do it every week but for right now it’s quick and fun and a good way to share a few things. And so, this week, I’m thinking about:

• Avocados. I have, apparently, taken the latest study showing that avocados lower cholesterol quite seriously. Either that or they have been on wicked sale lately. Honestly, any excuse to eat a delicious and creamy avocado is fine by me. I’m ignoring the fact that this survey was partially sponsored by the Hass Avocado Board.

• The Habit List App. I purchased this on iTunes at the end of last week and I love it! I was prompted to do so by regular commenter Jo, who asked how I planned on tracking my intentions for the year. I thought about that and realized I didn’t have a way to do that and hence – this app. It’s really working well for me. I have added in things like “go to the gym on Monday, Wednesday & Friday” and “Project 365” and “use the iPhone camera twice a week” and “Play Mario Kart on Saturdays and Sundays” along with some other things. The app reminds me to do stuff and it keeps track of my streaks which is very good for competitive little me.

• I have realized that what I really hate about the cold isn’t so much the cold it’s the bundling up. The bulkiness of a sweater and a coat and a scarf and suddenly I feel like the kid in A Christmas Story who can’t put his arms down. I don’t mind throwing on a sweater or a light jacket but the layer upon layer I need these days is just annoying.

• Spin-A-Thon. I am registering for this once again and really excited to raise money for the Y. You all were so generous and supportive last year and if you’re inclined to donate again I’d be very grateful. Follow this link to make a donation now. And thanks!

• Oscar nominations are announced this morning! Woot woot!