Friday Afternoons

I know I've already gushed on and on about how much I love the Spring. In an attempt to be less "math-y" and more "art-sy" I bring you An Extended Metaphor (or An Extended Simile... I always get those mixed up.)

Spring is like Friday afternoon. You've finally made it to that blessed time where you can breathe a little easier. The hard work is over for a bit and you can relax for a while. The anticipation of what's to come is at its peak.

Summer is like Saturday. It's fun- fewer responsibilities, more stuff to do (and, if you're lucky, lots of days to sleep in .)

Fall is like Sunday afternoon. It's still pleasant, but oh so bittersweet. I try so hard to enjoy the Fall (and Sunday afternoons) but I know that it's almost over and my life is going to get frustrating soon. I spend much of Fall dreading what's to come.

Winter is ... let's not discuss Winter.

::

On a happy note, I think I may have an exciting job prospect. And on an ironic note, it has nothing to do with the last year I've spent in grad school. I keep telling myself that this year wasn't a waste... and since it's the Spring-time, I tend to believe what I want to believe. So, not a wasted year. Spring makes me a better person. [Or at least it makes me delusional.]

Same difference.

Randomness

Each morning when I arrive at the gym, I'm greeted by an unsually chipper undergrad who swipes my i.d. card and asks me if I need anything. She means a lock or a towel, but what I really need at that moment is a cup of coffee. On the counter next to her computer is a small whiteboard which features the Question of the Day. It's always a random trivia question, most of which I don't know.

Which state has the same number of cows as people?

What is the only food that never spoils?

When was the last time UNC-CH won the NCAA men's basketball tournament (before this year, of course)?

How many ways are there to make change for a dollar?

Being a math teacher, this last question intrigued me. I peeked at the answer (on the back of the whiteboard) and it said 293. Really? It seems that there would be more. Then I started trying to figure out how you would come up with the right answer without breaking out nickels, dimes, quarters, and pennies.

I'm thinking I should be able to figure this out- it's a combination, not a permutation, right? Is it a basic counting principle problem? This is making my head hurt.

Splashes of Color

It's a gray and dreary day in my little neck of the woods so I'm looking for splashes of color where ever I can find them. These are some pictures I've taken in the last few months. The almost-finished red roof against the Carolina Blue sky makes me especially happy.

Finally, something I've made!

So, I worked on a couple of my projects last night- enough so that I could feel okay about doing something non-school related. I decided I needed to knit something. And because I have successfully knitted almost nothing (the scarf I started at Christmas sort of counts- I ran out of yarn and I don't know how to keep going with a new skein), I called my mom.

My mother has been knitting since she was eight years old. She's been knitting a long time. She was able to remind me how to "cast on" over the phone. That's talent, right there. She suggested I try a baby hat pattern since it only required me to knit and purl, which is all I can do at this point.

Since we don't have a baby, I have decided this hat will be given to Joe. Pale yellow really is his color, isn't it?

The gorgeous blue throw also seen in these pictures was made by my mom. She swears it isn't a baby blanket, but I'm not so sure...

Procrastination

I have way too much work to do to be playing on the internet. Instead of working on any of the major projects I have due, I've been looking for furniture on craigslist. When that gets old, I start checking out pottery barn's clearance items. It's such a pretty day- I just want to wander around the farmer's market. ARGH!

I've got to get a grip on myself. I can literally count the things that must get done before I'm finished with my master's. I'm closer than I've been to freedom in a long time. I'll have the whole summer to visit the flea market and I can get fresh produce every weekend at the farmer's market if I choose. I've just got to finish up these (incredibly frustrating) projects first.

45 days left.

Pieces of my kitchen

So, there is a fridge in my living room (isn't it pretty!)...

And a sink in my backyard. Out with the old and in with the new, right? There is also a dishwasher in the bedroom, along with a washer and dryer. It's going to be so strange to actually have all the appliances in the right place.

Lacey

Dogwood trees in bloom have always reminded me of lace. I love the way the branches grow semi-horizontally, like arms embracing the spring warmth. This spring I've been especially aware of the redbud trees. I never knew the name of them until this year- seems they should be called purplebud trees (or at least pinkbud), but I won't argue.

This week is Spring Break for me. I've been enjoying it, but there is quite a lot more that I need to get done. There are papers to write, projects to complete, quilts to finish, and two (2!) houses to clean. I'll be glad when we're back in Chalybeate- at least there I only have one household to keep tidy.

Oh, summer, how I anticipate your arrival. I can do without the oppresive heat, but at least all my classes will be finished. I'll be glad to give my planner a bit of rest and get mixed up with what day it is. Is it Tuesday or Wednesday? Oh, who cares... it's a day to rest, play, read, and craft. I'm hanging on... eight more weeks.