Life gets in the way

I've been such a bad blogger lately...as the title suggests - life just keeps getting in the way. And I've got no new pictures loaded to add for your pleasure either. Sorry. I also haven't been very good at "filling my pitcher" lately... I seem to be so busy with work, day to day life, and being a mom that I'm not having too much time for myself. Not good, I know. The effects are starting to show. Anyhoo - The "x" has decided that he doesn't want to be a parent anymore (how can anyone do that?) and so here I am dealing with the fallout as usual. P did start seeing the psychologist at school and I'm so glad. He has seen her once so far and it was a completely positive experience. I'm so proud of him. He came home from school flying and so proud of himself. All things I wish he felt on a more regular basis. Anyway, there are lots of aspects to this situation - dad's live in girlfriend being the biggest one - and P's having a hard time sorting it all out. And instead of holding in there and trying to help his son move forward, he gets mad and leaves. I don't want to bash him because that doesn't help anyone, but I must say, I'm not surprised. It's been his MO for a long time to not be there when needed. 'Nuff said.

I have been knitting away on projects though. I've started a new shawl for a dear "long distance" friend of mine who is going through a really rough time. And say what you will about acrylic yarn (and I'm right in there with you) but nothing beats Lion Brand Homespun for a very soft and very comforting and very affordable project. Not that I wouldn't love to spend oodles of money on yarn all the time, but sometimes the budget just doesn't allow it. I've picked a beautiful shade of yellos and natural with a touch of brown and rose. Sounds weird, I know, but when I looked at all the colors lined up at the store - that one reminded me of Anne. I just felt it. I'm knitting it in plain garter stitch in order to get it done quickly. She's really needing some comfort so I want it to be a quick knit. And mindless too.

As to other knitting, I had to rip back the Matador (groan). It is an easy knit but I didn't realize there was an errata for the pattern until I found it on ravelry and I had already been almost 7 inches into the knitting of the body when I realized that I was supposed to change needle size after the ribbing. I would have realized it had I though about it for a minute but I was so excited to be knitting my first "sweater" type item that I plunged ahead thoughtlessly. I mean, everyone knows you're supposed to change needle size after ribbing, right? I don't know, maybe I'm just being too hard on myself. Anyway - I ripped it back (took a week after realizing the error to get the nerve up) but I did it, changed needles and now have knitted back to where I was before the ripping. It's an easy knit and I can't wait to be done. Although I've put it aside temporarily until I can get Anne's shawl off to her...

Well, blogging friends must go now...life calls.