yup, you got, middle school children. Yes, these are actually mine; taking their tap class (I teach at an arts school). OMG! They're killing me! ACK! They drive me nuts this time of year. I am so beat at the end of each day that I have been taking a nap when I get home. I can't wait for summer break. I have such a love/hate relationship with them. If you are a teacher, you totally get what I'm talking about. For those of you who do not teach; allow me to explain.
When school starts up in the fall, teachers LOVE, their kids. We actually start to miss them in August. During that month, I start planning out my instruction for the upcoming year. I almost always have great units planned that will inspire kids. I know that my instruction will save the world by giving kids all that they need to succeed in life. My amazing wit and mastery of mathematics will keep their attention and they will produce master pieces of mathematical reasoning! (Seriously, we think this way.)
This deep emotional connection to our kids and profession continues through the fall and almost up to winter break. It's at this time that teachers begin to realize that they are starting to get tired and that they really need a break. Of course, the kids are in this same boat too. They are getting done with us and our demands on their time. Ummm, hello, who wants to do math when you have an XBox at home. Usually, I don't love my kids too much during this time period. I like them a lot but I'm starting to get tired.
As the year progresses, it gets worse. This is the major reason why....
Yes, Spring.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, winter is a lot like Scotland, grey and wet. So, when the sun finally arrives, we all go a bit crazy. Now in the case of the middle school student, you must multiply the sun craziness by a factor of ten. No less than 15 times a day, I am asked, "Can we have class outside?" Okay, like having class outside on a sunny day would get students to pay attention. I know that tomorrow will be really bad. It is forecast to be in the 80s (summer temperatures); translate this to lots of children staring out of the window, wishing they could be outside and hating math.
Of course, teachers are feeling the same way. We really wish that we could be outside playing too. However, we must remain in our adult state and attempt to get some form of instruction into their heads.
May is the month in which teachers know that the children need to go away for a time, a long time. Let their parents have them back. Isn't it their turn anyway? Besides, we teachers need time away so that we can recharge and begin our love/hate cycle anew.
Sounds awful doesn't it? We teachers are an odd lot.
Anyway, it's because of those charming middle school students that I have been thwarted in my goal of becoming a super awesome mo. I'm sure that this summer I'll be able to embark on an amazing adventure that will cement my place in super mo history. However, in the meantime, I'll just have to settle for knitting.
I have actually been very busy knitting. The first is this lovely.
This is my Leaf and Acorn stole. I posted the first version of this bad boy a while back. This is the Knit Picks version. I have to admit that I like it much better than the first. The yarn was perfect for this stole, baby alpaca and silk. It was a bit slippery to work with but the finished piece is great.
I changed things up a bit this time. Instead of knitting two separate halves and then grafting them together, I used Judy's Magic Cast On. This is a great provisional cast on. It leaves you with all of your stitches (not missing one like a crocheted provisional cast on). When you get done with one half, just turn your work around and start knitting the second half going the opposite direction.
Next on my knitting plate is colour work. I was deeply inspired by a sweater that Ivar Asplund Knits recently did. So, I began work on this guy. The original pattern is called Autumn Rose.
I really like the colour combination and the fair isle pattern, however, the scoop neck and three-quarter sleeves just won't work with my hairy body. So, I'm making a MAN sweater out of it. I knitted the body and steeked the sleeves and neck. For the shoulder, I used a shoulder strap. 
The front and back of the work are joined together while knitting the shoulder strap. It's a very useful technique. I left live stitches on both ends so that I could pick up sleeve and neck stitches. At this point the neck band has been completed and I'm working on the first sleeve. Also, I continued the shoulder strap pattern down into the sleeve. It's coming along nicely.
I also have a new design going that I'm going to be submitting to Knit Picks. I'm keeping it secret for the moment but I'm hopeful that they will pick this one up too.
Another bit of good news is that our girl Trudy is pregnant again. The vet thinks that she could have a litter of seven to nine puppies.
Well, off to enjoy the sun!
