Well, sort of a cowl...

My attempt to be somewhat creative this morning as I image my version of the Somewhat Cowl from Knit and Tonic - the Not Really a Cowl at All.

When I read that the collar was 6 inches of ribbing, I stopped at 3 and tried it on. After deciding I was ok with the idea of not knitting on the collar anymore, I bound off (only to find I hadn't picked up stitches very evenly. Frog away).

This time it's truly done and drying as we speak. I love the shape of this sweater, though if I were to make it again I'd knit the raglan to the full 10.5 inches (I think I stopped early, so the sweater is a little tight across the bust. Which for me is quite a feat).

Alright, back to revisions. So far only my advisor has been working with me, I have no idea what the other two think. And only 6 days left....Inhale, exhale. It's going well, just making time management a little more spontaneous. And causing problems for the family, since I'm going to have to bail on driving duty in the afternoons until Monday. It's for a good cause :)

Almost finished

I almost had an FO to post, but I decided to redo the collar, picking up stiches more evenly this time around :) So, sometime soon, an FO.

In other objects that need finishing - I go my first set of revisions from my professor on Thursday. Both of us were surprised that there weren't more corrections, overall he thought it was "pretty good." I had to redo one set of studies, but I just took the pictures this morning and will throw them in and see how they look. Then I need to get feedback from the other 2 committee members and some signatures (assuming they'll sign off on it - one of them has me a bit worried). Just trying to keep calm.

Still job hunting. I got a temp/remote job this week that's up to 30 hours a week from home (or wherever), which is perfect. The pay is pretty good, the hours are flexible, and it gives me a chance to stay with the family a few more months and save money. Which is really what I should be focusing on right now.

Thanks everyone for your support :) Deep breaths.

Obligatory Update

I have applied for almost 40 jobs to date, and in the span of almost 2 months, I have heard NOTHING.

I have a small fly infestation in my bathroom - little tiny black flies crawling out of who-knows-where to die. I imagine they're dying because I have bleached the hell out of that room, put drano and bleach down the sink and shower, and sprayed Simple Green over every available surface. The bathroom is not designed to be, well, used. Water builds up around the sink and spills in the small area between the wall and the sink. Leaving a mess. I am having sneezing fits from the Simple Green's strong aroma. And seriously considering not driving until they fix the problem. I have a sinking suspicion there is water trapped in the wall, making a breeding ground for these guys. Sigh. Everyone grossed out now?

I turned in my thesis yesterday, and got replies from all 3 committee members. 2 are out of town. 1 of the out-of-towners won't read my thesis until next week. Giving me less than a week to work on his revisions. Sadly, he's the one I was warned about. I am a little panicked (no more so than usual).

I have, officially, hit a low point. Academically, financially, physically, emotionally. I am burned out on my research, I have no savings or future job or housing after the end of August, I am exhausted, and totally stressed. And it's only Tuesday.

In good news, I have more than just a cat for a pet now. Thousands of little flies. Ew.

And I'm almost done with a sweater I'm making. Which is actual good news. As opposed to fake good news (or good fake news, like the Daily Show). I'm clearing out my yarn stash in anticipation of moving/putting stuff in storage. Going to hit up Trader Joe's for some comfort food and then Goodwill to get rid of some stuff. Then finally SnB tonight, to relax and hopefully finish my sweater....

Hope you're all well!

Ew

I am not squeamish when it comes to bugs. I won't go near them, but I don't run away screaming (that would be too extreme for a seemingly quiet person like myself). However, the ant situation in the office is horrible. I would take a picture, but I want you all to keep reading.

I don't know why the ants have chosen to cohabitate with us. Actually, I have two guesses and they're both boys. It involves coffee and soda and crumbs. Oh my. Unfortunately, my desk is cornered by them. And so the ants and I will write my thesis together.

Speaking of, I have some good news and some bad news. Let's go with the good news: I'm getting paid until the end of June (not the end of the quarter as I had previously thought). AND my petition to transfer courses from UCSB finally was approved (meaning I have enough units to graduate). Woohoo!

But. My boss is out of town at conferences - he just told us last week he'd be gone until the 18th. I talked to him after and asked if he wanted me to send him sections as I finished them, and he said sure. So last night I sent him my 2nd section, and received an email saying he's unable to download attachments and won't be able to look at it until the 18th. Why is this a problem? My draft to the committee is due on the 22nd. And I have to file by June 5th. If he wants more experiments done...well. It's going to suck. However, I emailed one of my committee members about the situation and he's going to look over it for me. Sigh. As if I wasn't enough of a nutcase right now.

Must finish collecting data! The week's almost over!

Knitting?

I seriously haven't been able to knit (aside from the walk to school) for the last couple of weeks. Last minute experiments, writing my thesis, general panic. Despite the mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion, I'm actually feeling ok today. I sent my introduction to my prof last night and feel better about my second section. Experiments seem to be going ok. I have quizzed various friends about temping as a temporary solution to my job troubles. Went to a good infosession on campus today and handed in another resume. Life feels a little more manageable.

Doesn't mean I'm still not a basketcase, but we can't have everything.

So. Knitting. Aside from trying to unload some of my stash (poor grad student with a tiny room), I haven't had much to do with yarn. Halfheartedly started a pair of socks only to decide they weren't manly enough. (Though my labmate told me anything with the Yankees on it, even pink socks, would be manly enough for him. I told him I'd get right on it). My plan is to finish the next 2 sections, turn the whole thing in to my boss, and take a day off. Knit and watch a movie or something. Anything not involving polypeptide microspheres. For the love of all things sane....

:)