As some of you may know, being a first-year teacher is a rough job. Teaching six different classes one's first year is even harder. However, I made it through with great help from supportive faculty and staff. Still, the sixty-hour work week was rough on my relationships with pretty much everyone. My relationship with yarn and knitting was basically the only thing that I could do daily to relieve some stress.

In late April, I was offered a job teaching Spanish at my old middle school. I will only teach two different classes and I will be placed in the state pension fund (let's hope my state still has one when I do retire!). I was relieved, knowing that I would have more time for myself, my boyfriend, and my family and friends this coming year. Still, I was nervous to quit my current job.

After teaching 6 different classes for a year, I resigned today. It went really well and my principal understood completely. Additionally, it will help one of my coworkers, who will teach fewer classes and be in my old room and out of her portable.

I learned a lot this year, about teaching and life. I think my most important lesson is to not ever sacrifice friendships and to make time for people daily, even if it's only for a quick cup of coffee.

Shortly after my last email, I decided to cough up the $30 and join the Knitting Guild of America. $20 goes toward the Cast On Magazine, which teaches techniques in addition to providing information about yarns, care, etc. I figured that I would try it for a bit and see how I like it. I also have the goal of attending at least one knitting workshop this year, hopefully one that teaches color changes. Once I do that and if everything goes well, I think I will try the Knitting Masters Program. If I succeed in completing all three levels, I should be able to design almost anything and do intricate color changes and patterns. I will also know a bunch more about the history of knitting and basically everything else that there is to know. Lots to think about! My boyfriend is wonderful: he listened to me go on and on about knitting yesterday and when I had finished blabbing he simply said, "I love you."

I've been trying to finish a scarf this weekend, but no such luck. After knitting probably 10 hours since Friday, my right elbow started to burn a little bit. This time I was smart and stopped knitting. I will try again today.

Happy knitting!

Well, this week has been especially busy at school with student concerts and a May Crowning, professional development, etc. Still, I was able to finish my openwork shawl and start another seeded rib scarf. I altered the seeded rib scarf: instead of 23 stitches wide, it's 31 stitches wide. It's thicker, so it's about normal scarf width, but I think it could still be used as a decorative scarf since the yarn is not that thick.

I may be switching apartments this summer, so I won't be buying more yarn (which will be difficult) and I'll be knitting and trying to sell some pieces. I'll be posting those items for sale here!

Happy knitting!

There are many opportunities to knit for charity. Most people already know about them:

--The Prayer Shawl Ministry: knit prayer shawls and donate them to your local hospice.
--Premature baby hats/blankets to donate to the hospital. Preemie Projects
--Linus Blanket: for kids who are very sick or traumatized.

However, there are other ways to donate projects.

Firefighters encounter scared children. Therefore, they  have stuffed animals and blankets on their trucks. We can knit blankets and little stuffed toys for them.

Dishcloths for Japan: don't forget! Japan is still struggling greatly with the aftermath of the earthquake and the nuclear plants have not yet settled down. You can donate projects to World Care or to the Red Cross. In order to donate to the Red Cross, I think it's easiest to sell your projects on ebay with the proceeds going towards the organization.

You can donate to your local children's shelter. They are regularly looking for blankets, socks, and hats. Casa de los Ninos is a great one in my area.

Any other charities that you like to donate to? Please add them in the comments section.

Happy knitting!

I just discovered another great website: Ravelry. You have to register to enter the site, but then you have access to tons of great patterns (many free ones), yarn, a forum, etc. It's a great community for knitters!

Happy knitting!