back in the swing of things

After a brief blog hiatus, I return with very little knitting done.  My drive out west was such a big opportunity, yet despite everyone telling me how gorgeous the drive was, no one could have prepared me for just how beautiful it would be.  I was glued to the car windows, obssesing over landscapes and every hint of mountains in the distance.  Mountains!  I love them.  My heart stops a little every time Mt. Hood or St. Helens comes into view.  As a girl from the flattest regions of the midwest, they have become my new obsession.  A lifelong love, I think.
Portland has been good to me.  I am staying with friends and am completely enchanted by their kids.  Two years old and eleven months.  They are lovely and crazy, funny and the sweetest things imaginable (obviously I don’t deal with the diapered, nap-taking monsters that surely live inside them!).  They are my biggest distractions day to day.  I’d rather play monster and run around than finish a sock or two.  It’s just more fun.
I am halfway through a four-part interview process with a company out here.  I am really intimidated by their methods and the interviews are really long.  I usually interview well, and apparently still do, seeing as they asked me back for the third time.  I can’t believe there is a third time involved at all, let alone a fourth, but there are a lot of people to talk to.  I didn’t feel at my best in the second round, but it worked out okay.  It’s grueling.  I bet the FBI doesn’t have interviews this thorough.  Wish me luck this Wednesday.
What I’m working on now:
a) Finishing the last half of the final pomatomus sock.  It’s been painfully neglected, but I can’t focus enough on the pattern right now.  A little darling constantly asking, “Whatcha doin’? Hey Megan? Whatcha doin’ ???”  It’s lovely she wants to be so involved with everything, so I don’t mind.  It’s more important to talk to her than count my stitches anyhow.
b) Two Clapotis patterns going.  One mini scarf, one huge wrap.  It’s on size 5 needles and I added eight extra increases.  I don’t think it’s ever going to end.  Ever.  I’m going Clapotis crazy and need a small break.
c) Sweet Pea socks from summer Knitty.  I got new sock yarn here at Close Knit, some greenish Jitterbug that intrigued me.  I mostly started the sock just to see what the yarn looked like knitted up.  I love it.
d) February Baby Sweater from EZ for friends that are anticipating their first baby in September.  It’s been an easy knit so far.
Although I haven’t been knitting as much lately, I feel the quality of my knitting has improved.  The time I devote is exclusive.  I can count in peace, pay attention, sit on the front porch at dusk and just go for it.  It’s relaxing and I appreciate it more.  It’s a lovely change.

Happy solstice!  I hope many happy first days of summer were had.