Future Goals.

I've gotten quite a few emails of support that seem the verbal equivalent to giving a marathon runner a dixie cup of beer at mile 16. (You cringe. I cringed too. But you know what beer has in it? Sugar. And Carbs. And when you've still got ten point two miles to go, and there's a volcano between you and the finish line, and you can't go around it, sugar and carbs are a fantastic combination.)

The deadline for a big report that I need to write was moved forward 2 weeks, and is now due...umm....Tuesday. I'm not sure I can do as thorough a job as I'd like to in the next 4 days, given all the other things I'd already planned, but maybe it's a sign that I cannot obsess over these things. Right now I'm in the midst of making my list of future goals, and wondering if I can include as a future goal "make shorter lists of future goals." Seriously, folks, how much time do I think I have?

But that's the thing, isn't it?

When I started knitting, I told the lady at JoAnns that I was not going to work on more than one project at once. She laughed, and I was briefly offended. I mean, I thought, she must be really out of control if she can't focus on a project, get it done, and then start something new. What was her problem? I am the epitome of control. I will have only one project, and I will not be distracted from it.

And now, though it pains me to do so, here is a list of what's currently on needles in my house.

1. Sleeve #2 of a gorgeous wool cabled sweater. I am tempted to sprain my ankle so that I will be forced to sit all day and finish this. And the front and the back, which are not started.

2. One row of a mohair lace scarf. I thought I'd have more time on faculty development day.

3. John's vest. At 8 stitches to the inch on US0 needles, I have no more than a hem. Of the front.

4. The Green Gable. Almost to the armpit.

5. A new hat design, because when inspiration strikes, I'm unable to stop it. Maybe I'll finish that soon, and submit the pattern?

6. Not on needles, but I have a half-completed sewing project.

7. Several things that need finishing that I'm too embarassed to mention.

So, I may have to include in my list of future goals the following : Finish Something. Finish everything, then start something new.

Of course, making goals that I know I won't achieve won't make me look too good.