50 Shades of Physio...And "It's Kind of a Funny Story"

True to my goal, the night before I got my cast off, I cast off and blocked Barb's baby blanket.  I was so happy.  In the process of this 'finishing act' I discovered that blocking with only one real functional arm is a pain. And imperfect. And still, I am pleased.

After being instructed to go cast-free, I walked straight to the Physiotherapist's office.  They had a cancellation and ba-da-bing, ba-da-bang I began physio right then and there.  But, d*mn, nobody warned me that physio could be that painful.  Funny - my therapist is about 5'2" looks like an angelic cheerleader that is still in high school and yet, those skillful hands that turn me into Gumbi OUCH! It's consensual, though, hence, my nickname for the clinic: "50 Shades of Physio" - if it wasn't consensual, I'd have to call my P.T. Jian.  Seriously, Jocelyn is a top-notch professional -- I may even get her knitting one day (yes - if those hands can perform physiotherapy miracles then why not wearable miracles?)

Barb's Baby blanket and matching decorative pillow... yeah.... It's Kind of a Funny Story....

OpArt Blanket - see http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall08/PATTopart.html

King of the Jungle - pattern by Rebel Knitter c.2014

King of the Jungle (detail) - pattern by Rebel Knitter c.2014

I knew Barb was pregnant even before she announced it.  How? Because I just knew.  Not the first time either - this "knowing" thing. My children's teachers, work colleagues, acquaintances...I just know.

Two things happened really quickly after the blessed announcement. First: "It's a boy..." and then: "It's a Jungle theme for the nursery."  Awesome.  I went yarn shopping that same afternoon.

Months later, blanket and pillow complete, I was showing the photos of the presents to a mutual colleague last week, and she looks at me with an apologetic smile... "Oh, I guess no one told you...she switched it to a nautical theme."  No.  No one told me.

OMG. Don't you know? Never change a decorative theme AFTER you've disclosed your original idea to a knitter!  Seriously!? Bye bye Jungle...Hello Nautical... Seriously!?

I will not lie.  I thought of passing the pillow off as a literary/sailor's nod to 'Life of Pi'.  But, no...that ain't no tiger.  Finally, I said "F*** it.  It will look lovely in a bassinet at her mum's place."  Besides, the shower is this Tuesday.  What can I say but Mazel Tov!  And R-O-A-R.

... in other related news ... I haven't been able to lead the Friday Afternoon Knitting Club at the children's school this year, but not all is lost. Maverick Knitter (a.k.a. Son of Rebel Knitter) has been bringing his knitting to school each day and has revived the knitting club in a peer-led 'it's cool to knit' fashion.   I have it on good authority that before basketball practice, a few members of the team limber up their fingers with some garter stitch and also, on those -33 celcius (no one is going out to play in the ice covered field) days, a 'munch and knit' has revived a version of the knitting club in this year's Grade 5 classroom.  I say: That's even better than his mom coming in once a week and leading a workshop.  Kol Ha'Kavod to the next generation. Increased engagement, motivation and performance... yet another example that peer-led learning rocks!  The Knitting Club rides again! Giddyup Maverick Knitter and Carry On! Love Mom xoxoxo