I was talking to a girlfriend of mine who is nearing the end of her doctoral program and I asked, ‘so am I just going to be this tired for the next two years?’ Her response, ‘pretty much.’ LOL I’m here, actually sneaking in a little knitting here and there but I am doing so much reading and writing. Fortunately, I have a good study buddy.
Jellybean slips into my lap and falls asleep while I read or write a paper. Sometimes she rolls over and snores and I laugh and keep typing. She keeps me focused. My husband keeps reminding me this is temporary and the priority for now. He also came with me over the weekend to get a Reader Card at the Library of Congress, so I can do research eventually.
He had never been in the Library of Congress so after we got our cards we checked out the exhibits and the architecture and then had tacos. But on the knitting side of things…
I am going to Rhinebeck for just Saturday and taking my best friend Jess with me (you’ve probably seen her in my Maryland Sheep and Wool posts) and I decided instead of focusing on a new sweater for myself, she deserved a Rhinebeck sweater. She sent me a picture of a sweater shape she liked and I whipped up a raglan sweater that is cropped with a bit of a balloon sleeve. The yarn is Lion Brand Ferris Wheel that I bought for $5 a ball and it’s soooooo soft. I’ll take better pictures of this when I weave in all the ends and block it. I’m hoping it will fit and I think it will but I sent her pics and she already loves it. Now I’ll just be working on my Linus cardigan, one row at a time when I get a few moments. Thanks everyone for sending me all the positive vibes and sweet comments. I don’t get to respond as quickly or as often but I’m definitely reading them and appreciate you all.
Yards of Happiness 
I love the support you’re getting from your husband. Two years of tired? Not so bad says this mom who raised 5 kiddos. 🙂
YEAH, 🤗 Jess’sweater is GORGEOUS. Im so happy you had a great trip getting your library card(reader card)😍 Learning takes a lot of energy. You have a great study partner in Jellybean 🐶 Until Rhinebeck KNIT ON ,Knit Onward❤💙💚💛💜
Lucy got groomed and sends her best😆😉
Doctoral work is seriously intense! You’re so good at organizing yourself, I think that’s a gift going into the whole process. Maybe think of it the way you would when starting a very large, complicated sweater project? This part’s going to be really hard and require a lot of concentration, and then this part is just going to feel like it takes forever… but we all know that this PhD is going to look absolutely great on you and is sure to fit!
All the best to you! Doctoral work is def intense. And it’s occurring to me that you must be a local (DC/MD/VA) since you’re getting a LOC card–hello from a local MD-er! Also, I’m sure this isn’t news, but I’m a bit slow on the uptake somedays….:)
You got this. Now I want a reader card at the LOC!
Now you’ll have to come back down for MD Sheep and Wool because you can only get a Reader Card in person!
You two so smart!! And without a doubt you got this! Glad you’re taking a little time for you and going to Rhinebeck.
Haha! Love the Library of Congress pic. Lol! And Jellybean, of course!!
Jellybean should definitely get credit for part of your PhD! Love the glasses in the LoC photo. And the sweater is fantastic, the way you matched the sleeves.
I’m going to have to look up LOC architecture pictures now – I didn’t realize it was such a cool building. Also that hot pink goes with golden tones – beautiful sweater!
Jess’ sweater definitely sparks interest! Great job, DWJ!! What a great yarn choice. Can’t wait to see the finished Linus.
Dana, enjoy knitting or napping where you can…two years will go like that and think of all you will have accomplished. Having a study buddy helps 😉.
Dana, you just crack me up with your casual, ” I whipped up a raglan sweater…” like you do it in a couple of nights on the weekend! You probably DO!! It takes me months (of course, I seem to always have 4 or 5 WIPs at a time).
That sweater for your friend is a great standard simple pattern, just the kind I like, and I want one too in those colors.
Yours and hubby’s trip to the Library of Congress reminds me of those scenes in the Nicholas Cage movie, “National Treasure.”
You’ve got this, Dana! With Jellybean by your side, how can you not? I’d love to know where you get your fabulous glasses! I’m looking for new ones, and you always manage to find glasses that look so good. Wish I could meet you at Rhinebeck, but I stupidly scheduled knee surgery the week before. Jess’ sweater is gorgeous, BTW. Hope you have a wonderful time at the fair!
I buy a lot of my glasses from Zenni!
I’m in a similar boat. I started teaching secondary school full-time while working on a teaching credential after getting my doctorate. I’m up to my eyeballs in reading/grading/lesson planning, but I managed to finish a hat last week and start another one this week. We’ll get through this busy period and maintain our sanity one stitch at a time.
Two years. Wow! It took me five and that was considered faster than average for my program. Just collecting my data and writing my dissertation took me three. I found that knitting and sewing were excellent ways to take a relatively guilt free break when I hit the wall. Also much healthier than bingeing on cookies or white wine would have been.
I am jealous that you get to work in the LOC. I was there once when my husband was living in DC and that is such a treasure.
Good luck and remember to keep breathing. 🙂
My daughter just began her doctoral studies and is just as tired as you are! I’ll leave all that studying to you smarty pants!!! Rhinebeck sounds amazing! I’m hoping to go next year! 💗💗💗
I am sending you encouragement! You are going to get through this with flair! So great your husband is clearly a gem! (I like exclamation marks! 😬)
Yes, it is exhausting – but the knitting helps. One row at a time, for all of the things on your plate.
You are amazing and the support your husband gives you is so sweet. What a wonderful experience for you to visit the Library of Congress together. Your busy days will make those 2 years FLY by and all of your hard work and exhaustion will be worth it!
All the best. Love your study partner
Keep right ahead girl! Don’t give up!