Knitting: Serious lack of progress

I knew having lasik/prk would inhibit my knitting for a little bit, but I guess I didn't realize how much. I thought maybe a day or so and then I'd be back to "normal." But, not so much. Could it be that the projects I'm choosing to knit on are small? For instance socks on fingering weight yarn with size one needles? Yes, I think it's quite a strain on the peepers.

So after attempting to work on my blue butterfingers yesterday, I gave up and started working on the husband socks.

Here is a progress shot of those:

This is not the best detail of course, but it will have to do for now.

I made much more progress with Brian's socks, of course it's worsted weight/aran yarn on size six needles... so of course the rounds LOOK bigger. But they are coming along nicely now. I am doing the double fleck pattern which is fairly easy to remember and it's only a 6 stitch x 4 row repeat, so I'll be good until I get to the heel. I'm still not quite sure how long to make the leg. The yarn was pretty pricey and I don't want to run out, nor do I want a lot left over, sooo... I have to judge it right on. Perhaps I can do some research to see how much yarn it has taken from pt to pt and then I can properly guage how much I'll need for finishing. Or perhaps, I can take the other skein of yarn and start a toe up sock at the same time and see how that turns out. I should have done them toe up to begin with. I don't know why I didn't. Oh well, too late now, I'm not undoing the progress I've made. Although, it is still in the infant stages so the time to frog would be now... hmmm... dilemma, indeed.

Anyway, today has been spent working from home. And other than this blog update, I have actually done quite a bit of actual work. Granted, I'd rather be knitting, but who wouldn't right?! I don't know how I'm going to adjust to normal life tomorrow being back to work and all. It's been a somewhat glorious time off with lots of sleep and healing of course. Didn't do as much knitting as I'd hoped, but I also didn't think I'd be qo knocked out from the eyes. Oh well, I have plenty to keep my evenings busy!

Welcome to 2009

SO I guess I need to start 2009 off a day or so late, but eh... no biggie.

We rang in the New Year with Andyman and the Prodigals at the LC. It was a fun time. I expected a lot more people, but it was a good crowd anyway.

For dinner on the first, we had Pork and Kraut, the obligatory first meal of the new year to bring luck or something. Where this tradition started, I have no clue. But it was something we did growing up, so I carry that with me. And Brian loves sauerkraut, too. I also made a brie-something. Can't remember the name, but basically it was brie wrapped in pastry with pecans and honey. Had it a few weeks ago and it was one of the best ways I've ever had Brie. Unfortunately, my pastry shell leaked and the brie rolled out into the dish all creamy and melty and mixed with the honey. It was still good though.

Today, was my appointment for eye surgery. I had lasek done in my left eye. And in my very bad right eye, he performed and AST/PRK surgery. I was pretty nervous while having it done. I think I may have stopped breathing a bit. I was trying to concentrate on that, but I've noticed that to concentrate on breathing it works better if I close my eyes, and I couldn't really do that.

The experience overall was quite weird. There is really no describing it, it's one of those things no one will understand unless they have it done. Basically, he peeled back my lids and did the business. I had to stare at this blinking green light and there was the buzz of the laser, me holding my breath, the nurse in the back saying 25% done, 50% done, 75% done, Kristie your left eye is complete. Then basically the same thing for the right, except it hurt a lot more. I can't tell you WHAT was different exactly, but it totally was and it was ouchy. I would have cried if I could. And then it was done, too. I couldn't really see that well out of the left eye at first, but I could see out of my right eye (and that was the BAD one).

Then they tape these plastic things over your eyes and you are done. Presto-magic-like. I have to wear the plastic to bed (not totally comfortable), but it's to ensure the flap doesn't move on the left eye and on the right I have a "contact bandage" to heal. I'll probably have the contact removed when I go back on Tuesday for my checkup. I have one tomorrow morning as well.

I took the pre-surgery valium, so the drive home I was getting fairly drowsy. Plus the LIGHT... OMG the light... killing me.

So I got home, got in bed and tried to sleep. I dozed a bit, not as long as I would have liked and when I woke up, I put the sunglasses back on and tried to put eye drops in. It was ridiculous. I actually went into my bedroom closet and closed the door. It was pitch black in there and I could finally open my eyes without pain. So I put one of the numbing drops in and it started to feel better. Sunglasses back on and back to bed. I just sat against the pillows with my eyes closed. It wasn't until my 2nd nap, that I feel so much better. There is still a twinge of pain in the right eye, but the left feels pretty good. And the light isn't bothersome anymore.

Now for the bad news... as the right eye heals, my vision will actually probably get cloudy and blurry over the next few days. BOO! But then... it will all be better.

And the good... I CAN SEE!!! Unaided with glasses, contacts, etc... it's definitely freeing and amazing and I'm so happy, even over the pain, I'm happier to not be a slave to the ritual anymore.

I didn't get any knitting done today, obviously, but that should be back on track tomorrow.

As part of my Project 365 for 2009, I give you ME in my glasses, for what will hopefully be the last time for a very long time.