Days of knitting, guilt-free

The various benefits of gallbladder surgery keep surprising me. First off, of course, no more gallbladder attacks. This means I can eat what I want, when I want, without fear of that horse-kick-to-the-chest pain waking me up at 2 a.m. (The fact that my acid reflux and IBS have their own triggers is completely NOT taken into account. We're talking gallbladder here). The second benefit is the incredible amount of rest I've had in the past week. True, not all naps were intentional, nor was I able to fall asleep some times when I wanted to. But post-surgery, rest is a priority, and I've indulged in it shamelessly. Third (and note, these are not in order of importance, but just as things come to me), is that I got to spend most of a whole week with Phae. Time with my honey is precious, and having her at my side (or within text-for-coffee range) for seven whole days was utterly priceless.

The biggest surprise benefit though, is that in the time I am convalescing (and awake), what I do with my time is basically up to me. I want to geek, I can geek. I want to watch silly movies, or play WoW (surprisingly rarely, that one), or read books or magazines, I can. And I can KNIT. Knit knit knit knit knit. I've got a whole stack of projects on the go, and am switching betwixt and between them with no guilt whatsoever. Here's what's currently OTN:

1. Mom's Christmas sweater. Most of the back is done, it's easy knitting in 4x4 rib, and I enjoy how the variegated yarn is complementing the pattern.
2. Phae's hoodie. Realized yesterday that this has been OTN for over a year, but it's pretty and soft and when I work on it, I knit some extra love for my girl into every stitch.
3. Bespoke knitting. I am making hat-and-scarf combos for a friend and her family, and each hat and scarf will be unique and personal. It feels good to knit for someone who will truly appreciate the outcome of one's labour.
4. Charity knitting. I have a random-stash-toque started for when I don't want to pay attention to any of the various patterns I'm working on. It will go to a person who needs it, and that need will be soon, because we had frost last night and winter is on the way.
5. Selfish knitting. I'm making a wooby wrap for myself. That's right ALL FOR ME! It's chunky yarn, garter stitch, and soft. It will sit around my shoulders through the winter whilst I'm knitting away on other things.

With the exception of the wooby, all the current projects are worsted weight. It's probably my favourite weight of yarn to work with; fine enough to give lovely definition to the stitches (and not excessively heavy), but substantial and warm enough to do the job of keeping my knit-ees cozy.

Yesterday and today, I've spent the majority of my knitting time listening to old Cast-On podcasts. I turn to Brenda's show when I'm literally down; I think the last time I had a binge of Cast-On listening was when I was laid up with my messed-up leg. The current show on the iTunes is from early 2008, but like most good creative works, it is still timely and relevant. And soothing. Brenda has a lovely smooth voice, selects interesting music, and gently keeps me company while I knit.

Day after tomorrow, I go back to work. I'm looking forward to it, because I do adore my job and miss my work people. But for a person who is generally work-driven, like I am, and has inherent guilt over excessive leisure time, this past week has been a luxurious and pleasant surprise.