Panera's on hold

I was driving around West Little Rock last weekend and got really excited when I saw a Panera's sign.  It looked like a grand opening any day would open up the Little Rockers (Rockites? Rockonians?) were finally taking a step closer to urban sophistication.  When I told my friend Debbie, she crushed my hopes by saying the store had been in the same state of unfinishedness since January - January - that's like 7 months with no action. So, I guess the Panera-wannabee - San Francisco Bread Company will have to suffice a while longer. 

Knittin' for Noggins

 Hi All,

    Living here in Little Rock is quite a change from the East Coast.  We both have found our passion in hobbies.  Kenny's is riding his Harley, mine is knitting.  Our hospital gives a hat to every child during the winter months, so I have been very busy knitting hats.  There are hats everywhere, in various stages of completion.  I have had fun trying different yarns and new techniques.  Sometimes it works out, other times - not so much.  Take a peek at my efforts:

Here they are, all stacked in the guest room.

Here are your basic beanies - done on two needles. 

These are a pair of "Reverse Stitch" beanies.  They are made from bulky yarn on two needles.  The one on the right is a little loose, I tried a larger needle, but, kids come in all sizes, so I hope someone will choose  it.

These are all from the same rolled brim pattern on two needles.  Mostly, I used boucle yarn. (There was another blue one, but someone claimed it already, and it now resides in Chesapeake, Virginia.).

Okay, this is as funky as I get.  These are furry caps, one on two needles, and the pink one, my first attempt at circular, 16" needles then finishing on double-pointed needles (somewhat of a challenge, but great for not having to sew up the back).

These are more of my circular needle hats - two beanies and a rolled brim one. I'm not sold 100% on the knitting in the round thing, but I will keep trying. 

I found a wonderful knitting store here in Little Rock where I purchased this yummy yarn by Berracco called Seducation.  It is rather lightweight, and a very pretty turquoise color.  I had trouble keeping it on the needles until I switched to bamboo needles, now I am just going to town with it.  I've actually found quite a number of patterns for comfort and prayer shawls.  There is something so comforting about the warmth of shawl, even in the summer.  I think I might have another minstry in knitting shawls.  More to come.

Currently Reading The Oz Principle: Getting Results Through Individual & Organizational Accountability By Roger Connors, Tom Smith, Craig R. Hickman see related

I had an interesting interaction at work this week.  I facilitate the Preceptor Development Course for my hospital.  You know, develop curriculum, get speakers, order refreshments, etc.  I had been noticing that one group of participants continued to talk even after a speaker had begun their  presentation.  This happened with every speaker. When I began my lecture, this same behavior continued.  I asked the people to please stop talking as I have a very soft voice and cannot speak above them.  If I had thought the personal conversations were distracting before I asked them to stop, the glares, sullen faces, and lack of participation there after were even more distracting.  What I found really found interesting was their evaluation of me.  They rated me 3/5 as I did not demonstrate a positive regard for my audience (as they were not able to complete their conversation due to my rudeness).  In what universe is the lecturer not demonstrating proper regard for the audience by expecting (and yes, demanding) them to be respectful participants in a program designed to help them become leaders in their organization. Is it generational - as most of the participants were in that stage of riding the cusp of the Gen X (it is all about me, isn't it) and the Gen Y'ers who had everybody from their parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents and neighbors applauding everything they did from controling bodily functions to graduating from preschool.  Or, since most of them were in the 2-2.5 years of employment range, a skills aquisition thing (Benner never mentioned this behavior).  What is really sad is that as I related this to my boss, she reminded me that we had the same conversation after the last Preceptor Development class. 

I started reading The Oz principle because it outlines personal and organizational accountability.  Isn't it interesting that we have to have a book telling us we are accountable for our own actions?  Of course we only need to listen to our nightly news to understand why.  We have thousands of people who lives are totally devastated and all the journalists and politicians can focus on is who to blame.  How can accountability ever take  hold in a culture that favors the blame game above all else?  A look at the nightly news confirms this.  Oh well, I have to go now. Have a great day.  

Currently Listening At Last! By Etta James see related

I guess an introduction works well at the beginning.  I am a pediatric nurse now working in staff development. I am one of those very fortunate people who loves their job.  I'm new to this whole  blogging concept, got pushed into it by my daughter, an avid blogger.  Actually it was the only way to catch up on what was going on in her life.  I love knitting, cross stitch, and the fine art of "taking tea."  Professionally, I have developed an expertise in reflective practice.  Presently, I am preparing to take my certification in professional development.  My exam is in October, so I will probably be a basket case for weeks afterwards.  Oh, I also have become quite an armchair political activist.  I carpool with my husband to work everyday and he listens to the radio talk shows (the CONSERVATIVE ones!).  Sometimes I wonder if the politicians really do listen to what they say.  Can't really say anything more on that topic.  Blessings to  all.