I wore my “hapai” (pregnant in Hawaiian) t-shirt on Saturday and received some compliments on it. Half-joking, I told people that I wore the shirt so people would know that I was pregnant and not just fat. “I should have a shirt that says, ‘not momona, just hapai!’,” I told a friend and it sparked an idea. Why not? I’ll make my own!

So, that I did. I also made another one that says, “hapai and hungry,” because that describes me to T. If you’re interested, they’re both available for sale on CafePress.

More ideas are swirling around in my head, including one for the Dancing Fools, which I hope to have before the next bon dance.

Happy Hooker, I mean Shari

With Mom’s interest in crochet rekindled, I figured that we better seize the opportunity before her small embers of enthusiasm are snuffed out by the daily grind. She used to make elaborate motifs and decorative table settings in the days before Donna, 30-plus years ago. I guess I was such a handful that she didn’t have the time or energy to continue her hobby after I came along. Now that I’m all grown up, I suppose it’s safe for her to pick it back up.

Since Shari got me started, I thought I would pay it forward and get Mom on the crochet bandwagon again, too. I took her and Pops to Ben Franklin yesterday, picked up some yarn and new crochet needles. Without any instruction from me, she was off and stitching. She, too, got the crochet bug and was asking for books with patterns for new projects. So, this morning after church, we picked the folks up and made a beeline for Borders to pick up a couple of books on crochet, including Stitch ‘n Bitch Crochet: Happy Hooker by Debbie Stroller and Teach Yourself VISUALLY Crocheting.

After I finish this afghan, I’m looking forward to attempting other projects — such as an iPod Cozy. But, let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. I’m still trying to master the double-crochet technique here.

Thanks to Shari’s patient guidance, I learned a new skill this weekend: crocheting.

Crochet. It’s the kind of activity that you envision little blue-haired ladies doing whilst sipping Earl Grey tea and sitting on their rocking chairs on the front porch. But recently, it seems that knitting and crocheting have shirked their old lady stigmas and a new generation of young and hip needleworkers have arisen. Books like “Stich ‘N Bitch” have turned knitting into a revolution of sorts. I discovered that the same author followed up with a book for crocheters called, “The Happy Hooker.” (Sitting on my bookshelf, that title will certainly raise some eyebrows, I’m sure.)

Ever since Shari gifted me with a cozy hand-made crochet blankey and Winnie sent me two beautifully knit scarves, I was determined that someday I would be able to return the favor.

I love crafts, but keeping the schedule that I was left me little time to pursue time-consuming hobbies. Since homework is now a thing of the past, I now have some flex time in which to fill with pursuits that please me. I have found that crocheting is a relaxing diversion that helps me decompress after a stressful day at work. This weekend, I enjoyed lounging outside on the patio with Shari, crocheting and chatting the afternoon away. (”Crocheting and chatting” doesn’t have the same ring as “stitching ‘n bitching,” does it?)

I had forgotten how wonderful it is to spend time with friends. School had forced me into a state of virtual hermitude and friendships sometimes fell by the wayside. I am so thankful that I have patient and understanding friends. Hanging out with Shari never fails to transport me to another time and place — where our cares are few and laughs are plenty. This weekend was no exception.

I need more three day weekends. More time to relax. More time to crochet. So, who wants a scarf?