Make it sew.

Yesterday during dinner, Will and Jeff calculated how long it would take to get to Kepler 47b at warp 9.  This morning, Hunter called me to tell me how easy his Chemistry class would be.  This afternoon, a piece of tissue paper made me feel dumber than both of those (who knew that was possible?).  I never thought that a sewing pattern would be the reason I ended up in the padded room.

When you open it, it looks so easy.  Instructions, crinkly paper and pictures that show you the way.  How hard could it be?  And the package said EASY.  An hour project, tops.

 There was cutting, ironing, pinning and more cutting.  So far so good, but it was taking a little longer than expected.  I think it was 2 hours into it when I finally though I was ready to turn on the sewing machine.

And this is what it looked like about 3.5 hours into it.  In case there is any misunderstanding...that's the "I quit!" picture.  I mean, really, who can read a pattern?  The EASY instructions were like reading Hunter's Chemistry book.  I had a better chance of putting a man on the moon than I did finishing these pants.

About a half an hour later, I remembered how much faith Jeff had in my skills.  He was coming home and I was going to have to fess up and say I'd quit; that I couldn't do it.  All I can say is that shame is a powerful motivational tool.  I don't quit.  And flannel and some tissue paper sure weren't going to get the best of me.

See what a little determination (and 5+ hours) will get you....

So the lesson?  Don't give up.  When you really, really want to, remember that someone out there expects more.  If that doesn't work?  Call your mom.  She's always your biggest cheerleader and will tell you how great you are.

And just in case you're wondering, it would take 3.3 years at warp 9 to reach Kepler 47b.