My Insomnia, His Jet Lag

I woke this morning to a wonderful call - Tom from his hotel room in Shanghai.  I was relieved to hear from him.  I went to bed late - or rather early Saturday a.m. I was unable to sleep thinking that he was still on that plane and had been for what seemed like an eternity.  It's nearly a 15 hour flight from Chicago to Shanghai on a Boeing 777. I've never been on a plane this size and wondered how cramped or comfortable he might be.   He is tall - 6.5 -- and needs good space to be comfortable.  He was flying business class so i knew it would be better than economy - but what i wasn't sure.  Being unable to sleep - I found a website that had pics of the inside of a 777.  This pic is the inside of a Delta 777 - though this is not the airline he flew - it did make me feel better.  I am sure the seats behind the wall are business class and the ones in front are 1st class. 

Tom assured me this a.m. he had a very nice seat though not as large as 1st Class.  His did have a foot rest and his own TV screen.  He did not sleep on the flight -just dosed off a couple times - and watched several movies 2 and 3 times.  Sleeping can be difficult as it gets lighter flying West -  plus he was advised to not sleep...the best way to recover from jet lag going this direction.   They had a couple meals and served beverages and water the entire way.  Besides the movies, he could also track the flight progress on the TV.  They give you all the flight stats and show a map of where you are all the time.  He said this was interesting, but also a constant reminder of how long you been on there and how much further you have to go.

They did have some television stations - but they were all in Chinese.  You should hear his imitation of Chinese - it's pretty funny.  Being so bored .. he did watch one of the movies in Chinese.  Once he got to Shanghai he was greeted and had another 1.5 hour drive to his hotel.  His driver did not speak any English.. so after the 15 hour flight and the quiet 1.5 hour drive - he was ready for bed. 

He said the people there are so friendly.  I don't know how often he'll be able to give me updates as he is traveling around the country and staying in different hotels and probably will have many evenings where he is out late. He is taking pictures and i cannot wait to see them.

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I've been busy on a new hobby... Knitting and Crocheting.  My MIL gave me a knitting lesson over Christmas and i bought some yarn and needles at Walmart..and books on "how to do this" - as i needed a reference.    I use to crochet years ago --- so i also picked up some crochet hooks. 

Turns out my knitting skills are - well pitiful.  That's the best word for it.  But i can still crochet.  I made one of those fuzzy scarves and working on another.  I have some pictures to share - but my camera cradle and cords are in the RV - so those to come later.  Anyway - i still want to master knitting and during my insomnia moments last night - i found a website that offers great videos of how to do this.  This gal's techniques make it seem so easy.. but so did my MILs.  I hope these videos will help me.  For those who might be interested in this - here is the link.   Knittinghelp.com

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I have some restless energy today, so i think i'll clean out a closet or 2 and maybe rearrange some of the household decorations to give it a different - fresh look.  I usually do this after Christmas.  A new look for a new year - without the expense.

Have a Happy Day.

Update on Sunday, January 15, 2006 by Lucy

Well, finally got my camera cradle equipment from the RV - and some poinsettias that i forgot i left in there.  There not doing so well.  I think i murdered them. 

Anyway, here is a pic of the handmade scarves..  My MIL knitted the rust color one and the rest are my crochet projects.

The light color scarf -- it's a little short - i ran out of yarn.  The other 2 are "in process" and i have enough of the grey/black yarn to make 1 more.

I do not have much use for all these scarves.. I rarely dress up anymore - since i'm retired and it's not my type of RV attire.  [smile]

Just using these projects to rebuild my skills so that i can tackle one of these rugs.  I have a covered front porch and i'd love to have a unique rug out there and one of these just might work. 

I'm going to checkout some yarn resources..on the web.  So far i've bought my yarn at Walmart and Jo-Ann Fabrics..and it all looks the same.  I have to believe there are other resources. 

Comments

[deb]

I've never learned to knit or crochet althought I did used to enjoy cross stitch when I was younger as well as a little embroidery. I don't have the patience for it myself but I greatly admire those who do!

Enjoy your weekend and try to get to bed at a decent hour tonight! I'm glad your husband had a safe trip :))

[FTS]

That's a long flight. I've never flown on a plane that size, either. Looks quite spacious.

[old horsetail snake]

It is nice to know he made it safe and sound and non-jet laggy. Happy knit up to you.

[Melissa]

I used to be able to knit, but now I am hopeless. I love those scarves though. I have 3 all together. One in pink (my favorite) and two in different shades of blue. Good luck mastering all those techniques.

Glad to hear Tom had an easy flight. I can't wait to see his pictures!

[Ricky]

Ha Lucysan, you make beautiful scarves you number one knitter. So happy honorable hubby Tomsan is Ok.
Take care, Love you. < ; )

[the painted pear]

I guess I am a knitter, though I am not very fast or adventurous. But I think knitting(or crocheting) with the eyelash yarn is very hard. I hope your not learning to knit with that. I'd love to see your rug when done and here is a great site for affordable cotton yarn (they have other blends too)www.knitpicks.com