Smarter than the pattern

Annnnd I am on the third repeat of the lace panel, about halfway through the first skein of the yarn.  I am apparently neither crazy nor stupid, and am making good progress.
I have decided that I am doing 3 lace panels, 1 solid, 2 lace, 1 solid, 1 lace, then the edging.  I think this will be lovely and use the yarn I have well.  I am also treating 3 repeats of the solid as one panel (since it is only 2 rows).
I do have to laugh, shawls are amusing, every row goes slower than the last, psychologically and literally.  But I am loving this and cannot wait until it is done, blocked and wearable.  :)