Design? Me?

I've decided I want to try my hand at designing. It makes me a little nervous to say that. Two things caused this sudden desire: 1) My dh has issued me a challenge. He will learn how to knit AND actually complete a project if I a)design the pattern he is to use, b) learn how to write a computer program. 2) There's a design contest in the current issue of Crochet Today! Magazine. You have to make a heart motif and you could win a $50 shopping spree at yarncollection.com. I originally didn't care about the magazine contest, I was designing a square for dh to knit. Once I came up with the design and it was a heart, I figured, might as well enter it into the contest. I think I'm gonna go work on it right now. I'll post pictures as soon as I get it done. I have to figure out how to write the pattern too. I think the best way to do that is gonna be by using a chart. Now, if only I knew how to READ a chart! :-) It's ok, I'm reasonably intelligent, I'm sure I'll figure it out. Wish me luck!