I HATE gauge swatches!!

Hi everyone! I was wondering what size needles some of you are using with your calmer. I cannot seem to get my gauge right (which has been a trend lately for me) My yarn finally arrived yesterday and I was so anxious to get started, I've done 3 swatches so far and none are right! AAAGGGHHHHH! I did one on 7, 8, & 9. Any thoughts? I want to get this going, and take it on vacation with me next week!