Back to the real world, or so it is as I perceive it . . . .
Okay, so for the past several weeks I have picked up an old hobby with an absolute fever and obsession.

I originally thought that it would help to improve my attention span, hand-eye coordination, and my math skills. It has. I have made four hats, a scarf, and created a new design-- I even designed the pattern. On purpose! It is a turtleneck scarf. That way it does not catch on anything when a person is working outside, and cannot slip. It just slips on over the head and stays around the neck. The first one I made was for my dad, and it was red. So now he is a redneck. But then I got a request/commission for one, so I am now making and selling scarves, hats, et cetera. I am beginning a sweater tonight after I finish another scarf. And then another hat and some more scarves.

But I have gotten pretty good, and I am finally truly productive in my forced unemployment. Yarn is cheap, and the needles are relatively inexpensive, so this is a really good thing for me. This creativity is helping me in my writing, too, as I can concentrate for longer periods of time. For once in my life, I am quick at something. I do not eat as much now, either. This is due to a compulsive need to keep my hands really clean for working with the yarn, so my hands have dried out and chapped. So in order to avoid further pain to my hands, I do not eat. Therefore I do not need to wash my hands.

Oooh-- and I made those one-piece earmuff-headband type things. You know the headbands that are thick and go over the ears. I am a knitting freak. I am contributing!!!!! I am doing something worthwhle that does not have to be read, and is obvious to people who see my work. And I have almost forgotten all about my gnawing anticipation over the still-as-yet-not-forthcoming Pennsylvania Bar exam results.

Woo-hoo! I am a maker of fashion! Not high fashion, but people wear it, so it is some form of fashion. I can keep people warm, all by twisting yarn around needles.

Where are my test results??!! Oh, who cares, as I have some really neat baby soft beige yarn that is silky and fun to work with. Life is good. I can take care of most of my Christmas gifts cheaply even if I do not get a job in time to do Christmas shopping. Who needs a job? (Me.) Maybe I can knit for supper. Some people sing, some play guitar, I'll knit. (I really need a job.)

--Hooper