Saturday, May 23, 2009

Of Late

-I'm suffering from job-search-induced feelings of inadequacy. I read lists of requirements that I don't have. I've only received one response to an application, and sometimes I feel like giving up. Too bad that would result in my not being able to afford school and, well, life. Shammit.

-I've taken up knitting as a way to fill my days of unemployment. I bought a book to help me get started, and Michelle helped me get the hang of the technique and stitches. Michelle also inspires me with all of the great patterns and varieties of yarn she tries. I have worked with normal, circular, and double-pointed needles. I love finishing a project and knowing that said piece started out as a ball of yarn. Pretty cool. We stopped by a cool yarn shop while we were in Vail, and I bought some nice yarn to work with soon. ("Nice", meaning of finer quality that the $2.99 a skein "Vanna's Choice" yarn that I've been using to test out some new patterns and techniques.) I'm making practice pair of "muffatees" (wrist warmers with a ruffle at the end) in my "Vanna's Choice" before using my mustard yellow, nicer yarn.


-On Friday morning, I had my first piano lesson since last August. As I've mentioned in previous posts, Vicki Duckworth is one of my favorite people, and piano lessons with her are one of the best parts of my week. She gave me all new music this week, which have given me fresh motivation to practice again. I love all the music already, and appreciate so much her ability to choose pieces she knows I will enjoy and from which I will benefit. Playing was something I missed this last school year, and it feels great to have music to work on and to be able to play again. I don't feel like I lost too much of my ability, either, which is something I was worried about. I'm picking up where I left off, and loving it.

4 comments:

Susan said...

I'm so happy to hear this! It will be a good way to be productive during your down time of working!

Anyone who knows your happy attitude and thouroughness will certainly pass on your abilities to those searching for help! I only wish you were here in Philadelphia...I could use a good workerbee!

michelle said...

I do hope you find a good summer job. But I'm glad you have great ways to spend your non-working time as well! I'm so impressed with your fearlessness with knitting and it must be very rewarding to get back to piano.

Denise said...

I love hearing you practice again! (And bonus: no "Death Song" in this latest batch of music.)

Diana said...

I'd love to take piano lessons again. I can only practice so much on my own. I started teaching its fun.
Knitting sounds fun. I love crocheting but haven't tried knitting.
HOpe your summer at home is going well. Of course it is, enjoy it!