Starting the journey

I've been married for over five years now and have two wonderful boys, and am expecting our final child, a girl, in February. I graduated from law school last May. But, as luck would have it, have yet to find a position as an attorney in this economy. I'm not alone in my struggle, as most of my graduating class is languishing amongst the ranks of the unemployed, or underemployed. So many experienced lawyers have been laid off this past year that we're competing with them for entry level positions - and of course their experience is winning out over our lack of any real world legal exposure. Which is understandable. If I had a experienced lawyer willing to work for an entry level attorney salary - that would be who I'd hire too.

So as my husband goes back to working 60 hour weeks to support the family I've taken on the role of SAHM for the first time ever. It has been the most exhausting, but most rewarding job I've ever had. But I find myself craving creative outlets. Something for me to do, to learn, to create. I've taught myself photography (which I LOVE), but am a little burned out and don't have the $1000 I would need to really upgrade my equipment. It has lost a little of its challenge - I know I can go out and take a great picture of the kids; and our house is now adorned with framed prints of my nature photography. Knitting is more my mom's thing. I can knit, but it takes too much time and patience for me. So I thought about giving sewing a try. I've never owned a sewing machine. The last time I sewed anything was in 7th grade home-ec class. It didn't turn out very good. And that was with someone helping me - I could never get the darn needle to thread on my own. But I love a challenge and picked up a sewing machine at Wal-Mart for $137 and some fabric to practice on. Most of the stuff I'm planning to do is for the new baby - blankets, dresses, etc. My boys tend to prefer their Transformers shirts that light up over anything I could create. But the baby, at least for the first year or so, will have no choice but to wear what I put on her - so I have my willing volunteer!