Back from the Brink of Insanity

As promised, I am back from the academic madness that is finals week, and, as promised, I have a Master's degree to show for it! I graduated from my program last Sunday with a Master's degree in English and American literature and some pretty epic dark circles. The ceremony itself was pretty typical for college graduations, LONG. The "academic apparel" was stereotypically tacky and polyester. The whole shindig was fairly expected. But I can't help but admit that I was proud of it. I did it. It has been a rough two years. But I did it. I now get to write a fancy M.A. at the end of my name. I could leave academia and get a cushy adjunct job (ahem). I am a respected graduate.....But seriously, it was pretty cool to know that I managed to pull it off. I had my moment of basking in the moment, and now it's back to the real world.

Next fall I'm starting my PhD, but in the meantime, I'm spending this summer working full time selling comfort shoes and doing absolutely unacademic things. This means knitting, reading, baking, spinning, watching movies, sleeping, and generally having a normal 9-5 job. It's going to be glorious. I love academia. I love what I do. But sometimes a break is nice. So lately, I have been knitting up a storm and making some progress in a new novel.

The knitting is mainly socks. I'm feeling small projects lately since I had to rip out my Bubbly Personality Cardigan since it was 4 inches too big. Socks it is then. At least the ripping out for mistakes it far less depressing. The latest pair has been endearingly termed Atomic Watermelon Socks thanks to the amazingly bright colorway. I'm in love. The pooling is crazy, but these socks are so vibrant they practically glow in the dark. They're about 3/4 of the way finished, and I'm already plotting to buy more from this dyer.

As for the novel, I'm reviving my niche interest in Jewish literature with Michael Chabon's The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay, a novel set in the golden age of comic books with fantastic development, depth, and interest. I'm hooked. It's not dumbed down, so I still feel like I'm engaged for more than entertainment, but I generally find it fun to read. It's a nice change from Ulysses that was certainly more work than play. Overall, it's shaping up to be a good read and a pretty great summer.