I find myself today in a strange position. I am unemployed, and loving it. One would think that in this down economy, where talents in the humanities are especially hard hit, my confidence and my work ethic would droop. However, it is not so! I have opened a Google Doc to keep track of each volunteer or job opportunity I apply to, so I can organize my otherwise aimless life. A basic of lack of direction is not something I’m accustomed to, as I am an extreme case of Type A. I’m doing my best to embrace it for once, and I’m using baking as one of my outlets for creativity.
As recent as Sunday, I baked the Root Beer Float Cupcakes posted on Smitten Kitchen. I served them at the semi-annual Dip City event that my apartment is lovingly known to serve, and bellies were contently full by the end of the evening. To be honest, the 1 cup of cocoa powder definitely overpowered the subtlety that 2 entire cups of root beer barely succeeded to convey. Guests were polite of course, but the addition of homemade whipped cream and a mini scoop of Julie’s Vanilla Ice Cream did not convince any taste buds that these baked goods could be a substitution for this blissful summer dessert drink.
I have chosen to look at this experience with optimism, and not be depressed that they didn’t turn out exactly as planned. As with my weekly job search, I am going to maintain a positive outlook and hope for the best. After all, the worst that can happen is that I give away yummies, or I grant myself more leisure than I’m used to.
