Everybody's Working for the Weekend

Nick Offerman hates the mentality of "Thank God it's Friday."

Why?

Because why is it ok for us to not love life 5 days out of the week? Why are we living for two days out of the week?

And who is Nick Offerman and why should I care what he says?

Nick Offerman is best known as Ron Swanson, the greatest character on Parks and Recreation. He is also the object of my sister Allie's affection. My sister, her lovely friend Jen, and I went to Milwaukee a few weeks ago to check out Nick's stand-up show. The theme was 10 Rules to Living a Prosperous Life.

The show was hilarious, but it also carried a really great message. While blasting the TGIF mentality, Nick acknowledged the reality that many people cannot do what they love for a living. However, he stressed the importance of finding a hobby that keeps you happy during the week.

This is something I've thought about a lot lately. I am an anxious person, with a mind that constantly races even when times are calm. It is not my finest quality, but I am trying to find ways to channel my nervous energy. Boxing, yoga and reading help me relax, but I've been seeking something creative.

So when Nick Offerman suggested knitting as a hobby, I decided that would be my new adventure.

I have never tried knitting before, but I knew that plenty of places in the city offered classes for beginners. I found a studio in my neighborhood and attended my first class on Wednesday.

I. Love. It.

I don't really "zone out". I make mental lists during savasana and plan the next day's outfit during boxing.

But I zoned out during my knitting class. For two hours, I concentrated on knitting and purling. I didn't think about work or my weekend plans. I focused on having fun and putting together something fabulous.

I seriously loved it. My favorite part of the experience was coming home and showing Tom my first stitches. I felt like a little kid coming home and showing off a drawing. Tom joked that we could take a picture of my stitches and put it on the fridge.

But why put a picture on the fridge when I can post it on my blog?

I will be making a scarf and a hat over the next five weeks and I'll post pictures of my progress. I am excited to see how they turn out!