"I like not working. It helps me catch up on my scrapbooking."

Unemployment can be a real pain. There are the long days where you interact with no one, save for the mailman who is starting to wonder if you're a stalker. But it is all in how you handle the time from work that makes or breaks your life. For me, I'm trying to get a routine and keep with it.

It's been decent. I wake up at the same time every day, have breakfast downstairs while reading the Wall Street Journal (because the Kane County Chronicle just doesn't cut it) before doing some daily task I've set out to do. Lately it has been shoveling snow. I don't understand Chicago weather and cannot for the life of me figure out how it can possible snow so much. I'm running out of place to put the shoveled snow! The piles are growing piles! But I digress.

Around 10-11a I head out to the gym. I need this time for me and my health. It's a nice time away from the house, guaranteed, and it helps me interact with the real world on a face-to-face basis.

After that, I'll eat a light lunch and then delve into the job hunt. This will typically last four or five hours, as I want to make sure every cover letter is written properly and without error, while also making sure I have exhausted all pertinent openings post that day. Then the family gets home and the day turns to night with me wondering what'll happen tomorrow.

Now, there are some rules I've put upon myself. First off, no television. I haven't watched a lot of TV since I returned from Africa as it is, but with the job hunt being No. 1 on my radar, it is even more important that I don't find myself in front of the tube wasting my life away. I do that, then I'll find excuses to put off everything.

Secondly, make sure I interact with people outside of this house. By e-mailing, chatting and going to places, I'm able to keep my sanity and stay in touch with the world around me. Otherwise, each day would be a monotonous bore.

Finally, don't anticipate any job application will lead to an interview. This is for me alone. If I lead myself to believe every application I submit will turn into an interview, I'm going to set myself up for a major letdown. It'll take some time before I can find the job lead that'll grant me unemployment.

While all this is going on, however, I'm letting my mind wander. I've noticed some other opportunities that sound like a load of fun. For example, the Synod has long-term teaching programs where people go to other countries and teach various subjects for a year.

There is one program that really catches my eye; A year in Slovakia. Now who wouldn't want to do that? Okay, most people who hate cold weather and a pile of snow (where do they put it all!?) But Slovakia is where my family is from, my dad's side that is, and it would be great to take a year off and teach Conversational English (in English, which is specified on the form) and learn more about the country where my family originated. Impractical? Maybe, but you can tell you mind wonders when you're dealing with impracticalities.

And that's basically my day, or rather days, of job hunting. It can be tedious, but so can some jobs. The only difference is my office doubles as a bed. Who can say that?