Lemondrop

Unemployment rates rose from 9.8 percent to 10.2 this October, which means there are 15.7 million people in America who are currently unemployed. I'm one of them. I've been looking for work since last October. I've had a couple short-term gigs that helped me get by here and there, but for the life of me I can't find a regular full-time gig in my chosen career field.

I look all the time, but there's just nothing out there. I apply for lots of jobs that I'm not right for. I mean, why not? But still, it seems hopeless and doesn't feel very good.

On a more positive note, President Obama signed a bill today extending unemployment benefits for 14 additional weeks. That's good news for many people whose benefits have or are about to run out this holiday season. I know the money will be extremely welcome when I get into my unemployment extensions.

Please God let me find a job before all of my money disappears. That's all I can think. It's a mantra in my head.

But guess what? Shoe sales are up.

What accounts for that? The change of seasons? Addiction? Are we obsessed with shoes? Why, when every other industry is turning a loss, is the shoe industry (of which women make up the vast majority of the market) booming? During a recession people tend to stick to buying only the basic necessities. Apparently "cute shoes" falls into that category for American women, who have created their own little economic boomlet. The great thing about shoes is that they fit even when you gain weight. New shoes make old outfits look new and they make your feet feel awesome.

I'm as guilty as the rest of you. I'm new to the East Coast, and though funds are tight I just HAD to find a pair of weather-proof winter boots, and I did. They cost a pretty penny, but they look fantastic and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. So there you have it. I'm as guilty as anyone else of spending money I don't have on shoes in the middle of this economic crisis.

But don't my boots look fantastic!