I finally have friends! Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. I've tried a lot of them over the years and I guess all of that persistance finally paid off. I think the key is to keep trying and never give up. Eventually, you will find friends. I used to be involved in knittings groups, but found out the local ladies were ordained witches and pagans and satanists, so being a Christian, you can imagine the conflict of interest. I did, however, remember a retired man that was at the book store. He and I have seen each other at the store, over the past few years, so although we knew each other, we weren't officially introduced. So, that's all it took, an introduction and now we are friends and all of his friends are now my friends. Both men and women. So, every weekday from 10 till noon, I have friends to sit and chat with at the book store. It feels really great to fit in. I'm also expanding my horizons, and since there is no work, I'm looking for volunteer work that could potentially lead to a job when a position becomes open. I'm also considering taking some technical training classes and I'm looking into motorcycle mechanic classes or auto mechanic classes. That's right the chicken lady may turn into a grease monkey :) I like to try new things and whether or not it becomes the right career for me, I can keep trying until I find my niche in life. Being free from panic and anxiety opens up whole new opportunities I would never have even considered before. I am free to try new things and see where my path in life takes me. When one door closes, another one opens, so that's the attitude I'm taking with me on my journey.
