Progress a.k.a my first sock

Never in a thousand years when I first took a knitting class did I ever think I would make The Sock. I had plans for lots and lots of scarves. Maybe some dishcloths or small blanket even. Basically anything that would not require more than knit & purl with the possibility of an increase or decrease here or there. Then I learned to knit on 4 needles and secretly wondered whether I'd ever be able to wrap my noggin around the sock structure. So much beautiful sock yarn out there I thought, it would be a shame not to give it a try at some point. A casual remark in the yarn shop led to a suggestion that I take a one night Sock Boot Camp class. I really really doubted that I could learn these skills in one night but after some consideration decided I didn't have that much to lose and signed on. In 3 hours we completed one tiny little practice sock. I rushed out days later to purchase some sock yarn as I did not want this training to leave my head. I started my adult sized sock immediately and completed it 10 days later. It is very much a beginner sock but, architecturally speaking, it IS a sock. There are errors but they are not glaring. And it fits. I've just finished the second sock. For some reason despite using the same number of stitches and rows and the same needles it is noticeably smaller. Could my tension have been that drastically different? Who knows, I'll ask the experts when I get a chance. I can hardly believe how many knitting hours are involved in sock work. These would be the most expensive pair I own. Still, I'm looking forward to starting my next pair. It must be a Zen thing.