Thursday, December 9, 2010

Busy times

Wow, I haven't had time to sit at my computer for a few days. It's been a whirlwind around here. There was the usual Monday night madness with band and orchestra rehearsals. Tuesday, K20 had his first ever band concert. They didn't sound too bad for students who have only been playing their instruments for 3 months. Last night, I was just trying to get caught up around the house. It seems that the dishes have been piling up- as has everything else.
I still have a few holiday gifts to get- little things for stocking stuffers, mostly. And I need to make some more soap. I've decided that my co-workers will get "spa" sets this year- handmade soap and homemade sugar scrub. So, I've got to get that done as well.
I work on Saturday so I'm in the middle of a 6 day stretch of work. I haven't brought this up with V, but I'm contemplating cutting my hours at work, if we can afford it. V has been bringing in a little money with his writing and has been offered a book deal (nothing really big but it's a start!) I know that, since my job takes care of all the insurance, that I can't cut my hours too much. I was actually thinking of maybe working 90%. That would give me one afternoon off a week- or a full day every other week. Who knows, it's probably just a pipe dream, but I have realized that I'm tired. I have been working full time, supporting the family mostly single handed for most of the last 16 years and I'm just plain, old tired. Something needs to change in my life. I really want more time to spend on the farm and garden but with working at the hospital and working at home, it's difficult to find the time to really make things work. There are many, many times that I envy people who can stay at home or who only work part time. OH, I know it's not all soap operas and bonbons but I would love to be able to structure my time the way I want to, not how someone else tells me it needs to be. I often feel that I've bitten off more than I can handle with this place, starting all the gardens and landscaping from scratch. I know that I'm fortunate that I have a blank slate to work with but it is often overwhelming with the amount of work that needs to be done- both on house and garden.
Oh well, enough whining for one night. I'm just feeling overworked and under-appreciated (mostly by my family). I've got so much to still do before the holidays are upon us. The only decorating that has been done is a single poinsettia that I picked up at the annual sale at the hospital. But, I'm at the point now that, if no one else wants to help me, it just won't get done- then I won't have to take it all down again in January. Oosh, I'm sounding pretty bitter aren't I. I definitely need to find time for some "ME time"... and soon.
Thanks for listening to my whine. Maybe I'll try to make some cheese to go with it next time.

7 comments:

  1. I have to tell you; I so admire you and all that you do. I have often wondered how you do all that you do. :) You deserve to be tired, and, hey, you deserve to whine a little! I feel your pain more than I care to mention.

    I think that your family definitely appreciates you. But you know men, and teenagers! They are sometimes a bit hard headed when it comes to expressing gratitude. But from all that you share here, it is obvious how much they love and appreciate you.

    Try to get some rest; if I lived near you, I'd come lend a hand. :)

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  2. Your soap projects sounds so cool! I'd love to try it, but I have too much on the plate at the moment. Hope you get so relax time soon. :)

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  3. Judy--I dont know how you do all the things you do AND work full time! If you can get the afternoon off -TAKE IT and dont add more stuff to your to do list!
    Dont worry about the decorating either-if your family wants it up they can take the inititative to help you

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  4. I whole-heartedly agree with Laurel and HickChick--really, you know you're very much appreciated. And no one has more right to feel an "off" day than you-you are one busy busy lady!!
    I hope you get to reduce your hours. But....it won't give you more time. Since hubby retired, he has less time than ever. Our days just slip by. Don't get me wrong, it's wonderful and all, but no-you won't have more time!
    :)

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  5. I actually am a little teary eyed from reading this, I completely understand and I admit it's nice to know that other people get tired too, a little sigh of relief I guess! I admire all that you are able to do while working full time and I don't know how you do it all. My husband is gone for 8-10 months at a time during deployments and I get overwhelmed and I don't even work outside the home. (Can you tell I've been feeling that way lately LOL?) This is also the time of year that I really look forward to relaxing a bit more and being able to do things I put off during the garden season but sadly it seems I am even busier lately. I wanted so much to blog about this today but now the kids are home and I have to take them to a friend's house for an hour or so, feed them... you know how it goes... maybe tomorrow? Oh yeah, I have the squadron Christmas Party for the kids to do.....(insert scream here!). I think you deserve a break for all that you do for your family, and I hope you find a way to get one!

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  6. I'm surprised to learn you're working full time with all that you accomplish! Last year I didn't even put the tree up; sometimes things just have to slide.

    You've had an incredibly stressful year. I hope you find the relaxation you need.

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