Sneaking a bit of a write in...

It's amazing how little time one has when acting as wife, mother, and "out-of-the-home worker bee"(as I henceforth wish to be known). "Working mother" sounds so drab and let's be honest (shall we), all mothers work. As previously stated, a return to work has left me feeling rushed and pulled and stretched in every direction, especially those in which I have no desire of being stretched. I find it leaves me exhausted, as does the act of mothering; but mothering alone seems to leave one in an almost euphoric state of "spentedness," while working outside the home simply leaves a feeling of stressed emptiness. This, of course, is a mere observation of my own experience and not at all a commentary concerning working mothers as a whole. I prefer to leave that debate to others - my current existence is far too cluttered for such arguments. This extended state of stressed emptiness has helped to lead myself and our family to making a few monumental decisions. In actuality the changes themselves are small, but overtime will result in a rather different lifestyle.

One of these changes is getting rid of the TV. Granted, we are keeping our "picture box," but will only be employing it in the viewing of movies. I came to the sad realization that I would often come home and "veg" out in front of the "boob tube" for hours on end - to the detriment of our familial relationships. So, off goes the cable and out goes the TV into a less central (an not as easily accessible locale).

This small and tiny adjustment in our lifestyle has already brought to attention how much time was lost doing positively nothing of import or consequence. It forced a much needed, long, hard look in the mirror. I saw a sad, little, shell of me - and a few wrinkles, but no gray hairs, so.....

I have found time to do those things that were simply impossible to squeeze into my "jam-packed" existence. I've sewn, cleaned, talked to my husband, visited with friends. I have even found time to read...two books...since the beginning of the year...and they had nothing to do with self-improvement or child-rearing. How spectacularly brilliant!

Thus, begins my new year's goal-setting. I will avoid calling such meaningless life goals "resolutions," as they are fun tasks at hand...nothing that really requires a resolute manner.

1. Read a book each month & read through the Bible again.
2. Make one seasonal pie each month (from scratch)
3. Sew something (preferably clothing) every month.
4. Become better at taking pictures...and then open a photography business specializing in animal portraits called "Melissa Petpen Photography."

(Okay, so the last goal is obviously not a real desire - I just can't resist a little light ribbing among friends).

I do so want to keep you all up to date about our family and our on-going adventures. I apologize in advance, however, if I spend more time living my life and less time writing about it. The best to you all and a Happy New Year!