Jun. 17, 2008

   Alyssa on horseback!

This video was from her second or third lesson.

 

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Jun. 12, 2008

   Rediscovering Myself

You've all read about the saga of my last five years in California.  How it took so much from me and left me changed in both good and bad ways - but the bad ways are the ones that seem the most memorable (painful.) 

But my focus has been off for longer than that.  It's possible that my focus has been off since shortly after we married and bought The Village Inn.  By necessity, the guests and business were the forefront in my daily life.  They came first - my household came second (or last, oftentimes.)

The primary symptom of this problem is and has been the state of my home.  Cluttered, unkept, a major mess, it has not felt like "home" truly since before I became an innkeeper.  My focus was always on keeping the inn spotless, welcoming and cheery - and my home suffered as a result.  I can only be stretched so far and I am obviously going to give my attention to my number one priority and for 10 years, that has been the comfort and care of my paying guests.

But now, my innkeeping days are behind me and I can once again refocus on what is most important.  Yes, we have two businesses in the process of start-up, both in our home.  However, neither requires my constant, around the clock attention that guests demanded.  To change 10 years of habit does not happen overnight though.

My number one issue is - SURPRISE! - the time I spend online.  I can pass several hours in the blink of an eye because I love to research.  LOVE LOVE LOVE it.  Give me a topic and I will google and search until the wee morning hours.  And then I must visit all of my various forums and read a number of blogs...  All while my house is in disarray and my husband and child order take-out for dinner and search for clean socks.  *sigh*

Second, now that I'm no longer in the woods in the middle of nowhere, there are places I can go.  People I can visit.  Stores I can shop at.  Drive-thrus I can partake of.  It seems I am suddenly running an awful lot of errands.  It reminds me very much of my lifestyle in Atlanta.  Constantly on the run.  I grew to hate being in the car - but was often required to run from here to there in order to pick up things that were required at the bed and breakfast.  I have no such excuse now!  I just like to be able to go places.  And I think (brace yourself) I think I am AVOIDING my responsibilities at home.

Essentially, it all boils down to one thing.  Self indulgence and lack of self control!  Selfishness!  Putting myself first and my family last.  A very bad thing indeed.

To be continued...

 

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May. 30, 2008

   Exciting Developments!

First off, I believe we have perhaps found a church after several weeks of visiting various churches in our area.  This one immediately felt like home to me and the people were very friendly and welcoming.  I'm excited to go back on Sunday - although I need to do some laundry so I have something to wear!  Can I just say YAY for GOODWILL when you've gained weight and need to buy skirts!  LOL

It's an Independent Fundamental Baptist church - which is what we attended in Stone Mountain, GA.  They are all about being an old fashioned church with a big heart and the pastor supports homeschooling.  In fact, his one child is homeschooled.  I even met other homeschoolers when I was there :)

And then this week, I found a homeschool group in my area that I really think I will click with!  A Christian group that is very conservative with lots of activities in our area.  I met with several of the ladies last night for dinner and really enjoyed the company!  And then today, we attended a picnic with them and again, felt so welcomed.  They even made Alyssa an Achievement Certificate, so she wouldn't feel left out when the other children received their's.  Very thoughtful.

Alyssa finished six weeks of horseback riding lessons last week.  I will post pictures once I download them.

And I just updated my soap blog, too :) - http://blog.southernsuds.net

 

 

 

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