How do you find time . . . [Archive] - Forums

cheapdiva

03-11-2009, 11:54 AM

Many of you know me from the CL site - I was one of the "old guard" and rarely did a day go by that I wasn't posting all over the place. Since November when I went back to work full time (50 hours a week) and have at least a couple of nights a week with meetings, I am finding it very hard to find time to "visit" and post.

I'm sitting at my desk trying to get caught up - no, I don't feel guilty since my lunch breaks are at my desk 9 out of 10 days. Looking at your photos of projects and bargain buys makes me wish I had time to stay in better touch. And by the time I get home most nights I am too tired to either log on or work on home projects. To make matters worse we have been gone nearly every weekend since the first of the year.

So here is my question -
how do you make time for yourself? Do you work outside the home? What do you consider ideal down time? Do you read, watch tv, go junking?

Let's hear how you stay sane, please!!

And where the heck is Memmey??????

annielinz

03-11-2009, 12:52 PM

I work FT in the office at the neighborhhood elementary school, literally a 2 minute commute. I'm able to check this site while at work so it gives me a little break. I get off work at 4:00 and usually go to the gym 4 nights for an hour which is a great stress reliever. The kids are out of the house and DH and I don't do elaborate dinners during the week. In fact during the spring he coaches High school golf so he is gone most nights, freeing up more of my time. I do find myself getting lost in these decorating blogs and find I'm on the computer way too much when I am home and neglecting my own casa. :rolleyes:
When I'm not on the computer I do enjoy reading and watching fluff TV.
I think its important to find a balance in your life.
Next school year due to budget cuts I'll be PT, so I've been trying to curb my spending and will be looking for an inexpensive hobby or volunteer work to keep me busy.

chyna

03-11-2009, 01:00 PM

I guess my down time or me time is decorating the house and yes that means painting. Really painting is pretty mindless so I can let my mind clear or drift off long as I'm paying attention to the cut ins. ;):o My total escape from reality is the hour or so I spend reading before bed, lately that hasn't been much because I've been sick and just exhausted to the point I can barely stay awake long enough to read a magazine article. Bad I know.

Gigi

03-11-2009, 05:42 PM

I work at a nearby college. I carpool with my husband so I get dropped off about 30 minutes early- so I get a few minutes to check out the forum then. I also run a very small biz on the side~ handmade soaps & Billows mostly.

Crazy times~ mostly in the early morning getting the three dogs out- stretch their legs enough by 6 am.

Favorite thing to do on weekends~ besides having the grandchildren over~~shopping at local thrift shops, etc...

At the time we are getting our home "sale" ready- so most of my free time is de-cluttering 30 years of "stuff."

I do love checking in with everyone- and even though I don't post every forum I do love reading what everyone has to say.

shabbychick

03-11-2009, 07:50 PM

I am a school librarian, and I often work crazy hours. Tonight I didn't get home until 7 p.m. Tomorrow night I won't get home until after my 9 p.m. bedtime. Sometimes I get to leave school at 3:00 or 4:00, but those are usually the nights I have other errands to run. I live alone, though, so when I do get home, I can take the time to check out the forum while I eat dinner. Also, I get up at 4 a.m. so I can have my coffee and read my e-mail and the forum before I go for my morning walk just before 5 a.m. Then it's non-stop work until time to come home. Literally. As a librarian, I don't have time for a planning period, and I help supervise the lunch period, so I don't get that off, either. I'm on my feet or at my desk or running around helping people for 8 or 9 hours straight, so I'm pretty tired when I come home. I try to make sure there's at least one day on the weekend to eke out some time for myself. It's important enough to me that I'll turn down other invitations just to stay home and get my me time. It's the perk of being single and having no children. Sometimes I go junking, sometimes I write, sometimes I just cruise the internet, and sometimes I work on projects for home. As long as it's not work, I'm enjoying it. I love my job, but I have to have some time to myself or I'm not fit to live with. Last night I came home at 3:00 because I felt so terrible, and I slept for three straight hours when I laid down for a nap. That perked me up enough to spend a couple of hours with my new Country Living magazine, so that felt like a nice evening. Hm...I sound kind of boring. :)

Zuzu's Garden

03-12-2009, 06:47 AM

And where the heck is Memmey?????? I don't know - I've been wondering the same thing for awhile now. Miss her!

Do you work outside the home? Yes - a winter seasonal job at a State Park. My hours were cut from 40 to 24 hours a week due to the condition of the state budget. Hubby doesn't work outside the home, so we have become very, very good at stretching money. ;)

how do you make time for yourself? Simplifying my life by taking a good hard look at what matters most. I think more and more, Americans are working longer hours and replacing their free time with commitments. I was not happy working overtime in software development and running errands every night.

What do you consider ideal down time? Do you read, watch tv, go junking? Ideal down time for me is drawing and painting. I also enjoy gardening, embroidery, cooking, and working on the house.

I'm sure I sound boring, but that's OK - I'm happy.
:)
Zu

One Woman

03-12-2009, 07:00 AM

It's been fun reading about everyone, what they do and what they enjoy doing in free time.

I've been a stay-at-home mom for over 14 years year. My kids are older now - 8, 9, and 14 - so I'm not busy with babies anymore. They are all in school and I have the day to myself. I consider this house and sharing with others the joys, trials, and tribulation of fixing it up my "work", for lack of a better word. Goodness knows there is a nonstop list of stuff to do here. Even though things move slowly here, I thoroughly enjoy documenting it all - the good, the bad, and the ugly.

My day is pretty flexible. I spend time in the morning hanging out with my cockatiels and answering email, mainly project questions from readers. I try to also spend time updating my blog at least once a week and taking photos of various projects. The middle part of the day is spent actually working on things before the kids get home from school. It may be working on house projects or makeover projects, doing laundry, cleaning, and occasionally working on crafts, though crafting has certainly taken a back seat as of late. There just isn't enough time in the day! But throughout it all, I pop in here and there to check my mail and forums. :)

Evelyn

03-12-2009, 07:59 AM

Do you work outside the home? Yes, I am a biologist and work 40ish hrs per week (mostly office). My commute is an easy 15 min. each way.

How do you make time for yourself? Sometimes it is very difficult. I have had to learn it is not about how much I do, but what I do. That said, I try and keep several week nights free and unscheduled so that I can come home, put on my sweats and putter around the house......

What do you consider ideal down time? I need alone time to recharge (husband and cats can be included in alone time :p). My recharge time can be anything from sleeping in, light home projects, strolling out to the road with a cup of tea and talking with the neighbors, making jewelry, internet, watching a movie, dinner with friends, camping trips.

Evelyn

Lynzee

03-12-2009, 08:13 AM

I am a Probation Officer but I work part time now that we have the little one. I am in the office to meet with probationers and/or be in court two days a week and I work at home the rest of the week.

I am up and more than ready to start my day between 2:30 and 3:00 every morning, which gives me several hours to do what I want to do before anyone else gets up--as long as whatever I'm doing is quiet. I usually use that time to play on the computer and check in here, read, write, paint, etc. Once BPG has left for work and I have dropped the little one off at school on my days "off", I use the time to work on projects, hit the flea markets, clean the house, sew, garden, cook, etc. I am frequently interrupted by my job responsibilities, but the phone calls, plus the time it takes to access our work database and document the contacts, are nothing compared to having to be in the office all day.

My ideal down time is whitewater rafting, but we don't do that much anymore. It is one thing for us to make the decision to take the risk ourselves, but we are not comfortable making that decision for the little one. We spend a lot of time at our beach house, but do not really consider that downtime since we spend the majority of our time working on projects there, as well. The house was built in 1930, and is truly 79 years of tradition unaffected by progress. :eek:

Sounds pretty boring, I know, and it is a far cry from what I'd imagined for myself at this stage of the game, but I think I'm enjoying it.

annielinz

03-12-2009, 08:45 AM

Lynzee, my goodness what time to you go to bed if you get up so early???

I pretty much wake up a bazillion times during the night but I don't get up till 5 am.

Lynzee

03-13-2009, 12:20 PM

Lynzee, my goodness what time to you go to bed if you get up so early???

I've never been much of a sleeper. I try to go to bed around 10:00 but it's usually closer to 11:00. :rolleyes:

ChapterTwo

03-13-2009, 04:46 PM

Gigi...how are you doing, emotionally, re going through 30 years of memories?

The reason I ask...I may be doing the same thing, shortly. May be selling this house (been here 31 years) AND going through my daughter's wedding in August. I'm a very emotional person and am struggling with all of this. Hope it's going easier for you!

Lisa S

03-13-2009, 09:04 PM

What a timely question. I just spent the better part of the day in tears. I don't know what exactly is getting to me, but tears are very unusual for me. I think I'm overwhelmed and under appreciated.

I'm working on chairing the big school fundraiser. I have good help ~ women whose company I love. But it's crunch time, with only 3 weeks left until the big day. A little stress there.

My kids are a flurry of activity right now. My two little ones are working on big projects at school and my big kid has either a school jazz performance or a gig with his rock band every other night.

There's a fine line for me... it separates fun busy with too much. I'm on the side of too much today. My kids, as much as I love them, complain whenever I ask for help. A readjustment is due ~ with the kids and with our life. It'll happen and life will be good soon.

Evelyn

03-13-2009, 10:18 PM

Here is how I totally relax and recharge :) I am the one in the tall blue hat....I am not sure what was with the hat!!

Lisa and Niikki....this is a few miles south of Seabrook!

Evelyn

Gigi

03-14-2009, 02:47 AM

Lisa- I hope tomorrow finds a better day for you~ working hard, stress and feeling unappreciated sure can make our emotions take a rollercoaster ride. Of course I know the outcome will be wonderful for you after your hard work, but until then I hope you get enough rest and can do something just for yourself.

Evelyn- What exactly are you doing~ it looks very interesting. Love the hat!

Zuzu's Garden

03-14-2009, 05:35 AM

Sending you a big hug, Lisa! You are always appreciated here!

Evelyn, I'm not sure what you are doing either. Digging clams? Anyway, it looks beautiful there. Makes me miss the ocean.

Zuzu

annielinz

03-14-2009, 07:54 AM

Evelyn, yes what are you doing? My first thought was clam digging. What ever it is, anytime I can spend at the ocean--I don't know if its the positive/negative ions but it just recharges me. I've got to get me some beach time in. :)

Lisa(((hugs))). Believe me when I say it'll get better. And some day you'll be emotional remembering those days and actually missing them.:eek: I recall my MIL telling me this and me looking at her like she was a crazy loon!
One other suggestion, learn to say no to things because you can't do it all. Let others step up to the plate.
Good luck with the fundraiser, I hope its a huge success. When its over go clam digging;) relax, have some wine and girl, don't volunteer for anything for a while.

Lisa S

03-14-2009, 08:00 AM

Evelyn ~ beautiful picture. I love the light and the water. You look adorable!

Thanks for the good thoughts, guys. I'm up early, with a cup of coffee in hand to work in the quiet.

Hugs to all of you!

Evelyn

03-14-2009, 09:05 AM

yes, clam digging. Razor clams. It is very, very fun. In some places, there can be thousands of people on the beach. It is one of those, everybody has fun, feel good activitiy. And, you can't razor clam and worry at the same time.

Evelyn

rubyslippers

03-20-2009, 07:52 PM

I teach English at both the highschool and college level. (You are not allowed to read my posts grammatically now though ... I rarely spell check and proofread around here ... after all, it is my down time so-to-speak.) I work a lot. Actually, I work too much. My days start very early and end much too late. I'm using my yardwork as exercise right now; however, I'm trying to get to the gym more often. This is an escape for me because I really enjoy talking about my projects with like-minded people. I have my "gardening buddy" at school. She is a real blessing. Plus, I team-teach with someone who redid his entire first house and loves woodworking. My Dad is also very "handy" so my first home has been a lot of fun for him as well. My husband and I both enjoy sports, movies, etc., but our Friday night ritual involves frozen pizza, television shows on DVD, and a walk to the nearby park to throw the frisbee. We have a cat that we dote on a little too much. Lisa, I just know you are a fabulous Mom. Everything will come together. Maria, I haven't been around here as much as I was around CL with my full-time teaching gig this year paired with the new-to-us cottage. However, I am very thankful many of us landed over here. I trust many of you to tell me straight-up "Jenny, honey, that is just ugly" or "Jenny, don't try to tackle the entire backyard this year" or "Jenny, remember everything we told you about your container garden - - well, you learned a ton and now it is paying off" - - so, you see, I count on all of you. I don't care so much if I get a response to a message immediately because I know you are all talented, gifted, and special women with full lives. However, the fact that you all make room for me is very precious to me. (Oh, by the way, did you see Memmey's post that she is kind of off in her own world taking care of herself and exercising ... just FYI.) Anyway, to truly unwind, I love a great book, a pedicure, or a bubblebath. If I don't get some time outside in the sun, then I feel "blah" - - so, I try to make that part of my day when I can. I try to cook healthy meals because I do enjoy cooking. If I cook healthily most nights then there is room for a bottle of wine or a comfort food splurge. Sometimes I wish I worked in a paint store. Literally, I wish I got to mix paint at Home Depot. Othertimes, I wish I designed clothes. Then, for the most part, I wish I would just sit down and write. However, I don't even blog unless you count my musings around here.

Anyway, that is probably more than you asked for Maria; however, my life sounds a little bit like yours right now. I'm proud of you though - - just stay in touch when you can.

Bye,

Jenny

mac78

03-30-2009, 01:22 PM

how do you make time for yourself?
Honestly, I don't get that much time to myself, as my hubby NEVER leaves the house except for a little time to go help out his 87 yr old mother 5 blocks away. I would cherish a weekend....or even a full day with him gone so I could "do things".

Do you work outside the home?
I worked outside the home for 21 years, then quit my job and have been running a home daycare for the past 9 1/2 years. My house looks like it, as I am getting sick of all the daycare stuff. My own kids are both home and ages 20 and 18. My daughter graduates this year, and my son graduated last year. My son is in college, and he is leaving for another college in September. My daughter is going to college locally. I am constantly trying to think of "something else to do" in my house, and I think it is because I work at home and have to look at it each and every day for the whole day.

What do you consider ideal down time?
My down time is getting out and doing something, shopping, visiting, just simply getting out of the house since I work here. lol

Do you read, watch tv, go junking?
My fav tv show is HGTV. I love to look at magazines for ideas. Junking....I have enough of that right now. lol

Let's hear how you stay sane, please!!
Some days I am not sane, with dealing with a hubby, 2 young adults in the house, taking care of everything from bills to shopping to everything for everyone, sometimes I want to just run away for a couple days.

I am doing something for me starting in the fall. I am going back to college to finish my Associates Degree, with my plan to get out of dc in about 2 years and get rid of all the "stuff" and have my home be ours and not have to share it with 6 other families.

Gigi

03-30-2009, 04:53 PM

Ummm...what keeps me sane? I think the opposite of you Mac78---I love staying home- but I work outside the home, BUT I'd rather be home with my dogs :o

My husband and I carpool- okay he drops me off on his way to work and back :D--- the traffic is horrible really HORRIBLE around here (the Washington metro area)...it's enough to drive someone crazy-really.

Oh my- if you run a daycare (Mac78) I can certainly see why you NEED time away from home- and when you retire the home will be all yours ;)

If I could stay home everyday- I would be pretty happy- I also LOVE to spend time with my granddaughters who live about 15 minutes away. It's relaxing but at the same time very exhausting-BUT in the best of ways.

yarborough house

04-05-2009, 04:56 PM

I am a stay at home mom. I have been for over 15 years. I love being home but at times really miss the adult conversation aspect. I love talking to my 4 year old daughter but it is tiresome at times. :)
OUr house is always some work in progress so there are tons of things to do not to mention the everyday - dishes, cooking, loads of laundry, and yard work.

My ideal downtime happens twice a year. My best friend from Texas comes and spends a week with me so we can do "girl things". We go to antique stores, craft stores, TJMaxx homegoods - fave store, we garden, we just hang out in jammies in the morning talking. It is wonderful.

I spend downtime gardening and also reading magazines in my bed before I fall asleep.

How do I stay sane? Hmmm not sure I am but I do go to bed early and I check in on this forum to see what others are doing - it keeps me linked to the real world..haha

Lisa S

04-10-2009, 08:16 AM

Who's sane, anyway? :D;):rolleyes:

I need balance. Too much time at home makes me grouchy. Too much time away makes me grouchy. Maybe I'm just menopausal!

Deb D

04-12-2009, 09:53 AM

I'm a forestry technician. My life is seasonal, because I work outdoors. Summer is the busy time--I've surrendered to the fact that during June through August I'm either at work, getting ready for work, or recovering from work. May and September are busy, but not quite as crazy.

Being single and choosing to live a simple life makes a big difference for me. I used to be married to a high-maintenance man and we had a high-maintenance house and lifestyle. I'm actually pretty quiet and solitary at this point in my life, so I'm going with that. Home is my refuge. It's the right size to be manageable--I've gotten rid of a lot of stuff from my old life. I love gardening, which has been my big project at this house since I bought the place in 2005. This summer I will have an addition built on the back of my house, which will be my art studio. The thing with a house and garden is that it's a work in progress. It took me a long time to learn that--I don't have time, money or energy to fix it all up at once.

I just got back from a vacation, my first in several years. I got a significant tax refund, so went on a solo trip to the Mojave desert. I took a botanical illustration workshop and did some camping and hiking. It was a wonderful treat.

I love my unstructured time--I'm a tinkerer. I also like reading, and try to spend a little time each week updating my blog. I enjoy participating in community activities. I don't watch TV, and try to limit my computer time to weekends. I can walk to work. This past winter I've gotten into exercising more. I have to, since I'm almost 50 and still working hard outdoors. It's more difficult to stay in shape and recover from injuries, so I'm trying to create healthy habits.

Things are going pretty well for me right now, but I don't expect it will always be this way. I don't want to be too busy, so I pay attention to what I say Yes to. It's OK to say no. We'll see how long I can keep this up!

memmey

04-12-2009, 05:33 PM

It's me again.
All of us "originals" know that I have a teeny hairsalon in my backyard. I am 5 years divorced with one rockclimbling nature son who is 24. I am on my own and I had spent 28 years being a wife and mother. Early on I divorced my husband and remarried him. BTW that does not work no matter how hard you try. People don't change.
I used to be an exercise fiend , taught aerobics and personal trained at a health club, I even had a hairsalon within the club. I got hit by an 18 wheeler and had to stop exercising, my Mama died, the club closed, I opened my own salon and got a divorce in about 2 years. Now 5 years later I am just now getting my feet back under me. I never expected to be alone at this age but it is what it is. I have always been a people pleaser and I have done many things in my life that I didn't want to do because I thought I would hurt their feelings to say no. Sounds silly now.
I felt so alone after my divorce, I found friends that would listen to me whine about the misfortune of my situation and then I felt like I needed to over compensate them for their kindness in listening. When their husbands were home they ditched me and when their husbands went off to work then they called me. This is the lot in life of alot of widowed or divorced women.
OK dry your tears there is a silver lining here I promise.....recently my beloved nephew gave me a gym menbership for my birthday( 56) and a challenge. " Mem, can you get back in shape?" So I am trying and I can see that my head is clearer and I have been able to seperate myself from the clutches of my needy friends alittle. At first when I said I was going to the gym everyone piled on to go too and wanted me to train them. I stood my ground and said no and after some dramatic situations they came around and got over being mad and NOW I am alone at the gym for myself and by myself.
AT LAST... the place where I find peace. It always was but I had stopped by circumstance and I never realized just how much I had depended on those endorphines in the past.
I am never gonna be a bodybuilder...LOL you have seen my picture by now...LOL but guess what, my groceries bags are not heavy and I ran to keep the cat from getting Bitsey Jo. I can leg press 325lbs. and bench 85lbs for 4 sets of 12 reps so far and I can remember my old self that felt good. It was all I had during my bad marriage to hold on to...my son and my fitness.
So this blubbery sob story is to say that the time I have for myself at the gym is the best part of the week. It is all about challenging myself. It's me time, no customers asking me anything no dragging friends there with me.
It's Haddaway and me for 2 miles on the treadmill and then off with Maestro Pavarotti to lift.
Do I have a dream result from all this working out....I hope to play on the floor with a grandbaby one day before I die.;)

ChapterTwo

04-12-2009, 06:32 PM

Well, Memmey, that was an inspiring story and you can be very, very proud of yourself! I can see why you needed some time away from here, while you were getting your head straight, and your priorities in order.

Good for you for putting yourself first for once (a lesson some of us need to learn too, I'm afraid), and for making yourself strong...mind and body.
Keep on keepin' on, my friend...you're doing just great!

memmey

04-13-2009, 06:00 AM

Thanks Two:), I forgot how nice it is to have you all for support.
Now please don't think I am dancing all the way to the gym, some days I think I could do chores here and not go but when I get there I'm all business.

Remember last year all the compaining I did about having to cut my grass well...I hope the exercise helps my ability to get that done. Hey being a one woman show sometimes is a extreme drag.

I still want to paint the darn bedroom suite, when will I ever get THAT done.

My list of things to accomplish is huge and I guess I'm gonna peck at it like the little red hen. LOL
Soon the heat will arrive here and it won't be pretty.:(
I have Labor day to look forward to, Maria and Linda will be here I can't wait. They are so much fun!!!!

cheapdiva

04-17-2009, 10:44 AM

Listen, all of you -
this incredible sweetie we all call Mem is a gem. She has the perfectly adorable cottage with her salon out back. I would kill (not to worry, I'll choose my prey carefully!) to have her place.

The beauty of being single Miz Mem is you can paint that bedroom set ANY color you want without worrying about what some man thinks!!! I hope to live long enough that I can live in a house with the girliest bedroom ever! My husband complains because there are 6 pillows on our king size bed.

While the married women don't have to worry about being a "fifth wheel", often we envy our single friends because many of us have husbands who flirt with our single friends but forget how to flirt with their wife. Single women know they have to rely on themselves for support financially. Many married women still have to do that - some end up supporting losers.

All women should learn how to handle a screwdriver, a drill and a hammer. How to fix the toilet when it won't stop running and how to change a gasket on a leaky faucet. All women should have their own money put away for retirement, a rainy day and to spend how they see fit. All women should cherish their friendships because for many of us we will only have each other some day either because of death or divorce. And our kids have their own lives to live.

My free time is limited and I make d*mn sure to keep in touch with those women who I care for, love and admire. I want them to be there when I need them or they need me. If your friends find time only when their husbands aren't available or are busy with their friends - consider just how good these friends truly are.

WOW - aren't you all glad I got that off my chest???!!!:eek:

Lisa S

04-17-2009, 11:07 AM

Do you feel better? :D

Everything you say is true. I never thought I'd get married in the first place, because I'm very independent (and driven and picky and...:rolleyes:) If I wouldn't have met the particular man that I married, I would have had a perfectly happy life being single.

It's important to let the people you love in your life know how you feel about them. Your kids, your husband or your dearest girlfriends ~ all wonderful icing on the amazing cake of life.

I saw how lonely my mom was when my dad passed away. He was the love of her life (and she his). We moved around a lot so, my while my mom had a lot of nice friends, she had too few really excellent ones. Surrounding yourself with people you love ~ it's key.

ChapterTwo

04-17-2009, 11:56 AM

\ He was the love of her life (and she his).

THAT is what I always thought I'd have...I saw it with my Mom and Dad, and also with my aunt and uncle (Mom's brother) and it was SO beautiful! But so far, it hasn't been in the cards. When I see an older couple, hand in hand, it makes me very wistful...
But all we can do is hope that the magic will still find us, if that's what we're wishing for. Until then, we LIVE!

cheapdiva

04-17-2009, 01:14 PM

Maybe, just maybe, those old folks are really crushing each other's hands!;)
And Lisa, yep . . . much better, thanks for asking!!!!

Lisa S

04-17-2009, 01:15 PM

Twisted, twisted woman. I like that in a person!

chyna

04-17-2009, 02:04 PM

Or they're hoping the other one knows where they are going. ;)

ChapterTwo

04-17-2009, 05:25 PM

Cheapdiva, Lisa and Chyna...

I can tell you're ALL married! SO funny...and cynical!

:D

Zuzu's Garden

04-18-2009, 06:52 AM

Hey Chap2- Your avatar is intriguing. Inquiring minds want to know. :confused::D

And I'd like to say how happy I am to hear from Deb. It's wonderful that you got the chance to take a vacation - and the botanical illustration workshop sounds fantastic. Also, if you get the chance, please share pics of your studio as it progresses.

Z

ChapterTwo

04-18-2009, 07:03 AM

Zu...I don't even know where I spotted the silly scented tree with birds in the background, but I it made me laugh!

Plus...psychologically, I think I'm trying to separate myself from my house - it seems that I very well might be moving in September. The developer who owns the four properties next to me is going to build, with my property or without, and I don't want to live next to a monstrosity. It might even be a commercial building. Fortunately, my late aunt's house is still available, so everything is sort of falling into place...

Zuzu's Garden

04-18-2009, 07:09 AM

He-he! I could get a similar pic from inside my pickup, except the tree wouldn't have a paper base. :D

Sometimes change is forced on us, but it ends up taking us somewhere great. Hoping it all works out positively for you.

Z

Deb D

04-18-2009, 09:44 AM

Hm, yes, I like that avatar too.

Vacation was great, but all the relaxation has fizzled away. The studio is on hold. The recession has landed at the Forest Service, and long story short, I need to plan to be unemployed for six months a year. I've gone from hopeful to uncertain in a matter of hours. I'm sure I'll be OK, I just don't know what's going to happen in the short-term.

In the meantime, it's my day off, it's spring, and I'm going to go out in the yard. Crocus are blooming, birds are singing, my front porch is full of seedlings. The air feels soft and warm. Time for some garden therapy!

rubyslippers

04-18-2009, 10:58 AM

Memmey - - I am incredibly proud of you. You inspire me with your focus on fitness.

Lisa, Diva, and Chyna - - I'm laughing and smiling.

Chapter 2 - - Keep us posted as you face such a huge transition.

Deb - - What is happening? I'm glad you are having garden therapy time right now. It sounds like you need to clear your head. However, please get back to us with more details. You strive to live simply; but, I always imagine you happily in the parks studying nature, educating guests, clearing trails, and monitoring sick trees. So, I am heart sick for your news about the recession and your employment. If you feel up to it, I would love to hear the details.

Zuzu's Garden

04-18-2009, 12:20 PM

Deb,

Very similar changes are happening here in Colorado @ the State Parks level. People are retiring early, my seasonal (6 month a year) job was cut from 40 to 24 hours a week, and budgets are slashed to barely operational. Sorry it has hit your neck of the woods as well.

Your writing and artwork are inspirational. Is there any way you could use these talents to boost your income?

Zuzu

cheapdiva

04-18-2009, 02:18 PM

Deb -
you've always been one of the most down-to-earth, realistic people here. We all admire your "live simple" strategy and the peace that seems to surround you. I am certain you'll be one of those people who manages to make this a positive thing in your life. And we're all here for you!

memmey

04-19-2009, 06:05 AM

Deb :), I know you live very simply. I have never gotten from your posts that you would be a big spender even if you could. I admire that.

When this change settles in I know you will have a door open for you.
Sometimes when I think I can't handle the stress of everything being on my shoulders I take a deep breath and let "you know who drive" and he hasn't failed me yet.

You have me rooting for you and I KNOW you will be fine. Sunshine therapy and good ole garden soil gives folks time to think.

As they say down here...Cher, this is just a thang, it gonna be OK Boo.:D

RoseMary

04-19-2009, 03:22 PM

Deb~wishing you the very best with this job and life change! I know your gardening and art will help get you through.

Things are tough everywhere. My brother is coming to visit for a few days. His job is gone and he's sort of in limbo. It's happening to so many people.

Same for you, Zu! I'm so glad you have your tiny house up on the mountain. Home is really the safe place to be these days!

You girls have made me laugh--but really, ya know, there are some Very Happily Married Couples out there!! I assure you girls that my husband and I are enjoying holding each others hands when you see us. We've been holding hands for 28 years and hope for many more:).

ChapterTwo

04-19-2009, 06:33 PM

there are some Very Happily Married Couples out there!! I assure you girls that my husband and I are enjoying holding each others hands when you see us. We've been holding hands for 28 years and hope for many more:).

Thanks for that, RoseMary! I'm so happy for you and your hubby - I know it's possible as I have lots of long-married friends. It's just nice to hear...:)

Zuzu's Garden

04-20-2009, 05:28 AM

Thanks, RoseMary. :)

Hubby and I will celebrate 28 years of marriage in October. Our hair is turning white and we enjoy holding each others hands too, so I guess we're included in the Happily Married Club. :)

Zu

RoseMary

04-20-2009, 05:52 AM

That's wonderful, Zu! We will be married 27 years in June. (I included the extra year of hand holding for the year we dated:D).

Chapter Two--never, never give up hope. I've known quite a few ladies that were in their 50s and 60s when they met the 'love of their life':).

CohenCottage

04-20-2009, 06:51 AM

We are about to hit 3 years in May, but it seems like it's been FOREVER already. :)

shadylady

04-21-2009, 09:00 AM

Hubby and I were high school sweethearts(15 years old)...dated for 7 years and have been married for 32 years this June...very happy! I'm finally kind of living the dream. Retired from teaching 3rd grade and now my time is my own. I was able to volunteer at the high school for the last 2 years my youngest was there. Now he is a senior at Clemson University and my time is now working in the yard which I love. Anytime something is bothering me...give me a rake or a shovel and I'll be fine.

annielinz

04-21-2009, 09:27 AM

Hubs and I will be married 30 years in November. Just spent a week together in Maui without killing each other. Everytime we got in the elevator we kissed....we took the elevator alot:p

My older sister is getting married for the first time this weekend and she just turned 60! Flying out this Friday to witness this incredible occassion.

Welcome Shadylady!

Breezy

04-21-2009, 11:34 AM

Our families were living in Nebraska and the first time I can remember laying eyes on my husband I must have been 11 years old and he had just turned 15.
I saw some kids running down the street and I noticed him. I thought he was cute and I still do.;)
He graduated from high school with my older sister and his family moved back to California and mine to Kansas. We kept in touch and a couple years later I saw him before he left for England - he was in the Air Force.
To make a long story short - I got my guy! Many years had passed (20) and we got in touch again. I asked him what he'd been doing all these years and he said "waiting for you to call" - needless to say I was hooked.
We celebrated our 18th wedding anniversary on Feb 14th and our baby turned 17 today! ps his smile still melts me.:) - I added a picture of us to my profile album. Sorry I don't know how to post a pic here.