November 2007

When I think back on the choices I’ve made in my life, I wouldn’t have dreamed I’d be in the pair of shoes I wear today. It’s not to say I haven’t worn work boots before, because I certainly have. I enjoy working, as a matter of fact. So this blog goes out to anyone who can relate.

I have always made and had my own source of cash. When I was just old enough to babysit for the neighbor kids, I did, so that I could buy my own stuff. That work ethic has continued throughout my entire life. Gene and I didn’t even share a bank account until well after we were married. Call me weird or independent, but I like my own money, in my own pocket!

When I quit working (for someone else) in mid-May of this year, I felt so free and lucky. It felt like the ultimate “American Dream” to be fortunate enough to work for oneself. The first few weeks flew by. I kept myself busy enough to forget about how many hours I used to drive into town, do my job and come home. I began to “get into” my new role. I had to learn ways to keep myself occupied and helpful around the farm. It is exceptionally difficult to stay out of my husband’s office, when his office is in the house. Gene works for someone else (a 40 hour a week job) and it’s taken some discipline for me to not bother him while he’s actually working. I am much better now than I was in the beginning. Thankfully, there is never ever a reason to be bored around here. There is SO much to do that sometimes it’s difficult to know where to start.

It is a different world for me, now that I’m out of the paid workforce. I honestly think that while I’m learning how to wear these shoes that I work harder than ever. And the part that I haven’t learned how to grasp yet- I don’t get paid. I mean I don’t get paid monetarily. I don’t have my own money in my own pocket. This is going to take some getting used to…