The HomeSchool Neighborly, December 2008

Is there anyone else out there like me? You know, sometimes you like doing something and other times you don't?

Take me, for example. Sometimes I enjoy cooking. Other times I can't stand it. Sometimes dishes are just another chore, other times, they're obnoxious. Sometimes I just love working on my website. Other times, just shoot me.

Or am I just weird?

Hmm, don't answer that.

I mean, usually it's seasonal. When it's nice outside and the garden is in full swing, I don't have time to work at the computer. Then when it gets cold and we head back indoors, that's where I am in my free time.

But this year, well, I just haven't gotten in the swing of things yet. It could be that homeschooling is a little more formalized for us this year. We've set some wonderful goals and truly are having a wonderful time achieving them. But it's taking more of my time.

It could be also that I've taken on a large responsibility at church for our Angel Food Ministry program. That might be contributing.

Or the fact that I've been called upon to sub for our church musician A LOT this fall and am now playing full-time until we can replace him...he left. Sigh.

It's probably some of all of those things, I suppose. But if you want to know the truth of the matter, I think mostly it's being 40.

Remember last winter when I complained about how everyone kept saying, "Oh, now that you're 40...?" Yeah, well honestly there have been a lot of changes since I turned 40 last January, just not the ones the medical professionals in my life kept predicting.

Things like, I feel like I've finally grown up and can be the adult around children who need guidance and have none. Or, I'm starting to see the value of the beautiful in my life, rather than only seeing the usefulness of the functional. And the fact that, for better or for worse, I've finally reached the ultimate conclusion that I have no use for stupidity.

All these things have come upon me in this past year. For the most part, I welcome them. But some things are less welcome. Like, I feel less settled. I needed a longer vacation than we had. I actually got TIRED of being at home. I needed a bigger break from my routine than I got. And...dare I say it...I might actually embrace setting out on a new adventure should my husband deem it necessary. I'll say no more there; see, I've also learned to stop putting ideas in his head.

Well, I went on longer than I intended to, just to say that I haven't been getting too much posted to my site since last spring. I've kept up with my newsletter, mostly, and came here to announce the December issue. Pretty long-winded way to do that, isn't it? Ha.

Hope you enjoy, and may your Christmas be bless-ed.
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Chantal
www.productsforagoodlife.com