My first post of 2014. Not uncommonly, I am of two minds. On the one hand, I read an article today about Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts in their upcoming film, "August in Osage County." The professionalism, work ethic and excellence these two women exhibit is inspiring. This as I opted out of an exhibit in which work was due January 3rd, despite the fact that I began a piece for this particular show in August. Along the way the last few months, I have spent much less time working than I like. Instead, I spent time attending my youngest son's sports matches, hosting a German exchange student for a month, and celebrating the holidays with my family. For us, the "holidays" begin with Thanksgiving, either quickly followed or preceded by my husband's late November birthday, through Christmas, which involves making gifts, coordinating and hosting a night of caroling in our neighborhood, this year, two family days since my middle son was across the country with his girlfriend's family Christmas Day, hosting a group for New Year's Eve, capped off with my youngest son's birthday January 3rd. I am responsible for nearly all the cooking, meal planning, meal shopping, gift shopping, much of the wrapping and decorating. (Did I mention that we also spend much of a day hunting, cutting down, and erecting inside our Christmas tree, which this year was beautiful and nearly 15 feet tall. It took 3 days to decorate and a full day to I decorate and haul outside?) For the first time ever, Friday night all 5 of us were here and each of my sons had a girlfriend in attendance. Special times that I value and in which I want to be present and involved.
At the same time, I am proud of the beaded vest I finished in July. It cost me several family trips and moments. I am glad I did it, but I don't want to sacrifice too many of those moments, either. By the fall of 2015, My youngest son will head to college and I expect to have much more time to work. Without establishing good work habits, that won't happen, but I will try to do my best to continue walking this tightrope , finding the balance between work and family, trying to do my best in both.
At the same time, I am proud of the beaded vest I finished in July. It cost me several family trips and moments. I am glad I did it, but I don't want to sacrifice too many of those moments, either. By the fall of 2015, My youngest son will head to college and I expect to have much more time to work. Without establishing good work habits, that won't happen, but I will try to do my best to continue walking this tightrope , finding the balance between work and family, trying to do my best in both.