I have always been a fan of photos, and love to take photos of most of the outings we enjoy, but lately I'm constantly forgetting my camera. Must be all the change, and barrage of things on my mind with all of the activities coming up this summer.
We've had Chuck's son, Alex, and his wife Cass here for several weekends in a row. It's great to have them in town. They moved here from San Diego and we hope to get to spend a lot of time with them while they are here. I haven't gotten any good pictures yet.
Last weekend Lilly was in a pageant and I forgot my camera. Sean got some pics with my iphone.
We hosted a big family gathering here on Sunday, and I didn't think of pictures until everyone was already gone. It was quite a crowd of Chuck's family, and even a couple of my family members and one of our crew members from the business. Chuck enjoys cooking for these big events. I am the assistant, and glad to be in that role. I enjoy cooking, but I'm not very good at planning for a large crowd and am happy to hand that responsibility off to him. The party was a pre-planning party for the huge family reunion that we will host this year. There is a lot to do, and we're having a work party soon to finish the tree house and get the kid area ready for the summer.
Our weather has been a little cooler than what I would like, but I'm thankful for the moderate temperatures. On Sunday we had a clear afternoon with warm sunshine, but as the party was starting to wind down the clouds arrived. I keep a sweater nearby year-round.
The kids are out of school now, and I'm hoping we can do some fun things this summer. Yesterday I treated them to a day of thrift store shopping. They both enjoy it, though Lilly enjoys it more. She found some shoes and some hair care items like a hair straightener. Sean is content to just stay home all the time and play. But he found some great deals on a couple of toys, and a belt that looks new. He tried it on in the store and I didn't think any more about it, and after we got to the car he cried out, "Oh no! I forgot to pay for the belt." He ran back in and I was really proud of him for doing the right thing. It didn't even occur to him not to go back inside to pay for it.
The kids brought out the tent and have enjoyed camping in the back yard. It's so nice that they get along so well. Sean loves it when Lilly is here. The camping is quite comical. They have a power cord snaked through the door of the tent, and we positioned it on the gazebo in case of rain. They love sleeping out there, and I think the dogs are enjoying it, too.
I am going for my camera now to get a picture of the tent setup.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Having it all, redefined
Our lives are so busy. I spend a lot of time in my car, running from one appointment or meeting to another. I love to always have something to do, and I like knowing that I'm doing something to make a difference. Most of the running around is related to volunteer work. It is addictive, that volunteer work. Getting involved in community and non-profit organizations is so rewarding, but it sucks up a lot of time.
Chuck and I are both very involved in volunteer work, or local politics. We have made this demanding schedule work for us, but when we started the new business I began to realize how little time we have for important conversations.
He would come home for a quick lunch after working at the job site and I would bombard him with business questions, or try to speed talk in order to give him information that he needed to know, trying to get it all in before he had to head back to the job site.
That wasn't really working for me, and I figured it was a little stressful for him as well. So we have started meeting weekly to discuss the business. Last night we went for a long dinner and I had an agenda already planned. We got through all of the points on the agenda, also talked about some family business stuff, and then relaxed for the rest of the meal at The Melting Pot.
We made the decision to start this business so I could continue to work from home. I decided a long time ago that "having it all" didn't really appeal to me. I don't pass judgement on others who do want it all and attempt to have a demanding career and raise children, I just don't want to do it.
I've worked, of course. I just didn't try to climb some ladder to further my career, because I knew it would mean more time away from home. I would rather be there for the bumps and bruises, the milestones and achievements, and the mundane every-day conversations with my kids. It can be a really difficult road for women. Work that you really love is like a siren calling your name, but the reality of family needs is a daily reminder for me. I see the difference a walk around the property with me can make in Sean's mood. I can always tell when he needs more time with me. I also start to feel anxious and frustrated when I need more time with people in my life.
As Chuck and I discussed the need for more time we realized it isn't really the new business that is getting in the way, it's the extra volunteer work. Those volunteer jobs require a lot of meetings that happen during the evening meal, and sometimes require us to be away from home until 9 p.m. or later. I have already started dumping some of my responsibilities and delegating it to others in the groups. And I told Chuck that I have had to just trust that either they will take the responsibility or they won't, and if they won't, then that cause will just have to be picked up later by someone else. I'm spread too thin with all of the volunteer work and I feel like none of it is getting my full attention. I drop the ball because there's just too much to do.
And the people in my life don't get my full attention either. We have to cultivate relationships with the people who are important in our lives. The people in these meetings aren't going to be there for us when we're in need, or old and lonely, or sick. I am happy to volunteer, and I'm sure it's in my DNA, I'm from Tennessee-the Volunteer State- after all, but I am not willing to do it at the expense of family time.
On our way home I reminded Chuck that we have an event on the calendar next week, a family outing that he planned for us. He said he already has it on his personal calendar, and turned down a request to attend another meeting that same night. "I told them I have a family event to attend," he said.
He's a keeper.
Chuck and I are both very involved in volunteer work, or local politics. We have made this demanding schedule work for us, but when we started the new business I began to realize how little time we have for important conversations.
He would come home for a quick lunch after working at the job site and I would bombard him with business questions, or try to speed talk in order to give him information that he needed to know, trying to get it all in before he had to head back to the job site.
That wasn't really working for me, and I figured it was a little stressful for him as well. So we have started meeting weekly to discuss the business. Last night we went for a long dinner and I had an agenda already planned. We got through all of the points on the agenda, also talked about some family business stuff, and then relaxed for the rest of the meal at The Melting Pot.
We made the decision to start this business so I could continue to work from home. I decided a long time ago that "having it all" didn't really appeal to me. I don't pass judgement on others who do want it all and attempt to have a demanding career and raise children, I just don't want to do it.
I've worked, of course. I just didn't try to climb some ladder to further my career, because I knew it would mean more time away from home. I would rather be there for the bumps and bruises, the milestones and achievements, and the mundane every-day conversations with my kids. It can be a really difficult road for women. Work that you really love is like a siren calling your name, but the reality of family needs is a daily reminder for me. I see the difference a walk around the property with me can make in Sean's mood. I can always tell when he needs more time with me. I also start to feel anxious and frustrated when I need more time with people in my life.
As Chuck and I discussed the need for more time we realized it isn't really the new business that is getting in the way, it's the extra volunteer work. Those volunteer jobs require a lot of meetings that happen during the evening meal, and sometimes require us to be away from home until 9 p.m. or later. I have already started dumping some of my responsibilities and delegating it to others in the groups. And I told Chuck that I have had to just trust that either they will take the responsibility or they won't, and if they won't, then that cause will just have to be picked up later by someone else. I'm spread too thin with all of the volunteer work and I feel like none of it is getting my full attention. I drop the ball because there's just too much to do.
And the people in my life don't get my full attention either. We have to cultivate relationships with the people who are important in our lives. The people in these meetings aren't going to be there for us when we're in need, or old and lonely, or sick. I am happy to volunteer, and I'm sure it's in my DNA, I'm from Tennessee-the Volunteer State- after all, but I am not willing to do it at the expense of family time.
On our way home I reminded Chuck that we have an event on the calendar next week, a family outing that he planned for us. He said he already has it on his personal calendar, and turned down a request to attend another meeting that same night. "I told them I have a family event to attend," he said.
He's a keeper.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Exciting venture
I closed the door on my old job. As I worked out my notice Chuck and I talked about the next thing for me. While there are great jobs posted on a regular basis, they all require a long commute. We agreed that was not ideal for me, or for our family.
He said he had been wanting to become a general contractor, and thought maybe we should start a contracting business. He could run a crew and I could do the behind-the-scenes daily tasks for running the business. (He is keeping his regular firefighter job.)
We applied for licenses, and got a bond, and went through the hoops to establish Chuck West Construction and Contracting, LLC. We are specializing in historic restoration and modern remodeling. We quickly submitted a bid for a dream job right here in our community, and we got the bid! That meant we had to hurry and hire a crew, and set up our office and get rolling. Our crew has been working hard to restore the historic Glen Cove Hotel that burned. Soon after we landed a small job at a YMCA facility.
Though running a business is something I've done before, I haven't done all of the paperwork myself. There is a bit of a learning curve for me.
It's an exciting adventure for us. So far I am loving it, but it is a drastic change. I find myself a little stressed out sometimes. So much to learn, and so quickly. So much to do, and juggle. We have to keep a very detailed calendar so I know where everyone is going to be each day, including myself!
Our summer is scheduled out to the end of August, but we will find time to do some fun things, too.
Happy Summer!
He said he had been wanting to become a general contractor, and thought maybe we should start a contracting business. He could run a crew and I could do the behind-the-scenes daily tasks for running the business. (He is keeping his regular firefighter job.)
We applied for licenses, and got a bond, and went through the hoops to establish Chuck West Construction and Contracting, LLC. We are specializing in historic restoration and modern remodeling. We quickly submitted a bid for a dream job right here in our community, and we got the bid! That meant we had to hurry and hire a crew, and set up our office and get rolling. Our crew has been working hard to restore the historic Glen Cove Hotel that burned. Soon after we landed a small job at a YMCA facility.
Though running a business is something I've done before, I haven't done all of the paperwork myself. There is a bit of a learning curve for me.
It's an exciting adventure for us. So far I am loving it, but it is a drastic change. I find myself a little stressed out sometimes. So much to learn, and so quickly. So much to do, and juggle. We have to keep a very detailed calendar so I know where everyone is going to be each day, including myself!
Our summer is scheduled out to the end of August, but we will find time to do some fun things, too.
Happy Summer!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Fountain glass
It's one of my favorite seasons--Yard Sale Season!
I like to just look to see what people are tired of, have to sell because they are moving, or have priced so high there is no way they'll ever sell it.
Karen and I used to talk about writing a book on how to have a great sale.
Luckily I have a man who also loves to go to yard sales. So last weekend we hit a couple of them and scored a few items. This beautiful glass dish was one of them. It doesn't have a "made in..." stamp on it, and it is really heavy, so I think it must have been made by a glass artist, but I can't be sure. I am completely certain that it was a bargain! I think it is beautiful, and it was only $1. (These people knew how to have a great sale.)
When I showed it to Chuck at the sale I said I wanted it for some place in one of the gardens, and he suggested we could put it in the old fountain. I like it, but I think it needs something. Maybe it needs some friends. I'm going to start looking for old paper weights to keep it company.
I like to just look to see what people are tired of, have to sell because they are moving, or have priced so high there is no way they'll ever sell it.
Karen and I used to talk about writing a book on how to have a great sale.
Luckily I have a man who also loves to go to yard sales. So last weekend we hit a couple of them and scored a few items. This beautiful glass dish was one of them. It doesn't have a "made in..." stamp on it, and it is really heavy, so I think it must have been made by a glass artist, but I can't be sure. I am completely certain that it was a bargain! I think it is beautiful, and it was only $1. (These people knew how to have a great sale.)
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Family Time
A couple of weeks ago we spent the afternoon at Cindy's. There was quite a crowd of family members there for a little BBQ gathering. We had lots of food. A couple of people brought ATVs and the kids had a great time riding around the back yard.
Chuck and Sean sped around for a while, then it was Lilly's turn. I was wearing a dress, so I sat on the sidelines.
Our dog, Molly, is settling in just fine. She is an Australian Shepard. We got her just after we got the chickens. She has learned quickly that it is her job to protect them. She keeps the cats away from them and enjoys her job.
I say, "Let's go check on the girls," and she runs down to the chicken coop. Early on I made her sit in a specific spot there to keep an eye on them. Today she was going nuts barking, and I wonder if she was trying to tell me the chickens were upset. When I got to the chicken enclosure they were very happy to see me. They were hungry because their feeder was inside the coop and I don't think they are smart enough to go inside to eat if they're hungry. In some ways they are kind of smart, and sometimes they're really stupid. But Molly is very smart.
Chuck and Sean sped around for a while, then it was Lilly's turn. I was wearing a dress, so I sat on the sidelines.
May was a great month. We had some nice weather and spent a lot of time outside in the gardens and flower beds. I also took the kids to the opening of the new playground at our local civic center.
I say, "Let's go check on the girls," and she runs down to the chicken coop. Early on I made her sit in a specific spot there to keep an eye on them. Today she was going nuts barking, and I wonder if she was trying to tell me the chickens were upset. When I got to the chicken enclosure they were very happy to see me. They were hungry because their feeder was inside the coop and I don't think they are smart enough to go inside to eat if they're hungry. In some ways they are kind of smart, and sometimes they're really stupid. But Molly is very smart.
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Reading again
As my plane was landing in Atlanta I realized I absolutely needed another book. I had been reading "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett, and finished it minutes before the plane landed. First stop is always the bathroom, but I knew I couldn't spend hours on a plane headed for San Francisco with nothing to do or read.
I had lugged The Help from home all the way to Tennessee and was hoping to finish it while I was there so I could leave it. I didn't get a lot of reading time. I thought of leaving it anyway and picking up a copy once I got back, but in the end I stuffed it in my carry-on bag and devoured the last 30 pages or so from Tri-Cities to Atlanta.
I was traveling alone, so the level of boredom was high. I guess I could have just as easily paid for a movie on the flight, but I knew that would only last for two hours max, and I had another 4 hours, plus a layover in San Francisco, plus that last leg of flight to Seattle.
I enjoy novels, but my reading moods come and go. My desire to read usually coincides with the amount of time I have to dedicate to a book. Sometimes I have one book on my nightstand, and other times I've had at least four, all with bookmarks sandwiched between the pages.
I bought "State of Wonder" by Ann Patchett when I landed in Atlanta. I quickly found a kiosk with books and had to make a hasty choice as I was on a short layover and had to get to my gate.
"State of Wonder" had just arrived, the girl at the checkout stand said. She didn't know anything about it, but for me it was the most appealing of the small selection. I don't read vampire books, I wasn't in the mood for a biography, and I wanted something completely different from "The Help."
I'm mid-way through it. So far I am enjoying the characters and can relate to the women in the book. It's about a scientist who is sent to get information about the ETA of a drug being developed by another scientist in the Amazon. The last guy the company sent down to get information ended up dead.
"The Help" was not what I would call great literature, but it was definitely a fun read. It was fast, and I liked the way the story was told. The voices of each character were so clear for me. I haven't seen the movie, and I'm not so sure I want to. I've got my own image of each of those women and I don't think Hollywood can do it justice.
Last night I watched Charlie Rose with Robert Caro. I was intrigued by his information about Lyndon B. Johnson, and I plan to read his series of books. It was fascinating to listen to him talk about his research for the latest book in the series, "Passage of Power."
I had lugged The Help from home all the way to Tennessee and was hoping to finish it while I was there so I could leave it. I didn't get a lot of reading time. I thought of leaving it anyway and picking up a copy once I got back, but in the end I stuffed it in my carry-on bag and devoured the last 30 pages or so from Tri-Cities to Atlanta.
I was traveling alone, so the level of boredom was high. I guess I could have just as easily paid for a movie on the flight, but I knew that would only last for two hours max, and I had another 4 hours, plus a layover in San Francisco, plus that last leg of flight to Seattle.
I enjoy novels, but my reading moods come and go. My desire to read usually coincides with the amount of time I have to dedicate to a book. Sometimes I have one book on my nightstand, and other times I've had at least four, all with bookmarks sandwiched between the pages.
I bought "State of Wonder" by Ann Patchett when I landed in Atlanta. I quickly found a kiosk with books and had to make a hasty choice as I was on a short layover and had to get to my gate.
"State of Wonder" had just arrived, the girl at the checkout stand said. She didn't know anything about it, but for me it was the most appealing of the small selection. I don't read vampire books, I wasn't in the mood for a biography, and I wanted something completely different from "The Help."
I'm mid-way through it. So far I am enjoying the characters and can relate to the women in the book. It's about a scientist who is sent to get information about the ETA of a drug being developed by another scientist in the Amazon. The last guy the company sent down to get information ended up dead.
"The Help" was not what I would call great literature, but it was definitely a fun read. It was fast, and I liked the way the story was told. The voices of each character were so clear for me. I haven't seen the movie, and I'm not so sure I want to. I've got my own image of each of those women and I don't think Hollywood can do it justice.
Last night I watched Charlie Rose with Robert Caro. I was intrigued by his information about Lyndon B. Johnson, and I plan to read his series of books. It was fascinating to listen to him talk about his research for the latest book in the series, "Passage of Power."
Thursday, May 24, 2012
It's always a little awkward when I have been absent for a while. Kind of like showing up for class after skipping for a couple of days. You hate to overdo the explanation of your absence, but you feel that accusing glare as you take your seat.
Here are some pics of some of the things we've been doing for a couple of months.
We built a chicken coop and were still nailing the wire into place on Easter.
These little ones are the latest addition to the coop. Austrolorps and I can't remember what kind the red one is. These little ones have grown quickly. One of them is very social and comes right up to us. It likes to stand on our finger. One of them is a rooster. He doesn't know it yet, and I'm not sure if we're keeping him. We really only need one...
These were the first bunch of chickens. The golden ones are from the same batch and are Buff Orpingtons. The smaller one is a lavender Orpington, and turns out he's a rooster. The lavender ones are more rare, and he's the one we'll keep if we can only deal with one rooster. They've all grown quickly, and I'll ad some new photos soon. I can't tell the golden ones apart except for one that still has some baby feathers around her neck. She is kind of unpredictable, and I named her Juanita. Each one has a unique personality.
We hope to have some eggs by next month.
These guys showed up and worked on our property for quite some time. We logged a couple of acres of the land, and cleared some at the back to open it up for sun. We want a pasture and hope to have a couple of pasture animals in the near future. No cows, though. I don't want any large pasture animals. Too much poo.
Dave and Jewel graduated from college this year, and I took a short trip to Tennessee to be there for the ceremonies. It was so great to get away and enjoy some time there with family and friends.
On my last full day there we took a little trip to the lake house to enjoy a day on the lake. It was raining when we headed out, so we stopped off at Brown's in Hampton to look around and wait for the weather to improve.
We brought the kayaks and met up with Dave and Grace, stopped off at Chik-fil-A for a chicken biscuit breakfast, and were on our way.
It turned out to be a beautiful day and perfect weather for a day on the lake. I had never been kayaking and I loved it. I am already shopping.
I love this little girl! I had so much fun spending time with her. She is so precious.
Dave and I stopped off for lunch at Applebee's so I could say goodbye to Jewel before he dropped me off at the airport. She had to work that day. I miss them all already. Can't wait to go back.
Here are some pics of some of the things we've been doing for a couple of months.
We built a chicken coop and were still nailing the wire into place on Easter.
We hope to have some eggs by next month.
Dave and Jewel graduated from college this year, and I took a short trip to Tennessee to be there for the ceremonies. It was so great to get away and enjoy some time there with family and friends.
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