busy, busy

I have neglected my little blog.  It wasn't on purpose.  I have just gotten to a point in my life where I have so much on my plate that something had to give...and relaxing computer related things (like this blog) just does't happen these days like I would like it to.  

Like every other adult, I lead a busy life.  But being busy means something different to me now than it used to.  When I was single, I was busy because I worked a full time job and I biked when I wasn't working. After I got Bear, I was busy with a home to maintain, a husband, taking care of a puppy, cooking meals, working, biking and scrapbooking.  In those days, I was busy, but if I worked hard, I could get to the end of my to do list and relax.  These days...busy takes on a whole new level for me.  No matter how hard or for how long I work, I will never, ever get to the end of my to do list.  

I have all kinds of things vying for my time, like...

Cooking two meals every night.  One for Adam, one for me (with my food restrictions we can't eat the same foods)...plus feeding the dogs.

Since my switch to veganism, I direct my experiments more towards other homesteading endeavors...but even without including animals in there, there is still plenty of other items to experiment with and learn about.  

Biking is a luxury not afforded to me much now that I have 6 dogs...but I can still dream...and hop on the bike when the stars align for me.

Speaking of having 6 dogs, here they are.  They are a handful, to say the least. They must be fed twice a day, the yard has to be mucked at least 3 times a week, if not daily, they all require love and attention, and walks.  Plus the puppies won't even go to the bathroom without someone standing in the yard.  Some need trims regularly, baths...and the house needs extra cleaning because there are so many tracking dirt in.  

I also have church callings I participate in (this cake was for a Scout pack meeting).

Just because it's winter, doesn't mean the garden is asleep.  I have lettuce, collards and carrots still out there. It is certainly less work than a summer garden but it does take some maintenance...and going out and picking the collards for the morning smoothie is sometimes freezing, especially when there's ice on the leaves.

I also like to craft.  I have so many projects lined up...mostly things I want to do for others...but there's plenty for me in there too.   

Lately, this Christmas present was stealing some of my time.  It's all finished now but i have no pictures of it finished yet.  Adam really liked it.  

I enjoy the sesonal changes and like to take a little time to enjoy those.

Some times nature presents wonders to you when you least expect them, like on this foggy Christmas Eve night.  And when it does, I just have to take the time to enjoy it...and run for my camera. ;o)   

Sunrises and sunsets are my weakness and I would waste all kinds of time watching them...so I guess it's good I don't live somewhere I get to really see them.  

Doing favors for friends...

This list is not at all inclusive of the activities that fill my days...(cleaning and Gospel related things are high on that list).... oh, and if you didn't notice, I take pictures of everything....which takes time in and of itself.  Adam is always volunteering to help someone or other and I feel guilty that I am not helping...so I often tag along and do what I can.  

Just think...if I got everything I wanted when I wanted them, I would have even more on my plate and I wouldn't know how to cope.  As much as I want what I want now, I am thankful that we have to wait for some things...some times anyway. ;o)

I am thankful though, for time...not the 24 hours in a day kind of time but the kind of passing of time that allows us to learn, to adapt and to stretch.  If I had went from being single, biking hours every day on January 1st then on Jan 2nd I was married with all of my responsibilities I have now, I think my brain and/or my heart may have exploded from the stress.  No, I have had time to grow into my current role....and I think it's trying to teach me patience and endurance...maybe someday I'll get it.