It seems I have some catching up to do! Time has been slipping through my fingers of late, funny how it can evaporate. I've been engulfed in a wave of busy-ness that I'm not enjoying really and I have been quite conscious of its impact on aspects of my life.
Over past weeks, while I've been away from this space, I have made a return to permanent part-time teaching and subsequently experienced the inevitable load of all that constantly influences the education realm. My beautiful boy began high school and I felt a bittersweet ache, and swell of pride, at watching him make the beginnings of that transition. Both of these are significant changes and they have had their impacts as we seek to keep things as simple as possible in the midst of our new routine.
Just what our new routine will be is still a work in progress. Some things are showing signs of neglect, besides this blog of mine. A menu plan is non-existent, my garden is parched and wilting from lack of attention during this long, hot and dry spell we're having. I have not added a single stitch to the sampler I began stitching on holiday and my knitting needles have fallen silent. These things, among quite a few others, reflect the fact that I now have far fewer precious hours here at home.
Very slow progress on my sampler.
(Charlotte Lyon sampler)
The last book I read.
(I highly recommend it!)
Still waiting for me to finish it!
It's impossible to conjure up extra hours in a day so I will need to prioritise and decide just how I want to spend the time I do have at home. I am trying to develop routines that work for us and that are sustainable during the year. Thankfully, not everything has fallen by the wayside. I am still cooking homemade meals, packing homemade lunches and baking for morning and afternoon teas on Sunday mornings. Our food scraps are still making it to the compost bin and the worm farm. The housework is getting done, albeit at times it's a quick "once-over". Sir Steve dog and I go for our late Summer afternoon stroll each day for there is no way I could disappoint a lovely old Labrador who would sulk indefinitely without his walk;) And, I still tuck myself up into bed each night with a library book but I am tending to fall asleep now before I've finished the first page!
Reading my favourite blogs and writing here have been two of the things that have fallen away somewhat. It's been easy to think I will leave it 'til later but then later never comes. A routine I'm going to try, to keep me in touch with this lovely blogging community I now belong to, is to post once-a-week on a Friday. That will leave some time on weekends for visiting those of you who write too.
I have been wondering how Cheryl's orchard is going, what soaps Nanna Chel has been making, how Emma is going up at her farm and what Sally's doing down on hers, what delicious aromas have been wafting from Fiona's kitchen, what gorgeous knits Stephenie has created, what thriftiness Nil has been up to and whether Chris has had any rain out her way not to mention what Melissa has been stitching and what else I can learn from Rhonda (who I am sure would have very sensible advice on how to marry together a simple life with a working life.) Definitely some catching up to do!
See you on next Friday...
Meg
Over past weeks, while I've been away from this space, I have made a return to permanent part-time teaching and subsequently experienced the inevitable load of all that constantly influences the education realm. My beautiful boy began high school and I felt a bittersweet ache, and swell of pride, at watching him make the beginnings of that transition. Both of these are significant changes and they have had their impacts as we seek to keep things as simple as possible in the midst of our new routine.
Just what our new routine will be is still a work in progress. Some things are showing signs of neglect, besides this blog of mine. A menu plan is non-existent, my garden is parched and wilting from lack of attention during this long, hot and dry spell we're having. I have not added a single stitch to the sampler I began stitching on holiday and my knitting needles have fallen silent. These things, among quite a few others, reflect the fact that I now have far fewer precious hours here at home.
(Charlotte Lyon sampler)
(I highly recommend it!)
Reading my favourite blogs and writing here have been two of the things that have fallen away somewhat. It's been easy to think I will leave it 'til later but then later never comes. A routine I'm going to try, to keep me in touch with this lovely blogging community I now belong to, is to post once-a-week on a Friday. That will leave some time on weekends for visiting those of you who write too.
I have been wondering how Cheryl's orchard is going, what soaps Nanna Chel has been making, how Emma is going up at her farm and what Sally's doing down on hers, what delicious aromas have been wafting from Fiona's kitchen, what gorgeous knits Stephenie has created, what thriftiness Nil has been up to and whether Chris has had any rain out her way not to mention what Melissa has been stitching and what else I can learn from Rhonda (who I am sure would have very sensible advice on how to marry together a simple life with a working life.) Definitely some catching up to do!
See you on next Friday...
Meg
Hi Meg, Thank you for the mention. I have missed you, but am happy that you are working and earning money. That book looks lovely, and so does your dishcloth. Congratulations on getting your housework, cooking, baking, and composting done. You have a lot of responsibilities. Your post made me realize how lucky I am to work from home. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteHi, Stephenie. I do highly recommend this book; Australian wildflowers are woven throughout the story. You are indeed lucky to work from home and I feel lucky too to have a couple of days at home instead of having to work full-time. It's getting it all to balance! MegXx
DeleteMeg, I'm so glad to see this post. Just the other day I was wondering if you had started teaching. I suspected that could be the reason for your silence. 😚
ReplyDeleteFalling asleep with a book sounds so familiar because that's what I have been doing lately.
I hope you have a relaxing weekend.
XX
I knew a fellow teacher would know that I was buried under lots of schoolwork, Nil. I always read before I go to sleep but am so tired I find the words blurring on the page so quickly! I expect I'll get through far fewer books than usual this year. Meg Xx
DeleteHi Meg!
ReplyDeleteIt’s so funny that you posted today, as just this morning I had a comment on my blog from Patricia, wondering if I had heard from you and if you were ok, as she hadn’t seen any posts from you, or any comments on blogs that she usually sees you comment on.
I told her I assumed your absence was because of new work commitments because I remembered you were going to be working more this year.
You just do what you can, it’s such a big adjustment, and speaking for myself I find my energy and enthusiasm for anything else flies out the window when I have a busy work week.
It is a big adjustment and I do remember when you increased your work hours and how busy you became. It is good advice to just do what you can. I want to enjoy writing here, rather than feeling it is something else for the "to do" list, so I think once a week will be a good plan to try. I will pop over and leave a comment for Patricia, how lovely the folk in our blogging community are. I hope your orchard is growing strong! MegXx
DeleteAhh Meg, I fully understand where you are coming from, I am struggling to keep up my blog and I don't do paid work or have school age kids....Kudos to you.
ReplyDeleteWe can only do what we can do, I have to admit though, I had been keeping an eye out for you.I don't get to read or catch up or comment on anywhere near the number of blogs that I would like too.
It sounds like you are getting all your ducks in a row though and the rest will fall into place.
Sir Steve I am sure is grateful for your time with him.
Take care Meg, and do take some time for yourself, great advice from someone who really doesn't listen to her own words either,....but I will try too,
Cheers
Jane.
Thank you, Jane. I am trying to care for myself during this transition process as I admit to being very tired. I do hope things will fall into place as these early months go along. I think part of that is finding a routine that works. Take care too! MegXx
DeleteHello Meg,
ReplyDeleteI have been following your blog for a few months now having found you after reading "Stay Home Instead". I was glad to see your post today as I have been checking regularly.
I haven't left a comment before but wanted to say hello today.
Hopefully before long you will all adapt to the new routines and you will also have more time for the things you enjoy.
Well done for keeping up with so many of the cooking and household tasks, now that you have returned to part-time teaching.
Good luck with everything and I look forward to catching up with your blog on Fridays.
Best wishes,
Maria from Adelaide.
Hello, Maria! Thank you for your lovely comment; I hope to make it here on Fridays regularly. I think routine is a way to balance a working life and a home life too. MegXx
DeleteIt's always hard in the begining when you start back to work, but as your body gets used to the new routine, you will find more energy. it's heart wrenching when they start scholl.
ReplyDeleteOh, Marlene. My heart did wrench so as I watched him go. They are little for such a short time really but I am immensely proud of my boy for it has not always been an easy journey for him. Thank you for your sweet comment. MegXx
DeleteThe back to school routine and meetings is a bit of a shock and doing lunch boxes and ironing and washing uniforms hits all at once. I'm over this hot weather that's for sure. I have been watering my veggies every morning so, so far so good.
ReplyDeleteI am over this hot weather too, Kathy. I have next to nothing in my veg patch as it's just too hot and dry. Something ate almost every cucumber I did have earlier in the Summer and I think I just lost heart after that! MegXx
DeletePart-time teaching is almost never part time...at least the space it takes up in your head seems very full time. I hope to see you here weekly, and I wish you all the best in melding work and home endeavors.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kath. Teaching is never part-time; it is a job that has no end really as to the myriad of things one has to do and also what one wants to do to make school and learning the very best experience for the children. See you here next Friday! MegXx
DeleteThere's always so much to do when you love to create and life gets in the way. I figure don't stress, it will shake itself into some sort of shape. You have the basics covered.
ReplyDeleteYes, Anne! I am missing the creative side of things very much. If I get that sampler finished before the end of the year it will be a miracle!! MegXx
DeleteIt sounds like you're nicely on top of this new stage of your family life Meg, even if it doesn't feel like it yet, and some activities have to take a back seat for a while until you find your new rythym. Enjoy your new working life and relax when you can.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your wise words, Nanette. I am pleased that some things haven't fallen by the wayside but it doesn't feel like a rhythm yet. I guess that takes time. MegXx
DeleteGood luck with the new job Meg.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Jan. Xx
DeleteHi Meg, congratulations on your teaching position!
ReplyDeleteOh I know how you feel regarding the lack of time to do all those things, but you'll get back to it later in time.
Much the same here, although not working for an employer, nor do I have children to care for, but other things are taking my time.
Sounds like you're well organised for working life though, and managing well.
Trying to be well organised, Sally, but feeling a bit swamped at times. I guess it's having that patience to accept that some things can't be done in the same way, or for the same amounts of time as I devoted to them before. I do hope to get back to the more creative things I enjoy, as that really is what I'm missing the most. Hope all is well down on your farm. MegXx
DeleteSuch a similar life to mine Meg! I went back to part time teaching last September and I was sooo tired at the end of each work day. So much info to take in and a big to do list! Plus adjusting to being a working mum! I have to say I’ve started back this year and it feels a lot calmer. Still busy but I’m finding my rhythm. I think the first few months are just like that when starting a new role. One wise friend told me there is always a three month adjustment period when starting a new job. It sure was for me! I’m sure you willl get there. By the way, that book was my favourite book I read last year. Such a beautiful story.
ReplyDeleteYour comment makes me feel reassured that I'll get there, Belinda. Thanks so much for that. MegXx
DeleteWell a good manager knows how to prioritize and it looks like you are doing that! When I seem to get frustrated from having too much (of my own making) to do, I just start putting away projects into drawers for the future. I love your washcloth...I want to learn how to make those and I have a book but haven't done that yet. High School for your son, how wonderful. That time will go fast! Andrea
ReplyDeleteI think I will have to put away a few projects too, Andrea, or perhaps not start so many! I hope you enjoy making a washcloth soon. I love knitting them as they are a quick, practical project. MegXx
DeleteI've had a new busy routine, to adapt to as well. My husband has taken up part-time study, which means the things he would normally help with the kids (after work) I now have to. I've also chosen to undergo something new for myself, which takes time away from my regular routine. I realise what a creature of habit I am, and yearn for that old routine to return.
ReplyDeleteBut of course, it cannot - not for this season, at least. So I'm choosing to focus on one or two things, I cannot do without. The things that would make me go crazy, if I didn't do them. It's easier to find time for those few things, as opposed to attempting to reconnect it all. Because you soon realise, there aren't enough hours in the day, lol.
I've got some good news though...we DID get some rain. Not much, but I still heard it trickling down the pipes, and into the tanks. I can see water dripping from the leafs on a rose bush, outside. So while, not a lot of rain, I can still see and experience it. A continuation of overcast conditions tomorrow, might even sprout us some green grass. That would be lovely! I hope you're getting some rain for your garden, too. :)
Hooray for rain! We went to sleep with the sound of rain pattering on the roof last night and I though how beautiful that sound is! The grass here has been very dry and brown so seeing that green come through, and things looking not so parched, is lovely. Hoping for good follow up rain here too.
DeleteI know what you mean about seasons in life; times when there are some things that just have to wait. I will get past the frustration I'm feeling about that at present because I think ultimately "it just is what it is". Is the something new you are doing for yourself a creative pursuit, Chris?
MegXx
Yes, indeed it is - something creative. Requires quite a bit of setting up though. A lot of research at this stage, but that too can eat into the schedule! ;)
DeleteSounds like you are very busy; it's often hard to find a good balance between working, housework, and leisure activities. Hope you find good routines to help you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bless. I hope I can find those routines too. Meg:)
Deletehope, your knitting will finish soon.
ReplyDeletehave a great day
I still haven't finished it, Tanza. It would take me less than 5minutes but I keep putting it to the side and finding other things that need doing Maybe this weekend! Meg:)
Delete