In some ways I have a very scheduled life. Up at 6:30 (week days), serve breakfast, send the boy off to school with dad doing the carpool. Other than that, things are pretty flexible. Some days Paloma (my studio assistant) comes, but her schedule varies with the seasons. Tuesdays I head off to my Leads Club meeting by 6:45. This involves the crazy wake up time of 5:45--not in my nature. I've been doing this for five years because it is a fabulous group and has helped to grow my business tremendously, otherwise there is no godly reason to be up at that hour!
I'm not an every day, same schedule kind of person. I taught Jr. High band and orchestra for eight years. It was the most rewarding job I've ever had, but every minute was scheduled; starting, ending, eating, peeing. A little tedious to say the least. I quit that job when I had the opportunity to go on the road with a
saxophone band (my dream job at the time, believe it or not).
Then we had Emmet, our one and only boy child. He had this crazy idea that he needed to be fed every two hours, on the second. If he didn't have a nipple, real or otherwise, in his mouth at that exact moment, the whole neighborhood heard about it. He still eats this way (he's 12), minus the screaming, usually. Other than the feeding, having a consistent schedule at that time in my life was not easily accomplished. On Mondays I'd fly to San Jose (one hour north, by plane) to practice with the band, dad would stay home with the boy, I'd be home by midnight. There were play groups and mommy and me classes, assorted doctor's appointment, oh, and that job I had teaching saxophone at San Diego State once a week (two hours south). The most "fun" part of that era was pulling over at a truck stop to pump for milk, on my commute. That job lasted 5 years. It too was rewarding, but a horrible car crash, the cost of gas etc. finally lead me to resign. Which brings me to my current life.
I had started my little line of baby clothes while Emmet was wee, to supplement my other jobs, and for fun mostly. When it started to grow and I saw potential, I was able to quit teaching and be at home with the boy. I've never regretted it for a moment.
Some days are exhausting and jam packed. Like yesterday when I had a trunk show at my friend's house. We decided to bring my entire inventory. Set up was a killer. And I didn't even take any pictures. I'm taking today off for the most part. After writing this I have a bit of sewing to do. Which leads me back to Tuesday. . .
That was a great day. After my early wake up, and Leads meeting, I came home to pick up Emmet and his two neighbor friends. They had the day off (Veteran's day). Our plan was to hit the
Van's Skate park in the City of Orange. It is the coolest park in our general area-yet still an hour away. It's a fully enclosed, highly supervised skate park, attached to the Van's store, at The Block, an outdoor shopping mall. Do you see where I'm going with this? One evening my husband and I dropped the kids off, had a delightful dinner, and picked them up two hours later. There's also a movie theater at the Block! Skate sessions are 2 hours long. Emmet is up for two sessions now and loves every minute of it.
Tuesday, I had a plan. . .
First on my "schedule" was a short car nap. I can sleep anywhere at any time, probably due to my time on the road, that or it's a genetic disorder picked up from my dad. I always have my cell phone at the ready in these situations, and the boys have one too. Next, I gathered my bag of necessities, and headed to Border's Book Store.
I browsed leisurely, eventually ordered a Gingerbread non-fat Latte, and finally settled into a quite corner in the arts and crafts section. They have REALLY comfortable chairs at Borders. It's almost like they WANT you to have such a plan.
I love my little tin box. Don't know what it was originally intended for, but it fits my crochet hooks just perfectly.
The lighting and temperature at Borders is ideal for relaxing and crocheting. Two hours just went by. They played a lovely Christmas recording that I hadn't heard before. I know what you're thinking. . . Christmas music already?! Well I LOVE it! Christmas is my favorite time of year. Hey, if you don't start getting ready now, chaos will surely ensue later! I KNOW you feel me!
Alas, it was time to pick up the skaters. There are lots of viewing areas for parents to hang out and watch--or crochet. A little loud and stinky though.
That's mine on the right . . . I'm thinking he needs a haircut. I'll try to get that on my schedule.