My third child is due in, oh, 4-5 weeks. I spend my days chasing a 2 and 4 year old. I have no kitchen right now because it has been gutted for a remodel.
I've got 26 head of sheep, 2 angora rabbits, and help my mom with her 17 or so alpacas. I work 1-2 days away from home (100-mile round-trip commute). My husband and I teach natural childbirth classes (The Bradley Method) one night a week. I have my daughter's friend over for one morning a week, do volunteer work two mornings a week, and devote at least eight hours a week to Bible study/meetings. Now, throw in housework, cooking meals, grocery shopping, and errands, and that leaves how much time for recreation and hobbies?
I have to have a schedule. And I do schedule time for fiber related things. Several years ago, my husband and I decided that we didn't want to own a TV. And I'm so glad that we don't. Cause I know that all I'd do is sit there and not get anything else done. I've also limited recreational reading. My Bible study and study materials provide plenty of healthy and educational reading. We've simplified our lives so as to not have a lot of "stuff" that would require care and cleaning. So, we don't have a bunch of nick-knacks sitting around that need dusting. My mother bought us a "Roomba" robotic vacuum cleaner. You just set it in the room and turn it on. Wha-la! The room is vacuumed - the carpet, the hardwood floors, or the tile in the bathroom. Shopping is done one day a week - and I try to pick a 'slow' day - which is not Saturday or Sunday. That cuts down on the time I spend in lines and traffic. Lists are helpful - reminds me what HAS to get done and so that I don't forget anything. Bills are all set up for automatic payment - not only saves time not having to assemble all the bills and write out checks, but also saves in postage and I don't worry about due dates, if I overlooked one, or wondering if anything got lost or delayed in the mail.
I also set goals for myself. If I want to do scarves on the loom, I'll warp out enough for three. If I'm doing a dye pot, I start with the color that I want and then use other yarn or fiber to exhaust the dye bath. This has been fun. I get something new all the time - and its a surprise! I used to spin a spool each night, but kids have taken that time. I'm doing good if I get one a week done. Same with carding (on my 16" electric Duncan). I'm pleased if I finish just one batt. I've always got something going and so long as I get something done each week, I feel good about it.
Gabrielle Menn www.fanfarefarms.com
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