A New Way of Thinking

Recently, I've embarked on a new journey. Not necessarily a journey of my choosing, but a journey none-the-less. My entire life has changed, my job, my pay, my values, the hours I am away from home, the hours spent trying to learn the new job, etc. Really, our lives are not the same. In the all-not-so-far-off-past, I used to love shopping with friends, a day at the hairdresser and a pedicure, shopping for the latest clothes and accessories, as well as eating out.



This doesn't mean that I no longer like these things; I really enjoy them actually. Yet, the truth is, I'm learning to enjoy other things more. The road to get there is not exactly the smoothest highway. In fact, the ride is more like dirt roading in a topless jeep. I feel every bump along the road, my car gets dirty, my hair feels like it will never be the same, and I'm kinda get used to it. Who needs high heel boots in a jeep? They just hurt my feet anyway!



My new job requires less hours but I'm farther away from home. The transportation costs more but I'm closer to retail outlets and discount stores. I've had to give up the house keeper due to less pay, and working farther away makes it even harder to keep up with the chores, I can no longer run home during lunch to put something out for supper or load the washer. It takes time to go through the mail, call and re-arrange payment schedules, work on health insurance issues...my time has been the greatest challenge.



Yet, I'm learning a new life style. The past few weeks we've experienced SNOW! As an educator, I'm home on snow days. HOME! It feels great! I don't want to leave! I'm cleaning out the freezer, getting caught up on reading, preparing for taxes, and loving every minute of it. I can't believe I'm saying this...but...it's a lot more rewarding than shopping. I can have breakfast or lunch with friends and enjoy it even more when we are snowed in at one another's home than in a restraunt.



Really, this is a journey home.