T h e C o u n t r y A u t h o r

… how I wrote about the issue of time–holding onto it, making the best use of it, and not getting it back once it’s gone. Back then, I thought I didn’t have enough of it in order to do all the things I needed (or wanted) to accomplish. At the time, I worked 3.9 hours a day. I had at least four hours of time to myself, sometimes more. Did I really think I needed more of it? Looking back, I don’t see what I had to complain about.
Last August, two weeks before school started, I was asked to take a new position in the school office which meant more hours. I was delighted. This change meant more money in my family’s coffers and a nice change of scenery. Call me crazy, but I love office work. Though I miss not seeing the students as much as before, I’m loving my new job. But at the same time, I’m struggling with the challenge of not having the time for all the things I took for granted not so long ago.
I miss my leisurely trips to town 30 miles away to grocery shop and cruise the isles of Walmart.
I miss working out in the yard for a good three hours and still have time to take a shower before picking my daughter up from the after-school program.
I miss visiting friends and family who live far away on Facebook.
I miss writing.
I haven’t even looked at my current manuscript in weeks … no, months.
But I see things looking up. There’s been a new development at work. The superintendent informed me the school office will close at 1 pm on Wednesdays since it’s minimum day. I never thought I’d be so happy to have a mere four extra hours in a week. On top of that, they had me leave at noon last Monday and Tuesday.
I had so much fun on those days clearing off the top of desk at home, cleaning out a closet, taking a bunch of stuff to Salvation Army, and enjoying a leisurely trip to town.
Maybe next week I’ll do some writing.

Until next time,