When I was in college, I was called to assist in the nursery on Sundays. At the time, it seemed like the perfect calling, since I was majoring in education and wanted to teach the youngest children. Instead, the experience opened my eyes. I knew this wasn't the career for me. So here I am numerous years later doing the very thing I didn't want to do.
Do I have other options? Of course. I could go out and find a job, but it has always been important to both me and my husband that I stay home with our children. Also, I'm not trained in anything that would bring in a very good salary. One time we figured out all the numbers and decided that by the time we figured in fuel for the car (we live thirty minutes outside of the city), work clothes, more prepared foods since I would have less time to cook, and child care - it would cost me so much it wouldn't make the job worth it.
So anyway, I get closer and closer to the point where I am burned out. My writing is suffering, I can't think of anything to blog about and look forward to the weekend way too much. But since the money is needed, I need to find a way to stoke the fire again and have some enthusiasm at the beginning of the day. One thing that will help is the LDStorymakers conference I'm attending at the end of the month. I'm just afraid I will have such a great time I won't want to come home.
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On another note, go check out the list of books that are eligible for the 2008 Whitney Awards. It is growing, although some of the books won't be released for a month or two. Start reading them and nominate your favorites. And if you know of any books out there that aren't on the list, let me know in the comment section and I will make sure to add them.
5 comments:
What a huge challenge you face trying to do a truly full-time job and also find the energy and drive to write. I've had a little taste of trying to juggle extra kids and writing the past couple of weeks while I've been helping out a friend. Just trying to edit an existing novel has been so hard!
We all need some down time occasionally to refuel our energy and imagination. I hope the writers' conference gives you both!
Let's have a great time at the conference--I'm sure it'll refuel all of us. If that doesn't work, we can make a chocolate or ice cream run!
Sweet little ones- bless their energized hearts! I know exactly what you mean, how you feel and how you must fall into bed exhausted nearly everyday. But we have to do what we have to do in order to complete our family's needs. I am happy that you have chosen to do something a little less exciting and a lot more complicated in order to be in your home. You're a true blessing to your family.
I hope this conference will do for me what the ANWA conference did. Though ANWA was only a one day conference I left feeling inspired to write, write, write and not look back. It was a spiritual experience as well and I think it not only fed my mind but my soul.
I can't wait to see you again and enjoy talking with you, Stephanie!
Ooops- that was me, Autumn, in the above comment. Sometimes I forget to log off my regular blog to my writing blog. Don't mean to confuse you.
Thanks for the encouragement. I'm sure the conference will be just the thing, but even if it is, a chocolate or ice cream run is always welcome.
And Autumn, I recognize you by either name, so no confusion was involved. :)
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