Satisfaction

Being a "keeper at home" is not the profession I was raised for. My parents, classically trained musicians, made their living teaching.

Education was prized in my house. It was never even questioned that I would go to college. It was simply expected. One of my older sisters has a degree from Berkeley and UCLA. Another sister has her MBA from USC. As the baby, I had a lot to live up to. It was expected that I would get my degree in something useful and lofty, and then have a career.

Of course, I do have a career that I absolutely love. I believe nursing is a calling and a profession that I'm so grateful to be a part of. But my real job is at home with my kids.

So, how does one learn to do something for which they were never trained? Trying to homeschool, raise kids, take care of everyone's needs, and keep an entire household organized and running smoothly is not easy. I don't care what anyone says. If you take being a SAHM seriously, then it's an all day job, and it never feels finished.

Over time, I've learned some things that work for me. But I'm still looking for systems and tricks to help streamline the process, make it simpler, and get more done. I may have found it in a new chore planner. I can't believe how much I got done today using it! I'd like to use it for a few more weeks before I recommend it, but if it helps like it did today, I don't think I'll be without it ever again!

And for a change I can go to bed feeling productive and valuable. Satisfied with what I did. Like I really took care of my family and did well. As a side note, trying to find an image to go with "satisfied woman" brought up things that were not at all what I was looking for. Note to self: pick adjectives more carefully!

She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
Psalm 31:27-28