Busy, busy, busy...

This is my adorable grandaughter. I also have two adorable grandsons. They keep me busy.

I recently spent almost three weeks on Saltspring Island helping with my grandsons. Their dad was away on business and their mom needed some help. I got up early, made breakfast, packed a lunch and got my eldest grandson to kindergarten. Then I looked after my youngest grandson while his mom did some work. Fortunately, grandpa came along. He's a great cook and kept us warm and safe when a storm blew through.

When we got back home, it was time to look after our grandaughter. We look after her two afternoons a week while her mom works. She's starting to crawl so it keeps us on our toes. It also keeps us in regular contact with her mom and dad, who are wonderful.

And...it's only a month before Christmas and I'm busy sewing, crocheting, weaving, shopping and planning. It isn't leaving much time for goofing off. It isn't leaving much time for anything! I managed to plant some bulbs and do a bit of yard work, but another storm has made another mess. Sigh.

There is a balancing act between too busy, and having too much time on your hands. I have a lot of interests; fibre arts, reading, gardening, travelling, baking, etc. I appreciate having the freedom to pursue my interests. I also appreciate having my grandbabies in my life and being engaged with them as they grow. Moving to a new community during a pandemic has made it difficult to make new friends, but I have joined the local weavers' guild and we have joined the yacht club. As it becomes easier to meet people, those new friendships will also need time.

I generally work well under pressure and get alot done. However, I don't enjoy feeling rushed or torn between competing interests or demands. Managing my time while I was working full time was a fact of life. It didn't occur to me that there would be so many demands on my time in retirement! Make time for you, and what you love to do.