Begin Again

The very best place to start is at the beginning! Today is the new beginning of my sadly neglected blog.

I have been intrigued with blogs for some time. The trouble is I get so caught up in exploring and admiring others’ blogs, that when it comes time to log in to mine, I feel very insignificant! Silly, I know. But, gosh, there are so many experts out there with knowledge and such talents that I can’t imagine what I have to offer. But, who am I writing this for anyway? I’m not out to impress, amaze or astound anyone! I simply would like a quiet, friendly place to share my day to day thoughts and doings.

I do need to learn ways to organize my thoughts regarding blog topics. A million things whirl around in my mind all day long, and then, when I finally sit before my keyboard, I’m blank! Not a thing comes to my mind! And, when I do have something to write about, I can’t find a suitable photo/graphic to go along with it. And, when I do remember to take photos of projects, I seem to forget either the before or the after photo. Needless to say, it takes me SO LONG to write a blog post! I wonder where all you wonderful bloggers find the time to keep yours up! I’m thankful you do though. Otherwise, I would have to seek distractions from my own elsewhere!

So, that said, let me tell you a little about myself and my family to get started.

Tammy and Jim 12/26/2011

I am a wife of 28 years to my bestest friend of 34 years. I don’t have a cute blog name for him at this time. Usually, I refer to him with one of his many titles around here. He is my handyman, tech guy, mechanic, boyfriend, yard boy, housekeeper, and chef. (He even cleans bathrooms!) He is all those things and all mine, sorry ladies! LOL But, more on him later.

We have 3 daughters ages 18, 23, and 25. They are three of the reasons I am interested in blogging. As young women, I find my relationship with them is quickly changing. We are becoming more companionable together and I now realize they “get me” more than I ever thought. I like that. We are all off in our different places and perhaps this blog will alleviate some of my loneliness for them and allow them further insight into my world as their mother standing up a rooting for them as well as a female who has already been to many of the “places” they will be going themselves. New adventures and remembered adventures. That’s what it’s all about. 

Natalie, Katherine & Lindsay 06/2011

Daughter #1 has been married to my favorite son-in-law for a year now. They live and work in a city nearby. We keep in contact more now than we ever did when she lived at home before her marriage! LOL We’ve learned to appreciate one another on a new level. And, it’s good! I know she would NEVER like to hear this, but, here it goes, we are more alike than either of us would like to admit!

Daughter #2 lives and works in Texas. Far, far, away from Michigan. She also keeps in touch quite well with phone, texting, Facebook and email. But our time together is always at a premium as it is always short lived. We always feel the need to cram as much into our time together as we can, often leading to zany results. And, I’m sure I can speak for both of us when I say that no matter how much and how quickly we miss one another, we are glad for our personal space when the visits are over! LOL

Daughter #3 is away at college in the midst of her first year. As the “baby,” I probably spent more one on one time with her than the elder girls who are 2 years apart in age. #3 is 4 1/2 years younger than #2. She was the baby who cried when I was out of sight. Likewise, it was hard for me to see her off to college. Suddenly, here I am a mom at ends without somebody else’s schedule to work around. I am confident that she was fully ready to go off. And, I pray that she is as responsible on her own as her two older sisters were in college. (At least as far as THIS mom wants to know!) 

I am a jack of all trades, master of none! I love so many things, that you will find me doing all sorts of things or nothing at all our of pure overwhelmedness! LOL I have more ideas swirling about in my head than I have time or money to act upon.  I sew, scrap, photograph, decorate, cook, garden, vintage shop, and play on the internet. I do have a job outside of the home. I'm supervisor of the children's department at a Kohl's. I work part-time, which averages to 28 hours per week. I don't have a set schedule, which is one of the things that has made getting this blog off the ground, as well as few other endeavors rather difficult for me. But, I have decided that this year, I need to make more time for me. I've let go of some less rewarding "time consumers" and plan to pursue happiness! (Responsibly, of course!) Doing things we enjoy is as important to our well being as eating right and exercising. (Other things that need some work in my life.)  

Tammy, Jim, Katherine, Lindsay, Natalie & Jeff 12/31/2010

If you are a new reader, thanks for hanging out with me. If you already know me, thanks for coming back!