note to self

I keep thinking that since work is winding down for the season I am going to have a bunch of free time for relaxing, blogging, reading. Not so much. I had a date with my bathtub and my Real Simple magazine tonight and I totally stood them up. I am learning that no matter how much more free time I have I always manage to fill it up. Like today I had a little free time but instead of oh I don’t know, taking a shower, I made cookies for Shane. Sometimes baking is fun and other times its just frustrating and a big mess like it was today. So, note to self…slow the heck down. I’m trying I swear.

On that note I am trying to reflect on my busy season this year and look at what I should do differently next year. This run your own business/be a mom and wife thing is a hard balance and I learn new things every year. So here is what I’ve got so far…

1) Don’t do tons of Sunday photo shoots! If you do any at all make them later in the afternoon. I missed church so much this fall and it was so stupid of me. I don’t know what I was thinking and it makes me sad that I so quickly sacrificed that time. It’s important for me to go to church and I put work before that. Bad idea.

2) Get frozen meals made or prepared to have on hand. We ate horribly this year because I didn’t have time to cook.

3) Look ahead and plan out slots that are available for shoots. When they are full, they are full. I have a problem saying no even though I know I’m in over my head. For some reason it is easier to say “all my slots are booked.” than “No, I can’t do it.”

4) More business and more money is not worth sacrificing my sanity and my family.

That’s what I have so far. I’m still thinking it all through. I’m exhausted. It’s bed time. Tomorrow is going to be a busy one. But I am going to try my best to go slow. I have my last two photo shoots of the season and some errands to run and I get to see some sweet friends. Hope you have a good Wednesday. Only two days until turkey and cranberry sauce!