“I finally figured out the only reason to be alive is to enjoy it.” — Rita Mae Brown

Susan Wiggs is an author I enjoyed reading in the past, and so far I’m not disappointed with this book

For two years I was going to school to work on my Master’s along with working full-time.  Time seemed to always be rushed — assignments to do, housework, laundry, cooking, cleaning, working, sleeping, reading, errands, etc. And I didn’t like it.

And now I’m done.  I’ve finished.  The Master’s Degree is mine.

It’s hard to learn to adjust to a slower pace, but I’m starting to get the hang of it.  Instead of feeling like I need to rush to get things done on my days off, I’m learning to accept what I get done and really enjoy my days at home.

Reading has been one of the hardest adjustments to make.  When you go from reading highly technical and focused material on which you base papers and discussion board posts . . . to reading for fun . . .   I have to admit, I’ve been lost for a few months trying to decide what to read and finding most things in short supply of “substance” for lack of a better word.  I have had to wrack my brain to remember names of authors I enjoyed reading in the past to help me find new books to enjoy: Susan Wiggs, Julie Garwood, Sue Grafton, Richard Paul Evans . . . these are a few of the names I’ve been able to recall.

Cooking is another adjustment.  Meals that were easy, fast and required few ingredients are now evolving into meals that are tasty (not that my cooking wasn’t tasty before) and more detailed but also fun to create and eat.  Trying new recipes, usually keto based, and seeing the kids reactions has been priceless.  Aioli — a simple sauce of garlic, mayonnaise and lemon juice has become a favorite.  In fact, I usually have a small bowl made up in the fridge at all times now.

Sewing.  Who had time for sewing when there was schoolwork to be done?  Sewing and crafting is something I have ALWAYS enjoyed, but I felt too rushed to start and finish projects.  Now the sewing machine is sitting on the dining room table and commonly has dinner with us.  The kids are learning to sew, I am sewing more things and it has had quite the calming effect.

The last few days have just been more relaxed, laid back and enjoyable all the way around.