On the Road Again

In addition to being a stay at home mom, and avid crafter, I also have a part-time job as an Industrial Hygienist. “What the heck is an Industrial Hygienist?” you ask. Well it is a fancy way to say employee health and safety specialist. I work as an IH consultant for one of my best friends from college who started her own consulting firm about 15 years ago. My part-time is different from what most consider a part-time job. When I work, I typically have to travel, and may be gone for 1, 2, maybe even 5 days at a time. But then, I may not work again for another month or two. I spent the first part of this week working in Pittsburgh, PA. I’ve been doing training for employees at a chemical factory.

I am actually writing from Panara Bread in Mansfield, OH on my way home - a girl's got to eat!

I know, it seems contradictory that I would be working at a chemical factory in steel toed work boots, a hard hat and safety glasses when what I really love is crafting, sewing, quilting, etc… But it pays the bills, supports my sewing habit, allows my kids to go to Catholic School, etc… And as much as I love being a stay at home mom it is nice to get away every once in a while even if it is work. It’s good to be with adults, keep my mind active, stay in a nice hotel at night with no one to wake me up, eat at a restaurant and not be in a rush or have someone wanting to eat off my plate, see new areas, shop in the evening unrushed, etc... Also, being away for a couple days really makes my family appreciate all that I do for them. Two to three nights away is the perfect amount of time for me. It is long enough that I come home feeling refreshed by the change of pace and ready to get back to my family, kids, home, and all the things I love.

I’m excited to get home and start on the scrap challenge that I signed up for on JC Handmade’s blog site. This will be my first on-line challenge I’ve participated in. I’m trying to think of what fabric to send in – I have so many that I love, and so many “scraps” that the decision will not be easy!

Well, I'd better get back on the road and finish the last half of my 6 hour car trip! Yuck!