A Few Changes Around Here

They're actually kind of big in terms of impact to the scheme of things.

First of all, I downsized my company.  I let go of about 1/3 of everything (employees, contracts etc.) and am now focusing my efforts geographically in a more efficient area.  I will be working more strategically now.  I've been doing this for 2 weeks so far, and I am a new person.  I feel amazing!  I wish I'd done it earlier but I learned some valuable lessons about priorities.  This was an extremely difficult decision to make and if it weren't for the Lord, I wouldn't have been able to do it - decide or implement the changes. It was frightening even if the money is the same. Here...on the other side of the decision, I can see how much I was guided and protected and I'm so grateful.

By changing the way I work, I have freed up my time to enable me to spend more of it doing things that I love.  Like spending time with my kids...quality time.  I was able to spend time with them before but I was constantly checking my phone, answering calls & texts and stressing out the whole time about work I needed to be doing.  That was wretched!

This change has also enabled me to have time for other interests of mine, like going back to sewing. My poor sewing machine has sat on my sewing desk very neglected for almost a year and I've been so sad about not having the time to play.  I was getting into it so much right before my life got out of control.  I'm back now...with plans.  Today, I made the girls these cute little swim cover-ups out of bath towels. I had one just like it when I was a girl.  I've been wanting to make these ALL summer. Too bad summer's nearly over but they'll be great for next summer too.

The last thing is that joined our stake orchestra. I haven't played my flute in years, like 15 of them. I believe I played at my grandpa's funeral in 1996 but since then haven't done much besides pick it up now and then and blow into it.  It was in rough shape when I pulled it out of the case but had it repaired and it's good to go.  I'm amazed at how much I suck!  But, I'm also amazed at how quickly it's coming back to me and how good it feels to be playing in an orchestra again.  I've spent many years sitting in an orchestra and it was so great to do it again; feel part of that group. And I actually have time to practice...daily even! My fluting muscles (hehe) are not in shape and I'm having a great time working them out :)  Wanna see a funny picture? I think I was like 15 in this picture.  Shortly after I decided I was too cool to do this anymore and have always regretted that decision but that's hindsight.

All in all, things are getting better by the moment.