I'm Pretty Tired

     Ya know this scene from Forrest Gump? The one where he's been running, just running for years? He has the complete support and encouragement of thousands of people to press on and keep going but one day Forrest decides, "I'm pretty tired. Think I'll go home now." Well lately I feel like Forrest in that scene! My legs actually look like that beard right now. Working from home full time, homeschooling and running everybody where they need to be have taken a toll on me these last few months. For me "I'll go home now" means making time to practice more self-care and unearthing myself! I'm not really big on New Year's resolutions as they're generally just fruitless plans that leave me failing like a failure but I love fresh starts and opportunities to hit the reset button. In 2017, I'm making some deliberate changes to how I do business so that I have time to take better care of me and my family. I haven't exercised in over a year, possibly more- I've lost track) and 25 pounds later my body is feeling it. Heartburn. High blood pressure. I'm too young for all that. I've been struggling with severe adult acne as well. (R&F Unblemish didn't even clear it up ;)) Now 5 days into Christmas vacation with no cookie deadlines and lots of sleep, my face is clear of active breakouts for the first time in a year. It's clear I've gotta give myself a break!
     And homeschooling.....I have a pre-teen daughter who loves being home with me. That's worth repeating: I have a pre-teen daughter who loves being home with me! Ruby will likely return to school next fall and these times are fleeting. I feel in the depths of my soul that making the most of our last months together is of utmost importance! I want to be more engaged with Ruby instead of her working in one room while I'm working in the kitchen. I want more impromptu lunch and shopping dates and cuddling on the couch binge-watching Gilmore Girls with her. When I leave this world, the most important people in my life won't care about how many Instagram followers I have, but they will remember the quality of the time that we had together. They'll remember that I said "Yes, let's go to lunch! Yes, I'll give you a massage before bed! Yes, I'll play UNO with you! Yes, I'm free this weekend for a date night!" And if I don't take better care of me I'll be leaving this world sooner rather than later!
     In 2017 or until further notice, I will not be taking ANY custom cookie orders. I thought and prayed on how I could still do SOME orders but there just isn't a clear place to draw a line in the sand. With our numerous church and school and theatre communities, even if I only baked for existing customers or "close" friends (and how in the world do I decide where to draw THAT line because ALL of you are close friends!) that would leave me busier than I need to be at this point. I will continue to have pop-up shops for big events and holidays and will teach some classes. I will bake from time to time as I FEEL like it and will have cookies available for quick sale. Thank you all for your loyalty and ongoing encouragement. You don't know how much it thrills my soul! I got a little misty when I walked in to Pout last week and found a line of people wrapped through the store waiting for me to arrive. You truly are the best!
     As we approach 2017, I encourage you all to evaluate how you spend your time and to give yourself permission to cut what must be cut! Say NO to some things in 2017 so that you can give your best YES to those that matter most, including yourself! Now excuse me while I go shave my legs and get to the gym.