It’s been a long time since either of us posted. This summer saw great progress on the earthship, thanks to a pretty aggressive schedule while James was here. When we said good-bye to James at the end of August we were exhausted. We knew September would be a wash for the house as we had two fairs to attend, and our work commitments seemed to increase.
We are back to struggling with time commitments. The pull of time, work (paid), work (house), homeschooling, and family time are all conspiring to challenge us right now. We love our work at The Welcome Back MRI and Pain Management Clinic in Kamloops. It is great work for both of us and we really enjoy the people we work for, and with.
The kids are branching out this year and becoming more involved in activities on their own…which means more running around for us. I’ve also taken on some writing/PR jobs. I never thought when I left Toronto and San Francisco behind, that I’d find PR work in the health care industry again. The interior of BC is not a hub for that kind of activity.
4-H is really busy and I’m just completing my first year as A leader…without the constant guidance of the long running A leaders of the club. (I’ve actually been a co-leader for a few years). With all our commitments this year and and without the high energy help of Dennis and Laura-Ann F (whos retired after 9 years at he helm), I found myself barely able to stay ahead of administrative deadlines and often my clients need me when I need to be at 4-H. I haven’t really felt as though I have been able to do a stellar job for the kids and the parents of the club all year.
This is year four ending for us in the Nutshell, and two years and four months physically building the earthship. I looked out the kitchen window of the Nutshell tonight and saw the moon reflected in the south wall of glass. I really wish I could be watching the moon from inside that south wall of glass!
It’s why, tonight, at our last general meeting of the 4-H club for the year, I indicated my intention to step back from club duties for the next year. I still want to be involved, but I am feeling the weight of all our comitments and I see that it is slowing us down in our ability to finish the house. At this point, we want to keep working. At two to three days per week for each of us, it gives us flexibility, a very generous income and time to add more $ to the house coffers, essentially ensuring that we will not have to finance construction through our previous savings, or through a bank.
We will have to step back from a few more things in the next months to truly free up time to complete the earthship. I don’t think either of us knows what that will be. I suppose we will evaluate as we move forward.
As I read this I realize how disjointed my thoughts are. I kind of feel like that though. I’m hoping to feel more in control of things soon. And hoping that means some forward progress again on the house.