To Stay at Home or Not to Stay at Home?

Many of you know how strange it has been for me to stay home the last 6 months. I've looked for several jobs and even interviewed for a few things that haven't worked out. I've been working at the church 10 hours a week but have decided I'd even rather do that as a volunteer so I can freely travel with David. Luckily, I don't have to work for financial purposes. Things will be tight with David in school, but he actually gets a decent salary from KU. I've been all over the map lately...working at Starbucks?, starting my PhD?, staying home full-time?. Basically I have no idea what I want to do and how Thomas and David fit into it. On the other hand, I know it's time when we get back from the cabin to start stimulating my brain again.

I'm lucky to have quite a few options and want to do something to contribute to our finances and my own health as a person. I've started to experience joy in staying home and doing routine things like folding laundry and cleaning our house. I've even gotten on a schedule that works well for Thomas and I and includes exercise for me and social interactions for T. Maybe the grass is always greener, and I'm playing that game for moms who work or have found ways to use their talents outside of the home. Here's what I know: 1. I don't want to work full-time and miss being with T. 2. I want to be available to David's schedule to do things like go to CO in the summers. 3. I need an environment that has clear boundaries and isn't so emotionally taxing that I come home overtired. 4. I'm drained by the idea of doing ministry or working in a Christian setting right now. 5. I'm a big baby when it comes to serving my family and need more practice in that area. 6. I get excited about PhD classes for me but am not sure it is best for David and I as a couple. (financially and the idea of both of us being in school) 7. I'm not ready to have another baby and therefore not really have this decision to make since when we have 2+ I'll probably be home. 8. It would be great if I could work somewhere that would provide health insurance and only in the mornings. 9. I don't want to babysit or be a nanny...leaving the house is a big factor. 10. I've thought about writing but don't know how to make money or provide structure to that career. Any ideas?

OBAMA '08!

David and I are big Barack Obama supporters for the '08 election. He is coming to Kansas City on Saturday to launch his campaign. We are super excited to hear him speak. For more information about this candidate please go to his website at www.barackobama.com. He has an awesome speech posted right now on faith and politics.

Faith and politics has become a topic that I have become very interested in over the past few years. I used to vote Republican because I was spoon fed to do so by older, conservative Christians. A wise friend of mine told me a few years ago to consider picking a few topics or issues that are important to me and supporting the candidate that best matches my status on the issues. If you are voting one direction or the other I would ask you the following questions..."Do you know why you are voting for one party? Do you have your top issues that cause you to support a candidate?" My important issues have recently been: social justice, the environment, cultural awareness, and public education. I think it would be so wonderful to have a bi-racial man who supports these things in the White House.

PS-I love a good debate and hope I am good listener to other points of view while holding my own ground. Let's talk politics via comments and e-mail!