Exploring in Georgia

Forgive me father, for I have sinned. It has been 9 days since my last day at work.  For all practical purposes I am unemployed and have entered a transitional stage of life- in between the working world and motherhood.  Thus, it only seemed appropriate that I attempt to document this time in my life.  I am typically a "paper and pencil" girl and have been known to scorn blogging but in tribute to this whole experience and also to keep up my writing skills I have ventured into this blogging world.  I don't know who would want to read this or why, but I am going to have fun with it!

Derrek and I arrived in GA on the night of Monday, August 14th.  As fate would have it (and my 7 months pregnant squished bladder), I had to use the restroom immediately after crossing into GA.  What a treasure I found in that "Welcome to GA" rest stop!  I picked up a splendid piece of cardstock listing GA made and grown products in the Augusta area.  This has provided for me an entertaining scavenger hunt during my first week here.  Sure, the first several days were spent unpacking, organizing and cleaning.  After day 3 I had to find an excuse to get out of the house.  I decided to put together a very late wedding gift incorporating handcrafted GA made products for a lovely couple we know living just a few minutes away.  This led me first to Harlem, GA where I discovered Lucky Lady Pecans and Red Oak Manor.  I also spotted the Laurel and Hardy Mueseum which I will have to make a trip back for later.  Maybe.  Then on a Tuesday morning...when I would normally be at work...I pulled up to a rustic little cottage and purchased raw honey from a  nice older man in overalls.  I am absolutely loving the randomness of each day!

Granted, this holy grail has led me astray.  Garden City Organics no longer exists.  After much internet searching I have found a service that just may be able to furnish me with the organic and locally grown food products I have been looking for.  Not to say there won't be any last minute Stouffer's lasagnas or Ramen noodles, but I am looking forward to putting more thought into our food now that I have the time.  Primarily, I'd like to purchase locally grown produce, grass fed beef and milk in glass bottles.  I am also determined to buy some handmade soaps and even discovered a soap making class that I am tempted to attend.  I am having a ton of fun exploring a part of me that work left little time or energy for.  However, I do miss my job.  It provided for me a set routine and sense of accomplishment on most days.  I am having some difficulty setting priorities without the time constraint that used to finely tune my each task. I understand that this will likely change once baby arrives, but for now I am learning to enjoy this unusual opportunity. 

I should also say that since Derrek has this time off as well it is very different for us as a couple.  Sleeping in, home projects and big breakfasts have been highlights of our day.  I made homemade cinnamon rolls and frosting for the first time.  We were able to attend Wednesday night dinner and Bible study tonight at the church we visited on Sunday.  We were so blessed by the teaching and by the friendly faces we have encountered. I have already become so fond of a lovely lady named Gloria, who, upon finding out that is to be the name of our little one squealed with joy and has since re-told the story to each person we've met.  She is a beautiful energetic Christian woman in her 70's and I hope our Gloria is much like her!