I realize that I am very fortunate to be able to spend my days in projects that are dear to my heart.   Family history in all its forms  – genealogy research, written histories, preserving pictures – can keep my interest for hours and days on end.  And although I quit a part time job to pursue this unpaid work, it doesn’t feel like my JOB.  If it’s fun and fulfilling, it doesn’t really count as work, right?

Sometimes I find my self almost apologetic when stumbling through a response to the question, “Do you work?”

“Well, sort of, but not really.  I do family history.  My husband and I feel that preserving our family history is really important. . . ”  Even to my own ears, my wandering explanations of family history, genealogy and scrapbooks don’t seem convincing.  My job is to scrapbook?

And the casual conversation really turns awkward when the questioner struggles to make sense of what I’ve just said.  I imagine her thoughts, “Your job is to scrapbook?”

As a result of my skewed perspective that work cannot be enjoyable, I put off starting projects that I want to do and need to do, because I keep thinking I should be doing something IMPORTANT.  I have to fill my days with WORK.  Fun activities come after the work is done.

In years past, I have compiled scrapbooks for Emily, Nathan and Peter.  I’ve found the time between obligations of work and family to organize and display their histories.

I started Emily’s book just before she was married, and completed it about a year later.  This month I’ve scanned each page, so I have a digital copy of all that hard work.

It’s been fun to study those pictures again and laugh at fashion, style, and personality from days gone by.

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I’ve been working on Peter’s pictures for years.  When I first started, an experienced scrapbooker suggested that I start with the youngest child so I wouldn’t have so much catching up to do.

So Pete’s has been a work in progress, and with a couple more pages to document his post high school years, it will be ready for the scanner.  I know Brittney’s anxious to have the finished product.

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Nate’s albums went home at Thanksgiving, 2009.

Nikki’s excitement was very rewarding for me, and I got excited to keep going on this project.

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Mark (but mostly Kate) is still patiently waiting for his personal record to take its place on their bookshelf.  But this week I’m moving forward with the idea that it’s okay to spend my day in activities that I love.  I’ve finally started his albums, and I’m doing it in the middle of the day during prime work time.  Imagine that!

I love my work!