free time

Literally, my entire life, my daddy has "been working on the railroad." He is celebrating 32 years of working at CSX Railroad this year. More importantly, this past week, he celebrated

his last week of working at all. My daddy has finally joined the ranks of the people he has admired for many years. You know, all those people that don't have to check a calendar to make any plans; heck, most of them don't even know what day it is most of the time because it just doesn't matter...they are retired...they got nothing but free time.

Also, happening this year, color me happy will celebrate our 5th birthday here in Brunswick. That means I've been "painting pottery all day" (say with sarcasm) for 7 years all together. Honestly, I never would have thought that I would be a business owner. I saw myself as the kind of person that very much enjoys working for someone else and getting a paycheck regularly. How did I get here?! The answer is easy. My parents handprints are all over me and work is no exception. They have always been hard workers. I wonder where I get my volunteerism from...my mom was/is always willing to help with something if someone asks. I got that gene, for sure. The hard part is saying no. :) Up until recently and for the majority of my life, my dad worked 3rd shift at the railroad...in Waycross, GA...an hour away. Every night he would be leaving for work as we went to bed and would get home just as we were leaving for school. He worked lots of overtime and I never thought much about it. Until, of course, I had my own kids and paid my own bills. Thats how it should be really. I was never stressed about money growing up. I always had what I needed and most of what I wanted...I say most because I never got the brand new car at 16 but even then I knew that wasn't normal to expect that. My mom had her own businss, before the store, so she was always available for field trips and such. My dad coached our sports teams. All while they both worked. I now know how tired they must of have been for the majority of 18+ years. I don't remember them complaining. Even about that long drive to the railroad...on the cold nights. No more! My daddy has earned the right to stay home and hold down that couch if thats what he wants to do...He has given me many gifts in my life (and will continue, I'm sure) I'm pretty sure the greatest one has been my work ethic. He has always modeled to me what a hard working man who takes care of his family looks like. And now he can model what a well-deserved rest looks like. Congrats Daddy! I'm so proud of you...