Notes to self...

For the times when I forget that I am now living a farmer's life:

1.  Cable tv is not necessary because I don't have time to be a couch potato. Ever.

Note to self...remember how much $ I am saving every single month?  A ga-zillion dollars or close to it.

2.  No need to say, "How much is it?"

Note to self...Instead recite, "How can I find a way to do it less expensively and by myself?"  Paying for someone else to do the work is an unnecessary luxury.  Get over it!

3.  Don't fret that you have a lot of work to do even though you are an anal overachiever.

Note to self...work on the farm will NEVER end so don't get overwhelmed. Take it day by day, literally. The world will not end if there are unpicked blueberries or the grass is a little too tall.

4.  Put on your safety glasses, even though you look like a poindexter.

Note to self...remember when the hammer fell out of your hand and hit you square in the mouth?  Accidents happen and so does "sh-t".  All......the......time!

5.  It is ok to have dirty fingernails, sometimes.

Note to self...picking berries, pulling weeds, planting, digging and composting will get your hands dirty even with gloves on. You clean up real nice, so don't worry about it!  Remember when shelling pecans made your hands brown even with 2 layers of rubber gloves on? Brown fingers looks like money to me!

6.  Your farm is an amazing place and everyone you know thinks you have hit the jackpot.

Note to self...It is ok if dog fur gathers and blows around your beautiful old hardwood plank flooring in huge clumps.   It is spring and dogs shed.  You'll have time to vacuum if you just take a little time to stay inside a few times a week to do some chores.  (Yes, I repeat...STAY INSIDE.) Anyway, no one's going to see it or judge you for how clean your house is.  It's blueberry season, remember?  There is a lot to do outside!  P.S...you live alone.

7.  Take some time to smell the roses.

Note to self...Remember, this is one of the main reasons you bought this place.  Simplify, slow down and enjoy your life.  Breathe it in and give thanks for all of it often.