Today was my last day at Seaquist and my last day at Tea Thyme was about a month ago.  We have a little over a week to go before we hit the road in our RV.  I thought this might be a good opportunity to reflect on lessons learned this summer.

• I’m 60-something and I am learning that I am not as spry as I used to be.  I have never shied away from hard, physical labor, but when I first started at Seaquist I found myself curling up in a fetal position at home after spending eight or nine hours a day on my feet.
• There are all kinds of “Help wanted” signs all over Door County every summer, but not all of them are for me.  I am a librarian by nature; detail-oriented, methodical, easy-paced.  Jobs in tourism mostly seem to be fast-paced.  I am best at jobs where accuracy is valued and where I can be friendly and helpful.
• It’s best not to work for neighbors if you want to keep peace in the “hood”.  I had a rare opportunity to get to know my neighbors across the street really well when I worked for them, but it might be best for both of us to know a little less about each other!
• All work and no play makes Denise a dull girl.  If I’m always working, there’s no time to see my friends, explore Door County, take photos, quilt or write.  I am hoping to keep some time open next summer to remedy this sad state of affairs.
• God’s got my back!  It’s been a difficult summer for me in many ways:  God took away all the people and things I depend on in order to teach me I can depend on Him.  I find that I need quiet time to spend with Him each day or things fall awry.  This is another good reason to take some time each day to just Be.

On September 26th, I interviewed for the job at the Visitor’s Center here in Ellison Bay for next year, and was immediately put to work this year helping with data entry projects I can do from home.  It has been a good way to supplement my income since my Tea Thyme job ended about the same time I was hired.  I already have a good feeling about this job.  I think it will use my skill set well, but the hours there are minimal.

There is also another part-time job that I have applied for next year and am pretty sure to get.  It’s working mornings in a bakery at Wildwood Farm Market.  This is where I think I’ll get most of my hours next year.  It will be interesting learning how to bake.  Here is a picture of the building out in the country:

Wildwood Farm Market