Things are hopping here at the inn and I’m not just saying that because Easter’s right around the corner. And, I am in no way complaining. Keep them phones a ringin’ and keep them doors opening.
Since we’ve been here, my husband and I have developed somewhat of a routine that seems to be working. At least we’re not tripping over each other as often as we were. We’re able to work as a team to get done what needs to get done.
But the other stuff, the other important stuff, like writing, often falls by the wayside when days go sideways, which happens quite often. I’ve tried really hard of late to make writing a priority and to sit down at my computer every single day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Every minute puts me closer to the end of the project.
However, I don’t do well in the writing arena when I’m interrupted. I’m interrupted quite a lot these days, which makes for some frustrating writing sessions. Most times the interruptions are in the form of inn related stuff, which makes them a priority. When the phone rings, you have to answer it or you risk losing income. That can’t happen. When guests are in the house, they often wander and wandering brings them into my office, which doubles as the gift shop. I want them to browse the gift shop, so . . . I deal with the interruption.
Yes, I know I can take my writing elsewhere, but it’s not always a good thing to leave the house empty. I don’t want guests to wander that much. If they want ice, I need to get them ice, since the kitchen is an “off limits” area here. If they need extra towels, I need to get them extra towels because the laundry area is another “off limits” area. And the list goes on. I’m working on finding a different set-up for my writing, but I love my office and I have it all set up the way I like it and I’m comfortable.
Let’s just say, I’m still making forward progress on my book, but it requires a good deal more patience then I’m used to.
I’ve also had to hone my flexibility skills as an innkeeper. Stuff happens. Things change from hour to hour, schedules are only suggestions at this point. As long as it all comes together at the necessary time, that’s what’s important. It can be challenging though.
For example, yesterday morning I planned on serving breakfast for 2 this morning. I shopped and planned my menu accordingly. By 8:00 last night, I needed to completely throw that plan out the window because I now had 11 for breakfast.
We also planned on moving some furniture around and doing some painting yesterday afternoon, but at 10:00 the phone rang and someone wanted a house tour. So much for painting yesterday. And I had prepared to serve appetizers for one couple during social hour; turns out the folks who originally said they’d be arriving late, arrived right at 5:00 when social hour started. Back to the kitchen I scampered, threw on my apron and whipped up another batch of goodies.
And then I forgot about the napkins. I had about a dozen clean ironed ones left in the drawer. Do I have enough for these extra people or will I now have to do laundry. And, ooops, I didn’t run the dishwasher yesterday because there was still room in it for today’s breakfast dishes, too. Well, that was when I was only serving 2. With these added folks, there is now not enough room in the dishwasher for all of the breakfast dishes. And the list goes on.
It’s fun to be hopping around like the energizer bunny on steroids, but it requires a lot of patience and sometimes creativity. I only wish I could harness that energy and creativity for those quiet moments when I sit down to write and my brain shuts off.
Oh well, another opportunity to be flexible and switch gears. It’s a rewarding challenge.
What do you all do when plans unexpectedly change? Are you prepared to handle last minute switch-ups? Are you good and dealing with interruptions?
Word of the day: Epilimnion
Fun fact about me: I’m a much better cook than I ever thought I was.
Original post by Jansen Schmidt, March 2016. Photos courtesy Google Images.
