WHAT TO DO WHEN OTHER THINGS POP UP!

Well, it’s been several months since Norman and I started working together. So, how’s it going? Very, very well. (Who woulda thunk it? LOL!) However, we’ve learned that being flexible is everything. We’re facing several things that might not seem as if they apply directly to the book business. But yet they do, and Norman has been the one bearing the burden of these particular tasks. I think the key to making this work is to realize that the majority of our income, at least for now, comes directly through my writing. Norman has intelligently come to the conclusion that his job primarily consists of keeping me on the computer! Next year, we intend to move into more book sales of our own as well as setting up more speaking engagements. His job will be to oversee these areas, thus bringing in additional income. But what are some of the other things he’s dealing with now?

Since we lost our health insurance through his job, we found it necessary to find something else. Because of our age and previous physical conditions, it hasn’t been easy. But we’re narrowing it down. Or should I say Norman is narrowing it down? We’re looking at a couple of choices. Medi-Share is a company that actually works by Christians sharing each other’s health burdens. I like that idea. I also like knowing that they are allowed to work outside of government control – and that none of my money funds abortions. There are some drawbacks, but so far, we like what they offer. We’re also looking at a rather new Blue Cross program. We’ll keep you updated on our final decision. But without Norman doing the research work in this area, I would have lost a lot of writing time.

He is also working to clear up our credit reports. As people who haven’t needed to think about credit for quite some time, we hadn’t checked out our reports for many years. We're discovering that if you don’t stay on top of this area, some funky stuff can land on your reports. Old stuff that should be taken off and new stuff that isn’t even on there. One report had Norman working a job he hasn’t been at for many, many years! And why are we checking our reports? (See the next paragraph!)

We are planning a move! Our son is getting married to a wonderful girl, and we want to live closer to them. They live in Missouri, so we will be looking for a new house later this year. The bulk of preparing for this move once again falls on Norman. Although I will be doing some packing and will be responsible for cleaning out certain rooms, most of the preparation will be on Norman’s capable shoulders. Again, I need to keep writing so that we actually have the money to move.

My point is that when a husband and wife work together, and if one person is the “money channel,” the other partner must do many things that don’t look as if they are directly tied to the business. However, they really are. The way to navigate through this area is by keeping your priorities clear. In our case it’s this: If I get distracted, it could slow our income. Norman is smart enough, and secure enough, to keep that from happening.

Thanks, honey. (S)

And by the way, here is another chance to win a signed copy of “Blown Away,” the newest book in my “Curl Up and Dye” series. Leave a comment, along with your email address. I will draw a winner next Monday!