Things Like Change and Baking Bread Take Time...

I've had the opportunity this week to get a sneak-peek of what being a housewife is like.

DH has found a job, so I'm on my own at DH's cousin's home during the daytime while they're all out working. I'm still sending out job application after job application, but most of the jobs that I have applied for do not actually start interviewing until January. To be completely honest, even when I accomplish things during the day, I feel fairly useless. It's a sensation I had not experienced in a long time prior to this move.

For example, today I am making my Chickpea and Kale Soup for dinner. I also decided to make some rolls from scratch to go with dinner, seeing as I actually have the time to do it. I never had the time to do that back home, let alone also vacuum the main floor, do the dishes, dust the living room, and have time to sit down and write a blog post. I'll probably pick up my crochet later in the evening (after dinner), even!

While part of me is feeling lonely and wants to have a pity-party, another part of me is thankful for the time to sit down and re-assess. It's given me time to actually look squarely at myself in the mirror each morning and say, "What do you want to do today? What do you need to do today? What will fulfill you?". Having not had the time to do that for a long, long time, I am finding myself changing more into the person I want to be each and every time I look back at myself and answer those questions.

It takes time, but I know I'll get there eventually.

For those of you that are curious, here's the bread recipe I'm using for dinner rolls tonight. It's from Allrecipes.com, and it is called Amish White Bread. Be patient and don't skimp on the rising time! That bread needs plenty of air to be moist and fluffy!

Amish White Bread (makes two 9" x 5" loaves)
Ingredients
2 cups warm water (slightly warmer than body temperature)
2/3 cup white sugar
1 1/2 tbsp active dry yeast
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup vegetable oil (I used canola this time)
6 cups all purpose flour

Directions
In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar in warm water, and then stir in yeast. Allow to proof until yeast resembles a creamy foam. 
Pour two cups of flour into a large mixing bowl. Add salt to the flour. Pour in yeast mixture and oil. Mix in remaining flour one cup at a time. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Place in a well oiled bowl, and turn dough to coat. Cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Knead for a few minutes, and divide in half. Shape into loaves, and place into two well oiled 9x5 inch loaf pans. Allow to rise for 30 minutes, or until dough has risen 1 inch above pans.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes.
Enjoy!