I Can Have My Cake and Eat it Too

Author: Jackie Vogen
June 2007

Spring weather not only brings good fishing, but as it approaches I have to fight the urge to hit the lake. As a woman, and like many women, we have to balance our work and family and manage multiple roles. Being a mom and a wife can be challenging but rewarding. When our children are young we have to perform a juggling act between our busy and hectic days and often find less time to do something for ourselves, but we come to accept this lifestyle and we work at a faster pace and become more efficient.

As a mother of two daughters, I've always put my children first and I've taken the backseat, but I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. My biggest investment that I've ever made has been in my children and they mean everything to me; however, at age 50, my husband and I have become empty nesters and this new independence has allowed me to discover and create a new world for myself, fishing! I would have never thought that I'd have such a strong desire and passion to fish.

This new found passion is addicting and the urge to fight the nature of the beast is difficult to control. Yes, spring fever is in the air and the fish gods are calling me to get out and cast a line. I'm itching to get in the water and I keep hearing these strange voices calling me and I can no longer control the urge no matter how hard I try. I realize that I need to stay home and do the household chores, baking, cooking, gardening and yard work during the week so my husband and I have week ends off to fish. Now as it is, there are never enough hours in the day to get everything accomplished. I want to get my chores done; however, I start thinking of fishing and then I get all worked up and I'm ready to drop everything and run out the door.

I'm torn between staying at home and baking the cupcakes, or going fishing. I'm hooked and I'm fighting the urge to go fishing and I'm pacing the floor; should I head for my rod and tackle box or should I bake the cupcakes?

Um, maybe I better just stay home. What to do, what to do? I then talk to my fishing friend, Ray, who informs me that you can buy fish and cupcakes from the store, but he'd prefer to catch the fish and buy the cupcakes.

Now Ray has me thinking again, what to do, what to do? What would you do? Well, I baked the cupcakes and got them frosted. My wonderful husband comes home from work and I look into his eyes and as he looks into my eyes, we both grab a cupcake in one hand and our rod and tackle box in the other and we head out the door to go fishing. At this point I realize that I can have my cake and eat it too!

 - Jackie Vogen

My name is Jackie Vogen "aka Redrose4u2" and I'm 50 years old. I live in New Lenox, Illinois. I've been married to my husband and best friend, Ken, for 31 years. We've raised two beautiful daughters, who are now grown up, and have left home. We've recently entered into a new stage in our life; we've become "empty nesters". This new independence has allowed me to discover my passion in life; I LOVE TO FISH! I'm what you would call a "Beginner Fisherwoman" or a "Novice". Besides fishing, I enjoy computers, gardening and photography. Through fishing and photography, I've been able to capture my thoughts, while surrounded in the beauty of the sport. I'm looking forward to sharing my passion with you!

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