When I started homeschooling (or gardening, or writing, or keeping livestock), it felt like something “unnecessary” that took away from my “real job” of laundry, cleaning, and cooking.  All those “extras” were fine, but if Mr. Ivory had to run a load of clothes to get underpants for tomorrow and make a sandwich for dinner…I had totally failed as a wife.

WHAT?  It seems to me that in the last few decades, since we stopped having servants, housewife has become synonymous with cook/maid.

The other day, I read this lovely e-book (circa 1921) who called us purchasing agents. “90% of the household income goes through the her hands”

What if I could afford to hire a full-time maid and cook?  Would I then be worthless to the household economy?  Not according to this book!

Bottom line:  Doesn’t matter how much money comes in, if your purchasing agents sucks, you’re still gonna be in the red.

The following is the definition of  “PURCHASING AGENT” from careerplanner.com:

Coordinates activities involved with procuring goods and services, such as raw materials, equipment, tools, parts, supplies, and advertising, for establishment: Reviews requisitions.

Confers with vendors to obtain product or service information, such as price, availability, and delivery schedule. Selects products for purchase by testing, observing, or examining items. Estimates values according to knowledge of market price. Determines method of procurement, such as direct purchase or bid. Prepares purchase orders or bid requests. Reviews bid proposals and negotiates contracts within budgetary limitations and scope of authority. Maintains manual or computerized procurement records, such as items or services purchased, costs, delivery, product quality or performance, and inventories. Discusses defective or unacceptable goods or services with inspection or quality control personnel, users, vendors, and others to determine source of trouble and take corrective action. May approve invoices for payment. May expedite delivery of goods to users.

Yep, that’s me!