Well, I agree about the beautiful home. If we didn't have a B&B, we'd never live in as nice a house. Actually, I know exactly where we'd live... in a converted Amish farm. It has it's own charm and beauty, but wouldn't be anything like what we have now.
One reason I chose innkeeping (among many) is that small business owners of any type live at their business. I had a guest last week whose parents own a Chinese restaurant. Her father is there from 8 a.m. to midnight, 365 days a year. His life is the restaurant. Other shop keepers "live" at their shops... are only home when the shop is closed, which around here might be Sunday and Monday. If I was going to spend that much time at my business, then I wanted it to be a place I wanted to be... home with my kids.
So I enjoy being at home with my kids.
I enjoy meeting all types of people from all over.
I like helping weary travelers to have a pleasant, restful stay.
I like the relief I hear on the phone when a traveling mom finds us and makes a reservation.
I like playing Speed Scrabble (now and then).
I like having motivation to keep my house clean.
I like having a house full of people... there's just something right to me about a big ole house being full of people talking and visiting and eating and sleeping.
I like having brought a house that was starting to get decrepit to a state of beauty.
I like having a reason to get out of bed in the morning.
I like the ability to go do things during weekdays (at least sometimes). When I worked full time in an office I could never take off on a weekday to go to the zoo with my kids. Of course, now on Saturdays I can only do afternoon things...
I like having a reason to own 14 pitchers, multiple glass sets, and nice silverware... which actually get used.
And (with apologies to any nonreligious here), I like having a lifestyle which is good for my Christian walk... which allows me to practice hospitality and forces me to serve.
ETA: And everything else JBJ said.
=)
Kk..