It's been a while since I tried to juggle everything so much -- being a momma to three, a full-time (albeit work-at-home) job, running a business on the side, scrapping, time with family, time OFF the computer (you know ~ reading, cooking, watching something), keeping house, etc etc. Then there is the other stuff -- blogging, staying active on boards, other things that pop up in life.
Now that I am back to work I am going to have to figure some things out -- figure out how to juggle without dropping things. And if I continue to drop things, I will just have to set some things aside. I don't really mind that, but figuring out WHAT to set aside is the tricky part. I won't make any hasty decisions, though. Once our life is into a "normal schedule" (in about two weeks) then I can get a feel for what things will be like on a day-to-day basis. Things may get easier, they may get harder. I don't really know. PLUS, I have to add home-schooling into my ever-so-full schedule so I am wondering if super-woman really will swoop down and sprinkle me with her power if I will just have to admit defeat and cut down.
Anyway, I think all of that was more just talking to myself. I tend to do that. Somehow, if it isn't in words (written or spoken) I don't really feel it yet or I can't make sense of it. Now, I don't want you to think I am stressed right now. Actually, I am not. But if I started thinking of all the things I would like to do or should do, the stress would flow quite easily. But I am taking the "one small thing at a time" approach and it seems to be working fairly well. Of course I will not get everything done and I will not live up to everyone's expectations, but hey, I am only human :)
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I feel like I have a bazillion things to catch you up on but we would be here all day. But I will try to give you the highlights.
CHA ~ it was fabulous. The show itself was amazing -- there was so much BEAUTIFUL product. If I had the space and the money I could see myself easily getting sucked into paper scrapping -- especially with all the cool tools available. But since I know the space or money is not going to magically appear, I spent most of the time looking at the paper stuff and thinking about it from a digital perspective -- looking at which digital designers had paper stuff out, looking at how paper is trying to mimic digi, thinking of all the paper stuff that I actually HAVE in digi. The stuff was amazing though, and I can totally understand the draw that paper scrapping has. I think my favorite part was actually seeing GOOD QUALITY 12x12 paper LO's in person. Honestly, I don't think I have ever seen one in person before. Everything I see is in the magazines. But when they are in magazines, they are like digi -- flat. But to see them in person...well, I can get what paper scrappers say when they say that if they went digi they would miss the "feel" of all the stuff. I LOVE the dimension and the different feel of papers and elements! I just wish more booths would have shown off their stuff in LO's!
Even more than the show itself, I LOVED getting to meet soooo many people! I met people that I have been "talking" to for years, and others that I just "knew of." So much sweetness, so much talent! It would take me forever to list everyone so I will just mention a few people that I was most excited to meet and talk with...
Hollie -- we roomed together and have known each other for quite a while now. It was good to finally meet in person! Lots of meals out and late night talks ~ good times.
KellieP -- She crashed with us one night and we had a blast! We have sooo much in common and she is just the sweetest thing -- the kind of person that goes out of her way to make people feel good. She talked to people who had NO ONE at their booth, she was sweet and kind to all the bus drivers, etc.
Deann from DiscTalk Radio. This gal is AMAZING! We went into the city on Friday night and so we had a ton of time to talk! Her vision for the digi community is incredible and her desire to partner with people to bring the community together is so admirable. I also loved being able to talk honestly about some of the issues in the community and the industry.
Jen Caputo -- I LOVE this girl. Seriously. Just because we sell the same product and keep winding up in the same shop doesn't mean we see each other as a threat. Instead, we totally respect each other and admire each others work. We met last December and it was so easy to just pick up where we left off and chat. She is so fun and so talented -- I am honored to be a friend.
CD Muckosky -- Now, let me say, I don't usually stalk people. But there aren't many people like CD. We knew each other a bit from back in the 2Peas days...long before she was named Scrapbooker of the Year. I came across her work and was amazed even back then. Then she opened a blog and I asked her about some of the stuff on it and that is when she introduced me to Michelle Coleman's work. Since that time, I have kept up with CD and her work. I remember the night that they were going to announce the Scrapbooker of the Year. I was staying up late pushing refresh over and over hoping soooooo much that she would win! I love her art and even more, her spirit. She loves life, her family and is a good reminder to "cherish this moment and give thanks for this day." Anyway, she was one person I was really hoping to run into. Those of you that know me know that I NEVER introduce myself to people...well, unless I have a reason to talk with them. But to go up to someone I admire and pretend like I am friends with them...well, not so much. But Kellie talked me into it so I got to chat with her for a few minutes. So fun!
Now there were tons of other great people that I met but if I start mentioning them all I am sure I will leave someone out. I have a few pictures, thanks to Jen...
Kellie P, Lynne Stacey, Kim Hendricks, Maureen Spell, Kari Schoonover, Jen Caputo, Jen Wilson, me, and Hollie.
The lunch crowd --
Left: Heather Ann Melzer, Deann McDaniel, Tracie Radtke, Jen Caputo, Mish Gasser
Right: Kristin Tilley, Terra Atkinson, Hollie, Kellie P, Me, Robin Cabana, Taran Conyers, Audra Little
Me and Jen
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Okay, well, time has completely gotten away from me so I will have to say goodbye. Work starts in 30 minutes and I am no where close to ready!
Hope you all have a great day!
what fun photos of CHA - some great people it sounds like, and some good inspirations too I bet!
I pray that you can figure out how to balance everything in the busy life of work, motherhood, wife, designer, etc...!
Posted by: MandaKay | July 26, 2007 at 03:35 AM
Hope you get it all figured out, Janet--I'm sure you will:) Hope you got the pics I sent too! Have a great day!
--Hollie
Posted by: Hollie | July 26, 2007 at 03:41 AM
I'm finally catching up on blogs! It was so nice to meet you ---wish it was more than a couple minutes though! I envy your 7:30 bedtime w/ the kids---gonna have to implement that. And congrats on SOY! That is awesome!
~Maureen
Posted by: Maureen (Mozer) | August 07, 2007 at 03:31 AM