Progress Report 11 & 12 & A Map With No Street Names

Sometimes that's what life feels like. I think I'm headed in the right direction and suddenly I don't know where I am anymore.

Last week was very busy. I had a large load of responsibility heaped on me for our Sunday school drive and spend much of last week pounding my head against a wall, trying to get some more ideas. My parents arrived Monday evening with a friend and dogs in tow an hour before our Pastor's wife and visiting preacher, Bobbie Wendell came for dinner. The day was very busy, very stressful, but ended well. Tuesday was 4-H with the kids. They had so much fun, like always. Wednesday, I stressed to try to get the first skit for SOC done before the evening service. At the end of the evening, the SS superintendent decided that we'd do a slide show the first week and save the skits for the weeks following. ~sigh of relief~ Thursday, Bill, my parents' friend, was released from the hospital, so they all went home. The rest of the day was spent cleaning and disinfecting. Friday I had a SS party with my teen class while Eric spent the evening with the SS superintendent going over pictures for the slide show. Saturday we decided to have a yard sale that ultimately flopped because it was only about 32 degrees outside even though it was sunny.

I'm leery of making a new list because sometimes humongous situations rise up and change the course of life. Like a massive pimple that suddenly grows out of your face and changes the way the whole world looks.

Anyway, here goes...

1. Keep priorities straight.

2. Call about my car.

3. Work up Easter SS lesson.

4. Work on next skit.

5. Sew those stupid skirts!

6. Listen to the next FPU lesson.

I'm not sure what next week will bring. I'm hoping for good news. But am bracing myself for whatever comes. Try me. I have big shoulders. I can take it.

Such Good Fortunes Abound

I have been working almost every evening in my new shop. It is amazing to sit in my own space and work towards my dream. I am still in awe that it is happening so quickly. I think about my sister a lot during this time, as well. I have been so fortunate for things to have come together as they have. I can only hope that Mandy's pursuits are heading in the right direction as well. Her support of my endeavors has been unwavering and if it weren't for her encouragement, I may not have had the courage to move forward as I have. I am writing more to give her the same strength she has given to me than as a real update. I am thinking of you, dear sister, and sending you all the good fortunes I have received lately. I hope to see a progress report from you soon.

Progress Report 11

Wow, what a week. I have moved into my studio. New computer, printer and vinyl cutter are in and set up; all devices are communicating. I completed proofs for a client, delivered business cards to another client, paid a couple of bills and made it through the week at MMA. In addition we now have a litter of seven new puppies. Daisy had her litter on Friday. We had to take her to the vet today due to a bacterial infection in her intestines. She's on antibiotics now and will be fine. All the pups are healthy and very cute. Should be utter chaos once they all have their feet under them. :-) I was also accepted into the National Association for Professional Women. It comes with a lot of networking and educational opportunities, plus discounts at a bunch of places that should come in handy.

I still have a lot of housekeeping to do for DbR. So this week will have a huge focus on that.

1. Finish setting up Quickbooks for DbR.
2. Complete clients marketing materials and get them out to print.
3. Create an ad for the Swap Buy Sell Guide for next weeks run.
4. Transfer artwork and other jobs to my new computer.
5. Get that test taken in my class so I can move on.
6. Work on Eric's web header. No, that hasn't been forgotten. :-)

It's going to be a very busy week. We have parent teacher conferences this week and Zachary will be coming up for the weekend. Plus, I was invited to serve on a mini-grant committee. I have accepted and will be spending a couple of hours next Monday reviewing grants with other local professionals. That came completely out of the blue from the woman who gave the small business workshop. I'm excited to be getting my name out there. Should be a learning experience too. I'm looking forward to another great week.

Progress Report 10

These weeks seem to be picking up speed as the year progresses.

Last week I took the kids to 4-H. The each got a part in the drama in May. We had dinner at a friend's house, sent off the taxes, called my SS kids, and returned all the cans and bottles that have accumulated over the winter.

I talked to my mechanic about my car. It looks great! He's not satisfied with it yet. The frame still needs to be adjusted so it will align properly.

I've kind of picked up a large portion of responsibility for our Sunday School SOC Drive. I'll be writing and directing the skits for all four weeks as well as coordinating the art and wall displays.

Geoffrey has signed up for a Lego Robotics Camp in April. The camp costs $190 and we asked Geoffrey to try to raise at least some of that money. He worked hard at a catalog sale fundraiser and raised all $190! We are so proud of his hard work and he is happy with himself for accomplishing a goal. Good job, Geoffrey!

Row's studio looks fabulous! I can't believe that her dream has become a reality so quickly!! Congrats!

Next week I will (hopefully):

1. Empty the chest freezer.
2. Create a new budget.
3. Write first week's skit.
4. Coordinate actors.
5. Sew skirts.
6. Clean living room.
7. Work new job.
8. Send notes to SS kids.
9. Open new checking account.

Design Studio Interior Done!

Dear Sister,

Tonight I began moving stuff into my design studio. I can't wait for you to see it. It's absolutely amazing. I know that my business will surge forward now. My vinyl cutter will be in on Tuesday and the new computer should be here in a couple of weeks. My first cutting job is already lined up. I can hardly believe this is real. Thank you for being my cheerleader. Here are some pics.

Love you!

Progress Reports 9 &10

This is a really quick update from week nine. I am so late with it, that there isn't much point in expounding on it. I finished a client's business cards. They are at the PO waiting to be picked up. I delivered another client's wedding invitations. Made my appointment with the tax guy. Worked out two more estimates for new clients and finished chapter 7 for my computer class.

Week 10 has been a whirlwind and it's not over yet. Two of the three counters are in my studio. I ordered a new vinyl cutter and 9 rolls of material and have my first order waiting for me to get set up. I also ordered my new desktop computer and bought a new desk and chair. Before the weekend is over, the third counter will be in and I will be moving some of my stuff to the studio. My cutter should be here this week. I have a marketing package to put together for a client, and gave out another quote yesterday for a business card. I also saw my tax guy and have put him to work. I have hardly had two seconds to breath, let alone keep my dear sister updated properly.

My week 11 list:

1. Begin moving into my design studio!!
2. Finish chapter 8 and take test for computer class
3. Design marketing material for client
4. Deliver b.cards for client
5. Try to pay a few bills
6. Struggle through another 5 days at MMA :-p
7. and take whatever blessings life will bestow on me this week

O Sister, Where Art Thou?

I am anxious to hear your report! So many good things are happening to you to keep you busy. I want to hear of it! Love you.

Progress Report 9

Yay! I actually did everything on my list last week! Taking the FPU lessons with my husband have been really eye opening. We created a more detailed budget last week, however it's not perfect yet, and we started the envelope system. The FPU lessons have opened the door to conversations about money and put us on the same page. We are finally starting to move in the same direction when it comes to money and have the same goals. The kids are also getting involved in the process and are being helpful and supportive. I also picked up a second cleaning job which will make this process go smoother.

Also last week, I renewed my license (finally), cleaned out the coop and Eric helped me put up a temporary run for the chickens. The weather has been so warm that I wanted to let them out into the fresh air. We have very little snow left in little patches here and there and the ground is starting to thaw.

Oh yeah! I'm half way to my weight loss goal for the year! Only 7lbs more to lose.

This week I will:

Call Peter about car

Take kids to 4-H

Call my SS kids

Rake lawn

Clean my office

Work my new job!

Progress Report 8

Print invitations - check
Complete chapter 6 and start chapter 7 - check
Finish logo article - this week, I promise.
Run Article Blueprint on brochure article - got pushed off too.
Make tax guy appointment - still need to do that.
Watch studio take shape in front of my eyes - check, check, double check

The progress that has happened in that building is absolutely amazing. It is hard to believe that it is the same place. J and I stayed up until 11:30 Saturday night staining the walls. They now have a coat of poly on them that makes the grain pop. It's so beautiful. The windows are now trimmed in and ready to be stained. There is potential for the floor to be bought tonight. J says it will go in quickly. It is changing everyday now. It won't be long and I will be able to move in. Then watch out. I can feel the energy surging, pushing me forward into an amazing future. I admit that the renovations have distracted me from my weekly list, but I think it is acceptable, as it is a major step in one of my year end goals. The other great thing that has been taking up my time is design work. I have been on a bit of a role; need to keep it going.

1. Complete chapter 7
2. Business cards for client
3. Deliver wedding invitations
4. Call tax guy
5. Finish logo article
6. Begin BAND web banner
7. Keep updating design studio pictures.

Progress Report 8

March 1st! New Year's resolutions fizzle by Valentine's weekend, but accountability has no end.

I started this week with fantastic intentions, but came down with the flu Tuesday and pretty much put me under for the majority of the week. Thankfully, I had already unpacked the kids, cleaned the kitchen and started in on the laundry on Monday. Of course, all my hard work was quickly undone by my lack of presence for the next few days. C'est la vie! I'm back at it again this week.

Unfortunately, my sickness also made it impossible to take the kids to 4-H last week. They were very disappointed, but understood since I was moaning in pain and had a bucket close at all times. I also decided that cleaning my sewing desk was very low priority once I got my feet under me again. Catching up with life was more important.

Friday was a fabulous day... mostly. I was feeling quite a bit better, so I went to work with some enthusiasm to catch my slack for the previous days of just doing enough to get by. When I got my pay stub back home, I noticed that I had been overpaid by almost double for the previous week's work! Thinking there was an error, I called my boss right away. No error. My boss appreciated that I had done some extra work and looked after their house and cat while they were on vacation so she had added several hours as a Thank You! What a blessing! It will definitely help with getting my car paid off early and its repairs.

After that, I realized that there was a package sitting on the couch. I asked Eric about it, since the return address had be ripped off. He told me to open it. It was the Financial Peace University kit that I had been hoping to buy this week! Eric had bought if for us as a surprise. I don't know if he really realizes how much that meant to me. But it helped us start talking about money and work on a budget Saturday, which marks another item off my list!

Friday night we decided to go out for dinner. Since I still haven't renewed my license (shame on me), Eric was driving. It was dark and rainy and he didn't see the slight shift in lanes and hit the curb. Hard. Whammo! Two flat tires. Now honestly. Who else does stuff like this happen to? Eric put our one spare on the car while we stood in the rain, and then a friend of ours let us borrow their spare until we could buy another tire the next day. But on the average, it was a good day! :)

I know this post is long, but I also wanted to say how overwhelmed I am at the progress Row is making with her studio! I can just feel that when it's done, it will sprout wings on its own and her business will take flight! I'm happy for you, Row! And today, being Grampy's birthday, he would be proud of you too!

This week I want to:

1. Fine tune the budget
2. Start the envelope system
3. Go grocery shopping
4. Send car payment
5. Listen to the next 2 FPU lessons