Progress Report 13

I happily finished everything on last week's list. It was a busy week and very stressful. This week is gearing up to be the same.

This week I plan to:

Work on SS skit

Sign and mail taxes

Visit with Aunt Paula

Have yard sale

Invite neighbors to church

After looking back on my initial 10 Things List, I have accomplished #10 on the list. We now have $1000 in savings! Yay!

Carpets/ Rugs

Some people call it a roller coaster ride. Some refer to it as mountain tops and valleys. This week I could only think of carpets and rugs. It's life. One day feels like a magic carpet ride and the next day the rug is getting pulled out from under me. It's kind of difficult to get any traction that way. I wish some things didn't irk me as much as they do. Some things are important. Some aren't.

This week, I've had some good news. One being that there is still hope to save our house. Two, I finally got my car back and a great deal to boot. My second job isn't working out the way I hoped and my SS drive involvement fell flat, on my face. I did get the skirts fixed and they were paid for. I'm still looking for some extra income from somewhere.

I've started reading a great book called 48 Days To The Work You Love. Dan Miller, the author helps you think about your goals and what you want to be when you grow up. More than a j-o-b, but something that fulfills you as a person and gives your life purpose. I haven't decided yet if I'm fulfilled by cleaning toilets. I definitely like helping people. And I like cleaning. But I like a lot of other things too.

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!