tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47466566462802762152024-02-07T03:38:48.686-05:00Scrap DreamsSnippets of My Life and ScrapbookingCherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.comBlogger1124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-15135560592977684052020-05-29T16:17:00.000-04:002020-05-29T16:17:16.817-04:00This Is Me...<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2RBCXKX065m5vSZG6O2PkFy2F3_PTd0t_rMvL3oFTQj2tOcUiUvrM2tvoJX5BCMpmD1oWc59OdDS4ZM9Q6Rn3mGp0aB5-4rmWb8AidTTrN7O2C16-Af5M2Kbijf1lhnLoZFMeb_K7us/s1600/20200529_143929992_iOSedit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1193" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH2RBCXKX065m5vSZG6O2PkFy2F3_PTd0t_rMvL3oFTQj2tOcUiUvrM2tvoJX5BCMpmD1oWc59OdDS4ZM9Q6Rn3mGp0aB5-4rmWb8AidTTrN7O2C16-Af5M2Kbijf1lhnLoZFMeb_K7us/s400/20200529_143929992_iOSedit.jpg" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me Today :)</td></tr>
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<b>This is what 59 looks like!</b> Thinking back to my youth when I thought 60 was soooo old, 59 doesn't look so bad! In fact, it looks a darn site better than 58 did! Although my hair is currently longer than it has been in quite awhile and is starting to drive me insane! Can't wait for the salons to open!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TbR_arwrs2rMMJ5i7j3fqbrbRWHacl8VJjOlazf3b9CJrNfGB3_DTEIa1k2BUG2fGsVzfMGmjCQQDRntFDc2QN9yt4ZbLBXK-cI_7m_oXikNucW1_wky9xvJn8yVTGcKpYmoGZIG2Ms/s1600/DisneyMe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="279" data-original-width="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5TbR_arwrs2rMMJ5i7j3fqbrbRWHacl8VJjOlazf3b9CJrNfGB3_DTEIa1k2BUG2fGsVzfMGmjCQQDRntFDc2QN9yt4ZbLBXK-cI_7m_oXikNucW1_wky9xvJn8yVTGcKpYmoGZIG2Ms/s1600/DisneyMe.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me last May at Disney World</td></tr>
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On Reopening: </b>Governor Wolf announced today that the counties in which my children and I live will all move to "yellow" phase on June 5th. My birthday gift from the government! Yellow phase means that restaurants may open for outdoor dining only and social gatherings of less than 25 are allowed. Gyms, spas, and hair salons must remain closed. Work from home where possible is still strongly encouraged. <br />
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Now that we have a move forward date, it's just a matter of waiting to hear when we can move to green. Green doesn't mean "business as usual" the way we used to know it, but does mean that gyms and hairdressers can open at 50% capacity, indoor dining at 50% capacity, and gatherings of less than 250 would be allowed. We need to be in green for Becca's wedding, so fingers crossed!<br />
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<b>On the Job Front: </b>Jay is expecting an offer on a new position within the next week. I'm hoping the money and benefits are there, because I think this would be a great move for him. In the interim though, his current job has called him back to work starting Monday! So either way, he's off the unemployment rolls!<br />
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What is the good news in your piece of the world?Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-88558352108047541682020-05-05T16:38:00.001-04:002020-05-05T16:38:11.677-04:00One Little WordPlaying catch up ... here's some random pages from my One Little Word album which I managed to bring up-to-date during National Scrapbooking Day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rF7qpJHWBv_htuWDljJEZYKkK2R-pzyjW3FntNGzD0CUQWk21L49I2WGR-mpQPM6VDSUJ-upoW6ZMJtM1xerVdglDBMJNR563W7P6yrKCjcdAeqK8pZYlmK0Xt-96w-LuuA9Eov9QKc/s1600/20200502_175732581_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rF7qpJHWBv_htuWDljJEZYKkK2R-pzyjW3FntNGzD0CUQWk21L49I2WGR-mpQPM6VDSUJ-upoW6ZMJtM1xerVdglDBMJNR563W7P6yrKCjcdAeqK8pZYlmK0Xt-96w-LuuA9Eov9QKc/s640/20200502_175732581_iOS.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February</td></tr>
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I'm definitely in a better frame of mind than I was last time I posted. Nothing has changed except my own mindset. I still have no income and Jay is still on furlough. <div>
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Yet, somehow I know it is all going to be okay.</div>
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Rather than fuss about things over which I have no control, I'm putting all my effort into building the foundation of my new business. When the world starts up again, I plan to be ready to go!</div>
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If any of you have advice on building a website, creating a logo, branding, etc. I'm all ears! I'm in over my head here...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBLpDg39HR_45B0t0-j3dOEQUdnlmNLW2jLbDMxutbVXy2xZErTlWK5NLZeTYeEL_LlOswVWeAdqKQOwh3yN-aLKeySlZYjd9yATNzBKXqSMg5Kr1l0sULJmU-9GXboRebQVdVZLWADs/s1600/20200502_175906911_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBLpDg39HR_45B0t0-j3dOEQUdnlmNLW2jLbDMxutbVXy2xZErTlWK5NLZeTYeEL_LlOswVWeAdqKQOwh3yN-aLKeySlZYjd9yATNzBKXqSMg5Kr1l0sULJmU-9GXboRebQVdVZLWADs/s640/20200502_175906911_iOS.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-33554033113136389082020-04-20T14:10:00.000-04:002020-04-20T14:10:18.458-04:00Monday Musings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>On Cricut Maker</b> - I finally got started with my Cricut Maker yesterday. My first attempt was an epic fail:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_w0wioYR7m87txPrp6x6BcgNwCUWPgdvFw7l7fKiwU7RjRtISgXsQ-nqMjV93o0RJ5P6CClDltPJ4tSJudcwz-GkzitBf47dvC3ktQMCCmBtI4Kq8hEuZXXm0Gl2BkZX_FGV4yu-fEs/s1600/60903000133__82B3CF5E-A90D-4896-BE67-B1D3D2BC37AE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj_w0wioYR7m87txPrp6x6BcgNwCUWPgdvFw7l7fKiwU7RjRtISgXsQ-nqMjV93o0RJ5P6CClDltPJ4tSJudcwz-GkzitBf47dvC3ktQMCCmBtI4Kq8hEuZXXm0Gl2BkZX_FGV4yu-fEs/s640/60903000133__82B3CF5E-A90D-4896-BE67-B1D3D2BC37AE.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: start;">I decided this font was maybe just too thin to work...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPdQ_IbX_JzYquHybjO77LyFCAv-eOCDL52ykWZI5dzhoQ5r74IqsZo0De3NFkR_gFQ3dzFde-lDGA2o1vzVE7P2Mb3aK5WlSAborPKPVvBIWn2CtcQnLUZtn5WuvbzP6nmiTk7PWfQw/s1600/20200419_214404230_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPdQ_IbX_JzYquHybjO77LyFCAv-eOCDL52ykWZI5dzhoQ5r74IqsZo0De3NFkR_gFQ3dzFde-lDGA2o1vzVE7P2Mb3aK5WlSAborPKPVvBIWn2CtcQnLUZtn5WuvbzP6nmiTk7PWfQw/s640/20200419_214404230_iOS.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tried again with a different font that didn't have pencil thin lines. I got an image I could actually transfer... But I still didn't like the results. The Cricut cut each individual letter fully, so where they overlapped, bits would end up missing. Also, I thought the size was just a little too big!</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally got to the point of understanding the difference between "group" and "weld". Very happy with the final result. More importantly, the bride-to-be was happy! So, my first project - set of six bridesmaids wine tumblers - DONE! And weeding vinyl? Not my idea of a good time!</span><br /></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>On Face Masks</b> - I'm still busy sewing. Finished another 10 on Saturday. So here's the group currently ready to hit the mail</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I continue to receive requests for these, so I'm still sewing like crazy. And now that it is becoming clear that our stay-at-home orders aren't being rescinded anytime soon, and we are being required to wear face masks to get into the grocery store, I'm guessing there will be a continued need. I'm about to run out of elastic again. Sigh.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>On the "New Normal"</b> - or rather complete lack thereof. I thought we had this COVID thing kind of figured out. I'm unemployed, but that happened pre-COVID and we were doing okay. We had settled into a schedule and a life at home... and with a single phone call, that has all been turned on its head. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jay just learned that he's been "furloughed". I've put that term in quotes because we both agree it is his company's chicken-shit way of jettisoning employees without coming right out and telling them. He was told 4-8 weeks. So why do we think "furloughed" actually equals "let go"? Because they want him to mail his laptop back to Corporate HQ. If they were planning to bring him back in a month, why would they bother? So we are now two unemployed older Americans. Jay is devastated. I don't even know how to react. It sucks in ways I can't even describe. I know that our situation isn't unique and that we will muddle through it somehow. But O.M.G. - 2020 SUCKS!!!!</span><br />
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<br />Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-54915873995908790312020-04-13T17:00:00.000-04:002020-04-13T17:00:25.421-04:00Monday Musings<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My patience for all things Pandemic is wearing thin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today is Day 31 for me. A full month of days spent in my home, going nowhere but the grocery store and walks around the block. Most of the time I'm okay with it. But there are moments...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>On Easter Sunday</b> - I woke up feeling blue, knowing that we wouldn't be having the traditional family Easter dinner. I fantasized about one of those parking lot picnics I've been seeing - everybody next to their individual vehicles with 6 or more feet of space between, sitting on the ground chatting. I was sorely tempted, but convinced myself that I would be doing precisely what I had been secretly judging other people for... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I set about my weekly meal planning and grocery shopping. It takes so long now to put away groceries with the wiping down of every item with a Clorox wipe, then wiping the counter, the refrigerator door, the door knobs, and anything else I had touched between the grocery store and the interior of my home. Chores done, I sat down to work on One Little Word and some weekly goal setting when the doorbell rang. Confused, I went to the door.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was Becca! She and Kyle had stopped by for some socially distanced chatting. So we set up on the back deck (nobody entered the house). Finally got enough chairs set up (they were still under winter cover) when Sarah came walking back! So yes, two of my three children surprised me with an Easter visit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">We maintained social distancing and there were no hugs exchanged. No Easter meal. The kids brought their own drinks and snacks. They only stayed about an hour. I fully acknowledge this was a bit of a "cheat" from the stay-at-home rules. But man, it did my heart so much good!</span></span>Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-39060354028248568662020-04-06T19:30:00.000-04:002020-04-06T19:30:56.008-04:00Monday Musings<b>On My Job Search</b>... after roughly six weeks of stalking job boards, I concluded that anything posted would be for large global companies in heavily regulated industries (banking, finance, pharma, health care, manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, etc.). I have neither the experience nor the desire to work in these fields. Perhaps reading job boards wasn't going to be a fruitful avenue for me.<br />
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So..... I decided to start my own practice! I haven't gotten it off the ground or landed a single paying gig yet. But I stepped up my networking into the direction I'm hoping to go and started writing my elevator speech. Soon I'm going to have to start working on a web site. My plan is to provide in-house counsel services to small businesses, entrepreneurs, and creatives who don't need (or want the expense) to add a full-time in-house counsel to their staff. I'm trying to use the current downtime to do the background work to get this ready to go.<br />
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<b>On All Things Wedding</b>... right before the world came to a screeching halt, two things were accomplished. First, on March 10, I found my Mother of the Bride dress! It's ordered. Sorry, no sneak peeks! Second, Becca and Kyle got their wedding rings ordered on March 14th. This was just before all the businesses were ordered to close... and that evening Becca and Kyle were literally the only two people in the restaurant where they went to celebrate. <br />
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This photo was taken early afternoon on Friday, March 13th. Becca and I took advantage of a beautiful Spring day to get a walk around the block. Little did I know that would be the last time I'd be within touching distance of any of my children for weeks (or months, depending on how long this lasts).<br />
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<b>On All Things Pandemic</b>... By late afternoon that day, we had word that all Pennsylvania Schools would be closing for two weeks (now indefinitely). Then Jay got the call to work from home for two weeks (now starting Week 4 and going until at least the end of April). The panic buying at grocery stores and clearing shelves of toilet paper and hand sanitizer had started a few days earlier.<br />
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My entire family began self-quarantine March 16th. By the 19th all businesses in Pennsylvania that didn't meet the "life sustaining" categories were ordered to shut down. Then the Governor began issuing stay-at-home orders on a county by county basis, starting with Philadelphia effective March 23rd. Within 3 days every county that my family lives in was included. Initially the orders were effective until April 6. But on April 1st, Governor Wolf issued a state-wide stay-at-home order effective through April 30th.<br />
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Beginning March 21st my "new normal" involved trying to continue my business building activities while busily sewing face masks - initially because I wanted to get some to my daughter Becca and sister Deanna who are both in health care, both still working, both treating patients.<br />
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It has quickly morphed into so much more than that. I've already sent out 22 masks which went to Becca's co-workers and my own friends and family around the country. I've got another 26 done/in process and supplies coming from several places to make more.<br />
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I can't sew fast enough to meet the requests, but I'm trying! I'll never know whether my masks prevented someone from getting ill, or saved a life, but I'm operating under the assumption that this is the case and working feverishly to make as many as I can - to make whatever small difference I can make in the world. And that's really all anyone can do right now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRIA21Xn6BO6Kpu7VvmiHp415FUGSHBem0YLGVWs16qTQTKWflcuiim_wN6FnnaGjPXyFkyj10UFCBgsTM1jUZRx4cRBAZ4O3EpS1FAS94c9-6_eJxi7Uq9AqHMAGOh8-3LG_-jid1Ok/s1600/20200406_190438322_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRIA21Xn6BO6Kpu7VvmiHp415FUGSHBem0YLGVWs16qTQTKWflcuiim_wN6FnnaGjPXyFkyj10UFCBgsTM1jUZRx4cRBAZ4O3EpS1FAS94c9-6_eJxi7Uq9AqHMAGOh8-3LG_-jid1Ok/s400/20200406_190438322_iOS.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Here's a shot of my current batch of masks. Using fabrics I had on hand. All those animal prints were part of a coordinated fat quarter pack, easily 20+ years old! The style in front is the typical civilian or healthcare emergency mask, like Becca is wearing in the picture above. The style in back is more form fitting and the pattern is actually cut in different sizes (I'm making large). It can hopefully be worn over an N95 mask for healthcare workers. I'll know for sure after my sister has a chance to test them out!<br />
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As I do when coming to grips with difficult things, I got quiet. This is my first post since really accepting that this Pandemic was real. <br />
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One interesting thing I did to help cope is join a workshop called Writers in the Pandemic hosted by Patti Digh. In the course of the two week workshop I wrote several poems about my feelings in this time of uncertainty. In one we started with the prompt "That discomfort you're feeling is grief." We were asked to write for a specific time period, then circle what stood out for us. Using the circled words as a prompt write a second time, then repeat the exercise and write a third time. When I distilled it down, I ended up with this Six Word Memoir:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">Missing:</span></b><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><br />
Hugs<br />Reward for Safe Return.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">When this Pandemic is over and the all clear is sounded, the first thing I'm going to do is hug my daughters. What is the first thing you want to do when the Pandemic ends?</span></span>Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-18618042853272544692020-03-16T07:57:00.000-04:002020-03-16T07:57:23.589-04:00LOAD 220 - second attemptI don't know why Blogger is blocking my photos. I even tried changing out the web versions for the original hi-res photos and it's still showing as a big empty square on my original post, despite the fact that the photos were there when I first posted. I seriously don't get technology sometimes! So I'm trying again with a brand new post...<br />
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"Can you SEE me now?"<br />
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<br />Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-65735319813722759102020-03-10T08:03:00.000-04:002020-03-11T07:23:23.650-04:00LOAD 220My first attempt at participating in Layout A Day in many years was an epic fail. In 29 days I managed only 4 layouts!<br />
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There was Jay's Birthday layout and my Christmas Cards spread which I shared <a href="http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com/2020/02/catching-up.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
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And these (both of which are self-explanatory):<br />
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Hopefully by May's round of LOAD, I'll be in more of a groove with my job search efforts and able to participate more fully in LOAD! Have you ever tried a LOAD challenge?Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-14097420212110047122020-03-04T04:30:00.000-05:002020-03-04T04:30:09.490-05:00The Unread BookshelfI first heard about <a href="https://www.theunreadshelf.com/project-2020" target="_blank">The Unread Shelf Project</a> from a post by <a href="https://kbwalker.blogs.com/random_relfections/2020/01/owl-january-assessment.html" target="_blank">Karen on Random Reflections</a>. <br />
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I was immediately taken with the concept and decided to implement it myself. Thanks for the link Karen! I'm not really following along with the monthly challenges, I'm just trying to whittle down my unread shelf throughout the year. Either read or donate (or read, then donate) so that at the end of the year, these books are all on my "already read but want to keep" bookshelf or off to new homes. Which would be easier if I would stop buying new books! Between books gifted to me and ones I've bought, I own a fairly complete reference section on job searching now!<br />
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Here's my Unread Shelf:<br />
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At the far left are Bella Grace magazines and several art books that are out for reference and aren't truly part of the challenge. Starting with "God is At Eye Level" (a photography book) are the unread books culled from all over the house that I want to read or let go of this year. I've read The Gifts of Imperfection several times, but feel the need to read it again and choose one of these copies (both I've highlighted) to keep permanently.<br />
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Interestingly, not a single piece of fiction on that shelf! Most of the fiction I've "read" in the past several years has been Audible books.<br />
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The six books laying across the top are the ones I've already completed since January 1, 2020. I also re-read Best Year Ever by Michael Hyatt but that one is currently on loan to Sarah.<br />
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With the exception of Rising Strong by Brene Brown which I'm halfway through, I've FINISHED all of the unread books on my Audible subscription and cancelled the subscription. I learned that I can borrow audio books for free through the Philadelphia Library. <br />
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Audible books completed this year include:<br />
The Minimalist Way by Erica Layne<br />
The Proximity Principle by Ken Coleman<br />
Decluttering at the Speed of Life by Dana K. White (this one really helped when I tackled my craft space)<br />
Everything is Figureoutable by Marie Forleo<br />
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah (second novel I've "read" by this author and I really like her style).<br />
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What are you reading???Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-45628257184904577182020-03-01T15:48:00.001-05:002020-03-01T15:48:42.502-05:00One Little Word - RISEFebruary Update<br />
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I did not participate in Ali's February lesson to create a vision board.<br />
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Why not?<br />
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Because I had already done it in January!<br />
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This year I am using the <a href="https://cultivatewhatmatters.com/collections/powersheets-promotion" target="_blank">Cultivate What Matters PowerSheets Goal Planner</a> for yearly/monthly goal planning in an attempt to be very intentional about my goals for the year. I bought the 2020 dated version which is completely sold out, but you can still get the six month undated version.<br />
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There was actually a page built into the planner for you do build a vision board on.. And I filled it with everything I hoped to manifest this year... health, fitness, creativity, decluttering, vacations, enjoying life, Becca's wedding, and my job search are all represented in this page. No need to reinvent just for OLW.<br />
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At the beginning of each month, I revisit my goals for the year and decide what I'm working on for that month within that month's tab in the PowerSheets planner. <br />
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I then transfer that information into my <a href="https://www.plumpaper.com/shop/7x9-vertical-priorities?productGroupSlug=7-x-9-planners" target="_blank">Plum Paper monthly/weekly planner</a> which houses all my appointments, tasks, etc. I have the 7x9 planner with the horizontal notes/week layout. It may seem like a lot of work to keep two planners going, but I'm finding this to be a fantastic way to reconnect each month with my overall intentions for the year while still having a planner that I refer to daily for tasks, meals, appointments, etc. I also keep a daily gratitude journal on one of the monthly lined pages and have the Fitness Add On page each month to track steps, sleep, exercise, etc.<br />
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RISE and I are getting along just fine for now. I'm making baby steps forward in a lot of areas, less progress in others, but overall doing well. How are you getting along with your One Little Word?Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-65246557806801293392020-02-25T12:47:00.001-05:002020-02-25T12:47:12.242-05:00Thirty Questions<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #3d3c39; font-family: "Quattrocento Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;">
I "borrowed" this meme from Susanne over at <a href="https://snapsandsnippets.blogspot.com/2020/02/30-questions-and-few-answers-too_21.html" target="_blank">Snaps and Snippets</a>.</div>
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<i>1. Who are you named after? </i></div>
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My mother always told me that my name was inspired by the Four Seasons song "Sherry Baby". But that can't be true because the song came out after I was born! So, who knows?</div>
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<i>2. Last time you cried? </i></div>
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January 15th - the day our kitty Ashley died. Photo was about a month earlier.</div>
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<i>3. Do you like your handwriting?</i></div>
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Yes. I get compliments on it all the time. Thanks to my second grade teacher Mrs. Spears who was a real stickler about penmanship.</div>
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<i>4. What is your favorite meat?</i></div>
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Hmmm. I mostly eat chicken or salmon, but I suppose my favorite is a properly cooked and seasoned filet mignon.</div>
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<i>5. Longest relationship?</i></div>
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Technically it's my sister Deanna who is 4 years younger than me. Jay and I will celebrate 35 years of marriage this August. </div>
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<i>6. Do you still have your tonsils?</i></div>
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Yes. But I'm short a gallbladder and 4 permanent teeth.</div>
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<i>7. Would you bungee jump?</i></div>
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No way! Not enough money in the world.</div>
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<i>8. What is your favorite cereal?</i> </div>
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I don't eat cereal except the occasional bowl of oatmeal. Does that count?</div>
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<i>9. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off? </i></div>
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Yes, always.</div>
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<i>10. Do you think you're strong? </i></div>
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Physically, I'm slowly getting stronger than I was, but strong, not so much. Mentally, hell yes (minus the occasional bout of fibro fog). Emotionally, yes - my overall life circumstances left me no other choice. It was be strong or lose myself in the mess.</div>
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<i>11. Favorite ice cream?</i></div>
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I don't eat much ice cream anymore because of the sugar. But when I did, it was mint chip first. Vanilla bean if mint chip wasn't available. Or the orange/vanilla twist frozen custard at Kohr Brothers in Ocean City NJ. </div>
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<i>12. What is the first thing you notice about a person?</i></div>
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Their eyes, then their smile (hopefully!)</div>
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<i>13. Football or Rugby?</i></div>
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Neither. The only time in my life I ever gave a fig about sports was when my daughters were playing soccer and I was a soccer Mom!</div>
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<i>14. What color trousers are you wearing?</i></div>
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Black.</div>
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<i>15. Last thing you ate?</i> </div>
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Organic no-sugar-added peanut butter on triscuits.</div>
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<i>16. What are you listening to? </i></div>
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I just finished The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah on Audible. The book has stuck with me for three days now. Maybe it just hit a little close to home in some respects.</div>
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<i>17. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?</i></div>
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When I was a kid my favorite color was periwinkle. Now I would be blue-green which is the closest my 64 box of crayola comes to teal.</div>
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<i>18. What is your favorite smell?</i></div>
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Mint. Followed closely by vanilla, apple-cinnamon, pumpkin spice, and thieves.</div>
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<i>19. Who was the last person you talked to on the phone? </i></div>
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my daughter Becca</div>
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<i>20. Hair color?</i> </div>
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natural blonde with a little white at the temples.</div>
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<i>21. Eye color?</i> </div>
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Undetermined. I've always said hazel, thinking that was the combination of blue-green. Learned from Susanne's answers that hazel actually refers to a combination of green & brown. My eyes are blue-green-gray depending on the light and what I'm wearing. The Iris has a darker blue ring on the outer edge, is pale blue-gray in the center, and has a little bit of what I think is green closest to the pupil. I did some research - some articles are calling it blue-green, others are calling my combination gray. So I don't know.</div>
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<i>22. Favorite foods to eat? </i></div>
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Comfort foods like pizza, homemade mac & cheese, baked potato soup - these are my favorites but I rarely eat them anymore.</div>
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<i>23. Scary movies or happy endings?</i></div>
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Happy endings. I don't care much for scary movies as a genre.</div>
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<i>24. Last movie you watched?</i></div>
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At the theater - the final Star Wars movie</div>
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At home - Jumanji<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>25. What color shirt are you wearing? </i></div>
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Gray Life is Good graphic tee</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSFyvt6ht0-IbSjGDmyc_bpoLJTV6lVs_sf_-elEwMWXeZWL-3-mYUrSKMBRJG3OorBm1aMxRD2Wr-V7vCgRUskbXWMLOOaXNGAR39-W_D4RkTS6VpCTA2gZ-1hNuYA-98pZSa-LXzoU/s1600/seagull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSFyvt6ht0-IbSjGDmyc_bpoLJTV6lVs_sf_-elEwMWXeZWL-3-mYUrSKMBRJG3OorBm1aMxRD2Wr-V7vCgRUskbXWMLOOaXNGAR39-W_D4RkTS6VpCTA2gZ-1hNuYA-98pZSa-LXzoU/s320/seagull.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>26. What is your favorite holiday? (English ladies mean vacation.)</i></div>
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Spending time near an ocean. Not particular about which one. I just like walking the beach at sunrise or sunset and enjoying the roar of the waves. The rest of my family, unfortunately, prefers Disney World.</div>
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<i>27. Beer or wine?</i> </div>
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Neither. I've never really cared for alcohol in any form. If I'm in a situation where it would be impolite or noticed to pass, I drink DiSaronno amaretto on the rocks.<br /></div>
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<i>28. Night Owl or Morning Person?</i> </div>
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Also neither. I'm strictly a middle-of-the-day person! Takes me a while to get going in the morning and I'm tired by 9:30 or 10:00 p.m.</div>
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<i>29. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?</i></div>
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Hawaii. Or anyplace with moderate temperatures and beaches. But not unless I was also close to my kids... so basically, any place they are.</div>
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<i>30. Favorite day of the week?</i></div>
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Monday. Yes I'm weird. But it always feels like there is so much possibility in the week ahead on a Monday.</div>
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Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-26854407704757668612020-02-23T17:50:00.000-05:002020-02-23T17:50:10.363-05:00Craft Space Clean Up - AFTERWell ladies - with all your encouragement, I got down to business and have completed my craft space clean up and reorganization!<br />
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On my last post <a href="http://patioposts.blogspot.com/2020/02/me-on-monday-february-17th.html" target="_blank">Patio Postcards</a> asked if the word "Simplify" was a prior One Little Word. YES! It was my word for 2016. And it's still so relevant for me.<br />
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Susanne of <a href="https://snapsandsnippets.blogspot.com/2020/02/30-questions-and-few-answers-too_21.html" target="_blank">Snaps and Snippets</a> wondered about all the Scrabble games. They were definitely purchased to harvest the tiles for crafting. I thought I would use the game boards for backgrounds for wall art or covers for journals. During the clean up, I had to admit that the likelihood of that EVER happening was slim, so I dumped all the tiles and trays into a gallon size plastic bag and recycled all the boards and boxes. It takes up so much less space now!<br />
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Here are my AFTER photos with some commentary...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATwPLWrd4PeAeI9F1suizG-nmRVNu_8imGwGdvWh-krPXHu6rI6m-M5vgcWcIoGiCIo5b32T1-D-RutSRSVGJELnO94djO6d0EXK-Jp4tnjs6BTqVoBNEMrhlLKEv0Lk7-K51OF9dlkM/s1600/20200223_131812088_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATwPLWrd4PeAeI9F1suizG-nmRVNu_8imGwGdvWh-krPXHu6rI6m-M5vgcWcIoGiCIo5b32T1-D-RutSRSVGJELnO94djO6d0EXK-Jp4tnjs6BTqVoBNEMrhlLKEv0Lk7-K51OF9dlkM/s640/20200223_131812088_iOS.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
The view from the office side of the craft table toward the front entry hall. You can SEE the table top! All that delicious making space - and no boxes, bins, or piles of stuff!<br />
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Under the table are storage shelves. The upper shelf has 8 full photo boxes. The lower shelf has 6 plastic boxes of miscellaneous supplies - ribbon, sewing, beading, some small bits of specialty fabric. I don't access these items often so this spot was chosen because it's not as easy to get at.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1L1iZdWq71fdhptLDZK7ICFq-xwmuumlZtWMZyYFa-kX33R_9GNrGydmXhKbclBJL930c56LQfBNzIYjvi20xJ6vcSvohxFoR978UpgPiavvCk5oDDyCLzxqqwHx7rUKK8X0EuQWXjw/s1600/20200223_131840249_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1L1iZdWq71fdhptLDZK7ICFq-xwmuumlZtWMZyYFa-kX33R_9GNrGydmXhKbclBJL930c56LQfBNzIYjvi20xJ6vcSvohxFoR978UpgPiavvCk5oDDyCLzxqqwHx7rUKK8X0EuQWXjw/s640/20200223_131840249_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Side of desk facing the wall. From this view, you can see my actual "workspace". All the inkpads in the wall unit were tested and labeled. I donated about 20 different colors of glitter in teeny tiny baggies. I never use glitter on anything anyway! And I added one new item to the wall unit...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVGpwqakzkBalDVKUHCyLQel1QxOQT_tJY4a2phWLsP0t9Gv3O8CcVoJ12bo7mjt8dJpcblAnWlEpFvnCqdBxGgrbJVtmnzwtysy2kLXaHxU_0Mmds3WPDiw0uxm-6YWeo51KauURa0k/s1600/20200223_200552784_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVGpwqakzkBalDVKUHCyLQel1QxOQT_tJY4a2phWLsP0t9Gv3O8CcVoJ12bo7mjt8dJpcblAnWlEpFvnCqdBxGgrbJVtmnzwtysy2kLXaHxU_0Mmds3WPDiw0uxm-6YWeo51KauURa0k/s640/20200223_200552784_iOS.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Sarah made this mug for me years ago. It's been sitting unused in a cabinet in the kitchen. This space was perfect, and honestly, it's inspirational in terms of scrapbooking!</div>
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You may recognize the quote from the 2008 movie "Australia" as something said by the Drover, played by Hugh Jackman.</div>
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And those yummy distress ink pads? Can you believe I had five unopened ones? I haven't bought scrapbooking supplies in at least two years!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVu7G0099xCCItx_R6jguhFppCotXlMSMsi937zVxiK2Pxuf4SHQGdcWL3zJebqNUBnJkTiJlrYSziC7izWH1uDoOWQLsds-cwobgLCGcnuh1mX9Mh0KZy-UmeqwRYg2qiXPT57kzHJPI/s1600/20200223_131854721_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVu7G0099xCCItx_R6jguhFppCotXlMSMsi937zVxiK2Pxuf4SHQGdcWL3zJebqNUBnJkTiJlrYSziC7izWH1uDoOWQLsds-cwobgLCGcnuh1mX9Mh0KZy-UmeqwRYg2qiXPT57kzHJPI/s640/20200223_131854721_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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View of the bookshelves. At first glance it may seem like nothing changed from the <a href="http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com/2020/02/craft-space-clean-up.html" target="_blank">original shot</a>. To be honest, this bit took me the most time of all! I went through every storage box, bin, and basket. A few things were culled out. Many things were moved to group with other like items and contents of many of the baskets and bins was changed out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3C2793Mv-dZ5gUcGQ2kbwEhzKJOiIbwog9XJGCp5kIkdfY4e6NKIOuDuNZpn-0Qcwv24C-P3UK6s3r7mD4da0sFPtN2zA-vSAJt2rgcRUcMJb8upPVo8Q8vOufPpy3CJV2ysosu4_AI/s1600/20200223_195528982_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3C2793Mv-dZ5gUcGQ2kbwEhzKJOiIbwog9XJGCp5kIkdfY4e6NKIOuDuNZpn-0Qcwv24C-P3UK6s3r7mD4da0sFPtN2zA-vSAJt2rgcRUcMJb8upPVo8Q8vOufPpy3CJV2ysosu4_AI/s640/20200223_195528982_iOS.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I tried to group all my most used tools and supplies into this section - in the easiest reach from my workspace.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEqRFZN39Gf4_DI3yV5_ywVJGvghH28CrIJRgcO9xNLfZ_UCDPMOt33eMNmujrdUqxLZBBKzXRxMloWtsz9K73NmwBHXyvxhfg6qd2_k8irk8aEMZ96dutq6zVlj6wvBdIbSfCwEVQyI/s1600/20200223_195617749_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTEqRFZN39Gf4_DI3yV5_ywVJGvghH28CrIJRgcO9xNLfZ_UCDPMOt33eMNmujrdUqxLZBBKzXRxMloWtsz9K73NmwBHXyvxhfg6qd2_k8irk8aEMZ96dutq6zVlj6wvBdIbSfCwEVQyI/s640/20200223_195617749_iOS.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Other sections of the shelves include my Library of Memories Binders...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCoddefczYkU7__9DBMN75x5ZptZS-tWTDc47-00I7CcgbLDEAd7mBtdEg4PrCbBmUVtd_zspjXko5i_Bd1qmzQZqHGRB_4Xj28zf-5TTgVrnAulSeu2Sj2nef3QcRWcUbACUuzfouYU/s1600/20200223_195628308_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCoddefczYkU7__9DBMN75x5ZptZS-tWTDc47-00I7CcgbLDEAd7mBtdEg4PrCbBmUVtd_zspjXko5i_Bd1qmzQZqHGRB_4Xj28zf-5TTgVrnAulSeu2Sj2nef3QcRWcUbACUuzfouYU/s640/20200223_195628308_iOS.jpg" width="480" /></a>Paper and Photo Binders...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZ3-BKkQ8gS9OIaPPs3FAS4XEwu5jjdBp2QreKxZYcGAuODD2J01wweJS3Zt2aLysouxImUw0wpu7Mgfcb9M9I0fp4aGvnP_hiPv14lOQoYYpCEhGY_R7vbeDA6kAh9c4WFXNTZosnZg/s1600/20200223_195720842_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGZ3-BKkQ8gS9OIaPPs3FAS4XEwu5jjdBp2QreKxZYcGAuODD2J01wweJS3Zt2aLysouxImUw0wpu7Mgfcb9M9I0fp4aGvnP_hiPv14lOQoYYpCEhGY_R7vbeDA6kAh9c4WFXNTZosnZg/s640/20200223_195720842_iOS.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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And other albums. Jay and I before kids, my high school/college scrapbook, an album for just my art journal/artsy style layouts, Week in the Life, etc.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNFk05FciFp7zdSlVifZPNxCSwivyZ1juRGHF28ecQUPcEQyvc7Ljf7D_onlTPZRlFdEJV8VdhvU2oBJWLLcbsKWYTNjOR7ZpfZqkJhkhXDzQJ3klnFWI6X0tc8ifj02ltYR8ShoCKRs/s1600/20200223_195418710_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNFk05FciFp7zdSlVifZPNxCSwivyZ1juRGHF28ecQUPcEQyvc7Ljf7D_onlTPZRlFdEJV8VdhvU2oBJWLLcbsKWYTNjOR7ZpfZqkJhkhXDzQJ3klnFWI6X0tc8ifj02ltYR8ShoCKRs/s640/20200223_195418710_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Here's a close-up of the bulletin board wall. I have been hanging onto those vinyl wall words since before 2008. I'm so glad I finally put them up! I added a command hook for my apron and switched out the desk lamp for a smaller one that fit the space better. All those markers and paints in the Coca Cola tray? Every single one was tested - all the dried up ones were tossed!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUWblc8JAcplc9xCJlSKVEO5LMTMOHwrwilHPDM7_3ksEGWR9wND25qD-IEQfs_j6cREuhxDsrXkZfZ9BiyOq27WaDIXDYJh-0as8NYIlnOcTfxP_eAmi8_WoOl41-QnYfCR6QadB5Io/s1600/20200223_195430019_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUWblc8JAcplc9xCJlSKVEO5LMTMOHwrwilHPDM7_3ksEGWR9wND25qD-IEQfs_j6cREuhxDsrXkZfZ9BiyOq27WaDIXDYJh-0as8NYIlnOcTfxP_eAmi8_WoOl41-QnYfCR6QadB5Io/s640/20200223_195430019_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Below the bulletin board - my Ikea carts and storage. To fit the second Ikea cart, I had to move the table toward the office about 6" which really opened up this space. Moved my punches out of the bottom drawer (which I could barely open with the weight) and onto the new cart. Reorganized what was in all the drawers based on what got used the most. Everyday adhesives and foam dots are now in the drawer unit up on the table and the glue gun is in one of the storage drawers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWM4iRH6GYx0LO5-n_fKiyRAd_rE7ChUc35KorVlymvw9ps91ZH8qcP6ja7fvymFviIPQAmpMCxwcx61_ClgtDBGcJA27XaCazwltuK4fBYJ4nCnPyobEP7ERb_G4CA562MpwDugDpzc/s1600/20200223_131953124_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDWM4iRH6GYx0LO5-n_fKiyRAd_rE7ChUc35KorVlymvw9ps91ZH8qcP6ja7fvymFviIPQAmpMCxwcx61_ClgtDBGcJA27XaCazwltuK4fBYJ4nCnPyobEP7ERb_G4CA562MpwDugDpzc/s640/20200223_131953124_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
All the craft paints were tested as well. Tossed quite a few dried up bottles. Added color samples to the bottles that didn't already have them. Before testing this rack was full! I now have space to add new paints. Not planning to rush out and buy anything - this is my "room to grow"!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEzbWtbC2A7jG3-mMBjwQx5r7dv8x-tyuz-CpsgXmZNWz3F3ok00coIL3ERDhJPcvLKYmhGozwvH-kmGhHHgzRQr94em2o41PpLSpodw1yzrtoJavRH-WaTeyCfhtazLTMneddJKhZuc/s1600/20200223_200532204_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWEzbWtbC2A7jG3-mMBjwQx5r7dv8x-tyuz-CpsgXmZNWz3F3ok00coIL3ERDhJPcvLKYmhGozwvH-kmGhHHgzRQr94em2o41PpLSpodw1yzrtoJavRH-WaTeyCfhtazLTMneddJKhZuc/s640/20200223_200532204_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
From a little further out on the side of the desk, you can see my small modular shelving unit which fits partially under the table top. You also get a glimpse into my office and the new furniture I bought last August. My next "big" purchase will be a new stool for this space. The table is counter height. The stool was snagged from the kitchen, but it is bulky and uncomfortable to sit in for any length. I want to get a new one that is on wheels and lighter weight.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojW5Is-jeXIMFt1HIkLzTnMuo0x_Rq8WRN0fm_BF6NdhVUIZRwvulb8Y76OzUVdZuuu4hIWp5ZI-7B5q32k3RDFfR4wBpbaafcPMdLyqNyOXJh8I6wp4AMQhowCTlt1Lwhyphenhyphen7wJg-Vdzk/s1600/20200223_200523538_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhojW5Is-jeXIMFt1HIkLzTnMuo0x_Rq8WRN0fm_BF6NdhVUIZRwvulb8Y76OzUVdZuuu4hIWp5ZI-7B5q32k3RDFfR4wBpbaafcPMdLyqNyOXJh8I6wp4AMQhowCTlt1Lwhyphenhyphen7wJg-Vdzk/s640/20200223_200523538_iOS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This shelf unit holds all my "once and done" type albums and each year's One Little Word album. I had green fabric bins in three of the sections originally. As the number of albums grew, the bins have been removed and their contents relocated. I removed the last one in this purge and relocated the milk bottles that I use for flower vases onto a high shelf in the kitchen cabinets. That freed up space for some empty photo albums and journals that will, no doubt, become scrapbook projects in the future.<br />
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All those albums and I haven't even included a photo of the Pottery Barn window seat bench that houses about 15 albums in the cubbies under the bench! I have done some scrapbooking in the last twenty years! Yes, I've been scrapbooking over twenty years now!<br />
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I'll leave you with this close-up of a piece of art work you may have glimpsed on the bulletin board (note: the mermaid painting was done by my sister Deanna - she was going to toss it). The one and only Lifebook 2020 lesson I've completed to date... the "warm up" lesson.<br />
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So are you feeling sufficiently inspired to tackle your own craft space? What change do you think had the most impact?Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-58201223060562047512020-02-13T05:00:00.000-05:002020-02-23T15:24:41.707-05:00Craft Space Clean Up - BEFOREOne of my "projects" for February is to clean, purge, and reorganize my craft space. These are my BEFORE photos...<br />
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I'm posting here so I can be held accountable to get this project done!<br />
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If I haven't posted my AFTER photos by March 1st, you can all ask me where they are.<br />
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Not only is this mess embarrassing, it hinders my creativity because there is no space on that table to actually work!<br />
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The set-up of the room won't change much because this is really how everything fits best. But I do plan to purge stuff I will never use, clean up the mess, and get things organized so I know what I have and where to find it! Stay tuned for the transformation!Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-58666267117523824852020-02-11T05:00:00.000-05:002020-02-11T05:00:03.299-05:00One Little WordI never got around to posting my OLW January pages. Confession: I didn't even finish them until the beginning of February! Pretty self-explanatory, so I'll just leave you to peruse!<br />
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<br />Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-23606545878680053682020-02-09T14:55:00.001-05:002020-02-09T14:55:34.504-05:00Catching UpI seriously can't believe it has been a full month since I posted! But there you have it. My goal of weekly posting out the window before the year really even got rolling. 🙄<br />
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January was a bit rough around the edges. I had a head cold. Then our furbaby Ashley passed (she was just shy of 19). That was truly sad. In the process of burying her, I pulled a muscle in my back/hip and couldn't stand up straight for four days. The house is too quiet now (she was a very vocal kitty).<br />
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The truth is, I'm struggling right now. Struggling to keep up with ALL.THE.THINGS.... struggling to stay positive... struggling to get clarity around my next steps.<br />
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I set myself up to have a super productive creative year with a slew of online classes. Most of which have already fallen by the wayside.<br />
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I did manage to get Jay's birthday page done.<br />
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And my Christmas Cards 2019 layout. Seems the art of sending cards in the mail has definitely fallen off. We used to get so many photo cards that I would have to cut them down and I'd still have 4 pages for a single year. Now I'm lucky to get 2 or 3 photo cards. For those of you still sending me handmade cards, know that they are much appreciated and most of them are included in the layout and become part of our Christmas card exchange documented memories!<br />
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Mostly, I've been doing the job search thing. Drafting (and redrafting, and tweaking and re-tweaking) my resume, updating my LinkedIn profile, talking with my career coach, attending online seminars, attending networking events...<br />
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The last time I actively searched for a job was 1996! I was extremely blessed to be recruited to join TREND in 2004, at a time when I knew I needed to leave my law firm practice. I was extremely blessed to work at TREND for 13 years with wonderful people who became my second family. I was blessed to survive the merger and another three years of employment before having my position eliminated. I have no illusions about just how lucky I was to be gainfully employed for 16 years straight without having to think about resumes or profiles or personal branding.<br />
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Turns out, ALL of the rules for job searching have changed! Everything I thought I knew is worthless. I'm a beginner in the job market at the ripe old age of... well, it doesn't matter. I just have to get on board with being back to square one and figure this all out. <br />
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If you are still reading, thanks for being here for me! I've re-committed to blogging more often and will be back soon!!!Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-7293455645158259342020-01-07T15:49:00.000-05:002020-01-07T15:49:26.343-05:00One Little Word 2020 | RISE<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The process of choosing my One Little Word…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I've mentioned previously, my position of 16 years has been eliminated. Losing my job threatened to pull me
under. The panic, loss of control, fear of the unknown, was a black abyss I was
falling into head first. The “position elimination” although not unexpected, was still a shock when it came, a real punch to the gut.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Rather than be angry, I tried very hard to
be the consummate professional. I went into temporary hyper-drive,
doing all I could to transfer knowledge so those I was leaving behind were set up
for success… if they chose to take it and run with it. If not, I kept telling myself, it’s not my
problem any longer. This is not my circus; these are not my monkeys. Do you have any idea how easily that can
become a daily mantra??? Not my monkeys,
not my monkeys, not my…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With each task I relinquished, I felt a
little relief. I had been, for the past three years, trying to run a department
with no clear understanding of what was expected of
me. It’s exhausting trying to aim for an
undefined target and never knowing if you are even close to hitting the mark. Despite the lighter feeling that comes with
letting go, I suffered way too many sleepless nights last month.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That time of spinning my wheels is now behind me and I’m working
out how to best approach 2020. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>Before
I found out I was losing my job, I thought my word would be “complete” – as in
finally getting around to finishing a lot of tasks, projects, classes,
challenges, ideas that had been started but not finished, or on my to-do list
since forever without ever being started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But with the prospect of a full year job search and a lot of rejection ahead
of me, that word no longer held any spark. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Transform. </b>Having rejected “complete,” my first
thought for a word to guide me in 2020 was “transform” – as in change into the
person I am meant to be, like a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly … in fact,
butterfly was a perfect symbol for transform… but when I looked up the
definition of transform it was described as “change completely” – it felt like
a step too far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not in need of a
complete overhaul, just some program and user interface tweaks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Cheri 5.8 transitioning into Cheri 5.9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Create. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>“Create”
also came to mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As in create a new
version of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also tied into all
those unfinished projects…. If during my job search time, I could allow myself
time to create in the art world too. I got excited about it. Briefly. Create is
honestly a fantastic word with so much possibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It just didn’t feel strong enough, bold
enough, tough enough for what I know lies ahead of me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I wanted a word that gave me a feeling of courage or bravery,
a call to arms if you will, without actually using the words courage or brave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I saw on Facebook that someone was using the
word “Phoenix” – I like the imagery and symbolism that goes with Phoenix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I didn’t want to use the actual
word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It felt like using the word “butterfly”
would if your intention was “transform”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But it had a pull.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up phoenix
imagery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I looked up quotes about rising
from the ashes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then I became excited.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2roQd8Et6iiFdbw8-QDaAy6RgmrNxju9ZPYO8MXqKWDohFHMs0_dn-WdFw12B9lW_rU6Vr09xZ_BEyK7Yy4aTFSvSHJLnEhoRBhGR8P6lzEnhXamlOfzUPSO71MV6F4DHyDZfG2iWX4/s1600/IMG_0901+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ2roQd8Et6iiFdbw8-QDaAy6RgmrNxju9ZPYO8MXqKWDohFHMs0_dn-WdFw12B9lW_rU6Vr09xZ_BEyK7Yy4aTFSvSHJLnEhoRBhGR8P6lzEnhXamlOfzUPSO71MV6F4DHyDZfG2iWX4/s640/IMG_0901+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>RISE</b> feels like a real touchstone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A word that can remind me to be brave, be
strong, keep trying when I get kicked down – rise up, rise above, rise to the challenge, rise again,
rise and shine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It feels like the
perfect antidote to being "eliminated." It feels
like precisely the call to action for which I was searching.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-11964008063428269762020-01-02T09:19:00.000-05:002020-01-02T09:19:00.656-05:00#TopNine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJpsMldmyP_V0odKr1SFDE23thMeOx9_qBHpYQU18TEL2aCsh40vwVGqSWyd4HsUyThjX2pdmEuTvzQWUPXSrIp2xxkOy441AFNwXDQNMNApAUn4LU80Z_SbBI2RjoU0IPsE0ZHhl3AQ/s1600/%2523TopNine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUJpsMldmyP_V0odKr1SFDE23thMeOx9_qBHpYQU18TEL2aCsh40vwVGqSWyd4HsUyThjX2pdmEuTvzQWUPXSrIp2xxkOy441AFNwXDQNMNApAUn4LU80Z_SbBI2RjoU0IPsE0ZHhl3AQ/s640/%2523TopNine.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't have any photos of some of the other best moments of 2019... visiting with Krystal, visiting with Deanna (they both came here at separate times and we got zero photos together... ugh). Despite the unfortunate circumstances, visiting with my Texas family for my mother's memorial service. I need to get better about getting photos on MY phone so I have them!Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-79001609487724467982019-12-31T16:30:00.000-05:002019-12-31T16:30:26.006-05:00Saying Goodbye to 2019I started 2019 with high hopes and a lot of enthusiasm. It turned out to be a difficult year in so many different ways. I'm not sad to leave this year behind.<br />
<br />
On the difficult side, I struggled physically with plantar fasciitis, then IT band syndrome, both of which interrupted my physical progress in TRX class. I lost my mother, dealt with my grief by eating my feelings, which resulted in reaching my highest weight EVER (seriously, I weighed less when I was 9 months pregnant with twins). Sarah lost a good friend to cancer and then had her own health struggles - and you know as a Mom, when your child struggles, you feel it - deep in your core. I was finally getting myself back on track, losing weight, feeling good about life, when I learned that I was losing my job. Now unemployed, I am once again working on getting back on track.<br />
<br />
On the happier side, there was a lot of positive in 2019. Becca passed her PTA program, passed her Boards, got a job, and got engaged. We had a fabulous family vacation at Disney. I walked and kept up with my family with minimal pain. I found a craft shop that I LOVE and took several in person classes. We did a LOT of wedding planning stuff. I handled my position elimination with extreme professionalism and left on good terms with all. And I ticked a LOT off my 2019 goals...<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGdBKjAhIyydYZSJqmLlawScAYxWs2S2qJdW53WEzdYHZLKw9d0CWCm_oxsJe8ltf8tTQwIgE8Qnf-1jHqNCTr5WasJLdZ3ezveqOi3QX-qkEShznInlh6E3I0h2QH2C3IXAnvENuANc/s1600/LoveLifesm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGdBKjAhIyydYZSJqmLlawScAYxWs2S2qJdW53WEzdYHZLKw9d0CWCm_oxsJe8ltf8tTQwIgE8Qnf-1jHqNCTr5WasJLdZ3ezveqOi3QX-qkEShznInlh6E3I0h2QH2C3IXAnvENuANc/s640/LoveLifesm.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
Remember this list? Here's the final tally:<br />
1. No - changed my mind.<br />
2. DONE! Plus CMLX2 and ICC as well.<br />
3. DONE! 47 books read. Audible really helps.<br />
4. Yes? Final tally 729 items plus 13+ pounds of paper (old files purged). Paper averaged 100+ sheets per pound, so if we are counting individual sheets of paper, I made it.<br />
5. Progress, but not complete.<br />
6. DONE!<br />
7. DONE!<br />
8. DONE! Plus 3 bedrooms upstairs too!<br />
9. YES! Not yet consistently, but after TRX class I usually can.<br />
10. No.<br />
11. No. I started off well, but then not so much.<br />
12. DONE!<br />
13. DONE!<br />
14. DONE! Even the "repeat" part!<br />
15. DONE!<br />
16. DONE!<br />
17. No.<br />
18. Not even close. I think I completed two lessons all year.<br />
19. It sure did. Not in ways I had imagined.<br />
<br />
So, 13 of my original 19 goals complete. I'm happy with that number, all things considered. Now it's time to make plans for 2020... I'm excited for a new year, a new decade, and the promise of so many possibilities to come. You can remind me I said that if I get all whiny and depressed during the upcoming job search.<br />
<br />Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-4419119292104953862019-12-18T18:55:00.000-05:002019-12-19T09:49:47.737-05:00EliminatedI've been absent for three months. A lot has happened in that time frame. My travel schedule did threaten to ruin me and my last trip to Rockville was... well... my <b>last</b> trip to Rockville. My position with my company is being eliminated. I will officially join the ranks of the unemployed on December 27, 2019.<br />
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I've already been through the seven stages of grief. The shock/denial phase lasted all of about five minutes. I knew when my boss left back in March that this was a possibility and in some ways I'm surprised I lasted through the end of the year. Anger, bargaining, depression, and testing has been somewhat circular over the last month as I worked through knowledge transition and wrapping things up with our human resources department. Today I sent out my farewell email to my colleagues and I'm honestly glad to have that task done. <br />
<br />
All that remains is acceptance. And writing a resume - something I haven't done in 17 years. And starting a job search.<br />
<br />
All of which will wait until the New Year. Right now I want to slow down, enjoy the holidays, take stock, and be truly deliberate with my job search and finding the next right thing for me.<br />
<br />
I'm reaching out just to let you all know what has happened and why I've been MIA. I'm guessing that after the holidays I might have more time to be present here!<br />
<br />
Happy Holidays everyone! Catch you soon!<br />
<br />
Cheri<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span>
Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-63664650377063602562019-09-13T16:58:00.000-04:002019-09-13T16:58:50.318-04:00TGIF | September 13, 2019<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 30px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">*with thanks to<span style="color: #e06666;"> <a href="https://brenebrown.com/tgif-newsletter/" style="color: #60502a; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Brene Brown</span></a></span> for this meme.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: mistral; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Trusting</span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: mistral; font-size: 14.9102px; line-height: 28.5333px;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">that my crazy schedule for the next 8 weeks won't kill me! Traveling 4 out of 8 weeks - all work related.</span></span><br style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif;" /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.9102px;">
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<span style="font-family: mistral; font-size: x-large; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b>Grateful</b></span></span><span style="font-family: mistral; line-height: 28.5333px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">for the cooler weather, beach time, my TRX class, and an awesome massage therapist. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: mistral;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Inspired</span></b></span><span style="font-family: mistral; font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">by all the wedding ideas available on Pinterest. Seriously considering acquiring a Cricut Maker to aid in making some of Becca's desires a reality. Anyone own one and care to share their experience? Or a Silhouette Cameo?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Had<span style="font-size: 14.9102px;"> </span></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: mistral; font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Fun! </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">playing Exploding Kittens during a rainy remnants-of-Hurricane-Dorian day at the beach. First time for most of us! </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our end of summer shore weekend was cut short by Sarah contracting some nasty upper respiratory infection + bronchitis + stomach upset, which was apparently bacterial as none of the rest of us got sick despite sharing confined quarters with her. After several days on antibiotics she is on the mend.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Jay & I took advantage of the extra day at home to visit 5 different kitchen/bath showrooms. More </span></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: mistral; font-size: x-large; font-weight: 700;">Fun! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our heads are now spinning with information on toilets, tubs, vanities, sinks, faucets, oh my! ... a lot of planning yet to do, but new bathrooms are in our future, although still possibly a year or more down the road.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Also had </span></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: mistral; font-size: x-large; font-weight: 700;">Fun! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">creating Save the Date cards for Becca this week. Here's a version minus the pertinent information:</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Their engagement photos were gorgeous! My apologies to all of you if my posts over the next year get a little wedding heavy. It's currently the biggest deal going on in my life! 😊</span></span></div>
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Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-14372817398274821132019-08-31T16:05:00.000-04:002019-08-31T16:05:32.330-04:00TGIF | August 31, 2019<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 30px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*with thanks to<span style="color: #e06666;"> <a href="https://brenebrown.com/tgif-newsletter/" style="color: #60502a; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Brene Brown</span></a></span> for this meme.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: mistral; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Trusting</span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: mistral; font-size: 14.9102px; line-height: 28.5333px;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">that I will get my white paper written for my CMLX2 certification. I've never felt so uninspired about something I've written before.</span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; font-size: 14.9102px;">
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<span style="font-family: mistral; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Grateful</span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: mistral; font-size: 14.9102px; line-height: 28.5333px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">for the cooler weather and some good nights for sleeping. I actually hit close to or over eight hours four nights in a row. I think it's a record!</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: mistral;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Inspired</span></b></span><span style="font-family: mistral; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia, times new roman, serif;">by the recent purchase of a new clear table protector for my craft table to actually clean my craft room. Off to get started.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14.9102px;">Had </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: mistral; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">Fun! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">bridal dress shopping with my girls. It was an all day affair that started and ended at La Belle Mariee where Becca said YES to the dress! I'm honoring Becca's request not to share any details, but I think it will be absolutely gorgeous on her.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYwLWOQ87GcQLhzuYtoJRmUBbSSu0j0CyZ1MZml5NH-ZAbZ1ZuheAkZNPYhxB7oY9HnlPWUkFRXUHCVy-PTq01PQejTqpwBc2dDqtZgIfJAtCAS3gnE9IRUAF237eUiXFcrHgBQx49gQ/s1600/2019-08-30+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="745" data-original-width="595" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioYwLWOQ87GcQLhzuYtoJRmUBbSSu0j0CyZ1MZml5NH-ZAbZ1ZuheAkZNPYhxB7oY9HnlPWUkFRXUHCVy-PTq01PQejTqpwBc2dDqtZgIfJAtCAS3gnE9IRUAF237eUiXFcrHgBQx49gQ/s640/2019-08-30+%25282%2529.png" width="510" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">After the successful shopping trip, and totally for shits and giggles, Becca tried on my wedding gown. Becca is a skinny thing - much smaller than I think I ever was at her age, so imagine my surprise when we couldn't button her up in the back! The veil definitely looks better pressed!</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Who wore it better? Sad how little detail those old photos captured.</span></span></div>
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Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-21838565624754969222019-08-16T15:28:00.001-04:002019-08-16T15:28:01.447-04:00TGIF | August 16, 2019<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-size: small;">*with thanks to<span style="color: #e06666;"> <a href="https://brenebrown.com/tgif-newsletter/" style="color: #60502a; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Brene Brown</span></a></span> for this meme.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: mistral; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Trusting</span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: mistral; line-height: 28.5333px;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">that I will continue losing weight on the <a href="https://brightlineeating.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Bright Line Eating</span> </a>Plan. I've hit the 10 pound mark from my highest weight and the loss has slowed significantly - as it does every single time I diet. So I'm trusting that this plan will work and I'll continue releasing excess weight - even if it is slowly!</span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia, utopia, "palatino linotype", palatino, serif;">
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<span style="font-family: mistral; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Grateful</span></b></span></span><span style="font-family: mistral; line-height: 28.5333px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">to be have a quick getaway with Jay last weekend to celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary. Can't believe we've been together that long!</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Chincoteague Island VA on our anniversary. We saw the wild ponies plus bald eagles, dolphins, egrets, deer. Great boat tour!</td></tr>
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<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: mistral;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b>Inspired</b></span> </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">by Jessica Swift - just started her new course <a href="https://www.jessicaswift.com/create-a-new-story/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Create A New Story</span></a> - looking forward to the transformation it may bring!</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Work can occasionally be </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: mistral; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">Fun! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There was a lot of energy around this month's trip (this week) to Rockville and it was good seeing all the colleagues I don't get to interact with on a regular basis. It's also really nice to be back home!</span></span></div>
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Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-82318245337734495322019-08-02T15:13:00.002-04:002019-08-02T15:15:52.373-04:00TGIF | August 2, 2019<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, "Palatino Linotype", Palatino, serif; font-size: 30px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-size: 13.524px;">*with thanks to</span><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: 13.524px;"> <a href="https://brenebrown.com/tgif-newsletter/" style="text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">Brene Brown</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 13.524px;"> for this meme.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "mistral"; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;"><b>Trusting</b></span></span><span style="font-family: "mistral"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 28.5333px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">that I will develop a morning routine that works for me. Still a work in progress.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "mistral"; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;"><b>Grateful</b></span></span><span style="font-family: "mistral"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 28.5333px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">to be slowly ticking some <i>very old</i> items off my only-exists-in-my-head to do list! Finally got to Vision Works this morning to order new glasses. My eye doctor visit was in February. Yes, it took me that long! Also, finally took a picture of an award I won in high school, removed the engraved plate and donated the award. That's been on my to do list for (LITERALLY) years! And the whole process took about 15 minutes. Glad to have that niggling thought out of my brain!</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "mistral"; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b>Inspired</b></span> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">by <a href="https://bellagracemagazine.com/" style="color: #e06666;" target="_blank">Bella Grace Magazine</a>. I am seriously enamored with how beautiful it is!</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I had </span><span style="font-family: "mistral";"><b><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;">Fun</span></b> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">with my girls visiting our first bridal shop on Saturday and watching Becca try on gowns. She didn't say "yes" to any dress. But we have more shops to visit later this month.</span></span></div>
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Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-83169047663721058662019-07-26T17:22:00.001-04:002019-07-26T17:25:30.242-04:00TGIF | July 26, 2019*with thanks to <a href="https://brenebrown.com/tgif-newsletter/" target="_blank">Brene Brown</a> for this meme.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "mistral"; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;"><b>Trusting</b></span></span><span style="font-family: "mistral"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 28.5333px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">that I'll be able to stick with my <a href="https://brightlineeating.com/" target="_blank">Bright Line Eating</a> challenge and drop some excess weight.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "mistral"; line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;"><b>Grateful</b></span></span><span style="font-family: "mistral"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 28.5333px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;"> </span>that my massage therapist was able to squeeze me in for a 1/2 hour appointment when my neck and shoulder were screaming at me and that my PT was able to relieve some of my sciatica pain today. Working through it all.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "mistral"; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b>Inspired</b></span> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">by the vast availability of online classes and the chance to enhance my creative knowledge. Just signed up for a <a href="https://www.jessicasprague.com/courses/category/New%20Courses" target="_blank">digital art journaling class</a> with Jessica Sprague - which truly takes me back to my roots - I learned to use Photoshop Elements with Jessica Sprague classes back in 2009!</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I had </span><span style="font-family: "mistral"; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #45818e;">Fun</span></b> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">with the family on Sunday when we all met at Buckeye Tavern for a lunch to celebrate Becca passing her Boards. She's just completed her first full week of working. As a family we are all breathing a huge sigh of relief that she is done with school, exams, and the associated stress and can truly begin her adult life!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our daylilies are in full bloom - that's always how you know it's really Summer here!</td></tr>
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Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-51852558619752036742019-07-19T12:59:00.002-04:002019-07-19T12:59:38.270-04:00TGIF*with thanks to <a href="https://brenebrown.com/tgif-newsletter/" target="_blank">Brene Brown</a> for this meme.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Mistral; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Trusting</span></span><span style="font-family: Mistral; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">that my physical therapist will get to the bottom of what is causing my current knee and tailbone pains and figure out a way to address it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Mistral; font-size: x-large;">Inspired </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">attending a wedding expo with Becca and Sarah last night. Booked an appointment with the florist that was #1 on our list.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had </span><span style="font-family: Mistral; font-size: x-large;">Fun </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">hanging with Krystal and p</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">laying with a couple of Lifebook lessons in the past week. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My very first attempt at Zentangle</td></tr>
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Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4746656646280276215.post-43491329507931641122019-07-08T22:34:00.000-04:002019-07-09T09:16:06.598-04:00Mid Year Check InI find myself suddenly well into the second half of 2019 and needing to take stock. Make plans. Assess and pivot.<br />
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The first half of 2019 was ROUGH.<br />
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We went through the loss of my mother and Sarah's good friend Brianna, the stress of Becca completing her PTA program, another skin cancer surgery for Rachel. We closed our booth at the antique store. I said a very reluctant goodbye to my boss of 13 years. I personally struggled with plantar fasciitis and now IT band syndrome. I spent a lot of time feeling depressed. And despite efforts at diet and exercise, as of July 1, I was UP 4 pounds from the start of the year.<br />
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On the plus side, I passed my CMLX1 certification and my Advanced Conga Certification exam. I treated myself to a metalsmithing class and a mixed media class with Seth Apter at Creative Inkling. I continued with the TRX class I started last December. In March I progressed from planking off a bench to completing a 30 second plank from the floor. In April I planked for a full minute! I'm definitely getting stronger! We had a fantastic family vacation at Disney/Universal. We attended my nephew Bobby's wedding and caught up with my brother Jerry who I hadn't seen in several years.<br />
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Jay & I at the wedding venue - a horse farm!<br />
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We decluttered 311 items from our home (I have a LONG way to go to get to the 2019 items goal I set for the year!) How do you count paper? I just pulled 20 file folders worth of paper out of our filing cabinet. 10 pounds of paper. If I counted each sheet individually, I'd be a lot closer to goal, but that seems like cheating...<br />
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We finally checked getting kitchen back splash installed off our "to do" list - 12 years after the kitchen remodel!<br />
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I've already completed 25 out of the 26 books I committed to for the Reading Challenge this year. Audible has certainly made a huge difference in my ability to consume fiction! It is a great companion for all the drives down to Rockville Maryland.<br />
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But by far the most exciting and happy thing that has happened in the first half of 2019 - a mere three days after graduating from her PTA program and less than 10 minutes after entering Magic Kingdom was this:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Becca and Kyle got engaged</b></span></span> in front of Cinderella's castle! It was so much fun to be a part of it all and to see the surprise on Becca's face. She had NO idea it was happening there. And yes, we are now knee deep in wedding planning.<br />
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So as I'm taking stock, what do I want the second half of 2019 to look like? What do I still hope to accomplish? I pray that it will hold a lot more happy and a lot less sadness than the first six months.<br />
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I'm stealing a page from <a href="https://leecurrie.com/real-right-now-last-half-goals/" target="_blank">Lee Currie</a> and declaring my goals for the second half of 2019. Maybe declaring them will help me be more accountable???<br />
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<b style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-size: large;">Professional Goals:</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>Get My CMLX2 Certification.</b></span> Attend CMLX2 classes in July, pass the exams, and write my white paper by August 31st so I can earn my CMLX2 certification. I don't expect the classes or exams to be all that tough. But the white paper???? Yikes!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b style="color: #134f5c;">Get In House Counsel Certification. </b>I'm registered for a week long class in early November sponsored by the Association of Corporate Counsel. If I pass the exam at the end I'll be a "certified" In House Counsel. I don't <i>need</i> the certification but I'm hoping to learn a lot!</span><br />
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<b style="color: #134f5c;">Finish the Bright Guide. </b>Ever have one of those projects that you just keep putting off? Yes, this one. AKA the Employee Handbook. It's boring and tedious but I want it finished!!!<br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Personal Goals:</b></span></span><br />
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<b style="color: #38761d;">Touch My Toes. </b>It isn't a sexy goal, but it has a lot to do with my physical well being. Getting enough flexibility to reach my toes will mean I've managed (after years and years) to loosen up hamstrings and hip flexors to a point of being able to regain function I've lost. It also appears to be key to helping resolve my current IT Band Syndrome.<br />
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<b style="color: #38761d;">Resolve IT Band Syndrome. </b>The primary symptom is my inability to kneel or put any weight on my left knee. Do you have any idea how many daily activities require you to kneel or squat??? Not to mention yoga... I want that functionality back!<br />
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<b style="color: #38761d;">Lose Some Weight. </b>If I haven't figured out how to move the scale by the end of Summer, I'll make an appointment to discuss weight loss with my doctor. She's quick to offer pills (which I don't want) so I'm going to try a couple different diet/nutrition options and see if one of them can help. I want to be healthy. Looking good would be a nice side benefit. Getting the weight off would definitely help with all the problems I've been experiencing with my knees, ankles, and feet!<br />
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<b style="color: #38761d;">Make Some Art. </b>My creative time has been sorely lacking and I'd love to spend more time getting messy. I don't have any specific project in mind, so let's just say digging into some of my Lifebook 2019 lessons that have (so far) gone untouched this year. I'd like to complete at least one lesson per month - so 6 by the end of the year.<br />
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<b style="color: #38761d;">Solidify My Morning Routine. </b>I've been working on this for awhile now. I want to incorporate stretching, meditation, Lumosity (online brain games), and a little reading and journaling into my morning before I start my work day. I haven't come up with the right flow yet to make it work well enough to turn it into a habit. Continue working and tweaking until I have a flow that works!<br />
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: large;"><b>Project Goals:</b></span><br />
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<b style="color: #741b47;">Repaint the Main Floor. </b>Right now more of the house needs painting than not. But the mustard yellow walls and the red accent wall in the sun room MUST GO. I'm so over mustard yellow. I'm wanting a nice neutral grey throughout the downstairs with a dark grey accent wall in the sun room and a blue grey accent color on the fireplace wall in the family room. We need to get this project started soon because we will want to do it when we can keep windows open.<br />
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<b style="color: #741b47;">Fill Out Life Organizer: </b>The Life Organizer is a 3 ring binder I purchased that gives you one place to store copies of all the important stuff - birth and marriage certificates, deeds, mortgage info, banking info, 401K info, life insurance, etc. with notations as to where the originals are stored.... So that in the event something happens to you, your loved ones don't have to dig through file drawers and boxes to take care of business. Jay's been asking for quite awhile for me to compile all this info. I have the tool. I just need to start filling it in.<br />
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<b style="color: #741b47;">Continue Decluttering: </b>While Jay is on board we have so many more areas where STUFF is stored that just needs to leave. So I'm still going for that goal of removing 2019 items from my home by the end of 2019. Yes, it is seriously ambitious. But I have little doubt that there is that much that could leave if we got ruthless about it.<br />
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Thank you Lee for inspiring this list! I feel so much more ready to dive into the second half of this year and I have renewed hope and enthusiasm around reaching my goals.<br />
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How do you plan to finish out 2019?<br />
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<br />Cherihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15398170245040387614noreply@blogger.com7