Finish the scrapbook project... update!

My post at the beginning of February detailed how I was going to finish and entire scrapbook in a month. Not any just month, but good 'ol short February.  You may had noticed on my February 21 post, I hadn't made a lot of progress. I had started sorting, however it was slow.

However, I know my problem...

I was too attached to the photos.  

I couldn't decide which ones should stay and which ones should go... Cue 80s band :)

Anyhow...

There was only one solution. Bring in someone who was not attached to the photos. 

 When I first told Alan the concept of my 3 options system, he looked at me like I was mad, crazy, off the deep end. He started slowly, however once he realized I wasn't kidding, he was sorting like he meant it! :) He focused on sorting everything into two piles, file and keep. 

In the end, it worked. When Alan was done sorting, there was a giant pile of "file" (aka toss).

Yes, I added the ruler for effect :)

The next step was for me to organize into the scrapbook pages, deciding what I would scrap, and what would go into the wonderful We R Memory Keepers photo pages. I sorted this all into the album, arranging by approximate date/location.

Unfortunately, this is where the story ends for the month of February. I did not finish the scrapbook, however in a month (well, technically about 2-3 days total time tops) I am to the point of just scrapping a few pages and finishing a couple photo pages. Dare I say... I can do this in March?!

Each week, I'll post updates to completed layouts on my new Facebook page in the Project Finish the Scrapbook -2011 album.

Project Finish the Scrapbook - Step One

In my February goals, I mention finishing my California scrapbook, this month. I know I can... I know I can...

This is a huge task for a few very good reasons. Lets name a few...

1. This vacation was in 2009
2. I took around 1300 photos
3. I printing a lot of those (honestly, don't remember how many - though if I did, I might not admit it!)
4. I started on this book a few different times, working on it here and there
5. It is just time to "git'er done"

Starting this project I have 22 pages done (11 two page layouts), and 10 photo pages filled with pictures.

Step One: Organize Space. 

I recently had my friend K over for scrapbooking. I left the 4 6 foot tables up and set everything I needed up. It is best if you can leave this project up for the duration, however if you do not have the space, it is best if you put it in a spot where 1. you can see it so it will bug you to work on it, and 2. it is easy to access.

Step Two: Organize Photos

You could organize by date, topic, location, etc. I'm choosing to first organize by location/topic.

Things I noticed in this step: I had WAY to many photos in a few of the piles. Seriously. How many photos of the following does one need:

1. Clouds / Land from the airplane

2. Trees

3. Random birds, buildings and flowers I have no idea why I took that photo

Step Three: More Sorting

Starting with the largest pile, sort into the following categories:
1. Scrap - the favorite of the favorites
2. Photo Pages - these will go in the photo pages. it saves tons of time
3. File - whatever your version of file is. Mine happens to be the shredder. (oh, you just shuttered... don't worry, I have the photos backed up many times - just no room to store the printed ones).


One of my finished pages was the "best of the best", (if it would not have been, I would have simply put these 5 photos in the 12x12 photo pages for scrapping later) therefore....

I only had to sort into photo pages, and shred.. urgh... file. What I did during this step was further sort this pile (happened to be the "flying" pile) into more categories (cities, lakes, rives, clouds, mountains, etc).

 

I went through each pile and picked out the file picks.  Then, I laid out the remaining photos. I chose a couple more for the file pile, and then began putting them in photo pages.

 This entire process took a couple of hours. It should go more quickly as I become used to the process. I'm feeling really good about this. 27 more days and this book is going to be finished! I'm quite excited.

There is a lot of sorting involved, however I'm leaving the fun stuff, actual scrapbooking, for after the majority of the sorting. It keeps me a bit more motivated to keep up the sorting and filing at this pace.

Are you trying to finish a scrapbook, or photo sorting project? Let me know how you organize! I hope you join me this month in finishing your project!


I'll be posting weekly updates of this project!

Goals 2011 - February

I cannot believe it is February! It seems like the new year just rolled in with my One Little Word project, bucket list wish,  new goals, and birthday! 

As you know, I do not have new years resolutions. Instead I create goals each year on my birthday. This year, in light of my One Little Word, {simple} I decided to create a few general goals for the year, and each month set new goals specific for what is going on in my life at that time. 

To keep it as {simple} as possible, I'll post them at the beginning of each month with a recap of the previous month. I'll also post updates to specific goals during the month. I'm also going to find a common place to host an ongoing list of all my goals, as even as a month passes, I will continue to update as I complete items, even if "late".

A quick recap, my general 2011 goals are:

• Connect with family and friends, frequently, though all possible ways, but particularly in person, on the phone and through snail mail.
• Use fresh produce for meals
• Organize and prioritize  - rid my life of unnecessary clutter and burden
• Connect with people, pets and things around me - do not take anything for granted
• Be creative
• Breath - pray - relax - enjoy - appreciate

My January goals were made prior to me deciding on my general goals.

My specific January goals were:

• Update library card
• Renew passport - paperwork done. Needs to be submitted
• Finish new paperwork for work
• S&S wedding photos to DVD
• C&D wedding photos to DVD
• Have envelope ready to collect tax information as it arrives
• Re-hang bench back
• Finish Alpha-blocks project - In progress, however about 1/2 way through, it wasn't looking how I wanted it to. Now I'm stuck.

This month I set my goals while specifically thinking about simplifying my life as well as my general year goals.

My February goals are:

• Finish CA Scrapbook - this is quite the lofty goal - I'll be posting updates specific to this one for sure!
• Write 2 handwritten letters
• Try 4 new recipes using fresh produce (I welcome recipe ideas!)
• Set up an exercise routine
• Actually finish reading a book
• Spend more time just talking with Alan, no TV, no knitting, no computer, nothing between us. Just talking.

There we have it. Check back often for updates!  

How often do you set goals and how do you measure success?

Birthday Goals 2011

On Tuesday January 22, 2008 I started a blog. I listed goals. Each year after (2009, 2010) I reviewed the previous year, and started fresh with new goals.

Last year, I had a good list of goals:

• Read 5 books, cover to cover.
• Make even more time for friends, and family
• Volunteer in at least 2 projects (Already signed up for one!)
• Pay off credit card
• Keep control of incoming paper (mail, newspaper, coupons, etc!)
• Finish organizing basement and paint
• Research and then implement making more use of new dehydrator, especially this summer!
• Meal Planning - just do it!
• 10 scrapbook pages a month. I know I can!

In 2011, I'm going to try something a little different.  I'm still setting goals, however it is going to be a couple overarching goals, with monthly specific goals. To keep it as {simple} as possible, I"ll post them here at the beginning of each month with a recap of the previous month. I'll also post updates to specific goals during the month. 

Keeping my one little word in mind, my general 2011 goals are:

• Connect with family and friends, frequently, though all possible ways, but particularly in person, on the phone and through snail mail.
• Use fresh produce for meals
• Organize and prioritize  - rid my life of unnecessary clutter and burden
• Connect with people, pets and things around me - do not take anything for granted
• Be creative
• Breath - pray - relax - enjoy - appreciate

I look forward to the journey this year will provide!

I have been secretly working on my January goals and will post the update on February 1!

I'll be posting later today about my {simple} birthday adventure! Stay tuned!

Why wait for next year?

I know the New Year is a time of feeling fresh and new. However every time I hear anything related to "I cannot wait until 2011, it will be a fresh start", I want to shout back,  "What is wrong with tomorrow?  That is a fresh start!"

Sure, I make birthday goals instead of New Years Resolutions. I get it; goal setting is awesome and I highly encourage it. However let's be real here. Jan 1 "tomorrow" is no different that July 27, or October 3, or December 20. Do not hide behind the new year when you can start changing your life today.

Is change easy? Heck no.

Will procrastination get you anywhere? No!

So let us all say it together...

"when i have a goal, dream, destination, or ambition, i will start working toward it today."

Thank you.

Another Year Bites the Dust...

Wow!

I have been doing this bloggy thing for 2 years (and a couple days)! My very first post was a goal list for the year. I did the same for my second year... and yes, I will continue. I like having birthday goals. I have found this has a nice personal feeling. "Everyone" has new years resolutions. I have my birthday goals.


So from last year my goals. Let's see how I did:

Now, things to do before turning 27:

• Save money
• Volunteer in at least 3 projects
• Exercise more
• Plant a garden!
• Put up a fence in backyard for puppy
• Make more time for friends
  
• Complete the 365 challenge and scrapbook the photos!
• Scrapbook at least 10 pages a month

Well. I didn't do great, however I can say I am okay with what I did do.

I did very well in planting a garden, getting a fence put up in our backyard, and completing (and continuing) in the 365 photo challenge.

I did scrapbook, however not near 10 pages a month. And, I'm very disappointed that I don't feel I made enough time for friends. That is sad, really. How hard are either of these things?

The others. Well. Let's just move to this years goals!


Before Turning 28:

• Read 5 books, cover to cover.
• Make even more time for friends, and family
• Volunteer in at least 2 projects (Already signed up for one!)
• Pay off credit card
• Keep control of incoming paper (mail, newspaper, coupons, etc!)
  
• Finish organizing basement and paint
• Research and then implement making more use of new dehydrator, especially this summer!
• Meal Planning - just do it!
• 10 scrapbook pages a month. I know I can!

I'm sure there is all kinds more, however I'll leave it at that. Let's hope for a great turn out. I CAN do this!

When do you set goals for yourself? What works to keep you on track?

One year later...

If you haven't checked out my birthday wish, be sure to click over!

WOW! One year ago today this blog was born! I cannot believe it has been this long, and that I have stuck with it. I remember that first post. I was stressed out about grad school, avoiding homework. This blog has provided me with more than I could have ever imagined.

On my very first post, I listed this:

Things to do before turning 26:

• Start a blog
  
• Take the 365 photo challenge (http://photojojo.com/content/tutorials/project-365-take-a-photo-a-day/)
• Move out of my apartment
• Find a Job
• Finish my honeymoon scrapbook and start/finish another travel scrapbook
• Watch less TV
• Exercise more
• Play the piano more
• Save money

Well, I was off to a good start with "Start a blog"... Check!


Now the 365 day challenge didn't turn out so well. I lost motivation, inspiration. However, I have started it again this year, and have thus far been successful!


I also graduated and found a job (after much anxiety and stress). The job prompted us to move out of our apartment and into a house! We were doing very well on "save money", however with the home purchase, we ran ourselves a little more thin than I would have liked. With our new home came a puppy, and less time to watch tv.


Overall, I did quite well. I wasn't successful on the scrapbook, exercise, and piano playing, however I believe overall, the year was good to me!

Now, things to do before turning 27:

• Save money
• Volunteer in at least 3 projects
• Exercise more
• Plant a garden!
• Put up a fence in backyard for puppy
• Make more time for friends
  
• Complete the 365 challenge and scrapbook the photos!
• Scrapbook at least 10 pages a month

I'm sure there are many more, however this is a good start.

Each journey begins with a single step

I have been pondering life. Why am I here? What am I supposed to do? I can I achieve my goals? Am I on the right path? Career wise? Spiritually? With Friends and Family? Who am I? Who do I want to be...


Maybe this is my sign...

A sign of what exactly, I'm not sure. However while using wordle today, I entered my blog address and hit "random" and it gave me a random shape, colors and font for this image. I instantly thought "footprint".

Thoughts?

Image made at Wordle.

Frustrations and Downfalls

The list I made yesterday... well, let's just say I was not very successful in completing it. Instead I will work on it the rest of the week. I was over ambitious in planning.

(*Live blogging... my husband is pouting that I'm "ignoring him". I say, "I'm blogging, not ignoring you." Now, he is crowding me on the mini couch we have and inhibiting my typing abilities. I apologize in advance if this ends up being a mess of a story!)

Yesterday, I received a call from my accountant. She insisted that we owe $1500. in taxes! WHAT? Seriously. I know nearly zip about taxes, but I know better than that! Basically, when I started to ask questions, she didn't care to answer, making a reference to us making enough money. I'm not sure if she was saying we could afford to pay it, or what. Either way, I was insulted and ticked off (We make very little money. I'm in school full time and we pay a ridiculous amount in rent). So we are looking to figure out this mess, and for a new accountant.

I got home, and started making Potato-Veggie Frittata (which, BTW was AMAZING). As I started looking through our freezer, we are actually getting low on some stuff! Generally, we have plenty flour, rice, and such. The dry stuff. However running low on chicken, fish, sauces, etc. Remembering my goal to not buy any stuff (that I talked about here and here), I added several things to my list. We could have made it through this week. However after talking it through with my husband, we decided to go ahead and buy groceries. We had a couple Costco coupons that expire at the end of the month, and had the time to go. So, I didn't make it the entire month with out buying groceries and other stuff. However I feel good about making it a solid three weeks. Last Saturday, I walked through Target just to feed the shopping urge. I thought it had given me my fix. Guess not :-)

This morning I proceeded with my routine... Wake, not want to get up, go back to sleep, husband wakes me again, I get a drink of water, start shower... jump out of shower! With in 2 minutes of starting my shower, it went to 100% cold. NOT OKAY. I jumped out. My husband, in our 2nd bathroom had just done the same. He at least had the shampoo rinsed out. I, on the other hand, had not! We have had this issue before, however our apartment continues to insist the problem is fixed. Hum. Nope. I was almost an hour late for work. Luckily I only missed my prep time and not appointments. Our lease is up in September. Thank goodness.

So, between my frustrations and the downfall of my 'No Shopping in March" it has been an interesting start to the week. Do I dare ask what tomorrow will bring?

No New Stuff!

Over the last year, my husband and I have been trying to downsize our stuff. We have stuff everywhere in our small 2 bedroom apartment . . . boxes, shelves, totes, and closets full of it. Our apartment has been overtaken.

There has been a trip to goodwill, boxes of treasures given to friends and family, and many things listed on craigslist. Though things are getting better, we have found that we not only need to rid ourselves of stuff, but shopping bags full of new goodies need to stop.

We have found some success with buying less. Yet there is always a sale here, or clearance there. We might need that someday, how can we pass up something that is only a couple dollars.

While blog surfing a couple days ago, I found an interesting blog entry about a recent Oprah show. Jessica over at Serenity wrote about the show on Freeganism. I also found Amy at Crunchy Domestic Goddess wrote a great post exploring Freeganism.Jessica made some points that really hit home for me including:

• "Do I really need more scrapbook supplies and craft stuff?"
• " Most likely my life will go on just the same if I don’t get an item I am wanting"
• “...might come in handy”, does not mean that I need to buy it"

Jessica ends her entry by promising not to buy anything she doesn't need for the Month of March.

Interesting. I think I will join in this challenge, with my own twists.

For the month of March,

• I will not purchase any new craft supplies
  
• I will not purchase any new pens, pencils, notebooks or other school supplies
• I will not purchase any groceries that are not on sale, or have a coupon for - other than milk and bread (we tend to buy food, even when we have plenty. Our stock pile is getting a little to big).
  

Well I suppose, to put it simply, I will not be buying anything, other than milk/bread, and gas for our car.

And now, I pass the challenge to you. What can you do in the month of March to improve the world you live in?

Happy Birthday to ME!

I suppose I cannot put off turning 25 any longer. I cannot decide if I am excited about my birthday, or would rather pretend it is just another day. I think part of it is that I have so many things on my "To Do" list, and no time left in my planner. That could be why I am up after midnight... well, maybe I'm just playing on the internet and have no real excuse.

I don't have much planned. I took the day off work and school so I am able to sleep in. I have a few errands, and a few things for school I will need to get done. (Unfortunately, grad school doesn't allow me to use the "my dog ate my homework" bit, though I would love to see the look on my professors' face if I said it with a serious face).

My husband will be leaving work early so we can go out for dinner and spend the afternoon together. Honestly, it will be nice to just hang out and not have to be in a mad dash for a day.

Ironically enough, I have decided that turning 25 requires it's own "To Do" list. I suppose it is my new years resolutions coming a bit late. :)

Things to do before turning 26:

• Start a blog
  
• Take the 365 photo challenge (http://photojojo.com/content/tutorials/project-365-take-a-photo-a-day/)
• Move out of my apartment
• Find a Job
• Finish my honeymoon scrapbook and start/finish another travel scrapbook
• Watch less TV
• Exercise more
• Play the piano more
• Save money
  

I'll start with that and see how it goes. Hey, I must say that I have a good start. "Start a blog" . . . check!! :)