Party Like It's 2010!

Oh my, where has the time gone?! As we wind down 2009, I figured I’d get back on track with the blog. Sorry for my absence, it’s been a busy month! This year has been, to say the least, interesting. I’ve done so many wonderful things, but to be honest, I can’t wait to start 2010. I don’t really ever have resolutions for New Years, BUT I am an extremely motived individual. I do anything I put my mind to so for this purpose I call them “goals”. Here are a few goals I have for the coming year…

First and foremost, I WILL be finding a new job. I’ve had a few things on that front lately but not really sure how they’ll pan out. For the first time, I actually believe that I shouldn’t take the first thing that comes up. It’s time I stop settling and find a job where I am truly respected. I know not everyone loves their job, but I’d like to at least like it and feel like I’m not just some monkey pressing buttons on a computer. (yes, my current boss thinks anyone can do our job and tells us all the time).

Another goal of mine is to put more time into my Artfire/Etsy shops. Granted they’re almost the same but I’d like to do a little more self promo. I’m still pretty new at it, so I think I need to do some more research. Also, I’m going to be starting a kid’s line of feather stuffs (fueled by encouragement from the Woodsman’s sisters). For Christmas, I made the Woodsman’s nieces feather headbands and hairclips and his nephew a leather and feather necklace. It seriously went over SO much better than I thought it would…

Which brings me to my last goal and I think it will be hardest. I need to work on the confidence area. I’m finally realizing that I really lack it, and I shouldn’t. So no more job doubts, or doubt in my talents (whether it be at work, cooking a meal or my crafting). I’ve had a lot of positive encouragement from everywhere lately, it’s time I just start to listen to it!

Now that I’ve rambled and exposed a part of myself that I try to hide, what about you? Do you have any goals for the coming year? Not that you have to tell me, but I always like to talk about anything. Lastly, I’d like to thank all of you, my readers, family and friends. Knowing that people actually give a crap about what I have to say/write means so much to me. There’s a lot of good things on the horizon. Happy 2010, cheers to the New Year!

They Call Me Big Sista?!

“If a kid cannot bring out the true meaning of Christmas, ya gotta be in pretty bad shape.” @Evangelic_Diva

That quote comes directly from a Twitter friend and I just can’t stress how true it is. As with every holiday season I am reminded how lucky I am to have the close friends and family. I am also very thankful for my Little Sister, Cassandra. She’s 14 (almost 15), freshman at a college prep high school and just about the sweetest girl I have ever met. Believe me, I could go on for hours about all the things I admire about her and all the great things she has and will accomplish…but I won’t :) More importantly I feel that it’s important to tell people about my experience with my little Sis and how we got to where we are now.

It was about 3 years ago that I decided to join the program. I was working at my first “real world” job as a graphic designer, and I felt like something was missing. All of my life (thanks to Girl Scouts as well as my mom) I have volunteered. From reading to kids in the cancer unit at Lutheran General to making Christmas decorations with the seniors at Rainbow Hospice, I am no stranger to giving back (and to the heartbreak that goes along with it as well). I had to find something that with my schedule I’d be able to do and after much research I found the Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization. What appealed to me was that it’s not a rehabilitation program, it’s more of an assistance program. I’m not acting like a therapist or trying to change a kid. I’m simply there to help nurture and be a good role model to a kid who might not have one.

When I told people about me trying to get into the program, I was surprised about how many negative things people said; mostly about how long it takes to get a match. I wasn’t going anywhere and was in no hurry, so I gathered my references and signed up. After numerous interviews, plenty of questions and 10 months I was finally matched with Cassandra.

Fast forward to now (almost 2 years later)…we’re closer than I ever imagined. I’d like to think of our relationship as one that was meant to be. It hasn’t been the easiest thing, but it’s been very rewarding in so many ways. Being a “Big”/mentor is something that takes a lot of time, and lots of creativity. I’m lucky that my Little is just as easy to please and laid back as I am. Never did I think that sitting on my couch, eating pizza, watching a movie would be one of the highlights of our time together. This also proves what a lot of people miss while in the program. It’s not about the money or fancy things that you take your Little to do, it’s all about the time that you spend together. There have been times that we’ve been driving to an outing or over a meal that we’ve shared the most. It’s those moments that I truly believe that I was meant to do this. She’s no longer a “match” but my family and for that, I’m grateful.

So I guess to sum it up, it’s a wonderful program and I couldn’t be happier with the relationship that I’ve made with my Little. I’d also urge anyone who can put a child they initially don’t know before themselves to become a Big. It might seem like a lot of time to some, but really it’s just another member of your family you want to spend time with.

It’s one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made, and can’t image my life without my sister Cassandra. She makes me proud in every way...just sayin’ is all!

Waters Craft Show

Yesterday was the big craft show that I’ve been preparing for… and it went pretty well. We had a great spot and my display looked amazing! I was also really happy with the amount of items I had in stock. Over all I sold 1 pair of earrings and 2 headbands. Although I did sell enough for the show and supplies to pay for themselves, I still don’t think it was the right audience. No worries though, every show I get to meet other great artisans, and get to talk to fellow crafters. Maybe next year I’ll have my butt ready for a holiday gift bazaar, but for the time being, I still have a ton of stuff to get listed online!

Check out my pictures from the show here.