Stressssful.

My plate was (and still is) full. I  feel as if I can’t add one more iota of caring to it.

I find myself getting wrapped up in that feeling and (can we be honest) it makes me a short-tempered. Yet, I truthfully have much to be thankful for:

1. For a husband who is on the mend.

2. For amazing sisters-in-laws, who thought to look out for me.

3. For amazing, giving parents, who jumped in with no questions asked and made things easier for the husband and I. And who disinfected my whole house – not once but twice – to make it safe for the husband to come home. And who watched my dogs while I was away and spent hours with them, knowing how much I needed for them to be okay.

4. For having my husband at home. Finally.

5. For an understanding boss, who let me take whatever time I needed and hardly ever nagged about a major grant due less than a week away.

6. For a loving family who cared and who was there.

7. For a sister-in-law who filled the fridge with food that the husband could eat.

8. For a step-son and brother-in-law who helped husband up those damn stairs.

9. For workman’s comp, who will be paying for this huge mess.

10. for my husband – who held me when I freaked out and who is here to hold me at night.

I don’t know if my plate will get less full by remembering those things – I hope so. I hope it will make my plate a little bit bigger because I don’t like myself like this. I like myself much better when I find room to care about others, when I make room to put myself in other people’s shoes.

I like myself better when I can see beyond my own small circle.

Over the last two weeks, I’ve received 3 resumes. The issue is that the application deadline was July 30th. Almost a month later, and I’m still getting resumes? Really?  Come on folks.  So, if you’re reading this and wanting to work for a nonprofit – I have a few tips for you:

1. Pay attention to the deadline.  This is so critical in nonprofit work – especially in nonprofit fundraising.  The date is there for a reason.
2. Spell my name correctly. This is especially true since my name is spelled correctly in the ad.
3. Use my name.  I don’t know which is worse – spelling my name wrong or putting “To Whom It May Concern” (um, that would be me – the person who’s listed as the contact person) or “Dear Human Resources Manager” (who the f*** is that?)
4. Use the correct position name – and certainly don’t say “the position you advertised”. We currently have 3 ads posted and referring to the correct position is a good thing.
5. Read the directions.  Please give me what I’m asking for.  I know everyone says this, but in fundraising, it’s especially true.  You need to meet the needs of a donor.  If you can’t meet my needs, why would I believe that you could meet the needs of donors?  As stated in the ad, incomplete applications will not be considered. ‘nuf said.
6. No phone calls actually means no phone calls.
7. Research the company the you’re trying to work for – my company has a website, Facebook page, LinkedIn profile, Guidestar, etc. Research me – I’m pretty easy to find as well. Find out what makes us tick and you’ll be better prepared to answer questions. And may I point out how important Guidestar is for figuring out what to put as a salary? If I only make $x and I’ll be your boss, the likelihood that you will make more than I is slim to none.  If you need that high of a salary, please save my time and yours and don’t apply.
8. Use my name.  Oh, wait, did I already say that?  Well, it deserves repeating.  Use my name!!!

And, yes, the person whom we hired did all of this.

Thank goodness.

For all of those reasons plus the fact that hubby is gone during the week means that many nights you can find me working – trying to cut down just a little bit on the to-do list for the next day.

But after an amazingly hectic June, I decided to reward myself with a Kindle.

Ah, the beautiful Kindle. I did not know how much you would remind me of how much I love reading and wrapping myself up in someone else’s world.

Yes, I thought of buying an iPad or tablet or even a Nook.  I debated and played for a long time (for me – which means not as long as my dad would have, but several weeks). And ultimately, decided to go for the Kindle.

And I am in love. I love that when I look at it, I don’t feel as if I”m looking at another computer screen (which I fear would just make me feel as if I need to be working instead of slacking). I love that I can read it outside and not have trouble seeing the screen. I love that it takes a nanosecond to download a new book. I love all of the samples that I can read before I decide what to buy. I love the number of $0.99 books. (I have probably bought and read 20 books in the last 4 weeks – more than I read all of last year.) I can’t stop singing it’s praises.

I’m sure that I’ll revert soon to my workaholic ways, but for now – if you don’t see me, I’m off reading a new book.

Or window shopping on Etsy.com.  As you may remember, my birthday is coming up soon. And really what’s a great birthday without buying yourself (or making yourself) a gift as well?

Well, I’m off to start another book …

Let’s see – I finished 2 quilts, 10 bags, 1 skirt, 1 shirt, and 1 much-beloved jacket.  And I’m starting the year with 2 quilts to finish (late Christmas gifts) and lots of plans.

I don’t normally “do” resolutions – but this year, I”m setting up goals.  First, I”ve added a new page called WIP (Works in Progress) which is where I intend to put my projects as I start them – and hopefully as I complete them. I want to document this learning process and also to become a little more accountable.  I also need to figure out a better work/personal balance.  I’m a happier person and more productive when I do things outside of work that’s not more work. With all of that being said – here are my 2010 goals:

1. stop wasting so much time on my beloved Bejeweled Blitz, Mafia Wars and Facebook.  Oh,how I’ll miss thee – but really, time is too precious.
2. work at home less than 3 nights a week and limit those work hours to less than 4 hours a night.
3. increase my organization in my office so that i can snatch snippets of time to work on projects.
4. find a tried and true (TNT) skirt pattern – I have high hopes that this one will be it.  But if not, perhaps this one.
5. Make a dress to wear to work and out of work.  I’m thinking perhaps this one (the one with the stand up collar) or this one.
6. make this jacket
7. make this shirt
8. make 4 new quilts – including one for dominic.
9. use my walking foot and quilt at least one of the quilts myself
10. make myself a new messenger bag

so, let’s get going on 2010!

]]> http://www.secondwinddesign.com/laurel/archives/160/feed 2 http://www.secondwinddesign.com/laurel/archives/156 http://www.secondwinddesign.com/laurel/archives/156#comments Sun, 03 Jan 2010 03:52:07 +0000 laurel http://www.secondwinddesign.com/laurel/?p=156 It’s hard to believe that 2009 is over – and yet truthfully, I’m glad to see it go.

The year ended roughly for S & I.  S’s dad was in an accident in Colorado and, after being brought back to KC, went into cardiac arrest on Christmas morning and passed away on the 27th. We had the memorial service on the 31st and I think I’m not the only one that feels like this has all been surreal. I think we’re all numb.

There’s a lot to be said about his dad and what he meant to us all. But what I will take with me was his incredible ability to like and to be liked by everyone he met.  He could make anyone feel welcome and part of the family immediately upon meeting them.  I know that he did that for me and that I will miss him dreadfully.

So, until then, I leave you with these funnies…

“Dude, what the heck are you wearing?”

“Really, is this embarrassment necessary?”

1. Working on a Fundraiser, 2. christmas bird ornaments, 3. Eco Market Tote, 4. Hard to resist, 5. Casal 20! , 6. Bird Ornament, 7. Καρφίτσα : Η πολυταξιδεμένη Γατούλα_softerror, 8. Pillow Talk Swap (ready to send), 9. Molly’s Sketchbook: Sunny Tied Quilt, 10. YIP 365.153 :: Twinkle mini pillow, 11. Untitled, 12. a gorgeous gnome and girl pillow!

and now back to working on my own projects!

“we lay there and looked up at the night sky and she told me about stars called blue squares and red swirls and i told her that i’d never heard of them. of course not, she said, the really important stuff they never tell you.

you have to imagine it on your own.”

from someone brilliant.

{edited to add: I got this off of a website a long time ago and I fell in love with the quote. i realized that this sounded like something someone may have actually said to me.  i wish.}