When do You Find the Time.....?

More than once, I've been asked, "When do you find the time to write in your blog?" Or create new designs? Or clean the house? Or do all that cool Photoshop stuff? Or get a hair cut or pedicure? Or....breath....???

There isn't an easy, simple answer, but I would have to say: prioritize and multi-task are a big part of it. Oh, and make lists! I'm a big list maker. It really motivates me to cross things off, so it's more likely to get done if it's on a list!

Here might be my list for today [in no particular order]:

1. Finish report to manager and E-mail
2. Write in blog, moderate any comments
3. Make breakfast [Sunday is our big breakfast day]
4. Clean up after breakfast
5. Check E-mail
6. If there's time, do some research on story behind "We Are Marshall" [which we watched last night]
7. Laundry -- clean new sheets we just bought, fold clothes
8. Create some new designs -- it's been awhile
9. Complete FSA paperwork for refund
10. Return items to Target and K-mart [this probably won't get done until this week]

I'm sure there's more, but that gives you an idea. Thus far, I've done 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 [other than the folding part]...and I'm working on 2 now. And I've done all this online stuff in the last hour, because my baby is snoozing away.....Zzzzzzzzzzzzz................because when he's awake, he is my focus. And when the girls are here, they are usually the focus. No matter what else might be a priority, the kids are THE priority.

And that's key for me -- get stuff done when Nick is napping! Or during my lunch break. Or after Nick goes to bed. Whenever I can find a free moment, I squeeze something in. And since I've prioritized my list, I always know what my top "must do" items are. I do those first and then work down to the medium priority and so on. And accept that some things might not get done as soon as I had hoped [if at all!].

Oh well, the kids are the priority, so other things can just wait....speaking of which, my baby is awake, so it's time to go!

You Inspire Me

Many times, when I'm talking about a new design, somebody will ask, "Where do you come up with these ideas???" Wow, there is no one answer for that. I get ideas from all over the place. Some make sense, and some are O-D-D. Many happen in the shower when I go into auto pilot and have nothing else to think about......

For example, I might get an idea from something I read or a TV show. Some character will say something funny, and it will trigger an idea. Or somebody I know will say something, and it will trigger an idea. Or I'll see a design used in another context. I am always trying to keep myself open to ideas, because you never know where the next one will come from and how you can use it.

Whenever I release a new design, I'm always excited to see it sell. And sometimes, I'll only sell one which is okay. But it's nice to see many sales -- especially when it's a design I really like or found particularly funny. I like to see other's with my odd sense of humor.

My daddy designs have been my big sellers, so I've been trying to think of some new options there. I'm really having to put my creative thinking cap on here.....so, I'll be curious to see if I've done well and if any of the new designs start to sell. The latest are about baseball. Sports and producing child seem to somehow relate.....He Shoots. He Scores.......Got One Past the Goalie.....Got One Through the Uprights....and now we have Hit a Homer and Homerun. I suppose I have all the major sports covered!

Sales, Glorious Sales!

Today was a good CP [Cafepress] day. I sold a few new designs for the first time, and that always gives me a warm glow.....especially, if I really like the design! It makes me happy when somebody else likes it enough to buy it. I know, I'm a geek....

So, I started my widget article. I've got an idea for another article, too. Just don't have the time to write them all since they both require some research! The hubby went out of town until Monday and being alone with the bambino always takes it toll. I'm pretty convinced that I would have gone insane doing the single parent gig, so I have A LOT of respect for anyone taking care of a kid or two [or three or four] by themselves! You are my hero!

Got an interesting e-mail today. I may have the opportunity to be an "expert" and help people with various design, Marketing, PR, etc. issues. It sounds really interesting! I love helping people....and Lord, if I could get paid???? We'll see if it goes anywhere. Might cut into my blog time, but since I don't have a following of 400,000 yet.....I don't see this being a problem! I'd be thrilled with a following of 400....or even 40! I'm working on it.....

Nicholas hits the big six months on Sunday. Daddy won't be here, so we'll be celebrating alone. Unfortunately, Daddy's business trips have cut into many holidays, but we're hoping it will all pay off, and he'll be getting the promotion he deserves! Then, maybe he won't have to travel so much.

Luckily, I haven't been traveling much [if at all!], so we haven't run into conflicts with Nick. However, that could change.....and without family in town, we may have some major issues if we both have to go out of town at the same time....I suppose we will deal with that if/when it happens!

I have decided that "Lost" is just on too late, so I will have to DVR it and watch it on Thursdays. Those dumb asses at ABC! Seriously, what were you thinking??? 10:00?!?!?!? Half my department at work watches the stupid show, and we're all OLD! We need our sleep!!! Why would you do this to us???? Sigh.....