I was a Creative Memories consultant for about 2 years, but I recently let go of my status. I didn't have enough customers and with working full time, had no chance to offer workshops. Plus, I really would like to go a different direction with it. Not sure yet, but foremost in my mind is the idea to write a book.
Okay, so here are my Week 2 lay outs. I had wanted to add more embellishments to the Convention lay out, but couldn't think of anything in time. I might add something later. The next page in my album will feature the printed program.
Journaling for AFWJ Convention 2009:
To tell the truth,
I hate conventions because…
Despite my outgoing personality, large gatherings of people make me feel uncomfortable.
I hate sharing hotel rooms.
I sometimes make social blunders because I forget people’s names, or I blow someone off accidently.
I joined the planning committee for this convention because…
Some of my friends were already on the Committee.
It was to take place in Chiba, so I figured there was no way I could NOT attend.
I thought I would have more fun if I was part of the planning.
My main role on the Committee took place before the Convention. I was in charge of making the printed programs. I like using computers and doing lay outs, but I didn’t realize I would have to pull together all the information about the Convention. I guess I thought it would be handed to me, but I had to pull it out of people. In the end though, I loved the look of the program, and I got enough compliments on it to make me feel it was worth it.
Highlights
Our ABBA performance at the Cabaret
Having my own room
Hanging out with Kirsten
Meeting hilarious new members like Erin Nakamura & Nicole Dunbar
Assisting Kirsten with the Scrapbooking Workshop
Attending the Dream Workshop with Sheila McNellis Asato
Sitting with Sheila and learning more about her work and the history of Dream Interpretation
Listening to the inspiring Panel Discussion
The food!!
Journaling for Baby #2:
No, it wasn’t planned. And, it is a little sooner than I hoped. Yes, I was quite surprised…maybe even shocked.
Despite that, I was excited to tell Yusuke about it. I knew he would be really ecstatic. I wrapped up the positive test sticks like a present and gave them to him during a special dinner date. He didn’t know what they were at first, but his face quickly changed from confusion to utter excitement when I explained.
I couldn’t help but wonder how I would manage though. The pregnancy while raising a toddler and working full time was proving to be hard enough, but having a baby AND a toddler? I was seriously starting to doubt myself. Not to mention the fact that I would still like to return to work after the maternity leave. What to do?
My dad was most encouraging though. Even though others were saying how hard it would be, he assured me that having two kids close together would be so much fun. It would be easier too. When I asked him about going back to work, he said that the quality of the time was more important than the quantity.
The next exciting thing was to find out we are expecting a boy. Truth be told, I was hoping for a girl only for practical purposes. Wouldn’t have to buy new clothes or new toys, they could share a room easily, etc. But, so many people were truly happy for us when I revealed the sex.
“Boys are so much fun!” “You will fall in love with him and vice versa.”
“Having a boy is different. They’re easier, somehow.”
“He’ll be gentle because he’ll have a big sister as a role model.”
The 2nd pregnancy has been a different kind of experience for me. I am not at all worried about the labor and delivery this time. Aside from being able to feel Baby #2 kick a lot sooner than I did with Ailin, I sometimes forgot I was pregnant. There was no morning sickness in the 1st trimester, and the 2nd trimester was smooth sailing. The only issue I had during the 1st trimester was needing extra sleep at night and not being able to finish my daily chores. Now, in the 3rd trimester, I have had 3 colds in the past 3 weeks. Not easy to deal with, and I feel stressed about cleaning and preparing for the new baby. My body was not in great condition before getting pregnant, so physically, I feel more worn out and weaker as the baby gets heavier inside my stomach.
This too shall pass though. Soon, we will have a cute little baby boy to hold and cuddle. Ailin will have a little brother to entertain. Max will get a little lower on the totem pole, but at the same time, he will gain a new playmate. And, we will have the seemingly perfect family – Mama, Papa, daughter, son & dog.
2 comments:
I had to smile when I read this..
"large gatherings of people make me feel uncomfortable."
I feel exactly the same. So glad I am not the only one who feels like that. : )
And congratulations on having a little boy. You are so lucky you will have a boy and a girl. We sorta wanted a boy and a girl too, but it was not in the cards for us.
Your ABBA performance looked fun! : )
Mande-
This entry brought tears to my eyes. Maybe it reminds me of how much I loved being pregnant. Or, just the thought of your little boy reminds me so much of mine. You know, it just occured to me that our boys will be really close in age! Or, the tears could have been brought on by your photos. You captured the exact right moments on Yusuke's face! First his confusion then his joy. And you, you look beautiful. No matter how you are feeling, pregnancy suits you. I love reading about your doubts and thoughts because I think we all have them. Just remember, somehow it always works out.
Post a Comment