Reverb #10~ December 23rd

December 23 Prompt




Becca Wilcott

Truly, Madly, Deadly: The Unofficial True Blood Companion

@beccawilcott



Prompt: New name. Let's meet again, for the first time. If you could introduce yourself to strangers by another name for just one day, what would it be and why?

I have never thought of this. I actually didn't like my name once I got in middle school simply because there were so many others that were boys and named "Shannon". But there is a story behind my name and therefore it makes it special. I am named after the song "Shannon" by Henry Gross. The only thing is if you listen to the song, it is about his dead dog that was an Irish Setter. But that was Dad & Mom's favorite song when I was born.
However, if I could, my name would be a unique one because I wouldn't want one that someone else had. The important thing to me when picking out Josie's name was that she would be able to have a nickname. I never had a nickname growing up. My only nickname was "dipshit" and that was what my Great Aunt Flo would call me as a teenager.

Reverb #10~ December 22nd

December 22 Prompt




Tara Hunt

The Whuffie Factor: Using the Power of Social Networks to Build Your Business

@missrogue



Prompt: Travel. How did you travel in 2010? How and/or where would you like to travel next year?

I don't really know what they are wanting with this answer. The way I read the first question I would say by a 2001 Jeep Cherokee. Hee Hee! I don't think that is what she wants.
Anyway, the only trip we took this year was our trip to French Lick.
Next year, lord willing, I will still be traveling in my Jeep Cherokee. Josie has requested several times that she wants to go back to French Lick, so I'm sure that will be another of our trips. I would really like to be able to save up some money and go somewhere next year for 3 days or so. I really enjoyed our trip to Michigan that we took before having Josie. But I also found out that they had a Sesame Street park in Pennsylvania and she would really enjoy that.

Reverb #10~ December 15th through December 21st

Sorry about that! I was doing so good. We had a good snowfall on Thursday so I didn't make it to work and I have been off since. I kind of took a break from all of this so hold on tight, There will be alot of catchup and to avoid over posting, I'm going to do it all in one post.

Reverb #10~ December 15th

December 15 Prompt




Author: Patti Digh

Creative is a Verb: If You're Alive, You're Creative

@pattidigh

Prompt: 5 minutes. Imagine you will completely lose your memory of 2010 in five minutes. Set an alarm for five minutes and capture the things you most want to remember about 2010.

K, here we go. Alarm set!
Josie, Mike, My family, My employer, Josie not sitting on Santa Clause's lap, Josie's hugs and her "nasty" kisses, Mike's kisses and hugs, Blue, Josie's 2nd birthday party and all the fun she had, my first Pampered Chef check and how proud I was, Learning more camera technicalities, creating all my digital scrapbook pages, church, Jesus, Josie's 1st trip to French Lick for an overnight stay, swimming this summer with Josie, Taking her to Lake Lemon beach and how much fun she had, Enjoying Saturday mornings with her making cookies or cakes, Her eating every piece of candy she found on Easter morning instead of putting it in her basket and moving on, Her first dance class and talking about all the girls for the next 16 weeks, playing in the snow and sledding, playing bubbles,
Well time up!!!

Reverb #10~ December 16th

December 16 Prompt




Author: Martha Mihalick

Editor at Harper Collins

@curiousmartha

Prompt: Friendship. How has a friend changed you or your perspective on the world this year? Was this change gradual, or a sudden burst?

My friendship with Penny puts the whole balancing act of working, Mom, Wife and self in perspective. Her life is a lot like mine. Her husband is like Mike. She has one girl also, and she works full time. When I have a difficult time balancing it all and stressing out at times, she is always there with a listening ear and some good advice. All though some advice, I have tried to do as she says but I have a hard time doing it. :-) Less patience, I guess.
Thank you Penny!!! for always being there.

Reverb #10~ December 17th

December 17 Prompt




Tara Weaver

The Butcher and the Vegetarian

@tea_austen

Prompt: Lesson learned. What was the best thing you learned about yourself this past year? And how will you apply that lesson going forward?


I would have to say that it is, I can't do it all and it's okay. I don't know how I will apply that to my life going forward, other than to just remind myself of it constantly. And take some deep breaths! :-)



Reverb #10~ December 18th


December 18 Prompt




Author: Kaileen Elise

kaileenelise.com

@kaileenelise

Prompt: Try. What do you want to try next year? Is there something you wanted to try in 2010? What happened when you did / didn't go for it?

I would like to try and learn to make myself a quilt for our bed. I bought my sewing machine with my bonus last year with the intention of making myself a quilt. I have made Josie several outfits and I have made her baby outfits and quilts, but I have yet to order my material and make my own quilt for our bed.
Not to deep, but that is what comes to mind.

Reverb #10~ December 19th


December 19 Prompt




Author: Leoni Allan

2011 Creating Your Goddess Year

@GoddessLeoni

Prompt: Healing. What healed you this year? Was it sudden, or a drip-by-drip evolution? How would you like to be healed in 2011?

I would say I'm not "healed" in 2010. All though things are getting better, I don't completely feel like myself. This I would be so greatful to happen in 2011.

Reverb #10~ December 20th

December 20 Prompt




Author: Jake Nickell

The Threadless Book

@skaw

Prompt: Beyond avoidance. What should you have done this year but didn't because you were too scared, worried, unsure, busy or otherwise deterred from doing? (Bonus: Will you do it?)

I should have taken more time to myself. Everyone says you should take care of yourself first before you are able to take care of another. I never do things for myself. I live for Josie and then comes Mike. I know it should be me, Mike and then Josie. But that is not how I am wired. However, I will try and be better.

Reverb #10~ December 21st

December 21 Prompt




Author: Jenny Blake

Life After College: The Complete Guide to Getting What You Want

@jenny_blake

Prompt: Future self. Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead? (Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?)

Take your time and enjoy life. Let the laundry and cleaning go, it will be there tomorrow. Sit down in the floor more and enjoy this time that Josie actually wants you around. Go out on dates with your husband at least once a month. He is what is there in the good and the bad and has put up with alot of attitude from you in the last 2.5 years. Forget about money, God will provide. You have plenty experience in this field and examples to look at. Don't forget these. Enjoy each day and if you want to learn something new, go for it!!! You enjoy it each and every time. And you always succeed. Don't look for other people's approval, the only one you need to impress is yourself.
I"m not going to do the 10 years ago thing cause it would take up so much time. But future Josie, always listen to your parents, you may not agree at the time, but they actually do know what they are talking about.

Reverb #10~ December 14th

December 14 Prompt




Author: Victoria Klein

27 Things to Know About Yoga

@victoriaklein



Prompt: Appreciate. What's the one thing you have come to appreciate most in the past year? How do you express gratitude for it?

The one thing I have came to appreciate in the past year would be the roof over our head. Even though I complain about the cost of the upkeep for it and the mortgage payment, it is home. I know home is where you make it, but since having Josie, our house actually feels like a home.

Reverb #10~ December 13th

December 13 Prompt






Author: Scott Belsky

Making Ideas Happen

@scottbelsky



Prompt: Action. When it comes to aspirations, its not about ideas. It's about making ideas happen. What's your next step?

I can't really say that I can put my aspiration in action as of yet. I have known for a long time that I kind of had the desire to go back to school and I knew I at least wanted to take a photography class. But now at 34 1/2 I finally know what it is I want to go to school for. And this mostly would be for me, not that I would leave the job I am at or that I would pursue anything. This would be for me, myself & I and if the other was to fall into place that would be great as well. I want to go to school for Graphical Design and an Art Major. These are the things I enjoy most and do some sort of them daily. I think my "artsy" side comes from the Payne's. They seem to be the ones that have done something with it.
As of today, my action about making this happen, will have to wait until we take the shop over and have money. It will also have to wait until Josie is a little older and would allow me the time to study. I do hope to one day obtain this desire of mine.

Reverb #10~ December 12th

December 12 Prompt




Author: Patrick Reynolds

The Knowledge Workers Survival Guide

@patrickcantype



Prompt: Body integration. This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn't mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present?


I have absolutely no idea on this one. This isn't the way I think.

Reverb #10~ December 11th

December 11 Prompt




Author: Sam Davidson

50 Things Your Life Doesn't Need

@samdavidson



Prompt: 11 Things. What are 11 things your life doesn't need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life?

1. Smoking~ I am going to try and just quit cold turkey again. I need to realize that I am always going to want one, but that I need to have the willpower to overcome it.
2. Money worries~ I don't know what I can do to get rid of this worry. I feel it is always going to be there and I need to realize that and let it go. It will all work out.
3. Clutter~ I will try and get myself organized better. Would love to be able to afford to have someone come out and organize me but see #2.
4. Rushed Mornings~ This one is simple but back to the willpower thing. I can't get myself out of bed in the mornings. Mike is just as bad and then we are rushing Josie to hurry up so we can get out the door. All she wants to do is play with her toys or lay on the couch and watch cartoons. Don't blame her!
5. Work~ I need only one job. And I keep piling stuff on myself. I have always done this though. There really isn't much time that I can think of since I began working that I haven't had more than one job.
6. To gain weight~ I haven't really gained much, but a pound here and a pound there is going to slowly add up and before I know it I'm gonna be heavy. I am really hoping to have the willpower to start exercising in 2011. Josie's dance class has a workout gym and since she is going in there on her own now, I'm going to try and start using it. I would also really like to start running. I need major toning.
7. Meal stress~ Not really stress, but always having that feeling of ~ what am I going to fix tonight and then it always ending up something frozen such as chicken nuggets or pizza because I don't plan ahead.
8. A clean house~ As long as my floor is swept and my kitchen counter is clean, I need to let go and enjoy. Dirty or not.
9. Mike & I arguing~ I need to realize he looks at things different and what I think he should or shouldn't do is not even crossing his mind. He just flat out doesn't think like I do and he doesn't mean anything by it, that's just him.
10. Projects~ I need to start on one project and finish it before starting another. I have so many projects and items to do projects that I never get around to. I bought some of those felt stockings last year after Christmas and I still haven't started on them. It's December 13th as I type this.
11. My attitude~ I wish I was still my happy go lucky self. The one that everyone enjoyed being around and made people laugh.

Reverb #10~ December 10th

December 10 Prompt




Author: Susannah Conway

Unravelling

@photobird



Prompt: Wisdom. What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out?

I would say my "wisest" decision was to take a day off of work per week. That gave me a 3 day weekend and I didn't feel like I was always trying to find time to do my chores that way. It also cut back on a day of finding a babysitter. I have appreciated having that extra day and have enjoyed it.
However, I will have to go back to working five days a week beginning January 1st, but now Josie is more easy to entertain herself and is easier to take to work with me. So even though we won't be at home or be able to go do what we want to do at least she is able to go with me to work and we are together. Together is all that matters!

Reverb #10~ December 9th

December 9 Prompt




Author: Shauna Reid

The Amazing Adventures of Diet Girl

@shauna



Prompt: Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans.

This is sad! I didn't go to a "social" gathering that rocked my socks off. I don't socialize anymore. The only thing that I can think of is Josie's 2nd Birthday.
The enjoyment she had of having all her family over and all the kids. Watching the joy of her opening her presents. Watching all the kids have so much fun decorating their own cupcakes. It was an awesome day!!!

Reverb #10~ December 8th

December 8 – Beautifully Different.

Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful.
(Author: Karen Walrond)

I am different from my friends and family in several ways.
I am different from what friends I have in the fact that I am a digital scrapbooker. I have some friends that traditional scrapbook but none that have switched over. I am different in the fact that scrapbooking, photos and family history is on my mind 24/7. The friends that I have that scrapbook, only dabble in it for the most part when I invite them over to do it. I don't have any friends that are interested in the learning and technical part of photography. As far as I know, I don't have any friends that are interested in researching their family history and the idea of getting back into the early 1800's excites me. Seeing old photos of people I don't know or ever will know, excite me as well! I love to look at them and to hear stories from my living elderly family.
Planning a party excites me. No one in my family or my friends go as far as I do. I always have a theme and try to stick to it very plainly. When someone throws a wrench into it, it upsets me. Even the thought of a pizza box on the table instead of a white platter that matches everything else, throws it all off for me! I go to the extremes for Josie's birthday parties, but the way I look at it is she was wanted for so long. We were finally blessed with her. She will 99% sure be the only child. And her birth is a big deal, therefore so is her birthday!
I smoke. Not proud of that one but I do. The only one that smokes in my family is my Dad. Everyone else hates it and is on Dad & I to quit all the time.
I live off of Diet Coke. That is the only thing I drink. If I am out, I have withdrawals and get really bad headaches.

I really can't think of anything that I do that "lights" people up.

Reverb #10~ December 7th

December 7 Prompt




Author: Cali Harris

caligater.com

@caligater



Prompt: Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011?

I have discovered community at Jessica Sprague's website. I have been a scrapper since around 1998. I had dabbled in digital off and on since around 2002. After having Josie and wanting to be able to "keep up" with her scrapbooks, I started taking some courses online. Jessica Sprague's site is where I "hang out" alot. I am not "caught up" but I do have all of 2009 photos done. And am slowly going back and doing 2008 as I also try to keep up with 2010.

For 2011 I would love to join a digital scrapbook forum that has the products that I am actually drawn to and that I would purchase myself if I had the money. I would also like to join a photo group of some sort that shares my same interests and can teach and learn together. I did ClickinMom's for a while but it was almost too much for me.

Hey I think in some of these last Reverb #10's I am coming up with some New Year's Resolutions! :-)

Reverb #10~ December 6th

December 6 Prompt




Author: Gretchen Rubin

The Happiness Project

@gretchenrubin



Prompt: Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it?

The last thing I made was a bunch of candy for christmas presents for my bosses and co-worker. And also for our Richardson Christmas party that is suppose to happen this Saturday. (if the weather doesn't come) I used alot of ingredients, my KitchenAid mixer and alot of Pampered Chef tools.
I would like to clear time to "make" my craft room into what I want it to be. That I will definately have to clear some time for so that I can do some rearranging!

Reverb #10~ December 5th

December 5 Prompt




Author: Alice Bradley

Let's Panic About Babies

@finslippy



Prompt: Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why?

Well I haven't completely let go yet. But I am working on letting alot of things go to add less stress to my life. I am trying to let go of the "perfect" house. I have a Two Year Old, you will not have a "perfectly" cleaned house unless you never sit down. Or never come home! :-)
I have been trying to let our financial situation go, the Lord will take care of us. This one is really hard for me, I constantly worry about not having enough for the "what-if's" in life.
But I am still trying and hope to get better in the next year.

Reverb #10~ December 4th

December 4 Prompt




Author: Jeff Davis

The Journey from the Center to the Page

@JeffreyDavis108



Prompt: Wonder. How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year?

This one is easy but I wouldn't say I "cultivated" it. Having a Two Year Old in the house helps remind you of the sense of Wonder in the everyday ordinary things.

Reverb # 10~ December 3rd

December 3 Prompt




Author: Ali Edwards

Memory Keeping Idea Books

@aliedwards



Prompt: Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors).

This prompt is definitely causing for some thought. I can't really think of anything that happened this year that made me feel most alive in the way I think other people will respond to this question.
But one thing that did happen this year that made me get some of my mojo back is taking another online photography class. I love photography and taking this class, made me get my camera back out and learn some new things and make my skills better. I hope to have some money to take some more classes in the coming years.
I love to hear the sound of the camera shutter. Even though I shoot digital and can shut it off I still want it on to hear that noise!
I love hearing the responses from people when they see the photos and are very happy with them. I loved to read my comments on my photos that I turned in for these classes and hear other peoples takes on them.
This is really the only thing that stands out in my mind.

Reverb #10~ December 2nd Post

So today's Reverb #10 is a little tricky to me. I've never thought myself much of a "writer". So I will try to do my best with this prompt. Here's the prompt:
December 2 Prompt



Author: Leo Babauta
focusmanifesto.com
@zen_habits

Prompt: Writing. What do you do each day that doesn't contribute to your writing -- and can you eliminate it?

Well I'm going to go out there on this one! I'm sure this is not the answers that this question is looking for but the first thing that comes to mind is smoking. It most definitely doesn't contribute to anything at all other than my bad habit. I have tried several times to eliminate it and I just keep going right back. On one hand I want to quit completely because I hate the smell, the taste, what it does to me and I hate that I smell like smoke. I also really hate that now when I go outside to do it, Josie will ask me when I come in, "you done smoking?" That really tears at my heart strings, to know that I am exposing her to that.  I don't want her to think it is okay to smoke.
Then on the other hand, that is my break, that is my candy bar, doughnuts, ice cream. If I don't have that to do then I eat. But yet if I am to stay busy then I don't need it. I guess I need to keep busier?!



Reverb10.com

Reverb 10- Dec 1st Post

In searching sites for all of this December Daily juiciness, I found a site suggested from Tracey Clark called Reverb 10. I guess it is going to give me a daily prompt to help tell our story. So here we go:


The Prompts



December 1 One Word.

Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you?
(Author: Gwen Bell)

For 2010 I'm choosing "Stressful."
I'm choosing this word because the balance between family, work and housekeeping is hard to maintain.
As Josie gets older it is getting a little easier in the housekeeping department. She will now let me clean the house and when asked to do so and sometimes threatened she will help with the clean up of her toys.
Work itself isn't stressful, but finding where Josie is going daily while I am at work is.
Family is stressful and I think it will contine to be as Mike & I find a balance between our "me" time, family as a whole time, and Couple Time. We have had it so easy for 13 years of not having a child. He did what he wanted and I did what I wanted, but now that Josie is in the mix, he still does what he wants and I can but I have Josie to take along with me. (I wouldn't change it for the world though and I would do it all over again, if we could afford it.) But I do hold a grudge towards him for having this freedom that I don't have anymore. And this stresses me out that he doesn't understand that.
And these are why I choose stressful!

My word I would hope for 2011 would be: Happiness
I hope to have an easier 2011 in my own life. I would like to simplify things. I would like to be able to get myself to let the house go. I need to get over the organization factor when it comes to Josie's toys. She is Two and that is not going to happen. Even though it drives me bonkers when she asks for something and had she put it back where I had it, I would know where it is to find it for her.
In my work area, I would like to have a set schedule for Josie's daycare. I have a plan in my head but wether it will work out or not, we'll see.
As far as Family, I need to get over the fact of Mike doing what he wants to do when he wants to do it. I need to accept the fact that I have Josie, I am her Mother and that is what Mother's do. They always have their children.

After reading back over this post, the wording in this doesn't sound right. So for future Josie, I love you and wouldn't change a thing in the world about having you. You were wanted for a long time and you are a huge blessing in our lives. Don't ever doubt that. But reading some other posts of Mom's, I feel that my feelings now will benefit you when you have your own child and you can read this post and see that, Yes, even your Mom felt this way at times. I would really like to know how my Mom dealt with the three of us at her young age and staying home all day long by ourselves. I've asked her about some things since having you and her response is always the same, "It's been so long, I don't remember." Well if I don't remember, you will have this blog to come back to.
I love you both! Josie & Mike- You are my world!!!