I've been busier than ever with work not related to Oliver. I had gave myself a goal to have my first book published by my birthday. It didn't happen on time, but I have sent in the file and it should be up on Amazon.com for purchase early July. I can't believe it's really happening. I am excited and proud of myself for coming up with this project and following through with it. The title is now called "Quick Tips For First-Time Moms: A Simple and Practical Guide to Finding Balance". For the longest time I was only writing it for the first 3 months after giving birth. Those were really the toughest days I've ever had. Then I realized that a lot of the tips applied to pass that phase, and anyone with a baby can benefit from ways to get organized and bring more balance to their lives. So after many revisions and edits, I finally just had to go for it. This was a good experience working on the book and finding my own voice and style of writing. And I'm excited that I already other book ideas in mind. I found out a friend knows someone at a good publisher, maybe I can approach them with my book too and see where it goes.
Another project completed is the website redesign for the MOMS Club. I had volunteered a while back to make the site more of a resource that you can return to, then just an introduction of the Club. It's been great working with the moms in the group. One person programs the site, another helps to edit the content, another provides photography. It's truly a team effort. The design has been well received, and we're going to launch the site at the MOMS Club annual banquet, which I was in charge of planning...and where I'll be introduced as the new President of the Club!!!
So basically I had volunteered for a bunch of things to help out. It's all things I enjoy doing and it gave me a project to keep working on my design skills. When the position opened up because the person who was going to do it was moving away, I was so flattered that the executive board thought of me for the position. I was excited and knew I can do the job. So I accepted and started the process of learning the responsibilities of the job, as well as getting to know the members who I haven't met. I can't believe I have taken on a position that requires me to speak to a large group of people, but that was one of the reasons why I wanted the job. It's always been my fear, and what better way to get over it than to do it. It's much easier to practice in front of a group of people I already know...plus the babies will be a distraction if I ever mess up. I am loving being able to be helpful and connect with people. I think this job will really help me grow in so many ways. And I can show Oliver that his mommy conquered a fear and helped other people at the same time.
Going back to the banquet, I had designed the look of the event and made the party favors. This is another benefit of the President's position, that I get to do more event planning and build a little portfolio of cake decorating and event design.
This is a party favor bag I designed. It's an iron on to make these draw string bags custom-designed for our event. Inside we have 2 specialty-teas and some hand decorated cookies.
Another big project was 2 bathroom make-overs for my parents' house. They went on a trip to Asia for 2 months. And while they were gone I needed to stop by to check on the house. I decided they needs an update on their 2 bathrooms. So after a few trips to Target and Osh, I repainted both of them, and replaced everything from trash cans to towels. I really liked how they turned out. And they were happily surprised when they got home. My mom still says how much more relaxing it is to be in there that she doesn't want to leave!
I've also finished a few freelance projects from past clients. I was doing so much work that didn't make any money, I thought it was time to take on some paid jobs. I hope with Oliver taking good naps that I'll be able to work more, especially now that all the big projects are done.
Coming up next...
Members-Only Section for the MOMS Club website.
Do some marketing and promoting of the book
Planning Oliver's 2nd Birthday Party
Chris's Birthday celebration
and then...off to Hawaii for a much much much needed family vacation!!!
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