It seemed like a good idea at the time!

It seems like I keep over committing myself to different things, and then when the project needs to be done, or the travel needs to happen, or whatever, I find myself exhausted trying to keep my commitment. So, I look back at when and why I said "sure I'll do it" and then always seem to say "it seemed like a good idea at the time."

A year ago, I committed to write two articles for the Door and Hardware Magazine. One was published in September, and the other has a December publication date. I figured I would get them done over the winter when I wasn't as busy, and then there would be no stress. Hmmm.... the first article took me 3-4 months off and on to write and was published in September. I had just barely started the second article (with an Oct. 1 due date), when the first one hit my desk around Sept 10th. So, the last few weeks at work, I scrambled to finish the second article. Thank goodness, I managed to get about a week extension from the publication. I did finish the text in time to have 2 different people proof it for me (for technical and grammatical errors), and it is going to them with a couple of days to spare. Phew. But the stress showed.

And then there is the trip to Roanoke for one night stay. Sure, I told my mom months ago, anytime you want to go to Roanoke I'll drive you up there. Now, those of you that saw me there before you get upset -- it was definitely worth it to see all of you and spend time with family. However, it rained on the way up and it poured (heavy rain) on the way back. about 4 hours of driving with short stops. I crashed the next day after I got back and got behind on other things that needed doing (like laundry).


Will I stop saying "sure I'll do that". I doubt it. But, I do realize that the stress I put on myself is from me. And I often wonder if what I said I'd do was a "good idea". Other people do appreciate what I do and it is that appreciation that keeps me saying "sure, I'll do that".

Now, for the fun part of this blog - some pictures from the Roanoke Trip. Went up to Roanoke with my Mom to see my nephew and his wife that live there (they are expecting a boy), and to see my brother from New York with his daughter (my niece) who has been in South Korea for a year.

Here is my brother (in the center) and his two children.











Brother and Sister who haven't seen each other for a year.










Mother / granddaughter (my niece). Hate to say it ... but there is certainly a family resemblance.