Sixteen Things

To answer the "Sixteen Things" Challenge:

1. I love being a grandma just as much as I imagined I would. It allows me to relive the time when my children were little -- without all the work. I can slow down and savor each phase of development now.

2. I can't wait to have more grandkids! I wish Ale lived closer so I could watch her little Isadora grow up.

3. I am excited that Andy is finally getting married. And I am excited to welcome Sandy to the family. He did good!

4. I have resumed taking my children's writing course and my instructor thinks I have a story ready to sell already! My goal was to sell a story by the end of the year-long course. Since I am only on lesson 2, it looks like I will have to set a higher goal. So now, I hope to have a children's book published before Ella enters kindergarten.

5. I started tax season this week. :( I used to look forward to returning to tax work every year, but now that I am working full-time year-round, it is a drag. I can't give up writing for three months, so I wind up working two jobs from now through April.

6. I am going to miss out on one of my favorite activities next Saturday due to tax season - scrapbooking with my sister-in-law and nieces. (I hope you guys are still going strong after 5pm so I can drop by and admire your progress.)

7. I finally broke into a market writing about scrapbooking. I have a regular gig writing for Scrapbook Retailer now - a trade magazine for scrapbook store owners. This allows me a press pass to attend CHA trade shows, but unfortunately, the Illinois show has been moved to Florida so it would be too expensive to attend now. (There is also a show in California with 3,500 exhibitors!)

8. I am trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle since my diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Hopefully, the combination of exercise and eating better will have a double benefit and help me lose weight for the wedding.

9. I have been too busy to notice that my nest is empty. But I have noticed that the food doesn't disappear as fast any more....

10. I can't remember the last time I was in TJ Maxx. I wonder if they miss me?

11. Speaking of missing me, Hobby Lobby's profits must be off, too -- although I did treat myself to purchasing a Slice from there last month. (I had a gift card and a coupon, what was I to do?!). I LOVE IT! (If I get to Lisa's before you guys are through scrapping, I will bring it over to demonstrate it.)

12. I realize I have a compulsion about buying scrapbooking tools, and I even wrote an article about it, but I am not ready to give it up!

13. I have been working with the Decatur Chamber of Commerce for the past year as a contract writer and I love it! It is exciting to be "in the loop" about community activities. The staff there is amazing and we have a great time hanging out together both on and off the job. It is energizing to be part of such a dynamic and optimistic group that dreams BIG for Decatur - and then follows through with their visions.

14. I miss working for the legislature in Springfield more than I thought I would. I would love to be there now with all the impeachment drama and power changes that are taking place.

15. I think I would like to be a lobbyist or an advisor that helps shape public policy. It would combine my interests in politics, analysis, and writing and put me right in the heart of the action. Being on the national Taxpayer Advocacy Panel has whet my appetite for this type of work. I have also thought about returning to school to get a Ph.D. in public administration. But first, I will have to write my thesis so I can get my Masters....

16. I wish there were more hours in the day!!!