We discovered Ali Edwards this past year through Instagram, most likely through either Becky Higgins or Elise Blaha Cripe. Ali is an innovator in the scrapbooking world. Her approach is to “Craft Your Story” and we love everything she does. This past December, inspired by her, we created our first December Daily Album.
Another one of her genius ideas is the One Little Word Project. It’s where you choose one word to guide you through the year. The word you chose should speak to you and be something you want to focus on for the next year. She now leads a yearlong class helping others stay connected to their word. I am excited to be part of that group this year.
My word is PUSH! It was the first word that came to me, but I wasn’t 100% sure about it initially. I thought it might have too much of a negative meaning connected to it. Then I realized that so often in life I try to look at the positive side of things and it often aggravates me when people point out the negative side of things. That’s when I realized PUSH was the perfect word for me. I will look at it positively and it will help me better myself this next year.
There are three ways in which I intend to PUSH myself through 2015.
Business Life
I started Love Jac right after Georgia was born. After entering PowerUp, a small business competition, I wrote a thorough business plan. Since then I have followed that plan and my company has grown. With two kids it seems at times to grow beyond this present point would be incredibly difficult. However, I have so many ideas, dreams, and goals. I am at the point now where I am ready to write a second mini-business plan in order to execute these ideas. I know it will mean less sleep, help from a babysitter, and extreme focus but I am ready to push this company to the next level. Plus, it’s time to make myself a better card sender in the process.
I know this photo is slightly cheesy, but that's why I love it. We took a bunch of silly photos while at The National Stationery Show this year and I've been looking for an excuse to use one of them!! Besides, I am PUSHing the typewriter keys.
Personal Life
Before I had Conroy, people used to tell me having two kids was like having ten kids. I thought that was so mean to say to someone. Now being on the other side, I still think it’s not nice, however I now know they were right. Just taking care of two little ones is a fulltime job. It almost seems impossible to have dinner made, the shopping done, keep the house clean, and be there for your husband. There are certainly some days that I don’t do any of the latter. In 2015 I am going to PUSH myself to figure out how to do more. I want to plan out the week’s meals ahead of time, develop a better cleaning routine, and schedule in more date nights. I think by creating mini-challenges I will be able to accomplish this. By no means do I think I can do it all, but I do think with some pre-production I can get better at many of the life responsibilities I have. Now that I know what this job actually entails, I can figure out a way to improve.
This could be my favorite photo from 2014. Georgia's favorite thing to do is push the elevator button. On this day, Conroy wanted to do it. Without hesitation she said "Don't worry Conroy, I'll help you" and picked him up!
Literally
It took me just about a year to accept the fact that this double stroller would be my life. My mom bought it for us when I was pregnant with Conroy and I used it maybe twice in his first year. Now I spend what feels like 50% of my day pushing this thing all around Brooklyn. I have a love/hate relationship with this mode of transportation, but deep down I know it’s our best option. Both kids can sit. When I only have Conroy I can also use it to carry all of our Trader Joe’s groceries. With the rain guard on, I know both my kids are warm, cozy, and safe. Yes, I often feel like this is training for my next life as the musher of an Alaskan dog sled team, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Just another day of pushing my two favorite kids!
If you’d like to join Ali’s One Little Word workshop, there’s still time. You can sign up here. If you do, leave a comment below! Also, if you have any tips for improving anything I have mentioned above, please share. Here’s to 2015!! Happy New Year!