December Daily 2010 | Finding Time, Making Time, Trading Time
QUESTION FROM DEBORAH | I have been following along each day with your preparations for this year's December Daily. I am so excited to begin even though I haven't had a spare moment to throw my album together yet. And that, is what concerns me. I know that you are super busy, that all your fellow December Daily doers are super busy. But, this project is important, and it really isn't a matter of finding time -- because that extra 25th hour just doesn't exist. I think it really is about trading time -- doing December Daily pages instead of doing...? And so, I was wondering if you'd consider asking your readers what they find themselves giving up/letting go of/setting aside in order to have the time to take part in this project. It would be so helpful to get some perspective about how other maxed-out moms reorganize their priorities during this time of year. I've already cut down on the workouts, set up the Tivo, closed-off all non-essential bathrooms, dug out the slow cooker…I am in need of some ideas to gain some scrapping time.
AE | I'm looking forward to reading the suggestions and thoughts in the comments today. In the past I've done a variety of different things - worked on my pages in the evening, in the morning and in the afternoon - whenever I could find/make/trade time. Sometimes I put my page together as soon as I come across the story I want to tell - such as something that happens at breakfast. I snap a couple photos, upload, print, add journaling, and get it in my book as soon as I have a chance. Some years I've been more artsy so it's taken longer. This year, I'm really going for simple. In all the years I've done this project I almost always focus on telling just one story per day - I don't attempt to document everything minute by minute for this project. I pick one, tell it with words + photo(s) and stick it down. Then I go about life until I choose a story on the following day.
I'd love to read your thoughts on this today. What do you find yourself giving up/letting go of/setting aside in order to take part in this project?
Oh boy, good question.
I attempted this project a couple years ago and it is still incomplete - something I am not happy about - thinking I will try to finish it at some point but wondering how challenging that will be. We'll see.
This year I was dazzled by Ali's December Daily once again and decided to give it another try. Slowly I gathered supplies and got motivated. Then my twins came down with the flu and strep throat - things were looking grim for my project. However, I decided to just do it - to find the time to get the foundation done - determined to do it before December started. I think that was the downfall of my prior attempt - the season is so busy that I need the foundation done or I won't stand a chance. Happily, this morning, I completed the foundation - it's done and ready to go!! This is HUGE for me.
Here are some of the things I gave up in the process...
1. Sleep - yes, I stayed up late, on more than one occasion, happily cutting, stapling, stitching and compiling.
2. the expectation of perfection... that's a tough one for me - so often I don't ever start something because I get overwhelmed with the details and the quest for perfection. I found myself trying to channel my inner 'Ali' this time around - thinking about how important the story and photos are and how happy I'll be to have a momento of the season. Perfection is over-rated. My pages aren't 'perfect' but I actually like them - a lot!! That's new for me :)
3. Originality... this was another tough one to give up - in the past I have wanted to think outside the box, do something different and amazing - this time I decided to cut myself some slack and follow Ali's cool example. I used the same size, the daily print-outs and transparencies all in a similar fashion. The base is the same but the products are different and kinda cool in their own way. It's my take on Ali's project and it's done - done is big for me right now.
4. TV watching and magazine reading... I actually have a little tv in my studio so instead of kicking my feet up in front of the tv after the kids went to bed I went into the studio and had the tv on in the background. It's amazing that you can work and just listen to the tv and still not really miss the show - just a glance here or there and I still felt connected to a couple of my favourite shows.
5. Fancy meals... this was kind of a no-brainer since we were under-the-weather - I made a few big pots of yummy chicken and wild rice soup, and had lots of simple egg based dinners. Also got my husband involved in some of the prep.
6. Scheduled housework etc... just decided to let go here and get things done as they needed to be done and catch up when I can on the stuff that is pending.
I think that the things I've given up or shifted around priority-wise will likely be the same throughout December. I'm just really wanted to get the stories down this time - really want something that we can cherish and enjoy looking back on. I've missed documenting so many things - I'm gonna change that this year :)
Just wanted to tell you that I'm really proud of you Alexandra - you are making it happen.
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The most important thing to remember is it's suppose to be fun! Does it really matter if it's not finished until April? That's when I managed mine. The most important thing is make notes - you won't remember which picture you wanted where or what you did each day. I use post-it notes all over my album and put more detailed notes in my diary - that way you will remember in February all the details you wanted to include. Find somewhere you can leave everything out so you can grab 10 mins and not spend that time digging everything out. The album is for you and your family - it doesn't need to be perfect - it's more important to finish it than it be a work of art. I really hope you find the time and enjoy the process rather than worrying about it.
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I think what we have to trade is the idea of perfection, which has been Ali's mantra from the beginning. It is not an easy thing to do but is absolutely essential. It takes a lot of time and effort to create some of the examples of DDs that we may have seen. We may not have the time or resources to do the activities that others have captured on their pages. With so many beautifully photoshopped visions on blogs and websites of what others do at Holiday time,it is easy to become overwhelmed. We may second guess our efforts and wonder if what we are doing is good or enough. So what I find most helpful is to try to get rid of preconceived ideas and find my own balance. My DDs are not "design team" quality but they do tell my story...as imperfect and simple as it may be. And I'm OK with that.
Trading the idea of perfection - yes, yes, yes. Sometimes I need to hear it said back to me in a different way.
Thank you for this comment - and I think you nailed it in your wording: "the IDEA of perfection." For me, I think the subconscious reason for hesitating, for procrastinating, is that while it's still in my mind, I can imagine that it is perfect. The moment it starts to become real, it changes. But, as I have in my signature line on various forums, to remind myself: "Perfect is pretty but finished is BEAUTIFUL." The real, but imperfect is always preferable. We need to trade the IDEA of perfection for the beautiful, imperfect reality.
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my kids are 3, 2 and 4 months. they nap at the same time (i've worked hard to make that happen) so sometimes i scrap during nap time. or after bedtime (though i'm usually too tired then). my craft space is in their play room (separated by a picket fence attached to the wall and floor) so i can also work while my kids play and i can still watch over them and participate in some of their games. i'll admit - when i'm in a creative spurt, my house suffers. it's not as clean (though it's almost always tidy) as it could be. and the laundry often goes unfolded for days on end. but getting that time for me goes a LONG way! additionally, i try to limit errands to one day each week or two and i limit trips to the grocery store. if i menu plan, i can prep food stuffs and have a good meal on the table even when i'm really creative and spend lots of time in my space! finally, FREEZER MEALS... try a book like Fix Freeze Feast - you make one meal for today and 2 more for in your freezer. you do all the prep work once (which takes more time) but then you have multiple meals ready to go (so it takes LESS time later). LOVE that book!
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I love this project so much I rearrange a lot of our life for December!
1. I don't have a TV in the house, so we automatically save time.
2. I make a dinner menu for the month. Knowing what we are eating frees up time for us.
3. This year I finished my shopping/minimized my shopping in November. Now I just need to wrap.
4. I am not going to sweat finishing by 12.31. I'll work as I can, document what I can. TAKE A LOT of photos. SOmetimes my photos are enough to jog my memory if I find myself needing to finish pages in July or August ;)
5. Ok...this is extreme. I've cut back my work schedule as much as we could. With a 5 year old in the house I want this month to be about the memories we make with him. I feel so fortunate to be able to do this. (choosing #4 makes it easier).
6. Be okay if I skip a day or two. The last two years I've had days I simply leave out of the book and the Daily December Police never showed up at my door to arrest me ;)
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I think the biggest thing I'll be trading, time wise, is TV time. Being Digi, this album won't take that long to put together.
But, I also think there's another trade-off- one of expectations. I'm not going to worry about perfection. I'm going to concentrate on getting things documented- imperfectly or not. I.e. I'm not going to stress over the way a particular page comes together or making sure the words are just right. But, it might also be expectations in how much you do the DD or perhaps expectations for what you'll do for housekeeping or holidays or anywhere else you might be able to adjust.
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Each night when the kids are in bed (they always are in bed around seven o'clock) I get into my scrap-room and make time to scrap (usualy about two hours before i get into bed myself).
I hardly watch tv. So this coming december i will do the same as always but now i will be making the spreads for my december daily.
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I completed last year's book in the month of January. I find the holiday hangover is much more manageable with a good project. I kept a short diary of the day's activities, which I wrote down every night before bed. I kept all my papers and trinkets in a box so all the items would be easy to find after the hurricane of the holiday season. The foundation of the book was cut out early, and I have all the papers cut and ready in the box for this year too. In January, I organized all the photos and had them printed and delivered to my house. I set a date to be done the last day of the month and then went to town on the book. I had a blast and found it much more relaxing since the holiday was over. Plus, it was nice to relive the season as I leafed through the box of goodies I had collected and put it all together to create my book.
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Honestly, I give up a little here and there on my household chores to squeak in a layout for the day. My thought is that down the road I won't remember the load of laundry that waited to be folded as much as I'll appreciate the layout that took its place in my schedule. Sleep is also next on the list. But, I keep the pages simple, print my photos at home, and journal by hand. This keeps my creative metabolism going. If the day allows, I work on a layout throughout the day. Print my photos while I'm waiting for something in the microwave for example, journal (long or short) during any moment that pops up, and enjoy the process. Having a preschooler in the house really teaches you to stop and enjoy the experience of things - I am so thankful for this. This is my most important goal with this album. And he anticipates the completion of each page capturing the story or our magical holiday.
I tend to do a page a day because getting behind tends to lead to procrastination for me. And, it's easier for me to find a small piece of free-time in my day than a larger time slot to finish many layouts.
This year, I'm going to see if my husband will do some of the journaling. It would be nice to have another voice in the album and the help wouldn't hurt either. :)
December is almost here. One more check that I have all that I need for this special little album. Then, start your engines. :)
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Okay - I haven't read ALL of the comments, but I'm going to go out on a limb & be honest here.... Dinner might be late. I might "forget" to make my bed one day. A laundry load might sit a little longer than necessary. Do you get the idea? Those things will all still be there when my December Daily project is done. A wise person once said to me, "You'll always find time to do the things you REALLY WANT to do!" I think what she meant was that if you really WANT to do something, you'll do it, and the rest of life will fall into place around it. GO FOR the December Daily idea -- and don't have guilt if some of the routine things don't get done on the same time schedule. Just ALLOW yourself to have fun with it! {Oh my - did that sound like PREACHING?" It wasn't meant to be. I "said" it with a light heart, and a smile on my face =) } Have fun everyone! I'm looking forward to seeing some finished pages!
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Great thoughts on this question.
I give up the same things the others mentioned: tv, sleeping, cleaning ( I have used a cleaning service for 6 years now. I highly recommend it as a sanity booster. I'd give up cable before I'd give up her).
Last year I made my DD on my own, but this year I took a class with all of the supplies provided and finished the base album in about 3 hours.
One thing I am doing a little different this year is that I made a calendar for December and used the Advent cards that Ali created to make "to-do's" for every day this month. For example, Saturday we are going to the local library to make Gingerbread houses. The card for Saturday will let the kids know what we are doing. If I forget to take a picture, I'll at least have that card I can stick in my December Daily. Some days are simpler (i.e. read a Christmas book or have hot chocolate) but the point is to pre-organize my month.
I have been so ridiculously busy this last year (full time job, school, chairing two time consuming committees) that scheduling my time has been very important. I always make time to scrap (even if it is once a month).
If only I showed that same time commitment when it came to exercising.
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I don't shave my legs (very often) in December. Free's up the 10-15 minutes I need to do a page or too. Also I keep premade journaling cards with me at work and will jot a few things down if I have a few slow minutes.
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i make time for it in odd times of the day. i have done some of my most favorite creative things while waiting for water to boil for pasta! i am lucky to have an area that i can leave things out and go back and forth and that helps a lot. i usually have a little free time during the day or while my kids are doing their homework and i choose to work on a project over reading a book or watching a tv program.
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for me, it wasn't about finding the time, i've always had to fit in scrapbooking whenever i could ... usually when the little ones are asleep for their nap or down for the night.
this will be my first year participating in the "december daily" project. i first struggled the most with creating the foundation pages. i'm one of those that scrap based on the photo. so i'll definitely be cheating and waiting off to put the number of the day until after i get my photos.
then again, i also broke my camera a few weeks ago and i don't think i'll be able to get one in time so maybe my biggest sacrifice is foregoing photos and concentrating on journaling ... which is also one of my biggest weaknesses. as much as i know how much more personalized handwritten journaling is ... i just don't like my handwriting enough to do so. but maybe this'll force me to.
You're not "cheating" Keri - you're adapting the project to fit with what you like :).
I like that even though you like to scrap around the photo, and you might not be able to use photos this first time, that you are still doing it!
Maybe keep an eye open for things to add that might have something to do with the story. Like your childrens drawings. Or say for example the wrapping on their lolly (candy) that might have gotton from visiting santa that got stuck to their shirt or hair. Something like that. (actually that would be funny) but just those little things that you can use instead of a camera. :)
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FACEBOOK PIC QUESTION: Has anyone discovered a way to print quality 4x6 pics from facebook's albums? I have cookie parties and work parties that come up and i still have blanks from last year because of those! thanks
ck
i haven't confirmed it but you may want to try "download in high resolution". i printed a photo of my sister and her husband that i had saved off of FB and it came out horrible. you can try the high-res link rather than right-clicking the photo displayed. or it may be up to the person uploading the photo and the quality they choose to upload. i ended up asking my sister to email the photo to me. hope that helps but like i said, i haven't confirmed myself.
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I love this question! How about a spin on it. I am in a little bit of funk with my situation. I am home all day but I am disabled due to over 17 operations on my shoulder/arm/back. It's a matter of me having a "good" day with a little less pain to even try to put the December Daily together. This is so important to me to accomplish and journal all my memories. Thanks so much Ali! :-)
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Last year was my first year 'attempting' the idea of a Daily December. It didn't actually end up being daily, but it was a good 8 or 9 12 x 12 pages of short stories and scraps of what our holiday season looked like. I did all of mine post-holidays.
This year I am trying something different. Rather than making a page a day... I am attempting to make a baseball card sized picture with notes or journal entry per day. I took a date stamper to a set of white circle stickers to include in each little card. then each fit in their own little pockets. I am hoping to do this one as I go along - and just carry it with me in my planner so I can collect and jot down notes as I please. I started with Thanksgiving rather than Dec 1, since we had some fun activities this weekend already.
I know I will be giving up some TV time and some FB time, but it is SO worth it. :) I'm inching towards the full blown page-per-day, hopefully next year. I just love this idea though! Thanks, Ali. :)
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I don't really give anything up for the December Daily. I work full time and have 3 kids (17, 15, and 12). I still go to band concerts and basketball games and watch football on Sundays. But I make creating a priority in my everyday life. During the holidays, I use that creating time for December Daily. I don't do Facebook and I don't watch much tv (we DO have Christmas faves on DVD that we watch). I DO sometimes spend time looking at the awesome ideas that everyone else has on the Flickr Group when I am stuck for ideas! But I want to remember these times when we are a family. When the kids are still full of love for the holidays, although they don't have the same sense of wonder that they did when they were little, they still enjoy the traditions that we started and I love taking the time to capture the things that we do everyday during the holidays because those things change every year. I also find that when I am open to ideas for a story for the day, a story usually appears. Some days are busier than others and often I will snap a couple of photos and go back to the story on the weekend. Also-letting go of imperfection is huge. Finally, Good luck-December Daily is soooo worth the effort no matter how small or large you make it!!
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i'm letting go of documenting EVERY day, and making a list of what i want to be sure to catch. i'm letting go of the idea of perfect photos - instead i'll work w/ instax pics, phone snaps and whatever photo tells the story. i'm letting go of the idea of building a perfect base, and instead throwing everything i want to use in the box and building pages as i find time. and i'm giving myself permission to write it down and scrap it later, if need be.
So awesome.
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This is the 1st year I am going to be doing a DD. Last year I saw your amazing album and was in awe and thought no way I could do that. Although I was an avid scrapbooker slowly it has turned into I'm now mostly a card maker. For me this is a re-entering into how I started getting crafty and also a gift for my babies. This year as your sweet little girl my Little Sassy is in awe of Christmas and is so excited as I am. I love to see her asking about what we are doing today ( for Advent) as well as when is Santa coming. So its not that I am giving up anything its something that I am gaining and will cherish. Thank you So much. (((HUGS))
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I keep my album and supplies in a portable basket. If I can leave it out on a surface, I do, so then if I have five minutes, I can jot something down. I can make progress in between stirring my dinner on the stove. If I have to pack it up to move it, the basket can go anywhere. I will just pile laundry in the clean basket instead of folding it, I will work on that next to my kids as they do homework, or while they read to me, as I get into bed instead of reading...I focus on that project instead of others. The best help is to leave it out and accessible.
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I don't want my kids to forget. They already look back at our DD 2008 album and say things like "oh yeah, NOW I remember when we went to see that Christmas show" or I loved that toy that Santa brought" The toys and excitement of Christmas pasts fade quickly. I want to help them (and myself) remember for a long, long time. It's worth every bit of the effort. (and sacrifice/trading) So I have found.
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I try not to over analyze the process. It really is a very simple projectonce you have the base of your album done! I carry my camera with me everywhere (even when it isn't the holiday time!) and a small notebook to jot down a not or about something that happens.
I just recently went without t.v. for awhile and I realized just how much time I wasted sitting in front of it! Sacrifice and hour of mindless time sitting in front of the t.v. and focus on your December Daily album.
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This is my 2nd DD. Last year I wanted flexibilty in moving my album pages around depending on what we were doing, so they were not quite "finished"when Dec rolled around. This year, I have finished them with spots left just for pics and journalling. I found the biggest timewasters for me is trying to figure out how to make the page. So this year, I have done all that in advance and decided to keep very simple. The album is pre-done and kept in a bag with a few embellies, tags & stickers and I'm doing the pages daily, with pics printed and journalling done. Hoping to keep that part down to 10 min or so daily.
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making my album i did back in octber lol, i love this project and couldnt' wait till november to start the foundation pages lol and cause i did it so early it wasnt' so busy and i had time....and when it come sto photos etc going into the album, as i don't print mine at home so i tend to get photos printed once to twice a week and then sit down in the evening once the kids are in bed and do the couple of pages at a time then, i keep it simple so it doens't really take me that long, i always try to scrapbook a little bit each day so i just make sure i fit the daily decmeber into my day, i love doing this album, and i don't put mine away after xmas i keep it out all year hehe and i love looking through it as do the kids.....
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