Blood, sweat and insanity

Thanks for all the love everyone's been giving me over e-mail about Penny Carnival. J convinced me to finally send a link to the blog to friends and family a few days ago and your response has been overwhelming. I heard from folks who immediately ordered Amanda Soule's book, donated away half their toys and vowed to do some long distance crafting with me. Y'all brought tears to my eyes on several occasions.
Please feel free to make comments right here on the blog, too! I really want this to become a community, so grab some cawfee and let's tawk. ("Ams to the right! Ams to the left! Qwatuh tuhn to the right!"--who remembers the aerobics instructor from Boston our freshman year in college?)
A lot of you asked the same question--How do I find time to do all these projects? Let me try to answer.
First, I don't at all want to come across like this I-can-do-it-all mom. I have my share of meltdowns and there are days when the dishes don't get done, the girls wear their pajamas from one bedtime to the next, and the dog looks at me at 10 p.m. wondering why her bowl is still empty.
I've decided to make crafting part of our lives, though, in large part because I think it benefits the girls. I think it's good for them to see that we can make things with our own hands instead of always buying what we need (or want). I think it's neat to show them that instead of throwing away an old T-shirt, we can turn it into art or a bag or a skirt.
Most of the projects you see on this blog were done with the girls at my feet. Just this morning, Bo "helped" me pin a pattern to fabric. When it gets too crazy or when I can tell they need more Mommy, I just put it aside and start again either when they're napping or in bed for the night.
Three other things that help in a huge way:
-My job is part time and I set my own schedule. I realize how lucky I am to be able to say that.
-I'm trying to keep my craft room better organized. That way, when the urge strikes or when the girls are playing nicely, I can hop on the sewing machine and not have to hunt for the right scissors or color of thread.
-And, I hardly watch any TV. Maybe an hour a week. I found that when I did watch more, it was either HGTV or the Food Network and instead of making or cooking things myself, I was watching other people make and cook things.
OK, now to the reason why this post has the title it does. My sister-in-law just convinced me to run a half marathon. 12 days from now. Since the longest run I've done lately is 5 miles, I'm not sure what I'm thinking. The last (and only other) time I did this, I had sore knees for a year and digestive problems for a week. Maybe I should start this paragraph over:
My sister-in-law just convinced me to run-walk a half marathon.

Comments

[Nis]

Mimi, you are such a cutie pie. I am so glad that you shared your blog with us! I passed it along to Alix, Heathyr and Alicia... I know they will enjoy it too. I miss you muchly! Come visit us this summer! xoxo Nis

[Megan]

Thanks, Nissarelli. I love that you're forwarding it on. Spread the love, baby.
J and I were just saying tonight that if our usual trip to Rhode Island doesn't work out (darned airfare won't go down), we're going to get our Portland/Cannon Beach fix. I'll let you know.
xoxo