Photo from MomsWriteStuff.info
Welcome to More Cowbell! Today is Thoughty Thursday when we examine whatever topic is kicking around in my brain for the week.
This week, as I…
- Get ready for the DFW Conference
- Act as the April blog mistress for Writers In The Storm (where Janice Hardy just agreed to guest post…SQUEEEEE! p.s. She rocks – you must click that blue link!)
- Work on my career change
- Post daily in the #AtoZchallenge
- Plus, do all that I normally do
…I’m thinking about vacation. Or a nap.
The one thing all this craziness is confirming is that it is definitely time (for me) to have Baby Girl go to preschool. Last week, I was boo-hooing in my coffee about it. But this week? I’m counting down the days.
[Yes, I know there are mothers reading this, hissing at me. I don’t care. Preschool, here I come!]
The other thing I’m doing is scaling back my commitments wherever I can. Sadly, one of the things on the chopping block is my Life List Club posts.
Tomorrow is my farewell (for now) post and I hope you’ll tune in to read it. Yesterday’s post by Sonia Medeiros, Life Really is Too Short (Even When it’s Long) was LOVELY. Sonia was my inspiration to join the Life List Club and she’s one of my favorite people.
I will continue to follow along with everyone’s Life List journey, and plan to read their posts every Mon-Wed-Fri. My Life List Club page is staying up and you couldn’t pry me away from keeping a Life List forevermore. But I won’t be a contributing writer after tomorrow.
What will we be doing here at my place while I’m guest posting around town?
It’s gonna be Pimp or Promote Central here at More Cowbell!!!
I want you to start thinking of what you want to share NOW so it’s completely fantabulous here tomorrow. I’m expecting y’all to keep me perky while while I’m waving a tearful farewell to my wonderful Life List Club.
Which will you choose? Pimpage of your peeps or promo for yourself? Or will you do BOTH?!! (Oooooohhhh…*shiny eyes*) Don’t worry, there’ll be instructions tomorrow for the newbies. 🙂
What’s kicking your keister this week? I know there’s something going on…it’s just been that kind of a week. Enquiring minds LOVE to know these things here at More Cowbell!
Jenny
Jenny Hansen's Blog 
Let’s see: Two Sixty person golf events; one english and one Chinese (both have
their challenges), quick one day trip to do a site visit for another event, prep for two events that will happen while I am gone. Prep includes making my assistant confident that she can handle them without me and sleep. Have to try fitting sleep in there somewhere. All before Ieave for vacation on Sunday. I am feelin you, Jenny.
LikeLike
Oh. My. God. Sydney, you have me beat in the stress department! And I have a toddler, so that’s saying something. Here’s to getting through the week so you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks Jenny. I am in the home stretch. I also am getting some comic relief by telling my staff that Australia doesn’t have internet. They are in panic, but it makes me laugh. You mom’s can handle anything, though.
LikeLike
BAHAHAHA! Totally jealous of the Australia part. 🙂
But I’ll bet there are parts with little to no internet. I’d keep working that angle…
LikeLike
Hey, Jenny! I read your posts and others of working Moms who manage kiddos, blogs, careers, and write forward on their WIPs and think, “what the cluck is wrong with me?” I am my own boss. I don’t have those external pressures. So, [repeat quote above].
Could my choice to steam clean the bathroom floor one day instead of tackle a rough spot in my novel be a clue? Um. YUP!
I almost bowed out of two Margie Lawson courses this month b/c I feared it would interfere with my ambition to write forward. And, guess what? That first week, everything took priority over my WIP/NIP/MIP (which one is it now?). So, I’m back in the Margie Lawson Hallowed Halls and it’s forcing me to focus. I needed that recharge to my gumption.
I had to set boundaries, re-establish priorities, and stop putting everything but ahead of writing.
LikeLike
“Could my choice to steam clean the bathroom floor one day instead of tackle a rough spot in my novel be a clue?” – Thanks for my first laugh-out-loud moment this morning! I can SO relate!
LikeLike
I’m with Patricia…your bathroom floor made me laugh my overcommitted ass off. 🙂
I do know that seeing everyone at DFW will make every bit of this month’s craziness worth it in spades. I am SO looking forward to it!!
LikeLike
While I’m here in comments–oh wise techie one–what is UP with WP comments these days? No more spell check? The window collapses if I leave the page before posting and have to press enter to see what I’ve written so far?
LikeLike
All I can say about the WordPress comment window is whatever it’s doing these days, it’s still TEN times better than Blogspot, where I can’t comment at least half of the time. Sorry it’s driving you batty…
LikeLike
Girlfriend, welcome to my life. I’m so over committed I think over commitment is my job. My schedule is booked solid every day for months. It’s insane. And fun. And more insane. 🙂
Shawna
LikeLike
You are ROCKING your life, Shawna! I am in awe of you every day. 🙂
LikeLike
I’m in the midst of cutting back and prioritizing. Lots of hard choices and in the short-term less income. Never easy.
LikeLike
Yes, but chasing dreams is such fun, messy, noble work, isn’t it?
LikeLike
Jenny, those pre-school blues will disappear in a flash when Baby Girl comes home singing sweet little songs and full of smiles! It’s time for both of you. Good luck with all the changes you are making. We’re with you all the way!
LikeLike
THANK YOU, Patricia! It’s such a comfort to have “my peeps.” 🙂
And I’ve got stars in my eyes over the idea of my BabyCakes singing songs…
LikeLike
Ha! I was just thinking about over-committing last night … and how overwhelmed I feel sometimes. I even started writing a blog post about it 😉
I put my daughter into daycare part-time when she was 18 months … I had much to do and she is very sociable, wanting to play with other kids, so it was a good solution. I actually support this because I think kids need to spend time with other kids. At home, alone with us, they are always first. At the daycare, they learn to share and take turns and wait for their time … anyway, good for you! And I bet you girl will have a wonderful time 😉
LikeLike
Juliana, I look forward to reading your blog post on that! The school at our church is only licensed for 2-5 year olds (or trust me, she would have gone earlier). I’m excited and freaked about, depending on my mental space at that moment. LOL…
LikeLike
Is everyone in this situation lately? Seems like I’m running into it a lot. Plus, I’m scaling back my own online activities because I was feeling overwhelmed and stuff.
Also, don’t feel bad for looking forward to school. I look forward to sending my kids off every day. I hate the summer, because as much as I love my kids, I just don’t get things done when they’re home.
LikeLike
I think Spring makes us all feisty, Suzan! Seriously, I just finished putting in all my bulbs and veggies, and I planted a potato patch this year. It was exciting, and tiring to add onto everything else. 🙂
Every mom I know hates summer. You are not alone on that one!
LikeLike
I’ve been overcommitted for the last six months, working, writing WIP and planning Tech Support’s Bar Mitzvah. There are some other noisy things in the background. I’ve had to think carefully about what to keep and what to let go of this year so as not to lose my sanity. My blog growth has suffered with one post per week… BUT… I’m really moving forward on my manuscript. I think losing the life list posts is going to give you more energy to focus elsewhere. Who says guestposts aren’t time consuming? Good for you! Bring on the Cowbell!
LikeLike
I’ll be so happy for your when the Bar Mitzvah is behind you! It’s so special and so important..and SO much work!
I’m delighted that your manuscript is moving, Renee! You deserve it!!! 🙂
LikeLike
I keep trying to write about it, but it is coming out bitter. I’m not enjoying the planning part. At. All.
LikeLike
Do you know any friends who LOVE party planning? If you hate that part, maybe they can help. I’m just sayin… (You’re sounding like me when I have to manage paperwork, which I HATE!)
LikeLike
Dealing with furloughs at work, a babysitting neurotic boss, troubles with the WIP, huge Crit group dump. Hey, at least the hubby and the cat are low maintainence! Well . . . make that the hubby, I’m pissed at the cat.
Wow, didn’t even know all that was in there! Thanks for making me pull it all out, Jenny.
I think.
LikeLike
You’re welcome (I think)! Sounds like you need to enjoy that furlough day to the fullest – write, sleep and ride your bike. 🙂
LikeLike
Life is change, and a writer’s life is no exception. A year and a half ago I had to say goodbye to a successful prose and poetry reading series I co-founded with a writing peer, so I can relate to your decision, Jenny. Honestly, I see how much you have going on and I am always blown away.
As for putting baby girl in preschool, this mother of four grown children is not hissing, she is applauding. Pre school will be a wonderful experience for both of you. Cheers!
LikeLike
Oh, Sherry, that was a hard one. You know what’s so funny? I don’t see what it looks like from the outside. I just keep doing the next thing and then suddenly I look up and go, GACK! It happens about twice a year…usually when I had to add some unexpected thing on top of my “normal” load.
Thanks for taking time to comment!
LikeLike
Hey Jenny – I’ll be at DFW Writer’s Conference, too. Warning I will be stalking you. because you are such and awesome blogger.
LikeLike
Thank you for making my day with this comment, Jane! How sweet you are…I look forward to meeting you. 🙂
LikeLike
Is “everything” an okay answer? I’m in the midst of making a lot of big changes. Some of them I’m extremely excited about (like the new teaching opportunity) because they’re a step towards my long-term goals and are something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. Some of them are more difficult like cutting things from my life, deciding what I really have time for (as opposed to simply not wanting to give something up because I’m afraid).
LikeLike
LOL…”everything” is a fantastic answer! You and I are making some of the same changes, and they are difficult. And they are worth it.
Thanks for listening to me whine and being willing to whine a little back – it made me feel better. 🙂
LikeLike
My husband tells me I’m overcommitted, so I guess it’s true. Or maybe he just wishes I’d have the house clean and dinner ready every night when he walks in. LOL. (He’s really not that kind of husband. He’s great!) I think one of the hardest things we have to do is say no. We have to say no to some things to be able to say yes to others. And it’s hard when we wish we could do it all.
Meanwhile, I’m sure Baby Girl will do great at preschool! Having directed a part-time preschool for a while myself, I can honestly say that every child can do well but it may take a few times to adjust. Give her a hug, say goodbye, and know that she’ll be all right and excited to see you when you return! Hugs.
LikeLike
I hear you, Julie. My hubby usually keeps quiet on my commitments, until he sees me stressing myself out. Then, he starts asking me questions. You know, THOSE questions, that make you stop and think, “Is this really that important?”
He’s pretty snazzy that way. 🙂
LikeLike
I pick both. 🙂 Have fun.
LikeLike
Cool – I’m looking forward to your links tomorrow, Emaginette!
LikeLike
Oh, goodness, Jenny, what ISN”T kicking my keister? The day job, the kids, the parents, the work writing, the creative writing! Phew, I hear you on overcommitment.
Your little girl will adore pre-school, and you will be a better mom since you guaranteed “me” time for yourself. She will learn things that she will share with you, and you will continue her learning with you.
Pimpage? I’m with emaginette–both, thank you!
LikeLike
I’m sure hoping the “me” time gets me over some of the guilty mommy part. You do make it sound tremendously fun. 🙂
I’ll expect some amazing Pimp AND Promote out of you tomorrow, girly!! Hope the a$$-kicking part of your month is over soon…
LikeLike
Hmm… Taxes were a wrench in my happy cloud earlier this week. That and bumpy sleep. Since both are behind me, for now, I’m savoring the rainbow of relief! I’m going to use ‘kick my keister’ soon in conversation in honor of you, your readers and all the glob we wanna kick! LOL
Best wishes with all, lovely lady!
LikeLike
Bleck! Taxes. *spits nasty 1040 word off tongue* I’m so glad you’re through that!
Do let me know how you work that keister-kick into your conversation. It’s got such a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?? 🙂
p.s. What city do you live in. I’ve got it in my head to give you your SBUX card live. Send email soon…it’s driving me batty!
LikeLike
It is a brave thing to “just say no”. Believe me. I am a Queen of over committing.
As a matter of fact, I am supposed to shoot a wedding Saturday – for free as a kindness – and the bride has yet to contact me. Might need to know the time and place. Sigh.
I’ve spent the week out of the house, since the hubs took an online seminar for work from home, which meant keeping little man away so he could concentrate. As a result, the evenings are spent frantically writing, laundering (clothes, of course, although that would make for a fun story, eh?) and whatever else I didn’t get to during the day.
And I am supposed to be handling a project for my Dad’s company. Just remember that one. Lovely.
So, right there with ya, chica.
Looking forward to tomorrow – I think I’ll be promotin’ and pimpin’. Woo!
LikeLike
What??!! You’re giving wedding photography away free and you’ve not gotten the details? What’s wrong with that bride?
I’m delighted to give you a bright spot in your week – there’s just nothing more fun than a Promo-Pimpage Party. 🙂
LikeLike
I’m so glad I’m not the only one having this kind of week! I have two huge projects coming up at work, a few events scattered here and there, and just came down with that horrible cold everyone here in MI seems to have!
LikeLike
You are completely NOT ALONE, Megan. And you know what makes me laugh? Every commenter so far today has been female. Hmmmm…
I hope you’re over that nasty cold SOON.
LikeLike
Pingback: L is for Life List Club + It’s PIMP or PROMOTE at More Cowbell Today! #AtoZchallenge | Jenny Hansen's Blog
LOL, I’m seeing a theme here!
Preschool isn’t a bad thing, especially for an only child 🙂 I’ll bet both you and Baby Girl will benefit and grow from it!
LikeLike
Everything is kicking my butt this week: my health, my website, my writing, spending too much time and getting sucked into social media. I need to get back into limiting the time I spend on things and start using my timer again. I used it when I was prepping for my blog and it limited my time I spent on social media, for example. And I got a lot of things done.
LikeLike
Pingback: P is for Prioritizing ~ Are You Doing It? #AtoZchallenge #ROW80 | Jenny Hansen's Blog