Over Achiever

Is that one word or two? Overachiever? I'm not sure. Anyway...

I am one. At least at this exact moment. This weekend, I have been a creative whirlwind.

I mentioned that I make my own Christmas cards, right? Well, I've never waited until Thanksgiving weekend to make them. Until a couple of days ago, I didn't even have a design in mind. (all of you procrastinators just gasped with sarcasm, didn't you???)

I conceived the idea for my Christmas cards on Wednesday morning and was semi-motivated to get started. Sticking to Mike's non-household-budget "spending freeze," I was determined to only use supplies that I currently have to make my cards. Which means the cards were a rainbow of colors, using leftover cardstock that is Christmas-y or winter-ish.

After rummaging through my supplies to use up what I have on hand, I began printing the main message of "still merry" on the cards. Around card 8, my printer went on strike. Grrr........

Plan B. I borrowed a pretty scripted "celebrate" stamp from a friend. Stamps take so much more time than hitting PRINT on my keyboard, but what are you gonna do?

And so, on Thursday morning, the assembly line began. Stamp, stamp, stamp, stamp, fold, fold, fold, fold, measure, measure, measure, measure, cut, cut, cut, cut, punch, punch, punch, punch...THIS is why I usually begin my cards in September.

I even did a little insert with our picture on one side and a short update on the other. (my printer fixed itself, then broke again, then fixed itself...I cursed myself for printing my own pictures to save money...)

But, lo and behold, in two days, I have not only finished making my cards, but they are stuffed and in labeled envelopes, ready to be mailed.

Now, I have to forewarn some of you that you won't be getting a card from me this year. I know, I know, it's sad, but I got over it, so you should too. I went to buy stamps the other day and when I realized that I'd be paying a week's groceries on postage for 120 cards, I axed half of you. Sorry, but it had to be done. And those of you that live locally, expect your card to be hand-delivered next time I see you. If I sit and clip coupons and scout out the sales in the grocery fliers to save $5, you'd better believe it's worth it to NOT mail a dozen cards to save the same $5! Feel free to call me cheap, just not to my face. Because my husband's unemployed...I may have a weak moment and burst into tears on you, appearing oversensitive, and no one needs that guilt!

Where did that rant come from? I just wanted to show off my cool card design and brag about my ADD super efficient holiday weekend! Anyway, I hope you have all thought about making or sending cards, emails or e-cards this year. Your friends and family will appreciate them!!!