When I was part of the work force, I didn't need an appointment calendar. My days were very predictable. Get up. Drive to work. Teach. Come home. It was simple.
Now that I no longer work outside my home, my days have less structure, but the demands on my time remain steady. I definitely need an appointment calendar to keep track of what I need to do, where I am supposed to be, and when I am supposed to be there. As you can imagine, at our house, somebody always needs me to do something: Can you pick my trumpet up at the repair shop? Did you remember to ask Ellie's mom if she could play? Will you get me some lead for my pencils? Could you give Jade a ride home from dance? Will you take me to to the mall to get a present for the party on Saturday? Did you remember that I have a concert on Tuesday night? Did you...? Can you...? Will you...? Would you...? Could you...? The answer to all these questions always seems to be the same...Was it written in "the book"? No? Than I probably didn't do it. The girls caught on to me rather quickly and started writing stuff in "the book" for me! I would look in "the book" and find some wobbly handwriting that would say something like this: Saturday--Ice Skating at 1:00. Now wait. I didn't authorize that. "The book" is important but it doesn't trump me! I made a new rule: Only mom writes in "the book"! The girls cried foul. They claim that I forget to put things in the book that they tell me about. "What? I beg your pardon!!! I don't forget. I am ignoring you." (I didn't really say that. I just thought it. Systems overload can make a gal cranky. I know it's not pretty, but I'm trying to keep it real.) We've finally worked out a system that seems to be working. They write their plans on a sticky note and put the note in "the book". I review the notes and then write it in "the book" if the plan is worthy.
Last year "the book" was naked all year long. Obscene! I resolved to do better this year. We are only half way through January, and I am pleased to announce that "the book" has some lovely clothes. Tah Dah...
The appliqueing gig on this cover was a little more than I'd anticipated. I'm new to applique. It took me a while to figure out how to turn the corner in between each petal. Once I figured it out, it wasn't so bad.
I put a little pocket inside to hold business cards, receipts, and other important things that get lost in the fray.
Maybe I will tell the girls to put their planning notes for "the book" in that teeny-tiny pocket. If the pocket is full, the request will be heard at a later date. Just kidding. In truth, I love all the busyness that comes with being mom to five lively girls. I'm just glad I have "the book" to keep it all straight. Heaven knows, I can no longer keep it all straight in my head! I hope that's not age related??? Ooh, banish the thought. It simply can't be!
Feeling ready for 2009~
Cassie
P.S. If you are ever in my town, call me. I will definitely make time for you in "the book".
Love your book...you did a great job on the applique. Good luck adhering to your calendar...sometimes I still fly by the seat of my pants.
Amy
Posted by: Amy | January 18, 2009 at 05:16 PM
I love the book!!! The applique is awesome (and addictive). You want to come over and start a ridiculous applique project? I'm in the mood.
My calendar is on my Mac. My Mac died a couple years ago with no backup. Talk about panic! Now I have a wireless backup.
Posted by: Maria | January 18, 2009 at 05:33 PM
Great cover!! Love the colors. I found your blog the other day and I really enjoy visiting. GOod job!!
Posted by: Patsy | January 18, 2009 at 06:15 PM
I think your new clothes for the book look great! Glad it isn't *naked* anymore LOL I hear you about running everyone here and there. I really feel like a taxi some days.
Posted by: Tonya Richard | January 18, 2009 at 06:18 PM
Wow - that is a beautiful book. Did you use a pattern to make the cover, or just wing it? I love the colours!
Posted by: Rachel | January 18, 2009 at 09:19 PM
What a cute way to keep track of life! Mine is just boring notebook with a black cover. Maybe I should follow your example!!!
Posted by: randi | January 18, 2009 at 09:35 PM
Love your new cover! Right now i just use the wall calendar - but I can see how useful a book like that will be once we've got another in school :)
Posted by: Amy @ parkcitygirl | January 18, 2009 at 10:48 PM
Love your book! The applique looks great. I have a wall calendar and a little "to-do" note-book which seem to work quite well but maybe when my kids are older I'll need a more organised book like yours!
:)
Posted by: Rachel L | January 19, 2009 at 04:48 AM
What a great book! I keep a book too and I confess it is naked! I don't have kids but organising myself between teaching, meetings, private tuition and a husband :) I don't need an authorisation system but I think you've got it sussed - good work :)
Posted by: Gemma | January 20, 2009 at 03:12 AM
What an adorable book! The applique really makes it! Making a cover for one of those books have been on my list for a year now. Seeing how cute yours is may inspire me!
Posted by: Marie | January 20, 2009 at 06:44 AM
Aaack! It's so cute! And for not doing applique like that before, you did a fantastic job -- those inner corners are hard. Ahem...do you have blogging deadlines in the book???
Posted by: Thimbleanna | January 20, 2009 at 09:59 PM
Oooh Cassie, I do love a good book cover. I seem to cover most books LOL, especially the ones that need carting around.
You did a fantastic job, I love it.
;-)
Ana
Posted by: Ana | January 22, 2009 at 04:32 AM