Everything Else Archives - Page 2 of 90

Sometimes, you just have to push through it

August 21, 2019 By: Nanette

Ever notice how when you want something, I mean REALLY WANT something, everything gets in your way?

I wanted so badly to enter the Sony Alpha Creator in Residence Grant.

It took me weeks but I had my essay finally done after about 4 or 5 redos. The budget was done after a handful of refinements. I was finally somewhat ok with the results.

Then an unplanned trip came up which took me away for a week. Unfortunately, it was a week filled with headaches, migraines, anxiety and depression. That was a tough one to get through but I did.

I knew I’d need to get the video done while on my trip so I took my mini video camera with me so I could record, fresh batteries and all and yes, I checked it before I left. Somewhere between packing it and getting to my destination, a 6 hour drive it decided to die. I pulled it out, hit the power button and nothing.

I changed out the batteries and nothing.

Needless to say this got me all frazzled, now what was I going to use? Nobody else had a video camera I could use and even if they did, I didn’t have a laptop or anything to take the file home with me.

OK, so that’s that right?

Nope, not going to happen.

I grabbed my sister and my cell phone and recorded it that way. Not the best option, in fact, it’s probably the worst option ever but it would be a video vs. not doing one at all and being eliminated immediately for not having completed all the requirements.

Fine. At least, I had a video I could work with.

So after the week away, I got home and had less than 48 hours to edit my video, upload it and complete my online application.

I opened my video program and uploaded my video. Yay progress!

Nope.

My video program decides it doesn’t want to cooperate. Have you ever had your video editing program just decide it’s not going to cooperate? It isn’t fun is it? Especially when you are on a time crunch?

OK, Finally my video program takes my video. Progress!

I got it edited. Progress!

Uploaded it to YouTube. Progress!

Yes, finally things are starting to turn around here.

Or so I thought.

Watched the video before I submitted it just to make sure it looked ok and nope.

My volume was too low and there was just no way to make it loud enough.

I feel like Charlie Brown yelling at this point, “AAAUGH!!!”

I even texted my husband, “that’s it, I’m done. I give up”.

I’ve got less than 36 hours now before the official deadline.

I can’t give up. I have to do this. I have to finish what I started.

“Just one more time. Don’t give up. Just try.” That’s all I kept telling myself over and over again.

So I got my cell phone out, stood by a window, grabbed a teddy bear to hold just to get me through it and recorded it again and again till I got it all in one shot. I don’t have time to fight with the editor again.

Uploaded it and the volume was fine.

It’s time, time to get that online application done. I entered my essay, my budget, my images and my video and then I did what I have been wanting, needing to do – I hit submit!

UGH, life just had to throw every stinkin’ monkey wrench it could find at me. But it’s done.

I did it and I’m proud of me.

Win or not, I’m proud I pushed through all the hard stuff and did it!

Free SmileReader Starter Kit

February 13, 2019 By: Nanette

Thank you to MomSelect for sharing this free offer information. This post contains affiliate links.

Are you trying to conceive or know someone who is? If so, you are going to want to share this offer with them. SmileLabs products are accurate, affordable and best of all, easy to use. Smilelabs, the makers of the SmartReader App and Smile Lab Ovulation and Pregnancy Tests are offering a free SmartReader Starter Kit.

Yes, it’s free!

Each kit contains 5 ovulation strips and 1 pregnancy test.

So how do I get it?

It’s easy as 1, 2, 3!

1. Check out the SmartReader App.

2. Download the app on your smart device.

3. After downloading, you will receive a code to redeem on Amazon for (5) Free Ovulation Test Strips and (1) FREE Pregnancy Test.

Pause is My Word for 2019 What’s Your Word?

December 31, 2018 By: Nanette

Here we are again at the end of another year as thoughts of the past year flow through our minds, we pause when we think of the hopes we hold out for the new year ahead. It’s been a difficult year for me – emotionally, physically and mentally.

As with every year, there have been ups and downs, highs and lows, wins and losses. The losses have devastated me, the highs have lifted me. My word for 2018 was Forward. To be honest with you, I think keeping that word in the forefront this year helped me get through it all. It was a constant reminder to myself to keep moving forward, to not hang on to the troubles of the day but to move past them. It also was a reminder to not stop working towards my goals.

This year I stepped out of my comfort zone on more than one occasion and for that, I’m proud of myself. I applied for the Sony Alpha grant. Now, that was hard but I did it and I’m glad I did. Didn’t win the grant but still felt like a winner because I tried. I pushed myself forward through the fear and did it. It required a video submission and as hard as it was I pushed forward and did it. It was raw, open, honest and emotional for me but I did it. I learned a lot from the process. I learned from it. I wasn’t just being open for the grant but to myself and my feelings.

So yes, I’m giving myself a word for 2019.

My word for 2019

Pause.

Not stop, not a break, just a pause.

I get so wrapped up in the everyday things I forget to breathe. I forget to give myself time to pause life and just take a few minutes for myself to breathe deeply.

My health isn’t where I’d like it to be. This is another area in which I need to pause what I’m doing for others and do for me. I’ve struggled with anxiety since I was in my 20’s. For the most part, I’ve been able to keep it under control but lately, it seems to be coming back and I need to get to a place where I am in control of it again and not the other way around.

My personal goals. Again I put everyone else ahead of me. I struggle and yes I really struggle to allow myself to do things for me because I’m too busy saying yes to everyone else. I did that one this year when I went to the Confidence Workshop. And I gotta tell you, it was the most refreshed, relaxed, inspiring and encouraging weekend I have had in a very, very long time. I didn’t realize how much I needed to pause life and give to myself for just a few days.

So if throughout the year, you notice I haven’t posted here on the blog, or maybe on my social media accounts, don’t worry I won’t be gone long. I’m just taking my word to heart and pushing the pause button for a little while.