Seeing Red

I went back to the doctor this week and my lift restrictions were modified.  I still have to be very careful, I can't life for hours on end, and I can't lift anything very heavy, but I can lift.  I took my doctor's note into work, a little scared that I'd be turned away until I got the all clear.  Turns out my boss was very happy to see me and was super accommodating.  He got me all set up and I actually had my first day back the next day.

I was so happy and relieved.  After I talked to my boss I had to talk to the HR lady.  On the walk from A to B I actually started to tear up.  It's been a financially scary summer, and we're not out of the woods, but it feels better to be here rather than there.  Ya know??

So happy and relieved, in fact, that when I got home I set to working on a layout.  I only got the pictures printed and a title cut, but the ball was rolling.  The title - Seeing Red - usually refers to being angry.  This time, I mean it literally.  If you work at Target, you see red.  All. Day. Long.  :)

I like the way it turned out.  It's not frilly, but then again, neither is unloading trucks at Target.

Edited to add: If you like process videos, the video for this layout is up on YouTube.  

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Are you following along with the "Set Scrapbooking Free" series?  If not, you really should.  Today's stop is at Ashley Calder's place.  She's debunking the myth that there's a certain right way to scrapbook.  That can't be true, can it??  Go check out what Ashley has to say to be sure. ;)

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Do you listen to NPR?  I do!  I love RadioLab, Market Place, This American Life, Queue with ...oh heck, I'm not even going to try to spell that guys name!, as well as some of our local shows that keep in me in touch with all of Cleveland's and Ohio's concerns. 

Twice a year they ask me for money.  I like the content of the station, so when I can give, I do.  I've given as little as $10.  It's what I had, and it helped get them to their goal. 

I will not come to you twice a year like clockwork.
I cannot offer you a handcrank radio, or a mug, or a tote.
There is no 800 number for you to call.
There are no operators standing by.

But I am asking.  Please consider visiting the GoFundMe page and donating a little something to help a smart, driven, hard working girl get the one back to school item that's way out of mom's league. 

If you like the content here...
If you've got a soft spot for education...
If you there's a little bit of Girl Power in you...
If your own kids have past the back-to-school phase...

Please consider.

Okay then!  Happy Friday thank you so much for stopping by! 

Caroline

p.s.  That blog series??  I may be up next...so stop by again soon. ;)

It's a party up in here!

Okay, not really, but I've got tons to share today!

First, we've begun our journey to rid the world of scrapbook police! First stop: Paige Evans!  Go here. Now. Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Just go.

That was a risky move on my part.  Because that layout is GORGEOUS and there's a huge chance that you'll get sucked into her black hole of creativity, never to return.  Seriously, the page she shares is amazing and inspiring.  And so is the message.

Second:
As I write, there is a SECOND (holy cow!) process video uploading to YouTube!  Yay!  Did you subscribe to my channel?  22 of you have, and that's about 21 more than I expected!  Anyway, if you haven't, you should!  ;)

Here's a look at the layout that's going up:

The video is about 13 minutes long.  Grab a beer or coffee (time of day dependent...I suppose. :P)  and give it a watch.

And lastly, I have a (VERY) humble plea.  My oldest daughter is heading back to school in a couple of weeks and is in dire need of new computer.  She is working her tail off this summer to earn the money to cover her living expenses - her food, gas, utilities for the year.  She works two jobs on campus.  She brought home straight A's this year.  In short, she's pretty amazing.  Her mother, on the other hand, is a bit of a deadbeat.  No! I'm just kidding!  I've been going to school for the last four years to get certified to teach high school math.  In January I quit my full time job to do my student teaching.  When my student teaching ended, I got two part time jobs and things were tight, but we were scrapping by.  Then I fell and broke my arm and I've been out of work for going on 4 weeks.  Most of my savings went toward covering my living expenses while I did my student teaching.  The rest is dwindling fast while I have no income.  Meanwhile, we're ramping up to back to school and I know she needs that computer.  Torn about how to help her, I decided to see if I could raise some money by starting a GoFundMe campaign.  This is not how I'd prefer to do things, but I'll happily swallow my pride if it means I can help my daughter.  I've been divorced for 8 years now, and I still find myself scrambling.  My biggest wish for her is that she never finds herself in this position. Her education (and this computer) will ensure that she never does.

Please consider making a donation....even a little one.  $5 or $10...it all adds up.

You have have my gratitude for even thinking about it.  And if you decide that you'd like to help, or if you'd like to read more about why this computer is important to her, more information can be found here: Maggie's GoFundMe.

And just because you need to know who you'd be helping:

Maggie is the big eye'd kid in the middle.  Eating cotton candy.  (circa 2011)

THANK YOU for stopping by!  I hope you checked out the video and enjoyed it!