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ladyinblack1964
PeaNut
PeaNut 443,660
October 2009
Posts: 172
Layouts: 0
 |  Posted: 12/2/2012 12:01:28 PM
OK, so it's Dec. 2 and these projects are up and running. I have been SOOO excited up till now. I've been working on my pages, getting some new stuff for my stash, talking on the forums...
And yesterday, the Mood hit me. I suffer from depression, and I hope this is not too much info, but at times DH and I have big arguments. For e.g., we had one last week about whether or not we should get a Xmas tree. My weekend basically sucked. I'm back at work now and already a day behind on DD/JYC.
When I saw Shimelle's question about seeing something that reminded me of the Xmas season, all I could think of is how STUPID it was of me to go to Michael's at 3 p.m. Friday. Suddenly everything I hate about the Xmas season came rushing back to me.
I know this is not a good attitude. But right now I feel like my life is one great big sucky mess.
Has this happened to you? Can I turn it around somehow?
I know Ali continued to do DD last year even though she was going through a divorce. Man, she is my hero!
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~crisann~
AncestralPea
PeaNut 302,923
March 2007
Posts: 4,145
Layouts: 47
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA.
 | Posted: 12/2/2012 12:14:21 PM
hi!
i just wanted to take a moment to say keep taking pics and keep journaling, even if you don't put it all together into a mini album right away.
if you have to, force yourself to, atleast, do that much - you'll thank yourself later.
i still haven't put together my 2010 december daily album, but you know what? it's all here, in a box, for when the mood strikes.
you'll feel better!
hope that helps! |
organize your stuff challenge (master thread).
dysfunctionally-functional
and yes, he did use the ladder...
"some day, in retrospect, the years of struggle will strike you as the most beautiful." -sigmund freud
there are some things that you should just not have to hear for the first time on facebook.
"our lives at times seem a study in contrast... love & hate, birth & death, right & wrong... everything seen in absolutes of black & white. too often we are not aware that it is the shades of grey that add depth & meaning to the starkness of those extremes" -ansel adams
crisann
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ladyinblack1964
PeaNut
PeaNut 443,660
October 2009
Posts: 172
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 12/2/2012 12:22:39 PM
Keep Calm and Journal On, I guess!
Thank you, crisann.
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asmart99
PeaAddict
PeaNut 294,784
February 2007
Posts: 1,383
Layouts: 9
Loc: California dreamin'
| Posted: 12/2/2012 12:51:21 PM
Keep Calm and Journal On, I guess!
My situation is different, but this mantra is one I will take to heart!  |
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shimelle
Garden Girl
PeaNut 2,356
January 2000
Posts: 3,599
Layouts: 352
Loc: london, england
 | Posted: 12/2/2012 12:57:16 PM
Definitely keep calm and journal on! Sounds like a plan.
But can I just chime in and say it is not even possible to be 'behind' on Journal your Christmas? It really isn't. It was never the point of the project to add deadlines to your world. Write when you want to write, photograph when you want to photograph, craft when you want to craft. That might be daily or it might be not at all and it will likely fall somewhere in between those two extremes!
And there's nothing stupid about going craft shopping. 
It's definitely possible that having bad timing for a weekend that didn't turn out as planned falling at the same time as the first of December, but tomorrow is a new day, a new week. Why not start afresh tomorrow and just treat that as the start of your project?
(I know this is ridiculously light and chipper and when you're not feeling particularly smiley, it can seem a little over simplified, but I really do mean it in the best way possible, and I hope you're able to find your joy this December!) |
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scrapcreator
legend in my own mind
PeaNut 6,186
August 2000
Posts: 7,098
Layouts: 48
Loc: Inland Empire
 | Posted: 12/2/2012 2:25:11 PM
Your December Daily can be anything you want it to be.
What it doesn't need to be is stressful.
(((HUGS)))
Jeanne |
Boogity, boogity, boogity!
A NASCAR family supporting #24, #29, and #4
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scrapcreator
legend in my own mind
PeaNut 6,186
August 2000
Posts: 7,098
Layouts: 48
Loc: Inland Empire
| Posted: 12/2/2012 2:25:24 PM
Your December Daily can be anything you want it to be.
What it doesn't need to be is stressful.
(((HUGS)))
Jeanne |
Boogity, boogity, boogity!
A NASCAR family supporting #24, #29, and #4
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Frazzled Mom
Ancient Ancestor of Pea
PeaNut 22,352
October 2001
Posts: 5,410
Layouts: 0
Loc: Between a rock and a hard place
 | Posted: 12/2/2012 3:10:34 PM
{{{ladyinblack}}}
I was coming to ask a similar question. Yesterday my SO and I broke things off after more than 2 years. I didn't scrap for years after my marriage ended, but that involved an affair and so many betrayals that I couldn't find a reason to scrap anything. This breakup is just two nice people who can't make a go of it, but I look at my DD supplies and can't even begin to scrap. All the plans and events and pictures I was thinking of including just evaporated.
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shimelle
Garden Girl
PeaNut 2,356
January 2000
Posts: 3,599
Layouts: 352
Loc: london, england
| Posted: 12/2/2012 4:30:46 PM
 Not fun at all Gail. I hope you're doing okay!
It may definitely be that in your situation you won't want to keep a book at all, but it also might be a good opportunity to keep a book that is just for you and not for sharing. My first Christmas journal was not crafty at all and not a book I would share with others. First Christmas right after a break-up, just lost in my head and feeling blah about the holidays and life in general. It helped me so much to have somewhere to write every day. Of course we all have different things that help or hinder so what worked for me might be total rubbish for someone else, but just in case the idea of keeping it for just you versus sharing it with others would make a big difference for you, I thought I would mention it.
I hope you're able to celebrate with family or friends and still have some happy Christmas memories this year. |
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Jaimeelynn
PeaAddict
PeaNut 518,558
August 2011
Posts: 1,820
Layouts: 110
Loc: Minne-sooooota
 | Posted: 12/2/2012 6:22:27 PM
Hugs to both of you.....I am sorry you are feeling sad and discouraged. I definitely like the keep calm and journal on mantra.
I was starting to feel a little blah about my book today too. All the preparations, all the shopping for new supplies....and now the month is actually here. I was all excited yesterday and then today was dismal.
So I totally get you taking a trip to look at crafty supplies just cuz....maybe that would have helped me today. We did chores at home all day.
Hang in there! You know you always have peas who will listen. |
I am a project lifer. That's why I am taking so many pictures.....
Savor the Moment. It is the Everyday Moments that Make Life Meaningful.
Mom to Jackson (4)
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PennyPaws
PeaAddict
PeaNut 551,978
April 2012
Posts: 1,437
Layouts: 60
Loc: Canada
| Posted: 12/2/2012 7:03:56 PM
I get those sort of mood U turns and just wanted send a hug... Be gentle with yourself... No one intentionally gets down, and going to Michaels wasn't a reckless thing to do - it's not something you should've known would be a crappy experience that time, if that makes sense... Take your time and do what feels best - the suggestions about changing up the project, or doing it when you're feeling more like it, all sound great |
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scrappinbetty
Kindness & Compassion - Free to Give, So Valuable
PeaNut 61,111
January 2003
Posts: 13,520
Layouts: 18
Loc: Texas y'all
 | Posted: 12/2/2012 7:15:31 PM
This time of year can be really tough and stressful, even when things are good in one's relationships, but it's especially tough when a relationship is not going well or ends. I'm so very sorry to hear about your and Frazzled Mom's relationship issues. I do hope things are better for you both soon.
I agree with Shimelle in that these types of projects (JYC, DD, PL, 365, etc.) should be fun, not add stress to our lives. Perhaps a little retail therapy and some journaling will help with your mood? If not, perhaps journaling about what's gong on will help you work through the emotions of what you're going through.
I wish you strength, patience and courage as you move forward through the season and I hope 2013 brings you greater joy and happier holidays. |
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tiffanyo
BucketHead
PeaNut 556,456
June 2012
Posts: 919
Layouts: 2
| Posted: 12/2/2012 7:24:54 PM
I am right there with you. I was so excited and made an advent calendar full of activities for my son and had my DD plans. Then yesterday we went to put the tree up and it was so stressful and my son was crazy and wouldn't listen to anything and the tree wouldn't fit (we are military and moved this year) and DH was yelling and I was crying. And I pictures journaling "This is why December sucks and why my mom spent four of them in in-patient treatment and this is the only day I am documenting." And putting a picture of our bare, topless fake tree and all the mess of boxes of decorations on the floor.
But!
We took a break and left the house (a disastrous mess) and I talked to my DH about how stressful I find this season and how badly I wanted to enjoy it this year. And then I realized that it doesn't have to be perfect to be worth remembering.
Now the tree is up and we even had fun putting the decorations on. I plan to make pages from this weekend tomorrow and my goal is to be positive but not to set my expectations for this month too high. Maybe we can all just take it one day at a time together!
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e_doe
PeaNut
PeaNut 525,528
October 2011
Posts: 306
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 12/2/2012 7:45:14 PM
Hey-o, {former} Christmas Hater here.
I didn't pre-make a DD album, but after our convo about Christmas hatin' a couple weeks ago, I decided that this year, I will document one thing each day that is Christmas related. Yesterday, it ended up being two on accident, because after I snapped a pic of my red-and-green sprinkled donut (which was going to be my one thing!), boyfriend stopped at a greenhouse he likes and I got some nice shots of all the beautiful poinsettias. Today, it's going to be peppermint bark. I am telling you all this because I am trying to succeed by keeping it so tiny. Teeeeeeensy-tiny! I think if I just do one tiny thing each day, and don't get caught up in all the things I have to be sad/mad/worried about, or in a funk because I *should* be happier and I'm not, I can maybe get through and enjoy the month and even have some fond memories.
I also think it's OK to decide that you'll only write about the positives this month (if you want, not saying you *should*, but you *can.*) If you decide you want to, give yourself permission to editorialize for the 25 or 31 days. Every journal we keep doesn't have to be full disclosure, KWIM?
I made this decision the other day: I have the rest of my life to work through the grief and sadness in my heart. I can give myself permission at any time to put it on hold, especially for as short a time as the month of December.
I'll be missing a lot of folks this year, and I'm ok with feeling those feelings when they come up. But for whatever moments I can recognize the joy of the season, I want to make a point to document them. THOSE are what I want to remember and cherish, even if there are days where it's really only a minute or two.
Hugs to you, lady in black. I know this is hard for you and I think it's great that you keep pushing through all the muck. Sometimes, all we can do is just breathe, breathe, breathe. | |
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PennyPaws
PeaAddict
PeaNut 551,978
April 2012
Posts: 1,437
Layouts: 60
Loc: Canada
| Posted: 12/2/2012 8:11:59 PM
e_doe I love what you said  This is a stressful Christmas for me (expected stress, not surprise stress so that's helped) but even if there's a million bad things happening one day, why can't I ignore all of them and just enjoy the one tiny good thing... Thank you |
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paperwife
PeaAddict
PeaNut 140,329
April 2004
Posts: 1,231
Layouts: 94
Loc: California
 | Posted: 12/2/2012 10:20:41 PM
I'm keeping mine super simple in hopes that I'll actually finish it this time. I'm just using my Instagram pics...you can check out what I'm doing on my blog. |
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beamed
PeaNut
PeaNut 435,437
August 2009
Posts: 434
Layouts: 23
Loc: Elmhurst Illinois
| Posted: 12/2/2012 10:30:12 PM
My thought is that if you are feeling depressed, go with it and don't force fake joy. Like others have mentioned, keeping a private DD/JYC about your struggles about how actually feel vs how you should feel might be very healing. And if you have a dark sense of humor, you can even make it funny later on. Sending you wishes to feel better.
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keddypea
AncestralPea
PeaNut 268,680
July 2006
Posts: 4,359
Layouts: 712
Loc: Wisconsin
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2boysandwill
My turn to hit the PEAnata!!!
PeaNut 121,208
December 2003
Posts: 13,119
Layouts: 71
Loc: SCV, CA
| Posted: 12/3/2012 10:41:21 AM
Yes, this happened to me over the weekend too. I became INCREDIBLY stressed out over my impending finals and didn't get into the xmas mood at all. feeling that way only stressed me out MORE because I felt guilty, but for crying out loud, I just couldn't snap out of it.
I didn't feel better until about 8 o'clock on a sunday...to which I started cleaning and mopping my floors  don't ask my why, I just felt like doing it!!
keep at it though...and journal, journal journal. Keep a stash of 4/6 index cards to keep you going.
Take pictures with your phone or camera to keep you aware.
You'll get there It's different for everyone but you can do this!!!  | |
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vorders
BucketHead
PeaNut 261,868
May 2006
Posts: 810
Layouts: 34
Loc: NoVa
 | Posted: 12/3/2012 12:42:22 PM
You know this morning I was just thinking to myself that as I had dutifully finished my 3rd entry for JYC (I think of it in terms of entries, not dates so I can't feel behind what if I was doing a "December daily" - I would have to write that my 7-year-old son wet the bed this morning, my husband fussed at him, tears ensued, and I ran late for work cleaning up the sheets and matress because I could not find the Lysol, etc.
I think bad attitudes are totally fine during the holidays, that's life. I agree with everything Shimelle said, and I'll add and I might get flamed for this - Ali Edwards has a business to run. Of course she completed a December Daily while going through a divorce. A divorce is expensive and so she needs a lot of people to buy digital templates with her handwriting and stamps from Technique Tuesday. She essentially went to work last December while getting a divorce, I'm sure most of us would do the same. And I'm not hating, I love Ali Edwards and she is actually the person that introduced the idea of JYC to me. But she's no more a hero than any other single working mom, but with the bonus of working from home and having a very flexible schedule. | |
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lynner5996
PeaNut
PeaNut 181,484
December 2004
Posts: 304
Layouts: 2
Loc: North of WDW
 | Posted: 12/3/2012 2:32:59 PM
I'm in a bad place, too, this Christmas...my DH has been without a full-time position for a long, long time, and there is no room for Christmas in my budget. Very stressful!
I decided that it was more important than ever to journal and photograph every day this month, so that the delighted child within me can maybe be coaxed out by the wonder of the season.
I plan to do a hidden journalling block under my title page to explain my feelings about life right now, and I think that will help get some of it out and hopefully leave me feeling better than I have. One of the reasons why I love the DD and JYC is because you can do it manageable chunks if you need to. Each day I take a picture and note something in my notes on my phone. I have been working full time and part time to make up for the budget deficit, and so I have very limited time. |
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momocarly
PeaAddict
PeaNut 169,727
September 2004
Posts: 1,872
Layouts: 57
Loc: Houston, TX
| Posted: 12/3/2012 3:19:50 PM
Well, sometimes things have to give. I'm doing mine in a very simple 4 X 6 format and my journalling this year is short. Yesterday for example one side was a picture from my dd's second Christmas and a short journaled memory about it and the other side was a picture of my ds's hand we found out yesterday was broken and a quick line about that.
This makes it very simple to keep up with. In a year or two maybe I'll journal more but right now with two high maintenance teenagers I'm doing what I can. |
Debbie
Mom of Carly (16) and Nathan (14)
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butterfly247
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 241,625
January 2006
Posts: 2,093
Layouts: 38
Loc: PA
| Posted: 12/3/2012 4:34:58 PM
Lady In black--hugs I so know how you feeling I have been in the depression few times during the holidays it is always tough when you are feeling like that and not sure if you will get out of it. remember--it doesn't have to have a happy day, just think of one thing--I know for me 2008 was a horrible holiday--it was suppose to be a very joyous month for me as I was pregnant with my first baby girl, I had all this idea for alot of pink decor on Christmas tree, i didn't care that we couldn't afford presents for each other that year.. I was just so happy with having this beautiful baby girl who is due to arrive on 26th.. did i mention we were living with my parents--my dad who i do love dearly hated Christmas who flat out told me no and why bother when I was going to be in hospital having the baby.. yeah--it was a very sucky month for me... I did put a small tree in my room with pink decor who my sweet boyfriend went out and surprise me with it. so every year I make sure my kids have a nice stress free Christmas--my motto keep it simple and enjoy the simple pleasures of holiday.
I don't think it was stupid that you went to Micheal in fact I consider it a necessary as part of holiday traditional... for me--I love to look at decorations of villages they set up, all those beautiful ornaments--take pictures of those if you were looking at them or even ribbons or anything--just mentions it was a colorful holiday today..there are some days we didn't do anything at all, and i have where I just did hot cocoa or my favorite movie--the Grinch who stole Christmas, I even did a story on my mom's favorite movie--A Christmas story how we always have to watch this movie whenever it was on.. etc. just keep it simple... |
Michele
My blog: http://michelesscrapycreations.blogspot.com
2013-Calorie Cropper Motto:"When you improve a little bit each day, eventually big things occur. Don't look for big, quick improvement. Instead, seek small improvement one day at a time. That's the only way it happens -- and when it happens, it lasts." ~ John Wooden
2012- Calorie Cropper Motto: Just think where you will be a year from now, if you start TODAY!
2011- Calorie Cropper Motto: PROGRESS, not Perfection!
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ladyinblack1964
PeaNut
PeaNut 443,660
October 2009
Posts: 172
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 12/3/2012 4:42:28 PM
Huge HUGS to everybody!
Thank you so much for listening to me. I'm a bit better today...even feel better about the shopping/project (I am trying to make a tree topper).
Somehow I always think everybody else is having a better time than I am. That's simply not true. We all have stories that vary and nobody has a perfect holiday (not as an adult anyway). In fact, I remember one Christmas when I was about 16 or 17 that was kinda stinky and I ended up crying.
I'm just going to take it one day at a time and try my best.
Thank you, again, peas!!!
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mommamoonrn
PeaFixture
PeaNut 128,766
February 2004
Posts: 3,399
Layouts: 39
Loc: in my scrapbooking room
| Posted: 12/4/2012 4:05:52 AM
I can understand where you guys are coming from. I do not get along with my mom. For years I let her hateful attitude and comments ruin my holidays. I finally just told her she wasn't welcomed at Christmas anymore and she ruined everyone's Christmas and it got to where no one would come over. I am now much happier about it and so is my husband. My family was actually relieved. Sad I know...
I know that sounds horrible, but she was being a scrouge...
Anyways with that being said, I really try to focus on my daughters and hubby. But mostly I try to focus on the real reason for the season. I find my happiness there. I do not let the one who used to have me in TEARS the entire month bother me anymore. |
Becky
The greatest gift of all was given at Christmastime....
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