How about both?

I adore my paper planner. Some days I’d truly be lost without it! A classic size weekly format planner from The Happy Planner is my current fave. Many of my teacher colleagues use the bigger size with giant binder rings, but I find this one is the perfect size for me. I also like the fact it is totally customizable and I can transfer pages/info I need to keep to a larger 8-1/2″X11″ disc-bound notebook.

My digital calendar keeps track of birthdays, other important recurring dates, bill due dates, prescription refill reminders, quilting events and other ongoing weekly reminders. Sunday mornings are my dedicated weekly planning time. I pull up my digital calendar and write out everything for the upcoming week in my paper planner. The system works for me.

I’m trying to use the digital calendar app on my phone so hubby and I can share calendars once he retires. It’s cumbersome, but I do like that everything is right there on my phone. All I need is a small notebook and pen to jot quick notes when I’m running around. The big planner can stay home.

For me, the paper planner is a must when planning/tracking quilting projects. ‘Nuff said.

• Middle Georgia Shop Hop
• Original Sewing Expo
• Quilt Fest in Greenville, SC
• Mountain QuiltFest in Pigeon Forge, TN
• Georgia Celebrates Quilts in Marietta, GA

This gets me through mid-June! Still figuring out the back half of 2022 with regard to quilty travel.

My dilemma is: “Am I really ready to stop working?”. Yes, when it comes to leaving the current day job. I’ve been researching other opportunities in the district for someone with my particular qualifications, but honestly, I’m ready for an extended break from education.

Then, there’s the potential to expand my sewing and crafting biz:

The SE Quilt & Textile Museum is interested in having me come onboard for regular classes and July/August sewing camps.

A coworker wants me to make a butterfly memory quilt out of her step-father’s shirts as a gift to her mom.

More quilt and craft shops are looking for teachers…magazines want writers…designers want technical editors.

Parents want camps and extracurricular opportunities for their kids.

Members in my FB groups are voracious purchasers of anything I put up for sale. Selling this way avoids potentially steep Etsy fees. It’s also a target rich environment. It’s also fun to make a sale and help a customer.

It’s a lot to ponder.

78 more contract days until this phase comes to a close and a new one begins!

Well, it’s official! Hubby retires at the end of March. His colleagues were informed yesterday and his position vacancy was posted. From what I understand, his pending retirement had a domino effect of several major changes coming to his particular division. He thoroughly enjoyed all the accolades and well-wishes from his peers. He’s so excited about what the future holds. I am, too!

I added the Garden of Quilts at Thanksgiving Pointe (Lehi, UT) event to my September calendar today. Pardon me if I seem a little giddy at being able to schedule a trip in September when I want to go. No worries about if the event coincides with fall break or asking off from work. It’s liberating – especially after the past 25 years of life scheduled around an academic calendar.

My excitement is tempered by a lot of unknowns as we transition into retirement. Nearly every last one of them is something over which I have zero control. I need to let all that go and have a lot more faith I my planning abilities and my ability to resolve issues that may arise during the transition. Everything should be settled by October. 🙂