More News from San Diego

So as the first week ends after the show, I think I really am pleased with the outcome! My little printer is going like made to get materials ready and I am looking into a replacement, but good on the whole!

Probably the best part were my two helpers Jeanne and Beth. I had to teach during the first hour of the show, so they both helped cover until I could get there. They also were great fun for going out afterwards!

Jeanne and I just barely met in KC prior to my leaving, but became fast friends. Although she has be a knitting instructor, she is now focusing on designing and is fantastic. Knitability has a few of her designs licensed prior to her starting her own designing business Nature Speaks. She is a treasure!

Beth and I are teachers at the big conventions and were roommates last year at Stitches Midwest. She only lives a few hours away in SF making it possible to see each other occassionally. Beth and I also "mind melded" almost immediately and are working on developing a GREAT project (more later). Beth also does design and I love her company name See Jane Knit.

In addition I got to see my good friend Annie Modesitt. She and I met at Camp Stitches East many moons ago and we were "sturdy girls on little chairs". Ask her about it sometime!!

Anyway, it is always nice to catch up with friends -- especially knitting friends!

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Welcome to the New Year -- sort of!

So this post is a little late to really be about the new year, but at least we are still in January (barely) and of course I haven't taken down the Christmas tree yet, so it still FEELS like the beginning of the year! Yes, I know, it is pathetic, but the craziness of consulting back in the business world resulted in my loosing an entire month!

I got to January and realized that not only had I done basically nothing for the business, but I had a booth at TNNA (the wholesale trade show) in three weeks (last weekend) along with teaching and I had done (for all practical purposes) NOTHING!!! So two days were taken up with panic stricken paralyzed. Then I figured out what the new line was going to be and worked like business depended upon it (and it did to some degree) and made a reasonably good showing last weekend.

One of the two classes I taught was sold out at 50 students!!! I received lots of very positive feedback in the booth, so that was great. The new product line was very well received and I finally feel like I know where I am taking the business. Having a mission and focusing on it (Taking Knitters to the Next Level) really has made a difference.

So now it is time to get the website updated. I am expecting to do two updates in relatively short order. The first one will update the general content, but not the look. The second should be updating the look to better reflect the mission. Keep an eye out -- I am dedicated with a new level of energy -- watch out!!

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Here We Go Again

So this isn't exactly knitting related, but life related none the less. At the beginning of the week I signed up for Weight Watchers online. Heading back to consulting added 12 lbs almost immediately! But I think this online thing is going to work -- although it is a little early to tell.

One of the online features are the message boards. Some are just insane, but I found a thread for a 6 week challenge -- which is more to my liking. So this is what I have set:

6 week goals:

1. 12 lbs gone (again)
2. 6 AP / week (AP = Activity Points)

This week goals:

1. Journal every day
2. Stay OP (OP = On Plan)

Wish me luck!

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The Best Intentions

So I have done it again!!! With the best intentions and actually several good attempts, I have fallen back into the "no blogging" habit. As always, I have an excuse! This time I have taken a consulting gig back in my old world of Information Technology Management. So evenings are focused with Knitability stuff and church stuff and the majority of the day is geek management. Of course, the major upside are the funds and the fact that I get two hours each day of uninterrupted time with my husband on the commute (yep an hour each way).

On the other hand, I am definitely on the computer every day, so maybe it will work better. Last night I was actively trying to finish notes and project for my knitting class tonight to discover that only 4 folks are signed up which really isn't financially feasible to offer. So now I am mostly prepared for "next time" and instead I can make handbell practice tonight! It is going to be nutty through the end of the year!!!

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A Wonder Valley Weekend

This past weekend I had the pleasure of teaching for the Fresno Guild -- Sheeper Than Therapy at their annual retreat held in Wonder Valley Resort & Conference Center. This is a very nice location, just the right mix of rustic and comfortable. This time I co-taught with Margaret Fisher, a good friend and fabulous teacher.

The only down side for the weekend is that I some how came home with a cold. This wouldn't be so bad, except this Sunday I am responsible for the entire service including the morning message -- hopefully it will clear quickly!!!

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