Feeling very happy for my first-born who’s off at her new school this Fall and loving it. This feels like the freshman year she was hoping for that just didn’t happen last year. It helps that she’s found her people (she made the womens’ ultimate team) and that a certain boy with the same name also goes there. I went down to visit her for an afternoon of Target shopping, ladybug clearing (her dorm is literally swarmed with Asian ladybugs) and a dinner at Applebee’s. I’m just really happy my girl has found her place.
Planning to buy a pair of pajama pants from Punjammies. Described as “loungewear bottoms made with hope by women in India who have escaped human trafficking,” this company is helping to empower women. Each pair of Punjammies is named for one of the women who are making them and you can read their stories on each of the product pages.
Decorating for Halloween, my favorite holiday of the year. And yes, in my mind, I’m working out a few ideas I have for the 2015 Bee Dance. Honestly? I don’t know if I’ll ever top last year’s dance. But maybe it’s not about topping myself, right? Maybe it’s all about giving it the old bee college try. We’ll see what shakes out.
Working on a new project for Scrapbook & Cards Today magazine: the 2016 Scrapbook Planner. It’s my first time working on a planner for scrapbooking and so far, it’s going swimmingly. Details will be coming soon.
Debating on whether or not I should add a laptop to my business tool arsenal. Part of running the new CZ Classes site means I need to be able to access and help students seven days a week. The way I do this now is at my desktop computer and that’s a fine solution, except when people in my family say things like, “Can we go up to the cabin for the weekend this month?” and I say, “I can’t help students on my iPhone, people.” I realize that all purchases like this are tax deductions, but I still need to think about them. In fact, writing this out makes me realize that it’s a forgone conclusion. It’s not just a techie want. It’s actually a need at this point.
Driving a little here and there with my second born, who just got his driver’s permit. The first outing? A little sketchy. The second? SO much better. I think he’ll get his license before turning 17.
Freaking out just a little that my son, my baby boy, is going to blow out 17 candles on his next birthday. Granted, it’s not until next July, but still…
Wondering if this is a golden idea waiting to happen: a pop-up dance club for middle-aged people. Last weekend, I was talking to a friend about how much I missed just going out and dancing and that if you’re in your 40s, 50s—you know, that whole prime middle-aged chunk of life—the only time you get to cut it up on the dance floor is more than likely at a wedding. A number of years ago a local elementary school did a fundraiser at a bar with this totally awesome cover band called Sweet Stache. Yes, they all wore fake mustaches, but… they played 70s, 80s and 90s music and I don’t remember the last time I had that much fun dancing. I think this is an idea waiting to happen. That’s all I’m saying.
Brainstorming what my next classes should be. I have many ideas. I need to sit down and plan. You know if there’s anything you’d like to learn, by all means, leave a comment and let me know!
Feeling grateful to all of you who signed up for 30 Days of Thankful. I really do love this little album project. You can still sign up and get ready to do this project in November.
That’s what’s up over here. What have you being doing?
heidig says
1. Isn’t it such a RELIEF when your kids find their way?! There’s no better feeling for a parent. 2. Punjammies – sooooo cute! 3. Laptop – yes!! 4. Thinking of some suggestions for a class. Nothing is coming to mind but I’m sure whatever you dream up (build), they will come. Have great day!
Cathy Zielske says
Such a relief!
Anne says
Hi Cathy,
I just wanted to say how happy I am for Aidan! When your kid finds the right school, it’s so great for the kid, but for us moms, it provides such joy and comfort. (And it makes all the mucho bucks we spend on it a little easier to bear!) because it’s worth it!
Cathy Zielske says
Amen!
Deborah P says
Talking, eating and visiting with cousins and spouses at a cousin reunion this past weekend in Tennessee. First time together with just us – no children, no parents. It was great!
Planning an Outside Day with Aunt Deb for my 6 year old great-nephew who lives a couple of hours away. We try to do this once a year, and it’s everything (except bathroom breaks) outside all day. A lot of fun.
Working in the midst of fun and planning for more fun. It’s so much easier to concentrate on work when I don’t have an active social life. I’m not a good multi-tasker.
Hoping to carve out a little “me” time in the midst of work and fun.
Whitney says
My list includes catching up some of my scrapbooks, specifically Dance At a Glance (chronicling dance recitals, competitions and favorite costumes for my 8 year old) and a Halloween album. We are wrapping up the remodel of our bathroom that is no longer a portal to 1976, and binge-watching any remaining shows on the beloved DVR before we make the final step to cutting out cable.
I would love it if you would do a Favorite Things album. I think your spin on that would be very creative, as always!
Cathy Zielske says
You had me at “Halloween” album. 🙂
Erika says
Cathy! You are so sweet! We’d love to gift you with a pair of punjammies! Email me and we can work out the details. Maybe we can start a new thing together — a pop-up dance club for middle-aged people while wearing pajama pants? No?? Just a thought… 🙂 Thanks so much for the mention and support.
Karen says
We are going through the miserable, possibly wrong school freshman year horror. It is very painful for our son and for us. Looking forward to better times for sure!
Cathy Zielske says
Oh no, Karen! Mama, I have been there. It was so hard on our girl but it was also an opportunity to look at her choices and become empowered by them. All you can do is support him and let him know that he ultimately makes the choices in his life. Sending you some hugs!
Karen says
Thanks so much. I appreciate it.
lynne moore says
Hang in there and trust your son’s instincts. Both my kids went thru school changes. Trying what worked for us (based on our experiences) didn’t work for them. My son is excelling in his career after graduating from a tech school. My daughter is looking at an art school (after quitting college).
Janie says
Cathy – I’d love to see a Halloween album design from you! And of course something for the holidays. I used your products to do a Daily December album several years ago, and it’s my favorite project. Your clean, graphic style is so classic and appealing.
And I’m hoping with all my being that you create a Project Life class and products for monthly documentation. I do so want to participate in PL but the weekly thing is just too much and while I start each year with good intention, I never quite get there. With your guidance, I know I could enjoy creating this record for myself and my family.
Thanks for considering these ideas. Happy fall!
Cathy Zielske says
Halloween you say? Hmmmm. I may just know about that holiday! 😉
I have been brainstorming a class to help women create a monthly album in 2016. I feel like I have ideas to share about this, so stay tuned!
lynne moore says
We just had a dancing night at a brew pub… I was only there because my husband’s band was playing (he’s the drummer). But it was one of the most fun nights at age over 50 I’ve had. 🙂 Bonus: the band was asked back!
Stacy says
Yeah for Aidan! As a graduate of a small, liberal-arts college in a nearby state, I really believe that they are the ideal place to come into your own. I would have been lost and overwhelmed at a big school. Sending good thoughts her way!
CherylP says
Pop up dance club for us geriatrics?!? I love the idea — except — in my 20s and early 30s heading out to dance meant grabbing some friends (or just heading out by my cute self), now it means trying to persuade my non-dancing “asleep on the couch at 9:00pm” spouse. Ain’t gonna happen. ::sigh::
ekaterine says
I absolutely LOVED Design Your Life and I’d be so happy and grateful if you did an upgraded version of that!!!
Nicole Hankosky says
As overplayed as it might be (bee? – anyone? I crack myself up!), I can’t help but imagine you doing the Whip/Nae Nae dance in that costume….
And the dance thing – BRILLIANT! I hope you make tons of money with this idea or at least host one near me. I am 41 and have a 15 month old. I haven’t been out dancing (recent weddings included) in years. Would love a dance environment when I didn’t feel like the oldest person out there…..
And class ideas…..my biggest challenge isn’t what to do, it’s how to do it. I want to edit my pics and add cute digital stuff, but how do I decide my layouts ahead of time if I haven’t printed my pictures yet? Maybe I just need to commit to 100% digital so that won’t matter or do a digi mock-up first. I’ll put my thinking cap on for you and send some additional class ideas. Promise.
Cathy Zielske says
well, let’s just say I might be rehearsing that dance…
Vickie says
I like the idea of creating a monthly album class. I also like the idea of a Digi Basics part two, three, etc.
Susan says
I am so glad she found her “people” That is exactly what I told people when my oldest transferred after her first year. A world of difference it makes!!
I think that is a fabulous idea and I would sign up so fast it would make your head spin. A pop-up grown up dance party…brilliant!!
Maureen says
Looking forward to hearing how those Punjammies are. I bought a similar couple pairs from another similar store and they shrank down to a size XS which sadly I have not been for about 50 years.
ginny says
I recently went from PSE to the Creative Cloud that includes PS and Lightroom, and let me just say that I am having a hard time finding my way, so I would love to have a PS class from you!
Loey says
Oh yes…Whip/nae nae in the bee costume? That would be epic.
Leslie says
So glad your daughter is doing well. It is amazing how much easier your life is when your kids are happy. My Youngest transferred after her first semester from a school 1500 miles from home. She went to a school 60 miles from home and did great. I wish the same for your kiddo.
Also, next time you visit, try George’s pizza if it is still open. It will change your life. Really. My son still misses it.
Elise Fleming says
I’d love you to do a class on making your own subway art poster.
Paula C says
LOVE the dance idea, my almost 90 year mom goes dancing every week and loves it, only time I get to dance is weddings and cruises! (Although visualizing a bunch of middle-aged folks on the dance floor is kinda funny)! Thank you for all you share! Signed up for 30 Days… Can’t wait to do it in Nov- loved MTAV!
Linda says
Yes, I think the middle aged dance club is a great idea. A friend was out of town recently and found such a place. When she returned she and I brainstormed about opening one locally. I think there is a definite market.
Peg says
Oldest is filling out applications. He has always thought about Purdue where his dad and I graduated but lately he is leaning smaller schools. I think he will be happier in a smaller environment. So tough!
Love the Grown-Up dance club idea — especially as a fund raiser. 😉
Looking forward to the bee dance. 😀
Keianna says
Need a dance idea? I would love to see you Whip and Nae Nae in that costume. Oh it would be classic.
Classes? newer version of Design Your Life. Bought it on sale at BPC, but struggled to do it with no interaction.
A class on designing and manipulating templates would be cool.