Good times..

Well, the past 2 weeks have been nothing short of good times. CHAS was so much freaking fun (Sorry my husband hates it when I use that word, but I do.. it runs in my family). But it was! I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. I work with seriously funny people (or sadly, I should say worked)..

Then I had a mental break down in the booth on Saturday night of the show, right before a meeting with Creating Keepsakes Editors, Jennifer Purdue and Leslie Miller. Luckily Leslie and I are good friends, or I think she would have thought something was seriously odd about me, as I walked her and Jennifer through the CBC booth and showed them our new product between sniffles and tears.... that was a sight. It wasn't really a mental breakdown, it was more of a... holy cow.. the show gets over in 2 hours and then my last show with Chatterbox is coming to an end. (I left early from the show, Saturday night to fly to Seattle for our Alaskan Cruise).

And then even after they left, I just couldn't seem to pull it together and  in walked Tracy White (who is also a good friend) she walked into my booth, which.. having had many good cries with her before about other things, I started crying again. So we took a walk and after a 30 minute pep talk, I thought I was doing really good and ready for my  next appointment with some people who wanted to do a class with us at CHAS winter. People that don't know me. Which I am sure they thought I was so weird, showing up late to a meeting with red puffy eyes and runny nose! LIL

Well it only got worse, as the show came to an end and the lights went down and we all started straightening up the booth so we could go eat.. then I really broke down and seriously SOBBED.. so we took a bunch of great pictures with all the girls, and then guys....

I think I cried the energy out of me, because then I after dinner the gang dropped me off at a HG dinner for all the new Creative Team Members, Contributing Editors and past Creative Team Members.. and I was just in this blah mood and probably seemed very quiet and rude.. which I truly am not. I was just emotionally drained and still had to get on a 4 hour flight to Seattle that left at midnight. But It was great to meet all the new girls I will be working with!

WHICH by the way.. I guess I can now officially say, since it's been announced on the HG blog, that I have been asked to be a contributing editor for Scrapbooks etc, HG magazine!! So excited.. SERIOUSLY. Those women (and men) are amazing and have amazing goals and just have it together. SO excited to be working with all of them! Can't wait!! :)

So.. then off to Alaska.. had an amazing time, slept alto of it.. and the rest was great. It was cold.. maybe 55 on the warmest day.. but most days rained and wore winter gloves and hats.. but still.. enjoyed the all you can eat buffet, 24 hours a day.. and gained like 10 pounds.. holy COW.. can't do that again.

Then got home and spent the entire day with my kids, laughing, playing and then going to the movies.. then had baths, scriptures and prayer and prepared for my last day in the office..

so we end up on today, which was my last official day with Chatterbox. IT was SO awesome, had a great team meeting, then went to lunch with everyone where they presented me with scrapbook and inside, they had each made a two page spread (yes even the guys). I started to read it at lunch but starting crying after the first line and had to stop. Then after lunch we had a party at the office with cake and told funny stories of days gone by.

I had so much to finish and catch up on before I left, that everyone left before me.. and I was there, all alone in the CBC offices, sitting at my desk, I had packed up everything, taken all the pictures off the walls, emptied out all the drawers..

and i decided to read the book everyone had made for me. and I cried.

I had often wondered why the Lord had blessed my life to much as to allow me to have this job, that I truly considered a "dream" job. And then as time went on, realizing that although it was my dream job, my real job, and the most important job I had was to raise my children and be the best mom I could and that working 50 hours a week wasn't on that path. THEN I tried to come to terms as to why, i had packed up my life, and my family and moved to Boise, to work for a company that only 3 short years later, I would leave and move BACK to Shelley, where I swore we would never move back to (only because it's SO cold in the winter.. but the people are seriously the most fabulous people in the world). Just wondering why? Why all the trouble for 3 short years?

So while I was sitting there reading the letters from everyone in the office, I realized something. I realized that THEY were the reason I came to work at Chatterbox, all of YOU were the reason I came to work at Chatterbox. I realized that I had grown so much as a person, learned so much about myself, and what i had to give to others, and also how much others had to give to me. We all feed off each other. Seriously, We meet people for a reason. They touch us and we touch them for all different reasons, but for the most part we learn valuable lessons from people, some good and some bad. I realized that during those 3 years I had learned a lot from my co-workers, learned how to work better with others, how to respect others opinions, that I am not always right, and it's okay to be wrong. I learned that we should love others for who they are, and not judge them. That none of us are perfect and yet we are so hard on each other for not being so. I have learned patience. I have learned to like people, that in my mind, I have no reason to like. (that sounds bad I know but it's true). I realize most people don't mean to offend you or hurt you, they just aren't aware they are doing it. Gee where is this going! LIL.. sorry just talking. IN short.. I have learned So much and realized tonight sitting there reading those letters that... I had never noticed what an impact I had made on others lives and yet also realized what an enormous impact all of these wonderful people had made on mine. All of you.

So I left happy and excited and felt like I was leaving that place a much better person than I came into... because of all the things I had learned and all the wonderful people I had worked with and met over the years. I will miss them terribly and you can bet when I go in next week to train Michelle, who is taking my job.. that I will cry again! LIL

But for now I am doing all right. Excited to be heading into a new adventure and grateful for the one I just journeyed on. I am excited about being able to still do what I love and yet spend more time at home, with my children. Be able to let my husband follow HIS dreams.

I am not only lucky to be able to work for Scrapbooks etc, but I guess now would be a good time to let you all know that I have also been asked to be on the contributing design team for Making Memories. Doing layouts and projects for their books and other things. This is a new adventure for me, as I have been on the managing side of things in our industry for the last 3 years. Yes you saw my layouts here and there but for the most part I didn't have time to do it. So!! I am REALLY excited to stretch myself and get back into the thing that made me love this industry in the first place.. good old fashioned scrap booking!  And not to mention that both Gail and Margie at MM are some stinking CRAZY girls.. just the little bit of spice in my life to keep me young! LOL.. Going to be a fun ride.

So two new adventures! Both very different, but both exciting and things that will allow me to be at home everyday with my kids. Can't beat that.

Now.. if we could just sell our house. We move in like 10 days.. we need to sell our house. Anyone know someone who needs a house?

Comments

[michelle hill]

oh christy...i am so so so so so so HAPPY for you.....love ya...
m

[Sharon]

Congratulations again! It was wonderful to meet you and I can't wait to see you at BHG & MM. We get to see more of your work!!

[jamiesoucy]

Thank you for sharing everything! Just so you know I am here for you. And I am very grateful that we have met. You truly are an inspiration to me!

[lori jolley]

Christy! Awesome entry. I've been reading your blog for awhile now and I want you to know I love you - you probably knew that already though. I have always thought you were one of the most fun, talented, inspiring and honest people I've known. My family is soo happy to have you back in Shelley!!! Good luck on your new adventures! You'll do great! You always do!

[heidi larsen]

you are so cute! that is awesome that we are going to see more of your amazing work! your layouts are truly inspiring.

[Betsey]

Christy,
In the time I was a rep for CBX I really enjoyed knowing you. Know that as much as CBX was a blessing to you, you were also a blessing to those you touched thru your job. I have said more than once how much I admire you and your attitude -but this post makes me want to say it to you directly.
Hugs girl! and congratulations on your new path.
betsey cline

[Tammy Dicon]

Sounds like you had an awsome time at CHA and in Alaska. What amazing thoughts on why we do what we do. Can't wait to see more of your work again.

[Mary Ann]

So excited for you in your new ventures!! I know you are going to miss the Chatter crew, but think of all the wonderful memories and stories you are taking with you.

[Leora]

LOVE YOU!!! Wish I could have been there with you..crying with you. I'm so very excited that we are going to be closer. :)

[Heather D. White]

Oh Christy...I wish I could be there to give you a big squeeze. I heard about your position with HG! Congratulations Girl! You deserve it..you will be fantastic. I knew you couldn't ust disappear completely...you're too awesome! Love ya!

[Amy]

thanks for hte cry... :)

[deb munn]

Yeah Christy!!!
How fabulous! CONGRATULATIONS!!!
So excited for you to embark on your new adventures. How great for you (and us!!) BHG is one of my favorites... can't wait to see what you come up with :)
Good luck with the house.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you :)
~deb~
xo

[margie]

Change is good...Especially for me! LOL.. love love love you dear friend and am so happy happy happy that we will work together, play together and be FRIENDS...I am lucky...lucky...
kiss kiss
m

[Julee]

Christy! You are wonderful! Good luck in Shelley! Good luck with Scrapbooks, Etc and Making Memories! Hope I get the chance to learn from you again soon :)
Thanks for the CBX goodies I got in the mail yesterday! Love 'em! :)
~Julee

[Cari Locken]

OH Christy, I can't imagine how hard this has all been.
You've been so blessed by such amazing experiences and people to work for! How wonderful that is!
I know that you know that the Lord has a purpose and plan and I'm so happy for you that you have another amazing opportunity to work for BH&G. That is so cool!!

BTW, I just love your work and talent. Always have! I look forward to seeing more of you in Scrapbooks, etc.

[Kim Bolyard]

Good luck with your new adventure. I know you will be missed at Chatter box and it was great to see you in the booth at CHA. Love your work and I hope you still design.
peace
Kim

[keiren Dunfee]

Hi Christy,
I know you will be amazing in your new venue. Best of luck to you and your family in the future. You and CBX will always have a special place in my heart. I look forward to seeing your work in the future.
Keiren

[lisa]

chatterbox for me has always been about your wonderful layouts. everything happens for a reason. good luck in your new ventures!! can't wait to see your stuff.