CHA – midway! With a giveaway!
Posted by Operation Write Home on Jan 14, 2013 in Stars and Stamps, vlog | 68 comments

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Coffee, coffee and then more coffee!!!!
Oh, you look adorable in pink polka dots… oh and the ears are a cute accessory, too!
To stay focused and alert just think of all the joy you are sharing with all you reach out to.
As for being fatigued and unable to sleep… find a Walmart, Walgreens or similar store and pick up a bottle of Melatonin. All-natural, non-habit forming, and inexpensive solution that really helps both my hubby and I when busyness, stress or live in general is causing sleeplessness. Be well, dear one!
Coffee, preferably Starbuck’s, and a quick break.As Kay Arthur says,”Hangeth thou in there!” Praying for perseverance, energy and a clear mind today for you all.
To keep yourself motivated, think of all the heroes that you are doing this for. Oh, and think of all of us cardmakers who can’t be at CHA (even though we would LOVE to be)…you are there for us too. Ok, maybe that is too much pressure. Seriously though, thanks for all that you do. I hope you find some time to just plain have some fun while you are at CHA.
If you are not getting any sleep, try lying down with your feet propped on a couple pillows (or fold one in half). Every twenty minutes with your feel elevated is equivalent to 2 hours of sleep. This really works for me when something (like trees blowing and rain) won’t let me sleep. Cheering you on from Oklahoma!
You just gotta tell your mind you don’t need sleep until about Thursday of this week. You know, the old ‘mind over matter’ trick. You have so much energy, I could use some from you!! Margaret Dessell
You poor thing! The only thing that keeps me going in situations like yours is CaFFeinE -lots of it. I wish I was there, I’d bring you a cold Coke and some chocolate to go w/ it. I hope you don’t loose your voice completely, but you sound like you’re on your way to it. Take care of yourself, and have fun w/ Lawn Fawn today. Just have fun- period.
Each person has his or her motivational methods…….For me, music helps a lot. Being with other people who are excited is motivational especially! Make sure that you are eating correctly, don’t get a sugar overload!!! Or caffeine, all may make you feel temporarily “good”, but you can crash afterwards! ~Jen
we love you, Sandy…continue to meet nice people, and that will energize you!
just keep in. Mind that you cannot let you struggle define you. All those other CHA people are looking at you thru their very tired eyes. What you do is amazing. thank you for your dedication.
Slowly inhale and slowly but fully exhale a few times – this will pull more oxygen in your blood and help to rejuvenate you. Best wishes!
Lots of coffee and encouragement from us, your supporters!!
Keep your goals. Take notes so your brain can focus on the now. Sleep well, the Melatonin that Kathy A. suggested does work to help you to sleep. Sit whenever you get an opportunity, and eat healthy foods without a lot of sugar. You are a people person, draw energy from that. It looks like fun. The ears and polka dot hair bow look nice.
Reading the comments from Our Heroes inspires me to make more cards. Maybe if you were to read some of them again it would help perk you up when you realize how much the booth there at CHA will help them in the long run. Trim those palm trees!
When I used to work trade shows, I would change shoes and completely redo my face at least once during the day. I have no idea why it helped, but I always felt better afterwards!! Be sure to stop to eat, and drink plenty of water. Caffeine, while necessary, dehydrates.
jumping jacks. seriously. when I traveled for my job, my boss told me this trick. find a quiet place and do 5-10 jumping jacks. It gets your heart going and oxygen to your system but you don’t get all sweaty and gross. and as far as sleep, do the yoga pose “legs up the wall” or “corpse” and breathe for 5 minutes. You’re awesome!
Enjoy CHA! Coke keeps me going:) Wish I was there!
When you’re that tired and simply spent, just plug the IV into the source of caffeine for a real instant buzz of energy! Bwahaha! You poor thing, you look soooo tired,but what a fantastic way to wear yourself down eh? Hope you’re having fun – and that big polka dot hair bow is a hoot
You go girl!!
Eat dark chocolate, take deep breaths and hold for 8 seconds and then let it out, that always gets me going. Keep having fun and when you go to bed tonight have some wine that always puts me asleep. Love the Minnie bow.
Drink iced coke and plenty of water, have 1-2 Snickers Candy Bars (1 for now, 1 for later), have a healthy, full-sized breakfast and lunch, and SLEEP tonight!!!!
I love my hot tea to keep my voice going. Take very good care of your wonderful self. Pace yourself so that your can enjoy every minute of this wonderful time. I will be thinking of you…
Hot chocolate… Caffiene, warm, and chocolate. Add some peppermint for a wake up zing!
Eat SUGAR – you can’t go wrong with chocolate and coffee. Plus if all else fails – shop online. Nothing gets me going when I’m doggin’ like shoppin’ online – LOVE IT. Hang in there – you can do it. We LOVE your videos and thanks so much for keeping in touch with all of us who wish we were there.
I can’t find the YouTube video so I’m commenting here. When I get up against the wall and just feel like I can’t go anymore. I give myself permission to “play” for 10 mins. The “play” could be reading, something crafty, or just siting in a comfy position.
I drink lots of Diet Pepsi and lots of ice water, eat some fresh fruit… I wash my face and re-apply my make-up…..makes me feel fresher and keeps me going for a while! Oh ya- and I kind of keep my eye on my goal and tell myself I can do anything for 7 hours, 6 hours, 5 hours……..
Looking forward to seeing more pictures. Hope you are having a blessed and fun time!
Go for a walk in the sunshine and drink lots of water with lemon. Oh, and get yourself some earplugs or get the white noise app for your phone to drown out the tree noises. Enjoy yourself today and I Hope you sleep better tonight
Just read all the comments and take strength from your crafters!
That’s pretty cool! LOL…crank some tunes!!!
If you can’t…just focus on why you’re doing what you’re doing!!
Our Heroes are so well served by this!! Thanks for all you do!
…and DO make sure you drink plenty of water!! Take some deep breaths every once in a while, too…
Sandy, I wish I could give you some good advise for rest BUT I am one of those people that goes weeks on very sleep and then drops dead. If I ever get it figured out I will definately pass along the information. Be sure to take a little time to enjoy yourself while in beautiful California
I usually call a chatty friend and put them on speaker phone. It makes the time go faster while I create!Can you do a Bluetooth in your ear? LOL!
I go for caffeine, caffeine and more caffeine!!!!
Sandy, hang in there, you can do this! But what helps energize me when I’m down is to go online and buy stamps! And as far as staying focused when there’s too much to do, I quick sit down and write myself a list of what I need to do, then prioritize it. Have fun!
Wow Sandy! You DO look tired. When you get home, sleep for a week! When I’m tired and I MUST be awake, I drink a Red Bull AND a cup of strong coffee. That keeps me rolling for quite awhile. The other thing to stay awake is to keep busy, busy, busy. If there is just a moment of downtime, I’d be gone…
Mt. Dew…or Pepsi….deep breathing….music..ya…have fun
The only thing that keeps me going when I’m exhausted is when I know the end is in sight. Always works.
Glad to hear you are having fun. It must be amazing to see everything in one place! Keep going, you can sleep when you get home.
Splash cold water on your face, drink caffeine & turn on your favorite music & dance, dance, dance! Do the CHA boogie-woogie!
Coffee and remember how lucky you are to be there. Many of us envy you. You must keep up your strength for all of us!
Friends get me going. Hopefully there are some there that can encourage you to keep going!
Where are you staying? It looks an awful lot like our Girl Scout bunk rooms here in Minnesota.
Dark chocolate always helps me along with a few jumping jacks to get the blood flowing. Keep up the good work You are so appreciated!
Sure WISH I had that magical answer…..as I TOO, would LOVE to know how to beat fatigue. I live with it daily (Fibro), and would LOVE to have a day, where I did not felt exhausted by 4pm……! My only suggestion is taking Naps, which I do love, but sometimes, they end up being a very very early night in bed as I don’t wake up refreshed.
Go SHOPPING….that may inspire you….some new craft goodiness!! ENJOY!! I would LOVE to visit CHA, but I’m sure I could NOT even survive ONE full day!!
Warm water with lemon for the throat and I’m sure there is so much energy there that you will just naturally absorb it, so don’t worry about how to keep going! Just have fun!!!
I would suggest taking a deep breath, closing our eyes and meditating but i expect that you would fall fast asleep. How about the deep breath and have Happy thoughts about the memories you are storing away and the new friends you are making.
When I start getting a sore throat I drink propel fitness water, It has vitamin e and other antioxidants and really soothes my throat. As far as getting sleepy I sometimes resort to lightly and quickly slapping both cheeks at the same time about 5 times. Gets the blood going and gives you rosy cheeks! LOL! You might try letting the front desk know about those pesky palm trees, maybe they can trim them back. If not try some of those little foam ear plugs they sell at drug stores to help block out the noise (the kind they recommend if your partner snores) so you can get a good nights sleep. Above all continue to have fun!
When I have to push thru a crazy project my go-to is Mt Dew! the more the better! But that’s just me. lol
We are so proud of all you do Sandy, keep up the great work!
when i need a pick me up i like to listen to music and turn it up!! i guess that you be hard for you to do at CHA so just remember the reason you are there and get some caffine!! hopefully some sleep tonight. take care
Takes an anti-inflammatory, eat some hot sauce & stay hydrated b/c all the talking you have to do @ a trade show dries you out.
Just remember to b-r-e-a-t-h-e, deep slow breaths. Have fun.
Try taking a walk. It might revive you and give you a chance to re-energize. Follow that with a comfort drink!
coffee
Take 30 minutes and relax with your favorite beverage and junk food. You will think you a pulling a fast one but really you are treating yourself for the joy of helping others.
Aww, poor Sandy!! I’m sure you did (are doing) great today! You are amazing, and you can do this!! Can’t wait to hear how it all goes.
You poor thing…what a week for you. Hope you do get rest soon! As for a pick me up when I’m really tired, I like to drink a cup of hot tea instead of the usual coffee. Seems to pick me up when I’m starting to fade.
Keep your eyes on the prize: Enabling more heroes to stay in touch with their loved ones back home in a more personal and meaningful way.
For the sleep thing, go to a local drug or grocery store and pick up some inexpensive earplugs so you can sleep overnight without the trees bothering you. It’s amazing what a good night’s sleep can do to energize and empower you. Also, avoid the sugary, caffeinated drinks and instead drink plenty of water because dehydration causes fatigue too and caffeine will dehydrate you.
Thank you for all you do for our heroes and for us cardmakers out here. I appreciate your heart for teaching, your bubbly enthusiasm, and your pursuit of excellence in what you do.
I like to chat with others to keep me on track and focused. Of course, a Diet Dr. Pepper doesn’t hurt .
I focus on what I need to do by reminding myself of what I’m looking forward to once I’m done! I also tend to drink heavily (Mocha Frapps). It was great meeting you on Saturday! Thanks for letting me stalk you. :0) -Thia
I agree with your request for lots of Coca-cola – that’s my go-to for staying energized… plus splashing cold water on my face every few hours. Hope you can get a better night’s rest tonight for the final day!
Keep a cool , wet cloth with you and wipe your face and the back of your neck. It will work for awhile but the only thing that really works is a good nights sleep.(good luck with that) But it looks like your having a good time even with the lack of sleep.
We are all so inspired by you, Sandy! Your energy and devotion is astonishing! When you start,to feel overwhelmed, think of your followers and most importantly, the troops who have been touched by more than TWO MILLION cards! How many troops and families have written to thank you and request more cards? Nothing good ever comes easy, and God is smiling down on you! As for the noise in your bedroom, get some ear plugs from the drug store or try to get your room changed. You’ve come all this way, and the more you collaborate with these craft companies, the more we all succeed! Thank you and God Bless you!
What gets me through? Staying hydrated and focusing on the task at hand instead of the long list of what’s ahead.
Sandy, hang in there! I have to agree with many of the comments, coffee, chocolate, exercise and an occasional break will get you through it.
Sandy, your doing a great job. if overwhelmed, think of your of the troops who have been touched by more than TWO MILLION cards! I agree with the comments about the breathing exercises, breaks but not the coffee coffee coffee – drink water, eat right fruit not lots of chocolate.
The water and fruit will keep you hydrated and make you feel better really. Thanks for all you do!
Keep going Sandy your your doing a super fantastic job !! Oh yes a JUMBO size coke , a few Tylenol , a change shoes then I can keep going !
When I’m lagging, I feed off the energy of everyone around me and I’m sure there’s lots of that there. It looks like it is/was a great CHA show. Can’t wait to see what you have to share. Try to drink lots of water and eat a protein bar now and then. I’m sure you’re getting enough exercise just walking and talking and scrambling, so enjoy yourself and know you can rest later.
HI: So sent off a bunch of 50 this time hope u got them in time. I so enjoy making them for the troops!! Marilisa Windlinx God Bless you all