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I know we've talked about this before... but I need a refresher course 
One of my goals for 2008 (as it is every year cause I have trouble with this one) is to get more bears done - or in other words ... spend more time working.
I've been trying to do that partly by not spending as much time here. I check in a lot, but I don't post a lot cause that takes more time. But that's tough cause I feel like I'm ignoring my friends 
I know there are quite a few of us who depend on our bearmaking as our income - and several of you are able to both get wonderful bears created AND spend "quality" time here on TT! (by "quality time" I mean you aren't just checking in like I have been doing... you actually contribute!) I won't name names to put you on the spot - but sure hope you don't mind giving me a few ideas of how you do it! :pray:
Dolls N DreamsHi Laura, I feel the same way, I want to design more this year and spend less time on the puter!
I usually just check in now when I'm taking a break from working, that seems to help.
I would like to get more done this year. Have new ideas I like to try and well....you know how it is. My Doctor told me to stay off the computer and less sewing because of my back and neck. That's like saying stop enjoying what you like for me. How do you girls keep up on a web site and blogs???? I have been posting less but still drop in to see whats what. Is it worth to have a lbog?
Laurie Lou BearsI do try my hardest to get as much sewing done as possible but when I come onto tt I tell hubby that I am just resting my eyes 
Laurie :hug:
Chaska, MinnesotaDear Laura Lynn: I don't sell bears for a living but I think I understand what you are going through. Your question brings to mind when I was in grad school working on my master’s degree. I can't tell you the work it took. I put in 12-14 hour days between classes, papers, homework, research....I felt overwhelmed because I did not take any time for me. So I forced myself to take one hour a day to do something outside school. Since I love to read trashy novels (trashy meaning historical romances), I read the wonderful works of Johanna Lindsey, Judith Mcnaught, Julie Garwood....Well that made a world of difference. I felt rejuvenated...so my advice to you is to work on your bears, but set aside time for TT and other joys in your life....
Michelle
Tami Eveslage Original Teddy BearsLaura Lynn, I have been doing exactly what you have said...checking in but not posting much because it takes longer--and I feel the same way you do about it--like I am ignoring my friends! 
I have had lots of activity, orders and interest in my bear lately, but connecting with my TT friends is important to me, too. However, I just thought of a plan...(We'll see if it works ha ha!!) During the school week I give my sons no more than one hour per day of "screen time". For them, that means video games, computer games, or TV. Their screen time is from 4-5pm if they choose to use it. I have to give them a specific time, or else it becomes a hassle for me to monitor and keep track. It just occurred to me as I read your post that I should do the same for myself!! Rather than popping on the computer several random times per day to check my email, peak at blogs or work on my own, and visit TT, I should have a scheduled "screen time" too! I'm thinking I might make it 1/2 hour after lunch and another 1/2 hour before I go to bed. I will still not be able to post as much as I used to--I have cut back already--but I hope I can still feel connected.
I won't name names to put you on the spot - but sure hope you don't mind giving me a few ideas of how you do it!
I'm going to be a sinker and name names When I read your plea one person popped into my head immediately---Paula!! She keeps a wonderful blog, posts here often, and a steady parade of stunning Teddy Bears march from her studio. :clap: :clap: :clap: Paula, share your great wisdom! :pray: Are you very disciplined or do you not ever sleep?
I think Michelle has a good point about making time for what you love.
q.D.paToOtieSI post here pretty often but just visit and read even more. I think it's an addiction with me or it could be that I really, really like to help people and answer questions if they have them, give them a pat on the back if they deserve one, or a big hug if it is needed. I especially feel compelled to post when I see someone has posted and no one has answered or acknowledged their post. I know how I feel when I post something and no one responds so I like to chime in, give my two cents (even though it wasn't asked for - ha!) and let that person know that at least their message has been read.
Anyway, I am a very poor bear artist though and would starve to death if I depended on it for income. I know I need to buckle down and get more done this year but I also consider a huge part of bear making/artistry to be socializing, learning from others, and having a little fun in the meantime. Because basically if it isn't fun, then I don't want to do it. So while I am here, I am working but in a different way.
Hugs,
Lisa
Back Road BearsTami E - GREAT idea!!
Lisa - I used to think I was here all the time because I was procrastinating but I like your reason's better and they certainly apply to me as well.... "I really, really like to help people and answer questions if they have them, give them a pat on the back if they deserve one, or a big hug if it is needed."
The only way I can stay off this dang computer is not to turn it on..... removes some of the temptation!
But, for me, it's also pretty much my only means of communication with friends and I was not born to be a hermit!!
Yes, PAULA..... we NEED YOU!!!! Oh wise woman, share with us how you do it... again!!! :pray:
Little Bear GuyLaura-Lynn I think we all struggle with this at one time or another. My computer is always on so I just wind up doing a restart on it now and then to clear things out. So whenever I want to jump onto TT I can without having to waste time waiting for the computer to boot up.
I will check TT in the morning and see what's been posted but then head to work (outside of the house job ) and when I come home from work I check TT again but I usually just do a quick browse and sometimes I add my two cents worth other times I don't. Then I set out to work on teddy bears, I don't check TT again until I am ready for bed and again just a quick browse and see what else has been posted. Although I don't add my comments to a lot of post I do still read them. It is a discipline thing, but I think when you don't work outside of the house it does make it difficult as this is your contact with the outside world. I work with people all day so I get my fix of socializing with people.
I know someone else at one point was having a very difficult time staying off of TT, I had suggested that what they should do is to use TT as a reward. Set a goal for yourself each day, if one day you are starting on a new bear, then say to yourself " I will not go on to TT until the bear is cut out and sewn". Then reward yourself with 15 minutes of TT, grab a tea or coffee and hope on and see what's happening. Then go back to work but set another goal, say when you have the head stuffed and partially done then you can hop onto TT again for a few minutes and make some post. I think everyone has to set limits for themselves, just like Tami said she does with her children for using the computer.
It's all discipline but it's not always easy.
big hugs
Shane
Flying Fur StudiosSeemed like before baby, at work I could pop in several times a day, and post as much as I want.
Now I usually have a crying baby on my lap and typing one handed is tough, so I'm a total lurker now. Glad to know I'm not the only one bec. I do feel some guilt about it, but hey. If you can get me more "me time" I'd gladly post more!!!!!!!!!! :crackup: :crackup: :crackup: :crackup:
Tami:
I'm going to be a sinker and name names
I think Michelle has a good point about making time for what you love.
A stinker you are indeed Tami, Daphne too!!!
I wish I had the answer, but I'm the same as everyone else and sometimes wish I could get more bears made ... but it doesn't stop there, it's more about the whole process of making and selling what's made! I make sure I make what I know I can get sold and I try to avoid feeling as though I'm working on a conveyor belt, because I absolutely hate that.
These days, I recognise my need to fulfil all areas of my creative self and understand that doesn't just involve sewing, so rather than beat myself up about computer time (which is mainly what keeps me sane while I work on my own from home!) I try to organise my time so that I can do a bit of everything instead.
For example, I start my day with housework and breakfast, then make a coffee and hop onto the computer. I'll probably spend an hour, or maybe even two catching up with email, TT, blog, website, buying supplies, doing accounts etc and then I'll slip up to my workroom and get myself organised for sewing after lunch. Once I've had lunch (with a little burst of tv to keep me entertained) I'll take coffee number 2 up to my workroom and will work on my bears. I aim to complete a minimum of two bears a week. As I said earlier, I like the process to be a pleasure (don't we all?!) rather than a drudge which makes me feel as though I'm on a conveyor belt (been there in the past and didn't like it at all!) and so won't over book myself these days ... the extra cash just isn't worth the heartache.
If I get a bit bogged down with what I'm doing in my workroom, I'll take a break and catch up on the computer again or make a call to my self-employed sister, just to touch base with the outside world. If I'm feeling really stir crazy, I'll grab my trainers and take a walk, or hop in my car and nip into town for some fresh air.
One thing I do religiously is photograph my bears and upload them to my website for sale as soon as they are ready. I see the process of bear making as incomplete until the bear is made available for sale and is as fully promoted as I can manage. That means, updating my website immediately, uploading the new bear to TT, sending pics through to BAO and mags if appropriate and updating my www.teddybearfair.com listing. It also means notifying my mailing list as soon as the bear goes live on my website and as soon as that bear sells, I then launch into the 'paperwork' for that sale ... emails, account entries, and so it goes on ... and when that's all done, it's usually about half past six in the evening and time to start cooking dinner, before my lot come home from their 'real work' (!) and collapse into the armchairs exhausted! 
Well, you did ask!!! :crackup:
Fabulous!!! Thank you everyone :clap: I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who felt that way. Listening to all of your suggestions helped me to figure out what I hope will work for me.
TamiL - I thought you've been doing pretty well at keeping at making those bears and Doogals :)
Lynn - I'm so sorry to hear that you have doctor's orders to cut down on doing what you love That has to be very tough. As for "if it's worth it" to have a blog -- depends on what you call "worth it". For me, I like to have a place where I can almost pretend that I have friends over to the studio by talking about what's going on bear-wise.
Laurie - :crackup: "resting my eyes" LOL!!!!! on the COMPUTER??!! 
Michelle - Thank you! You made a very good point about feeling rejuvenated when you do allow for SOME "me time". And if it is "allowed" at a certain times - there's no need to feel guilty 
Tami E - FABULOUS idea to set an actual certain time! I think I can do that! Then, it will be easier to stay OFF later in the day... in theory.... we'll see :crackup:
Lisa - Good point about wanting to help.... and you are always helping!! I like to help too - so many others have helped me - it's good to pass it on!
Daphne - YES!!!! It's my connection with the outside world! That's why I "need" it so much, thanks for that statement, helps me to understand myself better.
Shane - Great to see you!! Yup, discipline - NOT always easy. I'm getting better than I was... Thanks for the wonderful tips about using TT to "reward" yourself for meeting goals 
Heather - LOL!!! I remember those days.... and sorry, it's your turn now. "Me time" for you may come in 5 years or so 
Mine's in college now - so although I have more time for me... I'm broke :crackup:
Paula - I'm so glad you were "dragged" in here :dance: Yes, it was you I was thinking of 
Thank you SO much for letting us know how a typical day of yours goes! That will help me tremendously! Not only with TT, but also on keeping up with those darned bookkeeping tasks.
Back Road BearsA typical day..... that comment made me think of the "diary of an artist" in the latest issue of Teddy Bear Club International. I laughed and totally identified with the whole scenario minus the wheelchair accident. I know you've read that Laura... so you see... this is normal... to get side-tracked, spend too much time on things that you feel you shouldn't, waste away a whole day TRYING to get a bear made but never quite getting there, etc. Perhaps there is no cure and you just have to accept that "THIS" is "NORMAL"! And to surround yourself with "normal" you come to TT to be with other's who are just as "normal" as you are! :crackup:
It's a common trait of artistic people... to be disorganized in mind and surroundings. It's within the chaos that we find our greatest inspirations! (And TT is a great place to come be inspired so consider it part of your 'work'!
LOL!!!!! Love it Daphne! :crackup:
Thanks Laura Lynn,
I make myself only go on the computer for short periods at a time. the same with sewing so I don't flare things back up again. Takes longer to make something but better then nothing at all.
