Before I was downsized, I had less time to write. And I hated it. Some nights I would stay up far too late writing because I had to. And I’d go to work after a mere 5 hours of sleep… which is nowhere near enough for me. But it was worth it.

Possibly the greatest result of my unemployment has been time. Time I’ve spent reading and writing. I rarely go a full 24 hours without writing something, even if it’s just a few notes for future writing. But inevitably, my brain has a meltdown (or I do) and I need to change my focus for a while.

I read every day. It’s not unusual for me to doze off and promptly jolt awake when the book I was holding falls on my face. I’ve actually had minor injuries from this. I also have a few favorite television shows [my God, Archer makes me laugh… and Undateable Live – hilarious]. I regularly kick my husband’s ass at Words with Friends. And in the interest of full disclosure, I may have a small Candy Crush addiction. [What? I’m only on level 1142. I do not have a problem.]

Also during my non-writing time, I enjoy other creative diversions. Designing. Making cool stuff. Cooking. Baking. I’ve made different cakes [or cupcakes] for every one of my kids’ birthdays [that’s 18 to date]. And I’ve designed and printed lovely custom invitations, cards, and announcements for all sorts of family occasions for many years [weddings, babies, holiday cards, tons of birthdays].

This invite from my daughter’s 2nd birthday is one of my favorites…

I also made a unique monster for every guest at that party…

A fun invite I did for my son (copyright infringement is rampant)…

I loved how this Christmas card turned out [yes, those kids in the 4th floor center window are a representation of my actual children… and 2nd floor left is my late cat Spooky]…

And here’s a birthday cake I made for my daughter’s 6th…

[Excuse the blurs. I’m a paranoid mom.]

Of course, during all of these things, I always have paper or my phone handy to note anything that comes to mind for my writing. Maybe that’s cheating… because I while I’m not writing, I’m writing. I think I’m always writing… in my head anyway.

~Writing 101: day 9