You Are Not Alone

This is my own very personal story of loss and love.

My husband and I were only married for 2 months, newlyweds, when I found out I was pregnant in 2008. I took a test on the morning of my husband's birthday and showed him our surprise.  We were both extremely excited and couldn't believe we're going to have a baby! We arranged our doctor's appointments, heard the fetal heartbeat, started wondering if we'd have a son or a daughter as our firstborn.  We had just enough time to share our good news with our family....until "my heart bled."

I was about eight weeks along when I miscarried. We rushed to the hospital because I had slight cramping and spotting, but the ultrasound confirmed our loss and the doctor told us there was no heartbeat. I was crushed. The self-blame was focused on what I did, or didn’t do. It was a few days before Christmas and we were hosting a huge family celebration at our home.  A smile was plastered on my face, trying to hold myself together but when I said grace before our Christmas dinner....I cried thinking of "Our Christmas Angel".

Twenty five percent of women will miscarry. That's 1 in 4 women who've gone through it yet not many will ever talk about it.  My colleague at work shared this information with me but I didn't think it would happen to us.  Many people don't like to share the news of being pregnant before they are 12 weeks, "in case something happens"  but when it does happen...then who would we turn to?!? The grief and pain was so huge I couldn’t have pretended nothing occured. It was such a devastating moment that brought heartbreak and guilt not knowing how and why it even happened.

 

A miscarriage is a tremendous loss no matter how early you are in your pregnancy, but it's a loss that is often mourned privately. My husband and I grieved the loss together.  A part of myself was lost yet I had to go on somehow.  I did a lot of research on miscarriages and because it was so common, it made me feel better that I wasn’t alone, but it didn’t make it any easier to grieve.

I needed to push myself to rise after having fallen and to try to not cry so much for my tears seemed endless inside.

So for months, my husband and I kept 'trying" to have a baby,  People would tell us "don't think about it" or "just relax."  Well, it was hard to not think about it when all that was on my mind was having a little one of our own to love.  It became a monthly task and a monthly disappointment....until we were pregnant again 7 months later, July 2009.

My husband and I were ecstatic but we were cautious of what I did.  I took my daily vitamins, avoided caffeine, and stretched often.  I grew big quickly in 3 months.  I was extremely nauseous and was constantly vomiting at the sight of certain food and particular scents.  There was no doubt I was pregnant because I showed all the symptoms in my first trimester.  At 12 weeks, my husband and I went to our obstetrician to hear the heartbeat through the doppler - only our doctor didn't hear anything. Our doctor fell silent and then confirmed through our ultrasound that there was no fetus.  I was devastated. I had a Molar Pregnancy, when there's an abnormal fertilization. The embryo began to develop but was malformed and could't survive. A molar pregnancy had serious complications — including a rare form of cancer and required early treatment.  I had to do x-rays and the doctor performed a dilation and curettage (D&C). I needed to be monitored monthly by the doctors through blood tests and was advised NOT to try to get pregnant for one whole year.  One whole year?!?! Those words seemed horrible to me.

My girlfriends came over to comfort my aching heart.  My family was right there beside me.  I knew I had wonderful support.  They let me cry out loud but they also brought me laughter - as I remember it actually being one of the best BBQ suppers that summer.   But I still cried.  I cried because we already picked baby names.  I cried because we designated the baby room but now ther's an empty space in my belly.  I cried when I'd see a baby in a stroller at the mall.  I cried inside when I saw a pregnant woman walk past me. It is so true that "Invisible tears are the hardest to wipe away."

Well, six months after our doctor told us NOT to get pregnant for one year- I got pregnant.  She reassured me that I'll be monitored closely and exclaimed Congratulations.  I ate well and exercised more.  I consciously made the effort to pray every day by reciting "Our Father and "Hail Mary" prayers every single day.  I did prenatal aquafitness, prental yoga classes and listened to my body when it was time to rest.  While most women feared the anticipation of labour and delivery, I was looking forward to it.  

The birth of our son in 2010 brought us tremendous joy - so perfect, so pure, so innocent.  We waited and longed for him to come and join us in our world.  We play, we laugh, we sleep peacefully together and we enjoy hearing his voice.  Oftentimes I'd stare at him in amazement that he's present in our lives. 

The relationship between my husband and I deepened even more.  I thanked my love for soothing my hurt and for unselfishly grieving together. We found appreciation in all that was beautiful in our life which we took for granted. My husband allowed me to take time to take care of myself.

We were pregnant again in 2011 but had another miscarriage at 8 weeks.  I remember blaming myself and thinking what I could have done wrong. Was it because I hosted a big party for our son's first birthday and exerted myself the day before my miscarriage?  Was it something I ate? Would I have been able to avoid the miscarriage if I sat down earlier and raised up my legs before rushing to the emergency department?  I just needed to know why.  Was my age a factor?  I suddenly felt incredibly guilty that I took my time in finding the perfect partner for me before getting married and having a baby when I was past 30 years old.  The guilt surrounding miscarriages creates the feeling of embarrassment or something to be ashamed of. We take it for granted that we will be able to reproduce. because it's supposedly part of our human nature. I remember not wanting to go to work to have to face everyone who knew I was eight weeks pregnant before the sudden loss.  I needed the sympathy one would receive when losing a loved one.  Losing a fetus felt like it was mostly understood between my husband and I.....but kept reminding myself I am not alone.

I may have angels in heaven but boy, did it ever hurt like hell.

There was so much love and heartbreak in every teardrop. 

My husband and I will never forget the angels we never got to hold but we will remember how lucky we were to have them for the little while I carried them inside me.

I wrote this exactly two years ago and have finally gotten the courage to share my own miscarriage experiences because women needed to know they are not alone.  It was horrible and I wish no one had to go through such sadness, but for those who have - you are not alone.  Today, my husband and I presently have three children. They are our blessings that we are so grateful for- it's heartwarming to see their smiles, hear their laughter, feel their hugs. My children were my motivation to strive to always do my best.   Even though I am presently a mother of a healthy son, a daughter and a newborn boy... it's not something that you forget.  My husband, our children and our angels have already made my life better today than it was yesterday.

With love,

MCB xo

Time Management for Mom Bloggers

Written by Suzi from Start a Mom Blog

How do I manage my time as a blogger who is also a mom? I get this question all the time.

It may be because I launched my blog in January, had my second baby in February, have an energetic toddler running around trying to potty train, wrote an ebook in one month and had a successful launch in June. It’s now July and I am working on a new, very exciting project.

I can give you the quick and obvious answer – wake up earlier or stay up later. And even though I do that, I get up at 5:30 am with my husband. That is not the only reason why I am productive.

To truly manage your time well you need to manage your focus. I used to have loads of time in college but I wasted most of it relaxing and being young. Oh how I wish I could have all that time now, I would conquer the world. But I don’t have 24 hours a day anymore to myself, I have 2-3 hours a day, on a good day.

Have a No List

I have a large poster on my wall divided into two columns. On the left side are post it notes with things and activities that I have said YES to. And on the right side are activities that I have said NO to. This gives me a visual of all the activities I have committed to. It also alows me to quickly see if I am overcommitting myself.

I love being a tired and stressed mom said no one ever. We all have a very limited amount of time and emotional energy. If you spread yourself too thin you won’t be able to do anything well.

This visual board enables me to say no easier.

Have a Simple System

My second trick is to use a system to schedule my life. On another large poster I have the week mapped out. On Sunday night I write down all of my activites for the week and my entire to do list on post it notes. Each task is on a different color depending on how long it will take.

I then schedule them on my weekly board. If I do not complete the task on the designated day, I can move the post it note to another time. Again, this visual management works wonders for getting things done and staying focused.

Focus & Write an Ebook in a Month

At the beginning of May I created my outline for my ebook. I knew what helped me as a mom who blogs, so I wanted to pass on the knowledge and resources. I also know the struggles that mom bloggers go through.

Not being able to focus on anything for longer than 10 minutes. Being pulled in a million different directions. Finally sitting down to blog and then the baby wakes up. The struggle is real. It’s frustrating.

So I wanted to share all the templates and guides that help me blog smart.

I went through each process of starting a blog and outlined the most essential and crucial steps. My ebook would be a step by step guide. It would be like painting by numbers but for blogging. That focus helped guide my mentality.

Also, instead of explaining what makes a good blog post or a great pinnable image, I provided examples. The ebook is filled with visuals. I would rather see an example than read 500 words. The information is quick to learn and easy to implement.

How Can You Do It Too?

The entire month of May I only allowed myself to be on social media for quick promotion and checking in. I did not network or chat with other bloggers or friends. I needed to stay focused. Going cold turkey works for me.

Many of you may not agree with my method. It may not work for you. But having just one focus for the month was critical.

I know how easy it is for me to waste the entire baby’s nap time chatting on Facebook. It is one of my favorite parts of blogging – the networking with other wonderful moms. But I was very strict on myself and stayed focused.

After I created the outline of my ebook I completed one section every day. I broke down a huge task into bite size bits – and slowly I completed it. At the end of the day if I had completed a section, I celebrated with a glass of wine. Sometimes two.

In All Honesty, It Took a Bit of Luck.

And in all honesty, starting and completing an ebook in one month while in the trenches of motherhood took a bit of luck. No one got sick. There were no big events we had to plan or attend. Life was normal. I had a routine and had time to work each day.

So please do not be hard on yourself if you have been putting off creating that product for months, or years.

A mom’s life is continuously changing. Be kind to yourself.

The Results – 2 Months Post Launch

I launched my ebook, Blog by Number on June 1st. It has almost been two months now and I am beyond thrilled on how well it has done. I have a large team of affiliates who have signed up to help me promote the book. I have also received nothing but great feedback and reviews! I get emails daily from bloggers who are not moms asking if they can purchase the book too – and of course the answer is yes – it is still super helpful!

Daily I get notifications of sales going through. It truly is an amazing feeling building my business while being a stay at home mom. I am beyond blessed.

I want other moms to be able to do this too! Never before has it been so easy and inexpensive for a woman to take on motherhood and be able to build her own brand all from home. Just imagine how large your blog will be a year from now if you just start today.

_______

Invitations

Allow at least three months before the wedding to order the invitations and prepare them for mailing. Always order more than you need in the event that you make mistakes or have last-minute add-ons.  

Have place cards, response cards and thank-you notes printed at the same time, adapting your design to suit each.  You should not use stationary with your married name until after the wedding, so some brides order a small supply of cards with the initial monogram of their married name to send thank-yous for gifts that arrive before the wedding.

Invitation Style
The formality of your wedding should dominate your choice of invitations.  The most traditional ones are printed on white or ivory paper, are folded on the left like a greeting card, and feature wording just on the top page.  Popular variations highlight the wording within a panelled border or include a personal insignia, whilst others are printed on cradstock or on layered sheets affixed with a bow.

If you're having a super-coordinated theme for the day, you'll want the invitations to capture the essence of that: bright sunshine colours for a tropical theme, using snowflakes for a winter wonderland feel, and enclosing tiny sequins hearts for something more glitzy.  With the wealth of art materials and scrapbooking supplies available - paper that is crinkly at the edges, foil-backed or studded with glitter, and pearly or metallic embossing paints, you can let your imagination run riot....or keep it clean, neat and simple - Whatever suits your style.

Once you have chosen the paper-style, you'll need to select a font style and whether you prefer engraving or thermography.  Formal or semi-formal events typically call for a graceful, flowing script while less formal weddings are better suited with a roman style.

Indeed, if you want to veer away from tradition, consider sending a wedding invitation in postcard format, or including a novelty gift with the invitation.  Just keep in mind that the most important thing is that the guests are aware of the details of the wedding and turn up on the right day!

Invitations should be mailed between four or six weeks in advance of the wedding.  Those being sent to another country should be posted at least eight weeks in advance to allow enough time.  Save the date cards should have been sent prior to the wedding invitations...or at least, from word of mouth.

Invitation wording is important.  Since the details of any two weddings are never alike, the wording of invitations varies with each bridal couple and the particulars of their individual wedding celebration.

Invitation Inserts

The invitation and response cards are placed within an envelope addressed with the names only of the recipient.  This is inserted into a fully-addressed envelope for mailing.  Other elementsmay also be incuded:

• A map with directions to the ceremony and reception
• Details of overnight accomodations
• Any food allergies should be notified for the menu being served
• Wedding Website created by the couple, if any.
  
  
   

Gifts for the Attendants

Many brides and grooms buy gifts for each of their attendants. Traditionally, they are presented to the recipients at the wedding rehearsal, on the morning of the wedding, or when the speeches are made during the reception.


Some brides and grooms choose chose an identical item for each attendant, while others choose a personal gift for each bridesmaid and groomsman.  A possible gift for each attendant might be an accessory to complete his/her wedding attire.

For bridesmaids, a jewellery set with matching necklace and earrings is a popular choice, while for the groomsmen, a dapper silk vest to slip under the tuxedo, or handsome cufflinks are both suitable options.  Perhaps the gift can also be personalized with the date of the wedding or the recipient's initials.

Depending on the type of wedding you have , the involvement of the attendants, or the spirit of the day, there is no limit to the choice you make for gifts.

 For the ladies:

• Traditional: Jewellery box, picture frame, compact or handmirror, crystal or silver bud base, engraved letter opener
• Personal: Her favourite perfume, a personalized journal, charm bracelet, a favourite book, invitation to soiree
• My favourites: Day at a spa, manicure-pedicure, make-over, buy the bridesmaid's gown

For the gentlemen:

• Traditional:Boxed pen set, pocket knife, grooming kit, desk clock, sports watch
• Personal: Silk tie, monogrammed handkerchief, cologne, box of handrolled Cuban cigars
• My favourites: Flask, pocket watch, gym bag, favourite bottle of alcohol

For more ideas: http://www.weddingstar.com/gifts/personalized-gifts

The Groom's Guide

Today's grooms are more involved than ever in planning for their special day.  Not all grooms will find it easy to settle into the role of the organizer when it comes to planning his part of the celebrations. There are plenty of tasks that you as a couple can share, but there are also details that your fiance must complete alone, or at least with the help of his best man.  

While some men want to take part in visiting venues and interviewing wedding professionals, helping with the photography, the music or the food, others are less interested in the details.  You should assess your fiance's level of interest, act accordingly and keep him informed as major arrangements fall into place,

• Most grooms will know who they want to be their best man.  Firstly, how good are his organizational skills?  Secondly, can he be trusted not toe embarrass you in his wedding day speech or at the stag night? Don't be forced into making this decision by those around you- the groom will know how to choose the best man...just like he chose his bride.  
• It's the groom who selects the formal wear shop and chooses the styles for the men of the wedding party and the fathers.  What he wears at the altar is determined by the time and formality of the wedding celebration.
• He'll need to supply addresses for his friends on the invitations list, as well as pitch in writing thank-you-notes for gifts from his family and friends.
• One job that he must start on early is the plan for the honeymoon, including reservations for the wedding night.  
• He will co-ordinate the transportation details on the wedding day, culminating with the honeymoon getaway.
• The groom should play an active role in helping to coordinate the attendants at the rehearsal so that he knows what will take place at each point in the ceremony.
• As the wedding day draws closer, he'll need to help with the legal paperwork, choose gifts for his attendants and pick up the wedding rings from the jeweller.
• Do not leave writing the speech until the last minute- write down ideas as they come because you cannot rely on spontaneity to carry you through- especially if you've had champagne or two.  
• Of course, he also needs to take time for his bride throughout the engagement, and try to keep stress to a minimum

Cheers! 

MCB xo

How to Keep your Cool on Your Wedding Day

A wedding day is like no other day of your life.  You are going to be the center of attention and will probably be feeling charged with energy and emotion. Most brides say their wedding day goes by in a flash, but it is a long day so you need to be prepared for it.

v  An empty stomach, or one filled with junk food, can play havoc on your nerves.  Avoid anything fatty, or high in sugar, and pass on the carbonated drinks.  Drink plenty of water and have a light meal before leaving for the ceremony.

v  Take it easy the night before the big Day.  Too much alcohol will leave you feeling groggy.  Limit your caffeine intake during your morning preparations, and if champagne is flowing- go easy on it – you’ll get plenty during your wedding reception. 

v  Make sure you leave enough time to pamper yourself.  Take a long bath first thing and have the hair stylist and make-up artist arrive with plenty of time to work in a relaxed manner.  You don’t want to leave for the ceremony feeling stressed out. 

v  If you have a blemish on the day – whatever you do – don’t make it worse.  Use a medicated ointment to dry it out (also toothpaste) and have your make-up artist deal with it for you. 

v  Try to steal quiet moments to yourself as you prepare, even if this means closing the door to your bedroom for 5 minutes of deep breathing. 

v  Repeat a mantra as a quick and effective form of mind control.  “Love, peace and happiness will surround me today.”  Remember to try and take it all in - notice the flowers, taste the cake, hug your family, dance with your friends and look into the eyes of the "love of your life"!

Congratulations and have a beautiful day!

MCB xo

Planning the Reception

Party girls, get ready!  We’re about to plan the biggest social event of the decade - your wedding!  The reception is the key to a perfect wedding day.  It’s where you get to indulge in every flight of fancy you ever dreamed of, from arriving in a Rolls Royce to dancing amid heart-shaped ice sculptures…

           The reception is likely to be the first time you unwind from all the tensions of the last few days, even weeks.  Careful organization of this part of the wedding is essential if you are going to fully relax and enjoy yourself throughout the celebrations. 

The Montreal Science center

Since it follows directly on from the marriage ceremony, the style of the reception should complement and reflect your wedding theme as closely as possible.  Typically, the costs involved for the reception represent about half the entire wedding budget.   While traditionally, the financial responsibility of the reception falls to the parents of the bride, it is not unusual for couples to receive assistance from the groom’s family as well, or to pay all of the expenses themselves. 

                Wedding receptions can vary in style, size and location.  Yours can be as simple as walking from the place of worship to a fellowship hall that’s been decorated for the celebration…or as elaborate as traveling to a nearby setting, where a team of professional staff are at hand to execute the party of a lifetime.  A private club or favourite restaurant might offer the feeling of being at home without any of the hassles, while a swanky hotel has the added convenience of accommodation for out-of-town guests. 

                After you confirm the availability of your chosen reception site by signing a contract and submitting a deposit, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get on with the details….

I love the details!

MCB xo

Life Plans

Is your life in a balance? Are all your appointments and kids activities scheduled? Are your meals for the week planned?  Is your family calendar up-to-date?  

A nursing colleague of mine advised me, "Know your patients well but know your family better." I was working 12 hour shifts, days/nights on rotation  plus every other weekend at the hospital....hardly having any quality time spent with my husband and children.  My kids got ready for school, were picked up afterwards, had supper and prepared for bed with their father- therefore, I wasn't so familiar with THEIR routine. It felt like I was running circles around them and no longer knew them like I used to when they were babies.  My kind colleague also suggested I "Take vitamins and drink lots of water; Prepare kids clothes for the week in piles; Use the slowcooker; Hug hubby and say I love you every single day; and Roll on the grass with the kids and watch them grow.  Lift them up! Child, I know...I've been there.  Be there and lift them up!"  Geez, my tears welled-up and she touched a soft spot in my heart.  That was six months ago...

In the book, "The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here for?" Rick Warren wrote, “Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it. You can make more money, but you can't make more time. When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you'll never get back. Your time is your life. That is why the greatest gift you can give someone is your time." With that said, I knew I had to make a change...quickly!

I'm the type of person who loves schedules, writing up things-to-do-list, goal-settings and projects (with colourful pens, cute printables and post-its, of course!).  In my mind, I try to plan my days and weeks in advance....and among all things - events are hardly -ever forgotten!  (A passionate event planner indeed!)  2016 started off very well that I couldn't ask for anything more.  I've got my health, my family, my friends, a job, a home, and food to eat.  Yes, it's the simple things that I am grateful for.  I've had disappointments in my life, like everyone else, but only with time did I realize that when things didn't go the way I hoped it would, it simply wasn't "my time" yet.  I've learned through experience that we should never fear change because even if we may lose something good, we'd usually gain something better... 

Here's my update 6 months after I received some words of wisdom: The weddings and events I planned to co-ordinate, later on this year, will have to be shared.  I got hired at the Operating Room department as a Neurosurgery OR Nurse to only work days but my training has been put on hold.  My daily routines at home will need to be modified...however, it's all for a good reason...something better. We are adding a new member into our family.  My husband and I are expecting baby #3 and our kids are just as excited as we are.  So, I've made all these plans for 2016 - but God has bigger and better plans for us...and we can't be more thankful for this gift we've been given.  

As I reflect back on my life- it seems as though timing is everything, and milestones were just being put into place as it should be.  I practice my daily gratitude and write my intentions in life.  Perhaps "The Secret" works -  the law of attraction that claims that positive thinking can create life-changing results such as increased happiness, health, and wealth....with guidance from a Higher Being.  Thank you, God for teaching me how to restore balance by making time for myself and for others.  I appreciate the motivation and harmony I've found within myself. Thank you again and again for all that I have.

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans,"

- John Lennon

MCB xo

Weddings: Let's Talk Money

Make the right choices and you'll avoid countless unnecessary complications or upsets as your plans develop.  The two key areas are communication and budget; you and your fiance should know the direction you're going in from the start, and understand the need to keep a close eye on your finances. 

Don't forget your fiance!
It's all too easy for a bride to get wrapped up in her own grand plan, almost completely forgetting to consider her fiance's vision of the Big Day.  This is made easier still by the groom's seeming lack of interest in the finer details. Don't take this as a bad omen - he just hasn't been planning this since he was six years old - but don't cut him out of the process altogether.  There really are aspects that he will (and should) want to have input on, so be sensitive to including him in making those decisions.

Keep it real
make sure you choose something that you are both happy with.  There is no point arranging a beach party if the idea of a hot sun and sand is the bottom of your list for comfort; if you prefer casual get-togethers with friends and family, tuxedos and evening gowns may not be for you.  On the other hand, if you love the idea of  cocktail party, make this your starting point and expand the theme from there.

Don't overdo it
While there is no doubt that it is the sum of all the details that will eventually create the day of your dreams, there's a real danger of going way overboard in your eagerness to create the "perfect" wedding.  Keep the various aspects of your theme simple and make sure there are no hideous clashes.  Rather than trying to have a little of everything, concentrate on liking the ceremony and celebrations with a few key elements for maximum style.

Tips for saving money

• The most obvious consideration is the size of the guest list.  For couples with limited funds, think about hosting a small wedding with just your immediate family and closest friends, and having a special party for your larger circle of friends at a later date.
• The scheduling of your wedding can also have a direct effect on costs if you select off-peak times.  You could choose to be married on a Friday night or Sunday afternoon to avoid the premiums placed on Saturday affairs.  Alternatively, opt for a daytime celebration rather than an evening one and take advantage of serving a brunch or lighter meal at the reception.
• Rather than reaching out to professionals to produce all the elements of your wedding, you can take on some of the parts yourself with the assistance of family and friends.  Enlist the help of your sisters, cousins, and bridesmaids to help out with the simple but laborious tasks.  
• A few words of caution, however, is to not take chances on the quality of what you can do for yourself, especially for the parts of the wedding that are most important to you.  

By making some smart decisions on the front-end, you'll be able to make some money-saving choices that do not compromise your original dreams for your wedding day.

MCB xo

Choosing your wedding vendors

You are going to be hiring a good number of professionals over the next few months - a photographer, a florist, a baker, a stationer, musicians, caterers, a decorator and more.  Simply coordinating them will be a task in itself and there are ways of making your life easier.  

• Always do your homework.  Look through magazines, browse the internet, ask friends and family for recommendations.  Before even picking up the phone, have a very clear idea of the look, sound, flavour of whatever it is you are asking for. 
• Ask to see samples of previous work, certificates or proof of qualifications, commendations from happy customers, magazine articles - anything that confirms you are getting the level of expertise you want. 
• Meet with a wedding planner who's had plenty of experience with several professional vendors. They may also know vendors who are newly graduated who've recently learned the up-to-date technologies and design, but cost less 
• When you are looking for suppliers first time-round, keep the contact details of all your second choices, and put them somewhere that's easy to find.  
• Do not underestimate advice you might get from a pro.  These are the people with experience and it would be a bad thing if they had nothing to contribute to your ideas.  
• Rest assured that you'll know at an early stage whether one supplier or another is going to be reliable or not.  Trust your instinct on this and be firm in your instruction.  You cannot afford to give anyone the benefit of the doubt.  
• Keep a close eye on your budget and stick to it.  Be upfront with all professionals from the very beginning.  Do not be persuaded to increase your budget unless it is for something simply amazing.  
• Agree to a realistic timeframe.  Check other commitments your suppliers may have and make sure they are not going to interfere with yours.  
• Get everything in writing, confirming who is to do what, by when, and include a payment schedule.  
• Remember your priorities: at any given stage of the pla nning process, you'll feel there are a hundred and one details to take care of.  Keep current lists of the tasks at hand and tackle the most important things first, one at a time to keep from becoming flustered. 

MCB xo