I did have a little Christmas cardmaking class with some co-workers, and I had a small card order for Christmas, but nothing like in the past... 

But I'm still creating..... When I have time. 

I'm trying to perfect Acrylic Pouring and have been puttering around with that... 

I broke out the ol' gelli plate and made some art journal backgrounds... 

But mostly.... I've been incredibly busy at school.

And life. 

And travel... 

This year I've been to: 

Boracay, Philippines

Panglao, Philippines

Vancouver, BC

Chicago, Il

Toronto, Ont.

Quebec

Bangkok, Thailand

Bali, Indonesia (where I am right now)

My son and I in Chicago to see Hamilton! 

These are my blog stats.... 

And I have had a very deep thought about it. 

There is a direct and quantifiable correlation between the amount of blog posts/year, and my effectiveness/commitment/quality of my teaching. 

Being a music teacher takes a lot of dedication, but mostly, TIME. When I was in Canada I had so many commitments outside of school that I wasn't directing my energy where I should have: to my students and my music program. 

I have learned the hard way, that to do my job effectively, to offer my students the BEST ME, I have to be 100% focused on them and my job. If you look at 2014 - 2018 (my years in China so far), you can see the drop-off. And yes, that means no time/energy for crafting commitments and deadlines..... 

I have also recently committed myself to Keto. 

If I'm going to continue doing my job the way I'm currently doing it, I need to get healthy!! 

I've been on keto for 4 months. Still have a LONG way to go, but I feel really great about what I've accomplished so far... 

2018 has been a great year! 

Just not a good blogging year. 

I wish you the best in 2019. 

I will update here when I can. 

For now... Do you follow me on Instagram? @jazzytobi

I upload my feed pretty regularly. Life. Travel. Food. And of course, crafts!! 

Happy New Year! 

 

Hi, how have you been? 

This project is a nod to my crafting roots (Copic markers) and new products/trends (Distress Oxide Inks). It's so interesting to watch trends come and go, and the new thing is inking backgrounds instead of patterned paper, I guess. (Not NEW, new, but you KWIM). 

Stamp Set: Perfect Poinsettia by Technique Tuesday

I don't know how many cards or projects I'll get done for Christmas, but this was certainly a good step in the right crafting direction.... 

Another thing that's been happening in my life is: Keto. I actually did Keto 20 years ago when I called it "Atkins" (I never did the high protein thing... just little-to-no-carbs - so essentially Keto) and I lost over 100lbs. What's different now? More resources like Instagram and Pinterest, and also, I just genuinely wanted to lose weight again... it was time... i was feeling it... 

I've been on Keto for three months and I'm doing pretty well! I don't weigh myself because my goal is not a number, it's a feeling, but I can tell you that all of my clothes are feeling pretty damn loose, and that's all the inspiration I need to keep on going... If you're on a similar journey you can join me on my Keto Instagram @tobidoesketo 

Anyhoo.... That's all for now!