Finished At Last (Card Project)

This post is way over due. I meant to write it on New Year's Day but I got really sick on Christmas and stayed that way for almost two and a half weeks. I'm finally better, but I've spent the time since then catching up on urgent things like paying bills, and laundry.

So-- I'm finally finished with my card project! The idea was to try and send out cards to most of my friends who lived in other cities for every major holiday, in an attempt to keep in touch with them. And I did. I even got out a few cards for some of the minor holidays. That's not to say that I always (okay, ever) got my cards out on time (though I came awfully close at Christmas!). Or that I managed to get to everyone for every single holiday.

But, I did still manage to get at least something out for Valentine's Day, President's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, the 4th of July, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. At most, I think I sent out over 30 cards for a holiday, and at least I did about 10 cards. Every single one had something, even if it was just a line or two, handwritten on it. That's a lot of writing and a lot stamps. It's also not counting birthday cards and presents.

I have to say, I'm proud of myself for managing to do as much as I did. As far as the first half of my goal went (getting stuff out for each major holiday) I think it was a success.

Unfortunately, as far as the second half goes (keeping in touch with my friends) it was a spectacular failure on almost all counts. There were a few people who I managed to get to respond almost consistently and who I had great fun exchanging letters/texts/Facebook messages with, but for the most part I heard little, if anything, back.

Now, I'm aware that letter writing takes time and at least the cost of a stamp, and maybe letters or short greetings (I'll admit I wimped out and sent short messages for several of the holidays) weren't the best way to get a hold of the majority of my friends. Still... I was kind of disappointed at the lack of response in any form.

And that's largely why I won't be continuing the project for another year. It was pretty expensive to buy the supplies and stamps to send all those things, and the time I spent writing and making the stuff I sent out was kind of ridiculous. It was fun, but I'm kind of looking forward to not stressing about getting 20 or so things in the mail every few weeks.

That's not to say that I won't try to get you a birthday card, or that I won't respond if you write to me (those of you who already have know that I will respond, it may just take forever). And I'll almost definitely send out Christmas cards again next year (it would be really nice if you could all try to keep me updated about your mailing addresses. Some of you move a LOT). But for the most part, the ball's in your court. I hope you know that I'd love to hear from you, whatever way is most convenient for you.

Oh, and HAPPY NEW YEAR! (yeah so I'm late. What else is new?)

<3s and hugs,
Shannon