Today was the first day of Library of Memories. We received a few things to get us started. First and foremost was the pledge - which I signed (yes, my first name is Jennifer) and Louis witnessed. It basically says that I'm committed to stick with the program for the next 16 weeks. I signed the same pledge last year, but it wasn't witnessed, so it didn't count, right?
Additionally, we got a supply list, audio file and Lesson 1. All has been printed, downloaded, put on the iPod and read. I'm on a roll!
Then I did something I did not do last year: I went onto the message board for the course and introduced myself. I also read all the introductions and I'm thrilled to see a number of my virtual friends signed up, too. I am sure more members don't participate than do participate but I'm starting to believe the message board is the key to the process that I was missing last year and expect that it will see me through when things get overwhelming, which I expect they will.
I also got hung up on the supplies last year. The cost was intimidating but I could have dealt with that - after all, you only have to spend it once: then you have a system forever. My problem was that I couldn't find the perfect storage containers - well, I could, but the cost of shipping and duty were more than the actual cost of the supplies! That expense I could not justify. I have been on the lookout all year for the same containers at a lower cost, but have had no luck. Maybe now that the course has started again some smart retailer will have something suitable available. Nothing I have right now can be repurposed so I'm stuck ... again!
In the meantime, I'm going to embrace Stacy's advice: "Don't make this hard".
Off to find "cold storage" containers.