Dictionary Definition: un·ac·cus·tomed
1 : not customary : not usual or common
2 : not habituated —usually used with to
My Definition:
3: when your packages don't clear customs
4: when you run your workshop, anyway
Tracking the Shipments
I am definitely unaccustomed to shipping packages to Canada. Everything I shipped that was paper goods and supplies, etc. arrived with TWO DAYS via Fedex International Ground. No problem. I got the "Harmonized Codes". I figured out the paperwork. It was all good!
But for whatever reason, my Copic Marker classroom sets, Airbrush compressors and Airbrush Systems did not clear customs. These items left my hands on April 20th. It's May 1st. They aren't here.
On Thursday, after my umpteenth call to Fedex, to a really nice guy named Chris – who wanted to assure me that my packages would indeed arrive by Friday, April 30th, as stated on My Fedex account page… I decided to make a contingency plan.
So on Friday morning I packed up my own set of 334 individual colors of Copic Sketch Markers into my carry-on bag. And I put the spare compressor I keep at home, into my checked luggage.
With these items, I could at a minimum, teach my Copic workshops and certification class. So that's good.
But Wait, There's More (or should I say, Less?)
However, I was also scheduled to teach an acrylic album class using Copic markers and airbrushing. Since my 9 ABS-1s and two compressors were in limbo-land – there was a lot of sharing of the ONE compressor I put in my luggage.
But what made it MUCH harder is when the acrylic albums I was using decided not to clear customs EITHER. These were shipped on 04/22 directly from the manufacturer. They.Are.Not.Here.
Luckily, I was teaching this class at a distributor. And luckily, she has Clear Scraps in stock. So I switched from the 5" x 11" acrylic waterfall style book, to an 8" x 8" three tabbed album. But, no sample – so harder to teach…
Ugh.
I am unaccustomed to having issues when it comes to teaching a workshop. This was not ideal in any sense – but it was either be flexible, or cancel the workshop. I opted for the former.
They definitely liked the airbrushing, and proceeded to buy everything that the distributor had in stock. So I have to measure that as a success, in that respect.
A Glimmer of Hope
The last workshop was big fun – probably the best way to end the day. The ladies were Glimmer Misting, Glazing the glimmer glass and LOVED the Chalkboard Glimmer Mist. It was the icing on the Strawberry Shortcake.
Although after staying with me the ENTIRE DAY, I could tell once the HOW was taught, and they'd Glimmer Misted everything in sight…they were done!
So it was a good day. Not a great day. Techniques were taught and learned – follow up through e-mail, SKYPE and such should assure all the retailers get what they wanted from the event.
But the acrylic album workshop definitely wasn't the caliber of workshop that I typically put on. And I'm feeling it. I always want to do my best. Should I have just cancelled it?
Sometimes you just have to roll with it, eh?
I know you and I know your audience… they loved you and you are just being hard on yourself. You are awesome, amazing, talented and flexible. This was just an opportunity for you to share this and I am positive that YOU were fantastic. If there is anyone that can handle this it is YOU!!! love you and praying for a safe trip home!!!
I had a fantastic day, I can’t wait to get to play again tomorrow
Thanks again eh!
Gisèle
Stopped by to visit your blog for the first time,Will be meeting you tomorrow at the Ottawa certification.
Couldn’t help notice your post. Liz you have it right, you did the best you could, that’s all any of us can do 🙂
I’m eager to learn tomorrow heard great things about you!!
Hi Sally Lynn, I am amazed at how hard you are being on yourself. I thought you did a super job under the circumstances that you faced yesterday. I really enjoyed the day and learn lots of new techniques. My customers really loved the classes you did at my store and I would have you back in a heartbeat. You have a great way of putting your students at ease with your fun and enthusiatic style. Looking forward to today. Heather
I wassn’t there but I’m certainly a fan and sometimes… on this side of the fence, the HOW is the most important and you’ve obviously “creatively” delivered. It’s like what Teacher’s call “teachable moments” you taught these gals how to use what they have on hand and make the best of it!! Sometimes us crafters have been likened to hoarders… your lesson was loud and clear babe – and I am sure these ladies got MORE than they bargained for 😉
Hope FedEx treats you like a Queen and puts you one sort of preferred shipping list for now one – for goodness sake!!
Funny thing about fate – I wasn’t a believer until I met and married my husband because that match was NOT made on earth!!! You had some sweet guardian andels that gave you the opportunity, foresight and materials handy to pull it off with flying stars!! So keep your wings handy lady, they will serve you well 😉
And no… you should not have cancelled the class, Skype is awesome and you certianly made some great friends and you DID deliver 😉
I’m sure everyone was thrilled with what they learned. I loved it when you taught here on L.I. I think they would have been very disappointed if you canceled. Another lesson learned… make do and go on 🙂
Hi Sally Lynn, hope you had a good flight home. Just wanted to say thanks again for yesterday, Krista and I had a great time and learned lots. I was thrilled that you are thinking of asking Krista to join the teaching Certification end of Copic as I know she would do an amazing job. She has been teaching at my store for 8 years now and people don’t even ask what she is doing…they just sign up!
Anyway, thanks again and hope you get your markers back soon. Take care, Heather
Hi Sally Lynn,
I just wanted to check in to let you know I’ve already received my Copic 24 Wallet from Marianne. Thank you so much again!
Sounds like you’re very flexible & created a fun learning experience under very difficult circumstances. I’m sure everyone in your class was very appreciative and learned lots!!!