Not For Hire (well, not unless it's an offer I can't refuse)

Back in January I had this "great" idea. My plan was to scan all (yes, ALL) of my old 35mm photos and negatives (including all 250+ wedding negatives) so that I would have digital files rather than boxes and boxes of hard-copy photos. In theory it really was a great idea, for several reasons:

1. When I die (I know, weird) I don't want my kids to have to sort through dozens of boxes and 1,0oo's of photos - just to end up keeping a few dozen and throwing the rest of them away. Or, worse, them NOT go through them and have the photos just sit in boxes until THEY die. I wanted the photos to be on a teeny tiny hard drive where they could search for any photos they want (by name or date) and actually keep the memories alive, rather than recycle them with the day's news.

2. Eric and I are on a constant mission to de-clutter. Anyone who has been to our house knows that we have a simple home and very little “stuff”. Yet another reason to have all the files on a hard drive, not in boxes.

3. If there was a fire (Heaven forbid) all my memories are tucked away safely on a hard drive in a fire safe box in the basement (and a backup at my mom's house). Preserved photos…even if the house burns to the ground. THAT is peace of mind.

Whew!

So, it really was a great idea. That is, until the project consumed my life for 4 MONTHS. I have literally been scanning photos every free moment during the months of February, March, April AND May. Alas, the project is finished, and I must admit that I am sleeping better at night because of it. And, I’d be kidding myself if I didn’t admit that part of this major project may be a bit of self-preservation.

Some day I hope our kids will look through these memories and feel more connected to their family and be reminded that there is nothing as important as family and friends.

After reading this you may be thinking. Wow! What a great idea! Please note that I am not for hire. That is, unless it’s an offer I can’t refuse. ;0)

Some photos....

This is how the project started:

Nice, neat and orderly.

I was a FOOL to think this project could be done so quickly that I could give up a little kitchen counter space.

This is how the project looked after I realized it was going to be a LONG road:

I looked like total chaos - but there was a method to my madness.