I did this layout for the About Me contest. This is the 1st layout I have done where I added really personal journaling. It's still kind of scary for me to put it all out there (partly why I did hidden journaling), but I figure this is what scrapbooking is all about. Instead of listing things about myself, I decided to write the things i have learned over the years, because these are the things that shape who I am today. For the smaller picture in the corner, I used the mosaic function in photoshop to give the impression of "pieces of me." Also, the paper has stitching which I felt also created that effect. TFL!

Journaling reads: "When I was born, I learned that I was loved. At 1, I learned how to walk and talk. At 2, I learned that there were limits. And I learned that sometimes daddy’s leave. At 3, I got Osteomylitis and I learned what it was like to be hospitalized and to have major surgery. At 4, I learned how to read and write. At 5, I learned that I was good in school. I made some great friends, and I also learned that not all kids are nice. At 6, I learned that not all teachers are nice and some of them make kids feel stupid. At 7, I learned about regret and to listen to reason. At 8, I learned what it was like to be sent to the principal’s office. I learned that I was a follower. I also learned that my mother would back me up if I needed her to. At 9, I learned that friendships can withstand long distances. At 10, I learned that not all friendships last forever. I also learned to give things a chance. At 11, I learned to be a leader. I learned not to be a teacher’s pet. I learned that M.S. wasn’t so bad after all. And I learned what it was like to have my 1st crush. At 12, I learned that it is possible to make new friends who are just as great as the old ones that moved away. At 13, I matured and learned that it’s better not to be bossy and to treat my friends like equals. At 14, I learned what it felt like to have my heart broken by a boy. I learned what it was like to be hurt by a best friend. I learned how to forgive. I learned that it is possible to move on after your heart has been broken. At 15, I learned that sometimes guys lie. I learned how much it hurts to be cheated on. I learned that I was strong enough not to stand for it. I learned that life is not always fair. I learned what it was like to lose a grandparent. At 16, I learned that things happen for a reason and that I was happier with the new opportunities. I learned what it was like to have someone really have feelings for me and treat me right. At 17, I learned that breaking up is hard to do, but friendship is still possible. I learned that it’s good to be nice to everyone, no matter how different a person may be from myself. I learned that no matter how much you may like someone, it doesn’t always work out. I learned that you should never let a boy come between friends. I learned that moving to a new phase in my life was scary and very hard. At 18, I learned that college wasn’t as scary as I had thought. I learned what it was like to have a job. At 19, I learned that communication and trust are keys to a lasting relationship. I learned that I wanted to be a psychologist. At 20, I learned that studying hard pays off, and that school is easy when you love what you are studying. At 21, I learned that there is such thing as love at first sight. I learned that I was a late bloomer and I was still trying to catch up. At 22, I learned who my true friends really were. I learned that I am terrified of loss and abandonment. I learned what depression was like, and I learned how to ask for help. At 23, I learned that it’s easy to make big mistakes. I learned to be strong even when I felt weak. I learned that I am braver and not as shy as I had thought. I learned that I do not always know what is best for me and to trust in God. At 24, I learned what it was like to have a career. I learned that I should have picked a better college. I learned about debt and paying for past financial mistakes. I learned that you shouldn’t take people for granted because you never know how much time you have left with them. At 25, I learned that God brings people into our lives for reasons that we may not initially understand. I also learned how to speak up for myself. At 26, I truly learned how to have a relationship with God. I learned how to turn to Him first when trying to solve my problems. I learned that you could do anything for a year. I learned you learn the most when things are hard. At 27, I learned how to be independent. I learned what it was like to be truly loved in return in a relationship. I learned that things change, and that life does not always turn out how you expect it to. I learned that I still have a lot of growing to do, but I am strong enough to handle what life may throw at me. I learned that I will be okay."

Products Used:
-Pink buttons=EK success button ups
-Pink buttons=Doodlebug cupcake buttons
-Blue buttons=Doodlebug poolside buttons
-Pink ribbon=Making Memories "Pretty Pink" ribbon card
-Yellow ribbon=Making Memories "Buttercup" ribon card
-Brads=Making Memories mini "pastel"
-Cardstock=Bazzill
-Patterned Paper=Junkitz "Shabby Chick" collection
-Chipboard=Making Memories jigsaw alphabet