Too Tired to Shine? What a Grad School All-Nighter Taught Me About Preparing for Tour de Corgi 2025
- Alex Reynolds
- Oct 3, 2025
- 7 min read
Is it possible to prep like crazy and still show up energized for the big day? Back in grad school, I thought I had found the secret. But as I stare down Tour de Corgi 2025—a massive event for both me and Charming Quail™—I’m realizing I’m fighting the same old battle: how to pour everything into preparation without showing up too exhausted to enjoy the moment.
This story begins with an experiment I tried years ago in grad school, one that taught me a lesson I’ve never quite forgotten.
Table of Contents
The “brilliant” plan that backfired
I still remember telling all my cohorts my brilliant plan. I was so proud I had cracked the code. Like everyone else, I had more work than hours left on the clock. But instead of pulling the standard last-minute all-nighter, I decided I’d outsmart the system.
My plan? I’d burn through an all-nighter a full day early. That way I’d have the entire next day to catch up on sleep and still walk into my presentation fresh. Genius, right?
Well, not exactly. What actually happened was that I stayed up all night “early”… and then, with the presentation looming, I still had so much left to polish that I ended up working straight through the next night too. Instead of one all-nighter, I got two. By the time presentation day arrived, I was so groggy there wasn’t enough caffeine in the world to prop me up.
To make matters more complicated, this wasn’t just a classroom presentation. Our final review was hosted off campus, a 45-minute drive away, in front of the corporate clients the project was designed for. My wife, in her shining armor, atop a her white stead, swooped in to save me when I got myself in over my head. She called in to work to take a day off so she could drive me to my presentation. It was clear I was too tired to get behind the wheel safely. I passed out in the passenger seat, which helped when it came to doing what I always do when it really counts: pull myself together, and deliver a professional presentation.
But I knew I wasn’t at my sharpest. Those client presentations came with tough questions about design decisions, and having a clear, rested mind makes a huge difference in how confidently you can handle them.
The real lesson wasn’t about finding a clever shortcut. It was this: there will always be more work you could do, but at some point you have to draw the line. Preparation matters, but so does protecting the rest you need to show up as your best self.
Today’s Challenge: Preparing for Tour de Corgi 2025
That old grad school lesson has been echoing in my mind a lot lately, because I’m facing a similar battle right now. Tour de Corgi is just days away, and for Charming Quail™ this is the big event of the year. Thousands of corgi lovers gather for the parade, the costumes, and the community, and it’s the perfect audience for my Corgi Collection. These are exactly the people I designed the jewelry for—avid fans who understand the joy and charm of corgis down to every little detail.
And the stakes are high, but not in the way you might think. Up until now, much of my work has been CAD modeling and custom commissions, each one sharpening my skills and refining my craft. But now, with the Corgi Collection, I have the chance to showcase pieces that are fully realized—designed, tested, and created to be treasured for a lifetime. This is my opportunity to put those designs into the spotlight they deserve.
That’s why I’ve been pouring myself into preparation: building displays that reflect the elegance of the collection, designing signage that draws people in, even creating a small catalog so fans can explore each piece on the spot. Every detail matters, because Tour de Corgi isn’t just about making a sale. It’s about connecting with people who appreciate artistry, legacy, and story-driven jewelry. And when the right people find that connection, the rest follows naturally.
Of course, the lesson from grad school is never far from my mind. Preparation matters—but so does rest. If I burn myself out, I won’t be able to show up at the booth as my best self, ready to connect and share the story behind the jewelry. And that connection is what this is really about.
What’s at Stake
When I think about Tour de Corgi, it’s not just about one day, one booth, or even one collection. It’s about momentum. Every entrepreneur knows the difference between working project to project and building something that truly grows. For me, the Corgi Collection is that step toward growth—toward establishing Charming Quail™ not just as a business, but as a brand known for jewelry that celebrates passion with elegance and endurance.
The truth is, CAD projects and custom commissions will always be part of my work, and I value them deeply. They’ve helped me refine my craft, build a foundation for the business to work off of, and connect with people in personal ways. But they’re also built around trading time for income—every project starts from scratch, with new design hours poured in. With collections like the Corgi line, something different happens: I can offer timeless designs again and again, each one carrying the same thought, detail, and artistry. That shift opens the door to scaling without sacrificing quality.
And that’s the bigger vision here. This isn’t just about jewelry—it’s about building a life with more freedom and balance. My wife and I want more time with our kids, not less, and the path to that isn’t working harder hour by hour—it’s creating something lasting, something that keeps giving back. The Corgi Collection, and events like Tour de Corgi, are how I take that vision from dream to reality.
So yes, the pressure is real. But pressure means the work matters. And that’s exactly why I’m giving everything I can to show up prepared, rested, and ready to share these designs with the people they were created for.
Invitation
That grad school experience taught me something I still carry today: there will always be more you could do. The to-do list never really ends, whether it’s preparing for a high-stakes client presentation or getting ready for Tour de Corgi. But there’s a balance to be found between giving your all in preparation and protecting the rest you need to show up as your best self.
And that’s not just true for me—it’s true for all of us. We’ve all had those moments where we poured everything into a project, an event, or even a family gathering, only to realize we left ourselves completely drained. If you’ve felt that tension before, you’re not alone. My hope is that this story serves as a reminder: yes, preparation matters, but so does giving yourself the gift of rest. Sometimes the best way to show up for the big moments in life is to step back just enough to protect your energy.
As Tour de Corgi approaches, that’s the balance I’m aiming for. I’ve poured everything I can into making the Charming Quail™ booth a place that feels welcoming and fun—a spot where corgi lovers can stop by, try on the jewelry, snap photos, and enjoy being part of the community. And when the day arrives, my goal is to be present, rested, and ready to share the story behind these designs with the people they were created for.
So if you’ll be at Tour de Corgi, I’d love to invite you to stop by the Charming Quail™ booth, connect, and share a little joy with me. And if you can’t make it in person, you can explore the full Corgi Collection online anytime: https://www.charmingquail.com/category/corgi-collection.
And now I’d love to hear from you—what’s the wildest story you have of pushing yourself too far for something important? Did lack of rest ever backfire at the worst possible time? Share your story in the comments below—I can promise, you’re in good company here.
Bonus: Collaboration & Corgi Ink Drawing
While Tour de Corgi has been the big focus for me, I’ve also been part of another wonderful project this season—Spooky Inktober at the Museum of Art Fort Collins. My collaborator, professional artist Sheri Lauren, organized the gallery and created an ink drawing as a collaboration with my Corgi Collection.
The piece is adorable: a corgi lying on the floor with its little rump toward the viewer, short legs sprawled out, and head turned to the side with that unmistakable corgi charm. It perfectly captures the playful spirit that inspired the jewelry itself.
If you’re local, you can see the drawing in person at the Inktober gallery during the First Friday Art Walk at MOA, or throughout the month of October. Just click the event link below for details.
And if you’d like to bring this corgi art home in a way that fits your own style, Sheri has made it available as prints and on all sorts of awesome things—from shirts and mugs to stickers, phone cases, and more.
👉 Check it out here: Corgi in Ink by Sheri Lauren
FAQs
What is Tour de Corgi?
Tour de Corgi is an annual parade and festival in Fort Collins, Colorado, where corgis (and their humans) show up in costume to celebrate the joy of this beloved breed. It draws thousands of dog lovers from all over and is a perfect community celebration of corgi charm.
Where can I find the Charming Quail™ booth at Tour de Corgi?
While I won’t know the exact location until the morning of the event, you’ll find me among the vendors at the festival, surrounded by corgi-themed fun. Stop by the booth to see the Corgi Collection in person, try on jewelry, snap photos, and share your corgi love.
Can I buy the jewelry online if I can’t attend in person?
Absolutely! You can explore the full Corgi Collection anytime at https://www.charmingquail.com/category/corgi-collection. Every piece is made to order with timeless craftsmanship and corgi-inspired detail.
What makes the Corgi Collection special?
Each piece transforms iconic corgi features—like their expressive ears, fluffy rumps, and playful personalities—into sleek, modern designs crafted in solid gold. These aren’t novelty trinkets; they’re heirloom-quality pieces meant to be loved for a lifetime.
Who is Sheri Lauren and how does her work connect to Charming Quail™?
Sheri Lauren is a professional artist and close collaborator. Many of her art pieces are inspired by my jewelry designs, and in turn, many of my jewelry pieces are inspired by her art. Her corgi ink drawing for the Inktober gallery is a perfect example of our creative back-and-forth.
Can I see Sheri Lauren’s corgi drawing online?
Yes! You can view it and order it on everything from prints to mugs, stickers, and more right here: Corgi in Ink by Sheri Lauren.
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