... I should be unveiling my new blog to the world in slightly less than two weeks, so hang on! It's in process now, along with a whole host of other exciting projects. I can't reveal too much, so you will just have to wait and see. But seriously.... it's gonna be cool, so I would stick around if I were you.
The weekend on the shore was wonderful. Highlights included: Lunch at Coho Cafe, an afternoon in Grand Marais (complete with a stop at World's Best Donuts), dinner at Rustic Inn, a moonlight evening of skipping rocks and watching the waves lap the shore, lunch at Grandma's Boxcar in Canal Park, dinner at Betty's Pies, rock picking at Iona's Beach, buying smoked fish at Lou's, and simple moments of fun with family. Can you tell that most of the activities with my parents tend to focus around really good food?? It's miraculous that they are some of the smallest, most petite people I know. I can only hope that I inherited those genes, because they surely passed on their love of a good meal!
This week is busy with freelance work, and hopefully some time spent working on projects around the house. I am pleased that the next several weekends will be at home. We've been out of town allot, and it's nice to think of having some extra time to tackle the big stuff that I can't possibly get to during the week.
I fully realize that these posts are nearly meaningless without pictures... but I don't have my camera cord with me at work, so you will just have to imagine a page full of brilliant, beautiful pictures of me having fun with Lake Superior in the background.
I promise the next post will have pictures...
Monday, August 18, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
golden summer
While the warm, sunny days are slipping away, and fall is fast approaching, I am caught up in reminiscing. In some ways, I realize this summer has lacked a certain richness that my summers of youth contained. No longer do I spend endless days cruising the lakes on the boat, swimming 'till my heart's content, wandering to mom's garden for a fresh pick, and frolicking barefoot in the backyard. Now, summer life is limited to short evenings on the patio and brief weekends playing in the sun. Summer 2008 was one of the first that I felt myself realizing that I am truly entering into adulthood. We own a house now, I am deep into my career, and my responsibilities are never few. The carefree days (and I mean that in the most complete sense) of past years seem far away. Those summer days of youth were golden days to me. I clearly remember laying on my parents' boat, face to the sky, with the best of friends next to me... laughing, talking, and relishing every moment of sunkissed joy.
Now that life has changed a bit... I find simple, summer pleasures in things like wearing flipflops, growing veggies in my own garden, waking up to sunlight streaming in the windows,
and taking every opportunity I can to spend a moment with those I love the most in simple summer bliss.
This weekend Zack and I are heading up to Minnesota's North Shore. We are meeting with my parents and staying at a lakeside resort in Two Harbors. We will be busy playing on the shores of Superior, shopping in Grand Marais, dining al fresco, and most importantly, relishing every moment of sunkissed joy.
Now that life has changed a bit... I find simple, summer pleasures in things like wearing flipflops, growing veggies in my own garden, waking up to sunlight streaming in the windows,
and taking every opportunity I can to spend a moment with those I love the most in simple summer bliss.
This weekend Zack and I are heading up to Minnesota's North Shore. We are meeting with my parents and staying at a lakeside resort in Two Harbors. We will be busy playing on the shores of Superior, shopping in Grand Marais, dining al fresco, and most importantly, relishing every moment of sunkissed joy.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
hello world
Let's see here.... wow, it's been awhile since I wrote last. I've been busy, busy with the house, new job, gardening, and freelance work. The good news is that I am loving it all and have no complaints whatsoever. The bad news is that this blog has been temporarily abandoned. But have no fear..... I am coming back soon with a whole NEW BLOG, loads of pictures and details of trips we've taken, pies I've baked, and projects we've tackled. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
where she been?
In case you're wondering if I was abducted by aliens.......... packing, painting, moving, unpacking, organizing, and starting a new job have kept me well occupied for some time now. To top it ALL OFF, I was sicker than a dog for about a week after we moved (my first week on the new job). All due to an infected wisdom tooth. FUN times! Now that it's all taken care of, and I am feeling much better, I am just trying to catch back up with life. We don't have internet at the house yet, so I am writing during a quick break at work. I have lots to update you all on...... but the big "blog dump" will have to wait. For now, it's back to designing at A La Carte Design!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
spice
The blog needed some *zing*, so I added the above header that I whipped up in photoshop, along with some new blog-title and link colors. What do ya think??Tuesday, June 24, 2008
today...
...was my last Tuesday at KPA.
...is the day I WILL finish up my current freelance project.
...feels like summer.
...I ate a cupcake at the Cupcake Cafe. I highly recommend it.
...I had a Strawberry Goodness smoothie for dinner. MMMMmmm.
...is 6 days away from our closing date.
...is 8 days away from move in!
...is the revival of interesting blog topics, and (hopefully) the end of life-changing (house-buying, job-switching) posts.
...I had an amazing new idea for our new office at the house.
...I learned about magnetic paint.
...I gained a new appreciation for Martha Stewart.
...Emmy and I walked to the fields and back.
...is going to end well, I can feel it.
...I cannot post without a picture! So here is a lovely shot of the German Chocolate cupcake from the Cupcake Cafe website. It might not be beautiful, but it sure was very tasty.
And I hate to break away from my "today" theme, but I must say... I am quite intrigued by the whole cupcake idea. Today I came across the Cupcake Bakeshop blog, and with my visit to the Cupcake Cafe and all... it seemed like a sign. I might just have to try my hand at these little wonders!
...is the day I WILL finish up my current freelance project.
...feels like summer.
...I ate a cupcake at the Cupcake Cafe. I highly recommend it.
...I had a Strawberry Goodness smoothie for dinner. MMMMmmm.
...is 6 days away from our closing date.
...is 8 days away from move in!
...is the revival of interesting blog topics, and (hopefully) the end of life-changing (house-buying, job-switching) posts.
...I had an amazing new idea for our new office at the house.
...I learned about magnetic paint.
...I gained a new appreciation for Martha Stewart.
...Emmy and I walked to the fields and back.
...is going to end well, I can feel it.
...I cannot post without a picture! So here is a lovely shot of the German Chocolate cupcake from the Cupcake Cafe website. It might not be beautiful, but it sure was very tasty.
And I hate to break away from my "today" theme, but I must say... I am quite intrigued by the whole cupcake idea. Today I came across the Cupcake Bakeshop blog, and with my visit to the Cupcake Cafe and all... it seemed like a sign. I might just have to try my hand at these little wonders!
Friday, June 20, 2008
newsflash
Well I can finally break the silence with some official news about what's been keeping me busy!
{I have resigned from my position at Koechel Peterson & Associates and accepted a new job with A La Carte Design!}
It's just that simple, yet so much more complicated. Here's the semi-abridged, yet still long version...
You all probably read my post about looking for a new job, needing a change, etc, etc. Well, after we bought the house in Mound, it was clear to me that a job change was necessary. Not only was I burned out with my current job, but the commute from the new place was going to be killer. 35 miles, 10 of which are on a single lane road winding around the lake (beautiful, but not conducive to quickly flowing traffic). I was looking at 1.5 to 2 hours in the car daily. Not to mention the WOW gas bill that would inevitably go hand in hand with the new commute. So... the job search began in earnest. I knew what I was looking for... sort of. But I also was open to some different possibilities.
While driving around our new neighborhood, I noticed a small design shop in a quaint, funky office. I could tell by their logo and signage that they had some style and class. I wrote down the name, and looked them up later online. Then, for the heck of it, I wrote up an email and sent them my resume. From there, I started searching other design, marketing, and PR firms in the area of the new house. I sent off a few more emails and resumes and kept on a lookin'. I knew that if I was going to get another job (as opposed to going freelance), it was going to have to be a special place that fit with my lifestyle and personality.
Enter A La Carte Design... the original design shop that I had driven by. A few days after I sent my resume, I heard back from the owner of the company. After a few emails back and forth, samples of my work sent, etc, etc, we finally connected over the phone and set up an interview. I drove out there on a Wednesday evening after work, and proceeded to spend two hours(!) talking with the owner, Alisa. The next week she invited me back for a second interview. We spent another two hours talking, she made me a job offer... and the rest is history! She offered me the job on a Wednesday evening, I officially accepted on Friday, and resigned on Monday. I finally had the go ahead to make the announcement to my coworkers yesterday, and now I am sharing the news with the masses. :)
A few crazy things about this whole process.... The timing was impeccable. I continue to be amazed at God's hand in all of this. The puzzle pieces fit together absolutely perfectly. From Alisa getting my resume at the right time and sensing a need for another designer, to the timing of the interviews and the job offer and my two week notice, etc, etc.... Everything lined up. I put my notice in Monday, and my last day will be in one week, on Friday the 27th. We close on the house on Monday the 30th, and I have one whole week to paint, move in, and settle into our new house before I start my new job on Monday the 7th. Crazy, crazy.
On top of all that, the job is a great fit for me. Here are my top ten reasons why. :)
• Location, location, location. 3 miles away! I can ride my bike, take the scooter, or drive. The commute rocks and we will save lots of $$ on gas.
• Fast Pace. From the sounds of it, this place is hoppin'! The days will fly by with many projects and plenty to do.
• Fresh n' Edgy. The design style is happenin'. It's fresh and vibrant and will bring a whole new dimension to my portfolio.
• Atmosphere. The design shop is a remodeled Cape Cod that has a funky modern twist to it. It's bright and breezy and seems to be a great working environment.
• People. While I haven't met the whole team yet, my new boss is a zippy, fun, and energetic woman who shares my passion for change, new ideas, and flexibility.
• Opportunity Knocks. Okay, really this should be #1. Not only was I offered a design job at A La Carte, I was given the chance to start up a custom stationary and invitation division within the company. They pay for the marketing, website, etc, etc... we turn a room in the shop into a showroom and store, and the whole thing is "my baby". Oh, and I get commission on all sales. Uh huh, that's what I'm talkin' about!
• Winston. The office dog. Yup, the office has a dog. Winston is Alisa's 8 month old puppy. He pretty darn cute and irresistable and he brings a crazy, fun element to the work-a-day world.
• Vacation. Okay, so I get paid vacation already, but in small companies like A La Carte, it's not everyday that you get a decent vacation policy. They are matching my current amount of paid days off, PLUS giving me a flexible schedule. Uh HUh!
• Smaller&Better. With only 6 people (I make 7), the office has the right mix of "enough" and not "too much". It's cozy and intimate, yet not so small that you get tired of your one and only coworker.
So I think that about wraps up my "newsflash". I have more to write about (moving! packing! emmy! pancakes! more!), but it's time for lunch, so I'm heading out to enjoy the beautiful weather. Sorry for the lack of pictures today. More later.
{I have resigned from my position at Koechel Peterson & Associates and accepted a new job with A La Carte Design!}
It's just that simple, yet so much more complicated. Here's the semi-abridged, yet still long version...
You all probably read my post about looking for a new job, needing a change, etc, etc. Well, after we bought the house in Mound, it was clear to me that a job change was necessary. Not only was I burned out with my current job, but the commute from the new place was going to be killer. 35 miles, 10 of which are on a single lane road winding around the lake (beautiful, but not conducive to quickly flowing traffic). I was looking at 1.5 to 2 hours in the car daily. Not to mention the WOW gas bill that would inevitably go hand in hand with the new commute. So... the job search began in earnest. I knew what I was looking for... sort of. But I also was open to some different possibilities.
While driving around our new neighborhood, I noticed a small design shop in a quaint, funky office. I could tell by their logo and signage that they had some style and class. I wrote down the name, and looked them up later online. Then, for the heck of it, I wrote up an email and sent them my resume. From there, I started searching other design, marketing, and PR firms in the area of the new house. I sent off a few more emails and resumes and kept on a lookin'. I knew that if I was going to get another job (as opposed to going freelance), it was going to have to be a special place that fit with my lifestyle and personality.
Enter A La Carte Design... the original design shop that I had driven by. A few days after I sent my resume, I heard back from the owner of the company. After a few emails back and forth, samples of my work sent, etc, etc, we finally connected over the phone and set up an interview. I drove out there on a Wednesday evening after work, and proceeded to spend two hours(!) talking with the owner, Alisa. The next week she invited me back for a second interview. We spent another two hours talking, she made me a job offer... and the rest is history! She offered me the job on a Wednesday evening, I officially accepted on Friday, and resigned on Monday. I finally had the go ahead to make the announcement to my coworkers yesterday, and now I am sharing the news with the masses. :)
A few crazy things about this whole process.... The timing was impeccable. I continue to be amazed at God's hand in all of this. The puzzle pieces fit together absolutely perfectly. From Alisa getting my resume at the right time and sensing a need for another designer, to the timing of the interviews and the job offer and my two week notice, etc, etc.... Everything lined up. I put my notice in Monday, and my last day will be in one week, on Friday the 27th. We close on the house on Monday the 30th, and I have one whole week to paint, move in, and settle into our new house before I start my new job on Monday the 7th. Crazy, crazy.
On top of all that, the job is a great fit for me. Here are my top ten reasons why. :)
::::::: t o p : t e n :::::::
• Flexibility. 100% flexible scheduling. Really. I can come in at 7 or 10 or noon. I can work four 10 hour days and take Fridays off. I can skip lunches or take an hour and go out. YES!• Location, location, location. 3 miles away! I can ride my bike, take the scooter, or drive. The commute rocks and we will save lots of $$ on gas.
• Fast Pace. From the sounds of it, this place is hoppin'! The days will fly by with many projects and plenty to do.
• Fresh n' Edgy. The design style is happenin'. It's fresh and vibrant and will bring a whole new dimension to my portfolio.
• Atmosphere. The design shop is a remodeled Cape Cod that has a funky modern twist to it. It's bright and breezy and seems to be a great working environment.
• People. While I haven't met the whole team yet, my new boss is a zippy, fun, and energetic woman who shares my passion for change, new ideas, and flexibility.
• Opportunity Knocks. Okay, really this should be #1. Not only was I offered a design job at A La Carte, I was given the chance to start up a custom stationary and invitation division within the company. They pay for the marketing, website, etc, etc... we turn a room in the shop into a showroom and store, and the whole thing is "my baby". Oh, and I get commission on all sales. Uh huh, that's what I'm talkin' about!
• Winston. The office dog. Yup, the office has a dog. Winston is Alisa's 8 month old puppy. He pretty darn cute and irresistable and he brings a crazy, fun element to the work-a-day world.
• Vacation. Okay, so I get paid vacation already, but in small companies like A La Carte, it's not everyday that you get a decent vacation policy. They are matching my current amount of paid days off, PLUS giving me a flexible schedule. Uh HUh!
• Smaller&Better. With only 6 people (I make 7), the office has the right mix of "enough" and not "too much". It's cozy and intimate, yet not so small that you get tired of your one and only coworker.
So I think that about wraps up my "newsflash". I have more to write about (moving! packing! emmy! pancakes! more!), but it's time for lunch, so I'm heading out to enjoy the beautiful weather. Sorry for the lack of pictures today. More later.
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