Thursday, November 11, 2010
what chapter would I be on by now?...
Hi everyone.
How ya'll doing?
Yeah, me too.
Life is funny, right? Just a few months ago, I posted something about celebrating my 4th year of life in Chicago and working at the Museum. I love it, it loves me.... blah, blah, blah.
And then... just two months ago, I announced that I was engaged! Crazy! Awesome! Exciting!
And, most recently, I posted about my lovely little apartment on Chicago's NW side. So cute, so me, so Chicago.
Ahem.... now I have some more news.
All three of those things are changing. Well, not the engagement, I'm still engaged. But our relationship is about to go through a bit of an adjustment in the coming months. Alright, can't stand the suspense I see, well, here goes...
I've quit my job. I'm leaving Chicago. I'm giving up my apartment.
KABOOM.
I think most of you reading this knew that this was happening. If not, I'm sorry that you're finding out this way, but here are some details:
The Museum was and still is going through some cut-backs, so I took a voluntary buy-out incentive to quit my job. My last day was this past Friday. So far this week I've been living the very strange life of a newly unemployed, hard-working Iowan, which basically means I'm still trying to work. Which is fine and good because I'm focusing all my attention on freelance work right now and my hope is that the Museum will be a client in a few months. I'm also trying to focus on freelance work because I can do it almost anywhere and that's good because....
I'm leaving Chicago. I'm packing up my apartment and heading back to my roots in northwest Iowa. I'm doing all of this for slightly selfish reasons, but also because my mom has been going through chemo for the past few months (on top of the MS she's had for 21 years) and I just really want to be with her. Spend time with her, help her, anything.
I find myself pretty fortunate considering the circumstances. The Museum is going through layoffs and my mom has cancer and MS, yet I'm in a position in life to deal with it the way I want to and need to. I have no mortgage, no kids, no (major) debt, no responsibilities except my cat. I quit my job but I will bounce back and I'm planning on getting as much out of these next few months as possible. I know they're going to be difficult. The adjustment period alone could last more than a few months (i.e. there are no thai or sushi restaurants in Sioux Center :P), but I'm looking on the bright side. You have to, right?
The post I wrote back at the end of May is still very relevant to me, especially this part:
"I'm now 26. And, save for a few things that could be better, I love my life. I love my career and my city. I love my new friends and old friends. I love my upbringing and I love my values. And more than anything, I love and appreciate my family. I know that there are a lot of people who are blessed to grow up and grow old in the same community their entire life, but for me personally, I have been blessed to grow up and then grow up even more in completely different communities."
Interestingly, that statement in the first line where I say, "save for a few things that could be better" refers to exactly why I'm making the change I am. I've struggled with being away from my mom for a few years now. I can't cure cancer or MS, but what I can do is be a daughter. Her daughter. No training required.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
operation: engagement
JZ proposed on a rooftop terrace at The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, MN. And I said YES! It was incredibly sweet, exciting, and nerve-wracking! A date hasn't been set yet, but we're so excited and happy.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Four Years
This coming holiday weekend marks the fourth anniversary of my move to Chicago. In May 2006, I was fresh out of undergrad, a shiny new art degree in hand and confident that I had no idea what I was getting myself into. In the past four years I have experienced and learned many amazing things about myself, my career, and what it means to grow up. There have been good times and bad times. Friendships that came and went, new relationships begun, loved ones who entered the world and some who left it.
I'm now 26. And, save for a few things that could be better, I love my life. I love my career and my city. I love my new friends and old friends. I love my upbringing and I love my values. And more than anything, I love and appreciate my family. I know that there are a lot of people who are blessed to grow up and grow old in the same community their entire life, but for me personally, I have been blessed to grow up and then grow up even more in completely different communities.
Thank you to my family and friends for the support you have given me in the past four years. I know things haven't been perfect, but it's been a journey I'm happy to have made knowing you're there.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Tuna
When I was younger (errr...up until about 2 years ago), I thought Tuna were small fish. As in, really tiny. I think it's because the canned variety came in such small containers and I didn't have a cut of fresh tuna until I was out of college.
Anyway, the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna is highlighted in Wikispecies' "Species of the week" and so I learned that the average weight of an Atlantic Bluefin Tuna is 550lbs and the average size is 6.5ft. Also, did you know that it's warm-blooded? I saw one of these giant creatures at the Monterrey Bay Aquarium last fall and was mesmerized by their iridescent scales.
What a beautifully surprising world we live in. It's good to be reminded that I have so much more to learn.
Anyway, the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna is highlighted in Wikispecies' "Species of the week" and so I learned that the average weight of an Atlantic Bluefin Tuna is 550lbs and the average size is 6.5ft. Also, did you know that it's warm-blooded? I saw one of these giant creatures at the Monterrey Bay Aquarium last fall and was mesmerized by their iridescent scales.
What a beautifully surprising world we live in. It's good to be reminded that I have so much more to learn.
Logorama
Logorama from Marc Altshuler - Human Music on Vimeo.
I know this is kinda old news, but if you haven't seen the film Logorama, do it now.
It won a much deserved Oscar in the Short Film category. If you hold any particular brand close to you heart you may be offended, but the music and sheer creative genius behind this is amazing.
via Made It Pretty
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Alumni spotlight
I've been selected for the May Alumni Spotlight on the DC AIGA blog. (Dordt College, American Institute of the Graphic Arts). Click on over here to read about my work since graduation and to see a few design samples.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
mayday
I had such a wonderful day today. I think my body knew that it was the first day of May because I was up at 7:30am this morning (feeling great). This led to a crazy productive day.
Before 11:30am, I....
• cleaned my apartment (yep. cleaned. at 7:30 am)
• had breakfast
• installed my air-conditioner
• showered
• read the headlines (and a few articles. can you believe what's going on in the gulf right now?? it's disgusting and sad)
• went to the bank
• went to a rummage sale
• went to another rummage sale
• got groceries (fresh fruit and cheese. mmmm)
• snuggled with my cat
• made lunch.
The time is now 11:30am, and I need a nap.
The day was so great! I've been feeling pretty lethargic lately so it was nice to get out and make a great saturday for myself.
I scored the cutest picnic basket at one of the rummage sales today:
I can't wait to take him out for a spin. Hopefully several spins this summer.
Speaking of this summer. JZ completes his first year at Law School this coming week, after which he'll be coming back here to Chicago for a summer internship! Yay! The long distance thing has had it's ups and downs, and while I'm 99% excited to have him back in the city, I'm also a little nervous about the adjustment. Mostly though, I'm looking forward to the time we can spend together (having picnics!)
(picture at the top: i made those strings of pendant flags for myself. They make me happy)
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Pajama Monster!
I can't say I never win anything.
I just won FluFfy the Pajama Monster from the delightful blog la la lovely!!
Yay!! She looks so squeezable!
Monday, March 8, 2010
26
My birthday is tomorrow. That's right people. I'm turning 26.
Since I love celebrating my birthday, I jumped the gun and had a celebration this past weekend. Good times were had: photos were bombed, ice cream cake was eaten, strikes were bowled. I love my friends.
Since I love celebrating my birthday, I jumped the gun and had a celebration this past weekend. Good times were had: photos were bombed, ice cream cake was eaten, strikes were bowled. I love my friends.
Friday, January 29, 2010
something's not quite right here...
Last night I dreamt that I met Daniel Burnham. Awesome you say? It would have been had he been dressed in something other than khaki pants and polo t-shirt!
Seeing the early 20th century architect in such lame digs was quite a letdown.
Seeing the early 20th century architect in such lame digs was quite a letdown.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)