Work: is going well. Quite busy, but with the nation's unemployment rate creeping up on 10%, I'll take busy. I'm currently working on an upcoming exhibition that opens in February and right now we're at the beginning-to-middle design stage. I'm working out a plan for what the graphics will be and what those graphics will look like: color palette, images, typeface, etc. Fun stuff. The topic is Chinese Rubbings. The Field Museum has the largest collection (7,000+) of Chinese Rubbings in the western hemisphere and we're choosing a few dozen of the most impressive to display in the year-long exhibition. I'm also working on a handful of other projects like brochures, directories, guides, invitations, and signs. So many graphic design needs for this institution!
Relationship: is going well despite the long distance. JZ and I talk regularly on the phone which is always good but sometimes a challenge because our schedules don't always align. For the most part though, this is going really well. We're learning more about our individual communication styles and I'm learning how to speak more and express more verbally. (I'm usually more of a listener). Next weekend I'm heading up to MI to visit him for the weekend. Amtrak will get me there in just under 5 hours (hopefully :)
Leisure: now that I'm basically living the single life ;) I can spend my free time doing whatever pops into my head. Fall is my favorite season and I've been busy collecting interesting leaves and seeds from my neighborhood. They're currently being pressed in my dictionary while I come up with something 'artsy' (as jz would say) to do with them. With the onset of fall also comes my renewed desire to knit. A couple posts ago, I shared my recent project which I'm nearly finished with. I have to find some hardware for the handles and felt the wool, but I'm almost there! Another project that I'm engrossed in is a calendar design project. I'm designing my own. I know, it seems crazy since every fall/winter there are millions of calendars available for sale, but I like structure and creativity needed to make my own.
Health: on the mend. I got quite sick a couple weekends ago, but I don't think it was the swine flu. I think it was just a major head and chest cold. I'm still coughing, but at least I feel like a human being again.
Lila: as sweet as ever. She likes my new apartment and the extra space has made her more relaxed. Her new favorite hiding spot is under my entryway cabinet which I often have pillows propped up against. I think it makes her feel sneaky. I've also realized that having both a cat and a knitting hobby can be quite challenging. For example:
Yes, she's laying on the directions. Not helpful. I do love her though, especially when she snuggles up next to me in bed. I think she just does it to steal my body heat, but whatever. I'm a pushover.
Family: My aunt and uncle on my mom's side were in a motorcycle accident about a month ago and as you can imagine, it was not easy to hear this news. Brought us all back to July of 2003. Thankfully, my aunt and uncle were spared any internal brain injuries and their bodies are healing. My aunt received the worst from the accident (when their rear tire blew) with a cracked pelvis, crushed elbow, and a few facial fractures. She's finally returned home from the hospital and it sounds like it's going pretty well. I think about their family a lot.
Well, I know that wasn't everything, but at least it was something. I hope you're all enjoying your September!
