Life changing moments of the decade

2000: 18 years old
Am working at the West Bend Sunday Post learning everything about putting a newspaper together, except (ironically) graphic design.

Accepted to UW-Milwaukee

Move to Milwaukee, find a roommate who happens to be the son of one of my coworkers at the newspaper. Learn how to live on my own: cook, clean and make friends who can purchase beer.

Meet my first friend, Aaron. Who plays a pivotal role in 2007.

Meet more friends whom are still my good friends today.


2001: 19 years old
Required to take an English class. Enroll in Creative Writing.

Surprise myself by being able to write poetry.

Grandpa Farold Heine dies a few days after I visit him. It’s the first time in my adult life having to cope with death. Find hidden treasures in their basement, stamp collections, handmade rifles, old pipes and jars of homemade honey.

Am pushed by Katie to get a job to curb partying, drinking and watching bad tv. I get two jobs: an office assistant at the Milwaukee Idea office and sales person at Restoration Hardware. Make many connections at Idea office some remain my freelance clients to date.

Travel with mom to California to look at Colleges to attend. Eat sushi everyday of trip, get lost in Beverly Hills.

Declare major with emphasis in Graphic Design,

2002: 20 years old
Spend a week in Fort Myers Beach with my closest friends, Sara, Katie, Molly, Brooke, Tony & Aaron. Each end up loving my Grandma and still talk about her drinking and driving lecture and gin martinis.

On the first day of Spring Break, Mom dies unexpectedly. Confused. Lost. Hurt. Angry. Sad. Life is never the same. Still am reminded of her every single day.


2003: 21 years old
Ended my first real relationship with someone I really cared about. Figured out to be a good and bad girlfriend. Learned how and how not to treat an ex-boyfriend. We still keep in touch today amidst previous drama.

Visited the most Western part of the 48 states near Eureka, CA. Amazed by the redwoods. Moved friend home by helping to drive an 8 foot UHaul from Northern California to West Bend.

Had a whole bunch of fun going out, partying, dating (well I was 21 and single ready to mingle).


2004: 22 years old
Partied “Pat” who will turn out to be future fiancé’s cousin.

Dated the craziest designer/dancer who really helped me pushed my design work and he got me a job that would hire me full time in 2006.

Graduated UW-Milwaukee with a degree in Fine Arts


2005: 22 years old (I stayed 22 for two years)
Spent 3 months living in Australia, working in a small design/gallery shop. Met the most amazing friendly people. Learn how to open up and fall in love and travel by myself.

Sew my first Save the Earth bag and take to grocery store. Goodbye paper and plastic.

My friend & old roommate Molly passes away. Restore friendships.

Became a vegetarian for 6 months, right before Thanksgiving of all times.


2006: 24 years old
Started taking upholstery classes.

Meet someone who I thought could be “the one”. Look past all the red flags.

Promoted to full time status at work.


2007: 25 years old
I get a surprise Pomeranian puppy for 1 year anniversary that I don’t want.

Aaron tells me to meet him at a mutual friends housewarming party. Introduce myself to strangers in kitchen, one of them happens to be Mike. Mike helps me find a home for the puppy. Break up with loser boyfriend.

Divulge to Mike about wanting to sell my grocery totes, he connects me to the Milw. Public Market. I start selling my totes and even score an article in the Milwaukee Journal. Sales are booming.

July 14: First “real” date with Mike. Made chicken and capers, drank a bottle of wine, watched the movie the Prestige.

2008: 26 years old
Spend a long vacation with Mike in Cabo, Mexico.

Moved my 10th time in 10 years into Mike’s house.

My little sister gets married! Deliver most awesomeness speech ever. Best after wedding party ever!

2009: 27 years old
Mike proposes. I say yes.

Travel to the Philippines: explore culture, the land, the food and meet Mike’s family.

Quit my job. Accepted different one.

2009 top 20 moments

1.   Getting a new job
2.     Shopping, eating and getting a haircut in Manila
3.     Mike talking to himself in the voice of the Slumdog Millionare game show announcer in a public bathroom in Door County, not realizing a father and son where in the closed stall. He booked it to the car and told me to hit the gas.
4.     Attending Seven pant splitting weddings
5.     Listening to Grandpa’s animated stories while he pours himself three whisky straights
6.     Not quite remembering the craziness of the Sara/h’s 30^th birthday party
7.     Creating a new line of purses and selling in a store
8.     Danielle yelling “No, keep going” when trying to pull into a supper club up north
9.     Being able to understand Mike’s dad
10.  Burning the oven knob & being suspended from using appliances that could cause a fire
11.  Making new friends
12.  Driving 10 hours in a car to Cleveland while Mike’s mom tries to feed me lemon bars.
13.  Watching Mike and Brandon become brothers
14.  Listing to Vampire Weekend while driving to the mountains of Baguio
15.  Soaking up the sun, gambling & going to see O in Las Vegas with friends
16.  Hanging out on Boracy Beach in the crystal clear water
17.  Dinners with Dad
18.  Meeting all of Mike’s wonderful family in the Philippines
19.  Mike asking me to marry him outside the public market
20.  and the surprise engagement party afterwords.

Bluffing Fairness

Sometimes being a good person tells their honest opinion. And sometimes it's about sitting back, having a gin martini and not saying anything.

Red and Plaid make friends

Since starting the wristlet line in May I've been busy experiementing with different designs, sizes, pairing colors and adding new bangles. Over the past month I've been attached to my computer or sewing machine. Mike's been making me dinner and right after I escape to the basement with a glass of wine. It paid off. I've far exceeded my goals, the shop I'm consigning at in Whitefish Bay is doing well and I've had my first online sale on etsy. What suprised me the most is that my grocery totes sold. I had to call in my sister to help me double my inventory just to get through all my sales. This could be the first saturday in a long time where I'm not sewing or selling all day. Do you know what that means? I get to shop!

Find my bags/clutches/wristlets on blackbirdbags.etsy.com

My Thanksgiving in Cleveland

I'm about 12 hours away from leaving Cleveland but thought I'd share some highlights from my first Filipino Thanksgiving in Cleveland.

1. The eight hour car ride turned into 10 hours thanks to Chicago traffic. Note to self: Drive at night or by a plane ticket
2. Laughed when Mike's mom thought the car jack was Mike's exercise equipment
3. Mike's brother's house is perhaps the biggest house I've ever been in
4. There will always be food at all hours of the day.
5. Mike's nieces and nephews are so lovable and sweet it made the drive seem like nothing
6. Learned how to shoot a handgun. Now accepted by the brothers
7. Thanksgiving grace was combined with the news of another baby on the way
8. Woke up to a beautiful snowfall - good thing I packed socks
9. Black Friday shopping wasn't as nearly as bad as predicted
10. Hoping to telecommute back to Milwaukee through wine, didn't work on white, lets try red.

Vegas

I recently returned back from Vegas. A little R&R with Mike and a couple friends from Atlanta. Weather was 10 degrees above normal, shopping is insane, learned how to play blackjack and ate the best Filipino food so far in the states. We were so stuffed we didn't even bother with dinner. It may have been the cheapest & filling meal there. Some highlights include:

1. Watching Mike walk into the women's restroom (twice)
2. Walking through Venice
3. Walking through Paris
4. Gushing at how gorgeous the Wynn & Encore hotels are
5. Seeing “O”
6. Laying poolside while it’s 40 degrees in WI
7. Showing someone how to play slots
8. Getting asked if I was 16
9. Buying perfume from Appa Kappa
10. Staying clear of drinking and the wedding chapel

Curling Iron Heaven

I knew the end of my big barrel curling iron was near. I just didn't know it would be today. Yes the "on" button was floating somewhere inside, screws were loose, the outside was stained by a fushia lipstick and speckles of hairspray hung on. I could still manage to hit the on button, but today the light didn't show red. Impossible! I removed the cord from the socket, pushed reset on the socket, line up the cord to the socket, insert. ZAP! Poof! Sizzzzzz. And the power upstairs is lost.

I run downstairs, reboot the power, run up. Slowly lets try this again. Line up the cord to the socket, insert. It works! I start curling away. Then zap. zap. zap. zap. My finger feels funny and hot! Oh it must be that nest of exposed metal. Wonderful. Nothing like a little electrution to start the morning. The iron now lays in our trash can, awaiting pick up.

Did even matter if my hair was curled anyway. It was raining and didn't have my umbrella.

Stepping on the scale

The day after my workout wasn't too bad. However Friday was absolutely painful. My legs hurt so bad I had to hold onto the toliet paper dispenser in order to lower myself down. I had muscles in places I never knew and they ached, all of them. So yesterday I decided to step on the scale to see if any damange was made. The arrow creeped even higher. How could I know be at the heaviest I've ever been? How could I have gained two pounds since Monday?

Workout

It's been awhile since I fit in some of my jeans so I've decided to become a member at a gym. Monday was my first official day as a member. I took a pilates class which I thought wasn't going to work me... until two days later and my abs still hurt. Today I start my free training program with a french woman who just happens to be a football player. So much for prancing around the gym in a leotard, I'm afraid I'll be one of those contestants on the biggest loser crying while their coach tells them to do 10 more. Will keep you updated.

Seven Weddings

When Mike and I counted how many weddings were going to this year, we thought wow we are going to be busy this summer and fall. Yesterday was wedding reception #5. Our friends closed down the Wicked Hop for their friends and family. It was great - open bar, good food and the bride and groom were so happy.

I have to say I'm very excited for Sue and Lamont's wedding next weekend. I've been looking forward to it ever since Mike and I met them out in Chicago and Lamont whispered something along the lines of..."Hook me up with your number because I'm going ask Sue to marry me and it's going to be a huge surprise." That was December 2008.

I don't know what I'm most looking forward to - the winery, dancing with my friends, seeing Sue in a wedding dress or just being part of their special day. I think the later.

The Time Traveler's Wife Movie

Not as good as the book - but I cried so hard it looked like I had pink eye.

The Time Traveler's Wife

If you haven't yet read "The Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Niffengger add it to your reading list now. It's an amazing story of love and dedication through time and space. Throughout reading I wondered what it would feel like if Mike was a time traveler (in his dreams he is) and how I would feel seeing past or future Mike. Or what would happen if he would tell me things that are to happen in the future. I can't say I would want to know. It's almost like know your death date. If you know something is going to happen would you (or wouldn't you) take steps to make sure it does (or doesn't) happen?

Granted the book is better than the movie - off to see it tonight - Can't resist Eric Bana.

afterthought

Yesterday I was thinking more about this gift registering. I asked my sister who's been through the process of why a couple would register for little items that could be easily purchased by the couple. She made a good point in saying that you have to consider your guest's budget, putting items of various values on your list. It made sense.

I guess I'm not your "typical person getting married" as noted in a previous post. This morning while reading the Miss Manners column, she discusses guest etiquette in regards to contributing to the wedded couples favorite charity. How refreshing is it that couples are thinking about giving back as their wedding gift. This is something I also have been thinking about. If I had to have a shower, this is exactly what I would do. Miss manners says (talking in second person) "Yes, Yes, she is aware that a vast number of people presume that their weddings (and graduations and birthdays) are license to order what they want from their relatives and friends."

I begin thinking about Christmas, birthday and even my own graduation, high school and college. Immediately I was ashamed. For my high school graduation I was in Target scanning items I wanted to start my college life. I'm now mortified.

I'm not blaming my Mom for throwing a party I didn't want, because I could have put my foot down. I think I spent most of that party sitting on the peer with my friend Tony. My family and family friends probably thought I was an inconsiderate snot. I did appreciate the gifts and they helped out immensely my first year.

Much has changed since then. Mom's not here and my perspective on life has 180-ed. And I think with time my family's perspective on giving has changed as well, our big family christmas' are now spent purchasing and wrapping presents for a family who needs it. I am extremely grateful to have financial independence and would give it all back just have my mom.

My lesson learned: To not even look at their list. To give them a gift I think will make them happy on their special day.

Registering for gifts

Having perused family and friend's gift registries, there are some things I think I really funny to register for - like fondue kits, line spool, long red handle grip and corn seasoning. I JUST can't imagine opening up a gift and gushing over a long red handle grip... maybe if it were purple or teal...

Things Mike and I could register for that I think are very practical and would really help us out as newlyweds:
1. M&I Bank CDS
2. A month's mortgage payment
3. Snow tires
4. Motor Oil
5. Cable bill payments
6. Fireplace Insert
7. New windows
8. Frozen salmon
9. Alterra coffee beans
10. Cupcake baking tins

Why I'm not a typical person getting married - or "bride"

1. Doesn't want bridal shower
2. Doesn't want bachelorette party.
3. Would rather send an evite verses a formal mailed invite
4. Doesn't care what color or style the maid of honor dress is
5. Doesn't own or want a wedding planner kit
6. Has already unsubscribed from the knot.com email list
7. Mike has already done more planning by far
8. Thinks showers are just a way to get presents
9. Doesn't own any bridal magazines
10. Could walk into the courthouse, get married and that would be it.

Don't get me wrong, I'm excited to get married the few things I do want

1. the day to be unforgettable
2. a memorable dress
3. excellent food
4. fun music
5. my closest friends & family
6. a sunny sky
7. everyone to have a good time
8. future family in the Philippines to come
9. a relaxing day after with the future husband
10. a safe trip home

One Month until Shanel's runway show

Just sent the Lela/Shanel Runway show postcard to print this morning. Shanel's one talented designer - if you're interested in fashion plan to attend.

Sept. 12, 2009
321 N. Broadway Ave. Milwaukee
7pm Cash Bar
8:30 Pm Runway
$25 cash at door
After Party at Clear

New Job Update

With now three weeks under my belt at the new job I'm feeling more comfortable. Still haven't figured out how the coffee machine works or what everybody does, I have a comfortable workload. The clients I've been working with think I'm brilliant. I have yet to blow my paycheck - because that's what your suppose to do. I don't get out shopping soon I'll be shopping for fall. Something I'd rather not think about.

I'm so cool they made a BMW after me.

From DesignBoom.com

BMW GINA light visionary model concept car
BMW recently revealed the GINA light visionary model concept car, an innovative new exploration in car design. instead of the traditional steel and plastic body shell, the GINA concept uses a textile fabric starches over a wire frame. this unique idea allows the car’s skin to change shape, stretching to match the position and curve of the wire frame. this idea is demonstrated in the ‘blinking’; headlights and the flexibility of the car doors as they open. the project began by questioning the purpose of a car’s body and exploring new possibilities. The car is currently on show at the BMW museum in munich, germany

Baking

Pictured is my attempt at baking purple basil biscuits from a cooking light recipe. Turned out more like a salty paper bag scone with a hit of basil.

Stimulating the economy

My mini cooper will turn four on July 20th. On it's third birthday I took it's for it's last free oil change under warranty. (Only needs an oil change every 13,000 miles or once every year.) I have not put any money into it besides gas until today when I took it to Urban MotorWerks an honest BMW auto on the edge of the gettho. I brought my bike so that I could bike away from the auto shop to Bayshore because they needed to check out some noises I'd been hearing.

So I biked to Bayshore, had a cup a coffee at Alterra, learned my car would have to stay overnight and I'd be stimulating the economy to the tune of $550. There goes the first installment check of my web design work. Ok that's fine I have a gift card to H&M I've been dying to use and I been on the hunt for some cute carpris that I could wear at my new job. Right at 10am I burst through the H&M doors and start shopping. I have a few outfits already drapped over my arm when all of a sudden this buzzing goes off. Oh...it's the fire alarm...no biggie... I look around and everyone is still shopping and no one is running outside and I don't smell any smoke. I just found the magenta miniskirt in my size. The skirt I've been looking for! I'm so happy!

A store clerk comes up to me, who I think might help me put my clothes into a dressing room. No? She does some hand motion to the door. I have to exit the store? I have to leave my new outfits behind? There is actually a fire? I waited about 50 seconds before huffing and heading to a different store. Twenty minuetes later people are still standing outside and there are two firetrucks and no hot firemen to admire. I will not be buying any new fun clothes.

I hop on my bike, car-less for the next 24 hours. Get on lake drive and bike down to Mike's office downtown.

Crossed off my list:
bike ride
get my car fixed
finish shopaholic and baby book
watch 5 minutes of Michael Jackson tribute

A week off

Monday morning I will awake and not have to think about my job. Correction: After my 8:30 exit interview I will drive away not having to thinking about my job. I will then do fun stuff like take my car to get the oil changed and find out what the wierd noise is when I turn around a corner and go shopping for NEW work clothes and try to make cinanamon basil biscuits.

I hope it's a productive week. I hope to get hundreds of purses sewn to last through the summer and toned abs and maybe a haircut. I do hope our new free HBO package doesn't pull me in. Thank the weather that it will be nice out all week. Bike rides and beach reads here I come! Oh all the things I can do this week! I love vacation!

32 hours left of work

I'm excited to leave, sad to go, but excited for what's next. It's like getting out of a bad relationship. I'm breaking up with my employeer. Mabye it's because I've enjoyed design affairs and now how creatively juciy an end product can be, maybe it's the lack of respect, maybe it's just time to try something new.

I have 32 more hours of work left before I leave. In the past week I've sent 3 catalogs, 2 brochures and a postcard to print, spent countless hours updating the website, ate 3 lunches at my desk, went out to lunch, went to a retirement party, sat through meetings and argued about deadlines.

This 32 more hours will be very close to hell. Transitioning my projects to the two other designers will lead to many questions. Launching a new website on the first of July will probably mean driving home opening a cold bottle of beer, slamming it, and opening the next one for sipping.

My boss once told me you can never move up if someone can do your current job. So here it goes - here's to transitioning.

Last week, I quit my job

As you know I have been bloging about how I might be better suited for a different job. Last week Thursday, I told my boss I was leaving and my last day was to be July 3rd because I GOT A NEW JOB!

It took over three months but I've accepted a job offer as a Senior Communication Specialist at the UWM main campus. I'm excited, scared and ready for a change. Telling my boss was sobering. It was like ending a relationship that wasn't going to work out under the current circumstances. On Tuesday I have to tell the rest of the team I don't know if i'll be happy or sad or what their reaction will be.

Now I'm thinking about how to stimulate the economy with my first new paycheck. Insert big Woo Hoo!

This Weekend I learned:

1. The bartender at the Crown Plaza Hotel would rather converse with her West Allis family than close our bill and manage a tip.
2. The table and chairs at Innovation, the restaurant in the Crown Plaza where both wet.
3. I would pay $9.95 again for subpar food but not for the service (with the exception of our waiter who was really very nice)
4. I like hanging out with Freddie, he reminds me of my coworker who never has a bad thing to say and can hear him through the office walls
5. I have a natural direction instinct in order to make it to my cousin’s wedding in Rio, WI a minute before the ceremony started
6. Many women have left their bras at Will Bill’s Saloon in Pardeeville, WI
7. Drinking makes my family happy, hence the stop at Will Bill’s, the first to order at the Best Western bar and the cooler of beer in Uncle Dave’s mini van.
8. My friend Sue makes a good point about couples who honeymoon in Disney: They want to have kids right away.
9. I will probably not produce the first Johnson great grandchild if #8 is true.
10. Bruch with the girls at Café Hollander was surprisingly good.
11. Yogurt with the fruit on the bottom isn’t good for you.
12. Mike’s newly built spice cabinet is still wonderful.
13. My Grandma in Oconomowoc really wants to live outdoors since she has bought more lawn furniture for her living room.
14. There is a small golf course walking distance from my house – how about that!
15. My cousin in the 7th grade set up an excel spreadsheet and insert equations WAY better than me.

Etsy Shop is finally up!

Record Day

Yesterday at the Milwaukee Public Market I broke my last record selling bags. The weekend after the JS article hit I sold 19 bags over the course of a week. This week, no article...just facebook, twitter, and the anticipation of a new line of purses I sold almost 30 bags over the course of 5 days. I'm estatic! This week more sewing, my fingers hurt and I have a sneaking suspicion Mike thinks I'm now dating my sewing machine.

Please don't lay me off

Governor Doyle Asks for More Sacrifices

By Matt Smith

Thursday, Governor Doyle proposed more layoffs and cuts to cities and schools in an effort to tame the state's growing budget deficit.

Governor Doyle calls the plan a "responsible agreement under extraordinary circumstances," while Republicans say it's anything but.

The governor's office reports this proposal will close the $1.6 billion shortfall that's occurred in just the past few months.

Thursday we learned that means as many as 1,400 state employees could lose their jobs -- even more than first announced.

"These are painful cuts that will affect the services people rely on and the employees who deliver those services."
The governor's proposal paints a clearer picture of what will be lost.
Each state agency must cut five percent from its own budget.

Non-union employees will not receive a raise, and all state employees must take 16 furlough days over the next two years. Schools and cities across Wisconsin will see state aid cut by two-and-a-half percent.

"I know it's very hard on the districts, students, families, but we don't have any other acceptable option," the governor said.

But some Republicans call the plan sneaky, a closed-door deal, that takes money from critical funds to help offset the governor's spending.

"He has increased borrowing by 60 percent. In addition to that, he has increased spending. And On top of that the way he increased spending is he has stolen from various funds," Rep. Phil Montgomery (R-Ashwaubenon) said.

"Despite the economic downturn, despite the growing budget deficit, we're doing everything we can to first of all pass a balanced budget and second of all do it on time," Rep. Tom Nelson (D-Kaukauna) said.

The Joint Finance Committee will begin voting on the budget Friday -- a move criticized by Republicans for trying to pass it on a holiday weekend.

A new website

For those interested in my professional work, check out my portfolio website. If you know someone in need of a graphic or web designer please forward my information on. Enjoy!

www.makeitbreathe.com

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the woman who have looked over me.

Grandma Heine: For teaching me patience and making sure I don't marry a married man with kids
Grandma Rose: For her humble wisdom and the taste of gin
My Aunts: For their special way to point out how danielle or I remind them of mom
My old boss Debbie: For her compassion and conversations and taste of good food
My friend/coworker Mary: For her boldness and importance of beliefs
To Mike's Mom: For treating me like one of her own
To my friends: For direction, laughs, openness, love and really really good night out
To my Best Friend Sara: For putting things in perspective and undeniable wit
To Bonnie: For reflection and really sound advice
To my woman coworkers: For maturity and inspiration
To Terry: For open communication, bold advice and optimism
To my sister: For renowned friendship, sense of style and ability to make me laugh without meaning to.

Happy Day to you.

Fun working for the State of WI

Doyle calls for layoffs, furloughs, cuts to fill $6.5 billion hole
By Steven Walters and Stacy Forster of the Journal Sentinel

Madison - Gov. Jim Doyle said Thursday that the budget deficit has exploded to up to $6.5 billion - a historic gap he wants fixed by laying off up to 1,100 employees, furloughing non-emergency workers eight days a year, rescinding 2% pay raises and making new cuts in aid to schools and local governments.

Doyle said the $5 billion deficit he and lawmakers faced in March has soared because tax collections are running far below estimates. The potential $6.5 billion gap will occur over a three-year period ending June 30, 2011.

"We are facing tougher choices than ever about what level of state services we can sustain at a time when people need them most," Doyle said. "I am fighting to protect the middle class, education, public safety and health care.

###

MY SOLUTION
Since Doyle's a billion off budget, he proposed this idiotic play to deny our 2% raise and give us 8 NON-PAID days off for two years. I'm fine with not getting raise - I'm just happy to have a job. But the 8 days is absolutely nonsensical. State employees already get around 3 weeks of vacation and 2 weeks sick leave. Add on another 8 required days off and you've got state workers sitting at home for a month or taking every Friday off for half a year. It just doesn't make sense. With the amount of work just in my department, trying to connect with clients, printers, coworkers is already difficult. We have many meetings and abundance of work - taking those 8 days would only put more stress on our heavy workload. My solution is to go ahead with denying the 2% raise, and for the next two years, the state will cut back 4 days of vacation and 4 days of sick leave. If an employee does want to use that time off, it then goes unpaid. There you go, you have your employees working now 8 days more. Just imagine if Doyle's office had 8 extra days to figure out how to save the economy. Yeah it probably wouldn't work but it's worth a shot.

What comes after green?

Why in the past two years "going green" has become the new thing to do. Why didn't it happen sooner to the majority of the population. Was it not cool? Was there just not enough information on how to be green?

Just think if one sector, for example car makers went green 10 years ago where we would be today:

Car companies would have started their research back in the late 80's early 90' on how to produce a more environmental conscious car. Today we would have been driving efficient cars, relying less on foreign oil, and emitting less pollution. The car companies going bankrupt today would be in a different scenario. It's because they aren't producing what people need and want efficiently that drove the company to the ground. Who wants to get only 10 MPG when they can get 30+.


Where do car makers go from here? What happens after bankruptcy? Why hasn't a better car company emerged out of those that have already conceded? Surely the talent and the tools are there. Just think of how many jobs would be available if the car sector got it's act together.

Looking for a summer job

I was thinking how nice it would be to have a summer job. Like going back to the college days of working part time and spending the rest of the time laying on Bradford Beach. I'd put in a few hours at the desk, sorting, filing, answering the phone thinking wow I have a great job. And the rest of the time I'd be reading a book, working on an art project or waiting for my roommates to get home so we can go out for happy hour. Wasn't that the best? So relaxed and carefree what's stopping me from leaving my full time desk job?

Health Insurance and my 403B.

Let the countdown begin - 30 more years till retirement.

Revenge of the Scale

After eating the best chips and dip in Milwaukee (Cafe Lulu Chips with Blue Cheese Dip) I decided I thought I should weigh myself. I was under the impression that I was still in my early 20s where I could eat anything and not gain a pound. This year, after turning 27 I found that is just not the case. I stepped on the scale and there it landed 10 lbs over my usual weight.

Really? After eating Lulu chips - 10 lbs? I know I haven't got on the spin bike in a week, and have been eating healthy for most of my meals so really that's all it takes a couple days off the track and Lulu chips?

I was bummed the whole weekend. Sunday I had planned to go shopping but how was I suppose to fit in any pants I wanted to try on? I already can't buttom of them that I wore last summer. This was bad, I'm going to have to buy a whole new wardrobe. So I did go shopping. I did fit in my usual size pants at the Limited. How could this be?

I stepped back on the scale Sunday night, yup still 10 lbs over. Step off. Step on. Still 10lbs over. Step off. Look down - the scale is off! Hallelujah! Relief pours over like a beer after work.

I said YES!

I said Yes!

Yesterday Mike and I had reservations to go to the first restaurant we ever ate at which was almost two years ago. BUT before that he said we needed to check out a new sign hanging at the Milwaukee Public Market. I was cold and didn't understand why we were walking over there. Mike turns me around and in chalk was written a proposal. SO confused! Was this really happening! Oh My Gosh he has a ring!

Mike has gotten down on one knee and taken my hand before. I think twice in the kitchen and he'll ask what I want for dinner. Once in Door County and asked if I wanted my $5 ring put back on my finger, once on the sideway and asked if I would wait for him while he tied his shoe. I thought the same thing was happening again!

The public market is where we first go to really know each other. Every Saturday two summers ago Mike would come by my stand where I was selling bags. I sat down and we had candid conversations about past relationships, life, family, values. Our first dinner at Coquet he ordered fish and I thought to myself, wow he likes fish, good start!

I ordered the same meal last night, equally fantastic and Mike explained how he had dinner with my dad, how he got the ring, how excited he was. I was very excite to tell my family.

Little did I know Mike had that all planned out too. My friend sent me a text message seeing if we wanted to meet them for a drink and watch some basketball. Yeah I'm in for that. We get to Riverfront Pizza and I'm trying to look for her and then I see Brandon, and then Mike's cousin and then my friend Sue from Chicago. WHAT! All of our good friends and our family that could be there was there. Yes I did cry as soon as I saw everybody. I couldn't believe they were all there to celebrate this event. It was truly touching.

We are ridiculously happy.

Productivity

It's warmer outside, the snow has melted, the stock market is going up, girl scout cookies have arrived and I no longer have a cold. It's a very good start to the week. I have also been keeping a couple of my new years resolutions, to stay on top of my freelance work and to work on designing new bags.

I've been able to tackle and turnaround freelance projects much faster and get paid quicker. It's a good situation because my clients are happy and I am turn in happy. Before I had so much freelance I wasn't able to get to it when I needed to and projects could go on for months. Many of my clients are non-profits who don't have big budgets for web design or print design so I work within their budget, but the other day a client mentioned I should charge more for my work. I have to say that felt really good hearing that.

Since beginning of February I have been indulging in my other love, recycling. I have so much donated fabric in my Wauwatosa basement and in my West Bend sewing room that it seriously needs to go somewhere. It has been a kick in the pants to start working on some newly design handbags. After experimenting with zippers, rivets and pockets I've put together a few samples. The response from my purse loving friends has been exciting. Right now I'm currently working on very small purses or wristlets and a larger clutch version. Now I just have find a zipper supplier and fix one of my sewing machines and then I'll be sewing sewing sewing....with some freelance mixed in.

Sick of Sharing

Ever since Valentines Day the honey and I haven't been feeling well. Yesterday and today have been awful. I have not showered, changed my clothes and have filled up wastebaskets of kleenex. I have lied around for the past 30 hours sleeping, watching bad reality tv and not eating. Mike and I have been passing sickness back and forth and I'm tired of it, literally. I feel like I need to detox the house so this won't happen again.

Itching

After reading halfway through a new book "Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow" which was recommended from a friend, I feel stuck, swamped and sedated. The book's responsibility is to enlighten one during a difficult time to overcome and become an even stronger person. Questions of happiness start to bubble the surface, I thought I was happy. I am in a great relationship, I have a good challenging job, I have creative outlets and supportive friends and family.

For the next couple days I questioned all of these things. Was I really in the relationship I was meant to be in? Shouldn't I be searching for my dream job? Shouldn't I be living in a city I want to live in? Am I that creative? Am I good at what I do? I started to put all this behind me because I didn't want to think about it, I was completely and utterly happy before I started reading this book so why did I ever start reading it in the first place? I was hoping to become a better person.

After now a month of not picking the book up again, i get little reminders about these things and I'm starting to itch. What would it be like to live in Denver or work at a travel magazine or become a handbag designer? I guess I want it all right now. When I was a teenager all I wanted to do was be in my 20s so I could drink, have a cool job and social with really cool people. How I get to having it all I don't know, but maybe I have it.

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