Sunday, May 31, 2009
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.
Friday, May 22, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
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
www.makeitbreathe.com
Sunday, May 10, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, May 08, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, May 04, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
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.
Health Insurance and my 403B.
Let the countdown begin - 30 more years till retirement.
Monday, April 27, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
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.
Monday, March 16, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
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.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
A look back at 2008
Recently I've been thinking about how awful this winter is, how cold it is, how much snow we have. I realize this will pass and there will be green grass and moments of reading outside again. I was also thinking how over the course of every year my life tends to change. This year the big change was moving in with Mike. I am in a committed relationship with someone I could live with for the rest of my life. I would have never thought that a couple years ago, nor would I have wanted it.
In 2008:
1. Watched my sister get married, move into a house and buy a puppy
2. Relaxed, drank, ate and made friends in Cabo, Mexico
3. Ate my first Izumi's fish fry and then many many more
4. Tubed on Shawano lake - which I haven't since I was in high school
5. Danced, partied and tanned in Fort Myers beach with the girls
6. Designed my favorite campaign to date - the Flavors of Denver and am very happy that they raised a huge amount of money, topping last year's event.
7. Double Dated at Noah's Ark
8. Lost a lot of money in the stock market
9. Took Mike to his first State Fair
10. Won best an award for best email campaign within the nations continuing education schools.
11. Learned how to cook with garlic or cook in general
13. Feel in love with the blue cheese dip at Lulu and Juniper 61
14. Chaired a committee at work to raise money for local and national nonprofits
15. Saw some really great music acts: Ray LaMontange in Madison, Amos Lee in Chicago and Milwaukee, Jack Johnson in Alpine Valley, Matt Costa in Atlanta, Jeffery Foucault in Milwaukee and Fort Atkinson and the best show ever - Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street band at Harley Fest
16. Surprised Mike with a trip to Atlanta to see his best friend
17. Learned a lesson to stay away from group dinners over 8 people
18. Meet about 50 more relatives of Mike's in one evening
19. Pushed myself to design better, say no to clients and be utterly creative
20. Learned to: value the friends I am closest with, reconnect with old friends, take criticism with a grain of salt, cherish the time I have with my grandmas and grandpa, live responsibly not extravagantly, speak up, and most of all love the one I'm with.
In 2008:
1. Watched my sister get married, move into a house and buy a puppy
2. Relaxed, drank, ate and made friends in Cabo, Mexico
3. Ate my first Izumi's fish fry and then many many more
4. Tubed on Shawano lake - which I haven't since I was in high school
5. Danced, partied and tanned in Fort Myers beach with the girls
6. Designed my favorite campaign to date - the Flavors of Denver and am very happy that they raised a huge amount of money, topping last year's event.
7. Double Dated at Noah's Ark
8. Lost a lot of money in the stock market
9. Took Mike to his first State Fair
10. Won best an award for best email campaign within the nations continuing education schools.
11. Learned how to cook with garlic or cook in general
13. Feel in love with the blue cheese dip at Lulu and Juniper 61
14. Chaired a committee at work to raise money for local and national nonprofits
15. Saw some really great music acts: Ray LaMontange in Madison, Amos Lee in Chicago and Milwaukee, Jack Johnson in Alpine Valley, Matt Costa in Atlanta, Jeffery Foucault in Milwaukee and Fort Atkinson and the best show ever - Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street band at Harley Fest
16. Surprised Mike with a trip to Atlanta to see his best friend
17. Learned a lesson to stay away from group dinners over 8 people
18. Meet about 50 more relatives of Mike's in one evening
19. Pushed myself to design better, say no to clients and be utterly creative
20. Learned to: value the friends I am closest with, reconnect with old friends, take criticism with a grain of salt, cherish the time I have with my grandmas and grandpa, live responsibly not extravagantly, speak up, and most of all love the one I'm with.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Payoff
So after the previous ranting, that day happened to be our work holiday party. At which time two awards were given out for employee excellence. Guess who won the first? Yes yours truly, out of 80 employees I won an award for outstanding work. It was ironic while I was standing beside the Dean while she was reading that I make all my deadlines, am very optimistic, etc that the two week prior I have not made one deadline and would rather drink arsenic for lunch than work on a project. I do hope that being the only one in the office over the winter break, I'll be able to catch up on all my projects and you know be prepared for that big 17 day vacation come March.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Give me a straight answer
At work I deal with all types of people. Nice people, demanding people, controlling people, crazy fun people. The past couple weeks I've dealt with them all more so than before. Today was the first day in a really long time that if the person on the other side of the telephone was standing in front of me I would have mustered up all my frustration and punched them.
You see this person on the other side of the phone is not the person you can get a straight answer from when you ask her a general question. And if it's a billable question, this person wants it in writing. But when asked a very general question she will not answer it. Not at all. And when the process is not followed to a T but made efficient for a brief moment in time, who gets a lecture? I do.
If I'm not an alcoholic by 2009 I'd be surprised.
You see this person on the other side of the phone is not the person you can get a straight answer from when you ask her a general question. And if it's a billable question, this person wants it in writing. But when asked a very general question she will not answer it. Not at all. And when the process is not followed to a T but made efficient for a brief moment in time, who gets a lecture? I do.
If I'm not an alcoholic by 2009 I'd be surprised.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
$1.59
Gas is now down to $1.59. And for all you milk drinkers, the price for a gallon of milk is $1.98 (with coupon). According to this ad, you're saving $1.91. Everything is half off this Christmas, except movie tickets.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Sleep
As soon as it started getting cold out I LOVE sleeping. At work at about 3pm I can't wait to cuddle up, put my head on the pillow and have sweet dreams. It's hard to stay up at night unless something really exciting is going on like a wedding, 80's dancing or some really good Entertainment news. Since it's been cold a new soft furry blanket has made friends with the sheet and quilt. I end up kicking down the cotton sheet so that my body is wrapped up in this milk chocolate fur. It is absolutely wonderful.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Red Lobster
Yesterday, for the first time in over 15 years I dined at Red Lobster. Since I had an extremely frustrating day at work all I wanted a cold beer and fried food. Mike and I have been to the dive places in Tosa so we decided to try something new - Red Lobster. I anticipated red leather booths, all you can eat fried shrimp and the smell of grease. Not the case. I would say it's the equivalent to a Applebees. The decor was nice, the menu had variety but there was not all you can eat anything. The food was so so. I can't believe we went there - next time I'm going back to the Rick Inn on capital where jack and cokes are less than $5 and the fried fish is awesome.
Friday, November 28, 2008
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