The new job is a go. The seamstress one, that is. Started yesterday. Interesting opportunity, we'll see where it goes. :)
In addition to reading Michelle Goodman's My So-Called Freelance Life, I've also read her other book The Anti 9to5 Guide. Good book but I liked My So-Called better. I think it related to me better. Regardless, still a good read, motivating, and chalk full of information. The books helped craft a business plan. A petite plan, but one nonetheless. You have to start somewhere. Bad thing is I tucked away my little plan in one of the books and can't see to locate it at the moment...
Success! I have located the mini plan. I even dated it. What a dork.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
New Projects
So, I've taken steps towards becoming a freelancer :)
I've read Michelle Goodman's My So-Called Freelance Life and Meg Mateo Ilasco's Craft Inc. twice each and HIGHLY recommend them. They are awesome reads (and entertaining) and they get me pumped to jump head first into freelance crafting. The resources in the back have given me a jumping off point and helps to organize my business plan. I know this sounds like a plug, but far from it. I'm just that thrilled.
Because of my new found motivation, I've scoured craigslist and other sites looking for freelancing offers and have found myself an opportunity! It's in the seamstress domain which is just what I want. I'll find out tomorrow if it's a go or will fall through. Sadly, I've had two other projects fall through that I've found on craigslist but this is the the third. I'm not even going to state the obvious clique right now, but you can say it to yourself, I'll wait...
Another project has dropped into my lap and it's related to the dog showing world, another of my favorite things! I've been asked to sculpt 20-some trophies for a Regional Speciality Show in Kansas. I know it seems like a big project, but it was my mom that got me it and I can't say no to dog friends. The trophies are going to be about 4-6" high and will be samoyeds doing all sorts of activities and poses. Exciting but kinda a tall order. I have until March 2010.
I've read Michelle Goodman's My So-Called Freelance Life and Meg Mateo Ilasco's Craft Inc. twice each and HIGHLY recommend them. They are awesome reads (and entertaining) and they get me pumped to jump head first into freelance crafting. The resources in the back have given me a jumping off point and helps to organize my business plan. I know this sounds like a plug, but far from it. I'm just that thrilled.
Because of my new found motivation, I've scoured craigslist and other sites looking for freelancing offers and have found myself an opportunity! It's in the seamstress domain which is just what I want. I'll find out tomorrow if it's a go or will fall through. Sadly, I've had two other projects fall through that I've found on craigslist but this is the the third. I'm not even going to state the obvious clique right now, but you can say it to yourself, I'll wait...
Another project has dropped into my lap and it's related to the dog showing world, another of my favorite things! I've been asked to sculpt 20-some trophies for a Regional Speciality Show in Kansas. I know it seems like a big project, but it was my mom that got me it and I can't say no to dog friends. The trophies are going to be about 4-6" high and will be samoyeds doing all sorts of activities and poses. Exciting but kinda a tall order. I have until March 2010.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Dance! Monkey Dance!
Yeah, not so much on the new job. Mindless, mircomanaging BS if you ask me. My husband did wrangle himself a new job and has already recieved a promotion and raise. Good news for us especially since my job is cutting me down to part time in October. Don't even get me started on the union. I thought it was suppose to 'protect you!' Really it's another system that sucks money from you for nothing. I have yet to see a real benefit from belonging to a union. Yes, the new hunt has begun...
Monday, April 27, 2009
New Beginnings
So....started a new job in March. Going well even though it's not in the design field. I'll take what I can get especially if it pays more. Shorlty after starting the new job, I found out that my husband lost his. If it's not one thing it's another! He has had a few interviews and he's applying everywhere possible. Hopefully something opens up soon.
Not much else to report on here. Back home Mom had some exciting news. She was able to finish the championship on one of the dogs. Flame, the dog that I had been showing for her, got her last major and finished her title! Very exciting because Mom has been trying to get her finished for awhile now and it's been difficult because there are few majors in the area and it didn't help that I moved across country. But, WHOO HOO!!! So glad she is finished. That same weekend Flame also qualified for her Herding Instinct Title. A big weekend for Mom!
Now that Flame is finished Mom has plans to breed her and hopefully a litter will be born this Summer. Mom has already teased me with a puppy even though I don't think I could have one. If one showed up though, I wouldn't complain! I do miss having a dog, especially during the times when the cats use me as a bridge to get to my husband's lap!
Not much else to report on here. Back home Mom had some exciting news. She was able to finish the championship on one of the dogs. Flame, the dog that I had been showing for her, got her last major and finished her title! Very exciting because Mom has been trying to get her finished for awhile now and it's been difficult because there are few majors in the area and it didn't help that I moved across country. But, WHOO HOO!!! So glad she is finished. That same weekend Flame also qualified for her Herding Instinct Title. A big weekend for Mom!
Now that Flame is finished Mom has plans to breed her and hopefully a litter will be born this Summer. Mom has already teased me with a puppy even though I don't think I could have one. If one showed up though, I wouldn't complain! I do miss having a dog, especially during the times when the cats use me as a bridge to get to my husband's lap!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Wishes do come true....sorta
So I got want I wanted (more like needed) but it happened in a weird way. I needed a new job so my current one laid me off (no longer my current job). God had a plan for me though, and I got an offer for another job a week after my last day and I started training last Monday. It's pretty cool, not in advertising or designing, but it pays more and the commute is wwwwwaaaaaaayyyyyyy less which is wonderful. Gotta get use to dressing up everyday now, no more jeans and a semi-decent-shirt-sometimes-a-hoodie essembles.
Bad part of being laid off - NO MONEY! Ack! We are working through it and when I get paid again it'll be better. Tried to do unemployment but didn't figure it out until I had only one week left before going back to work (worked in a different state and they had to do extra stuff) and that is considered a "waiting week" which apparently you don't get paid for! What the?? I thought unemployment was there to help people? Oh well, I just add it to the pile of other problems that seem to continually dump on us.
On a good note, one of my best friends treated me to an early birthday present and took me to a Newsboys concert last night. That was awesome! It was a good time and I hope to be able to go to a lot more of the Christian concerts that are coming to the area. Certainly one of the best birthday presents I've ever gotten :).
Bad part of being laid off - NO MONEY! Ack! We are working through it and when I get paid again it'll be better. Tried to do unemployment but didn't figure it out until I had only one week left before going back to work (worked in a different state and they had to do extra stuff) and that is considered a "waiting week" which apparently you don't get paid for! What the?? I thought unemployment was there to help people? Oh well, I just add it to the pile of other problems that seem to continually dump on us.
On a good note, one of my best friends treated me to an early birthday present and took me to a Newsboys concert last night. That was awesome! It was a good time and I hope to be able to go to a lot more of the Christian concerts that are coming to the area. Certainly one of the best birthday presents I've ever gotten :).
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Ugh Ruff
I need a new job. It doesn't seem anyone cares at this one and it doesn't look like there will be any raises anytime soon. There is no motivation, I feel stifled. My talent seems to be whithering, which depresses me even more. I need a place where good design is appreciated and people understand basic grammar. I need something motivating. I need to work on my portfolio.
Besides that, I learned the my nephew has to undergo surgery. Well, he had it yesterday. He needed tubes in his ears. Pretty basic procedure but scary nonetheless. Apparently he had fluid build up which kept his eardrums from vibrating properly and he was having trouble with his hearing (go figure). My sister tells me it's an easy surgery and the they "grow out" of the tubes. I guess the tubes just fall out eventually. Weird...I didn't know that before now.
In other news, WESTMINISTER IS HERE!! I love showing dogs and am going crazy no having my own little fluff of my own. My breed is the Samoyed, and always will be. There is no other dog that has the attitude and appeal like a Sammie. That and the people who have them are usually pretty nice at the shows too! ;) My husband and I are waiting until we get a house before we get dogs. He has it in his head that he wants a Siberian Husky. I don't know why, last I knew he was a cat person (we have two). I'm ok with that though. A Sibe, I think, will fit right in with our household. He also thinks they are more "manly" than a Sammie, something about having a fluffy white dog trotting next to a guy isn't right...whatever. But, we have to wait for a house, at least for the cats' sakes. They will need a place to escape from the canines and a teeny tiny 1 bedroom apartment isn't going to cut it for two 60-lb dogs, no matter how many walks you go on!
Besides that, I learned the my nephew has to undergo surgery. Well, he had it yesterday. He needed tubes in his ears. Pretty basic procedure but scary nonetheless. Apparently he had fluid build up which kept his eardrums from vibrating properly and he was having trouble with his hearing (go figure). My sister tells me it's an easy surgery and the they "grow out" of the tubes. I guess the tubes just fall out eventually. Weird...I didn't know that before now.
In other news, WESTMINISTER IS HERE!! I love showing dogs and am going crazy no having my own little fluff of my own. My breed is the Samoyed, and always will be. There is no other dog that has the attitude and appeal like a Sammie. That and the people who have them are usually pretty nice at the shows too! ;) My husband and I are waiting until we get a house before we get dogs. He has it in his head that he wants a Siberian Husky. I don't know why, last I knew he was a cat person (we have two). I'm ok with that though. A Sibe, I think, will fit right in with our household. He also thinks they are more "manly" than a Sammie, something about having a fluffy white dog trotting next to a guy isn't right...whatever. But, we have to wait for a house, at least for the cats' sakes. They will need a place to escape from the canines and a teeny tiny 1 bedroom apartment isn't going to cut it for two 60-lb dogs, no matter how many walks you go on!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Hack & Cough
Ah cripes, I wished I was getting better. I've had a chronic hacking cough since October. The doctor says it's allergies and it should pass eventually. In the meantime I am on a nasal spray, an inhaler, antihistamines, two kinds of cough medicine, and cough drops for good measure. It alls seems like over kill to me but yet, I'm still coughing and hacking. It keeps me and Curtis up all night.
I began a new Bible study at my church. It's about the book of Daniel and how it relates to today. It's from the Beth Moore series. So far it seems like it's going to be cool. The second class is tomorrow. Not to keen on homework but so far it's easy enough and no math involved.
The other class Curtis and I started probably will involve math. We began the Financial Peace University class offered at the church. It's 13 weeks long. I was disappointed that it cost so much but I guess you have to give a little to get a little. The materials all seem like they will be helpful and hopefully we can get our finances on a better track so that we aren't always worried about money, "wiggle room" as Curtis calls it.
I began a new Bible study at my church. It's about the book of Daniel and how it relates to today. It's from the Beth Moore series. So far it seems like it's going to be cool. The second class is tomorrow. Not to keen on homework but so far it's easy enough and no math involved.
The other class Curtis and I started probably will involve math. We began the Financial Peace University class offered at the church. It's 13 weeks long. I was disappointed that it cost so much but I guess you have to give a little to get a little. The materials all seem like they will be helpful and hopefully we can get our finances on a better track so that we aren't always worried about money, "wiggle room" as Curtis calls it.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Mac & Cheese for an Army
I received some tasty looking recipes in my email from Rachel Ray, ok, not directly from her but from her magazine's website, and decided I was going to make Creamy Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon last night. After I was halfway through the process I looked to see how many servings it would make. 8-hmm, there's only 2 of us. Guess I know what I'm having for lunch for awhile. I think the sad part about all this is that I am notorious for making A LOT of something. I always forget to check to see how any servings a recipe makes so I end up making enough to feed an army. I had an incident like this with eggplant a couple years back...the dish started out as some kind of eggplant casserole and ended two weeks later as a Mexican-filling for burritos. I have know idea how my roommates and I made that transition.
I went grocery shopping yesterday at WinCo. For those of you who've never heard of such a place, it's a large warehouse-style grocery store with cheap prices. If you're from the Midwest, it's like Super Saver. Anyhow, I ventured out to WinCo for the first time to go some shopping. Since we are trying to get ourselves stuck to a budget, I made a list of what I needed and kept track of the prices as I shopped. I know that sounds dorky but I felt better knowing I had taken care to stay in budget even though I went over by $8, oops. I think I will continue doing that but I need to get a regular calculator because using my phone just got annoying. They don't accept credit cards, just to warn you. They do take everything else: cash, debit, state benefits, and I think checks, but don't hold me to it.
After all the food was put away at home I ventured back out. I was going to go to PetCo.... I don't usually go to that store (that is how I will refer to it from now on). I enjoy Petsmart so much more! Petsmart is always cheaper than that store, cleaner than that store, and friendlier than that store. So why did I go to that store? We have a flea issue at our house right now and I am trying to get it under control. I decided that I am bombing the apartment with a flea flogger and going to treat the cats with Advantage. I usually use Frontline, but Advantage is slightly cheaper (like five cents) and it comes in packs of 4 rather than 3, which is nice when you have 2 cats. I checked online for prices and also my Drs. Foster & Smith catalogue. I then called Petsmart and that store to see what their prices were and if they priced matched competitors. Both said they did. I figured, hey what a deal! I will be able to take care of this flea thing tonight! Oh no no no, silly me and my optimism. After driving to that store, picking out my two items, and then waiting in line for who knows how long, the manager came up to run a register. I went up and told her that I had called earlier and was told that they accepted competitor's prices. She proceeded to tell me rudely that she was the manager and had been there all day and had taken no such phone calls. Then she said the competitor had to be local and not some mail order magazine. I told her I spoke to a guy and if she was going to be like that, I didn't want the stuff and I walked out. I've given that store many chances but now I am pretty sure I am never going to step into one again. It's really disappointing not having the other choice of a pet store but that store kept letting me down the last few times I've went in there. That's enough, I'm done with it. I am not saying to boycott the place, you decide what you want. It's was an experience I had and because of my many disappointments in that store, I am not going back.
Wow, I think that is about enough for one week....
I went grocery shopping yesterday at WinCo. For those of you who've never heard of such a place, it's a large warehouse-style grocery store with cheap prices. If you're from the Midwest, it's like Super Saver. Anyhow, I ventured out to WinCo for the first time to go some shopping. Since we are trying to get ourselves stuck to a budget, I made a list of what I needed and kept track of the prices as I shopped. I know that sounds dorky but I felt better knowing I had taken care to stay in budget even though I went over by $8, oops. I think I will continue doing that but I need to get a regular calculator because using my phone just got annoying. They don't accept credit cards, just to warn you. They do take everything else: cash, debit, state benefits, and I think checks, but don't hold me to it.
After all the food was put away at home I ventured back out. I was going to go to PetCo.... I don't usually go to that store (that is how I will refer to it from now on). I enjoy Petsmart so much more! Petsmart is always cheaper than that store, cleaner than that store, and friendlier than that store. So why did I go to that store? We have a flea issue at our house right now and I am trying to get it under control. I decided that I am bombing the apartment with a flea flogger and going to treat the cats with Advantage. I usually use Frontline, but Advantage is slightly cheaper (like five cents) and it comes in packs of 4 rather than 3, which is nice when you have 2 cats. I checked online for prices and also my Drs. Foster & Smith catalogue. I then called Petsmart and that store to see what their prices were and if they priced matched competitors. Both said they did. I figured, hey what a deal! I will be able to take care of this flea thing tonight! Oh no no no, silly me and my optimism. After driving to that store, picking out my two items, and then waiting in line for who knows how long, the manager came up to run a register. I went up and told her that I had called earlier and was told that they accepted competitor's prices. She proceeded to tell me rudely that she was the manager and had been there all day and had taken no such phone calls. Then she said the competitor had to be local and not some mail order magazine. I told her I spoke to a guy and if she was going to be like that, I didn't want the stuff and I walked out. I've given that store many chances but now I am pretty sure I am never going to step into one again. It's really disappointing not having the other choice of a pet store but that store kept letting me down the last few times I've went in there. That's enough, I'm done with it. I am not saying to boycott the place, you decide what you want. It's was an experience I had and because of my many disappointments in that store, I am not going back.
Wow, I think that is about enough for one week....
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Finances
I'm taking a hard look at our finances. I don't feel in control of them and I want to know where the money goes. I've searched the internet for resources to help me budget. I don't think I've got it down; I just seem to make a lot of lists. Does anyone have any good suggestions on how to make a budget? I know how to list all my expenses versus my income but that doesn't tell me how to save. It just lets me know I have no money. At church they are offering a class from Dave Ramsey's "Financial Peace University." Curt and I are going to give it a try and see how we fare.
I want to be debt free. I need a better job, one closer to where we live. Curtis would like a better job too, of course, who doesn't?
I've been thinking and reading a lot about screen printing. Is this my new calling? Who knows but it sounds like fun. It's inexpensive but none the less, there are still start up costs to acquire supplies. It doesn't help that everything needs to be ordered online since there aren't any Dick Blicks close to where I live anymore. How I miss the days on campus and art supplies were always at my fingertips. I don't want to forget my sewing abilities either. I enjoy sewing a lot and wish I could go back to working at the costume shop at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. It was fantastic there! All good things come to an end I guess.
I don't know what's coming next. Curtis mentioned a bed & breakfast idea yesterday. I thought it sounded interesting to try. I don't have the slightest idea how to establish one or the funds to build one. But it sounds good anyhow. I think it would be fun to run a small b&b with my husband but I heard tons of warnings about working with family. Hey, if we get the chance, I wouldn't mind giving it a try.
Going back to the debt thing, we want to get a house. I don't see how it could happen anytime soon but maybe after we go through those classes at church we will be more on our way? I don't know. I long for a house. I am done sharing walls with strangers that wrestle at 2 in the morning, throwing each other around, seems like they are going to bust through the ceiling and come falling down on us in our bed. I can't wait to have my very own washer and dryer that I don't have to share with people I don't know and don't have to feed quarters to. When I want to wash clothes at midnight I will wash clothes at midnight! I hoped that the next time we moved it was into a house and we could use movers! But our lease in up in July, and I don't know how we can get money like that together in time.
God has his plan and we will see what he has in store for us.
I want to be debt free. I need a better job, one closer to where we live. Curtis would like a better job too, of course, who doesn't?
I've been thinking and reading a lot about screen printing. Is this my new calling? Who knows but it sounds like fun. It's inexpensive but none the less, there are still start up costs to acquire supplies. It doesn't help that everything needs to be ordered online since there aren't any Dick Blicks close to where I live anymore. How I miss the days on campus and art supplies were always at my fingertips. I don't want to forget my sewing abilities either. I enjoy sewing a lot and wish I could go back to working at the costume shop at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. It was fantastic there! All good things come to an end I guess.
I don't know what's coming next. Curtis mentioned a bed & breakfast idea yesterday. I thought it sounded interesting to try. I don't have the slightest idea how to establish one or the funds to build one. But it sounds good anyhow. I think it would be fun to run a small b&b with my husband but I heard tons of warnings about working with family. Hey, if we get the chance, I wouldn't mind giving it a try.
Going back to the debt thing, we want to get a house. I don't see how it could happen anytime soon but maybe after we go through those classes at church we will be more on our way? I don't know. I long for a house. I am done sharing walls with strangers that wrestle at 2 in the morning, throwing each other around, seems like they are going to bust through the ceiling and come falling down on us in our bed. I can't wait to have my very own washer and dryer that I don't have to share with people I don't know and don't have to feed quarters to. When I want to wash clothes at midnight I will wash clothes at midnight! I hoped that the next time we moved it was into a house and we could use movers! But our lease in up in July, and I don't know how we can get money like that together in time.
God has his plan and we will see what he has in store for us.
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