What A Life!

Not really, just bidness as usual. Yesterday was my "day" to sleep in, that's how my hubs and I work it at home so that the same person isn't waking up at some god awful hour with the kids. Although it always seems that he is the one to have to get up when the kids decide, "ya know, I think 6am is a perfectly acceptable time to wake up on a Sunday morning!" Muwahhhhahahaha I say as I roll back over and stay in bed till 10. Mind you, the kids got up at 8:30 on my watch and I managed to bathe the baby then put him down for a nap, do the dishes and clean the house, all before hubs woke up. Not too shabby. But, poor Matt had a banner day yesterday. He was basically up by 5:30, officially with both kids at 7am. In that time, Cohen threw up twice, had a bath a short name and was generally boogery and crabby. Stella was demanding as usual and my restful sleep to be was constantly interrupted by bellows from below. When Matt doesn't get enough sleep, WATCH OUT! Then I got up, showered and was ready for the day, he was off to take his mother to Canada to buy her some things. As soon as he got back he was going to do laundry only to realize that my using the disposal after I hit the grocery store with both kids in tow then came home and cleaned out the fridge, put baby down for a nap, started our dinner of corned beef and cabbage and finally ate my lunch at 3pm, that my running the disposal had backed up in the wash tub in the basement. In a word, he was disgusted. Seething underneath, but swearing to me it was not my fault, YEAH RIGHT! After a few hours of trying to bail out and plunge, he went back to his moms to get her drain snake. It didn't work. Luckily he has a friend who is a plumber, but as you can see he is a man and refuses to admit defeat and waited until 8pm to call him. Needless to say, his friend was over tonight for a couple hours and cleaned out the drain like a champ, he is my new hero and the poor guy wouldn't take a dime from us.

Phew. I'm tired just from typing it and I was the one who lived it.

Today was spent trying to figure out ways to make extra buckage, not doing so well yet, but I'll keep trying. I'm so over with this struggling thing, but then I remind myself that I'm only 32 and my time is coming. Right?

I Have Been Published

The other day as I was going through my usual job search process I take nearly every single day, I stumbled upon something of interest. A job posting looking for designers with a lot of experience to write articles for a design website. I said "what the hell you can simultaneously conquer your fear of writing and make a few extra dollars in the process." I emailed the company and within less than 8 hours got the opportunity to try out. So, I searched the recesses of my tired mind and thought about what has been at the forefront of my brain these days and landed upon my idea. I would write an article about my struggles and successes with freelance work and the process as I see it. I sent the article off last night and didn't hear anything and after a long day with the kids, starting a new class tonight and coming home to more frustration with a client, I checked the website for the company whom I wrote the article for and tada!, here it is. I was even given credit for the article when I was told originally that I would start as a ghost writer. I'm so excited, I've never been published, and this is a dream come true. Thanks GrindSmart!

Like I said, I started my class tonight, Dreamweaver and I can't wait to get started. I have been designing for over ten years now and I am dying to break my way into web design. I feel like I am very skilled in print and design, and this lack of full web design knowledge is really cramping my style. So, here I am busting down these walls for myself and it feels pretty damn good when I look back and see how tough and what a struggle this last year has been. I've come a long way baby and it feels really damn good!

I Wear My Heart on My Sleeve.

If you already know me, you know that I am an emotional person. Just like everyone else, I feel sad, angry, happy, blah, etc. I however, maybe like some of you out there, let it rule me from time to time. I may be different from you, but since I can remember, this has shaped who I have become. I mean, in preschool I was voted most sympathetic. And, for me, my sympathy comes with a small price. If I've given you some sympathy, all I ask in return is that from time to time you let me be me around you. I won't apologize for being who I am, but if you don't like it, maybe you should reconsider the relationship we have. I would not ask you to stifle yourself and stop doing something that comes naturally to you, even if it rubbed me the wrong way. I would accept that it is just a part of your personality and leave it at that. I guess what I've learned is there are people who are in it with you 100% and others who are only maybe 75-90% and that's ok but don't make me feel less than.

Besides that, I like people who show their emotions, it lets me know that you are real and true. And it lets me know what things effect you in both positive and negative ways. Is that so wrong?

A Fun Project.

Thought it might be fun to create a project as a gift for Stella's teacher. Fun because Stella and I could do this together. Some background on me. I am a perfectionist, if it's to be done right, it's to be done by me and me alone, period! Obviously once Stella got old enough, that mentality had to go out the window, but my attitude did not. I can remember putting a project together with her when she was about 3 for Halloween and finally she looks at me with her little face and says, "I know momma, you do it yourself." What a horrible mother I was. I've gotten a little better since then, at least now I let her do more and then I try to "fix" it when she is in bed, then she is none the wiser.

I was cruising around in bloggy land and stumbled upon this little gem. It is only the coolest site I've seen in some time and was the source of this amazing and oh so simple project that we created TOGETHER for her teacher. I also went to Starbucks and purchased some cinnamon something almonds and a special gift card for the girl who is giving Stella some extra help in class. Tomorrow is the big party and this is the big gift. Have a great night!

Changes Are Coming.

With the new year only about 2 weeks away, I thought I'd start to make small changes beforehand and get a jump on all that new year, new your mumbo jumbo. One of them is with this blog. I've toyed with letting it go altogether, but realize that there are often times that I need this blog, so on it will continue. However, it's focus is going to shift a bit, but only a bit. I've decided to try to really focus on more creative pursuits and maybe a little less bitching, but we'll see about that. I've been dealing with difficulties with Stella both with her attitude and her learning curve at school, so I need to find strength to overcome my frustrations with her and hopefully this can be a place I'll seek solace, confidence and friends who've been through it before. So, I look to you bloggy and real friends for your support and advice.

I will be taking this Thursday morning off work to attend Stella's kindergarten Christmas party. I'll be spending the entire time with approximately 24 five year olds, yes I am crazy! A friends mother suggested that, for reasons of bonding, I take Stella to the Bulk Food store and buy some candy and treat bags so she could make a few gifts. I thought it was a great idea and, why not just do it for the party. She had a good time buying the candy and then packing each of the bags. I pretty much let her do it all, which is a big BIG step for this neurotic momma.

So, here they are in all their glory, 29 beautifully stuffed treat bags! She will have so much fun Thursday and all with her loving mommy.

Yeah For Winners!

I've been absent but ever busy. School and my schedule is kickin' my butt. Alas I will persevere. On to the winner of the 250 business cards, sorry Richard, but Mary is the winner as Stella liked her usage of the word "fabulous," she loves the big words. Mary, you will get 250 of the best quality, fastest delivered and in general best customer serviced business card via Uprinting! I only use them now, as I had a bad experience with a competitor and when I realized I would not be receiving my order in time for my event, promptly cancelled that order and reordered them from Uprinting and received said item today just in time for my event tomorrow evening. Let me know if you need help with your cards, I'm glad to be here for you! I'm hoping to giveaway something amazing next, be on the lookout for the next one.

Halloween was cold but fun. We had our friends the Guthrie's over and my parents. Stella was a cute little bee and she even wore a cute black and yellow tutu which I made with my own little hands. Mr. Cohen was a pirate for all of maybe 10 minutes, but cute nonetheless.

As for school, I honestly don't know if I'd be making it through without the help of my amazing hubby, he knows his stuff and I can't wait until next semester is over and he finds a job he truly loves with web design. Strange, but every now and then I have this glimmer that we'll start a business for ourselves, who knows but I'm open to the possibilities. Aren't we all?

You Could Win 250 Business Cards Totally Free!!

Finally back and offering some freebies. If you don't know about Uprinting yet, you'd better get on board. I can't sing their praises enough! They are the only place I go to print my clients business cards and I have yet to have a dissatisfied customer. This particular freebie is from Uprinting and you can get 250 business cards absolutely free including free shipping. Now, who can beat that? And, you're not limited to standard sizes. They also have 2"x3", 2"x2" the square card and my new personal favorite, the 1.5"x3.5" all the cool kids are doing it skinny card. And, you also have a choice between glossy, matte and uncoated. And, even better, full color on both sides. That's crazy you say, NOPE, this is how Uprinting rolls.

In order to enter and win, tell me how you'd use 250 FREE business cards and I'll let Stella pick the winner according to what she thinks is the best idea. :) My contest ends this Friday at midnight, good luck everyone.

A Blog is A Blog of Course, of Course...

And no one is talking to my blog it seems. That's why I haven't been posting. Although I am guilty of the same behavior, so slap my hand. Things are still busy around here and while I'd like to think I'm getting used to the schedule, I think I still have a while before I learn to wake up early like a grown up should. I struggle with it because I stay up way too late and then find it hard to get up when I need to. Stella isn't late, but I on the other hand always am. You wouldn't know that I was raised by a man that thinks you are late to work if you only show up 5 minutes early. :)

Creatively, things are flowing like never before. It's amazing to me how a few years of bad jobs can really throw off your game, and while working where I do is NOT ideal, it does free me up to take on other ventures. My Vegas client even said that by the second or third quarter of next year, he's hoping to offer me a full time job working remotely to Vegas from Michigan. Again, not my ideal job, but it would definitely make life around here a bit easier to stomach. I also have a new company I am working with and things are going well there too. I do have one client that it won't surprise me if he lets me go, but if I'm to be honest, it wouldn't hurt my feelings. I may be able to create something from nothing, but I'm no psychic. I can't hear what you don't say and I don't read minds. He is the nicest man, but asks me to do things like I know what he's asking for. For example, what if someone came to you and said we want to do a Coke ad??????? OK? What do you want it to say? What is the important info? Do you have text? So incredibly frustrating. :( And then, he'll criticize (nicely) what the outcome is, my fragile ego can't take that sometimes. I'm sensitive. 

Halloween is starting to creep it's way into our home and we've even started buying items to make costumes. Stella wants to be a bumble bee and Cohen will be an ice cream "Cohen," french vanilla of course. I have a few projects in mind for the holiday so if I get to them, I'll take some pics. Enjoy your day, I know I will because I'm working from home today!! Yeah for little white lies. ;)

Busy Busy Days

Been a busy girl adapting to my new schedule. Stella started kindergarten on Friday and Matt was called back to work for the day after Labor Day. Getting him back in the mind set was no picnic I will tell you, but I am thankful at least for the moment that he is back. It means more money and health insurance for all of us. I will tell you, getting him back there created quite the fight between us, but that is for another day. :)

But, since Matt is no longer home, I am the one who does everything during the day. Let me just tell you my schedule is hellacious. I spend about 4 hours a day in the car three days a week and I only drive to Livonia for work. I am taking 2 classes, on Monday and Tuesday mornings. Luckily my friend Kelly is willing and able to pick Stella up from school at 11:34am on those days as I am still in school at that time. I don't know how you ladies do it. The whole working and taking kids to and from or even simply just the to and from. She doesn't even have any extracirriculars and I'm already done. Off to do more work, later.

Coming Out of The Fog.

I'm feeling better today and that's surprising for a rainy Monday. Here is my short list of reasons to be happy today:
1. A tough client phoned me yesterday to say that the job we have been working on for about 2 months is done and he is approving the proofs to be printed!! (My lord, this is the one project that I just feel like I gave birth too, sans epidural.)
2. I applied to a part time teaching position at a local community college and I hope they call me, I would love the chance to see what it's like to teach college before I actually go out to get my Masters. Fingers and all bits (as Jenn would say) are crossed.
3. My birthday is Saturday!!
4. I updated my portfolio for the first time since March!!
5. We had to rearrange our kitchen due to some water/heat damage, not too bad, probably wouldn't even notice it if I didn't point it out to you, but I noticed it. I know you shouldn't typically be happy about home repairs, but I love a project and look at it as the how little can I spend on this kitchen challenge??

Explanations:
1. This client is a friend and while it's been stressful for both of us, he is happy, I am happy and he and his wife want to do dinner with Matt and I as a way of acknowledging that this project is finally finished. Amen.
2. Even though I only have my Bachelors degree, I am allowed to teach a college level course in graphic design because it is a technical skill. The position pays quite well, so it would really benefit us in more ways than one. Maybe it could even tie itself into completing task #5 (kitchen problem) too.
3. Don't you just love birthdays? Even though we most likely won't be able to do anything fancy, it's still my day.
4. I desperately needed to rejuvenate my portfolio lastnight for this morning just in case the people from the College I applied to even consider looking into giving me a shot. Wish me luck.
5. OK, who puts Pergo flooring in a place where both heat and water are a given??? Anyway, our thoughts are that while the rest of the house is hardwood anyway, the ugly Pergo like flooring looked stupid butted up against the other flooring. So, we think we're going to go with a black and white checkerboard pattern!! Yeah, great idea Matt! And, then we'll probably paint, not sure what colors yet and then maybe even make curtains and paint our kitchen table chairs, they so don't match now. We had to store our old larger table because we had to move the fridge into the area where our table is. I feel so ghetto now! Oh well, gotta do whatch gotta do.
Keep on keepin' on!

On The Road Again.

Been neglectful of the old blog here, but I've been super busy yet again. Trying to get a job printed right for a client who can be a tad bit picky. It will get done, maybe not exactly to their specifications, but it will still look great. One more day of stuff that I've obligated myself to do and we're off on a short vacation. Garden City is having it's first annual Downtown Days celebration and I am a part of that. I created a logo for them, Matt completed the design of a new website for them just in time and we even volunteered at the kickoff event. Tomorrow from 4-8pm I will be helping to head up a kids craft tent behind Albert's On The Alley. Should be fun, but when I get home I have to bake cookies, bake brownies and pack my stuff and the kids stuff. 

Saturday morning about 7am, we're heading off to Chicago for a family reunion. No, we're all from Michigan, but my aunt and uncle live there and thought it was a good excuse for everyone to travel. Thankfully for me I had work come in and pay at the right time and here we are preparing to head off. It should be a nice time for all of us and I've promised Stella, absolutely NO COMPUTER for me and she is thrilled. I borrowed a friends portable DVD player and bought the Coraline DVD, we should be good to go. 

It's 1am, I have a long day ahead of me, good night all.

Oh yes and to those of you on Facebook who wondered why I defriended my SIL, this is why. Matt and I work very hard to do what little we can do with our kids at the moment, but yes we owe his mom and my mom a small some of money. The other day Matt let his mom know we were going this weekend and she tried to make him feel guilty by saying "well we never went anywhere, why should you!!" I have not gone anywhere fun since February 2003 before I got pregnant with Stella and damnit, we NEED a vacation and I'll be damned, it's a family reunion. So on Facebook the other day, I vented and said that just once I'd like to be able to do something without the least bit of guilt. VOILA, that's all it took, my SIL basically tattled on me, telling her mom and leaving me no choice but to defriend. I felt invaded and stabbed in the back. She doesn't work, sleeps all day and basically has nothing to do all day but worry about what other people are saying, I'M DONE feeling guilty and if she wants to have an honest and frank discussion about our situation, she's invited over to discuss, but I can't live like this anymore. I am tired of being judged for what I think, what I say and what I do. I like to say what's on my mind, I'm often mildly inappropriate and don't take too well to criticism. There, I said it, I AM HUMAN and damnit, don't treat me like a piece of shit. Does that tell you anything?

A Slight Depression.

I go through these wonderful periods of time where I just feel so low that it's really hard to be happy about anything at all. Although it is my mood, I always seem to persevere and move forward and I think that's how I work through it. I hope that I'm coming out of it now, fingers crossed. There is one thing to know about me, I like to keep busy. Keeping busy is usually my way of trying to stay positive. I just got over a HUGE patch of time where I was extremely busy and didn't have a lot of freelance work to do and think that's what propelled me into that stupid place. ANYWAY, enough of that.

After a bit of runaround from Schoolcraft, I have decided not to go there to get my web design certificate. I've opted instead to take on an additional part time job at Scrapbook Mania and to try to find things to busy myself. I did stumble upon a call for designers for Crane & co. stationary, maybe you've heard of it. I'm hoping to submit something truly inspired and amazing that they just can't pass up. I only have until August 1st, so that's good because now I have a deadline. 

Tomorrow starts the Under the Trees art festival in Garden City. Matt will be having a "booth" with his stencil art, so wish him luck. Also, pray that the rain is minimal if no existent. Oh, it's located in Garden City park at the intersection of Cherry Hill and Merriman, come on down! Gotta go now, I have stationary to design.

I'm Not Gone.

Just in case you were wondering, not abandoning this blog for the new blog, just adding a new one. I wanted a place to track my progression because I think it's going to be a worthwhile journey to document. Things have been pretty normal on the home front with a BBQ with my in-laws on the 4th. They came over, weird as they are, I know they mean well. Matt's sister just doesn't really understand that I think she stresses Stella out. It's like when they are over here, Stella is supposed to stop being 5 years old and wanting to play with her friends and only hang out with family. She just got to the point on the 4th where she ran in the house crying and I had to follow her in and let her know that we are the bosses around here, not Aunt Sarah. Sarah even got all riled up when I invited my friend Julie, who's on bed rest and having her baby on July 21st, and her husband over to watch our fireworks. And, she got bent out of shaped when the little kids in the neighborhood came over with there chairs to hang out too. Eventually she loosened up and went with the flow, but every time they come over we have to start over. It's stressful for me too. Oh well, it's my cross to bare. Cohen is rolling over all the time now and stands pretty well when you hold him up. It's only a matter of time before he's crawling and pulling himself up. 

Lately I've really been itching to scrapbook. So, I ordered some prints from as many places as I could find that offered a bunch of free and cheap prices. I have so far ordered from 4 different places for a total of about 500 pictures and only spent $45. I sorted through all my patterned papers to find ones to give Julie and then I'm going to pick up a boy album for her. Since she's on bed rest she's been wanting to get ready to scrapbook the photos of her baby to be. We talked lastnight and I offered to get her an album and the next thing I know they're offering us a television. After Cohen was born our hand me down tv died and all we had was a small 12" one. Well, this is beyond generous at 27" and instead of being a standard screen, it's flat. We have been blessed in so many small ways this year, maybe instead of lamenting the bad things, I need to stitch together all the wonderful little things.

Follow Me.

If you are interested at all in all the ins and outs and steps and such for me on my journey to receiving my MFA, I have started a new blog. It can be found at Destination: MFA and will also contain all things that inspire me along the way. Thanks for all your reading. It doesn't look pretty yet, but it will.

Brooke

MFA Bound.

I'm actually doing it. I met with the graduate adviser at Eastern Michigan University and I will be making my submission in early February of 2010. So, what happens now? Work, and lot's of it, all while in conjunction with the endless trail of what I already do everyday and quite possibly taking 3 classes at Schoolcraft College to get some web design skills. Stupid? Smart? Tired.

I have plans to meet with an old professor to discuss my current work, where in I know he will challenge not only me but my work. Good! I am looking forward to it. A wise woman once told me that without frustration you would not overcome anything. Bring on the frustration. 

I know this sounds weird or pretentious, but my goal is to teach, but also to mold people who are interested in design. I know that I spend entirely too much time in front of my computer and it is my challenge to tear myself away from it from time to time, but that is the part of me that knows I want to/can teach! Also, if I could throw in to the mix getting published, writing a book and holding gallery show, bring it on!

I will keep you posted and may even possibly have an additional blog showcasing my journey to my MFA. Thanks to everyone who reads this crap, I read your words and stay inspired. Thanks for all the support. :)

Signs of My Time

Stella's party was a success! In spite of colder temps, overcast skies and a few obnoxious neighborhood girls, she had a wonderful birthday party. The present du jour this year was the Hannah Montana Barbie doll she received from her Aunt Yaya and Uncle Paul, her excitement over this doll was all over her face. The next day however, we paid dearly for allowing her to stay up past her bed time, and for the intake of sugar and "treats" as well. Bed time is not just a number in our house, it is a lifestyle. We all do what works for each of us and we know that if Stella is not sleeping by 9pm, the next day she is a wreck, crying at the least little thing and unable to focus the entire day. Cohen however is verging on not being able to stay up past about 6:30, he's my little party animal.

This week has been very introspective for me. Remember back a post or two when I talked about wanting to teach? Well, I've been gearing myself up to go back to school at Schoolcraft for web design with the idea in mind that I simply wanted a better job, that paid well and maybe offered some decent benefits. I never thought it would be a problem "getting in" to Schoolcraft though, I never bargained for that. Turns out, if you already have an associates from that school in the same program, you'll be hard pressed to get any aid at all (I can't get FAFSA money as I already have my undergraduate degrees) from the school. So, our work around is me achieving my Web Specialist Certificate instead. I had to write a little letter to the Financial aid department explaining my situation and now it will take them 2 weeks to make a decision. Fingers are crossed.

While contemplating this new "situation" I realized that in order to achieve my real dream, I would need much more than improved skills in web design, I NEEDED my MFA. So, I'm starting on this journey. I've looked into a few, but Eastern looks the best suited for my needs. Close to home (sort of), I don't have to be a full time student, they take more than 10 students per year and compared to Cranbrook and U of M it's less costly. One bright spot is that because of our current financial situations, it should make applying for financial aid next year be to my benefit, hopefully I'll get grants.

I just know this is something I MUST do, since losing my job after Cohen was born, I can see how my work has improved in leaps and bounds. I'm not bragging by any means, it's just that working for someone where all you could do was emulate there style for three years, left no room for creativity and not time or desire to do anything for myself either. And then before that, I worked for a marketing company and I didn't have the drive to do anything outside of work to further myself. I was young and thought, "I have my career now, there's no need to do any extra." Boy was I wrong, I might be a lot further along if I never had that attitude.

So, lot's to think about here, but I know some day I want to teach and I guess be able to say that I have my MFA, I guess it's the equivalent of a doctorate. I'm happy right now. :)

Big Bash Tomorrow!

Tomorrow is Stella 5th birthday party. She officially turned 5 on the 9th, but since she was in preschool this year, figured it might be fun to invite her little friends from school to swim and have a little cake. Speaking of swimming, what's with this weather? Is the May or June? I have no idea if it will even be warm enough to swim tomorrow, bummer. And, geez, what's with people not RSVPing? So far I've had one no and 2 yes. Hmmmm, what to think about the other 13 children that were invited, SCARY! We also have friends and family coming, so all is not lost. Stella won't care as long as someone comes. :)

Took her to the doctor today and she is just big, in all manners of speaking. The doctor says her weight is ok, and that as long as she stays the same by next year she'll fall right in line with her height. She is 95th percentile for her height and the doc said the size of a 6 or 7 year old, this I figured. And so, people will expect more of her based on how she looks or think she is not very smart. And, she may need glasses, poor kid. :( Apparently Matt got glasses in kindergarten and I think both of my brothers did as well.

It was funny tonight we went to Plato's Place for dinner and the waitress suddenly said, "oh my god, he looks just like that baby from The Incredibles," pointing at Cohen. This made me laugh out loud as I have said this to Matt and Stella on more than one occasion.

OMG, I fed, or rather, tried to feed him peaches tonight and he would have none of it. I was telling the doctor about his #2 issues and she suggested starting peaches, even before veggies. In a word, HATE, and that isn't too strong a word either. Even 15 seconds after having tasted, his little body would shiver in disgust. I tried mixing it with cereal too and UCK, hell no. He even refused the bottle, choosing instead to get to bed. Such a sweetie!

Well, I should get to chilling out as all the housework is done, food buying is complete aside from Cake and ice. I need my rest, because if it rains, I need not be stressed if I am tons of people in my itty bitty house.

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!

Another Winner & More!

My lovely cousin Lorrie won my last giveaway since none of ya'll even bothered to enter. She will receive a beautiful poster print made from her choice of photo. Check them out, they also doing some amazing things with canvas prints! Lorrie wasn't just the only entrant, she also made a very compelling argument and in my heart would have won no matter what. So Lorrie, I truly hope Esteban enjoys his Father's Day gift. In Kroger news, I found out last Monday that I was a "potential top ten winner" and I will find out for sure if and what I've won by about this Wednesday, can't be sure absolutely though. I am very excited as over 37000 folks entered the contest. But, let's face it, most of the designs sucked!!! LOL If indeed I do win the top prize, you are all invited to a BBQ once I receive the gift card. Hell, I have a 1 in 10 chance of taking the top prize, why not me?

Matt and I are currently dabbling with Vinyl and a vinyl cutting machine. I am going to be adding to my Etsy shop or potentially opening a new shop, not sure how that will work. But I am going to focus for the moment on laptop decals. Here is one I

 just made and LOVE. 

Let me know if you know anyone who would dig something like that and of course, beside E.T. I will be putting together some other lovelies and are more pretty and abstract too. I want a real variety that appeals to many people. Maybe I'll post again tomorrow.

Switching Gears!

Been feeling lost lately, hence, no time for blogging, well, aside from the last 2 giveaways. Aren't they fun? I've been doing a lot of soul searching and trying to come to some positive conclusions and I think I'm slowly stumbling towards clarity. I work for a local community college and on an almost daily basis am referred to as "the helper.?" I'm 31 years old and have 10 years of graphic design experience so feel that I am well beyond the condescending title. With that title, for all intents and purposes, I could be an elf working for Santa. Anyhow, I've decided quite recently that in order to improve our life, I too must go back to college. Nowadays it's not enough to have an Associates and a Bachelors degree, you need to continue to educate. I'll be taking web design classes and I think that within two semesters I could most likely get a much better job. However, it occurred to me today that I think I would like to, in time, position myself to be a full time professor at this college. Honestly, it surprised even myself. Those of you who don't know me don't know that my mother is a teacher and for me, it was the LAST vocation I ever thought of pursuing because I saw how hard it was for her in the beginning. But, she was teaching junior high, much more difficult than college students. So, that's where my mind has been. It didn't help today that I saw 2 folks I went to high school with working at the college also and just based on appearance alone, I felt reduced to that 9th grade inferior feeling fat girl who knew someday she would succeed. Welp, here she is still, proud of her accomplishments, but knowing deep down that she is not done yet. I have this drive inside of me that is unrelenting and unforgiving, maybe I need to loosen up huh?

Ah, my beans...

Cohen is growing so fast. He's been moody lately, maybe he's getting a tooth. Stella's been quite introspective and questioning things in 

a way that I can appreciate. I love my kids. They are good in heart. Stella is very kind and would NEVER hurt anyone. Cohen is sweet and always smiling. God I love life right now.

ANOTHER GIVEAWAY! Just in time for Father's Day.

We all love our hubbies and fathers, and wouldn't you like to surprise him with a gift that will make his heart melt? How about an 18 x24 Print of yourself, your child, a special place you know he'll just love, ANYTHING! Here is the company that's offering this amazing deal and once again it's absolutely FREE. They do amazing work with poster prints and you will be so pleased to have won such a prize. Get this, they even offer canvas prints. I think some time soon, I've got to try that, I've got an amazing photo I'd love to see on canvas.

Ok, so how do you win? Tell me about the photo or image you'd love to have blown up to 18 x 24 and I will let Stella decide who's got the best and most amazing idea. I will announce my winner next Friday evening, June 5th. Also, if you want a second chance to win and you have a blog, please post about this giveaway and link back to www.digitalroom.com and you will have double the chances of winning. Alright, NOW enter.