Sunday, November 22, 2009

New Job, Projects, Christmas, etc.

I recently started a new job. Brant and I were trying to figure out how to pay for coming-due student loans and I was fretting, to put it lightly. I hadn't been getting the amount of hours I needed at Staples, nor was the pay enough to help make due. So, Brant pushed to have me look on the Utah Jobs website to look around for something, regardless of whether or not it was in my field. I found a listing for a Technical Writer, and found it was for a business called EFurnitureShowroom.com. It's an online furniture retailer. It was also a place where two friends of mine had applied and were hired. I had heard the manager wasn't hiring anymore, but put in my application and resume anyways. Well, I heard back a day or two later and Wah-la! I had an interview. I had the interview, and again Wah-la! I had a new job! I had to work two weeks of 60 hours each to switch over from the job at Staples to the new job. It was hard, but it's been worth it. I'm doing pretty well at the job, still lost on a lot of things, but getting the hang of how things work. I got my first paycheck and I can say I am relieved.

Amongst all this chaos, I've been working on Christmas presents. This is the year of the hand-made gifts and family books. I can't make a lot, but I can at least give to some family members. I've been making scarves and hats and working on little projects for me. I like making things to put in my house. Such as my Harvest sign:




I had seen several signs at craft stores and decor stores, but they were vinyl lettering and cost more than I could afford. So, I bought fall-ish type paper, printed the letters reversed from the computer on the backside of the paper, cut them out, and Mod Podged them to the stained wood. I'm rather pleased with myself. I think I spent a total of eight dollars or so. My neighbor let me use a little of her wood stain. Bless her!

With Christmas coming up, I'm getting excited to start decorating. Brant and I are having our first Christmas in our own place and there is so much room to put up decor! Day after Thanksigiving, I am decking the house! I already know how I'm rearranging the furniture to fit the tree and everything. Now if only I can get Brant to help me put up all the lights.

I'm sure I'll have more projects soon enough. Once I start decorating for Christmas, I'll get ideas for things to make.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

The Long Awaited Day I Thought Would Never Come...

For some time now, my Rodeo has needed new tires. My mechanic, during my inspection over the summer, told me my tires wouldn't make it to see winter. Naturally, this had me a little nervous. Since receiving this nerve-wracking news, Brant and I have been saving up frantically. Last week, my parents called and said the tire place they've been going to for years was having a great sale on tires. This caught my immediate interest. Come to find out, Johnson Tires was selling my tire size for $99 a tire along with a 60,000 mile warranty. I AM STOKED!! They look so nice on my Rodeo. Brant was pretty excited too. We still didn't have the last $100 but that'll be paid Thursday. I'll have pictures up along with some little changes we've made to our place. I know we haven't put up any pictures of it all yet, but that's because I'm embarassed of all the boxes.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Target Shooting Togetherness

Several years ago I may not have considered target shooting as a 'fun' activity. Ever since meeting Brant, I have learned that having a gun isn't necessarily a bad thing. I used to think they were dangerous and idiotic to have.
Well, I sing a different tune now.
Brant and I both had a day off together (and we didn't even plan it! wow!!)
and after running miscellaneous errands,
decided to go target shooting up against a mountain, on the outskirts of Smithfield.
It's a nice place to shoot. Brant had his 30-06 and
I had my 17HMR bolt action rifle
(mine is better! and only because it doesn't kick when I fire and
because it sounds more impressive when I say it)
Below is the area where we shot. The picture turned out rather disappointing. It was an absolutely gorgeous fall day.
These are our casings. the bigger casing is one of Brant's.
Obviously, mine are the smaller, faster casings

A closeup that really doesn't seem to help..... hmm...

Here is me and my awesome rifle.
I don't care if it has synthetic stock on it, I prefer a smaller-kick to looks.


Here I am lining up my shot


" See Brant lay prone on the ground.
See Brant envision an elk on the distant horizon.
See Brant drool over monster elk.
See Brant line up the shot. "

Lining up that perfect shot.

Here is a better shot of what a B-E-A-Utiful day it was.


Tuesday, September 1, 2009

More creativity!

Yet another installment of stuff I've been making. It's been fabulous having this wonderful thing called 'time' and being able to use it to create! Homework is entirely overrated.

This is a set of frames I painted like my previous set. I found this color scheme in some scrapbook paper as well. Brant doesn't seem to like it, but then again, when do men appreciate pinks and red?
This is what I created for my first comission job. I ensure that personal info is changed if I reuse and display the card. I had a lot of fun with this. I found I have a lot of skill with Adobe Illustrator, yay!
I love this one. It is simple and yet, elegant. It is visited a lot on my etsy shop.

This one is a lot of fun. It is lighthearted and speaks volumes of personality

This one was inspired by and older movie, That Touch of Mink with Carry Grant and Doris Day.
Odd, isn't it?


I have to say that Brant has been a great support for me. He encouraged me to pursue this because it lets me release my creative energy. I don't get so antsy and it cheers me up when I'm alone while he is at work. The other upside is it very well may help me buy new tires for my car. We've been tight on money and my tires are going VERY bald. Meaning I'll need new ones before another nasty Logan Winter. Wish me luck!!
Thanks to my friend next door, too. She's great at helping me critique my work.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

My First Commision Job on Etsy.com!

So, I got the idea from my friend next door to start selling wedding, birthday and other invitations on this website called etsy.com It is where vintage and handmade things are sold. I decided (after much research) to just sell digital copies of my invites until I can afford to print them myself (which will be a while). I format them at 5x7 and sold for between $13-15. I think its a good deal considering you can print the entire thing for the price of a photo house print. PRETTY CHEAP and great for a BUDGET!
So I had been signed up for about a week when I get a message from a mom who wants to comission a custom invitation for her two boys' birthdays. Turns out she has a HUGE fall festival bash for her boys who are both under the age of 4! So, after about a week and ahalf of working with her, we finally have the perfect announcement for her. My custom designs are $30, so I was pretty excited. I have made wedding announcements/invites for a friend or two (as wedding gifts) as well as my own so I figured I have experience enough for this.
The mom LOVED what I came up with so I'm feeling even more confident in my abilities. She was great to work with too.
I can proudly say I have positive feedback on my little etsy shop. I have a little more confidence in my shop now and I think it'll turn out better for making a little extra money for bills versus selling my stuff on ebay
(stuff I no longer use, of course)
My Shop Web Address!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Happy Birthday Brant

For Brant's Birthday, he wanted to go to Cabela's down in Lehi. He'd been wanting to g for months, just to go and drool a bit over the pretty guns, pretty compound bows, tents, funny hunting shirts, etc. Brant decided to get himself a new hunting shirt that has a beatuiful clearing, a single elk and words RUSH HOUR in big bold letters. He also got a Team RealTree hat that has 1986 on it (his birth year). He was pretty excited about that. He also got the string on his compound bow tightened a bit and got some wax for it. He had a hayday.
We were going to eat there too, but I wasn't too keen on the idea of paying $4.50 for a 6-inch chili dog. I don't care HOW good it is. Brant was a little bummed but I told him it was either eating mediocre food there or eating at Cheesecake Factory. Needless to say, He had his heart set on cheesecake factory. The food there is a bit more worth the cost.


HAPPY 23RD BIRTHDAY BRANT

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Nature Outings

This past weekend, Brant and I had the chance to go for a walk on the Logan River Trail and go fishing.
We sort went when it was a little too dark, so by the time we reached the end, it was really dark.
It was nice just talking, no distractions, and just saying hello to others we passed along the way.

This is what was at the end of the trail. We thought it was kind of cute. It also felt nice knowing we had walked that far and that it was a total of two miles since we had to turn around and go back.

This was a tree near the beginning of the trail. I really liked how the setting sun colors lit it up. I love random photos like that. They're fun and unique.

This was about the time we started the trail. These mountains are why I love living in Utah.



On Saturday, after I got off work, Brant took me up Black Fork Canyon to go fishing. I just sat and read while he fished. He caught a small one, but it was too small to keep. We plan on fishing together on our first anniversary camping trip this weekend.

This is the spot he had chosen earlier while I was at work. It was nice and shady


And me chilaxing in a camp chair, reading the time away.


We'll be taking off early Saturday to get a camping spot. It's probably going to be a busy weekend there because the Bear Lake area is celebrating Raspberry Days. They have the BEST fresh fruit shakes there. Hopefully we can get a good spot.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Recent Projects and Fun

So, I got some inspiration for some creative projects from my friend two doors down, and here are the fruits of my labor! I'm so excited!
These are a set of frames I painted and wrapped in color-coordinating ribbon. I got the color scheme from a piece of scrapbook paper I really like. I especially like the green color. I LOVE green and natural colors, but moreso brighter, more vibrant greens


Here are some closeups so you can see the ribbon.







Here is another project I started. Since Brant and I are on a tighter budget, I thought crocheting an afghan for my niece's birthday would be appropriate. I had leftover yarn so I also made her a scarf. She'll be three. Her birthday is also Brant's birthday.




I have three more frames to paint with a different color scheme. I'm excited to see how they turn out. I'm kind of using the same idea, but I'm going to try something else.
I'm also going to try my luck at designing and printing Wedding Announcements/Invitations for some extra income and so my design and computer skills don't dwindle away. I have a few designs already, it's just getting the rest of the material to sell with it.
My project stuff is all over the living room and it's driving Brant nuts,
but I'm having so much fun!

Saturday, July 18, 2009

How does your garden grow....

Brant and I were fortunate enough to get some veggie plants from our friends next door. I had been talking about starting our own little garden since we don't buy a lot of veggies (thank Brant for that one). He seems to be more enthusiastic about eatting FRESH vegetables.
So far we have:
3 green onion plants, 1 bell pepper plant (not sure if its green, yellow, or what) and
1 tomato plant. It's HUGE!!!

Here is a shot of the flowers. I can't wait!! I LOVE fresh tomatoes!

These are the flowers I got for my birthday from Brant's Mom and sisters. Brant told them I wanted to have some flowers to take care of because it was something I always did with my Mom during the summer. She and I would find new creative ways to landscape the yard. It was our "thing". The biggest start was when we landscaped around the two evergreen trees in the front yard. we planted some roses and a juniper-type looking tree (I'll be darned if I can't remember what it's called) in the center. If you were to look down at it, it would look wavy, instead of being in a straight line. Doesn't make much sense to anyone but me, oh well.

Hopefully I can keep everything alive!! Hopefully my green thumb makes itself known.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Some pictures I found.....

I was going through a lot of my pictures, putting them in my scrapbook pile or putting them into photo albums, and I found the pictures from my black belt test on April 18, 2009. I was really excited to find them because I have been wanting to put them in my scrapbook, as well as enlarge one with Master Hall (my teachers' teacher). I scanned them in and I picked out a few of my favorites.

I'm lining up my boards here.Here I am in the process of breaking them. I had to break 8 boards in 10 seconds. I managed to break them all in about 14 because my last break was a little difficult. It was a 360 degree jump back kick. I realize that only means something to me, but its a neat kick.

Here, Jessica and I are sparring. It's like a play-fight without full-on contact. It takes a lot of control to attack without making contact. Light contact is acceptable.

Here I am during a poomse
(a fighting dance trainees practiced to learn how to combine techniques)

My brother Matt, Me, Kathy, (behind her) Master Hall, Lance, and Jessica
Here I am shaking hands with Kathy (My teacher)
Here I am receiving my black belt certificate from Master Hall
And last but not least, I am receiving my black belt, Yahoo!

The Long Awaited Graduation Pictures

Here are some pictures from my graduation, May 2, 2009. I had to get some good scans because I never got digital copies from my mom. Enjoy!

JoAnn Wilson and I, as I receive my degree (actually its just the cover for it, they mail the real thing out later, and I have yet to receive it) I finally earned by Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design!!


Darrin Brooks, Me and Steven Mansfield. Two of my professors
(Don't tell, but Steve is my favorite)

My Hubby and I afterwards (Isn't he cute!?)

Steve and I, just before my name was announced

And here I am walking to my seat before the ceremony began. The white sash is the Stole of Gratitude. It's given by the graduate to the person they feel helped them the most throughout their education. I gave mine to my mom, but she insisted I keep it with my graduation cap and everything.

The lights were REALLY yellow, so no, I did not color my hair or anything. It was great having my and Brant's families there to support me and celebrate with me.

Afterwards we went to Olive Garden to have a nice lunch. There are two parts to the actualy graduation ceremony. The first is a general for all the colleges, and they award honored staff and dignitaries, etc, etc. The Second part is when each college separates for their own ceremony. Luckily, my college (Humanities, Art and Social Science - H.A.S.S) was in that same building and started directly after the first portion. However, they were both long enough that EVERYone was really hungry. I have now been graduated just over 2 months. It's been great. the job market is awful, so I'm staying at Staples. It doesn't pay as much as I would like, but every little bit helps.

Thank you to everyone who came to support me, to those who sent me cards because of the distance, and those who wrote to me.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

One Week and Three Days later....

Fair warning: This is a little bit lengthy, be prepared

Brant and I have been moved in for a week and three days now, and boy are we glad to have ALL our stuff (junk and useless items included) in our new place. Moving day could have gone much better, but we're glad it happened and was not put off again. To start, I was disappointed I had to work that day, but I got off at four. I proceeded to head to our old place to change into appropriate moving clothes and join-up with Brant and my family, who were so gracious as to help us move stuff. I don't know how we woud have accomplished that day without them.

Anyway, so I change my clothes and call Brant only to find out there was a new lock on our storage unit door. Apparently, the bookkeeping division of our storage provider is AWFUL. In May, we were checking our bank account to see which checks had cleared and which had not. This was on May 13th, our rent was due the 7th. Normally it is taken out by then. So we call, the storage unit person tells us it probably got lost and to then cancel the lost check, and send a new one. We would not be charged the late fee - we also included a written note with the new check explaining the situation and who we spoke with. So we figure everything is hunky-dory only to find out the storage unit people think we have NOT paid and claim the check we sent won't let them use it - they really DID have the first "lost" check, and were too stupid to realize it, and THEN claiming they never received the other check. To add to our luck, the owner was on VACATION and they hired a TEMP to replace him. She had no idea how to run things, and we SHOWED her bank documents to prove we had sent the check and that our two days (june 8th and 9th) were to be prorated. She didn't believe us andtold us we had to pay her $70 to remove the lock. My parents AND Brant were all yelling at her that she was wrong, that it was the company's fault and error, and to remove the lock. My dad went so far as to call a lawyer about it.

This all happened while I was at work. my family had been sitting around for 2 and a half hours waiting for this dippy girl to show up. She kept saying "I'll be there n 20 minutes" and never show. She finally gets there and thats when the fighting began. Well, my parents paid the $70 because she was being so stupid, stubborn, and unreasonabl; Brant and I are penny-pinching right now, so we couldn't afford the money, otherwise we'd be delinquent on on of our bills. Brant has been calling every other day since to speak with the owner and chew him up for the distress and delay he caused us because he can't do his own book-keeping.

Next, it was raining all day and the day after, and the day after, etc, etc. It's been raining a LOT this year, more than normal. So we're moving everything in the rain, and getting somewhat wet. It made it difficult, but then again, the rain is a blessing.

So, here we are, still with several unpacked boxes. We've made three trips to D.I. and gotten rid of a lot, for a newly-wed couple. I still have many more boxes, like child-hood stuff and holiday decorations, but it's hard to let go when it reminds me of childhood memories. I'm very sentimental. Our married friends two doors down helped us dejunk, moreso the wife than the husband. She helped me get in a 'let go' mood and filled my car. It's looking more and more like a home, but it will take time to get it all the way we want it to be. Just another task on the to-do list.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Spreading the music - Jon Schmidt

Found this posted on a friends blog, and she said to share it. After I listened to it, I coudn't help NOT sharing it. It is absolutely amazing. I think it is songs like this that remind me why I like music so much. Most of the people who know me fairly well know that I always have music playing when I am able. Otherwise I hum little tunes or sing parts of songs I know the tunes and words. Take the time to listen to it, and I mean LISTEN to it. Ignore any distractions and FEEL the emotion and passion and joy that was put into this song.


Thursday, June 4, 2009

Crochet Fun

I have known how to crochet for about 8 years now.
However, during the last 5 years I haven't been able to fervently on a project
(namely I haven't been able to finish anything I start).
It has been quite frustrating because I learned all these different crochet stitches and now I don't remember anything past a slip stitch, single crochet, double crochet, chain stitch, and a front post double crochet stitch. I used to know all these neat, decorative stitches and I've lost them all. My friend and I decided to start crocheting together, with me relearning and she learning altogether. It was a hilarious experience. Imagine two women sitting on a sofa, with yarn and hook in hand. In front of them, sitting on the coffee table, is a laptop. On the screen is the youtube.com main screen. The two women are searching for self-help videos to learn how to do these stitches.



Yeah, that was us. We started and finished winter hats together that same night. We felt very accomplished. Actually it was more like we started that night and worked into the early hours of morning. It was 5 a.m. before I finally looked at my watch. We have a great time together. It's nice having more estrogen around. The testosterone is killing me.



Below are two small afaghans I've made, once is still being made. The hat is the one mentioned above. The unused skeins of yarn are for a new project for my neice. I hope she likes it! The afaghan I'm currently making is kind of skee-whomp-us. I wasn't paying much attention to the number of stitches I had so it's not my best work. It's one I can look back at and laugh about because I am so clueless sometimes. Ask my mom. She can tell you stories....

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Moving Day Looming Overhead

So far, Brant and I have not heard from the weird lady living in our soon-to-be new home. We're fervently, yet exhaustedly packing more boxes and I think it shows. We're getting excited again too. Right now, we are down to 5 days til the morning of Moving Day.

We're going to be tight for a while, which means we'll be relearning frugality. We're setting new rules, and I'm tempted to turn it into a household 'constitution' Hee hee.
Anyway, I took some pictures of us packing so you can see how many boxes we are living around and out of. It's crazy how much stuff and junk we have. I am going to have a hayday dejunking as we move. I'm sure brant will too. He's excited to take boxes of stuff to the local D.I. As this day has crept ever closer, I've been jumping ahead of things and looking at the curtains I want, rugs, wall decor, side tables, etc. Its torture! Don't ask me why I do it. I can't help myself. I'm so excited for a place to call my own.