So I resigned from my short-lived return to the workforce this morning. I tried to adapt, I really did. I approached each shift with the idea that it was going to be a good day but...I just couldn't get past the fact that I crave chaos. I like fixing problems and puzzling through. It was good job for many people, just not the right fit for me. I just think at my age, I don't want to settle, I want something that truly suits me. Spent the rest of the day working on rebuilding my stock, sending out emails to stores that expressed an interest in selling some of my pieces. Back on track to building this business. But still feeling tense, anxious. I do think this is the right decision, but I have to go back for one more shift tomorrow. Things always work out the way they're supposed to right? You just don't know it until you get there.
Actually got to go on a "date" yesterday. Lily had her first sewing lesson with her grandma, and Max just had a good day of playing. We went to see "Zombieland." Now, admittedly, I am a bit of a closet goth. I thought the movie was hysterical. Loved Bill Murray. Zombies are certainly hip right now. "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" had me laughing out loud within pages, and "Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters" looks just as promising. Hearkening back a few years, I was a big fan of "Fido" too. In a kinder and gentler vein, we are going to see "Where the Wild Things Are" this week. Even the music score is making me tear up, and reading the book always get me too. Can't wait to go.
The bone scan was done and we've got another week of waiting. Frankly, we are crossing our fingers that her ankle is broken. Then we have a clear idea of treatment and ETA for full healing. If it turns out to be a soft tissue injury, then I think my kitten is in for a long season of physio before her life can return to normal. I have to say though, I am so proud of her. Not once since this happened has she ever complained or felt sorry for herselft. She has taken this all in stride, and though she does hurt quite a bit by the end of the day, she continues to have an amazing attitude toward the whole experience. I think that this would be difficult for an adult to go through without bitching, but for a ten year old, highly strung little girl (gee, where do you think she gets it from?) her attitude just amazes me. I am truly blessed with awesome children.
So there it is. Still hoping to be discovered, still looking for work, and ready for my 5:00 vino!
Monday, October 19, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Missing my Turkey Sandwiches
So what's new? Lily's moved from crutches to an aircast boot. She kept falling with the crutches so at least with the Frankenfoot she can move around pretty easily. Two xrays have shown nothing so the next stop is for a bone scan to see if there is a hidden fracture in her ankle. The poor thing. Me - I mean. She is just busting with energy and has no way to expend it except to chatter endlessly. Honestly, I love listening to her and she has some really cool ideas, but it's like she doesn't even take a breath. She is launching a business plan to make and sell handcrafted pillows. This does present some issues. I don't have a sewing machine. I don't sew. I barely iron. Anyway, it's great to see her ideas take shape and we will do what we can to make it happen. Look for the grand opening of "Cushy Lily" at a market near you.
I also have taken a part-time job. It's pleasant and the people are very nice. There is a dress code, and somewhat of a company-issued uniform. It's an interesting transition for me. I have found that while I thought having a simple job would be an easy change, it is actually proving otherwise. Apparently, I am hardwired to be the boss and work in a high-stress environment. I always did have a problem with authority and following rules. Hence, my corporate jobs evolved to allow me the freedom to work in the grey areas. Now things are pretty black and white and my day is dictated for me. It's still early in this for me. We'll see how things pan out.
I will be updating the pictures this week. I've done some really pretty sculptural pendants and I want to get them on the site.
Final note for today. Carrie - I don't know if you will see this but I hope you do. I know it's been 11 days since your surgery. I hope that you are home and starting on the road to recovery. You are in my thoughts. Please let me know how you are doing if you can. Take care of yourself and never lose hope.
Oh and Donna - if you're out there too - hope you are doing great! I love the way you have such a positive, exhuberent approach to life.
I also have taken a part-time job. It's pleasant and the people are very nice. There is a dress code, and somewhat of a company-issued uniform. It's an interesting transition for me. I have found that while I thought having a simple job would be an easy change, it is actually proving otherwise. Apparently, I am hardwired to be the boss and work in a high-stress environment. I always did have a problem with authority and following rules. Hence, my corporate jobs evolved to allow me the freedom to work in the grey areas. Now things are pretty black and white and my day is dictated for me. It's still early in this for me. We'll see how things pan out.
I will be updating the pictures this week. I've done some really pretty sculptural pendants and I want to get them on the site.
Final note for today. Carrie - I don't know if you will see this but I hope you do. I know it's been 11 days since your surgery. I hope that you are home and starting on the road to recovery. You are in my thoughts. Please let me know how you are doing if you can. Take care of yourself and never lose hope.
Oh and Donna - if you're out there too - hope you are doing great! I love the way you have such a positive, exhuberent approach to life.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Fashionberry Feature
Just one more little thing to mention - my feature in the ezine Fashionberry came out last week, so here's the link: www.fashionberry.com
It's the September issue (#8) and just scroll along the bottom to change pages. My friend, Donnalin, took the great pictures and really helped me out in a bind.
It's the September issue (#8) and just scroll along the bottom to change pages. My friend, Donnalin, took the great pictures and really helped me out in a bind.
The Crutches Are Out Again
So it seems to be a first sign of Fall in our family that Lily slowly makes her way to school on crutches. An annual tradition perhaps, first started last year, due to a bad knee injury at gymnastics that had her out of commission for a good three weeks. This time, we have a mystery injury. No one knows how or when she hurt her ankle but she can't put any weight on it and it's now been 10 days. We've had the xray done but no word back from the doctor. I think we're skipping gym today. For the record - last year, injuries included: sprained wrist, concussion, reinjured knee, and a veritable rainbow of bruises. Shall we try for the full-on cast this year? (oops, she just read this and is now having a cow).
I was out in Harrison last weekend for the Castle & Crafts Market. As the long-held sandcastle building competition was cancelled this year for financial reasons, the organizers are seeking a new name. I think "Handcrafted in Harrison" sounds pretty good. Anyway, I had a great time. Saw some familar faces, sold all my beautiful turquoise (sigh...it really was gorgeous), and was well-fed by Alyx. Thank you !
Been playing around with copper more. I'm quite liking it, and paired with silver and chocolate pearls, the look is pretty sweet. However, I am also a bit preoccupied with the prospect of job-hunting. The husband has decreed it is time for me to return to the workforce. While I have no intention of returning to a high pressure corporate job at this time, even the idea of part-time employment is a little nerve-wracking. Stage fright I guess. And honestly, I have nothing to wear. Really. I live in jeans, sold all my suits (though those would be so "What not to wear" now), but I do still have my stilettoes. I may just prance around in the bedroom in them (alone, it's not as dirty as it sounds), but you'll have to pry them out of my cold, dead hands before I give in and buy a pair of crocs. Umm...I am so off topic right now.
What else? Oh, I forgot to mention last time that I finally experienced a milestone of sorts. I was stung in Penticton. I have never been stung in my life and have spent a good deal of time making a fool of myself as I run away screaming from most flying insects. This experience has shown me that that was precisely the right action. Bugger, it really really hurts. I was stung on the top of my foot, right in the vein and had a nasty burning pain for about 3 days. Ugly, freaky little creatures that don't serve any purpose on this planet. Next topic....
I guess that's it for today. I'll be at Steveston Market on Sunday (sept 27) for my last market there of the season and the weather should be fabulous.
I was out in Harrison last weekend for the Castle & Crafts Market. As the long-held sandcastle building competition was cancelled this year for financial reasons, the organizers are seeking a new name. I think "Handcrafted in Harrison" sounds pretty good. Anyway, I had a great time. Saw some familar faces, sold all my beautiful turquoise (sigh...it really was gorgeous), and was well-fed by Alyx. Thank you !
Been playing around with copper more. I'm quite liking it, and paired with silver and chocolate pearls, the look is pretty sweet. However, I am also a bit preoccupied with the prospect of job-hunting. The husband has decreed it is time for me to return to the workforce. While I have no intention of returning to a high pressure corporate job at this time, even the idea of part-time employment is a little nerve-wracking. Stage fright I guess. And honestly, I have nothing to wear. Really. I live in jeans, sold all my suits (though those would be so "What not to wear" now), but I do still have my stilettoes. I may just prance around in the bedroom in them (alone, it's not as dirty as it sounds), but you'll have to pry them out of my cold, dead hands before I give in and buy a pair of crocs. Umm...I am so off topic right now.
What else? Oh, I forgot to mention last time that I finally experienced a milestone of sorts. I was stung in Penticton. I have never been stung in my life and have spent a good deal of time making a fool of myself as I run away screaming from most flying insects. This experience has shown me that that was precisely the right action. Bugger, it really really hurts. I was stung on the top of my foot, right in the vein and had a nasty burning pain for about 3 days. Ugly, freaky little creatures that don't serve any purpose on this planet. Next topic....
I guess that's it for today. I'll be at Steveston Market on Sunday (sept 27) for my last market there of the season and the weather should be fabulous.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
School's Back
Well, it's been a great summer. Busy markets and busy kids. Had a great trip to Seattle and blew a ton on money on fabulous pearls at Fusion Beads. Had lots of fun at the new pool in Kelown (H2O). Off to Summerland to stay at the gorgeous La Punta Norte with our gracious hosts. Pablo finished the Ironman and swears he's taking some time off. Of course, there are always shorter races to do....Big disappointment in Penticton - where did Piggy's go? We were so disappointed that it's not there anymore. Did find a fabulous restaurant at the Lakeside, and an absolutely horrible one on Lakeshore.
School's back in, Max is in grade 2 and Lily in grade 5. Both of them blew me off this morning for goodbye kisses. Oh well. Our endless round of afterschool activities kicks into high gear again this week too. No days off for anyone.
I've been invited to my high school renunion - 25 years. Way too scary. I've not been to the other reunions and have no plans to go to this one either. Frankly, high school was not the highlight of my life and I really don't have any interest in seeing former "friends" who dumped me so quickly after grad. Life moves on in much more interesting directions and I've got great friends who are sincere, fun and honest. I would never go back in time to be a teenager again. Very few good memories.
Working in copper and sterling now. Love hammering metal. Best way to work out stress.
Hugo the farting pug is sitting beside me, wafting his pungency in my direction. Makes me work faster so I can get out of this small room before I choke on the fumes. (was that more info that you needed to know?)
Saw some great movies - adult ones even - District 9, Inglorious Basterds, Julie & Julia. Oh, and finally saw Slumdog Millionaire. Still want to see the Time Travellers Wife. I know I'll cry. Getting too soft.
Anyway, I am supposed to be soldering right now, but I've updated the website and the Etsy site. As always, more pics to come.
School's back in, Max is in grade 2 and Lily in grade 5. Both of them blew me off this morning for goodbye kisses. Oh well. Our endless round of afterschool activities kicks into high gear again this week too. No days off for anyone.
I've been invited to my high school renunion - 25 years. Way too scary. I've not been to the other reunions and have no plans to go to this one either. Frankly, high school was not the highlight of my life and I really don't have any interest in seeing former "friends" who dumped me so quickly after grad. Life moves on in much more interesting directions and I've got great friends who are sincere, fun and honest. I would never go back in time to be a teenager again. Very few good memories.
Working in copper and sterling now. Love hammering metal. Best way to work out stress.
Hugo the farting pug is sitting beside me, wafting his pungency in my direction. Makes me work faster so I can get out of this small room before I choke on the fumes. (was that more info that you needed to know?)
Saw some great movies - adult ones even - District 9, Inglorious Basterds, Julie & Julia. Oh, and finally saw Slumdog Millionaire. Still want to see the Time Travellers Wife. I know I'll cry. Getting too soft.
Anyway, I am supposed to be soldering right now, but I've updated the website and the Etsy site. As always, more pics to come.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Summertime
June was fabulous. Seriously the best sales that I have ever done and the feedback from everyone is incredible. Fab Fair was a great success, the new White Rock Market venue is awesome and Potter's is coming along. The kids did great at the Langley triathlon. Max is convinced he came in third. More importantly, he had barely learned to ride without training wheels and whipped through the course. Off the bike like a shot, I even saw him overtake someone on the run. Lily had a tougher time. She had the longest course yet for her and it was challenging. But she pushed through and finished strong. They are so set to do it again next year. My Gator's workouts are good despite the occassional desire to lie down in the fetal position. Maybe because Pablo is an Ironman, there is the assumption that I can be pushed to the limit too. I don't know. But I did pull 250 lbs across the floor the other night and that is an empowering feeling.
The Steveston Salmon Festival got off to a rocky start -totally due to me. After patting myself on the back for getting the last vendor parking place, I proceeded to drop my new apple green phone into the toilet, followed by falling down the stairs onto the sidewalk outside Starbucks. I didn't spill my tea. However, bleeding and swollen I headed back to the market, rounded up some bandaids, swallowed a handful of Advil and sold, sold, sold. A week later and my knee is still a kaleidescope of colours.
On Sunday, we did the first of the Steveston Farmer's Markets that I have signed up for. The biggest market that I've been in so far and what service! A gentleman came around to the booths offering delicious baked goods in the morning, and our lunch was ordered and delivered to us as well. An excellent idea at any market when it is difficult for lone vendors to get away.
I haul the kids with me to almost all the markets and they deserve many gold stars. Early mornings, cold wind, a bowl of cereal under a blanket. Never a complaint. I am very blessed. If only they could be such little darlings all the time......
I've got something brewing with an online fashion magazine that has great potential and am really excited about going to Harrison for the Festival of the Arts on July 18-19.
And hey - if there is anyone out there reading this - drop me a line. Would love to hear from you.
The Steveston Salmon Festival got off to a rocky start -totally due to me. After patting myself on the back for getting the last vendor parking place, I proceeded to drop my new apple green phone into the toilet, followed by falling down the stairs onto the sidewalk outside Starbucks. I didn't spill my tea. However, bleeding and swollen I headed back to the market, rounded up some bandaids, swallowed a handful of Advil and sold, sold, sold. A week later and my knee is still a kaleidescope of colours.
On Sunday, we did the first of the Steveston Farmer's Markets that I have signed up for. The biggest market that I've been in so far and what service! A gentleman came around to the booths offering delicious baked goods in the morning, and our lunch was ordered and delivered to us as well. An excellent idea at any market when it is difficult for lone vendors to get away.
I haul the kids with me to almost all the markets and they deserve many gold stars. Early mornings, cold wind, a bowl of cereal under a blanket. Never a complaint. I am very blessed. If only they could be such little darlings all the time......
I've got something brewing with an online fashion magazine that has great potential and am really excited about going to Harrison for the Festival of the Arts on July 18-19.
And hey - if there is anyone out there reading this - drop me a line. Would love to hear from you.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
A little bit of both
May - some good, some not so good. I don't want to spend a lot of time grumbling but honestly, the two markets that I booked for May both bit. The "Health & Beauty Show" put on by Jam Expo was a total disaster. Unprofessional, disorganized and an expensive waste of my time. We've been offered a free booth for next year, but seriously...would I go back? Not on your life. Talk of a lawsuit was wafting around but I guess everyone is quietly licking their wounds and moving on. The other - the May Day Festival in Fort Langley was starting out to be a great day. Well-organized, happy people coming to enjoy the festivities and then the down pour. Everyone left and so they should have. Nobody's fault on that one. It was totally set up to be great day. Time for two more grumbles.....if someone sends a minor tv personality a piece of jewelry as a thank you for featuring them on their show, does it not seem proper etiquette that said "celebrity" should be gracious enough to send a quick "thanks"? And finally, I don't make "costume" jewelry. That is what girls buy at Claires. While I may be relatively new at this, I do have enough pride and confidence in my work that I don't think it sounds snooty to sniff at such a comment.
Okay, enough of that. The good stuff - I am really looking forward to the summer. The White Rock Farmers's Market (http://www.whiterockfarmersmarket.ca/) is bigger and better this year with some great new ideas like featuring local chefs. Potter's Nursery on 192nd in Langley has started their new market, and once all the produce vendors are there, I think it will be a great success. I had the best cheeseburger there on Saturday. (http://www.pottersonline.ca/). This weekend (June 6-7) I will be back at Fab Fair at the Heritage Hall on Main Street. (http://www.fabfair.ca/). I know I will be doing some great accessories shopping from the fabulous local designers who will be selling there. July will see me in Steveston for both the Salmon Festival on July 1st and the Farmers & Artisan Market on July 5th. I will always consider myself a Steveston girl and can't wait to go back each time. (http://www.stevestoncommunitysociety.com/).
Both kids are signed up the the Langley Tri-It Triathlon at the end of June, and my husband is full on in his training for Penticton. Apparently he lost 5 pounds on a 3 hour ride the other night. If only it were so easy for me. I've started going to Gator's in Cloverdale for their bootcamp and it is a wonderful, but very challenging, workout. Like I said, this weight is coming off me!
Anyway, I've got a bunch of custom pieces to get going on and some great new long chains to finish for the weekend. I've made a few of these long pieces and will get them photographed and online soon.
Enough chat! Off to work
Okay, enough of that. The good stuff - I am really looking forward to the summer. The White Rock Farmers's Market (http://www.whiterockfarmersmarket.ca/) is bigger and better this year with some great new ideas like featuring local chefs. Potter's Nursery on 192nd in Langley has started their new market, and once all the produce vendors are there, I think it will be a great success. I had the best cheeseburger there on Saturday. (http://www.pottersonline.ca/). This weekend (June 6-7) I will be back at Fab Fair at the Heritage Hall on Main Street. (http://www.fabfair.ca/). I know I will be doing some great accessories shopping from the fabulous local designers who will be selling there. July will see me in Steveston for both the Salmon Festival on July 1st and the Farmers & Artisan Market on July 5th. I will always consider myself a Steveston girl and can't wait to go back each time. (http://www.stevestoncommunitysociety.com/).
Both kids are signed up the the Langley Tri-It Triathlon at the end of June, and my husband is full on in his training for Penticton. Apparently he lost 5 pounds on a 3 hour ride the other night. If only it were so easy for me. I've started going to Gator's in Cloverdale for their bootcamp and it is a wonderful, but very challenging, workout. Like I said, this weight is coming off me!
Anyway, I've got a bunch of custom pieces to get going on and some great new long chains to finish for the weekend. I've made a few of these long pieces and will get them photographed and online soon.
Enough chat! Off to work
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