5 Things About Me

1. I'm spending my Halloween packing up my scrap space, throwing out old clothes, and sorting through more memories because.... I SIGNED A LEASE ON AN APARTMENT YESTERDAY! I found a cute one-bedroom apartment near campus, remodeled, and full of personality. I'll share photos soon because I'll need some decorating ideas on how to pull together all my miss-matched furniture. I'm calling the look "College Chic."

2. I'm rethinking a new career path in...Student Affairs. What lead to this? The great students that I work with at Weber State. I've really enjoy my new job advising students in the Community Involvement Center. Here's what I love about it: It's challenging. I work with a variety of different people. I'm becoming a better listener. I'm learning patience. I'm working on leadership skills for me and my students. It's creative. I get to help out my community. No two days are the same. It comes naturally to me. Who knew?

3. I'm going back to school. Why not? I'm registering for two classes next semester. Digital photography and another class but I can't decide between black and white/analog film (okay, old fashioned photography using film), Spanish, Art History, Sign Language, or Botany. What do you think?

4. Back to training for another half-marathon. My training starts this Monday for the Ogden Half Marathon in May. And if that doesn't happen, then it will start next Monday :0)

5. My goal for November is to cook all my meals at home, bring my own lunch to work, and not eat out unless it's a special occasion. If you have a favorite quick weeknight recipe, please share.

Off to see my nephew's Halloween costume. Next time you read this blog, I'll be in my own place.

Until then,
Jen

This post is really self-centered but in a good way

Okay, I'm just going to say it...Shane and I broke up! That is why I've been missing from this blog. I've needed some time to work through my emotions and get my life back on track. The details of our break-up don't really belong on my blog but I can say this...we grew apart over the past three years and we just couldn't be together anymore.

I tried many times to write this post but couldn't do it. I guess writing it made it final and I just wasn't ready...until today. Now I'm ready to move on with my life. I look forward to the changes happening in my newly single life. I found a new job at Weber State working in the Community Involvement Center. I'm looking for an apartment of my own (so I can move out of my dad's basement). I'm going to start running again to lose the 15 lbs I gained this past year. I've read these two great books Eat, Pray, Love and It's A Breakup, Not A Breakdown. I reconnected with some long-lost friends. I'm working on becoming a better me. I'm learning to forgive. I'm learning to listen more; talk less. I'm starting to like myself again. I'm laughing again.

In a recent job interview I was asked where I see myself in five years. I honestly said "I don't know and I don't want to know, I'm just going to enjoy the journey." Thanks to all the support from my friends and family - - I love you!

Today: 7/8/09

Today I have to...
Make a grocery list and go shopping
Start my layout for Pink Sketches
Do the dishes
Do the laundry
Return library books

Or

I could just spend the day on the couch reading the Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life.



I took this self portrait on 7/8/09 at 10:11. Want to play? Check out this blog.

Blogs recommended by Jen

I'm typing the post with only one free hand cause the other hand, arm and shoulder have been out of use for over a week. I pulled all the muscles in my shoulder (don't know how it happened) and my arm is in a sling. I don't want you to leave my blog but here are a couple websites/blogs you should check out today...

Write.Click.Scrapbook
Autumn Baldwin is the guest blog host this week and she's answering any and all digital scrapbooking questions. Not a digital scrapbooker? She's also tackling the topic of journaling and sharing some cute layouts as examples.

Pink Sketches
Every other week a new sketch is posted along with examples from the design team members (I'm one!). If you like to start your layout design with a sketch or need a place to start your creative process then check out this site.

The Possibilities Are Endless
If you don't know the amazing and wonderful Wendy Smedley then you must visit her blog immediately! She is incredibly inspiring, organized, and creative. I feel more motivated when I'm around her. She is giving away a spot in Jenni Bowlin's 4-expert class at Big Picture Scrapbooking.

Yeah, Write
This blog is from Angie Lucas, my former boss, fellow scrapbooker, and supreme word nerd. She blogs about most anything including grammar, scrapbooking, and spa treatments and you're guaranteed a good laugh every post.

What are some of your favorite blogs? I'd love to check them out.

I can't put down...

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield. This page turner is our book club pick this month. I'm enjoying the book because of the beautiful and intelligent writing. I recommend adding this to your "to-read" list on goodreads. Have a good weekend.

Utah Arts Festival

I look forward to the Utah Arts Festival each year. I'll probably go once or twice this weekend because the food is delicious, the music is relaxing, the beer is cold, and the art is amazingly inspiring. Here's some links to my favorite artists this year (and artists I hope to be adding to my art collection).



My favorite find at the Fest. The artist was really down to earth and her art work was beyond amazing. My favorite piece is above and you can see more from Lisa Telling Kattenbraker here.




I absolutely love the above art piece. I saw it last year at the Fest and thought it would be fitting in our bedroom. The artist pieces clippings from magazines to create amazing works of art. Check out Richard Curtner's gallery here. It's worth it!




My little nephew needs this print in his room so he's always reminded to reach for the stars. Check out more from Jarrod Eastman here.




These beautiful sculptures are made with pages from childrens' books, maps, newspapers, and more. Check out Katherine Ross's gallery here.




I want this painting in my future studio because who doesn't need a still life print of sexy red shoes. This artist does amazing still life paintings of food, books, and shoes. And she's a local Utahn. Check her gallery out here.




Black and white photography takes a special talent and I was blown away by Kip Holm's work. It makes me want to experiment more with old fashioned black and white film. Browse his gallery here.

Enjoy! And let me know if you attend the Art Festival this year.

Today...

June 24, 2009

I am totally inspired by Ali Edwards (who's not!) and copied this idea from one of her posts this week. And then I saw cute Cathy Zielske's blog today too. So here's my take...

Outside my window... the sun is perfect for picture taking.

I am thinking... about making a career change.

I am thankful for... Wednesday mornings with Shane.

From the kitchen... debating between leftover pizza from last night or ordering Chinese takeout. I'm solo tonight.

I am wearing... my super comfy black and gray striped shirt, my worn out comfy jeans, and pink flip flops. My usual outfit these days since I'm unemployed.

I am creating... my weekly layout for Pink Sketches.

I am going... to wake up early tomorrow and run 3 miles.

I am reading... the Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield for my book club.

I am hoping... that Shane and I both find satisfying jobs by August so we start the next chapter in our lives.

I am hearing... Roxy's doggy snores next to me on the couch. She's so soft and cuddly it's going to be hard giving her back to her family tomorrow.

Around the house... we are running out of room for all our s*!@. We really need a bigger apartment.

One of my favorite things... is getting back in touch with old friends.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Shane and I are going to the Arts Festival tomorrow and I can't wait to meet this artist. Spending time with my sister before she moves to Seattle to go to Med school. Relaxing this weekend and maybe hoping on my mountain bike for the first time this season.

Favorite picture from this week...opening day at the Farmers Market. We're planning on going whenever possible to buy fresh fruit and veggies. Isn't summer so great!