in her words

I figured while I’m in the process of making big purchases, and sorting through life’s twists and turns, I might as well find a new job too… you know, just to make things interesting. Well, that’s pretty much what I did – but I wasn’t even really looking.

I have realized that one of the major perks of working at a church is that you meet people from all walks of life. Being in the communications department, I get the opportunity to speak with (and network with) many individuals who have exciting jobs.

It just so happens that a few months ago I was introduced to a successful freelance designer who immediately took interest in me. We met up for lunch a few weeks later and talked about the world of freelancing. She mentioned that her business had exploded, and she had been turning down clients left and right. She began to joke (or so I thought) that she would petition for me to leave the church and come to work for her.

Low and behold, about a month later she had an offer on the table that I couldn’t refuse. After a few days of pondering, I decided to take her up on her offer and broke the news to my boss (who, might I add is one of my most favorite people in the world… so that part wasn’t easy).

I am now spending my last 2 weeks interviewing designers to fill my shoes.  This is a bittersweet time in my life.  I’m throwing caution to the wind and leaving a wonderful church family for the unknown world of freelance design.  No more co-workers, no more benefits… just me, my computer, and daily trips to Starbucks.

So sorry I’ve neglected my little blog for so long, but there has been so much going on in my life it’s been hard to keep up. I have a lot of new, exciting news that has come about in the last few weeks, so let’s backtrack for a moment…

It’s been a known fact for quite some time now that my dear little car (2001.5 VW Passat) needed to be passed on to another loving family. As much as I loved my car, my mechanic was able to convince me that Volkswagens were expensive cars to keep into their older years. That being said, I began the search for a new car for myself and a new owner for my Passat.

After months of test-driving, researching, and budgeting I got my heart set on Infiniti G35s (specifically a white one). My reasoning was this: they’re not German, I could afford it, and they’re beautiful! I found myself driving my Passat (covered in “for sale” signs) all over town in order to test-drive G35 after G35 after G35. Now, you must know that I’m a research-aholic. I will not make any decision without weighing the pros and cons first; thus, I drove about a dozen white G35s before I found the perfect one. But I made one promise to myself – I wouldn’t buy a new car until I sold the old one.

All the while, calls were trickling in about my Passat – a few new teenage drivers here, a few commuters there. It wasn’t until about 3 weeks in to my car search that I got my first real bite. I was actually on my way back from driving the G35 that had stolen my heart when the phone call came in from a father, whom we shall call Larry, who was in a rush to buy his 19 year old daughter a new car to drive back to college. He wanted to look at my Passat ASAP. The meeting was arranged for the next afternoon.

Larry inspected my beloved car the following day, took it for spin, and put an offer on the table. I realized very quickly that my negotiation skills were not up to par, but we settled on a price, and I handed over the key. As excited as I was that I could finally buy my dream car, I held back the tears as I handed Larry my oh so cute flip-key.

Considering everything, the timing could not have been better. I sold my car the same day I was able to make an offer on a new one. I signed my life away the next day to a 2005 G35 in no other color than white. Let the car payments begin.

Who doesn’t love a good game of tag? Kelly tagged me in her blog, so, as the rules of the game go, I’m it!

1. Where Were You Ten Years Ago?

As much as Kelly will give me hell for this one, I was 12 (and three-quarters)… right smack in the middle of my awkward years. I had just finished my 7th grade year, and was decked out with braces and a bad haircut. I believe I had my first boyfriend around this time, and after 3 weeks I had one of my friends break up with him for me. Now that’s class.

2. Five Items on Your To-Do List Today

1. Go to the gym
2. Get my oil changed
3. Check out the Altima Coupe at Nissan
4. Work on some freelance stuff
5. Go to bed before midnight

3. Snacks I Enjoy

• Cheese cubes
• Almond Accents
• Brie and Crackers
• CHOCOLATE (especially with raspberry)

4. What would you do if you were a billionaire?

I would give a portion to a charity I care about (most likely Multiple Sclerosis research), and a portion to my church. Then I would spoil myself and my loved ones. One lake house, one house close to my family, a boat, some new clothes, a few fabulous trips, and a flawless retirement plan for me; and a few well deserved gifts for my loved ones.

5. Places I would Live

Anywhere in the South (but I’ll be traveling every chance I get!)