Workin' nine-to-five, what a way to make a livin'!

I heard that song on the radio this morning on my way to work. There are SO many songs about working & not wanting to work. Like, "I don't have to be me 'til Monday" - another good one!

I am fortunate enough to have a job I LOVE. I work for a man who is an architect & owns a commercial real estate development business. I do basic administrative & personal assistant type work. I really enjoy working for my boss & his wife. Not only are they my employers, but throughout the past year I have really gotten to know them as mentors, role models (they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year, happily!), & as friends.

I also just started my second new job which I'm still getting settled into. It's in a financial advising office, which I also really like! It's a completely different job than my morning job, but it is nice to change things up a bit. So, I work both jobs each day Monday through Friday & I'm still doing the wedding consulting on the side. (Gosh, this is a really exciting blog post, isn't' it!?)

However, I'm working these two jobs while I'm going to school. I never really realized how difficult it is to work two jobs, go to school, AND have a life. I've either generally just worked or done school. Sometimes I'd work a few hours here and there, but never both to the extent I'm doing them now.

In two years (fingers crossed) I will be done with my accounting degree at Linfield & eligible to sit for the CPA exam. I love setting goals for myself. It gives me something to look forward to & to work for. The process is proving to be a bit challenging - spending all my money on school instead of shoes! - But, it's teaching me (over and over again) the value of work, money, school, and time. I now value school more than when I did it the first time, because the checks are coming straight out of my account!

I'm glad it's Friday. Not so I can get off work to go hunting with the boys ... but to focus on getting my homework done before Sunday night! Here's to doing what you have to, and not always what you want to! But hey, it's Friday ... we will see where the weekend goes!

My Closet

It's not a secret that I am in love, borderline obsessed, with shoes.


When I graduated college, I moved back to my home-town & in with my older sister. We were able to easily negotiate that she got the garage & I got the master bedroom. It didn't really bother me that I may wake-up one morning to find my car covered in snow ... because along with the master bedroom, came the master CLOSET.


I collected many shoes throughout the years while living in dorm rooms & a sorority house, so to finally have the chance to give each shoe a proper home was nearly a dream come true. (And can I just say, that whoever thought that the master bedroom/closet in this house was meant for TWO people is beyond me!)


Well, as life would have it ... all good things must come to an end. My sister recently purchased her first house & we will be moving! GOOD-BYE to my walk-in ... HELLO to a small (okay, who are we kidding ... the thing is TINY) closet. Thus, the picture in this post is not my current closet, but more what I am anticipating my future closet to look like. You get the pictuere. SMALL.

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I am excited however, to be able to paint & decorate my very own room. I'm thinking ... modern-day/colorful/shabby. Dark plum/purples, deep rich pinks, bright oranges, pale yellows, & lime greens.

Back to School?

Typically toward the end of the summer for as many years as I have known comes the 'back to school' time! You all know what I'm talking about - BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING!!! Ha, for pencils & paper, right? ;)

This season came & went last year, sadly ... without me. It felt a bit strange to be settled into my job & for the first time not joining the herds of students returning to school. I missed the anticipation that comes with new classes, new friends, new pencils, and yes, new fall boots!

I tend to be extremely indecisive. And extremely is probably an understatement. BUT, when I do make decisions, they are usually quick & somewhat spontaneous. Especially if they are big ones ... like a career path change. SO, all that to say, about two weeks ago I decided to go back to school for a second degree. In accounting. Yes, accounting. Not what I EVER thought I would be doing. As an interior design student .. my courses were full of color & texture & creativity! So, accounting?! Hmm. Quite the opposite!

I'm rather excited to start this new journey as an 'adult degree-seeking student' (as they refer to you ... apparently when you are an adult)! I actually received my first textbook in the mail. I was so excited about it, I actually started in on the first chapter. Class starts Monday! & the anticipation is back.

New Found Freedom

Shortly after turning 23 & being out of college for nearly a year, I realized THIS IS MY LIFE.

I have the luxury of still being single (and by single I suppose I mean not married), not having any children, & not having the commitment of owning a home. I feel like these things (are GREAT & I'm looking forward to them all!) but also tie you down in a way. I only have once chance to be 23, and until all of those things find their way into my life ... there are things I want to do NOW while I can.

Like for example, learn to ride & own a Harley ... :) I decided THIS is the year to challenge myself to do things I've never done before. I recently got my motorcycle endorsement & bought an 02' Harley Sportster 883! The thrill of riding a bike is like nothing I've ever experienced before! It's such a feeling of FREEDOM & being reckless, not to mention there aren't a whole lot of girls my age who can say they ride. ;)

Along with this, I also quit one of my jobs. I realized it's time to grow up & work towards a career I am proud of. I have a few ideas & things I would like to do. The hard part of getting the college degree is over! Now to create a life I love.

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'Be a best friend, tell the truth, & overuse I love you. Go to work, do your best, & don't outsmart your common sense. Never let your praying knees get lazy, & love like crazy!' - Good song.