Happy St. Valentine's Day

I found this gem in my laptop bag over the weekend :)

He surprised me with the watercolor sketch (and added poetry!) while I was at the Flower & Garden Show. yup, a few weeks late but I don't mind. Awwww... such affection.

{thanks Brad ... xoxo}

Brad drew this doodle a couple days ago and for some reason, gave it to me. What is it? I asked. "The planets. But I only drew in Mercury." clearly.
****
It's been a challenging week. Not in the adrenaline infused sense of finishing say, your thesis project. Lots of prayers on my mind this week. A good college buddy was laid off December 23rd. Another college friend had to contemplate filing for unemployment. My brother, the farmer, is looking for work to hold him over until spring.

I have a cold that turned into a sinus infection.

snow!

And... my job took an interesting turn.

I haven't mentioned my job too much on the blog. I work as a nanny for two {delightful} children- a little girl (ten) and a little boy (eight). I would like to keep their affairs private. They need to sort some things out. I've had to answer some tough life questions with the children this week. If you're a spiritual person, the family could use some prayers at the moment.

Despite craving a job in my field of study {architecture/community development!}, I need to count my blessings. Times are tough. I was needed this week. A lot. And for that, I am grateful.
****
I'm reading another Donald Miller book. Its been the perfect sort of text to read this week. some laughs, some cries. He really makes you think.

I'd like to post some Year End/Year Beginning goals & observations.

But for now... I only drew in Mercury.

Coworking

{toothpaste for dinner comic}

Earlier this evening, I watched a clip about "Coworking" on my local Chicago PBS station. Do you work from home? Does the setting fit your personality?? The piece featured two groups in Chicago: The Ravenswood Coworking Group and OfficePort.

"The Ravenswood Coworking Group is a shared office environment for independent workers and entrepreneurs looking to end the “working alone” syndrome, without resorting to leasing an expensive private office ... Realizing that working from home is no longer awesome if you’re home pretty much all day, everyday. If you’re prone to extreme homesickness, or agoraphobia, this may not be a problem. For others, you quickly realize how much you miss being part of the human race, and being around others... Combining work and living space is sometimes an economic necessity, but separating the two can help you regain sanity and increase productivity. You’re at home to live your life. You’re at work to work, and nothing else—right? So why mix the two? ..."

I work as a nanny; I go to their home (close by). When the children are at school, I look for more meaningful work in my field of study, I volunteer and I work on odd consulting jobs. Though given the current economy, finding work in the consulting industry makes one think they are living in L.A.- hoping to "make it" as an actor. There is no routine. You're always looking for the next project, gig, research study, etc. I mostly work from home. Due to my current work situation, I generally wear my college clothes (ie, jeans and a t-shirt). No fancy work suits required (unless I have a meeting downtown, interview or if I'm networking at a lecture/ social engagement).

For someone that already struggles with grey periods, working from home is incredibly isolating. I like this idea of Coworking. A LOT, actually. I miss the closeness we had in the architecture studio. My nanny children are delightful but I miss the interaction with adults. Though I've also had several annoying coworkers. :) Hmmm.

How do you find balance? Do you like working from home? Do you go to the local coffee shop? Library? Are you the type that needs to get dressed for the day and travel to your work space? Thoughts???

My Last Supper

Hello B + L, Good Food + Death = Perfect Anniversary/ Birthday Present! We hope you enjoy cooking these last meals for many many years. Best Wishes, H + T + A... + Death = ... a perfect gift??? Holt illustrates mildly morbid graphic comics. In fact, Brad and I were featured in one. We have some interesting friends, eh?! So when we opened up a package last week, containing this book, it wasn't all that unusual given the senders. {Thank you also for the nerdy reusable bag and the baking utensil. I need to make some special cookies.}

Helpful tip: Do not read said book before going to bed. Bad decision. A bowl of cereal just doesn't compare to Mario Batali's request of eight or ten courses of magnificent seafood, pasta and vegetables. Hmmm.

The BEST feature of "My Last Supper" were Tony and Holt's post-it-note commentaries throughout the book. A hilarious surprise! Wow, there are too many to mention...



The back of the book contains several recipes.


They know us well. I love soup. Brad loves toast. hahaha...

What would be your last meal?!?!

I'm still debating. But soup is tempting.

Thank you! THANK YOU!
P.S.- We miss you guys in Chicago. sigh. Austin is a bit far...

****
It took me a bit to post this over the weekend. On Friday night, some women from my church got together for art/studio time. We drank wine, ate M+Ms, listened to music, worked on individual art projects... and chatted. One worked on an altered book {amazing!}, some scrapbooked, another worked on recipe cards, etc.

On Saturday, Brad and I both received a sewing tutorial from his grandmother. {Oh boy, do we have ideas and projects!} And then met up with some college friends for conversation, dinner, board games.. and spent the night. The late night piña coladas had a little extra rum and we washed it down with homemade loaded nachos.. yum! Our friends have two beautiful little girls. This morning after breakfast, I caught up on my Dr. Seuss with 2 cozy buddies on the couch.

I am blessed with some dear friends.

History of message boards

{comic via toothpaste for dinner}

Brad and I got into an argument this evening. It was a silly argument that originated over a homemade board game {one of Brad's many artistic projects}. We were play testing yet another version. It's a pretty decent game, says the wife. I thought I was being "supportive" but I had "a look of indifference." I thought he was being "stubborn." We exchanged words. The game was left on the table. And we retreated to separate zones in the apartment. Annoyed. A little while later, the bears crawled out of their dens... and apologized. We finished the game. {I won!}
****
Brad and I met- and got married- in architecture school. We've had plenty of silly disagreements over the years- many of which stem from creative pursuits. You should see us at home when you're both working on art projects- ha! I kid, I kid. More often than not, I am very grateful that I live with such a creative soul.
****
And now I'm venting on this here blog, my message board.
{xoxo}

Architecture 5¢

I heard an interesting piece on Morning Edition this morning {Click here)

"After getting laid off from an architecture firm for the second time last year, John Morefield knew something had to change. He could look for another job again — or set up a booth at a local market in Seattle and offer home renovation advice for 5 cents a shot. Now he's earning more than a nickel — and building a clientele."

John Morefield's website: Architecture 5¢

A little thing called JOB SEARCHING

{comic via toothpaste for dinner}

Tada!!
New {growing} blog list on the left column: professional development
New post label: professional development
Network, network, network... chipping away at my list.

Sooo, blogging community- do you have any professional development websites to share?? Let's join forces together!!
{I know about Facebook. And LinkedIn. What else??}

I realize this is not cover letter formality. Think of this as a speed dating like summary...

-I am interested in architecture, community and economic development, urban planning, sociology and sustainability.
-I hold a Master of Architecture degree.
-I live in Chicago.
-I chair the environmental and social justice group at my church.
-I presently work part-time+ as a nanny (sometimes a little more).

(I have participated in an assortment of projects, workshops, etc. to keep my focus and skills current.)
(The church group has been a great resource for my resume... and my mental health.)
(We have launched several worthwhile initiatives in a short period of time.)
(I have considered consulting work.)
(I try to give my days a sense of routine.)
(I work on professional development while my kiddos are at school.)
(I also blog during this period as well.)
****
I can also add "Member of Diocesan Sustainability Task Force" to my list of labels. I went to a planning meeting yesterday and was able to use my new calling cards.
****

Happy President's Day

Brad made me this watercolor Valentine. Awww, true love. xoxo
I hope you had a nice weekend!

Summer's end

I didn't take too many pictures over Labor Day and summer's end...

-Made homemade pop tarts with Brad
-Played board games with Brad's brother and his wife
-Had a campfire and roasted s'mores with hubby's extended family
-Met-up with some college friends and their cute little girls
-Played more board games
-Attended a 50th wedding anniversary party with a Dixieland theme
-Relaxed on Vana's porch- Starbucks and girly conversation
-Received some beautiful {birthday} notecards from my friend.
{Thank you, Vana. I love the packaging, too. They are perfect!!}
-Had a little "me" time in the car and listened to Over the Rhine
-Took my kiddos to their first day of school this morning...



****
I'm welcoming FALL with open arms!


INJUN SUMMER by John T. McCutcheon
Chicago Tribune, September 30, 1907

An exhibition...

This post is especially for you, Holt, though others might find it humorous as well. I thought she could use a quirky laugh. It's been a crazy last few days. Her Uncle Bob was killed suddenly over the weekend in a car accident. I'm sorry for your loss.

An exhibition at the natural history museum in Basel, Switzerland, imagines what may lie beneath the skins of cartoon characters.

{Thanks for the story link, Brad}

P.S.- I hope this post doesn't seem insensitive or anything. Holt (and her husband Tony) have a marvelous sense of humor. That's a big part of the reason that we get along so well. I just thought she could use a good laugh this week...

Garfield Minus Garfield

I was never a huge fan of the Garfield comic but I think this site is hilarious!!

"Garfield Minus Garfield is a site dedicated to removing Garfield from the Garfield comic strips in order to reveal the existential angst of a certain young Mr. Jon Arbuckle. It is a journey deep into the mind of an isolated young everyman as he fights a losing battle against loneliness and depression in a quiet American suburb."

Thank you for the link, Holt.

Excuse me, but has anyone ever told you..

..that you look just like Justin Timberlake? {comic drawn by Brad}


I picked up this suction-cup-clothes-line at The Container Store awhile back. It was on sale but I didn't really know where to put the thing. Those sale signs really get you, don't they?! I also happen to love the Container Store! I checked online but they don't seem to carry this item anymore.

It is hanging on my large kitchen window and I like to mix + match little doodads, postcards, pictures and such.

For a "classier" version, pick up one of Alyssa's antique message boards. Aren't they lovely! She's so talented.

Secrets of the Sexes: Science of Love

Brad and I watched this program on Sunday evening.

"Statistics show that half of all marriages end in divorce. However, scientists think they have found the secret of longlasting love....Millie and Sid have been happily married for 70 years and the scientists believe their test results explain why...."

70 years people!!

{comic drawn by Brad}