I've tried blogs in the past and failed miserably so this will probably be my final attempt. Sink or swim. I saw a friend's blog printed out in book form and it really inspired me. I do think it is so important to document my personal and family history if not for my own sake in remembering it all when I'm old and senile, but for the sake of my children. As a child, and even now, I do love to look back on photos and trinkets of my childhood. I wish we had more family videos to watch, I find that I take a ton of those, maybe to make up for what I thought my childhood lacked. I would like to make time for journaling once a month at minimum, preferably every week. It is definitely something that you have to get into the habit of doing.
For the sake of starting fresh, this is an overview of who I am and what makes me tick:
I am most importantly a family member; I have a wonderful, patient, loving husband who basically lives and breathes to make me happy (at least doesn't let on that there is anything else more important). Second, I also am blessed with an almost-two year old daughter, Jane, who we become more in love with each and every day. Even as the notorious toddler behavior rears its' ugly head, we still continue to cherish her presence in our family. Always a homebody, I enjoy being with my family there, although every now and then we step out to do something fun.
My version of fun is to work on DIY projects around the house, and Jeff goes with it. I have the creative energy and a little technical know-how, though Jeff has more strength and hands-on experience with power tools. We don't have a very large or extravagant home by any means, nor the budget to do the kinds of things I get to do for clients, but I do think that even small things can go a long way, at least in making my home feel more like mine. So, because of this, I often go 'thrifting,' or find things for cheap. I can sew and craft and whatever, it doesn't just have to be 'interiors' projects. Jeff is also pretty proud of some of the things he has been able to build and accomplish around our home, despite maybe rolling his eyes at a few of them. Jane enjoys her time around the house, especially in pulling out toys or other messes, playing outside, and following me around. She loves to get out to the neighborhood pool.
I am an interior designer, specializing in space planning and materials selection for kitchens and bathrooms. I also do contract work for an architect who does small renovation projects at local college campuses. I started my own business in 2009 after losing my first job as a kitchen and bath designer when the company I worked for went under due to the recession. I love my work because it allows me to be creative and work with clients and business associates while also being extremely flexible. I love being the master of my day, and while it does mean inconsistency, I like to think of it as variety! One of my latest new things is that I got to design a custom house for a family friend.
I spend a lot of time devoted to my church family. Three hours a week bare minimum, usually it takes much more time than that to do the other things that need to be done. So, most of my friends are found there because I am either spending my time there or at church. Hoping to change that as Jane gets old enough to participate in some extracurricular activities and meet new faces. The label 'religious' might be applied here, but I just feel that it is a mis-used word. My beliefs are ultimately who I am and make up my core values and morals. In that sense, everyone is 'religious', it just varies on what or who you worship or devote your time and energy to.
I love old british literature, especially romance and murder mysteries, i.e. Jane Austen and Agatha Christie. Also adventure stories. It carries over into the things I enjoy watching as well... I love seeing the costumes and old mannerisms and just the propriety of the old days. It all seems so romantic but at the same time dark and maybe full of despair and repression. Sometimes I wish I could have lived in Victorian era, other times I realize how far we've come and how many advantages I have as a woman living here and now.
Well I suppose I'm getting a little bit too deep into the details, I really just wanted to do a quick summary. More detail can come later if I keep up at this. I doubt friends and family will read this now, but hope it comes to some significance later on!
Andrea
