When I found out what Big did for a living I was very excited because he makes a living doing the very thing that inspired me to switch my major! He works in experiential marketing. I don't work in that field but I still have a desire to, and I know that I don't want to keep doing my current vocation forever. I always thought I would get a sensible college degree so I would have something to fall back on, and in this particular field the adage "it's not what you know but who you know" is more law than myth.
I always wanted a family business. I love working with family and the time spent working in the same office as josh and mia was the happiest of my working experiences since my current position. I love the connection that it creates when you work on something relevant to each other, it gives you so much more to talk about...at least to me.
I've gone out on a couple of marketing tours with Big and we are talking more and more of how we can be the ones to write the checks and plan the tours...he's been the frontrunner of these talks, which is wonderful because I'm used to being the idea-haver. It is refreshing to know I am coupled with someone who is as ambitious as I am.
I was worried that being on the road and working with Big would bring up issues, fighting, discomfort, etc...and I figure it would have best to just get all of that out of the way. Oddly enough things have been nothing but smooth. I have to check myself a good bit because I'm not used to not being in the management role in situations like this...so I have to remember that lol. But I am learning a lot and I'm really good at it so far.
It is nice to know that I am building experience and learning so much while still working and doing what I love. It is also nice to know that so far Big and I haven't torn off each others' heads lol. I like working and living and I'm learning that as long as you like work and life you're doing pretty good!
Showing posts with label work life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label work life. Show all posts
Monday, June 13, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
work work work
I've been doing a lot of work on my new lesson plans. Now all I need is a space in which to teach...preferably one that allows me to get paid yet doesn't cost an arm and a leg to rent. That type of space is LA is actually hard to come by. I could teach my little heart out at this cute little community club house/meeting place....but they don't pay their presenters and well since I'm a professional I need to be paid for teaching my art. I know it is flattery but I have already seen knock offs of my style out there in photos, and that's fine but it does make me think twice before I just give away my trade secrets. Also most places here are really expensive to rent, then you have to find seating and teaching aids and staff to man the door and make sure everyone gets all the paperwork done...all that kinda stuff. But I feel that any minute now an opportunity will present itself and I will have a space to share my workshops with folk.
I miss teaching so much. It feels like a lifetime since I taught a proper class and I've been ready to return. I do have a four-hour spot at a trade show at the LA Convention Center in a month or so. That will be nice! I think I will be able to do a nice demo and get the word out about my art and classes.
I've also been doing a lot of planning on some other projects to come...and this time I'm armed with a team of pros who have been in the industry for a while and know what they are doing. It's scary to think that I might actually be able to pull off what I am planning. But I am going to damn well try.
In the meantime I have to work on losing weight! I've put on stress weight since the holidays and it's not looking pretty haha. But no matter, I am learning patience and so I think I can handle this.
I miss teaching so much. It feels like a lifetime since I taught a proper class and I've been ready to return. I do have a four-hour spot at a trade show at the LA Convention Center in a month or so. That will be nice! I think I will be able to do a nice demo and get the word out about my art and classes.
I've also been doing a lot of planning on some other projects to come...and this time I'm armed with a team of pros who have been in the industry for a while and know what they are doing. It's scary to think that I might actually be able to pull off what I am planning. But I am going to damn well try.
In the meantime I have to work on losing weight! I've put on stress weight since the holidays and it's not looking pretty haha. But no matter, I am learning patience and so I think I can handle this.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
I'm proud of this week
Today I enjoyed a wonderfully productive Sunday after a very productive week.
I got my van officially registered in the state of California, and my California driver's license is on it's way in a couple of weeks!! I was smart about it and got an appointment at the DMV to cut down the waiting time. In the course of getting the van registered I had to get a smog check, so I left the DMV intent on getting my smog check and getting straight back to the DMV to finish everything up for the day.
But I had no such luck!
My van passed the smog check just fine and I drove back to the DMV. As I turned on the street where the DMV is located, I hear a loud POP and my van just stops! My boyfriend pushed me and the van to safety and he stayed with the van until AAA came with a tow truck. Meanwhile I walk to the DMV to take my Driver's Test for the license. I ace it and walk back to the van just in time to meet the tow guys.
The tow folk take my van to the transmission shop where she recently had a rebuilt transmission installed. As it happens, a rod split clean in two in a freak occurrence; in fact the mechanic said that I had a better chance at winning the lottery than for that particular part to snap like that. Also some metal shavings got into the transmission works and it needed to be taken apart and flushed. Since it's such a freak thing the parts aren't as readily available and sure enough I had to go an entire week without my van!!
No matter, I rented a car so I could get to and from work...and good thing too! I got to work with an industry legend and I was very honored as she is married to a legendary artist of my trade and rarely works with others. The rental was also needed because the shoot locations were so far away I never would have been able to get a ride, and I wouldn't have wanted to miss a single day. I got to work in this mega mansion in the sticks, but it on on the side of a mountain with an amazing view. I love working in these places, it reminds me of the dangers of excess, yet on the other hand it gives me wonderful experiences of being in places like that, enjoying the materialistically-awesomeness of it without having to actually deal with or upkeep it...and I get to do what I love to do while in those places.
The very next friday I finally get to get my van from the shop! My mechanic is awesome and only charged me for the parts, even though it was at least 10 hours of work all told. I went straight to the DMV, this time without an appointment, and waited for the rest of the day but finally I got it all taken care of. Yay!!
Then Big and I went thrifting and found a 50% off sale at a Salvation Army that had some pretty nice furniture. I got this adorable white shabby chic bedroom set that came with a dresser, mirror, bookcase hutch, vanity, and vanity chair. The apartment is really coming along and starting to feel like a real home. Which is nice because I've been missing that feeling for a while.
Last night I performed on stage for the first time in a while. I shared the stage with some wonderful friends and I had a fun great time just playing, doing what I do...no script, no choreography. Typically I just pull performances out of my ass, which is kinda hard considering I perform with other folk, at least one partner...but I love what I do and I am really very good at it so it comes naturally to me.
Today Big and I slept in a bit but then we went on a cleaning and organizing spree that left us both feeling refreshed and renewed. I finished up a lampshade I've been working on and I also did some crafting - in fact I was so productive that I video taped it so I can share it with you on another blog post!
Right now Big is doing his magic on the grill out by the pool. He's making beer can chicken street tacos tonight and I'm making dessert with fresh strawberries, lady fingers, and homemade strawberry caramel sauce. We are going to eat and watch a movie and then hit the sack early because we have to leave for the airport at 4:15 am to get him to his flight on time. Ugh!
Tomorrow I have to overnight my van's old tag back to NC and take the heart monitor that I've been wearing for the past two weeks back to the doctor. I don't see him again until next week, hopefully then he'll be able to give me an idea of what is going on with my heart.
As I sit writing this entry my face is warmed by the sun and the California breeze plays through my home office window, including me in the wonderful day that is going on just outside. I am alive and well, I have air in my lungs, and I am happy because I deserve to be happy and I accept nothing less in my reality; I am truly blessed.
I got my van officially registered in the state of California, and my California driver's license is on it's way in a couple of weeks!! I was smart about it and got an appointment at the DMV to cut down the waiting time. In the course of getting the van registered I had to get a smog check, so I left the DMV intent on getting my smog check and getting straight back to the DMV to finish everything up for the day.
But I had no such luck!
My van passed the smog check just fine and I drove back to the DMV. As I turned on the street where the DMV is located, I hear a loud POP and my van just stops! My boyfriend pushed me and the van to safety and he stayed with the van until AAA came with a tow truck. Meanwhile I walk to the DMV to take my Driver's Test for the license. I ace it and walk back to the van just in time to meet the tow guys.
The tow folk take my van to the transmission shop where she recently had a rebuilt transmission installed. As it happens, a rod split clean in two in a freak occurrence; in fact the mechanic said that I had a better chance at winning the lottery than for that particular part to snap like that. Also some metal shavings got into the transmission works and it needed to be taken apart and flushed. Since it's such a freak thing the parts aren't as readily available and sure enough I had to go an entire week without my van!!
No matter, I rented a car so I could get to and from work...and good thing too! I got to work with an industry legend and I was very honored as she is married to a legendary artist of my trade and rarely works with others. The rental was also needed because the shoot locations were so far away I never would have been able to get a ride, and I wouldn't have wanted to miss a single day. I got to work in this mega mansion in the sticks, but it on on the side of a mountain with an amazing view. I love working in these places, it reminds me of the dangers of excess, yet on the other hand it gives me wonderful experiences of being in places like that, enjoying the materialistically-awesomeness of it without having to actually deal with or upkeep it...and I get to do what I love to do while in those places.
The very next friday I finally get to get my van from the shop! My mechanic is awesome and only charged me for the parts, even though it was at least 10 hours of work all told. I went straight to the DMV, this time without an appointment, and waited for the rest of the day but finally I got it all taken care of. Yay!!
Then Big and I went thrifting and found a 50% off sale at a Salvation Army that had some pretty nice furniture. I got this adorable white shabby chic bedroom set that came with a dresser, mirror, bookcase hutch, vanity, and vanity chair. The apartment is really coming along and starting to feel like a real home. Which is nice because I've been missing that feeling for a while.
Last night I performed on stage for the first time in a while. I shared the stage with some wonderful friends and I had a fun great time just playing, doing what I do...no script, no choreography. Typically I just pull performances out of my ass, which is kinda hard considering I perform with other folk, at least one partner...but I love what I do and I am really very good at it so it comes naturally to me.
Today Big and I slept in a bit but then we went on a cleaning and organizing spree that left us both feeling refreshed and renewed. I finished up a lampshade I've been working on and I also did some crafting - in fact I was so productive that I video taped it so I can share it with you on another blog post!
Right now Big is doing his magic on the grill out by the pool. He's making beer can chicken street tacos tonight and I'm making dessert with fresh strawberries, lady fingers, and homemade strawberry caramel sauce. We are going to eat and watch a movie and then hit the sack early because we have to leave for the airport at 4:15 am to get him to his flight on time. Ugh!
Tomorrow I have to overnight my van's old tag back to NC and take the heart monitor that I've been wearing for the past two weeks back to the doctor. I don't see him again until next week, hopefully then he'll be able to give me an idea of what is going on with my heart.
As I sit writing this entry my face is warmed by the sun and the California breeze plays through my home office window, including me in the wonderful day that is going on just outside. I am alive and well, I have air in my lungs, and I am happy because I deserve to be happy and I accept nothing less in my reality; I am truly blessed.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Just a Reminder...
Today I got paid to be out in the beautiful sunny California day with the gorgeous blue sky above me as I worked my job doing what I love to do.
I have sacrificed everything to get here today. I regret nothing. The choices of others are their own choices. I can no longer allow that to guide my path or my choices.
I am grateful of where my path has led me. I am grateful that I have given up my own plans and put my faith in the Lord to guide me, each opportunity is as if God has placed a path marker or arrow for me to follow forward. In fact it would almost be a sin to go backward at this point. True there are many times in which I have had to go out and create my own opportunities, they don't just fall in people's laps, but by virtue of trying and doing (as opposed to being bitter because nothing was coming to me on its own) I have found a new insight into life and I have surprised myself with my tenacity and my determination.
Times are hard. Things are hard. But when I get depressed I need only remember how blessed I am, how lucky I am to have found this job and these opportunities, and how truly and deeply fulfilling it is to do what I absolutely love for a living.
Not a lot of people can say that. In fact I was taught that I would have to just take a job, work to pay the bills, and deal with it; essentially to become a slave of my own making. I tried that. I did as well as I could. And I actually felt like a failure when I couldn't seem to keep it up. As it turns out, I have grown so much and I have allowed these new opportunities to reach me by throwing down my old walls and previous expectations of life.
Even though sometimes I cry and I miss my old life, I couldn't be happier. In fact I only cry because I wish so much that certain people from my past life would allow themselves to be a part of this experience with me because I know that they too deserve to feel the way I do, and when they refuse it makes me sad to see them so resolved to their misery.
So just as a reminder - life is good.
I have sacrificed everything to get here today. I regret nothing. The choices of others are their own choices. I can no longer allow that to guide my path or my choices.
I am grateful of where my path has led me. I am grateful that I have given up my own plans and put my faith in the Lord to guide me, each opportunity is as if God has placed a path marker or arrow for me to follow forward. In fact it would almost be a sin to go backward at this point. True there are many times in which I have had to go out and create my own opportunities, they don't just fall in people's laps, but by virtue of trying and doing (as opposed to being bitter because nothing was coming to me on its own) I have found a new insight into life and I have surprised myself with my tenacity and my determination.
Times are hard. Things are hard. But when I get depressed I need only remember how blessed I am, how lucky I am to have found this job and these opportunities, and how truly and deeply fulfilling it is to do what I absolutely love for a living.
Not a lot of people can say that. In fact I was taught that I would have to just take a job, work to pay the bills, and deal with it; essentially to become a slave of my own making. I tried that. I did as well as I could. And I actually felt like a failure when I couldn't seem to keep it up. As it turns out, I have grown so much and I have allowed these new opportunities to reach me by throwing down my old walls and previous expectations of life.
Even though sometimes I cry and I miss my old life, I couldn't be happier. In fact I only cry because I wish so much that certain people from my past life would allow themselves to be a part of this experience with me because I know that they too deserve to feel the way I do, and when they refuse it makes me sad to see them so resolved to their misery.
So just as a reminder - life is good.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Doing what I do
I am on my first experiential marketing tour. It is also the first time Big and I are working together. I love being on the team with him. It's interesting that he has had 11 years experience working in this field, which is what I got my degree in and ultimately wanted to do with my life. I am grateful that he values me enough to bring me in this tour with him.
This tour is definitely a challenge because of the tour producer's disorganization but it's gorgeous seeing what we are making of it. I think that we are learning more about what not to do, which is a great lesson in itself.
Today I am a successful professional rope artist...I am respected and well known for my craft. Today I am being paid to go see the sights in NYC on a marketing tour. Today I glow.
This tour is definitely a challenge because of the tour producer's disorganization but it's gorgeous seeing what we are making of it. I think that we are learning more about what not to do, which is a great lesson in itself.
Today I am a successful professional rope artist...I am respected and well known for my craft. Today I am being paid to go see the sights in NYC on a marketing tour. Today I glow.
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