a survey of sorts

Graphic Designer/Art Director - Obviously this is my current and most important job, as well as longest held. It started with an internship my junior year of college that I got through a photographer I knew who worked with the agency. I stayed on part time until they had to lay me off the winter of 2003, but then I got hired back in May of 2004 right at graduation (which I still count my blessings for everyday). This is a great place to work, and of course every job has it’s non-perks, but some of those (the schedule) have been helped by my drop to part-time and on-the-side freelance designer career. I work in a big old house that is so amazing and I have my own office. There’s not too much I could ask for except maybe a few less last-minute projects

Campus Minister – This was my workstudy in college. Basically, I didn’t do anything but greet people coming into the Campus Ministry office, sort papers and envelopes occasionally, eat pretzels, clean the sink and drink hot chocolate. Oh and sometimes I would design a horrible little alumni newsletter on their tiny old and slow PC with I-don’t-even-remember-the-name-of-the-obscure-program I used. It was a great place and I met many friends there… it was cozy and comfortable and felt like home. I made $5.15 an hour, but hey, I mainly got to do my homework so it worked out ok

Communications Specialist at Erie Insurance – This was a good paying, good company but kill-me-now boring job. I sat at a desk in a cubicle with headphones on listening to depressing dictations of insurance claims, hearing about accidents, floods, robberies, damage and sickness. It was very hard for me, and made me miss the advertising agency a ton (this was the job I had in between internship and full time). The environment was very rigid and I felt like I was always being watched and clocked. I remember whenever I would come into the windowless area, my hands would swell up from the heat and stress and I would have to take all my rings off. The only redeeming factor is that one of my best friend’s Kristin worked there, and when she was there, it was a great place to be – but it was rare because we worked different shifts. Kristin still does this job and she does it amazingly, and I totally give her props for it.

Retail Salesperson at Plato’s Closet- Ever heard of Plato’s closet? Yeah, that place where you bring in gently used clothing and get paid for it? Well… the pros of this job were the people. I met some great girls there and developed pretty close relationships. The second pro was getting first pick of cute clothes. I had more clothes when I worked there then any other time in my life. But a lot of other things about the job sucked. Telling people their clothes didn’t fit the requirements was basically one of the hardest things ever. People would get so offended. sometimes clothes wouldn’t be clean and it was very very difficult to not cause offense in telling those people their clothes had an odor (we were required to). I didn’t like closing the store, but I didn’t mind running the register. I did this for about 2-3 years.

American Idol – Well duh… I just give into the addiction now! I am very into it and my best friends come over to enjoy it with me most of the time which is an added bonus.

Supernanny – I really love watching this – I feel it gives me a really great understanding of behavioral issues with children, and different methods to handle it. The importance of discipline and praise, and the quality and quantity of time you spend with your kids is so interesting in its effect on the relationships. I am in awe of the transformation that happens. I hope I can remember some of the parenting tips when I have kids. I think the closer we get to that point, the more closely I pay attention.

LOST – I’m not a total fanatic, but I do like the show and have watched it since the very beginning. I really like it, it is so entertaining and makes you like AHHHHH all the time, which I think is good for a show!

The Sarah Conner Chronicles- This is a weird one I know, but Brian got me into them and I really really love it. It’s a show we both enjoy and make a point to watch together. It’s over till fall now, but it inspired Brian to have me watch both the early Terminators which I’d never seen and really liked. The story line is compelling and intense, and we watch it in HD and it’s really beautiful graphically.Will & Grace/Friends Re-Runs – I’m getting to the point where I’ve seen them all about 8 times each. There is something about having them on that totally relaxes me. And in the absence of some of my favorites being off because of the writers strike, I have been depending more on them now then ever.

England (from Wales to Manchester to Liverpool) – My father is from Liverpool and he has family and friends scattered in all the above mentioned parts. My sister and I were actually born there so it has been good to go back when we can, but I really have no early childhood memories from it. I do love it there, but I have to say I’m glad my parents moved here, I am definitely more Americanized. Last time we went we met our friends there who flew down for a marriage proposal. That was awesome!

Toronto – I know this isn’t that cool, but when we went it was usually pretty cool. Mainly Niagra falls, and one time a worship conference.

Maryland – there to see Brian’s family a few times a year. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it in Maryland. We are usually around Baltimore to Bel Aire.

NYC and New Jersey – We took a trip there to see our good friends who were there due to Mike playing for the New Jersey Devils. It was a really cool trip and we enjoyed ourselves a lot.

Jesus Culture/Kim Walker (We Cry Out and Here is My Song)- This came to me through a friend of a friend and a youtube video, and now I feel it has grown me in worship and changed me a bit through and through. This worship music is deepening my faith in a big way and making me question and want to go further.
Paramore – Thanks to my sis for giving me all this. They really are a cool band!!
Hillsongs (Savior King, United Live, All of the Above, etc.) – Kristin gave me a bunch of these and I definitely love them as a welcome addition to my collection of praise music.
Leeland (Opposite Way)- got their new album and its great. This young band is so talented – saw them in concert with Casting Crowns a few weeks ago.