Wednesday Hodgepodge - 10/12/16

I’m joining the fun this week…. 

Sitting on the porch and answering random questions about everything under the sun….

Joyce asks the questions.

We answer the questions.

 Click here to join the fun!

1. What would you say is the best and worst thing about moving house?

We recently moved so my memories of the disaster experience are fresh...  

Best thing about moving: A new beginning in a new place, the change of  surroundings has been very beneficial, I'm much happier and healthier! Also, we made a big effort to get rid of "stuff" that had been collecting dust for many years; it was freeing to lighten the load by at least 30%!     

Worst thing about moving: Watching the moving truck pull away with everything we own; my entire life was heading into the horizon without me; would I ever see my things again!?! It was scary! Also, the house we bought was fully furnished. The previous owner just walked away leaving food in the cabinets, junk in the drawers, and dog hair everywhere. We had to make a lot of decisions about what we would keep from both homes and where/how we would move the cast-offs.  We had multiple moving companies (at both locations), consignment shops, donation centers, cleaning crews, and facebook garage sale postings to manage in a very short timeframe...it put my project management skills to the test!  The new house has half the storage of previous homes; that is still a big challenge, we have many boxes still unpacked five months after the move...UGH!

2. What's moved you recently?

Brenda, Belinda, and Lori on the screen porch...day one at the new house!

My Bible study group...Lori, Jill, Donna, Susan, Kathy, and Beth.

I miss my BFF's! Moving to the mountains has been great, but I've put many miles between me and my besties.  This weekend one of my best friends and her husband came up for a visit; I was so incredibly sad when they pulled out of the driveway on Sunday afternoon. It made me realize just how much I miss my friends. I need to work on this, I am moved to seek out additional (NOT replacement) girl friends here in the mountains.

3. Do you feel your life is moving forward, backward, or is on hold? How so?

 Moving forward...I've been working on my handmade jewelry business.  Having done two shows recently has helped me to sharpen my focus on what buyers want right now. My older designs are not selling, the customers in my booth didn't even look at the older stuff. It's time to take apart the old stuff and re-style it into items that will sell today. I've got a lot of enthusiasm right now. 

4. On the move, move mountains, get a move on, it's your move, or bust a move...which phrase best applies to some aspect of your life right now? Explain.

Definitely "get a move on" I should be packing for an upcoming trip, cleaning the house (I can't stand coming home to a dirty house), I need to do laundry, and I need to finish the jewelry I'm making to go with my anniversary outfit....yes I need to get a MOVE ON!

5. What song makes you want to get up and move?

      

I have specific songs for different activities...

Song that I just can't sit still when it's playing: Earth Wind & Fire - "September"

Cleaning the House: Steely Dan - "Aja" 

Driving to the Mountains: Santana - "Ultimate Santana" 

Dance Party: Earth Wind and Fire - Anything!

6. Your favorite snack to grab when you're 'on the move'?

Sargento makes a new grab and go snack - "Balanced Breaks"; It's a small serving of cheese cubes, nuts, and dried berries, 8 grams of protein, and 150 - 180 calories...perfect! 

7. What one accessory makes your house feel like home?

I can't pick just one...The double wedding ring quilt that my grandma Nonie made, the cookie jar from the house I grew-up in, the fuzzy throw made from old fleece and pieced together by my step-mother, and the cute stuffed polar bear my husband bought to keep me company when I was in the hospital. 

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I will miss Hodgepodge next week....this will be our 'ride' for the week....Yippee!

Cheers!

Lori in Blue Ridge, GA

New Location... New Life!

Moved to the Mountains....

For many years I dreamed of moving to the mountains...it's now a reality. I left the corporate world (33 years) and I'm beginning a new chapter....I'm reinventing myself.  Below are some photos of our new home in Blue Ridge, GA.  A dream come true!

"Brookwood Manor"

The Brook

Kithen

Master Bath

Screen Room

Master Bedroom

Looking forward to making this home ours and embarking on all the new adventures in store for us in our new location.  Loving the new life so far!

Cheers!

Lori

Reinventing Myself...

Growing up, I always assumed that I'd move to a cool loft apartment in a city with a lot of creative energy and pursue a career as a graphic artist. I was a fine art major in college, but I never accomplished my dream of becoming an “artist”.  The reality of supporting myself as a struggling artist forced me down another path and I entered the corporate world.  As a 22-year-old retail ‘professional’ and aspiring Project Manager with boundless energy, it was the right fit, and I couldn't have been happier.  But flash forward thirty three years and many, many, IT projects later; I realized I was in a rut. I felt uninspired at my job, fed up with corporate life, and I craved a change of scenery. 

Still, the idea of leaving my job was terrifying.  As stressful as corporate life can be, it was also my comfort zone. While leaving my job was certainly a risk, I realized it was a bigger liability to stay put for another year; my health was suffering from stress and unhappiness. 

After putting in plenty of thought and research, I chose to take a leap of faith and quit my corporate job and once again return to my creative roots.  

Here are some things you should know if you are also thinking about taking this leap of faith:

1.  Give the Decision Plenty of Thought — Then Fully Embrace Your Choice

Taking any risk is like jumping from a plane with a parachute on your back: if you think about it too much, you'll probably end up saying "nah, not today". I'm not saying the decision to make a huge move should be taken lightly or done impulsively. But once you've done your research and weighed all the pros and cons, go with your gut instinct and commit yourself to making the change happen.

There's never a guarantee that something is going to be as wonderful as you'd hoped, but follow your instincts and remember that everything is reversible.

2. Network, Network, Network

To begin my creative career, I needed to move to a place that inspires me artistically —we are in the process of relocating to the North Georgia Mountains. This admittedly makes me a little nervous because, as much as I value my alone time, I've always had a close circle of friends in the same city as me.

Being an introvert, it’s never easy for me to engage people and make new friends.  So to combat my fears I’m working on several ways to network in our new town.  Read my five ways to meet new people in a strange town here.  

3. Embrace Your Newfound “Me” Time

A creative and social network isn't going to fall into place immediately.   One of the best parts of moving to a brand new town is that you get to play tourist, and there are plenty of fun activities to do by yourself. Dining, shopping, scenic parks, and site seeing are all activities that can be enjoyed solo.  Without the rigid work schedule I’ll be free to explore the new surroundings.

4. Get Yourself into a Routine

It's natural to feel a little off-kilter when you first leave the daily grind of the corporate world. You're in an unfamiliar place and are still dealing with a lot of unknowns. As exciting as it is, it's also going to be stressful at times.

For many people, there's comfort in building a new routine. Try to establish healthy sleeping and eating patterns immediately, because feeling physically healthy and energetic will make a huge difference. Have a regimen, but don't force yourself to structure every minute of every day. Allow yourself free time to catch your breath, watch a guilty pleasure TV show, or simply wander your new neighborhood.

5. Accept That There Are Some Things You'll Miss

According to unofficial data (aka my feelings), Don't be surprised if you feel pangs of sadness when you see Instagram posts of your friends and colleagues hanging out at a café together or at one of your favorite happy hour spots in your former city after work. It doesn't mean you made the wrong decision by moving; it just means that you made some strong relationships and memories in your former life, and that's something to be grateful for.

6. Try Not To Have Regrets

If you have put in all the effort and planning to make a huge life change, it's because something wasn't working in your life. Once you've arrived in your new home and begin reinventing yourself, embrace every opportunity and stay positive when things get uncomfortable.   Take comfort in the knowledge that you took the initiative to give yourself a clean slate and you are creating new opportunities for yourself. That's something to be proud of!

Cheers!

Lori

Making Friends as an Introvert...

Those who know me well know that I’m an Introvert and totally shy around new people. Making “friends” as an introvert is always a difficult task for me.  Soon my husband and I will be moving to a new town; the idea of making friends again is daunting.  To combat my fear, I’m doing a little research on the new town and planning some ways to make this “challenge” interesting and more adventurous. Below are some possible ways to make friends as an introvert in our new town.

1. Find a cafe, bar, park, or bench that is “mine”.

The new town has a main street filled with interesting shops and restaurants. It is close to home, and will take minimal effort to get there. I plan to visit it often, same time, and same place. After several visits I will emerge as a regular to the staff and other regulars. This won’t take too long to accomplish.

2. Take a jewelry making class.

The new town has a little independent bead shop that offers classes. I’ve found that classes are a good place to connect and relax. Letting go of control is challenging as an introvert. However, that is the point. After 2 hours of watching others working on the same project, conversation is easier, fun, and just flows.

3. Go to upcoming creative lectures.

Lectures are a major draw for introverts. Several artists are scheduled to lecture at one of the galleries on Main Street.  I can sit and listen to big ideas and new concepts. I can look around the room, observe the curiosity of others, and simply enjoy a close-ended experience. There’s plenty of time to ask questions in an orderly fashion, and pinpoint others I’d like to get to know. Afterwards, there should be an opportunity to strike up a conversation or engage with a group of people.

4. Go walking at the same time every day.

There’s something about taking a walk on a quiet morning and seeing other members of the community in their daily routines. You see familiar faces by following the same route. This provides me a sense of security, comfort, and community. It’s great practice for talking to strangers, and maybe making a new friend.

5. Start a meetup group

Starting my own community gives me the chance to “hand-pick” the people I want in my new circle of friends. Maybe a dining group or artists who want to start a co-op. I can create events, and cap it at 10 or even 20 members. As the group leader, I’ll be in charge of picking events and communicating with people.  This will push me to get out and socialize.

Hopefully these efforts will give me a sense of empowerment as I try to make new friends as an introvert. I want to create new social connections that will enhance my life.  Wish me luck on this new adventure!

Cheers!

Throw your hands up and enjoy the ride...

"Life is like a roller coaster. You can either scream every time there is a bump, or you can throw your hands up and enjoy the ride." author unknown.

Well, it’s been awhile since I've posted to this blog…

Since my last post, my life has been a ROLLER COASTER ride with big drops, high speed upside down loops, and many sharp twists and turns.  Life got so hectic that I put my Etsy shop on vacation and I took a break from blogging….well, I’m back. 

Here are some of the roller coaster details:

1. Big Scary Drop - I left my career of thirty years due to stress and unhappiness; I was fed up but not ready to retire.

2. High Speed Upside Down Loops - For the first time in my career I had to develop a resume and interviewed for a new executive job; amazingly I got the first job I applied for.
3. Splash Down - I started my new job with Macy’s Systems and Technology as a Project Manager.
4. Sharp Turn - Due to the long commute we decided to move out of the city and into the burbs of Atlanta.  Yes, the devoted city dwellers moved OTP (outside the perimeter).
5. Fast Spiral - After a whirlwind search for a new home we chose John’s Creek, GA.
6. Burst of Acceleration - We packed and moved within 30 days of signing a contract. Miraculous!
7. Unexpected Twist - The moving company truck size was not estimated correctly so we ended up moving a lot of stuff ourselves in the June heat wave. YUK! 
8. Smelly Swamp Dive - Days after moving into the house the sewer backed up inside the house, the hardwood floors were ruined and the house was extremely stinky.
9. Unplanned Trajectory - The yard was torn up, a new sewer line went in, a beautiful birch tree was removed (sad), the first level floor was torn out, subfloor was dried out, everything was sanitized and the hardwoods were replaced.  This all took about 30 days to accomplish, and a hotel became our temporary new home.
10. Surprising Blind Curves – Trying out new businesses and restaurants has been a pleasant surprise. We’ve found many great places to enjoy food and drinks.
11. Screeching Brakes – We have settled in and look forward to our future living OTP.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Lori

We're Living Out of Boxes.......

We're doing a lot of living out of boxes these days. Only 4 more days until the moving truck arrives to take us to our new home across town.  My studio is packed so my Etsy shop is on vacation until March 30th.

During my down time while packing, I found these great Moving Announcements available on Etsy. I Love them all. I think I'll order the "living out of boxes" set to send to friends and family: it best defines how I'm feeling today. LOL

Links to the items features above are can be found here:

Top Left -  http://www.etsy.com/listing/53463476/mayfair-moving-announcement

Middle Left - http://www.etsy.com/listing/65228281/50-moving-announcements-new-job-new-home 

Lower Left - http://www.etsy.com/listing/48304324/packed-and-moved

Right - http://www.etsy.com/listing/52651601/4-packs-shredlines-moving-announcements

Don't forget the Kitty .....

 

It's official, we will be moving within the next 30 days. Our cat is a little anxious about moving again, he seems to be making sure that he is not left behind. No worries Beau... you're going with us.

I'm excited about the move; my lampwork studio will be back in business.  For the last two years we have been living in a townhouse that does not have space for my studio, and every room has automatic sprinklers. I didn't want to take a chance by firing up the torch, kiln, and other heat producing gadgets; sudden rain inside the house is never good!  The new house will have a room just for my studio...Yippeee!