These more monumental events make you look back on your life and remember where you were for the last one. Walker and I reminisced about the first time we voted and about times we could remember waiting for the results of an election when we were little. I have an especially clear memory of betting a penny on the playground in elementary over who would win.
The election I was thinking about the most though was the one 4 years ago. I had recently moved to Austin with my best friend and we barely knew anyone. We happened to meet a guy in the park doing a cleanup who understood how hard it is when you’re new and invited us to a few events. During that initial friendship we were invited over to a results viewing party at his place with his girlfriend and lawyer friends. It just reminds me a lot of where I am now-in a new place, not really knowing many people or places and finding my way.
This year I wanted to make a memory too so we could look back at it in 4 years. It was also a huge plus that Walker had just taken the test he’d been studying so hard for and we could let loose a little and enjoy ourselves. We went out to a bar that was super crowded but ended up at a more relaxed place where we had drinks and bar food (ah). There was a pretty positive energy in the place and also on the streets as we walked home. It was a fun night.
I’ve been thinking a lot lately, having many hours to myself each day leaves me a lot of time. I keep thinking that the big change I need to get used to is living in Seattle now. Of course that is a pretty big change for me and being that it’s the largest city I’ve ever lived in it’s taking some time to adjust. I think I’ve been a little hard on the city though because it certainly isn’t the only change in my life recently.
When I decided to move out to Seattle it was because Walker got a job out here and we were at that point in our relationship that I felt comfortable following him. To help with the transition I went home for the summer and had such a wonderful summer visiting with friends and family. Then in September I made the big move, and don’t mean moving to Seattle. I mean moving in with a boy. Ah! Right! It’s actually been pretty fun despite the usual annoyances. A sock here and there and everywhere. I think we’re both doing a pretty good job and making it work but despite that it’s a huge change and takes some time getting used to (the other day he said he wanted to put hooks everywhere,really?).
One of the biggest changes in my life is a pretty big deal and it is pretty exciting. What am I talking about? Right, when I left Texas and knew Seattle was in my future I figured what better time to see if I could turn my little side business into a full-time job. It had been on my mind but I couldn’t see any real reason to make the jump. I enjoyed my day job and was able to juggle the 2 quite well. It just seemed that everything was lining up for me to pursue my real dream full-time. I left Texas and spent the next 2 months basically on a summer vacation and working when I could instead of working and taking trips when I could. It was a bit anti-climactic.
When I finally did get to Seattle I think that’s when it really hit me. I left my day job to pursue my dream job and am now self employed and work from home. It’s super exciting but also scary and sometimes I feel unsure of my decisions and with all the other changes it’s easy to think this to often. My daily to-do lists have been helping keep me on task and I feel like I learn something new every day. But just as much as I get done I feel like there is that much and more yet to do. It can be weary at times but what’s great is I’m the one calling the shots and if I get overwhelmed I just take a break or the afternoon if I must. As I’ve heard from many other inspiring stay at home business owners it can be lonely and that’s about where I am now. Most days I’m busy enough but I have my days.
I have been really enjoying Gussy Sews-Handmade business in 31 days. It’s been a nice daily reminder that I’m not alone in this, some great tips, and just a little break from my day.
You may remember me mentioning these special sandals in this post. I figured I had better get around to telling the story behind them before it got too cold and posting about sandals seemed weird.
These super cute red sandals once belonged to my mom’s mom, my grandmother. She passed away a few years ago ( a couple of years before I landed in Texas-where she lived all her life) and my mom helped go through all of her things when she passed and brought a lot of things home. I was not aware of these shoes until this summer. I was getting dressed to go camping with my mom when she came up from the basement with these.
Apparently she had held onto them hoping they would fit her one day but, as feet tend not to shrink too much, this never happened. It turns out I have very small feet just like my grandmother and they fit me quite well. I was touched that my mom gave them to me because I know how much each of my grandmother’s things mean to her. I’m happy that whenever I wear them I think of her and I am literally walking in her shoes. If you look close you can even see where her toes rested on the sandals. I like that. I love you grandma. I love you mom.
