Design and Self and Such

One of the things I like most about my job is the fact that I have the freedom, when time permits, to make my own promotional materials in-house. I love it that I have PhotoShop and Adobe PageMaker at my fingertips. I quite like graphic design, although I have the hardest time matching fonts and writing captions (still!).

Lately I've been working on a neat 20-page booklet that I had the idea for a couple of weeks ago... and I think it's looking quite nice. The only problem is that the photocopier/printer/beastly machine that prints ledger sized paper (17"x11") isn't working and no one is really sure if it ever will get fixed or work again. Ack. I had hoped to get a bunch of these sent off this Friday.

Megan has a great post up over at beetlegrass about 17 things she's learned in her seventeen years as a freelance illustrator.

This month for me marks a year as being an Etsy seller, with my shop opening and it's first sale taking place last August. It's been great to have a little online business and a forray into the world of entrepreneurship and small-scale self-employment. I've sold quite a bit in the shop, as well as a good number of custom orders, and eight squirrel bags have found loving homes. :)

I've loved the creative outlet that Etsy selling has provided me with... it gives me something creative to do. Something creative that makes money. And I've improved my sewing and design and pattern drafting skills. It's nice to have a hobby that is supported by the business I have been able to create out of it. I'm paid to be crafty (as long as what I make sells). I can buy beads and fabric and other fun things because I know they for the most part can be turned back into profit.

And I even paid for a whole trip to Manitoba and back with my profits, how great is that? :) One of the things I like least about my current job is the fact that I barely make enough to get by, so having this little business of my own on the side has helped me to be able to do a few things that I wouldn't have otherwise been able to afford.

Even here, at age 28, and a degree (or 2 or 3) later, I still find I haven't escaped the question "so what do you want to do?" You know, with your life, or as a job, or whatever. I'd like to say I've stopped asking myself that question, because I am trying to enjoy the here-and-now and this moment that I've been placed in or find myself wrapped up in. There is that Dawson's Creek song that says "I don't want to wait for our lives to be over, I want to know right now what will it be?" Yes, sometimes I feel that way.

But. The unexpected. What would life be if we knew what was to come and what we'd accomplish (and fail at), and where we would go and who we would share time with and the things and people we would devote time to and love?

This, I suppose, is a continuing dialog of my post last week. I like the reminder this passage gives us: "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' (Acts 17:24-28)

Especially the part where it says "and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us."

In Regards to the Emmys, and How Much I Like Jeremy Piven

At one point Billy Bush was asking Jeremy Piven about which celebrity babies he had seen -- Baby Violet? Baby Shiloh? what about mythical Baby Suri? -- when Piven whipped around and said directly into the microphone, "You need another job. I mean, you have potential as a human being. This may not be right for you. Seriously. Can you focus on other things?" -dooce Weighs In

Busy

I spent the weekend working on the dress I feel like I've been making forever, but in reality I only cut out and stitched this weekend. I was making a "sample dress" first, and tweaked that a bajillion times and redrafted the pattern a few times, and then finally decided just to make a few more adjustments to the pattern and cut the real fabric as time was running out (planning to wear it to a wedding this Saturday and all)...

So things have gone fairly well, I still have a couple more tweaks on the back to do to get it to lie flat, and the hem to sew. Almost done. Almost.

I also made a couple of sets of earrings this weekend. I haven't really changed my earrings in oh, about 8 years. But the new bead store really gives me too many options of creative things to do.

Horray (Someday)

Somewhere random this morning I read about a "Blogger Beta" so I did some searching around Blogger and came up with this What's New in Blogger? article.

I can't yet transfer Mikao's World over to this new Blogger Beta as I don't yet have the option, but I'm looking forward to:

a) Being able to use labels, or categories. I've been waiting for this forever. (But of course somehow I'll have to change my layout to list labels under posts and on the sidebar I am sure. That could be a headache with the template).

b) More site feed options. i.e. Comment feeds. Currently I get all of my comments emailed to me, but it would be nicer I think to just be able to read them in Bloglines with my other subscriptions.

c) The Blogger Wishlist hints at maybe the possibility of being able to upload files other than just images. That would be awesome. PDFs? Please?

Thoughts

"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' - Acts 17:24-28

Happy Birthday!

Blogger turns seven years old today.

Mikao's World turns 4 on September 22, 2006. Maybe I should make a dog logo to celebrate? ;)

August Banner

Font: Harlow Solid Italic
Photo: Taken at Whitefish Lake, Manitoba. Pelicans playing in the wind.
Edited in Photoshop 7.0.1.

The Random Interview Project 3: Sarah

This installment of The Random Interview Project Part Three comes from my good friend Sarah Yoshiki, and it is her first time participating in this project.

1. What is it that you miss most about being a child?
The simple act of playing. I still enjoy playing on a regular basis, but I miss playing without responsiblity. I am currently working at a daycare, I love playing with the toddlers in the sandbox :)

2. What is it that you like most about being an adult?
The freedom. The ability of choice. Gaining more knowledge, experiencing life and learning from the challenges and the joys.

3. If you could live the next year in another country, what country would you choose and why?
Hmm.. Tough question. I have travelled in the past and greatly enjoyed those experiences, yet I always was glad to return to beloved Canada. I like my country, I value and love those that are close to my heart, I would miss them very much. I think I would like to visit Japan, discover more of my heritage. That would be an interesting trip. But, for the time being, in this moment, my desire is right here, right where I am. To serve, to love and to grow in my relationship with Jesus in Canada :) Of course, each moment is different and tomorrow I could desire to live in
Italy.

4. What are your top three favourite things to do on the weekend?
Camping... I enjoy most everything about camping. I love spending time with people, quality people and quality conversations :)
Hmm.. last thing. Relaxing, sleeping in.. reading :) I love getting lost in a book.

5.If you were given $10 000.00 tomorrow and only had 24 hours to spend it, what would you spend it on?
I definitely have debt from schooling, I would pay that off. Treat my family. Give it away to those in need. Tithe. Enjoy the moment.

6. What has been your most rewarding employment situation to date?
I have had many different jobs.. receptionist, maid, many office jobs, daycare worker, camp counsellor, census representative and support worker. All rewarding in different ways. However, to date, the most rewarding employment I have had would be Christian Horizons as a support worker. Christian Horizons is a Christian organization where people who have developmental, physical and mental disabilities find a home that supports their needs and helps them to be as independant as possible in their life situations. It is a challenge most days. It is filled with many moments of smiles, laughter, chaos, different smells... It is a job that humbles me daily. It allows me to appreciate life. It allows me to see others as unique, as equally important. It has and continues to be a learning experience. I love to serve and serve with the family that I have found there.

7. In ten years, where do you expect to be, and what do you hope to be doing?
Wow. Thirty-four years old. Hard to imagine. I can't even picture what my tomorrow will be :) Here are my hopes and dreams. I hope to be teaching in an elementary school. I hope to be married. I hope to have a family. I hope to continue to share life with those dearest to my heart. I hope to know more about life. I hope to know God more. I pray that I will continuosly be
challenged and encouraged in my faith. I hope to be following God where He leads. I hope that I will continue to look younger than what I am :) I hope a lot. I also know that God has the perfect plan for my life. I look forward to knowing a little bit more of that with each new day that I am blessed with. It is so good to be near Him. Psalm 73:28

8. What are you most looking forward to the rest of this calendar year?
Many different things. Mainly they all include spending time with friends and family. Celebrations. Relaxing. Laughter. Joy. Starting Teacher's College.

9. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what meal would you choose?
I'm extremely hungry right now, so this is a dangerous question... hmm.. it would have to include bacon, I love bacon! Chicken quesadilla, caesar salad, chocolate milk.. and for my sweet tooth.. apple pie with pralines and cream ice cream, my favourite .. and perhaps some chocolate of some variety :) I'm glad that this will never happen.. I would gain a lot of weight!! but I
would be a very happy girl ;)

10. What is one of the major life lessons that you've learned since finishing high school?
So many... This is a tough question... To live in the moment. To appreciate each day. To learn from each experience. To trust my heart. To know people more. To voice my opinions. To
dream. To grow in friendships and let go of others. To grow in who I am and to appreciate who that is. To trust God in all circumstances.

Thank you Michelle for letting my heart dream and write. It is always appreciated!
You have some very quality and challenging questions.

The Random Interview Project 3: Rebecca

This installment of The Random Interview Project Part Three comes to us from long-time reader Rebecca of World Wide Wood. You can also check out her Part One and Part Two interviews as well.

1. If you could have somehow told your high school self one thing about your 20s, what would you have wanted to know back then?
"As hard as it is to belive: God does have a plan for you. You may feel like your prayers for acceptance and love are going unanswered, but you just aren't ready for them to be fulfilled yet. Have faith and enjoy getting to know yourself."

2. What do you miss most about college life?
I miss how easy it was to socialize with friends. In college having lunch with friends or getting together for a movie was a quick phone call away. Now it means planning a week in advance. Our lives are so much more complex now.

3. If you had to live in another state, what state would you choose and why?
There are a few other states that are attractive to me: Maine, and Vermont are near the top of the list, but I'd have to say Oregon. I spent a semester living there while in college and fell in love with it. The lifestyle is so much more laid back than life here near Boston. The people were so friendly and there are so many great things to do outdoors.

4. If you had to live in another country, what country would you choose and why?
You know, Canada has always looked good to me. Canadians seem happier than their southern neighbors. Other than that, I'd probably live pretty much anywhere. Every country has its own interesting features. It is hard to choose just one.

5. If you suddenly inherited a great deal of money, what would you do with it?
Pay off our student loans (and my brother's); set up a college fund for Baby Catherine; buy a house; travel; find a worthy charity and support the heck out of it; invest for retirement.

6. What has given you the most joy about motherhood so far?
I love the confidence that Catherine gives me. I need to be my best because I'm all she has to help her grow up right. I work harder to make good decisions because my choices no longer affect only myself. Making good decisions builds my confidence and makes me a happier person. And having a happier Mom makes Catherine a happier baby. It's a good cycle.

7. Where do you see you and your family in ten years?
I'd love it if we (Peter, Catherine, baby #2? and I) were all packed into an RV and were on a summer road trip vacation taking in the sights and sounds of our country.

In general, though, I'd like to have a couple kids and a house in the country with a garden and room to run around. We'd be active in our local church and school and get to spend time with our immediate family as well as all of our extended relatives. And it would be great if Peter can continue to work at a job that he enjoys.

8. What have you still not done in life that you'd love to do?
I would love to hike the Appalacian Trail. I'm a good hiker, but not that good. Lately, I've been thinking it would be fun to tackle just the Massachusetts section. We'll see what happens.

9. Which relative has had the most impact on who you are today?
Definitely my Mom. She rarely ever forced her opinions on me or gave unsolicited advice, but as I get older I realize how much of her I have internalized. I'm finding that I mirror her beliefs and parenting style and the way she acts around other people. She has mentioned choices I have made (especially throughout my recent childbearing process) that were very much like her own; without my having any knowledge of her choices earlier in life.

I'm very happy to be so similar to my Mom. We're both our own people with some distinct differences, but I'm proud that I'm picking up many of her admirable qualities.

10. If you had the opportunity to give a high school graduating speech to a roomful of teenagers, what do you think you would speak on and emphasize in your talk?
I think I'd want to recommend living a life that was unique to each member of the audience. Trying to live life the way you think someone else wants you to will almost always end in disappointment (for you or the person you're trying to impress). Be smart, be responsible, but have fun and do things your way.

Flashback Friday: Spring 1982

Here it is, me at age 4, photographic proof of the beginning of my love for manual labour (ha!) and flip flops. And I totally remember that matching purple terrycloth short set. The tank top had a butterfly embroidered on it.

Once when we went to my great aunt's cabin and went canoeing for my first canoe ride ever, and I was wearing another totally green monocromatic short set that got wet because some people in a motor boat were showing off and making big waves, and then I had to change into that purple outfit, and it was very very cold and I was freezing.

Not really sure at all what I'm carrying. Looks like some kind of gauges. This is at my Gramma's house, and the back has writing by her that says something about "Chelle and Pam" helping their Dad. Pam's carrying an elephant fertilizer bag (not fertilizer for elephants, I think maybe "Elephant" was the brand name? There was a picture of an elephant head on the bag so that's what we always called it) full of I'm not sure what.

Note especially the matching flip flops. And my little feet.

I loved flip flops. I still love flip flops.

But back in the day we called them "thongs" before that referred to something else that people wear. Those years between elementary school and my late college years when flip flops/thongs didn't exist anywhere in shoewear were sad ones. Thank goodness they've come back, summer never was the same without them.

The Random Interview Project Part 3: Jodi

After a short pause, due to vacation, work, and my general lack of keeping things updated here, horray, here is the return of The Random Interview Project Part Three.

Jodi, my long time friend and former roommate, brings us this episode. Check out her previous Part One and Part Two interviews as well.

1. What are three things you miss about living in Montana?
The mountains, the nearby lakes, and my dad

2. What's the best thing about Joliet?
Other than my wonderful fiancee Graham? I have some wonderful friends here that love me for who I am and don't expect me to be anything else.

3. What is one memory from life you remember like it was yesterday?
When Holly, Michelle, and I were walking home from the Pilgrim Restaurant and we saw a certain individual with a certain shaggin' wagon that was having some mechanical difficulties....ahahahha...and I then Holly fell and went "whoop", which I think was a separate occasion, but is combined with the first in my mind.

4. Weirdest thing that ever happened in dorm that you can recall?
Super early one Saturday morning our bathroom sink started leaking like crazy and spilling out into our rooms and Jenelle and I were going crazy and making all kinds of racket so girls came out threatening to tell the RA, but the funny part is, I WAS the RA. haha

5. What are you most looking forward to about married life?
Is this a trick question? What does EVERYONE look forward to about married life? :) Actually, I will be glad when we don't have to say goodbye anymore. I hate it when he leaves at night.

6. Share a funny story about one or both of your siblings.
They are both crazy. Seriously. Well my brother told a joke the other day that goes like this: "why do people use the term PMS?....Because the term Mad cow was already taken." haha....but my sister who is the queen of PMS got super mad and yelled at him which just illustrated his point even moreso.

7. Name two things you would choose to eat for the rest of your life if you weren't allowed to eat anything else.
Cereal and yogurt

8. What would you like to name your firstborn?
I like the name Josiah, but Graham likes the name Tobias...he thinks it would be great to name our son Toby Keith. I disagree. As far as girl names, they don't exist in our minds, I don't want any girls.

9. What is your favourite aspect and least favourite aspect of your current job?
My favorite part is getting to work with the kids and watch them grow. That's the greatest thing ever...my least favorite part is the stress of planning big events and the fact that b/c I'm the only female on stuff people are more willing to call me and ask me to do stuff for them (like let them into the church when nobody is around).

10. If you could change your entire name, what would you change it to and why?
MGIJ. Haha. I get to change my name next year to Jodi Lea Rogers and Graham always pronounces my middle name as Leah instead of Lee so it's almost as though my name has completely changed anyway. I always liked long first names like tiffany or vanessa... nowdays I like names like natalie or alicia.

Thank you for this lovely opportunity to share about my life. I hope it was inspiring for you.

This Weekend, Because My Life is so Jam-Packed With Excitement

It's only Thursday, but I can't wait for the weekend. Actually, I pretty much look forward to every weekend.

I have big plans for this upcoming weekend.

1. Sleep in until 9-9:30ish Saturday. Instead of my usual get up at 8am thing.
2. Lounge around and think about getting up.
3. Pop a blueberry waffle into the toaster, turn on tv.
4. Eat waffle, watch Felicity.
5. Shower.
6. Go to thrift store.
7. Find cool stuff.
8. Avoid bead store, avoid spending money.
9. Get groceries.
10. Go home, make lunch.
11. Cut out and sew dress for Heather and Todd's wedding.
12. Rejoice at the fact that I'm not at work.
13. Maybe clean my room.
14. Maybe finish unpacking my suitcase.
15. Hopefully finish some purses and bags I've had on the go for awhile. I have some new ideas. I want to get to those.
16. Etc.

Blackie

This is my Gramma's cat Blackie, who thought I was the best. So much so that every night he insisted sleeping with me on the little skinny cot I was sleeping in. (I should point out that he's a lot bigger than these handsome photos appear).

One morning my Gramma came upstairs and saw him and said "Blackie, that bed isn't big enough for two people!" I did point out that technically Blackie wasn't a person, but she said he likes to think that he is. :)

September 11, 2001 Five Years Later

Just a quick post to let bloggers know about 2,996: A Tribute to the Victims of 9/11, a blogging project involving 2996 bloggers each honouring an individual victim of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

You may sign up for the project here.

Eager Beaver, Busy Beaver

I do not believe that crop circles are made by aliens. However, I do believe that beavers could perhaps be the culprits, travelling from the creek, up the bank, across the road, through the garden, to the wheat field, then stealing the wheat all the way back to their damns.





I like the little cloud of dust he left motoring back to the creek!

Lilies

First in a series of photos from my holidays, unedited:






My Gramma started crosss-pollenating lilies in the 1950s or 60s I believe, and since then has bred many prize-winning lilies. When I was a child she always had a huge almost field full of lilies, and I believe at one time it was considered the world's largest private lily garden.

The Weekend Past

Sorry I haven't been very bloggy lately... but things were a tad bit busy with my return from holidays last week at work. I did have a very nice weekend though, my friend Lisa came up for a little visit Friday and Saturday. We ended up watching Elizabethtown, going to a variety of antique stores, and an artisans' festival of sorts. And I made kebabs with my new kebab skewers. I could eat kebabs like every day for awhile, they're so good.

At one of the antique stores we perused I managed to find a large Pyrex mixing bowl in the pattern "Friendship", that I've been looking for for a very long time. Usually it's much too expensive whenever I see them anywhere. But, it was on sale! And it was the big one! Hurrah! :) My parents got some bowls in that pattern as a wedding gift so that pattern always reminds me of home and tasty stuff.

I Have Returned

I have returned from Manitoba, it's been a busy couple of days back. Vacations are always far too short.

Friendly Manitoba

At least that's what it says on their licence plates. :)

Just wanted to leave a quick note that as of tomorrow I'm off to Manitoba and won't be back until the morning of August 9th. I've got all my directions printed off the internet to find my parking spot (my little Hot Rod will be all by himself for a while in the big city...), I've got all my packing still to do, and a custom order purse that I have got to finish tonight and mail off. Too much to do!

Today green forests, tomorrow golden wheatfields.

Will be so so so nice to see my Gramma and Mom and old housemate Tamara, and so so so so so so so so so so so great to have a break from work.

The Random Interview Project Part 3: Neely

This entry in The Random Interview Project Part Three comes from long-time Mikao's World reader Neely, from Unquenchable Songs and Endless Praise. You may also check out her previous interviews from Part One and Part Two of this project. Thanks for participating again Neely! :)

1. What is your favourite season of the year and why?
It's probably a toss-up between fall and winter, since I generally like chillier weather. They're both beautiful with the changing leaf colours and the sparkling snow (when it doesn't turn to brown slush that is). I guess it's harder to pick just one because the weather constantly changes here, and sometimes our winters feel like spring and our falls like summer :)

2. Where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope that I will be serving Jesus and ministering to people in whatever capacity I am called to. I haven't a clue what it will look like, but I guess that's what the next five years are for! I most likely see myself still living in Canada between now and then.

3. If you could meet any woman out of history, who would you choose and why?
Ahh, this is hard. I honestly don't know that I could narrow it down - maybe Amy Carmichael? I read a fascinating biography on her once.

4. What has surprised you most about life since completing high school?
Where I am today and the neat journey that God has put me on to get me here. I used to think that life was so typical and that after high school, things would just continue on as they were but nope! God is a God of surprises and that has been the best part.

5. In the past year, what has been your most rewarding experience?
My most rewarding experience would have to be living in Montreal earlier this year. It was absolutely amazing and God taught me a lot during that time. I loved learning about another culture and trying to pick up as much French as I could, and especially being with my friends and supporting them in ministry.

6. Please tell us about one of your most favourite places.
My favourite place besides home is the city of Montreal (a continuation of question #5). Like I said, it's such a fun place to be in, and I love how it's a city of contrasts. I wrote about this in one of my papers, that Montreal is both new and old at the same time, French and English, European and North American, suburban and urban, and perhaps most significant - a place of great spiritual history but of few Christians today. It's a city that needs much prayer because it is so influential.

7. What one place that you've never been would you most like to visit?
London, England. And if I could sneak in two others: Paris, France and Singapore.

8. Coke or Pepsi?
I don't drink pop but I much prefer Coke to Pepsi. Pepsi tastes like watered down sugar, and if you're going to drink one of these, might as well get the pop that can supposedly unclog drains right?

9. What qualities do you admire most in people?
I admire people who strive to be more Christ-like in their life and who don't have a problem being counter-cultural to do so. It's so inspiring to see those who are content with who they have been created to be in Christ and who have determined that they don't want to settle for the conventional and the status quo. I really enjoy reading biographies of people like this (Hudson Taylor, Jim Elliot).

10. What would you like to be remembered most for in life?
I wrote this on my blog a few years ago and it holds true today:
I hope that one day, people will look back and see my life as one devoted to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and one wholly lived through Him in everything - in life, love, faith, speech and purity.