Busy busy busy!

Wow--where to begin. Life has been somewhat of a blur these last few weeks. (Thankfully), I had three interviews last week. It's funny--it went from hearing nothing one week to actually getting calls the next. They all went well--one place sent me home with a floor plan and told me to design a kitchen and send it back to them. It was a challenge for sure--a 9x9' space for a luxurious kitchen. It was like putting a really intense jigsaw puzzle together, but after several late nights I finally had a design down and a render done. It's now out of my hands and I was told I will hear back next week.
I'm feeling hopeful and positive, but at the same time, none of these are job offers. I'm really hoping that one will take me on and give me a chance. I miss designing.... a lot. I'm ready to get back at the drawing board and to feel like I'm using my degree.
I've also been busy working on things in my personal life--like my wedding coming up in just a little over a month! Crazy to think that a. price won't apply anymore. Not sure a. schneller has the same ring to it, but I'm sure I'll come up with another logo that I like.
So, that's officially my life in a very condensed nut-shell. I plan on writing an updated post as soon as I know from any of the possible job-ops.
Hope hope hope!
Amanda


Here is a render of the kitchen I designed. I'm so in love with the dandelion graphic on the walls :)

What does the future hold?

So the other day in my interview I had written down questions to ask. Of course, most of them were basic (benefits, hours, etc) but I had also written down a couple that I really love to ask. The first question is : "What is your favorite part of your career?" This question is SO important as it really lets me know what the job is going to be like. The owner of the place I interviewed on Friday had the best answer I've heard yet. Relationships. She truly valued the people she worked with and talked of the workplace as being a family. What a wonderful place to come to work! That really said a lot to me.
The second question I asked was : "Where do you plan on _____ being in 5/10 years?" Growth is always an appropriate and great answer. But then the question was turned onto myself. Wow... where DO I want to be in 5 years? It definitely made me stop and really think about things for a minute. My answer : I want to be happy. Being happy to me, is to be designing. If I am doing what I love, then I really can't go wrong.
I'm starting to worry though. I've had the feeling lately that I've been drowning. I'm so sad I haven't been designing as much as I would like to. I'm sad that I am struggling to pay bills (only to know that student loans are quickly approaching as well as car payments, etc). I got to wondering, how does anyone even afford a family? Not that that's what I want right now...but eventually. I can't imagine trying to be able to support a family considering I can't even support myself right now.
I just really hope this job I interviewed for on Friday pulls through. It felt comfortable, home-y, and overall like the place for me. I go back for a second interview on Tuesday. I'm hoping they see the potential in me and the desire I have to work there. Hopefully next time I post, it will be of good news.
Love,
Amanda

Maybe everything does happen for a reason?

So at the end of my last post I had mentioned how I hoped something good would come out of everything that happened that day. And, that may be true! Let me step back a few days to bring you all up to date.
Earlier last week I had gotten a phone call from the dealership that had my car. Bad news : $1500 of repairs needed to be done. After looking at the Kelly Blue Book online, I found out that my car (in good condition) was worth $1500. Mine however, has 109,000 miles on it, a smashed in door, and can't keep coolant in it to save it's life. Great. What to do what to do? After a few days of thinking on it dad had called me after work to have me come down to Des Moines. To my surprise, here was this adorable little red 2005 Chevy Aveo. What a cute car! We took a test drive, ate dinner, came back and started on the paperwork. Two days later I was driving it home!
As soon as I had gotten home from bringing it back, I knew what I had to do. I'd been meaning to call the showroom where my old car broke down and see if they had received my application I had sent them (along with a thank you card for their kindness when I was stuck there). They had received it just fine and were wanting to interview me! Yes! Friday at 10 in the morning I go back to talk to them.
I have my fingers, arms, legs, toes, and eyes crossed that this job comes through for me! One thing's for sure though--I'll be able to make it there and back with fewer problems than last time.
I knew that even though everything went wrong that day that something good just had to come from it. Maybe this is my something good :) And maybe now I have a new car to take me to a new job...
Happy 4th everyone!
Love,
Amanda



Check out my new ride!