catching up 2

dang, it's been a while since i blogged. a lot's changed:

• i'm now volunteering part-time at the u.s. center for world mission in their graphics dept
• eman is getting ready to transition out of his current job
• my sister's engaged as of last wkend, with plans to wed in oct 2007
• i'm pregnant - just kidding. =P

life's considerably slower these days...and more peaceful. it was weird at first...i'm so used to the rush rush of working f/t and then doing a "second shift" at home. the first 2-3 weeks were actually a little hard emotionally but now i'm appreciating the sense of freedom. and my creative juices are flowing again too, which my new art director is quite happy about. [my first round of mockups for the center were sorely lacking.] now i need to finish reading all my business books and see if i can make a go at being a freelance designer. we'll see how that turns out. i've also been surprised to discover that i'm enjoying the quiet as well. i don't know how else to describe it...the stillness? the calm? the quiet sounds good. life isn't still or calm, but lately it's been quiet, since i often spend large chunks of time alone [no complaints though!]. i've found that my need to have every minute of my day occupied is gone. i actually enjoy being at home...cleaning, organizing, reading, working. borders is my next favorite place...i love being surrounded by boks and periodicals...and seattle's best coffee which in my mind is WAY better than starbucks! cheaper too, i think. AND i've been able to spend more time with my 1 year-old niece alexis, whose chipper little squeals and babbles can send me soaring through the clouds and make me feel like there's nothing else to this world than babies. [of course as soon as i drive away from her house reality sets in.]

i'm finding that there really is no substitute for time. while i don't regret my 6+ years at my corporate job, i can't help but wonder what i could have/would have done/attempted to do had i left sooner. maybe i would have visited spain and italy by now. maybe i would have adopted a child by now. maybe i would have gone on a summer-long missions trip by now. i dunno...it's fun sometimes to think of the what-ifs, as long as you don't obsess over them. i'm looking forward to new adventures in the next few years...provided we don't start a family. everyone knows that once you have a baby, "your life is over." i hear that ALL the time from friends who have kids. hopefully, we'll be able to get some more traveling and fun time in before we have to grow up and become parents. =)