Customs

Big News! I got a new job...in September. Thus the lack of posts over the last several months. Bigger News! I've quit that job.

Back in August, more like July, I decided I wanted to find something different for a few months while I waited to hear from the U.S. Dept. of State. I was very lucky, the first temp company I met with, got me the first and only interview I had (or needed) for a perfect position. I new it was perfect at the interview. I took this photo right afterwards and it exactly reflects how I felt about the position and the entire situation.

My grandparents agreed to let me take over their basement to facilitate a move down to the Bay Area. Working at Williams-Sonoma was exciting enough on it's own. The building and location are fantastic.

My commute is filled with all sorts of views. Bringing some new variety each day.

As you might expect sometimes it does feel as though you are working in a Pottery Barn catalog.

But, I haven't said anything about the actual job yet. I've been working in the Customs Operations and Compliance department. It's been fantastic. I've learned all kinds of random information about customs and trade policies. Mostly I've been dealing with Australian regulations on the importation of food. I find it really interesting and I'm sure there will be several things I've learned that may come in handy one day while working for the Foreign Service. And if there is ever a chance to do it again I'd love to. If I wasn't already going to work for the federal government I'd seriously consider becoming a customs broker.

The other wonderful thing about my brief stint down in the bay has been this:

At this point I'm a little skeptical that the wide world is going to provide many locations that will rival what I've been experiencing every day. Perhaps that's why I take so much time to notice, because I've known I'd only be here full-time for a limited time. While my initial contract was only set to last three months my boss informed me half way through that they would like to keep me there until it was time for me to leave. This job has been a blessing in innumerable ways. I almost want to stay...almost.

G's 15th Year

Being sentimental for a moment - when G was born I carefully counted the age I would be when she turned my age. It seemed that it would take a lifetime to reach that point. Now it's only a year away. From that point on we will be closer in age than the years that separate us. I've always seen that as the point where she'll truly start to grow up. Now it's not likely I will be anywhere nearby for her 16th birthday, or likely for many birthdays after. A difficult thing to swallow at times.

Naturally this resulted in yet another over planned birthday party for the girl.

 Prepping the night before - after a marathon day of Thanksgiving cooking.

(Birthday parties should not happen the day after Thanksgiving).

 Not going to lie, the pop corn cupcakes were one of my favorite features. The sign wasn't bad either.

 Snack bar.

We stuffed 10 teenagers into G's room on air mattresses and chairs with a projector and as many movies as they brought. They watched movies from about 11am until 10pm. Best birthday idea ever - while they were watching the movies you didn't even know they were there.

Granted, so they didn't all go crazy in the room and kill each other, Mom organized various crafts for them to do in between showings. 

 Referred to by one guest as the best cake ever.

 In hysterics over the game they were playing.

Success.

California Bucket List Begins

I started knocking things off my list months ago. I've made good progress. Lighthouses back in May were a big one. In August I made a trip back to the Point Bonita lighthouse as wells as an extended jaunt around the headlands. Followed by some of the SF activities I wanted to cross off.

 A reflection of what we were doing.

Jumping onto that stoop from the roof to the side was rather terrifying. I opted to exit by climbing out the lookout opening.

 Ice cream and a walk through the park.

 Be still my heart.

 Won't stop.

D & J Wed

I'm backdating, so be prepared. I've got months to catch up on. Who knew moving and a new job would wreak havoc on one's blogging.

The whole reason for the previously blogged Portland trip was for J and I to attend our cousin D's wedding.

 Beautiful Oregon.

 J and I arrived early to help set up. We brought up the guest book (the tall frame on the right) on the plane along with the table book, and picked up some other items in Portland. Our task was to set up the entry table.

 Another project of mine was to cut the vinyl lettering for the chalkboards my uncle built. Originally D asked me if we'd do the writing in chalk, but the vinyl looked crisp.

 Centerpieces with the flag labels I did.

 As my uncle walked D down the isle my aunt sang. It was amazing. Even if I could sing like that I wouldn't be able to hold it together to sing at my daughter's wedding.

 Wed.

The masterpiece

Rather than doing a traditional guest book D asked for a shadow box where everyone would write on hearts and stick them in the frame. Sister J built that frame people. I took some creative license and changed the set-up a little from what D had first requested when I designed and made the center emblem with their monogram and the date. I think it turned out fantastic. The new husband couldn't believe J had actually built it for them.

 Cousins playing lawn games.

 Mouthwatering.

 Not quite so mouthwatering to look at, but I managed to eat some.

 The Surprise

In addition to building the frame, J also made this book as a surprise. Again, I designed and painted the cover. D & J loved it. J is accepting orders ;)

It was perfect. In typical me style I booked our return flights for that evening, so we had to leave early to catch our plane. Glad and grateful to have made the trip.

And seriously - J's mad skills are available for hire, and I'll throw my mark on it as well, just because she is a nice enough sister to let me.