Have we ever talked about how I don’t do well with change? When I was little, I was the worst with change. Apparently (though it’s hard to believe) I threw crazy stupid tantrums when I was five and my family moved. (New house? Simply COULD NOT handle.) During elementary school, I’d get so nervous at the end of the summer because I’d be starting school in a new grade, new classroom, and have a new teacher, etc. In the end I usually loved it, but I just hated the thought of it being different than what I knew! I’ve come to understand (and sometimes appreciate) the need for change in life, but sometimes I still hate it. And that sometime is now. My supervisor/co-worker/friend has moved on to an incredible new opportunity w/ the fantastic company 31bits. While I’m incredibly happy for her, I just hate when I like how things are and then they change. Selfish? what? Haha. I constantly have to remind myself that change (whether it’s related to work, friends, relationships, where you live, etc.) can end up being surprisingly wonderful. Though there will never be anything wonderful about Rose not working in the next cubicle, I truly believe things will turn our better than I could have expected.

If you totally embrace change, I applaud you. And I’ll happily attend your next seminar.

++ above are a few photo strips from a lil’ trip to portland.

My 26th birthday is quickly approaching, and for a brief second I wondered– what should I ask for?? As timing would have it, right after wondering that, I received an email from One Day’s Wages, challenging me to ask others to donate in honor of my birthday. It’s such an odd thought, because at this age, I don’t expect presents from anyone except my parents & sister (ha, thanks, guys!). So as much as it feels kind of awkward, I really can’t care because this is such an important cause. So in lieu of gifts, I propose the following…
One Day’s Wages is a non-profit organization working to alleviate global poverty. There are 1.4 billion people living in extreme poverty… which is so far beyond my comprehension. ODW challenges you to give up ONE DAY’S PAY, and gives you concrete ideas of the kind of impact your $$ can make. I’m hoping to raise $1,026 to go towards the Women’s Empowerment Fund, which seeks to address many of the issues young girls and women face. Please feel free to take a look at MY PAGE! I’ll also be donating the proceeds (minus shipping costs) of all of the items sold in my Etsy Shop through April 3rd. Think about it this way: you’re either getting free stationery or a free donation (!!).

Thank you in advance for your generosity, even if that is just spreading the word. You’re all amazing..!! xo!

Michelle and I were walking around South Park a few weeks ago when I snapped this photo. For some reason seeing it brings me back to something we talked about during our walk. South park is a darling neighborhood, filled with some great small businesses. And while wandering, I mentioned that it would be so amazing to own a little shop someday in a cute neighborhood like South Park. But it’s so hard to imagine something like that right now because I just have no idea what the future holds. It’s not to say that I’m against planning or having dreams (this girl has dreams! trust me.) … but you just never know where life will take you. During college, I knew I wanted to do something creative with my life– but I thought that something was Interior Design.  Illustration wasn’t really on my radar… and now, it’s what I’m most passionate about! When I lived in Seattle I never could have imagined living in San Diego. And yet, the opportunity arose, I jumped on it, and I love it here!

Sometimes it’s crazy to see how things turn out… and yet, there’s still so much life to be lived. I don’t want to shy away from setting plans and having dreams… but I do want to keep in mind that I have no idea where life may take me! This is both terrifying and delightfully freeing. Do you guys ever feel this way? So certain of how you see your life going..? But also under the realization that you know things can and will turn out so different than you ever expected…? That life happens. and passions change. and that’s OK.

It’s entirely possible that this post makes no sense… but it’s what’s on my mind at the moment. So there you go. :)