Career, and Community
So my "real life" friends are already aware of this, so if you're reading this, real life friends, just know that yes, I acknowledge the fact that this is old news to you.
But, all you fake or pretend people in my computer, I have some news: I have quit my job and started my own business.
Whoopee!!! I'm nuts!!!
Allow me to direct you to this link over here in the right column above my Flickr photos that says "Richmond Creative" (or just click here). That's my business. What this means is, I'm working out of my home for now. Sure, I'll still be busy and want to rip my face off due to stress sometimes, but, now, I've got
FREEDOM.
and I will be the head honcho, so I will make all of the
DECISIONS.
and the work I will do will be creative, and great, and beautiful, and what I enjoy, and I will be
HAPPY.
and maybe, just maybe, if all goes as planned, this business could be successful, and I could make some
MONEY.
It's been a couple weeks that I've been home working on getting this project up and running and I am very, very happy. Everybody else living in the state of Michigan is disgusted with the snowy, cold weather - and at the moment they seem to hate everyone and everything. Grumpy bunch of shivering, pale skinned Michigan people, they are. But me? I'm just smiling. (My husband, on the other hand, is supportive, but ready for me to SHOW HIM THE MONEY.)
"I'm starting a business damn it! Lay off, man!" I say. "The money will come!" (I hope..??)
Speaking of money - as you may have noticed, I'm testing out the Google Ad thing. Up until just recently, I had decided not to bother with ads on this blog. I was fine with my blog being my hobby and that was that. But, times have changed and I thought I'd give the ads a try. I've even had an advertiser contact me about putting their ad on my blog, and we're currently giving it a test run. That would explain the ad you see in the upper left hand corner. (I'm not sure if I'm allowed to say that, but I'm just saying.) If I can make enough money sporting ads on this blog to pay for my monthly typepad fee, then groovy. If I can make a little more than that, I'll be ecstatic.
As you've probably gathered, I feel that, overall, life seems pretty darn good right now.
I'm loving being a mom more than ever... and raising a little boy is turning out to be quite a wonder and a joy. More about that topic will come in a future blog post. I'm spending a bit more time with my kids - again, "flexibility" - it's a wonderful thing - Kyra's in preschool four mornings a week, and she and Niko are now going to day care just one day a week for now. My mother, or "GrammaNanny" as I've nicknamed her, is going to help out a day or two a week on top of my daycare to give me some time to focus on my work and go to meetings, etc.
So, I'm still a part-time worker, full time momma.
Love it.
I couldn't wish for anything more. Okay, okay, so I wouldn't mind a new Volvo XC90, personal yoga instructor, and new wardrobe. And a new body. Still a tall one, just a new one. That's it.
Other happenings I should mention... I am heading up a civic movement in my small town aimed to turn our struggling community around and promote positive change and entrepreneurship... and what started out as a simple idea between myself and some friends has turned into quite a big, fantastic, exciting project. I'm planning on posting a website soon - I'll keep you, my imaginary friends in the computer, posted.
Last summer, I organized a music event in the downtown where I live and it seemed to be a huge success (see the Viva Brady Street event poster and news article on my Richmond Creative website portfolio...), and so, we're planning on making it an annual event. Move over, Austin City Limits Music Festival!!! Viva Brady is gonna be HOT! HOT! HOT! (Oh, and speaking of music festivals and HOT! HOT! HOT! Jeremy and I went to Austin, TX, for ACL last fall, too. It was there I fell in love with Devotchka, and a few other fabulous acts. This all happened during my blogging lapse. Oopsie Daisy. Sorry bout' that.
And one more thing I should note on the career/civic/community involvement front: I am planning on co-authoring a book! It is to be a book detailing the historic homes in the city where I live - with pictures, stories, facts, and histories of the homes... Should be exciting.
So, head on over and visit the Richmond Creative website! Let me know what you think! And, if I go missing for a while, now you understand why. Until next time... and wish me luck...
I, one of your imaginary friends from inside the computer, wishes you the best of luck in all of your endeavours.
Raising a boy is a trip isn't it? They're so much FUN!
Posted by: Catizhere | February 19, 2008 at 03:46 PM
Dude, if you think I'm imaginary, then who is sending all these comments?
Congratulations on your big adventure.
Sarah
Posted by: Sarah | February 19, 2008 at 07:07 PM
Good luck! It's all very exciting!
Posted by: Ern | February 20, 2008 at 12:41 AM
So, what kind of benefits are you getting with this new job of yours? How much vacation? Breaks? One hour lunch?
Seriously, Gerb, I'm feeling good vibes coming out of this.
Posted by: ellen | February 20, 2008 at 08:47 AM
Just realized you were active online again -- welcome back and good luck with the new venture!
Jody W.
Posted by: Jody W. | February 21, 2008 at 04:20 PM
Congrats on the new job...once you get a schedule in place working from home can be wonderful. Im not good at it...I start seeing all the other "things" that I could be doing and forget to work...lol abby
Posted by: ctmommie | February 22, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Hey Gerb, Just another imaginary friend... I say pump GrammaNanny for that Volvo... Maybe an Easter present? You can be cruising in style, keepin' the kids chillin', and workin' on a little Richmond Creative...
Posted by: Craig | February 22, 2008 at 05:27 PM
sounds terrific. congrats on the big change and move to your own business!!
Posted by: jcn | February 27, 2008 at 02:25 AM
Yay!! Congratulations!
So, you get used to two kids? And you keep your sanity? Whew. Cause I'm having number two in November!
I started a business recently as well. I think mommy brain is permanent, but it's replaced with mommy creativity and chick power. Seriously. I have never felt more capable of taking on the world than I have since my son was born.
I wish you all the success in the world! (Your portfolio looks awesome!)
Posted by: Kristin | March 09, 2008 at 10:53 PM
Oh My goodness! Congratulations Gerah! I think that is so wonderful. I wish you all the blessings and success!
Posted by: louann | March 15, 2008 at 02:15 AM
yay! congratulations to you! my husband did the same thing almost two years ago and we love it. i wish you all the best!
Posted by: jennifer | March 27, 2008 at 12:04 PM
My my we're chatty today... Glad to hear you're looking up to the sky...
Posted by: Craig | June 19, 2008 at 08:02 PM