Adventure

Today Matt Lauer is in Istanbul with the Today Show- I want to go back! He is going to 5 countries in 5 days. He was in Argentina, Amsterdam, Laos, now Turkey and Istanbul. It has been fun to watch, but seeing a place I have been was the best. I would love to go back and highly recommend Turkey, Istanbul, and the Agean coast to anyone thinking of an overseas trip.

After watching I got a little sad, thinking Sander and I are done with our adventure days. But, when I think about it, life is an adventure right now. We are settling into Houston and have accepted it as our permanent home for the foreseeable future, which includes making major life decisions. We've even decided to buy a house!

We have a contract in on a house, which if all goes well, means it will be ours May 15th - Yikes! It really feels surreal, but it has been an incredible growing experience for Sander and I together.

The house was built in 1956, so it has a few issues to be worked out, but it has original wood floors, lots of trees, and a big yard. The immediate neighborhood is really nice too, but the surrounding area needs some work. It is in an area of Houston that is revitalizing, but it is just hitting this neighborhood. Hopefully the schools will improve in time for our future (hopefully) children.

Sander is excited about re-doing the yard and the wiring - I'm thrilled to decorate! My after-school project will be recovering our 11ft couch with fabric from Ikea, my new best friend. That and Craig's list which as already given me an AWESOME formica table and chairs for $65!

I have to fit in all the re-decorating before the first of June because I'll be starting my new job at Thimble Fingers, a sewing school in West Memorial. It is a really creative place which provides studio time for kids and adults to come and work on individualized sewing/design projects. I am thrilled to start and get involved with this amazing business plan. As it progresses I will update here with lessons learned and if my enthusiasm continues after working 8 hours a day with little ones. = )

Today I am working on my final sketches for my fashion illustration class. I've been amazed at how much I have learned and my ability to sketch a female model free-hand AND clothe her. This last year has taught me so much - bring on the house so I can have room to put these new skills to work!