Making the shift

School starts Monday and I have to say that I'm quite excited to return. At least most of me is. The other part of me, I would say 20% is a bit apprehensive. Why you ask, well because I've been unemployed for over a year and making a shift to a new career and way of life is a bit scary.

Like most of us I'm used to clocking in and out for someone else. While I hated that life it was predictable and "easy" for the most part. I knew I would get a paycheck every 2 weeks on Thursday. Before I lost my job I had my entire year of paychecks planned out. It was nice. My work environment wasn't though.

As I return to school I reflect on why I chose this new career path. I'm in school for Graphic Design. I've longed to be a graphic designer for as long as my daughter has been on the planet...8 years. I was chicken, intimidated, and had MAJOR feelings of inadequacy when I thought about making the career change. Prior to receiving the scholarship to return to school I was faced with attempting to re-enter a field of work that I truly had no interest in. I'd been in retail for over 25 years and I kinda know the industry like the back of my hand. That didn't mean that I wanted to return to it. Long hours, management who knew less than you do, and just an all around thankless job.

I wanted a career with more meaning, a career that allowed me to use my creativity plus my love of craft and design. The unfortunate or should I say the most challenging aspect of this new career venture is the unpredictability. I would be a freelance designer which allows me to be my own boss, but also means financial irregularity & unpredictability. I ask myself if I'm ready for this leap (I'm still quite scared) and I'm proud to say that I am. I'm facing new challenges in my life but it's something I think I can manage.

Are you in a career that has elements of uncertainty? How do you handle it?

Workspace Wednesday: White Pink & Green

I just love workspaces and this one is hands down my favorite. I thought I would start 2013 with this fabulous workspace!

Source: Uploaded by user via Erika on Pinterest

Another view of the workspace:

Source: mackenziehoran.com via Erika on Pinterest

Successful People

Source: valeriewoerner.com via Erika on Pinterest

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Let's get this year started off on the right foot!!!

Paul McKenna

You may have noticed that I've mentioned Paul McKenna's name a couple times since I've been back. Have you heard of him? Well he guarantees he can make you thin. While the title "I Can Make You Thin" seems pretty bogus I still bought the book. I know I'm crazy! I actually bought the book over a year ago and only started using his "system" this past September. I thought to myself, nothing else has worked with this weight loss situation why not give this a try!

I'm proud to say that it does work!! You read that right! It does!! Now before you leave my blog to head over to Amazon or your local bookstore (thinking I have such a strong influence on you..) there are some things you need to know.

Warning caps are coming... YOU WILL NOT LOSE THE WEIGHT FAST! Gasp!!! But you WILL lose weight. I've lost over 7 pounds since I started listening to his CD back in September. I know that is not alot, but I haven't changed anything else. I wanted to prove this dude wrong. Looks like he proved me wrong. Darn foiled again!

Here's a basic run down, Read the book first (it only takes a 1-2 hours). Follow the four golden rules in the book:

Golden Rules:

1. When you're hungry, EAT
2. EAT WHAT YOU WANT, not what you think you should
3. Eat CONSCIOUSLY and enjoy every mouthful
4. When you think you are full, STOP eating

That's it! Well he also asks you to listen to the CD that is enclosed every night for 2 weeks. I personally think you should listen to it every night for as long as you're actively losing weight. I personally listen to it while I'm falling asleep. He said its best when you do. I can tell you that my thoughts toward food are different. I don't eat every bite on my plate and I crave healthy foods. I think twice about eating junk foods. I can tell you that since I've been listening to his CD I haven't had the remote desire to eat McDonalds! That's saying alot because I was a Quarter Pounder with Cheese junkie!

Have you tried it? or any other self hypnosis system? I would love to hear about it! Comment below!

Fashionable Friday: Stripes

Source: ebay.com via Erika on Pinterest

I plan on achieving a 60-100 pound weight loss goal for 2013, so I've gotta look cute at the gym. Don't you just love these Lululemon Pants?

Green Tea: Yay or Nay?

For the past 3 weeks I've been drinking green tea. I don't know if you're like how I used to be and hated the thought of drinking green tea. I'm not sure what has come over me but I now LOVE green tea! I'm thinking what changed my mind might be listening to Paul McKenna every night before bed. I have to say it's made a difference.

I've found several websites that can't prove the tea's specific benefits but I can tell you the changes I've experienced:

Makes me regular
I don't feel as bloated
Seems to soothe acid reflux/burning in my stomach
Soothed my sore throat
Loosen up mucus
A nice companion to a sweet treat

I drink it straight. No sweeteners or milk. I just love it. I drink Celestial Seasonings Green Tea. I microwave filtered water in Pyrex glass measuring cup and then pour it over the tea bag. I keep the tea bag in my cup as I drink and never remove it. The box suggests removing it after steeping for 2-3 minutes. You do what you prefer?

If you've tried it, drink it, or hate it, let me know your thoughts on how it tastes.

Workspace Wednesday: My obsession

I have to admit while there are bloggers out there that blog about home interiors I'm obsessed with home offices. I'm such a voyeur when it comes to home offices or craft spaces. Don't get me wrong I love a white kitchen like the next person but home offices makes me weak at the knees.

I'm in the process of revamping my home office. I'm selling as well as clearing out all my ribbon and craft supplies and storing them in my walk-in closet. Since I'm changing careers I need to change my workspace.
Here are a few things I want for my office space:
White Desk
Simple & Minimal decor
Small loveseat
Space to do exercise

Here is the desk I want:

Eclectic Home Office design by San Francisco Media And Blogs SFGIRLBYBAY

I like this workspace but the office chair looks a bit uncomfortable. I'm still on the prowl for a comfortable, ergonomic, stylish office chair. Let me know if you have any preferences.