I've Missed You Too...

Hello, blog. Have you missed me? Special shout-out to Mademoiselle Danielle over in Paris who has been begging me to re-visit you. For all you blog-fans, you better thank her!

Well, its been an eventful 6 months. Crap, has it been that long? And the 6 months before that I was kind of a slacker blogger with little substance. But its a new year and lots of new changes are beginning so its a good time to reinvigorate my favorite family, friends & follower updater (sorry Facebook status updater. I do love you too.). So... I will re-hash a quick 6 month summary of my personal life so I can resume without guilt.

- THE MAN & THE MOVE: Okay, so this isn't in particular an item on my life list so I'll try not to gush or start rambling too much about my love-life. But in June of 2008, I got a lovely LinkedIn message from a past love from about 10 years ago. We had lost touch and hadn't emailed in about 6ish years. I had often thought of him over the years and vice versa. Oddly enough, I thought of him a lot when I was in the pain of mourning my cousin last March. I guess deep in my mind, he was more than just an old flame and my subconscious knew he could comfort my sadness. LinkedIn messages led to a few emails and photo exchanges which led to a week of daily 2 hour phone calls... and pretty much daily calls since and visits to Ohio/NYC/and in-between every other week over the past 6 months. We knew pretty quickly that this was a big re-connection. And although I've always been convinced I didn't need a man to be happy (and still do), I've never been happier in my life than in the last 6 months. Soon, I made the decision I swore I never would... I moved back to Ohio. And you know what? I could not be happier that I did.

Its funny... I spent the last ten years playing big city hotshot. Getting glammed up. Shopping at Saks for designer ensembles. Rocking stilettos so high that they should really have a health-advisory-warning on them. Climbing the ladder at work and in the design world. And just trying to be as glamorous and far away from the little farm girl I grew up as. Deep inside, I knew I shouldn't hide that friendly & sentimental Midwesterner who missed her family and the quiet of the country and small towns. But it took a man from the past to remind me that although its fun to play dress up, I'm just as special being the same person I was way-back when. He loves me no matter what I wear, where I live, or how successful I am. And finally... I do too. What an amazing man that can show me that.

- THE JOB(S): dbox has been great to me. Like every company recently, we've had a few bumps in the road but because of their quality, much less so it seems than pretty much any other agency out there. And, even better, unlike my previous gig that left my insecure and unconfident, they've made me feel capable and talented to rock any project. I don't want to sound conceited by any means but, damn it, I've been designing a long time and my eerie good memory along with my attention to details has made it inevitable that I would become one of the best at what I do. In most cases throughout my whole career, I end up the sole art director/designer on most projects because I earn the trust from both my boss and client to be able to do it all. So its time to retire the insecure and scared designer and embrace my new life and my new business finally. Its scary as hell but somehow without any effort or push or requests for referrals, I've got new business requests flying at me -- and amazing dream clients at that! I've worked hard to get here and I'm finally more than ready and entirely inspired.

- THE RIDE: I did it. #4 on the list. Ride a century bike ride (100miles) in honor of my Uncle Ray. My Uncle Ray passed away a few years ago from cancer but not without leading a life that inspired. He struggled with spina bifida his whole life and despite having been told as a child he would never walk... his determination and persistence made it inevitable that he eventually did. Beyond that, he additionally went on to ride TWO century bike rides. For a man that I walked with a severe limp his whole life, I sat at his funeral and listened to these stories and thought about how I should try a century ride too... I didn't even OWN a bike then either. And he could join me as my angel and ride in his third century ride. So on a very rainy day on August 31, 2009, my sister Tessa and I taped photos of my Uncle Ray onto our trusty bikes and took off to ride 100 miles out to Montauk from Babylon, Long Island. We were tested for sure... Tessa had three flat tires and though we started out tentative, by our third flat we were practically an Indy 500 pit crew. We had our tears, irritations with one another, sang songs along the way, and I think I prayed about 40 exhausted Hail Mary's during the last 10 miles uphill. I've never been so muddy, cold and wet. And our 8 hour prediction turned into an 11 hour reality with the weather and tire problems. Ironically, the rainy storm was remnants from Hurricane Daniel. So apparently the angel of our lost cousin Danny decided to also join us and play a trick on us that day... that's just like him too. But we enjoyed it nonetheless... and finished proudly and without injury.

What else...
I'm training for my THIRD full marathon. Who would have thought? Do I get extra credit for finishing #1 on my life list three times?!? When I wrote this list in April 2007 I hadn't even done my first half-marathon and I had only been running for about 4-5 months. Who would have thought the little unathletic, clumsy girl would become a runner?!? I'm still unsure of it... we'll see how many marathons it takes before I finally feel like a real "athlete" rather than some sneaky regular person posing as one. All I know is that this marathon will be on my 32nd birthday. What a great way to assert how young I actually I am!

Lastly, life is just good all around. Friends and family are healthy and happy. My life is on the cusp of finally finding a better balance and peace with the patience and help of some amazing people in my life. And if you would have told me one year ago, that my life would be what it is now and I'd be so happy... 1. I wouldn't believe it. 2. I would be pretty proud of myself.

Although I have to do better on my blog updates, I know. Life can't be perfect now, can it? I'm making a list now of other things to update you on from the past 6 months too -- weddings, design projects, vacations. So stay tuned. I swear I will write again before another six months go by!!!

d to the box

Started at dbox advertising and design (dbox.com) on October 30. I can't believe its been over a month already. The work is very cool — although of course for now I've adopted a lot of older projects but I'm interjecting some creativity where I find my windows so I'm definitely into it. Its kinda fun being more of a designer than an art director. Don't get me wrong — I'm definitely more of a manager if I can eventually find a spot for that where they didn't desperately need more designers (like the last job) — but its a fun little vacation for the time being. I'm also doing a lot more things that I haven't had the opportunity to before — web, interactive, advertising, books — its great to get more variety into my work. I hope dbox grows more (present recession period excluded of course) and I can along with them. The clients are amazing and its fun to be working w such amazing and inspiring architecture. I'm definitely learning a lot about the real estate sector.

Additionally, the people are just plain amazing. Very friendly. Very hip. Very international and diverse. And I really like that its not just graphic designers but animators & videography artists, photography managers, web designers/programmers, production artists, account directors, and of course a crew of AMAZING 3D renderers. Everyone's so supportive as well and its nice to be fitting into a place where I feel like I'm contributing both great ideas and good and unique design. I don't need to be babied of course — but who doesn't need to be told their work is good every now and then?

Oh, and the espresso machine and cute digs in an adorable neighborhood don't hurt either.

Here are some links to our work:
www.delliscay.com
www.thevisionaire.com
www.15cpw.com
www.talisker.com (currently under redesign though)
www.dillon53.com (teaser site only for now)
www.50unp.com (teaser site only for now)
www.535wea.com

Oh Espresso Machine . . . you are my new NYC best friend.

OK — Every night I have big lofty goals to write the list of 10+ blogs that have been in my back pocket in the last month.

But right now (pardon me, while I become "excuses" girl), I am seriously juggling 2 full time jobs. One that follows me home every night . . . because I still have so many unfinished freelance projects from when I was in between jobs. No worries — I can handle freelance occasionally on a night or weekend. But I have so many and they're so huge that the combination is making me stay up til about 2am every night! I'm the queen of multi-tasking and super efficient at my craft, so what gives workload?

But LUCKILY! Its the weekend. I am not making any "just one drink" plans any longer until I get through the bulk of this. Very sad for a new New Yorker not to go out and get to know her new buddy but its better for me to focus and barrel through! But maybe I will at least find a cute coffee shop to do a few hours of work at so I can feel productive at the same moment!

And then I can ease up on the three espressos a day (thank GOD dbox has a kick ass Nespresso). I can enjoy being in the same city as some of my absolute favorite friends. I can finally get to my apartment and put stuff away and buy new things to . . . I don't know . . . sit on? ha. And I will finally come back to you, dear patient bloggers.

Interestingly enough, on swissmiss there was a stat the other day: According to the Technorati 2008 State of the Blogosphere, of the 133 million blogs the site tracks only 7.4 million have been updated in the last 120 days. (For those that don't feel like doing the math, that's 125.6 million abandoned or at least unloved blogs.) Not I! I could never abandoned the readers who are so interested in my roller coaster of a nutjob life. ;)

Job Update / Life Update / Apartment Update / Cat Update

Wowowowowo. Have I been busy or have I been busy? Both!

Job update: I had 4 really great interviews in NYC. One with And Partners who didn't seem like they were hiring just yet. One with dbox a super cool firm that does some seriously gorgeous luxury print and identity collateral (with . . . um . . . no budgets? Have you ever heard of such a thing?). One with Parham Santana. And one with Pentagram . . . although they weren't currently hiring nor do the hire senior level designers or art directors because of the interesting way that they're structured. But I met with the ever nice and down-to-earth despite his larger than life reputation Michael Bierut. He was great — and even better gave me some of the best compliments of my design career on everything from my composure and personality in addition to my book. He gave me a great tour as well of their super cool place and a coveted limited-edition of the Pentagram Bible.

In the end, I was offered two positions . . . an amazing feat for one week especially in this economy. I was even able to consult Mr. Bierut on his opinions of the two firm and while both were great, I ended up going with dbox. Not only was the work incredible and very inspiring, but I had the pleasure of being interviewed by three people so I got a real feel for the personalities I would work for and alongside which, as you all know, is VERY important to me. The space was AMAZING too. A gorgeous airy, sunny industrial loft in the West Village. I felt chic-er just walking into that place! I start at 10am on October 30 (10am? Love that!).

Then life brought me to some very fun occasions. . . camping in a rustic cabin with no running water and no electricity with my pals Braden, Laura, and Emily. It was a phenomenal trip with all the leaves changing and the air brisk but comfortable. We star gazed, hiked, caught a few moose, and, yes, even went skinny dipping (somehow when I pictured ever skinny dipping, it was with a gorgeous man . . . but it was quite hilarious and fun with all the gals too!). We even spent Saturday morning (clothed) canvasing around the very-Republican and very-small town New Hampshire for Barack Obama. The people were very friendly and it was an amazing experience. I'm glad to have done my very small part.

Also attended the nuptials of Jeff and Jill, some of my favorite coworkers of mine from the MFA. It was out in Lincoln, MA on a gorgeous fall day in a beautiful old house. So picturesque and the bride and groom were both gorgeous. It was a great chance to catch up with all my old MFA coworkers who I love and miss so much. What a great time!

What else? Hmmm. . . its been weeks since I've updated ya'll so I know there's more. Its been a phenomenal month!

Then, apartment hunting in NYC. I saw about 12 to 15 places and in the end applied for the very first one I saw. In the East Village on the cusp of the Lower East Side. I quick 15 minute train ride to work. A fifth floor walkup but well-worth it. It was by far the prettiest, largest (shocking bc it is indeed small), cleanest and best deal of all that I saw. And no realtor fee. Amazing. Exposed brick. Brand new renovated kitchen (granite counters and stainless steel appliances with dark cherry cabinets) a brand new bathroom (with a marble bathtub). A closet (okay I'm downsizing from 4 but most of the places I saw had ZERO closets!). Very sunny with two great windows in the front and two other facing back. And a great alcove for my bed — which is great so you don't see it when you first walk in. I've signed the lease. I have my keys. I cannot wait to decorate. In other news, I've sold A LOT of my furniture all today — $840 already (anyone need a kitchen table, a TV, or a desk chair?)! Probably moving late this week (but I'll be back in Boston for my going away dinner from the gals and to get my braces off!).

Cat is doing great . . . she's the cat who cried wolf. I decided against the $600 diagnostics tests and I'm just waiting to see if she starts seeming miserable. She's been very affectionate and sweet (she has an uncanny sense of when I'm worried about her!). So Midnight (or grandma as I'm going to start calling her) is going strong. Better find a vet in NYC though just in case!

I guess that's it. Lots of really great freelance and tons more packing and miscellaneous housewares to sell. And tomorrow I shall invest in Space Bags . . . those bags that you vacuum out the extra air. Great for extra pillows and blankets and winter coats. I need to save some space in my new apt — I'll keep you posted on how well (or not) they work!

Marathon also coming up! I felt strong on my entire 20 mile run. 13 miles tomorrow am. I'm tapering. . . ah, luxury. Still have some funds to raise before I run though. Please donate: http://www.melissawehrman.com/melissawehrman Alls' ya'll that donated, expect thank you cards and results in the mail shortly after!

I'll be better I promise. Post some photos from camping and canvasing and weddings and apartment this week!!!

Job Fun in NYC

So I am shocked with how breezy this whole job hunt went. Why didn't I do this a year ago when I first said I would?!?! Any fear and nervousness is out the door as I regain my confidence as a designer and have made some great networks. Along with responding to a handful of job postings, I did my usual thing of just sending my stuff randomly to the firms I adore. Which really seemed to work in my favor.

I had three interviews this week. Two have told me they want to offer me the position, so I am in salary negotiations... which are making me at ease that, yes, I will actually be able to afford this city. The third firm I haven't heard back from yet which is okay because, although I loved them, the position was a step down from my Art Director level.

I am enamored with both firms in consideration and actually have an interview yet on Monday with the créme de la créme of design. I don't know how I will ever decide because they are such different yet wonderful environments.

More to come on the firms themselves maybe later. I'm trying to be a bit discreet (although half of you readers I've probably already told!). The most beautiful thing of all is that they all have such warm and easygoing vibes in addition to gorgeous design work. Obviously I'm prepared to work my ass off and find a place I'm passionate about, but I really clicked with the people and I've come to realize over the years, that is really the most important thing about any job.

I adore NYC so much and have had plans with all my awesome friends and sister throughout the week that have made me feel like a real New Yorker already. This weekend is no exception — busy busy busy!

Shockingly, I also cannot wait to start the apartment hunting. Anybody have any leads?

Off to NYC

Well I've been frantic all week with an insane work schedule so now I am rushing off to NYC feeling a bit ill-prepared (both with the packing and mentally for the race). Let's hope the next few days I can rest and get excited for Sunday morning at 7am when I start the Nike NYC Half Marathon. Last year I did 2:08:59 which is pretty good for a slow runner like myself. This year (although I do have an eventual goal to break 2 hours), my goal is about 2:10 or even 2:15 I'd also be happy for... especially given the heat and chance of thunderstorms.

If you're interested, NYRR website has a link where you can get my updates emailed to you... I'm bib number 13996 and Tessa is 13997.

My sister Tessa is also a bit nervous but I'm sure it will be fine and a lot of fun for us both!

I See Dead People

Fake dead people... but dead people nonetheless. Check out the scene right outside my office door on St. Botolph Street in Boston today. They've closed down the street (with fair warning to us with yellow flyers) to film the movie "Surrogates" with Bruce Willis. I told my co-workers I was just going to walk out into the street and lay down and see how long it took before someone asked me to get up and leave (and I would have too if I didn't have a huge presentation I have to work on today). Check out a few pics compliments of Ben... very creepy:

Rugrats in Tow

Today is the day! My 4-year-old niece Madeline and 1 1/2 year-old nephew Eli are coming to Boston for a long weekend today! Of course they are also bringing my sister Jessica and my brother-in-law Bill as well. Apparently Madeline last night wanted to go to bed as early as 7pm because she was so excited about today (me too but I had cookies to ice and and a website to update for a freelance client). It will be a fun weekend of Red Sox, picnics, and lots of play! The only unfortunate thing is that it comes on a ridiculous week of work... I'm slammed and really need to squeeze in some later nights or weekend working for a presentation on Monday (and a hundred other deadlines) -- may have to do some working through Dora the Explorer or something this weekend. Boo.

So although I hope to sneak out one or two quickie runs in, the training will slow down a little. I did 4 1/2 last night (in fast speed too!)... but we'll be walking a lot and I'll be picking up a long run on Monday night. I think its okay though actually because I picked up a lot of mileage last week and should back off a little and rest my muscles that are in shock right now so I can start adding mileage more gradually.

Do you Know Whose Birthday it is Today???

Barbara Streisands, actually. And Kelly Clarkson too.

Its been a great start to my thirysomethings -- flowers from Jessica, lots of email/phone birthday wishes, and last night something I've never had in my twenties, teens, or as a child -- A SURPRISE PARTY!!!

I really was totally fooled and totally surprised! It was so exciting! All from work and their significant others were there... along with my good friends Silvia, Christi, Jeff, and Sarah. We had pizza, cheese, chips and salsa, and, of course, CARROT CAKE! Oh, and lots of champagne (man, do they know me well).

I received some amazing gifts as well -- I'm officially spoiled! Thank you so much everyone! (if you couldn't make it, check out my slideshow on the sidebar in the right).

I love my thirties!