Mom & Dad Neal Visit Statesboro!

Rick & June decided to leave the cold New Jersey weather behind for a weekend in South Georgia ... I mean, really - who wouldn't? It was a great weekend! We took a ride in the Scout ... though we thought "it looked like it's going to rain."

 

We had our friends over Saturday night for some Boston Butt & Brunswick Stew ... which I was able to use my tureen (yay!).  We watched the storms roll through, watching lightening & sitting in the iron chairs on the deck-probably not the smartest idea.

Sunday was great - we sat outside and worked on 'projects' where June and myself got some awesome v-neck and scoop-neck tan lines ... can't get those in NJ this time of year, can ya!? Bryan & Rick worked on flower beds around the deck - which turned out GREAT while June and I tried to find flowers that like the shade ... options were limited. But, we found a couple + a gorgeous Bougenvellia in hopes it will climb the shed. 

While the men were working, the women found a huge caterpillar from the stone ages. It's curled up because June dropped it - so it's recovering from a 100-million-caterpillar-story drop. He survived. After curling up for 3 hours in a state of shock, the tough fella finally made it's way far, far away from the tormenting humans.

And the final picture of the weekend ... Bryan & June; taken with her super awesome camera.

This That & The Other Magazine

This That & The Other Magazine's March issue is out! That means my 1st month of working with the magazine has been published! (Check it out...) My picture is horrendous. But oh well.

The "Grand Opening of the Center for Art & Theatre"

wow. new job. big test.

I was thrown into an ocean without a  raft for my 1st two weeks of work. After putting in an extra work week of overtime in ONE week, the squalls have definitely tamed. I got to meet a hell of a woman, Betty Foy Sanders ... the giver of ALL of the money for the "Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art" and play the role of 'barker of orders'

I thoroughly enjoyed myself, however.

In the picture is the Honorable Governor Sanders & his wife, Betty.

More Pics - Toys & Puds.

Bryan l-o-v-e-s doing yard work on his new riding lawnmower!

The new golf cart ... hmm.

And of course the Scout --- However, now the top is off because of the gorgeous 75 degree weather!! (in February!!)

And the little ones had no problem getting comfortable! 

New Job

Freelancing graphic design ... check.

New, full time job ... check, check.

That's right. I am now employed by the state. So thanks, Georgia. I am looking forward to my 401k, benefits, credit card, and paychecks. :)

I am now the Gallery and Outreach Program Assistant to the chair of the Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art at Georgia Southern University. (Long title, I  know.) I will be overseeing exhibits, preparing galleries (in a brand spankin' new building...) supervising graphic design interns, and maintaining the Departments web site. 

Should be a challenge, but a good one. I am looking forward to diving back into the fine arts ... head first.

A Dream Come True

Some little girls dreamt of their weddings when they were little ... I dreamt of Scouts. 

International Scouts, that is. 

And finally, after many years of waiting - one has been added to the Neal family. :)

Jackpot!!

Well, it's been a successful week. The top is off of the Scout (because the weather is gorgeous !!) and I landed two jobs. I will be designing for a local magazine here in Statesboro (This That & The Other Magazine) and will also be redesigning a local town's web site! Hooray. I have been keeping up with my prior job and am also designing stuff for them and and there. So, it should be a good run. I have also been honored to help with some upkeep of my college mentor's business, who suddenly passed away last fall. It's still awkward working on his files that he used as examples in class - but am more than happy to help keep his name alive.

A Little Shameless Self Promotion

Well, it's time that I do something with  myself now that I am jobless and quite frankly, bored. 2695 will by my little pet project. I plan on getting a business license here in Statesboro and focus on freelancing and bettering myself as a designer and entrepreneur. 

The new web site is a start and I plan on further developing it over time.

If you have a little business to send my way - I am always looking to expand my portfolio :)

Oooh... My Very Own Prayer Rug.

These days I find amusement opening up junk mail. Today I was utterly amused. I got a prayer rug.

My very own prayer rug. 

What's even cooler is what it does...

Directions for my prayer rug: "Look into Jesus' Eyes you will see that they are closed. But as you continue to look you will see His eyes opening and looking back into your eyes. Then go be alone and kneel on this Rug of Faith or touch it to your knees. Then please check your needs on our letter to you. Please return this rug. Do not keep it."

Wait - does this mean I got a used Prayer Rug? Damnit! And I have to give it back??? Sad. My magic prayer rug is not for keeps.

Pictures!!!

Many of you have requested photos of the new house. Well, here you go. We still have a lot to do and work on ... but it's coming along.

The backyard and the Pecan trees!

BEIGE!!! Please note that we also are subbing our daybed as a couch ... not a looker - but quite comfy!

Master Bed...

Yet another beige room ... the dining room. However, it lets in a lot of sunlight!

Here is the office ... the modem, however, is not in the middle of the floor anymore :)

The painfully dull spare bedroom...

 

And my favorite view... the front.