new job is good

first two days have gone REALLY well. The more I get immersed in stuff and understand my product and role, the more excited I am. That is pretty awesome.

However, between my full time job (BuyerZone,) my part time job (Blu Homes,) my commute (36 minutes to, 42 minutes fro,) and all the other stuff I love (running, looking for the end of the interweb, chatting with all of you people online, playing flute in my orchestra) I am VERY busy!!! And that isnt even counting POTTERY, which I wont get to do again until Saturday (GASP!)

So this is all the blog-posting you get for today. I hope it at least quenches your Rose-thirst for the near term.

reflections on the last 6 months

today is the last day of my 6 months off from Corporate America.

In full corporate fashion, here is a little FAQ on what a lot of people have been asking lately:

How does it feels to be going back to work?

Great. It feels really good. I like being busy and productive, and I like being around lots of other people and having a friendly, co-worker filled environment. I am also just SO excited about this role and opportunity. I had liked, somewhat, what I had been doing before (marketing analytics and strategy.) But I hadnt loved it. I have always envied people who LOVE their jobs. I may never be someone who LOVES their job with such passion, but I hope that I can find something that I truly enjoy.

While I was on my travels, I read a lot of job descriptions online, trying to figure out if there was something I'd like more than marketing analytics. As soon as I saw Product Management roles, I realized that would be so much more exciting for me. I am so lucky to have found the role that I have - I think BuyerZone is a great company, the role is EXACTLY what I was looking for, and my boss and co-workers seem like really great people. It was funny interviewing with them... it felt different than the other interviews I've done over the last several months. In other interviews, I felt like I was on an interview - trying to impress them, trying to say the right thing, asking strategically oriented questions, being polite, telling them only select parts of what I was looking for in order to convince them that I was right for their role (when I wasnt sure that the role was right for me.) My interviews with BuyerZone felt so much more honest, because I WAS right for them, and they ARE right for me. As weird as it sounds, it was almost like the difference between a bad first date and a good first date. On a bad first date, you are straining for conversation. On a good first date, you are smiling because you want to, not because you think you should.

So... yes, I am looking forward to starting my job :)

Are you doing anything special to celebrate the end of your time off?
I feel like the last 6 months have been a celebration in their own. I dont feel like I need to go on a Last Hurrah trip, because I've been so many places and seen so many things recently. I've milked this time pretty hard, I'm not worried about one last weekend! Who needs to celebrate when the last 6 months have been a full-time celebration?

Are you sad?
No.

I have to say, I have no regrets about my decision to quit my job way back in January. I was unhappy there, and that was the first time in my life I was truly unhappy like that (i.e. it isnt exactly my normal disposition... something was seriously wrong.) So I am so happy that things have gone the way they have. Years ago, my mom told me that things have to get really bad sometimes before they get much better - the darkness before the light, etc etc. There is something to be said for that expression, for sure. My intention was always to take this time off to enjoy life and re-evaluate where I was going (i.e. quarter life crisis) and then, being in a more happy place for myself, find a job. So things have gone pretty well to plan! How could I be sad about that?!


What was the best thing you did on your time off?

The best thing? the best thing was just TAKING the time off.


In the last 6 months I have spent substantial time on my running, getting in much better shape and making real strides (no pun intended) of which I am proud. I'm planning to run a half marathon with Manish in the end of September - if, a year ago, you had told me this would be a realistic goal of mine, I would have laughed so hard I'd be wheezing. Even 6 months ago someone suggested that I train for a 10K and I laughed at him - now I do 10Ks every week. I had never understood the value of exercise and athletics for the mind AND body until the last few months, and I am grateful to have it in this form in my life now.


In the last 6 months I have spent untold hours in my pottery studio. I remember, in the beginning, some weeks where I'd be in there Monday-Friday, 10-5 every day. When else in my life will I be able to devote this much time to a craft like this? Maybe never. I love my pottery studio - the people there are wonderful and supportive. Pottery has been a fantastic creative outlet for me. And, I have made HUGE improvements in my skill and artistic acumen. The changes in my ability to make forms that are tall, wide, thin, delicate, original, beautiful, etc has been something that I have never experienced... I had always dabbled in art, but I've never spent enough time or energy on a form to make this much progress. I am very grateful to have this in my life now.


In the last 6 months I have spent time with every one of my siblings, nieces, and nephews. With my 4 siblings each living in a different city, it will be hard to ever spend substantial time with all of them, so I'm glad I was able to spend quality time with them now.

• I was able to be with Sally and her son in their new home in San Diego and be there with them while Sally's husband was going through cancer treatment. It was nice to see their new house and city and to be there when they needed someone.
• I spent several days with my brother, his wife, and their army of children - I always enjoy seeing them and experiencing that whirlwind of activity. I admire John and Molly a lot for how they are able to raise such a large family and stay happy and sane.
• I spent two weeks with Holly and her husband, daughter, dog, and unborn baby (now born, of course.) Holly has been one of the most supportive people during this time for me, she having gone through a similar experience years ago and having taken a year to travel and be a bohemian bum herself. I am so lucky that she was generous enough to invite me on her family vacation to Arizona - the time we spent hiking, chatting by the fire, exploring a wilderness I had never seen before, was invaluable.
• I spent a week in Europe with Juliet, seeing two new countries and 6 new cities. I always have a good time with Juliet, and even though we now live in the same city we arent able to spend tons of time together. It was nice to be able to spend a full week of quality sisterlyness.

I was also able to spend quality time with so many of my friends who live around the country - 4 days with Manish, 7 days with Lindsay, 4 days with Mitra, 7 days with Joanne, 3 days with Alex, 4 days with Brett, 7 days with Samantha. I love you guys :) One of my favorite personal 'rules' was the one that I had to accept every social invitation that was extended to me - I spent a lot more time with various friends than I might have otherwise. I am grateful to have all of you, friends and family, in my life.


I can't begin to tell you the number of people who have said to me, "I wish I could do that!", "I am so envious!", or, the most sad, "I wish I had done that when I was your age." I am very fortunate that the stars aligned (leaving a job, having saved a lot of money, etc etc) but I think that more people could do this. Every time someone told me they were envious, I had to ask, why dont you do it?? Not that everyone can or even SHOULD, but I think a lot of people are scared to make a big change like this. If it is fear that is keeping you back... I have to tell you, it is much less scary to be doing this than to not know why you are doing what you are doing now.

So... farewell 6 Months Off - I have loved you and will always cherish you!!!


and, thus ends my longest blog post of all time.

Some older pottery... and a tragedy

I have a whole bunch of stuff I made this winter/spring when I first took all that time off, never posted it (since I went traveling around the world, of course)
here, for your viewing pleasure, a piece that is both my favorite and my most hated

Large Lidded Casserole with Rope&Bone Detailing
Red/white mix clay; Kline's gold glaze on body, shino on rope detailing and hobbit hazel on bone detailing; 11" diameter and 7.5" high

I made this in February and it was definitely my most ambitious piece to date. Not only was it huge, but it has a lid (and making lids that fit is not super easy.) AND I spent a ton of time on the handles making them look JUST SO. I was thrilled with how it came out and took probably 6 weeks to figure out how I wanted to glaze it.

So, imagine my horror when I took it out of the kiln and went to lift the lid off... and the ENTIRE PIECE LIFTED UP WITH MY HAND.

The glaze on the top had been too thick and it seeped down into the seam.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Sometimes if this happens just a TINY bit then you can take a wooden mallet and loosen it up. However... lets just say... this one is a bit of a lost cause. This kind of thing is always a risk, but most people fire the bottom and lid together to make sure they still fit after they come out (things warp in kilns, and if the two pieces warp differently then you can get a mis-fit.) I have used this Kline's glaze twice and both times it has dripped a lot like this. Note to self: dont be an f*ing idiot and ever use this glaze again.


so, tomorrow I'm going to take it outside and sacrifice it to the kiln gods (i.e. give it some quality Hammer Time.) Pics to follow.

New Niece!!

My sister, Holly, gave birth to a baby girl yesterday. Yay babies! Congrats to Holly, John (dad), and Isabella (now a big sister)

insert cute family photos here:

a day of sadness

my pottery studio is going to close at the end of the year. The Boston Center for Adult Education (where the studio is) had sold their huge mansion in the Back Bay a little while ago and is going to be building a new space in the South End... but we just got word that there will not be a ceramics area in it.

Um, to say that I am sad about this would be understating the situation. It is such a fabulous and nurturing place. The studio managers, Jenn and Richard, are two of my favorite people ever. And I have made so many great friends, people I would never have normally met (of all my friends over the age of 60, probably 90% I know through this studio.)

Damn.

Modern Jackass

My brother-in-law, John, got me listening to This American Life on NPR (via podcast) and, while listening to the most recent episode this weekend, I found many very salient points that made me smile and laugh out loud (and garnered me the accompanying strange stares that I cherish from passers-by.) "Modern Jackass" is my new favorite phrase... just listen to the first 3 minutes, you'll understand.

Check out the awesomeness

( I know what you're thinking, Thom... YES I am a hippy liberal. )

FREE POTTERY!

I'm cleaning out my place since I have to move in a month and a half - and I am getting rid of a lot of old pottery. This is stuff that is generally from my first 4-8 months of pottery-making, things that are not quite good/perfect enough to sell or to give as gifts, but still work and you may want.
So, if you want any of these things, let me know. FREE! First come, first served... and if you live outside Boston then you just have to pay for shipping :)

Blue-Grey Decorated Bowl, 7" diameter
why I'm not gifting/selling: slightly warped, outside a little weird looking
why you might still want it: still works as a bowl!


Blue and Rust bowl, 7.5" diameter
why I'm not gifting/selling: just not super refined looking. Quite warped/elliptical
why you might still want it: has a really interesting glaze effect on the inside and outside




Rust/Copper Vase, 8.5" tall
why I'm not gifting/selling: Kind of thick and heavy at the bottom
why you might still want it: Cool metallic glaze, and very stable so could hold tall/large flowers





Orange, Purple, and Grey Waved Bowl, 8" diameter
why I'm not gifting/selling: this was mostly an experiment in colored slips and glaze effects... so it is kinda odd looking
why you might still want it: this was mostly an experiment in colored slips and glaze effects... so it is kinda odd looking


Mocha Vase, 8" tall
why I'm not gifting/selling: This was an experiement in altering the form, so it is a little odd looking
why you might still want it: could be a cool decorative shelf piece






Set of 3 Rust and Blue Mixing Bowls, 8.5", 9.5", and 11" in diameter (TAKEN)
why I'm not gifting/selling: these were made as a gift but then MAJORLY warped in the glaze kiln. The middle one is severely elliptical.
why you might still want it: they are huge bowls, still functional as mixing or serving vessels, and have a beautiful rust color on the inside and blue color on the outside.



Brown and Blue Bowl, 7" diameter (TAKEN)
why I'm not gifting/selling: was an early work of Ms. Rose, and while nice it just isnt super refined... and is a tiny bit warpedwhy you might still want it: really cool glaze effect. could be good decorative piece to spice up your home (and make the ladies think you have artistic taste)

Soft Yellow Chips and Salsa Set, 10" and 5" diameter
why I'm not gifting/selling: the glaze made some weird little bubbles underneath the big piece, and it isnt perfectly round. I made this my 2nd month of working with clay.
why you might still want it: Definitely functional and has a pretty glaze


Set of 2 Blue and Rust Bowls, 6.5" and 7.5" diameter (TAKEN)
why I'm not gifting/selling: Just sort of "meh". The tiniest bit warped.
why you might still want it: Functional, and cool glazing on the inside and outside. Nest pretty well for deliciously easy storage














Black and Yellow Leave-Carved Bowl, 5.5" diameter and 5.5" tall
why I'm not gifting/selling: Cute, but not very refined
why you might still want it: Still pretty, and the carved leaf decoration on the outside is nice





Green Rounded Pitcher, 6" tall
why I'm not gifting/selling: Kind of thick sides (was the first pitcher I made) and the spout dribbles a little bit
why you might still want it: The glaze is translucent and has a neat crackling effect... this could make a great decorative piece



Beige and Pink Vase, 6" tall
why I'm not gifting/selling: kind of warped sides, not very refined
why you might still want it: still works as a vase!

the bowl I broke :( :( :(

WTFFFFFFFFFFFFF


















On the (minor) plus side, you can see the cross section of the vessel and how thin and even it is... not too shabby, rosey

An eventful 24 hours

4 big things happened in the last day:


1. Lindsay brought over her cat, Geoffrey, for me to kitty-sit for the week while she is doing field experiments in Yellowstone.

Umm, I kind of love her cat.
Like, real love.
We're soulmates.
You know, no big deal.



Ode to Geoffrey
Geoffrey, you are so soft. So cuddly.
You make me smile when you rub your face
against my toes. Why can't you be mine?
I am yours.








2. Joe left. Joe and I have been friends for a good 4 years, ever since I was an intern at Digitas and he showed me the ropes in the office and in the pub. He's a super great guy and I'm really happy for him and where his life is going (he will be going to Business school at Michigan in the fall.) His fiance is Maura, for whom I'm working on BluHomes.

Joe also recently developed a roll of film that was taken in the fall of 2005... Two things to note in this picture: a) none of these people work for Digitas (US, at least) any more. b) I still had my nose pierced at that point. Ahhh, those were the days!

Joe, best of luck. We'll all SERIOUSLY miss you.

3. I broke one of the new bowls I made... the one that was in that amazing black clay and that was of a set of 4. WTF. I'm just not a delicate person, what can I say.
pics to come, of course.

4. JULIET AND I FOUND AN APARTMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
finally. It hasnt even been all that long that we have been looking, but it HAS been VERY frustrating. so, yay!

My Non-Pottery, Non-Running activity...

this is what I've been spending a bunch of time on over the last few weeks:

BLUHOMES

I've been working part-time for my friend Maura's startup company, and recently I was project managing getting their website launched. So there it is! I think it turned out great actually... and look, pretty homes!

my new favorite website

pure bliss

oh yeah.... pottery!

Large Pitcher with Four Goblets
white clay; mint creme under randy's red glaze; pitcher approx 10" high, mugs approx 3" diameter and 3" high
Gift to the collection of B. Baldwin and L. Hyde of Cambridge

This was my wedding gift to Lindsay and Blair at their marriage last month. I know they like to entertain, so I thought it would be nice to make them something that they could serve guests with. And, as it turns out, Lindsay actually COLLECTS pitchers - FATE?? I think so.

I used one of my favorite glaze combinations on this, so there is the cool green/red streaking effect. The pitcher was done on the wheel and then the back of the top cut off to make the spout. The handle was hand-pulled.

EMPLOYED!

big news - I got a job offer, and accepted!

I'm going to be a Manager in the New Business group at BuyerZone, doing product management for their local search (which isnt exactly a real product right now... but it sure will be when I'm done with it!)

This was exactly the kind of role I was looking for, and I think it is going to be a really really great fit for me. They called me up with the offer Monday around lunch time (and I accepted, after the necessary negotiations of course) and then a few hours later called again saying there was a company event that evening to go see the Sox, and they had an extra ticket - so I met up with my future coworkers for beer and baseball. It was fantastic, everyone was so friendly and fun. I have a really good feeling about this! Plus my buddy Leif (of Digitas Intern fame) works there, so I already have a friend!

thank you to everyone who has been so helpful and supportive over the last 6 months, you have helped me get through this, technically and mentally, in a way that I would not have been able to on my own

yay for being productive again! I start on July 28, so if anyone wants to do crazy stuff during the day (lunch, trips to the mountains, etc) before then, let me know

July 4th weekend

in short:

Thursday night included Joe Johnson's Digitas going away fiesta. Joe has been at the 'tas since I was an intern back in 2004, and we have shared many memories together. He's going off to business school in Michigan, so I'm super happy for him, even if it means being denied his regular presence/deliciousness.

A ton of 'tas alums showed up to see Joe go off (Aaron, Blair, Leif, ME, Joe, Julie)

Sam decided to do the Captain Morgan leg-lift, and somewhat failed. Actually.... failed pretty brilliantly. LOVE YOU, SAM






The boys gave speeches and sang in falsetto (ask me for the video... it's amazing) to send Joe off in So-Co & Lime style




July 4th included the day at Liner's pool (UMM, amazing) and an evening with Slek, Bort, and Tim wreaking havoc on the back bay. They stole a Sam Adams star from a local bar... CLASSY ALL THE WAY. we may have been the most obnoxious people watching the fireworks on the Mass Ave bridge, and that is saying a lot.

AND, Saturday night I went salsa dancing with Juliet and Michael. See pics below... I am wearing a short electric-blue dress, also known as my "LOOK AT ME!!!" dress

Gmail helps in all of life's critical decisions

This morning I found out that I got a pseudo-job-offer from a company I had interviewed with a couple weeks ago (not the one I've been telling some of you I'm pretty excited about... another company.) Only, it went into my email SPAM folder, so I didnt know about it until 4 days after it was sent.

I wonder... is Gmail thinking this job is SPAM supposed to be telling me something????

Workin hard for the money

I went in to the office of the start-up I'm helping out today and put in a full day's work... and it felt GLORIOUS. It's been so long (5 months and 2 weeks, to be exact) since I've put in a full, productive work day, and I forgot how satisfying it can be. Good thing I had that pleasant after-effect, since I'll have to have a REAL job PERMANENTLY soon

In other wonderfulness, I made cookie dough tonight. YUM! SUGAR!

nataliedee.com

reminds me of band camp...

marriedtothesea.com