Wow, so much has happened since my last entry here in 2012. I can't believe it's been that long since I've been on here. Must do better. *wrist slapped*

So for anybody out there in the verse who was wondering whatever happened with that job interview I posted about way back in 2012 - well, I didn't get it. I did a nice freelance gig with them for a few days which I greatly enjoyed, but in the end, they decided not to fill the position and just make do with the staff they already had. Well, as you knew, I wasn't really feeling that in love with graphic design anymore, and this was a bit of a clincher. I had a long period there where I spent my time working several part-time jobs - a library, a theatre, and a bank - and somehow between those three and the "spare time" I had left over, I decided it would be a good idea to go back to school. Actually, through a weird series of events, I actually discovered the field of historic preservation. If you look through my gallery, you'll see several photographs of older, abandoned buildings. I've always had a love of architecture, particularly the old beauties, and seeing them in those sad states was already heartbreaking for me.

Fast forward to now, I currently hold a new degree in Historic Preservation, focusing on architecture and building conservation but also quite qualified in a variety of other functions within the field - museum management, historic interpretation (i.e. giving tours and what-not), research, archival work, and a smattering of archeology and artifact care. I couldn't have been happier with my studies, having truly found a passion in this work. Unfortunately, the job pool for that work just wasn't cooperating with me when I finished school and went to find a job in the field. Alas, after months and months of searching, I had to face facts and realize that there just wasn't anything out there for me at the moment. And so, after another strange series of events involving some fabulous friends with connections, I find myself back at a graphic design firm. This time around, the people at the firm are wonderful - which goes a long way to making the work more bearable - and the work itself is entertaining enough to keep me interested. I'm still a little frustrated that I spent all the time and money going back to school only to find myself right back where I started, but sadly, bills must be paid. I'm getting back on my own two feet, which hasn't happened for me in a while, so there are great benefits to this job, even if it's not exactly what I hoped for. And in the meantime, I will be continuing volunteering at various museums and historic sites in the area, and in a few years... who knows? Maybe I'll try again to get something in my desired field.

Until then, I'm enjoying my new job, my new apartment (for the most part - crossing our fingers a house is somewhere in my future), my new amazing cat, and above all, my new state! That's right, this new job is in North Carolina, which is a far cry from the harsh weather of my native Iowa.

Well, that's all for now. Hopefully once I'm more settled here I can get back to my photography and get some new photographs on here. My gallery participation here on dA has been sorely lacking. I shall try and remedy for 2015.

Thanks for checking in, everybody, and happy new year!