Bringing in the New Year

I can't believe it's already the New Year, what a busy semester. What with being a full-student and working 20+ hours at the magazine, I've kept myself busy. I am so thankful that I get to participate so fully in both being a student and having a fun job. I will post some of my latest designs soon. We just published the Jan/Feb issue of 425 magazine which includes a bonus Bridal issue, where I had the pleasure of designing the Real Wedding section. I was able to include Heather's close friends' wedding, which was absolutely beautiful and so much fun to design since I knew the couple. Anywho I will post those next.

A while back right before Thanksgiving it snowed. School was canceled almost the entire week, which meant we had time to play and enjoy the snow. I went out with my roommates and some friends to toss a few snowballs.

On Christmas Eve, our family took a hike in the Mountains on a trail my Dad mountain bikes. We only passed four people the whole hike! We finished the afternoon with a tasty meal at Triple X in Issaquah.

Over break I spent a few days in Portland visiting Dustin and his family, but didn't take any pictures. We went to Sushi (which is rare for me), learned how to play Darts the real way and overall had a relaxing time. Dustin drove me back to Seattle for New Years Eve where we met up with my roommates and some friends. It just so happens that my roommate Katie's birthday is New Years Eve as well. She picked out a restaurant/bar for her birthday where we spent the evening until midnight when we wandered over (in 20 degree weather) to the Space Needle for the countdown and fireworks. I've watched the Space Needle fireworks on tv since I was little but have never had the chance to see them in person. It was definitely one of those things you have to do at least once. It was awesome to see it in person and we were able to watch it from the grass below the Space Needle. Mom and Dad were kind enough to pick Dustin, Kristen and I up afterwards as cabs on New Years Eve are literally impossible to find.

Katie the Birthday Girl

Me and Dustin right before the fireworks started

Me and Alex my best friend from high school

Kristen, Alex and I

I'm looking forward to what 2011 brings! I am doing some traveling soon and am excited to get out and about. I have the privilege to attend another design conference! This upcoming design conference is called Compostmodern, and will be held in San Francisco in the middle of January. It is a Sustainability Design conference, where I hope to be inspired on how to incorporate new sustainable practices and ideas into future design projects/campaigns. These conferences have proved to be so valuable in the means of inspiration and the people I meet along the way. They get me more and more excited to be a graphic designer. I will be traveling with three other girls, one of which is Nicole who I traveled with to our last conference. I'm excited to also visit San Francisco again! I also will be visiting Washington D.C. with Heather in February. It will mark my first time on the East Coast! I can't wait to visit with the Uncs, see all the museums and of course visit the White House thanks to Senator Patty Murry. Will keep everyone posted on my travels!