Merry Christmas! yet another year has flown by! Never have we been so grateful that the year is coming to an end. The start of the year was pretty good for Clayton and I. Clayton graduated from University of Phoenix in February with a Bachelors of Science in Communications. To celebrate we went on a 3 day weekend to Las Vegas. Had an amazing time got to see all the sites of Vegas and we also went on a day tour to the Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon was breathtaking! It was great to see a couple of different US states other than Washington.

A couple of days after we got back I had some devastating news, my Nan who was 83 passed away in her sleep. She was already in hospital due to a broken leg. The news was hard on all my family, as it was such a sudden shock. I traveled back to Wales on my own for the Funeral, which was the hardest thing I've ever had to do.

Life settled down for a while after that. Clayton was still working at Home Depot full time while he was looking for another job. I was working with a few freelance Graphic Design jobs. June came with a gift from a friend she offered Clayton and I a stay at a Timeshare resort in Whistler Canada for the weekend. The timing was perfect as it was my Birthday weekend, so off we went on a little mini weekend getaway and had a blast. A couple of days after we got back brought some more bad news Clayton was laid off from his Home Depot job. Thankfully Clayton received unemployment so we’ve been ok. It’s taking both of us longer than we hoped to find work.

Days and months have gone by since then and many interviews and rejection letters for the both of us. I’m carrying on with freelance work which is good, but never steady. Then November came with a vengence with my dad being sick. My dad was in and out of hospital for pretty much the entire month of November. Negative tests upon negative tests and then the Doctors came to the conclusion that it’s stress and grief related due to the death of his mother, my Nan. My dad is doing a lot better but is still out of work until he feels emotionally and physically ready to go back.

So here we are in the month of December and we so eager for 2009 to come to an end, maybe 2010 will be a much better year for the family all around. We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

Best wishes,
Clayton & Natalie.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Everyone Best Wishes Natalie & Clayton.

Wow it has been a while since I've posted on this blog. A lot has happened over the last couple of months. Life changing decisions, I think in the long run our decisions will pay off. First off we have decided to stay in Washington state, with all that's been going on with the economy we thought it would be best to stick around. However that wasn't the main reason. Clayton and I have seriously been talking about starting a family, with that taken in consideration we wanted our children to know Clayton's parents. We are already 6000 miles away from my family we don't want a plane ride in between Clayton's parents. Clayton is looking at getting a job with the local railroad out here so he can still live his dream, however, that might take a while to get hired on. So in the mean time he is looking for a Manager trainee position. He graduates in January with a BA in Communications.

As for me I have decided not to get a job within a graphic design company. I have been very successful with freelancing and have gotten a number of jobs. So I decided to start my own small business of freelancing. This way I can work from home this will help when we finally have children so I can be a stay at home mom. My website is Natalie Lucy Designs.

Things are going really good and I'm excited to see what the next couple of years will bring.

You can stop the search party, don't put out that APB. I'm back and I'm alive and kicking. What can I say it's been an interesting Month and a half. I'm still unemployed, I've had a couple of interviews since the last time I blogged but no luck. I had been volunteering at the local Radio & Electricity museum doing some fliers and such, but that's now come to a halt. I've been trying to freelance where ever I can but there's just so some much local competition. Over the last week Clayton and I have come to a decision, we are going to move next year for sure. Actually if one of us gets a job sooner then we'll be moving. Clayton has applied for a few jobs in Chicago, and now I'm starting to look. We have picked Chicago seeming Clayton was born and raised there he knows the area. I'm anxious to start working and I'm not going to find a job in this town. So I've been looking into moving trucks, apartments, jobs etc I'm really excited nervous and scared to start the new chapter of our life, but I think we are more than ready.

If anyone has any advice on how we can go about this smoothly let me know. It's really tricky starting out and trying to find a job in a new State and relocating. I have no idea how to go about it.

Last night was my Graduation ceremony, I was super excited & nervous all day. I had to check in at the college at around 6pm, there I met my fellow classmates and got ready for the ceremony. There was a photographer taking photos of everyone, so I had a couple of photos taken with my friends. I liked my cap and gown the color was maroon. It was so exciting I'd never done a graduation ceremony before, I know Americans graduate for high school but in the U.K we don't, we just graduate for college.

We started to line up, it was nice to be able to line up with my fellow class mates so I got to walk with them. We walked through the college to the gym where the ceremony was being held. All the faculty were around campus applauding and giving their congratulations. When we got to the gym the graduation song was playing and everyone was applauding, it made me feel very proud of myself. Once we all got to our seats we were asked to be seated. Then the president of college starts to speak. She asks graduates to rise if they had honors, I stood up with other gradates, and the audience gave applause. I stood up when she also mentioned if you were a member of the Phi Theta Kappa, and a Work Study student.

A student then sang the National anthem, and the student guest speaker gave his speech which I found very inspiring. Following that, were awards given to teachers. Then by line the graduates stood to receive their degree. I was in the last line to go up to the stage. I handed my card and my name was called with my degree and honors. I shook the presidents hand, she said congratulations and then we turned to get a photo. I walked down the stage and then back to my seat. The president then said to move our tassel to the left indicating that we were graduates, then balloons fell from the ceiling.

We walked out of the gym with the graduation song playing. On the way out all the teachers were hugging us, applauding and congratulating us. We got to the fountain outside where the reception was being held there was cake and punch, I really needed a drink at this point! I hugged all my friends, and waited for Clayton and my parents & uncle in law. Once we got together we took some photos, and then we left to celebrate with dinner.

Throughout the whole ceremony I just felt so proud and happy for myself, I have come so far in my life. I've worked so hard the last few years and I'm so glad it has it's rewards. Yesterday I definitely realised something, I want to go and get my BA not sure when or where but I will be getting it. I'm waiting for my professional photos to be emailed to me, but until then here is a photo that we took after the ceremony of Clayton and me.

I feel so depressed! I didn't get an interview with the company I missed at the career fair, I emailed back no response. Had an interview on Friday for a Web development position which was a freelance web designer. Interview went great, the job was perfect for me but I told everyone I wasn't going to get my hopes up too high. Got an email this morning, saying they have chosen someone else with more Web skills, and that's when I broke down and cried. I was secretly hoping to get this job, I just don't know what to say. The internship I was so exited about nothing came of that, turns out the company isn't in business anymore and that position looks like it was for last year. Each interview I have they say I have great interview and personal skills, it's just I don't have that much experience in the field. I know that, I'm trying to get the experience if people would give me a chance. My other fellow graduate has got a job with a printing company, and has moved away.

What am I doing wrong?? I don't know weather to keep looking, or get a job at a grocery store just to get some money in. This is the first time, since moving here that I feel I haven't got a purpose. Since I've moved it's been one ordeal after another, the wedding visa, work, school. Now that I've got my degree I just don't know what to do next.

I just feel so mad with myself right now. Tonight I had a career fair there wasn't very many Graphic Design companies I spoke to 2 and gave my resume, they weren't looking but would keep me in mind. Didn't visit with any other companies as they were more into the high tech computer world, Clayton told me to go visit but I said nothing would come of it. Came home and I went onto the job site, and there it was... an Entry level position for a graphic designer with one of the companies I didn't visit with from the job fair. I felt like crying, I'm so mad with myself why didn't I visit with everyone there, I could have had an in!! I have send my resume to the company and my portfolio site so we'll see what happens. I just really needed to vent. I'm an idiot!!

Monday morning came and went and so did my new job. I got to the job with an undecided mind, but I thought I'd give it a chance. However the hours of the type-setting job was just not in my favor. They wanted 6am-2:30pm and there are no buses that early in the morning, it's not really fair on Clayton to take me seeming he works nights. Anyways they ended up putting me in book binding and I was there for an hour and just said no I couldn't handle it. That job wasn't for me, I felt like a factory worker. I talked to the HR lady and she was really nice and understanding about my situation, and let me go. She said give it some time and you'll get something you'll really enjoy. I got home and went straight on the computer to find some more jobs, I then stumbled onto a local company. They have a part time Graphic Design internship, so I applied and I'm waiting a response. I'm so hoping I get an interview, this would be so perfect as it's really close by to where we live. Let's just hope!!

A new blog layout and a new chapter to my life. I've done a lot of soul searching since I graduated from college. I've been having trouble finding a job that fits my qualifications, had a few interviews but nothing came of them. Then last week I went to a local company for an interview and I got the job. I know your all saying congratulations, but it's not even to do with my degree. It's a Typesetter position nothing to do with graphic design or web design. The job is only seasonal, and the money isn't that bad. However, I just feel like I've wasted the last 2 years getting my degree and I'm not even using my talents. Many people I know are saying that I should still do the job, "you never know who you might meet" and I will go for the job not because I want too but because we could use the money. It would be great if I could find a junior graphic design job where I live, but that is highly unlikely. A lot of the jobs are in the big city and even then they are requiring a BA and 3-5yrs experience. But how can you get the experience if no one will hire you?? I have been thinking of getting my BA online like Clayton is, but we just don't want to be stuck with two student loans. I start my new job Monday not looking forward to it, maybe the scheduling won't work and I'll have to look for something else.

My graduation ceremony is June 13th, I have to buy my cap and gown. I'm looking forward to that, just wish I knew that my hard work would have paid off.

In other news I'm trying to lose weight and get fit, I've been working out with Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds. I've been doing really good lost 8lbs and I feel much better in myself.

Well I did it, I finally made it through 2 years of college. I finished my last quarter last Wednesday I graduate with an Associates in Visual communications - web interactive media/graphic design. I might get my BA online after Clayton's done and settled in a job, that pays pretty well. Right now I'm hoping I can find something that'll suit my needs for about a year, until Clayton graduates and is ready to move. I'm looking forward to the future.

So right now, I'm enjoying my freedom before I get a job. I've applied for a few places but you know how it goes just have to wait and see. I'm enjoying our new furniture, we had a big tax refund and decided to remodel our living room, we bought a new microfiber recliner sofa and loveseat and some nice new lamps and a computer desk that we bought on craigslist, it was a good deal. Below are some pictures.

Thought I'd write a quick List of what's going on, before Sarah leaves too many messages for me to update!!

• I'm back at college for my last quarter, I'm taking 5 classes to graduate.
  
• I'm busy all week, Monday - Friday!
• I know what your thinking... "She has the weekends"
  
• My weekends are occupied with housework & homework!
• I have so much homework, that I barely have time to have any nookie with my husband.
• I had to cut back on my work hours, so that I had time to breathe.
  
• I was trying to give up caffeine, but failed! I drink more cups now than I ever did.
• Even with all my work I still managed to pull in As for my 1st projects. (Hence the bigger caffeine addiction.)
  
• I haven't even reached midterms yet.
  
• End of quarter is March 21st.
• WTF I then have to go out and find a real job!! When was that part of the deal??
  

Finals are over with! I think I did ok, I goofed on some questions but my final projects went fine. Well day after tomorrow Clayton and I fly back home to Wales for Christmas, can't wait. I'm in a mad dash trying to get things ready. Had my hair and nails done yesterday so I'm all pretty :)

Today I volunteered at the local museum for the Christmas crafts day, it was fun. Santa came hehe, got me all in the Christmas spirit which doesn't take that much.

Just thought I'd write a quick post to wish everyone a Merry Christmas before we left. I'm looking forward to seeing my family & friends again.

I've never done a post like this before but I just feel I want to get what I'm feeling off my mind. Since I can remember I've had a problem with my weight. I probably started putting on most of my weight by about the age of 10yrs and it's snowballed ever since. When I was young I was thin, looking at the family movies I wished my weight never changed. Now knowing that it was due to my Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It helps that I know the reason but it doesn't make me happy. Before I met Clayton I was at my highest weight, I was determined to look good and I lost about 30lbs I was a size 14/16 when I met Clayton in person. Now sadly I've put most of it back on again.

Yesterday made me feel so fat, I went round to 5 different stores to find a winter jacket that would fit me. I'm about an XL and even those Jackets wouldn't fit me, I know some of it is down too different clothes makers but it made me feel so fat when I had to get a 2x.

As most of you all know I'm going back to Wales for Christmas, I don't know why but I feel really anxious to see my family and friends again. The main reason my weight gain, I know everyone loves me for me. But I guess I'm really ashamed that I've gotten this bad again, not that I pig out on food everyday. I do watch what eat but I'm not as strict as I should be with the diet and exercise.

I guess the never ending battle with my weight will keep going and going and going and going.

I'm still alive- barely! This quarter has been hard work, I can't wait till it's over 3 more weeks! I'm only taking 3 classes, the streaming media class is taking a lot out me. It's more like a cinematography class, we have to write a script and go through the whole process in putting it into production. We shot our first couple of scenes on Saturday and tomorrow and Wednesday we do the rest. Next quarter I'm taking 5 classes just so I can graduate, that's going to be hard work.

It's exactly 4wks yesterday that we arrive in Wales! Clayton and I are really excited we have so many plans with my family. Right now we are both excited for a long break also. I bought a small Christmas tree that lights up the other day, it's already sitting in my living room. I'm just getting really festive!

Looks like we have a plan after my graduation in March. Clayton and I have been talking and our move to Texas might be brought forward by a year. If I can't continue with school here then I need to get a job, and seeming decent jobs are in big city's we need to relocate. Clayton can transfer anywhere in his company, so if I can get a job somewhere in Fort Worth or Dallas Texas. Then it's goodbye Washington State, hello Texas. It's not going to be easy finding a job seeming we'll be so far away from the job location. But I'm sure it can be done. If I don't get a job then we'll just continue with our plan for 2009.

Christmas isn't far away, I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with my family.

I'm back in College, and summer is officially over. My new job at the college library is going pretty well and my classes are going great. This quarter I'm taking Web Design, Flash and a Streaming Media class. It's strange to think I have one more quarter after this and I graduate, it only seems like yesterday when I was taking the big step and going back to college. I have tried to stay another year I would have liked to have done the Publication side of the degree but Financial aid will not cover those classes for me. So, now I'm sitting here thinking of what I should do next, before I know it April will be here. At the moment I'm on the hunt for a nice second hand Apple G4 Laptop and the Adobe suite package for me to do some independent work while I look for a job.

Now that I'm doing so well in College, I really don't want to leave. I'm a little bit upset that I'll be leaving so soon. I could go and do a higher degree but I can't afford the tuition fees, Clayton has already got a Student loan so we don't want two over our heads. I've looked into scholarships but nothing comes close to what I need.

Latest News: We booked tickets for Wales for Christmas. Haven't been home in over 2 years, and haven't seen members of my family and friends between a year and 2yrs. Can't wait.

Other news we went to Canada to the Beach for the day, had a great time relaxing and having fun. We both caught the sun pretty bad served are right really! Enjoying my time off before I go back to college on the 24th September.

I was tagged by Stefanie..

Four jobs I’ve had:
1. Cashier at Bath & Body Works, left after 2 months after I realized I was only getting 5hrs of work a week.
2. Toddler teacher at Kids World a daycare. Worked full time for them for 8 months, I then decided I wanted to go back to school.
3. Cashier/Customer Service at Tube Time a kids fun play area. I worked there for about a year before I got a job at the local museum in town.
4. Museum educational programs assistant I also have worked here for a year before I was offered a wonderful opportunity.

Last Tuesday I was offered a job at the College Library as a Graphic Designer it all happened so fast. Monday afternoon I got an email from my Graphic Design teacher saying there was a position open, so I called and got an interview for Tuesday morning. I took my portfolio of work into the interview; which they loved. The interview went extremely well and they offered me the job. I'm sad I'll be leaving the Museum but this position is right on campus and is in my line of work, I'm grateful for the experience.

Four movies I can watch over and over:
1. The Labyrinth
2. Rat Race
3. Love Actually
4. Just Married

Four countries I have been to:
1. Canada
2. USA
3. Great Britain
4. Netherlands - Stopped over via plane.

Four places I’d rather be right now:
1. Back in Wales eating Fish n Chips.
2. In Las Vegas, was hoping to go for a couple of days but found out we couldn't afford the trip.
3. In my new job.
4. Fast Forward 5 years, both of us in good jobs and looking for a home to start a family.

Four foods I like to eat:
1. Artichoke hearts- Lately I've had a thing for these.
2. Cheese
3. Bread- Fresh Baked.
4. Chocolate- I know I'm bad.

Four places I have lived:
1. Well there's only been 2 places.
2. Wales United Kingdom
3. Washington USA.
4. Hopefully Texas if our plans work out.

Four bloggers I’m tagging:
1. Sarah: http://jomarise.blogspot.com/
2. Valarie http://eat-sleep-ride.blogspot.com/
3. Erin http://www.agringasgiggles.blogspot.com/
4. Girl http://www.girlinamsterdam.blogspot.com/

Other than my new job what's been going on in my life.. finished school for the summer I now have about 5 weeks off I go back to school and my new job September 24th. I'm thinking I got an A out of my Typography class. Clayton and I went to the local country fair yesterday, it was great had good time. The fair rides were cool, we played bingo, watched many animal shows. In the evening we went to the country concert of George Canyon and Clay Walker. We enjoyed our date to the fair. Today Clayton and I have snuggled on the sofa and watched movies all day.

Tomorrow I take Coal-Dust in for her appointment to be spayed, so she's going to be sore for the next 10 days.

Anyone know anything about gardening? I've somewhat become a green finger this year and have gone all out planting and making a small garden. I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing I have spent a small fortune on plants that will inevitably die and won't grow back next year. (I bet I've jinxed myself now!) I bought mostly perennials that'll come back next year, and have mostly got shaded plants as I'm in quite a shady area with all the big evergreen trees. I have however bought some herbs, Oregano, Basil and some mint, and have planted them today, which I have just realized they need full sun not partial. I'm just hoping they won't die on me, anyone got any tips?

We also bought a new garden swing which took us ages to put up, but it's nice to sit out in our patio and enjoy the sun. Too bad summer is nearly over.

Garden Swing

Our Small Garden

I just got this e-vite through my email the other day, from a local Seattle news station about a local blogger meet up to be held in August. It sounds like fun meeting some local bloggers, I might end up going if Clayton can get the time off.

I got my Green Card in the mail the other day everything is correct this time no name screw up, can't believe I had to wait an extra 5mths for them to change a name. Speaking of Immigration guess I have to save more money than I thought to file for my citizenship. This was in my local paper this morning "Fees to apply for naturalization will rise substantially Monday — up to $675 from $400. Most other application fees, including the cost of permanent resident status, are set to increase, too." What the heck and get this "Applications for permanent resident status, commonly known as a green card, will cost $1,010, more than 2½ times the current fee of $395." That's just ridiculous. I'm all for paying the fees and such, I mean I really have no choice if I wanna be with Clayton. But to raise it that much, inflation sucks! I hope processing times will become shorter, but I doubt it.

I guess I have 10 years for me to think about putting money by, and start saving. We really can't afford it right now as we are both in school and are trying to save for the move to Texas. Hopefully when we both settle down in good jobs I can start thinking about citizenship. I tell you at those fees I'm sure it'll put a lot of people off.