You're looking at the very intimidating, experienced, and competitive Two Rivers Tigers. Tonight was our first volleyball game at The Sands in Des Moines. We were warming up, some of us were quite rusty, in a circle just bumping and setting back and forth. Meanwhile, the other team is bump, set, spike every time. They continued that strategy throughout the three game match-up, yet the Tigers prevailed with our wild bumps, lucky drops, and mad hustling skills. This is one of the reasons I really wanted to get a job with normal hours. I wanted to take advantage of super fun activities like sand volleyball. I hope we continue to do well throughout the season. Winning a few games here and there would be pretty cool. For our first game, we all wore our alma mater T-shirts proudly. I'm happy to say not one, but two Mizzou Tigers, representin out of 10.
Planning a wedding and searching for a new job really took up my time from January-March, which meant I didn't read anything except my resume, vendor contracts, and emails. I was really glad to get back in the swing of things and pick up a book at the library today. Not knowing what to grab, I looked through the "New Arrivals" section. I caught the name Janet Evanovich and saw the title "Some Like It Hot." I've read one of her previous books, "One for the Money." I liked it and figured this would be a fun, easy read also. The last book I read was the Bible, so I'm ready for something a little lighter. The book is about a private investigator who gets caught up in a murder/robbery. I think it's a great way to start off the spring. Feel free to shoot me any recommendations! I'll be finished with this book in no time.
I've said many times I'll know I'm a grown up when I have stairs inside my place (not leading up to it) and a garage. Well, I got the second part of it. Our new place is still only one level (on the third floor) but we have a garage. For the first time, I have a garage. Lucas even said I could park my car in it instead of his truck. How sweet! Today was the first time I pulled my car out of it and headed to work. This is a big deal folks. Bring on the snow!
My parents were in town this weekend to help Lucas and I move. Not like that was enough to keep us buys, but we also had to squeeze in a tour of my new office for Two Rivers Marketing. The agency specializes in industrial industries such as construction and mining. Our space in the East Village is very indicative of that. The old GM warehouse has 30+ foot ceilings, concrete floors, and flexible, semi-circular workspaces for each associate. We also have meeting tables in of the middle of the office. It's a very open work environment which is nice. No stuffy, Office Space cubicles here. My parents and Lucas were impressed.
It's my third move in just more than three years in Des Moines. I'm so thankful that 10 people came out to help Lucas and I move on to a bigger and nicer apartment up on the third floor. I don't think anyone really likes moving so I was surprised how easy it was to recruit people. Thank you to all those who helped. We'll make sure to have you all over soon enough. It's sad for me to say goodbye to the Ingersoll neighborhood. I really liked living there the past two years. Sure, it wasn't perfect, but I liked the location, the price, and the walkability. Our new place has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, more closet space, a huge kitchen, a gas fireplace, and a spacious deck. Outside the condo, I'm hopeful we'll have nice neighbors and enjoy the area around in Urbandale. Only time will tell...
Who doesn't love a good thrift store? Especially with Macklemore's hit single "Thrift Shop," I bet everyone can fess up to shopping at a Good Will or a Salvation Army. Today I visited the Bargain Basket in the East Village for the first time. The shop is run by the Junior League of Des Moines. There was some nice stuff in there. From men and women's clothing and shoes to baby clothes. If you're in the mood to search for a come up, this could be your place.
Today was the first time I was called "JW." It was weird. Not many people called me JD, but those were my initials for so long. Maybe I'll get used to t