That First Official Gig

I haven't posted in a while because, well, there hasn't been much going on. The calm after the storm, so to speak. Since getting my license, I can honestly say being an architect sucks in this economy (especially if you're on your own). It hasn't been for lack of trying. For three months, I've been running after projects that amount to a bunch of tire kickers or wackos, interviewing for what few full-time jobs are out there with people you normally would run away from, and feeling in general like Tommy Chong. What I did on my summer vacation. The first day of my summer vacation, I woke up. Then I went downtown to look for a job. Then I hung out in front of the drugstore. The second day of my summer vacation, I woke up. Then I went downtown to look for a job. Then I hung out in front of the drugstore. The third say of my summer vacation...

Until last week. I got my first official gig! Funny enough it was a neighborhood referral. I feel like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz - it was all right here in my own backyard (with the proper setbacks, of course). It was AWESOME to deposit that retainer check, and feels even better to work. Nothing glamorous, a real meat and potatoes kind of project, but I am so thankful in this crappy economy to have it. Someone told me that glamour fades, it's getting the job that counts. So my faith has been restored, at least for now. Here's to getting more jobs!

Props to the Real ARE Casualties

Before I run off stamping everything in sight, I have to say my husband was right. Yes, you were right, as usual. Right, correct, shoulda believed ya, etc. And as soon as I find a client I'll pay you all the money I owe you from our bet (assuming they pay me).

This was the hardest year ever in more ways than just the ARE. But I did it, and Randy is especially glad the nightmare is over. Taking the ARE is not conducive to a calm environment, and I believe that the spouses/partners/families of those of us who are attempting it take the biggest hit of all. They are the ones who have to pick us up off the floor, hold those chins up for us, boost the ego, and on and on and on.

I think I can tell them on behalf of all of us ARE junkies - THANK YOU, SWEETIE!

I Have a Number...

Wow. All I can say is, "I DID IT!"

I am officially an

ARCHITECT!!!!!

I really did it! I just can't believe it. I couldn't have done it without my husband, the ARE Forum, and my fellow ARE inmates (Ellen, Heather, Karim, Gayle, icarus, mr. b, and all the rest). THANK YOU!

This was, by far the hardest thing I have ever done. Even harder than architecture school. All I can say is that if I can do this, so you can. Just work your ass off! Really, don't plan on having any sort of life while you're doing this. It will consume you like a foot fungus. My advice: do them as close to each other as you can - just get it over with, 'cause it's going to take over your life. Do it that way for your families. If you want to be a masochist and drag it out, go ahead, but don't torture them any longer than necessary.

So now I am the newest Registered Architect in the State of New York. I have the number to prove it. I even ordered my stamp already. All I need is a client! Anyone game?