not lost, just wandering

tug-o-war

2011-02-05T01:42:00.000-05:00

I am SO insatiable! It's kind of ridiculous!! Seriously. I am SO happy to not be in a relationship! Yet, I have such a strong desire to be with someone. Really I would just like to have someone to spend my free time with. Someone to call up and say "hey! let's go [here]__________!" or someone that will call me up just to chat and see how my day was. That's all! Seems fairly simple. Guess not though.

This internal tug-o-war hit hard today. I get so tired of spending my Friday nights at home or any night when the reality of my "loneliness" sets in really. It's just tough.

A good friend of mine shared a video with me today after I updated my facebook status to, "Single is not a status. It is a word that best describes a person who is strong enough to live and enjoy life." I do believe that but, mainly because I have no other choice right now. {I know I sound so lame-forgive me}. I am single. I am happy. I am strong. I am insatiable. I AM Stephanie.

LOVE the perspective on "loneliness" in this video. Enjoy!

a whole lotta NEW!

2011-01-18T12:32:00.000-05:00

I AM alive and well...Please accept my apology::I'm sorry for being a slacker! 2011 seems promising...I will strive to do better :)
-thanks!

Now onto all the goods! I'm going to unload some sites for you to check out!
my {new} photography business blog! Please follow and share if you will.
facebook page! Browse and "Like" it, please!
my {new} online portfolio!
I'm very excited about this year and have already busted my butt! Despite my slacking, I have continued to read the blogs I follow and appreciate everyone else staying so dedicated and in-tune. Blogging, or the lack thereof, is very enjoyable for me.

Hope you're having a wonderful week!
.stephanie.

a hometown hero and his wife

2010-09-14T22:50:00.000-04:00

This beautiful couple happens to be dear friends of mine. My poor (not monetarily), fellow starbucks addict, Brandie now has to share her hubby with America and the war. Needless to say she's having a hard time coping with him being gone...he just recently left : ( This slideshow was made to put a smile on her face and hope in her heart. LOVE YOU!
photos by Yours truly...yes, ME!
music by 10th Concession

vulnerable rem·i·nis·cence

2010-08-31T10:04:00.000-04:00

. to talk or write about old times, past experiences, etc.

.recall the past

.recapture the past; indulge in memories

.live in the past, go over in the memory

This morning I woke up recalling the past; this time last year. I found myself at a loss for words, [internally] thanking God that that time in my life has passed. It is not completely over as I still struggle today but, those feelings...those awful awful feelings of worthlessness, doubt, fear, pure unhappiness, are gone! Halle-freaking-lujah!

Though I have not come as far as I had hoped by now (almost a year), I've certainly changed! Smiling was foreign. Laughter, bogus. Hope, non-existent. I still deal with strong insecurities and fight myself on a daily basis. Sometimes wishing I could just go Ali on myself-float like a butterfly or sting like a bee, either way it'd be a subject chamge : )

Not exactly sure why but, I felt compelled to share these feelings, this story, MY story, with you.

I personally want to thank my mom, Barker, my family, my Bethany family and all of my friends for simply being there. You've taught me to smile with my heart, not just my mouth. Laughter now billows from my soul. And everyday I have hope for something new. You all are extraordinary people! Lots and lots of love from me to you!

wreckless abandon

2010-08-28T12:04:00.000-04:00

oh my word! A ridiculous amount of time has passed since I last updated! What a waste for the cute space! : ) I have had a lot and I mean A LOT going on. I've barely had a full day within the last 3-4 months to stop and smell the roses. My memory often fails me so lets see if I can even attempt a re-cap...*I am co-planing an incredible event called Rock n' Roses (this is what has consumed all my "extra", non-working time)...I am very proud to be a part of this, I cannot wait for September 25! Going to be SO fun! *I decided to make a life change and began working out, HARD, 3 days a week-I'm doing P90x and insanity...needless to say it's been INSANE! Squeezing in the time has been difficult but I make it work and it's always worth it (except for yesterday, I thought I was gonna hurl, NOT fun!) haha! *This is not new news but it's re-occuring and frustrating as ever-Remember "Mr. Exception"? He's still around, that pedestal I placed him on keeps getting closer and closer to the ground. We're great friends, which is awesome but, my girly emotions keep getting in the way. I cannot figure him out, nor can anyone else...he's a tough code to crack! Homegirl (moi) might have to suck it up and "spit some game" or whatever the kids are calling it these days! hahah! I've asked for plenty of advice and it's all greatly appreciated but I hear "do this", "don't do this", "just wait!", "talk to him about it", "go with the flow", yada yada yada! The only one who seems to not be "OK" is me! So, I'm trying to talk myself into doing what's right, or feels right anyways, for me and be content with it. Then, that will be that! Moving on...*Business has picked up which is SUPER sweet!! I have a shoot this evening with a local actress/friends mom/friend of mine and I'm really excited about it! It could open many doors for me!! of the heart photography

Wow, that was a cruddy re-cap...makes my claims of being ridiculously busy seem like hogwash. Oh well. That is that my friends! I say this all the time on her but, I will try to keep this updated as often as possible! In the meantime, check out the Rock n' Roses event website, get all the info you need and "like" our page on facebook! Hope life is grand and beautiful and even a little trying in hopes that you learn and grow stronger!

Happy Saturday darlings!

Dear, not-so-dear, Mr. Exception

2010-05-23T17:17:00.001-04:00

Moment of honesty
Someones gotta take the lead tonight
Whose it gonna be?
I'm gonna sit right here
And tell you all that comes to me
If you have something to say
You should say it right now

You give me a feeling that I never felt before
And I deserve it, I think I deserve it
Its becoming something that's impossible to ignore
And I can't take it
I was wondering maybe
Could I make you my baby
If we do the unthinkable would it make us so crazy
If you ask me I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready
If you ask me I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready

I know you said to me
"This is exactly how it should feel when its meant to be"
Time is only wasting so why wait for eventually
If we gonna do something about it
We should do it right now

You give me a feeling that I never felt before
And I deserve it, I know I deserve it
Its becoming something that's impossible to ignore
Its what we make it
I was wondering maybe
Could I make you my baby
If we do the unthinkable would it make us so crazy
Or would it be so beautiful either way I'm saying
If you ask me I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready
If you ask me I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready

Why give up before we try
Feel the lows before the highs
Clip our wings before we fly away
I can't say I can't compare
I'm suspended it the air
Won't you come be in the sky with me

I was wondering maybe
Could I make you my baby
If we do the unthinkable would it make us so crazy
Or would it be so beautiful either way I'm saying
If you ask me I'm ready
If you ask me I'm ready

Thank you Ms. Alicia Keys!

a dump.

2010-05-13T13:44:00.000-04:00

what? it is a dump, a picture dump. Dump. What a word. Say it! Isn't it funny? Dump. Ok that's enough.

I decided to do a post full of images from some recent shoots I've done.

Enjoy this load (HA) of pictures.

See images from my shoot with 10th Concession here!

Have a lovely day!

should not be the same.

2010-05-11T23:27:00.000-04:00

Up until now I had sworn to myself that I'm content with loneliness, because none of it was ever worth the risk. But, you are the only exception....I've got a tight grip on reality but I can't let go of what's in front of me here.

Sooo, I only wish I had written those words. Props and thanks to Paramore.

There is an unbelievable amount of things I want to say, feelings to express, words that won't come out, in regards to this post. However, this is not the time nor the place. More-so not the time. What I'll do is break down the lyrics from the song I started with:

I have been 110% content with loneliness! In fact, I had even stopped considering myself lonely. In the words of my Johnny-boy Mayer, I was "perfectly lonely"! That song had become my anthem. It gave me an appreciation for my current "status" along with hope for my future (see lyrics below).

"And this is not to say
There never comes a day
I'll take my chances and start again
And when I look behind
On all my younger times
I have to thank the wrongs that led me to a love so strong"

Prior to accepting my "perfectly lonely" self, you could have considered me a straight up man-hater. Straight up! I despised men a.k.a. b-o-y-s. I like Urban Dictionary's definition-A bitter woman who thinks all men are scum without reason, and hates a man just because he is of the male gender. It’s often the result of an [important] male figure in her life hurting her emotionally.

Bitter I was. I've been through my fair share of douche bags!

And with that I have totally lost my train of thought! Moving on....

"you are the only exception". This seems so silly to me but, I've met someone who in a short amount of time has become an exception to just about everything I've felt in the past few years. This "you" I speak of is trouble. Actually, I've just allowed it to make trouble. For me, no one else. I'm sure he has no clue! He is a man/boy/douche bag after all. He's an adorably attractive man with a cute boyish smile that has slight douche bag-ish tendencies because, again, he is a man. They all have that "quality".

See, now I have to stop this whole post because I'm going to start telling you why I think he's so great. That could take all night...no time for that.

I'll end with this, my fear is that I'll be "one of the guys". I-am-terrified!!! Backing off sounds like a good plan. Putting "who?" after his name ("__________ who?") and pretending to forget/not care works for a minute or two. "Running away" sounds awesome!!! I've inquired with a friend about staying at a vacation house for the weekend. Just me. No computer. "No" phone-it'll be on for emergency purposes ONLY. This idea came to me the other day after I realized I was letting Mr. Exception get to me. Things started looking up and I began to take over instead of continuing to pray and let God have control. No can do! I won't have that! I need to get away and put my priorities back in order. Think. Veg. Separate myself almost completely from everything.

Just to be clear, this little getaway is not just about Mr. Exception. I won't give him that much credit. I've been making some life changes, or trying to anyways, and some have already taken place, some have fallen through and some have yet to take effect. I need time to figure out what's next.

without further adieu.

2010-05-05T01:00:00.000-04:00

Just over a month ago, my ears had the privilege to hear and my eyes the pleasure to see an incredibly talented band perform live. A privilege because such talent won't go unnoticed for long. A pleasure because they're easy on the eyes and have the sweetest of hearts. I'm honored to call this amazing group of guys [my] friends.

Meet 10th Concession!!!

from left to right-Evan Koteles, David Daniels, Matthew Brady and Ian Koteles.

Never, and I've had my fair share, have I personally known a band so driven to succeed. So hardworking. So dedicated. It's so refreshing!

Now that I've doubled the circumference of all four of their heads, I'll get to all the info you need to know to get to know them for yourself...and how to snag a free CD! Schweeet!

You can find them on:
Facebook-group
Facebook-page
Myspace

Be sure and join so you can stay up to date on upcoming shows and events!

Here's how to score a free CD signed by 10th Concession; visit Tara's blog and follow one or more of the instructions given. You can comment on my blog as well and the info will be forwarded to Tara before the deadline.

Now before I go, I have to "brag" (w/ pictures) about the opportunity I had to shoot these fine fellows. Enjoy! *the image above included*

That, my friends is the one and only, 10th Concession. Commit that name to memory because one day you will be bobbing that head of yours to a song of theirs, on the radio. Scouts honor. Pinky promise. Cross my heart and hope to die. Honestly.

glitter in the air...

2010-04-29T16:01:00.001-04:00

So, once again this is not the intended post that I've been promising but, when your heart has something to say it's sort of hard to ignore!

Life has been pretty flippin' sweet lately! Now, I realized that before today, it's just today I found myself reflecting on some things and ended up back at this past Tuesday. I had an interview and was asked "what makes you happy?" As I went to open my mouth to answer my eyes began to tear up! WHY IN THE WORLD WAS I CRYING?! Especially during an interview!! Let me answer that-one, I couldn't remember the last time someone had asked me that. Two, I could finally, after 3-4 years, say that something made me genuinely happy! My reply was "everything!", with as big of a smile as my tears would allow. It felt amazing! Being vulnerable is no easy task for me. Although, in that moment, I felt stronger than I've ever felt! I thank God for putting me through the trials and hardships. I know now it's so I'd come out of it realizing the beauty of life and really living and loving every second of it!

Have a lovely day!

If you haven't heard it yet, go listen to "glitter in the air" by Pink! Love love LOVE it!

dusty talents.

2010-04-24T15:02:00.000-04:00

God thing or not, today I somehow ended up watching Hillsong performances on youtube. They are insanely talented and all possess angelic voices. My voice, FAR from angelic, is decent and I thoroughly enjoy singing so why in the world am I not?! I mean I sing every single day, sometimes all day but why not where people can hear? My excuse is "I'm not ready." Lame! That's become a habitual answer and I will stop. The other excuse I give is "I don't want to sing to a track." And honestly I do not want to sing with a track. I'm not saying I expect a full on band behind me but give me a track and the choir or an acoustic guitar and a back-up or a piano and a back-up. My fear is that if I go in with "demands" I'll be let down and discouraged. I'm scared. However, I've overcome hurdles much bigger than this itty bitty one. I've never wanted to be the "frontman". I've always wanted to be back-up. I enjoy singing the harmony to a melody. So sweet.

My ultimate goal [has always been] is to refresh my talent to play the piano and sing while I play. I've tried the guitar but have been unsuccessful. I WILL learn to play it one day. I want to write, play, sing! A passion for music was given to me for a reason so I refuse to let it go to waste.

So, who wants to back me up?! ; )

This was not my intended post but I had to put it out there, it kind of bursted out in type.

Have a beautiful weekend!

quickie.

2010-04-21T13:47:00.000-04:00

this is just a quick little update because I'm excited about a purchase I just made!

purchase #1 from photojojo

This lens adapter's extremely wide angle and super short focal length twists, distorts, and warps your photos into perfect circles turning all that's rectilinear, curvilinear. It's made out of multi-coated high definition optical glass that's got a big thing for color. Because it's an adapter and not just a lens it picks up and bounces off the dandiest little pieces of lens flare.

purchase #2 also from photojojo

What better way to tote your precious camera cargo than with a retired lifesaving device? These handmade camera straps come straight from the benches of wreck yard automobiles!
It's time you gave your camera the haltering strength it deserves, and the super funky style it's been silently hoping for. Be the first person on your block to start wearing a seat belt around your neck!

Choose from six colors: Burgundy, Teal, White, Red, Lime, and Silver

I went with the lime strap! it is so greeeen! love it!

OK, expect a bigger WAY better blog later this evening or tomorrow...or before the weekend ; )
off to work. gross!

poor thing.

2010-04-03T15:10:00.001-04:00

My poor, sad, neglected blog! I just haven't had it in me lately! I have been insanely busy. I pledge to update more often starting...the next time I post something ; ) I don't wanna make a promise I can't keep! I mean it's not like I have a huge following : / I AM proud of my 3 though! Sorry ol' faithfuls. I'll shoot for a picture dump next time and then that should get me going again!

Have a happy easter! ()()
(*)

ask me what I did yesterday!!

2010-02-16T12:38:00.000-05:00

Feb 15 has been declared the most productive day in my life...well, at least it's the most productive day I've had in a while. I can't recall, though, feeling SO fantastic and accomplished after such a busy day!

My day started early @ 6:45am to work for a bit..I take one of the guys from our group home and two other people to work on monday mornings (they are special needs). I always hate getting up for it but once I'm up I'm ok (same for any other day). On my way home I called and made Petey, my adorable fluffy little pup who sheds like crazy, an appointment to get groomed+shaved.

*see why I say adorable?!* ; )

I ran home got him all fed and ready to go and off we went. He loves being the car but he gets so excited and spaz's so he doesn't go out that often : / The most difficult part about the groomer's is leaving him there for so long-I don't like that! However, today it felt like I was dropping my kid off at daycare so I could come home and get some stuff done and boy did I!!! Once home I swept, vacuumed and dusted. Cleaned and organized my room, recruited help from my dad to help get the brackets for my curtain rods up, (please ignore the mess on my desk; an improved, clean version of itself is to come later in the post)

(the roses are from him-he always buys my sister and I Valentine presents and this year we got a cute heart-shaped ring and roses!!), cleaned and prepped my fantastic flea-market find (the chair I mentioned in a previous post) to be painted (white) and re-upholstered

with this fabric

**this is where I had to leave to go pick up the gang I took to work and take them home annnd pick up Petey**

SURPRISE! he got his mohawk back ; ) the first time I had him shaved I did this and it was a big hit! I think it's SO cute! He knows how to rock it. The bandana is from the groomers, they always send them home with a cute scarf! Petey's says "hot"! I'm so proud to call him mine-everyone always tells me how handsome of a pug he is. Puts a smile on my face.

Ok enough bragging, back to business...after getting petey home and settled I got back to my room and hung my curtains (from Pier 1) up! LOVE THEM! [And organized my mess of a desk.]

my desk is from IKEA and I love love LOVE it! Especially how it's design lights the floor! I then made my bed (also from IKEA) and called it a day!

this is the space, above my bed, where I want to hang my picture rail. Yes? No? Any other suggestions?! I'm so indecisive when it comes to my personal space and how it's decorated! Any feedback is appreciated! Have a terrific day!!

at a loss for words.

2010-02-12T01:09:00.000-05:00

I have found myself at the most awkward place in my life. fresh out of a horrific struggle through life yet still fighting my way through it. just turned 25. still unsure of who I am or would like to be.
Lucky for me God has guided me back into church and I have been reacquainted with a support system I let go of and have so desperately needed! It's been a magical experience minus the mystery of the unknown. I've always known what being in church does for the soul. I simply (I can use that word to describe it now even though it's quite complicated to explain) lost sight of what matters. The take I have on my life has so drastically changed! I am at a loss for words.

Speaking of awkward and losses of words, the past few days have been just that when trying to express myself. It's like my brain shuts off just seconds before I go to speak/type. No comprende le situatione...clearly I suck at spanish too ; )

In an attempt to express myself with words I'd like to do a small re-cap of my week so far: sunday-sunday school olympics started (more info? just ask), took on a young lady in youth and a senior adult woman as my secret sisters for the month. Monday-had lunch with a friend I haven't seen since high-school (SIX, almost SEVEN years-bleh) and met her two precious babies (a baby girl and a 2 year old little boy); we've known each other since the first grade! We had a nice chat catching each other up on our lives. Tuesday: nothing super exciting happened, I babysat my boys that morning and my work week started. Wednesday: I met another dear old friend, who was "home" from her home in Ohio, for coffee; haven't seen her in 3 or so years. I had a hard time leaving and going our separate ways : ( we made a "pact" to stay in touch to the best of our ability! I will abide by it!! [did I mention both of the old friends I met up with are named katy/katie?! neat!] and today, Thursday: did some shopping for my secret sisters valentine's gifts and met up with yet another friend for lunch! I don't know about you but, a week filled with friends is a great week in my book! I feel blessed beyond belief...I'm a simpleton. doesn't take much!

fyi

2010-02-07T00:30:00.002-05:00

I fixed the picture sizes in the 2 posts that I totally screwed up earlier this week.

johnny boy mayer!

2010-02-06T23:50:00.000-05:00

here they are!! the pics and videos from the John Mayer concert last night! So so SO gooooood!!! Michael Franti and the Spearheads opened and were a lot of fun! I love me some reggae music! Mr. Franti went out into the crowd and sang and danced with the fans...I love when that happens! Anywho, enjoy!

This is the second time I've seen him live and once again I hated that it had to end! It seriously bothers me to leave his concert. Is that weird? ; )

the quest is over. YES!!!

2010-02-06T18:15:00.000-05:00

I have FINALLY found what I want to do with the space above my bed! I'm a photographer and I have nothing on my walls! sad! I have been searching and searching for ways other than just putting a nail in the wall and throwing a picture on it and I've decided on what to do: a picture rail! I LOVE the idea of using the branch in the first image..too cute! and I really love the layering/stacking of the two pieces on one nail in the second image. I'm excited! Now I'm on the hunt for cute, ornate frames! Any suggestions?

Other exciting decor news I found a SUPER great find at the flea market today! I bough a decorative rod-iron, high-backed chair (I'll have to take a picture and show it off) that I'm going to paint and re-upholster! This will be my first re-upholstering experience...YAY!! I LOVE DIY projects!
...........................................................
John Mayer concert recap/update will be posted very soon!! <3

Have a great night!

chrome pomegranate. rain. and a hot date!

2010-02-05T16:30:00.000-05:00

Tonight I am being treated to the John Mayer concert for my birthday (Jan. 30) by a mother figure from my childhood! I am beyond excited; his live shows are a billion times better than his cd's...who knew that was possible these days?! I've got a fresh coat of polish on my nails so I'm ready to go! The color is called pomegranate and it's a chrome effect. LOVE IT!

One thing that's putting a damper (literally) on my evening is the rain!! I do not enjoy being out in the rain! Wet feet and pant legs make me miserable so I'm having a hard time planning my outfit and I'm not sure if it's supposed to keep raining or not. My guess is that it's going to keep on drizzling-a dress and flats it is! : / I'm horrible with managing my time so since I'm thinking about it I should go and get ready because I have less than an hour to be dressed and ready to go meet and get some dinner! Let the HOT DATE begin!!

YUM-O!!

newbies. psssh!

2010-02-03T21:52:00.004-05:00

ok so clearly I need to learn more about this blogging thang! Those last posts were a total disaster, the images are huge and cut off and I had to split one huge post up into 2 seperate ones but would have totaled 4 or 5 had I of finished. Man I was SO angry! I sat here for hours, and I mean HOURS (@ least 3) and was up until THREE A.M. My word! Ridiculous.

Op, Petey (my pup) has his toy and is staring at me, must be time to go 'night-night'! ; ) I love it!

sleep tight!

second half of the last post...

2010-02-03T02:40:00.002-05:00

I was SO heated over this...thankfully splitting it up worked, sorry for the trouble!!

Ohhh the Haney's. This crazy crew and I had a great time out on Clearwater beach capturing some fun and beautiful shots. Jake, the oldest son (far right), and I have been friends since middle school and his girlfriend, now FIANCE, is one of my very bestest friends, Annie. A shoot I did with her and Jake will follow!

Jake and Annie!

lovvvve this one of Jake (below) he looks like such a stud : P

the Schulte's. What a bunch! This is me (far right) and my family a few years ago. Taking our family pics is such a chore. We just had another attempt a week or two ago and it was a semi-fail. We shall try again soon!

Surprise, surprise! With a face and bod like that Caleb was bound to show up in here again sometime ; ) Regardless of his physical features, he has a heart of gold!

Ni, yes N-i, Ni blowing bubbles during a shoot with him and his family in St. Pete. His mom was my career advisor while I was in school! I was shocked when she asked me to do her family pictures!!! What and honor!

more coming....WHAT A HASSLE!!! SOO STINKIN' SORRY!!!!! : (

what I do. of the heart photography. millions of pictures!

2010-02-02T22:05:00.010-05:00

I just had the smartest dumb idea ever! I figured that since I'm a photographer with hopes of getting my name out in this big ol' world that besides featuring a teensie little slideshow on my profile with some of my work I should do a photo dump (how pleasant) FULL of 'em! Hope you like! ENJOY!

these two [above and below] are of my gorgeous (like I need to actually say that) "little sister" Tara @ Tara's Tidbits

talk about Abercrombie models!? This insanely beautiful couple is Caleb and Casey Kimbro. I had the honor of documenting their picture perfect wedding last April and despite being ridiculously sick I had a blast! Although, these were taken before they were even engaged! Cuuute! They are the sweetest people you'll ever meet (so are their families).

here are a few 'pre-wedding' pics shot the day before the ceremony...adorable! We had a good time with these! It's hard to take a bad picture of such beautiful people! Make my job easy ; )

the next series (below) was for a class project in my Fashion Photography class. That was probably my most favorite class! ; ) The lovely model is an old, dear friend of mine, Katie, kt, k-jo, the oat to my meal! Love her! She has sinced gotten married and moved to Ohio with her love. I hear she's in town though....

We had SO much fun on this shoot! Believe it or not I shot it all THE DAY before the assignment was due! I had run into some issues the prior shoots for the assignment and had to just wing it (words of advice: don't share this with your instructor They won't be so thrilled with the last minute prep-@ least mine wasn't although he loved the results!!). They ended up being some of my best shots during my school days @ IADT.
this little doll face is my "niece" Autumn and I'm her "Fuff!" a.k.a Steph. Fuff from Steph, don't get it but I LOVE IT!! I truly adore her (and her parents). She is at the top of my 'cool kid list'! I took pictures of her almost every time we got together when she was a wee little tot and these are some:

this one (below) is one of my ALL time pictures, EVER! Ever ever! That mischievous little grin...I could just squeeze her!!

Meet the Trimble's, Brandie and Thomas! Brandie came to me and asked to have engagement pictures done and then some more and now there are talks of us getting together to do some of them with Thomas in his military uniform, how special!! I have the privilege of sharing a home church with them and I can't wait to see how God uses them to better our youth kids! They're so gifted!

h-o-t! : )

the lovely lady in this picture is Brandie's little sister, Noelle. The handsome fellow admiring her cuteness from afar is Jeff, her then boyfriend and now FIANCE! They met @ our college and career bible study and, without a doubt, are perfect for each other! Jeff and I have been friends since the 1st grade! WOW!! That is crazy talk! I'm SO excited for these two!!

Here are some cuties that I got to play and have fun with out on the playground while they were at school!

me. my. mo.

2010-01-31T15:24:00.004-05:00

Want To Know More About Me??

I am borrowing this from Tara @ tara's tidbits. It's fun for us bloggers to get to know a little more about each other....

I AM - a Christian, friend, sister, daughter, mom (to an unbelievably awesome pug, Petey), believer, dreamer, and I'm determined to find my place in this small, big world!
I HAVE - high hopes!
I WISH - to travel the world and see everything!
I WANT - to go shopping!!!
I FEAR - loneliness and being unsuccessful.
I HEAR - the fish tank, Luke Wilson, the Commodores and my brother
I WONDER - what God has in store for me now...I'm excited!
I REGRET - not getting into more trouble when I was younger ; )
I LOVE - to decorate, fashion, photography, making people laugh, meeting new people and spending time with friends!
I ALWAYS - avoid confrontation unless, I see a need to address an issue.
I USUALLY - stay up late and wake up early.
I AM NOT - a liar! I can't stand it!
I SING - all the time! I love love LOVE it! I've always wanted to be a back-up singer! hehe!
I RARELY - go out : (
I NEVER - say never, anymore.
I CRY - more than I like to.
I AM NOT ALWAYS- good at managing my time! distractions, distractions!
I NEED - a new job!!! ultimately I'd like my photography to take off! We'll see...it's part of my high hopes ; )

Feel free to borrow this too!

i lied.

2010-01-31T01:24:00.004-05:00

in my last post, if you can even call that a post, I said a picture dump was to come. Not yet. I hope to get around to it tomorrow! As for now, I'd like to share a list with you. I found out about this incredible website called stumbleupon.com through a friend and I've been almost addicted ever since. You have to check it out!

LOVE THIS!

40 tips for a better life:

Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
Buy a DVR and tape your late night shows and get more sleep.
When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, ‘My purpose is to __________ today.’
Live with the 3 E’s — Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
Play more games and read more books than you did in 2007.
Make time to practice meditation, and prayer. They provide us with daily fuel for our busy lives.
Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
Dream more while you are awake.
Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.
Try to make at least three people smile each day.
Clear clutter from your house, your car, your desk and let new and flowing energy into your life.
Don’t waste your precious energy on gossip, OR issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.
Smile and laugh more. It will keep the nagative blues away.
Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
Next 20 after the jump.
You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.
Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
Frame every so-called disaster with these words: ‘In five years, will this matter?’
Forgive everyone for everything.
What other people think of you is none of your business.
Remember God heals everything.
However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
The best is yet to come.
No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
Do the right thing!
Call your family often.
Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for _______. Today I accomplished ____.
Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don’t want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.
Laugh when you can, apologize when you should, and let go of what you can’t change.

teaser: picture dump to come!

2010-01-11T13:39:00.002-05:00

New Year's Eve-might as well be sisters!