Okay, I'm not even going to try to play catch-up for the weekend, at this point. I'll do that in a later post. I'll just start with yesterday(Monday)
I slept in on Monday because I had not been feeling too well Sunday evening--pollen and a touch of a tummy bug. As a reward for this indulgence, my body gave me an enormous amount of energy to work with when I got up. I accomplished a lot!
Taxes, business emails, fine art enlargements, bridal consultation preparation(the chick was a no-show), 2 DMV trips, hung my hummingbird feeder outside my office window(just what I need--one more reason to stare out the window,LOL!), bought paint for my living room and front door, painted my front door(looks SO good!), scrubbed carpets(Elvis is sick-yuck!), had a good/hard workout, packed my stuff for Mom and Dad's, hung my pots and pans on from the kitchen shelf with some newly purchased hardware, and miscellaneous little tasks that I won't even bother to list. A good, productive day, it was (read that as Yoda).
Tuesday, I was up early and out the door to the DMV. I got my name and address changed, a shiny new driver's license and registered my car in my county. I feel so official.
And, through careful preparation--including a bit of extra mirror time that morning and practicing facial expressions on the drive to the DMV--- was able to get a remarkably not too frightening DL photo.
The drive to Mom and Dad's was good. Em and the boys were there when I arrived so I got to see W walking all over the place and Q picking flowers. It's always good to see those little critters.
I made a few business calls and then headed into the woods to scout for turkey sign. It was VERY enjoyable. Elvis and I both had a good long walk.
From there, I took Elvis for his vet appointment. He has a minor infection and we left with some antibiotics and many compliments on what a handsome and well-behaved fellow he is :-D
No worries, mate.
Supper was a fat juicy steak, Montreal seasoned(which I did NOT finish all of, only through sheer willpower) and a baked potato. Yuu-um.
I talked with Mom and Dad for a while and prepared a lab order to go in the mail on Wednesday.
And pretty much, that was the day. :0)
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Gooood day, suuunshine
It was a great day. I was up early(ish) and studying-up for Savannah's art lesson and prepping for my afternoon session and sucking back coffee. Melissa dropped off the kids around 10:30am. Austin slaved under the hot sun mowing my overgrown lawn while Savannah and I had a very productive art lesson--an introduction to watercolors--very enjoyable! Melissa and Jack came back by with lunch around 1pm and we all enjoyed a quick bite under the shade of my lilac bush on my freshly hewn lawn. Austin then completed the mowing and Melissa broke out her spiffy new weedeater and trimmed around my bushes (she bought my lunch and trimmed my weeds--whata gal!). I was busy finishing my last minute preparations for the session and ironing my work clothes.
The session went wonderfully, despite the guy throwing me a curve ball (figuratively speaking) before we even got started. He needed some unusual cropping which required a bit of quick rearranging on my part. But, it was no problem. The headshots are great. I expect that this guy will send more business my way when he sees his images!
While waiting for my images to download, I ran a couple of errands in town. I booked another bridal consultation, as well.
Supper was "Grilled Chicken of Many Flavor"(oriental style) prepared on the charcoal grill. Small baked potato, spinach salad. YUM!
The remainder of the day was spent tearing down and putting away my studio equipment, cropping and retouching the headshot images (love doing that!), continuing preparation of the enlargements to hang in the Bistro and practicing my watercolor techniques. I didn't workout today because my landlord is feverishly spreading cow manure all over his fields--where I usually do my workouts! I guess E and I will be heading over to "our" National Forest trail for a workout, tomorrow.
I did sit out on the deck, with Elvis, and just enjoy the ambience of the evening for a little while. It's so nice out here.
Now, I may be wrong here. It may just be wishful trying-on-of-pants. But, I think I may have lost a smidgeon of weight--I THINK! I wore some pants today that I am reasonably sure I couldn't get into last month. Gosh, I hope so. I feel like I'm spinning my wheels, here, with the whole weight loss deal.
I would so love to feel uninhibited enough in a swimsuit that I could comfortably take full advantage of all the water realted activities that St. Lucia has to offer--snorkeling, scuba, parasailing(maybe-maybe not on that last one; I've laughed myself into a coma at one too many parasailing AFV clips!)
But, anyhoo. A good day and I'm thankful for it. The day was rounded off by a conversation with Melissa that left my stomach aching from laughter. Without going into any details, we were discussing the string of good looking gentleman that have been parading in and out my studio lately for headshot sessions. We decided it could make a very funny movie, if properly embellished ;0D!! Funny stuff!
Alright, folks, I'm uh hittin the hay. G'night!
The session went wonderfully, despite the guy throwing me a curve ball (figuratively speaking) before we even got started. He needed some unusual cropping which required a bit of quick rearranging on my part. But, it was no problem. The headshots are great. I expect that this guy will send more business my way when he sees his images!
While waiting for my images to download, I ran a couple of errands in town. I booked another bridal consultation, as well.
Supper was "Grilled Chicken of Many Flavor"(oriental style) prepared on the charcoal grill. Small baked potato, spinach salad. YUM!
The remainder of the day was spent tearing down and putting away my studio equipment, cropping and retouching the headshot images (love doing that!), continuing preparation of the enlargements to hang in the Bistro and practicing my watercolor techniques. I didn't workout today because my landlord is feverishly spreading cow manure all over his fields--where I usually do my workouts! I guess E and I will be heading over to "our" National Forest trail for a workout, tomorrow.
I did sit out on the deck, with Elvis, and just enjoy the ambience of the evening for a little while. It's so nice out here.
Now, I may be wrong here. It may just be wishful trying-on-of-pants. But, I think I may have lost a smidgeon of weight--I THINK! I wore some pants today that I am reasonably sure I couldn't get into last month. Gosh, I hope so. I feel like I'm spinning my wheels, here, with the whole weight loss deal.
I would so love to feel uninhibited enough in a swimsuit that I could comfortably take full advantage of all the water realted activities that St. Lucia has to offer--snorkeling, scuba, parasailing(maybe-maybe not on that last one; I've laughed myself into a coma at one too many parasailing AFV clips!)
But, anyhoo. A good day and I'm thankful for it. The day was rounded off by a conversation with Melissa that left my stomach aching from laughter. Without going into any details, we were discussing the string of good looking gentleman that have been parading in and out my studio lately for headshot sessions. We decided it could make a very funny movie, if properly embellished ;0D!! Funny stuff!
Alright, folks, I'm uh hittin the hay. G'night!
Monday, April 18, 2005
Spring images and a relatively boring Blog
My lilac bush is in full bloom and it is SO gorgeous and sweet smelling! The butterflies can't keep their little probosci (that means butterfly mouths) off of it.
The Dogwood in my yard is blooming--Spring has indeed sprung!
Well, the missing wedding check arrived in the mail today. Whew! I needed that.
I almost forgot about the wedding consultation I had booked for this morning, so I was up scurrying around and getting things ready, first thing. It went smoothly. The bride-to-be was very sweet and very indecisive. We'll see if I get a call back on that one or not!
The afternoon was spent working on three sports packages that had to be mailed today, without fail. Right as I was trying to get out the door, my landlady stopped by AND the pushy phone book lady called. I ended up making it to the P.O. just in time to get the packages mailed before 5pm.*shew*
I discovered that the lab where I was going to be sending my wedding film is not really the "pro" operation that it claims to be on it's website. A phone call to confirm a few details before I shipped them my film was enough to convince me that I would NOT be trusting these folks with any of my precious wedding images.
I've sent out a couple of emails to some other promising labs and hope to hear back from them tomorrow. It's always a little scary to deal with a new outfit.
I finished a lot of the editing on the digital images from this past weekend's wedding. I'm pretty pleased with the results, so far.
I retouched and printed a couple of enlargements that I may hang in the Bistro. I want to get a second opinion on it, though, before I frame them.
Me and Elvis went for a run this evening and I did some ab-but-pec work as well. Felt pretty good, except for my aching shins(how the heck do you spell THAT?). I think I'm going to have to scrape together some funds for a new pair of running shoes.
Tomorrow, Savannah's coming over in the morning for her art lesson and Austin's going to mow the grass for me. Then I have a Headshot session at 2pm. I've already set up the studio for it, so I don't have to be rushed in the morning.
I'm afraid I'm going to have to make a dentist's appointment very soon. I have a toothache. Every since the disconcerting abscess tooth incident from a few years ago, I have this horrible dread of getting another one. It REALLY hurt and I REALLY don't like pain. SO. Off to the dentist I go. SOON!
What a boring blog. Oh, well, they can't all be riveting, right? :0)
Alright, folks. Sweet dreams.
The Dogwood in my yard is blooming--Spring has indeed sprung!
Well, the missing wedding check arrived in the mail today. Whew! I needed that.
I almost forgot about the wedding consultation I had booked for this morning, so I was up scurrying around and getting things ready, first thing. It went smoothly. The bride-to-be was very sweet and very indecisive. We'll see if I get a call back on that one or not!
The afternoon was spent working on three sports packages that had to be mailed today, without fail. Right as I was trying to get out the door, my landlady stopped by AND the pushy phone book lady called. I ended up making it to the P.O. just in time to get the packages mailed before 5pm.*shew*
I discovered that the lab where I was going to be sending my wedding film is not really the "pro" operation that it claims to be on it's website. A phone call to confirm a few details before I shipped them my film was enough to convince me that I would NOT be trusting these folks with any of my precious wedding images.
I've sent out a couple of emails to some other promising labs and hope to hear back from them tomorrow. It's always a little scary to deal with a new outfit.
I finished a lot of the editing on the digital images from this past weekend's wedding. I'm pretty pleased with the results, so far.
I retouched and printed a couple of enlargements that I may hang in the Bistro. I want to get a second opinion on it, though, before I frame them.
Me and Elvis went for a run this evening and I did some ab-but-pec work as well. Felt pretty good, except for my aching shins(how the heck do you spell THAT?). I think I'm going to have to scrape together some funds for a new pair of running shoes.
Tomorrow, Savannah's coming over in the morning for her art lesson and Austin's going to mow the grass for me. Then I have a Headshot session at 2pm. I've already set up the studio for it, so I don't have to be rushed in the morning.
I'm afraid I'm going to have to make a dentist's appointment very soon. I have a toothache. Every since the disconcerting abscess tooth incident from a few years ago, I have this horrible dread of getting another one. It REALLY hurt and I REALLY don't like pain. SO. Off to the dentist I go. SOON!
What a boring blog. Oh, well, they can't all be riveting, right? :0)
Alright, folks. Sweet dreams.
The heavens declare the glory of God, the firmament showeth His handywork
Yesterday's sunset was particularly stunning. I was walking Elvis in back of the field by my house when I snapped this. I'm thinking about making a few postcards or something out of it.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Some weekend!
Wow. I didn't realize it'd been so long since I blogged!
Thursday was spent working on taxes and running errands and printing pictures. I picked Savannah and Jack up from their ballet and martial arts and dropped them at Austin's b-ball game. The game was fun to watch. Austin was much more relaxed and was having a great time. He loves The Game SO much!
I got some pretty good shots of him, too.
Friday? I don't even remember Friday. Running errands, frantically trying to figure out my taxes (nothing quite as exciting as waiting 'til the last minute,eh?), being doubled over in pain a few times(cramps) and prepping camera equipment.
Saturday was busy. Up early, quick breakfast and then a whir of cleaning house, loading camera bags, cleaning lenses, ironing work clothes, etc.
Ed arrived right on time and I got him all settled in and acclimated to my house. We then loaded up and headed off to the wedding.
The B&G were both really late getting there and that threw everything out of wack as far as the picture schedule goes. So it was rushed. I was almost run over by the stretch Hummer that served as their limo and then tripped running up the stairs of the reception hall carrying all 30lbs or so of equipment strapped about my body. That hurt. Still hurts a little today.
But we got some great shots. And that's all that matters!
Unfortunately, the B&G forgot to bring my check. They promised to mail it out. I sure hope they do, cause I'm still really broke.
It's really awesome how well Ed and I work together. It took us about an hour to really get back into our rhythmn but once we did it was smooth as glass.I can't wait to see the pictures.
I am so thankful to God to have an assistant like Ed!
One other remarkable event at the reception I shall report on: there was a car wreck at the end of the driveway. Some guy rolled his Grand Cherokee about 4 times and came to an upside down stop right in front of the reception hall. He was alright and it made for an interesting story.
My friend met us at the Bistro for supper afterwards. There was a great live blues/rock band playing and I treated Ed to the Bistro's phenomenal crabcakes and Heffenweisen (I pushed away before I finished!). We all talked and laughed and made fun of the sideshow antics of this 60's-throwback-pothead-type guy who was making quite the spectacle of himself while getting his groove on to the tunes (this fellow had obviously enjoyed some "herbal" entertainment prior to the show!) It was alot of fun.
We then went to my friend's house and checked out his Harley (I have just got to figure out a way to get myself a bike one of these days)and watched some drag racing on TV. We didn't stay long, though, cause I was beat.
I want to send out another word of thanks to my friend T who so generously gave me her futon for my living room. It is PERFECT for when guests stay over! Thanks again, girl!
Anyhoo, Sunday morning, Ed was all up and showered and bright-eyed before my alarm even went off. I don't understand morning people, I really don't. We all went out and enjoyed a long leisurely breakfast with Ed and I scheming about our upcoming St. Lucia wedding.
Ed took off around noon and I downloaded my wedding images and organized the film.
Supper was Mexican food and then me and Elvis went for a hike. It was a really nice day.
Thursday was spent working on taxes and running errands and printing pictures. I picked Savannah and Jack up from their ballet and martial arts and dropped them at Austin's b-ball game. The game was fun to watch. Austin was much more relaxed and was having a great time. He loves The Game SO much!
I got some pretty good shots of him, too.
Friday? I don't even remember Friday. Running errands, frantically trying to figure out my taxes (nothing quite as exciting as waiting 'til the last minute,eh?), being doubled over in pain a few times(cramps) and prepping camera equipment.
Saturday was busy. Up early, quick breakfast and then a whir of cleaning house, loading camera bags, cleaning lenses, ironing work clothes, etc.
Ed arrived right on time and I got him all settled in and acclimated to my house. We then loaded up and headed off to the wedding.
The B&G were both really late getting there and that threw everything out of wack as far as the picture schedule goes. So it was rushed. I was almost run over by the stretch Hummer that served as their limo and then tripped running up the stairs of the reception hall carrying all 30lbs or so of equipment strapped about my body. That hurt. Still hurts a little today.
But we got some great shots. And that's all that matters!
Unfortunately, the B&G forgot to bring my check. They promised to mail it out. I sure hope they do, cause I'm still really broke.
It's really awesome how well Ed and I work together. It took us about an hour to really get back into our rhythmn but once we did it was smooth as glass.I can't wait to see the pictures.
I am so thankful to God to have an assistant like Ed!
One other remarkable event at the reception I shall report on: there was a car wreck at the end of the driveway. Some guy rolled his Grand Cherokee about 4 times and came to an upside down stop right in front of the reception hall. He was alright and it made for an interesting story.
My friend met us at the Bistro for supper afterwards. There was a great live blues/rock band playing and I treated Ed to the Bistro's phenomenal crabcakes and Heffenweisen (I pushed away before I finished!). We all talked and laughed and made fun of the sideshow antics of this 60's-throwback-pothead-type guy who was making quite the spectacle of himself while getting his groove on to the tunes (this fellow had obviously enjoyed some "herbal" entertainment prior to the show!) It was alot of fun.
We then went to my friend's house and checked out his Harley (I have just got to figure out a way to get myself a bike one of these days)and watched some drag racing on TV. We didn't stay long, though, cause I was beat.
I want to send out another word of thanks to my friend T who so generously gave me her futon for my living room. It is PERFECT for when guests stay over! Thanks again, girl!
Anyhoo, Sunday morning, Ed was all up and showered and bright-eyed before my alarm even went off. I don't understand morning people, I really don't. We all went out and enjoyed a long leisurely breakfast with Ed and I scheming about our upcoming St. Lucia wedding.
Ed took off around noon and I downloaded my wedding images and organized the film.
Supper was Mexican food and then me and Elvis went for a hike. It was a really nice day.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Makin fun of a "Bad Day"
I tried to pawn my ring today and was spat upon(figuratively speaking).
The telephone book folks finally called me about all of the misprints they made in my ad and as consolation for their errors offered me...nothing.
In an attempt to complete my ever-more-convoluted tax paperwork, I unsuccessfully tried to find last year's taxes and discovered what MUST be a dead mouse in my junk closet. It smells. Really bad.
Oh wait. It gets worse. "Worse than spit, dead mice and taxes?" you query. That's right, friends and neighbors.
I realized that I have misplaced a reprint order sheet( duh!) and will have to call the customer and meekly, apologetically request that they repeat their order to me.
I was working at the computer, feeling kinda down (PPW) and look up to see the remains of a gorgeous sunset outside my office window. So, hoping to share it with my fellow bloggers I grab my camera and step outside just in time to catch the final rays and.....the battery in my camera dies.
That was the final straw. I stopped what I was doing, drew a hot bath and brewed a nice cup of Earl Grey, hot----the good stuff---Taylor's of Harrogate.
It helped. I went on with the day, renewed.
On the positive side of the day, Em sent me Q's shoolpics and they are just adorable!
It's so nice to get something besides bills in the mail once in a while. I managed to send a few little gifts in the mail, myself, to 3 unsuspecting young'uns ;0)--you'll see who!(Q, W & A). I didn't do too badly with my eating today--pretty low-cal. The cold rainy skies cleared off and there was a beautiful sunset(just because I couldn't capture it doesn't mean I didn't appreciate it!). I managed to locate my missing tax paperwork a short while ago and will get it via fax on the morrow. On a financial note, I have taken positive steps to reclaim something that was mine and has been unfairly denied me.
Other positive things about the day: I'm healthy, I have food and water in abundance, I live in a free country, I have most excellent family and friends, my dog adores me, I have a home in the mountains,etc, etc, etc.
The minor problems of days like today are just nothing. They can be made devoid of all their power by seeing the humor in them. That's why I have written this blog. I'm making fun of my silly little problems thereby effectively robbing them of their potential potency.
It works, I feel better.
I shall do this more often on "bad days". Try to bear with me, folks.
G'night!
The telephone book folks finally called me about all of the misprints they made in my ad and as consolation for their errors offered me...nothing.
In an attempt to complete my ever-more-convoluted tax paperwork, I unsuccessfully tried to find last year's taxes and discovered what MUST be a dead mouse in my junk closet. It smells. Really bad.
Oh wait. It gets worse. "Worse than spit, dead mice and taxes?" you query. That's right, friends and neighbors.
I realized that I have misplaced a reprint order sheet( duh!) and will have to call the customer and meekly, apologetically request that they repeat their order to me.
I was working at the computer, feeling kinda down (PPW) and look up to see the remains of a gorgeous sunset outside my office window. So, hoping to share it with my fellow bloggers I grab my camera and step outside just in time to catch the final rays and.....the battery in my camera dies.
That was the final straw. I stopped what I was doing, drew a hot bath and brewed a nice cup of Earl Grey, hot----the good stuff---Taylor's of Harrogate.
It helped. I went on with the day, renewed.
On the positive side of the day, Em sent me Q's shoolpics and they are just adorable!
It's so nice to get something besides bills in the mail once in a while. I managed to send a few little gifts in the mail, myself, to 3 unsuspecting young'uns ;0)--you'll see who!(Q, W & A). I didn't do too badly with my eating today--pretty low-cal. The cold rainy skies cleared off and there was a beautiful sunset(just because I couldn't capture it doesn't mean I didn't appreciate it!). I managed to locate my missing tax paperwork a short while ago and will get it via fax on the morrow. On a financial note, I have taken positive steps to reclaim something that was mine and has been unfairly denied me.
Other positive things about the day: I'm healthy, I have food and water in abundance, I live in a free country, I have most excellent family and friends, my dog adores me, I have a home in the mountains,etc, etc, etc.
The minor problems of days like today are just nothing. They can be made devoid of all their power by seeing the humor in them. That's why I have written this blog. I'm making fun of my silly little problems thereby effectively robbing them of their potential potency.
It works, I feel better.
I shall do this more often on "bad days". Try to bear with me, folks.
G'night!
Tuesday
Interesting day, Tuesday. Rooms were organized, meals were enjoyed, lifestyles were altered.
The better part of the workday was spent in putting together another sports marketing package. I also unloaded and organized (sorta) all of my bridal show stuff and straightened my office. The usual house cleaning and a quick but thorough workout with the Big E.
As all good days are, this day was centered around the expectation of a good meal. Melissa and I went to a local restaurant to enjoy an early supper together--just the girls, you know. It was lovely. The place is relatively new and has a wonderful atmosphere; casual and comfortable but classy with a touch of elegance. The meal was divine. I had al dente ziti sauteed with thinly sliced ham and tomatoes and tender (but not squishy) broccoli in a champagne sauce that was to die for. This was topped with the perfect amount of parmesean, adding just a hint of needed saltiness. Deee-LISH! Mel had grilled salmon over mashed potatoes with sauteed spinach and a sundried tomato relish. I didn't have a taste of hers, as I'm not a HUGE fan of salmon, but she assured me it was very good.
This particular restaurant serves a Creme Brulee (you're probably not supposed to capitalize that, but in this case, capitalization is the least that I can do for something that gave me SO much earthly pleasure) the likes of which this mere mortal has never encountered before. I really feel inadequate to describe it. And I am struck with fear in my heart at the thought of trying to recreate such a marvel in my own kitchen. I mean, I'm only human. Enough said.
SIDE NOTE: Through sheer willpower, I was able to leave a portion of both my entree and my dessert on the plate. My diet is still essentially intact.
Without going into any personal details, the only other thing I'm going to say about Tuesday is this: I discovered that I am very poor. I did not realize this until Tuesday and it was a dismaying discovery. Up until Tuesday, I thought I was just fine. Tuesday saw alot of plans go down the drain quite suddenly. The particular circumstance leading up to my "sudden" impoverishment was not entirely of my own creation. I'm a little unsure what to do now. It's funny how all of your plans can be changed so quickly. It kind of rattles ones foundations a bit, I must say.
But.
I have some good-paying jobs coming up. I have a good family. I have a God who listens when I pray. I have some food in the fridge. A roof over my head. A little petrol in the lorry.
Things could be alot worse! :0D
The better part of the workday was spent in putting together another sports marketing package. I also unloaded and organized (sorta) all of my bridal show stuff and straightened my office. The usual house cleaning and a quick but thorough workout with the Big E.
As all good days are, this day was centered around the expectation of a good meal. Melissa and I went to a local restaurant to enjoy an early supper together--just the girls, you know. It was lovely. The place is relatively new and has a wonderful atmosphere; casual and comfortable but classy with a touch of elegance. The meal was divine. I had al dente ziti sauteed with thinly sliced ham and tomatoes and tender (but not squishy) broccoli in a champagne sauce that was to die for. This was topped with the perfect amount of parmesean, adding just a hint of needed saltiness. Deee-LISH! Mel had grilled salmon over mashed potatoes with sauteed spinach and a sundried tomato relish. I didn't have a taste of hers, as I'm not a HUGE fan of salmon, but she assured me it was very good.
This particular restaurant serves a Creme Brulee (you're probably not supposed to capitalize that, but in this case, capitalization is the least that I can do for something that gave me SO much earthly pleasure) the likes of which this mere mortal has never encountered before. I really feel inadequate to describe it. And I am struck with fear in my heart at the thought of trying to recreate such a marvel in my own kitchen. I mean, I'm only human. Enough said.
SIDE NOTE: Through sheer willpower, I was able to leave a portion of both my entree and my dessert on the plate. My diet is still essentially intact.
Without going into any personal details, the only other thing I'm going to say about Tuesday is this: I discovered that I am very poor. I did not realize this until Tuesday and it was a dismaying discovery. Up until Tuesday, I thought I was just fine. Tuesday saw alot of plans go down the drain quite suddenly. The particular circumstance leading up to my "sudden" impoverishment was not entirely of my own creation. I'm a little unsure what to do now. It's funny how all of your plans can be changed so quickly. It kind of rattles ones foundations a bit, I must say.
But.
I have some good-paying jobs coming up. I have a good family. I have a God who listens when I pray. I have some food in the fridge. A roof over my head. A little petrol in the lorry.
Things could be alot worse! :0D
Monday, April 11, 2005
Isin't she pretty?
I forgot I took these. I came upon her last year as I was walking in the field across from my house. I slipped back home and grabbed my camera. She eventually spooked, but didn't go too far. I kept still for a few minutes and her little fawn mind forgot I was there again. Hence, the good images!
Savannah caught an early Spring butterfly
Savannah caught an early Spring butterfly
Sunday, April 10, 2005
I love this picture! The expression on his face really captures the intensity of the moment
he's about to make make the play at first!
3 Days
Friday:
work,work,work; a most excellent Italian meal out with a friend (which I WAS, through an enormous amount of willpower, able to push away from before finishing(0: ), glass of wine on the deck.
Saturday:
breakfast at the Bistro (just eggs and tomatoes and boiled potatoes--nothing greasy) where we also enjoyed time with Jack and Savannah, (I could brag about how great those kids are all day long!), then it was over to Eckerd for Iron pills and B12 and then off to work. My whole house was in SORE need of cleaning (Mom and Dad were coming to stay the night, which I love!) and I still had some bridal show preparations to complete. That took up the rest of the day.
At 5pm, I took off to Austin's 1st baseball game, camera in tow. Austin was a little nervous, I think, but he was also having the time of his life! I got some good pics of him. He's such a great kid-so very focused. They won their 1st game by A LOT and lost the 2nd (it was a double header).
Mom and Dad came back to my place and we sat and talked and drank cheap wine (that's a family joke) until midnight. It was very enjoyable. They should really come and visit more often!
Sunday:
I woke up at around 4-5am with a migraine-like headache and the usual accompanying upset stomach. I managed to slip back off to sleep about an hour before the cursed alarm began to ring. We all went out and enjoyed a very pleasant breakfast in a local hole-in-the-wall diner. After returning to the house, they all helped me finish my preparations and load up my bridal show stuff. Mom and Dad headed home.
I got a late start to the show and was hampered by the following problems, en route:
*gas level in vehicle dangerously low
*some goober slammed on his brakes 2 cars in front of me (I was VERY thankful that my car was equipped with anti-locks) and all of my stuff comes flying to the front of the car and into the floorboards.
*spurious directions lead me to take a MAJOR wrong turn and lead me WAY off course
*When I finally arrive at the show, someone has moved the sign which points me to my display area and I wander around this maze of an 1800's era Inn for 15 minutes trying to find someone who knows where I'm supposed to be.
*After much detective work, I am able to locate my appointed display area only to realize that it is up two flights of REALLY steep stairs and tiny little narrow hallways and it's HOT in there. Being soaked with sweat and possessed of trembling leg muscles can impair ones ability to have that neat, professional look about their person.
Eventually, I got it all set up and put on a nice little presentation. I didn't book anybody, but recieved a lot of very positive attention and rubbed elbows and made nice with a lot of other wedding service vendors. It was really a good show. Pretty upscale. I was surprised and pleased, really, to see the two major high-end wedding photographers in the area displaying there. It feels pretty good to be able to compare my work with these guys and see how I stack up. I'm really getting there! :0).
After another series of hot, leg trembling trips up and down those horrific stairs I was packed back up and headed home(by way of the VERY nearest gas station). I stopped by Melissa's to drop off the laptop which she had very kindly let me borrow, and we chatted for a while and decided to go out for a meal together on Monday--I owe her one as a WAY belated b-day gift.
I headed home took a quick shower and hit the hay pretty early.
work,work,work; a most excellent Italian meal out with a friend (which I WAS, through an enormous amount of willpower, able to push away from before finishing(0: ), glass of wine on the deck.
Saturday:
breakfast at the Bistro (just eggs and tomatoes and boiled potatoes--nothing greasy) where we also enjoyed time with Jack and Savannah, (I could brag about how great those kids are all day long!), then it was over to Eckerd for Iron pills and B12 and then off to work. My whole house was in SORE need of cleaning (Mom and Dad were coming to stay the night, which I love!) and I still had some bridal show preparations to complete. That took up the rest of the day.
At 5pm, I took off to Austin's 1st baseball game, camera in tow. Austin was a little nervous, I think, but he was also having the time of his life! I got some good pics of him. He's such a great kid-so very focused. They won their 1st game by A LOT and lost the 2nd (it was a double header).
Mom and Dad came back to my place and we sat and talked and drank cheap wine (that's a family joke) until midnight. It was very enjoyable. They should really come and visit more often!
Sunday:
I woke up at around 4-5am with a migraine-like headache and the usual accompanying upset stomach. I managed to slip back off to sleep about an hour before the cursed alarm began to ring. We all went out and enjoyed a very pleasant breakfast in a local hole-in-the-wall diner. After returning to the house, they all helped me finish my preparations and load up my bridal show stuff. Mom and Dad headed home.
I got a late start to the show and was hampered by the following problems, en route:
*gas level in vehicle dangerously low
*some goober slammed on his brakes 2 cars in front of me (I was VERY thankful that my car was equipped with anti-locks) and all of my stuff comes flying to the front of the car and into the floorboards.
*spurious directions lead me to take a MAJOR wrong turn and lead me WAY off course
*When I finally arrive at the show, someone has moved the sign which points me to my display area and I wander around this maze of an 1800's era Inn for 15 minutes trying to find someone who knows where I'm supposed to be.
*After much detective work, I am able to locate my appointed display area only to realize that it is up two flights of REALLY steep stairs and tiny little narrow hallways and it's HOT in there. Being soaked with sweat and possessed of trembling leg muscles can impair ones ability to have that neat, professional look about their person.
Eventually, I got it all set up and put on a nice little presentation. I didn't book anybody, but recieved a lot of very positive attention and rubbed elbows and made nice with a lot of other wedding service vendors. It was really a good show. Pretty upscale. I was surprised and pleased, really, to see the two major high-end wedding photographers in the area displaying there. It feels pretty good to be able to compare my work with these guys and see how I stack up. I'm really getting there! :0).
After another series of hot, leg trembling trips up and down those horrific stairs I was packed back up and headed home(by way of the VERY nearest gas station). I stopped by Melissa's to drop off the laptop which she had very kindly let me borrow, and we chatted for a while and decided to go out for a meal together on Monday--I owe her one as a WAY belated b-day gift.
I headed home took a quick shower and hit the hay pretty early.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Tired,busy, hungry and strangely"willing"
Warning!Please be advised that this blog starts out whiney and ends on a preachy note.
I'm tired. I haven't been sleeping too well since I started my Skinny for St. Lucia eating and exercise plan. My poor tummy doesn't know what's going on yet. It's not used to being denied late night snacks when it loudly requests them. *sigh*
I spent most of yesterday (except for a foray to the movies with Mel and the kids-thanks Melissa, I needed that!:0) ) and pretty much ALL of today sitting on my tail in front of this here computer screen. I didn't even workout today. I took E for a long walk and let him try to dig up a groundhog, so at least he got some exercise. Other than a trip to the dump(whoohoo) and washing a load of clothes, I have sat right here. Can your eyes actually bleed?
However, I did finally finish some of the things that I've been working on so diligently. I should be finished with bridal show preparations by tomorrow (got a show on Sunday). My sports packages should be in the mail, too. Incidentally, I've had another bite on the bait I'm dangling in front of the local Little League. ;0)
I found 2 more possible pro labs to handle my wedding film. My old reliable lab has switched completely to digital processing--no more film! Next year will be the year I go fully digital, too. That's my goal, anyway.
I still haven't heard a word from the BBBS organization. I'm pretty sure I don't have a criminal record. I think I would remember something like that. SO, I don't know what the hold-up could be. Oh, well. Patience, my child, patience.
I don't believe my house has ever been this messy before. If you could see my house on a normal day, you would truly understand the deep significance of that remark. I need to get up super early in the morning and get my work finished so that I can concentrate on cleaning and organizing this sty for the remainder of the day. And here it is approaching midnight and my belly is just roaring with anger and confusion.Where has all of that youthful willpower gotten away to? I'm fixin to break out the over-the-counter sleep aid, folks. There's no calories in that, right??!? LOL!
I'm going on one week now of eating a very lo-cal diet and working out everyday (alright, except today--get off my case, already, geez! Okay, sorry for the attitude, that was totally my empty gut talkin'). If I can keep this up for another week, I should start seeing some results. When I can get back into a couple of pairs of my favorite old jeans, THEN I may start finding that willpower reserve tank beginning to fill back up! I look very forward to that.
Wow. Once again, as I read back through this utterly self-centered blog, I realize that I need to be doing more for others. I've got to find a church and I've got to get involved in God's work. I want to be a benefit to my community, not just one more body taking up space. I want to help.
"...to whomsoever much is given, much is required...". I've quoted that here before, I know. It's just so apropos to my situation (did I use that word correctly? anyone...anyone...?).
Psalm 37:4-5 declares that God will give you the desires of your heart. I think that He puts those desires there in order for you to know what he would have you do. The more I pray and seek Him, the more I feel the desire to just...help. People.
I hope this doesn't come off as being a tooting of my own horn, type blog. It's just that I can look back and see where I wasted opportunities in my life where I might have been used if I had been less scared or more willing. I want to be willing, now. I want to be NOT scared when the opportunities come along.
I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir, here. I think everyone who reads me regularly is already a parent and long ago uncovered and took to heart the theme in my upcoming sermon. But since the whole willingness thing has been on my mind for a while now, I'm going to exorcise it here in the land of blog
*clearing of throat* "Friends and neighbors..." just kidding!
The relationship between parents and children is such a beautiful picture of what God's relationship with us should be. I have just realized that over the last year, or so (yeh, I know, I'm a little slow on the uptake sometimes). How free will is such a beautiful thing that God has given us. He gives us the opportunity to come to Him on our own. Just like a child coming to his Mom or Dad when he has a problem or has done something he knows to be wrong or just has a bit of good news to share. He comes because he wants to. Because he loves and trusts you. I can only imagine how gratifying that must be for a parent. I feel like it just gives you a peek into what God feels for us, His children, when we come to Him.
I used to have the hardest time understanding why God didn't just make us all like little robots who go around praising and glorfying Him and doing His work without any choice in the matter. I get it now. Took me a while, but I think I get it now ;0)
Mm-kay. Got that off my chest. Maybe I'll sleep better tonight!
Have a great day folks!
Goodnight.
I'm tired. I haven't been sleeping too well since I started my Skinny for St. Lucia eating and exercise plan. My poor tummy doesn't know what's going on yet. It's not used to being denied late night snacks when it loudly requests them. *sigh*
I spent most of yesterday (except for a foray to the movies with Mel and the kids-thanks Melissa, I needed that!:0) ) and pretty much ALL of today sitting on my tail in front of this here computer screen. I didn't even workout today. I took E for a long walk and let him try to dig up a groundhog, so at least he got some exercise. Other than a trip to the dump(whoohoo) and washing a load of clothes, I have sat right here. Can your eyes actually bleed?
However, I did finally finish some of the things that I've been working on so diligently. I should be finished with bridal show preparations by tomorrow (got a show on Sunday). My sports packages should be in the mail, too. Incidentally, I've had another bite on the bait I'm dangling in front of the local Little League. ;0)
I found 2 more possible pro labs to handle my wedding film. My old reliable lab has switched completely to digital processing--no more film! Next year will be the year I go fully digital, too. That's my goal, anyway.
I still haven't heard a word from the BBBS organization. I'm pretty sure I don't have a criminal record. I think I would remember something like that. SO, I don't know what the hold-up could be. Oh, well. Patience, my child, patience.
I don't believe my house has ever been this messy before. If you could see my house on a normal day, you would truly understand the deep significance of that remark. I need to get up super early in the morning and get my work finished so that I can concentrate on cleaning and organizing this sty for the remainder of the day. And here it is approaching midnight and my belly is just roaring with anger and confusion.Where has all of that youthful willpower gotten away to? I'm fixin to break out the over-the-counter sleep aid, folks. There's no calories in that, right??!? LOL!
I'm going on one week now of eating a very lo-cal diet and working out everyday (alright, except today--get off my case, already, geez! Okay, sorry for the attitude, that was totally my empty gut talkin'). If I can keep this up for another week, I should start seeing some results. When I can get back into a couple of pairs of my favorite old jeans, THEN I may start finding that willpower reserve tank beginning to fill back up! I look very forward to that.
Wow. Once again, as I read back through this utterly self-centered blog, I realize that I need to be doing more for others. I've got to find a church and I've got to get involved in God's work. I want to be a benefit to my community, not just one more body taking up space. I want to help.
"...to whomsoever much is given, much is required...". I've quoted that here before, I know. It's just so apropos to my situation (did I use that word correctly? anyone...anyone...?).
Psalm 37:4-5 declares that God will give you the desires of your heart. I think that He puts those desires there in order for you to know what he would have you do. The more I pray and seek Him, the more I feel the desire to just...help. People.
I hope this doesn't come off as being a tooting of my own horn, type blog. It's just that I can look back and see where I wasted opportunities in my life where I might have been used if I had been less scared or more willing. I want to be willing, now. I want to be NOT scared when the opportunities come along.
I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir, here. I think everyone who reads me regularly is already a parent and long ago uncovered and took to heart the theme in my upcoming sermon. But since the whole willingness thing has been on my mind for a while now, I'm going to exorcise it here in the land of blog
*clearing of throat* "Friends and neighbors..." just kidding!
The relationship between parents and children is such a beautiful picture of what God's relationship with us should be. I have just realized that over the last year, or so (yeh, I know, I'm a little slow on the uptake sometimes). How free will is such a beautiful thing that God has given us. He gives us the opportunity to come to Him on our own. Just like a child coming to his Mom or Dad when he has a problem or has done something he knows to be wrong or just has a bit of good news to share. He comes because he wants to. Because he loves and trusts you. I can only imagine how gratifying that must be for a parent. I feel like it just gives you a peek into what God feels for us, His children, when we come to Him.
I used to have the hardest time understanding why God didn't just make us all like little robots who go around praising and glorfying Him and doing His work without any choice in the matter. I get it now. Took me a while, but I think I get it now ;0)
Mm-kay. Got that off my chest. Maybe I'll sleep better tonight!
Have a great day folks!
Goodnight.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
A Lite Recipe and a few Pics
Okay, I've been blogging for sometime now and NEVER noticed the abundance of different fonts that I could be using to "mix things up". Huh.
Working in front of the computer, ordering supplies, fielding business calls, cooking, cleaning,more computer work, picking up a file cabinet from Mel's and hauling it home, some minor shopping, art lesson, nature walk and workout. That pretty much sums up the day.
Savannah and I had a good art lesson, learning about different types of pencils and their uses as well as practicing outline sketches of various images. We then went for a walk with Elvis.
When Melissa came over to pick her up, we all sat down and enjoyed a quick bite together. I had attempted to make potato soup, but realized part-way through that I was low on taters. So it turned into a sort of a cheese-and-potato-combo soup. It was actually pretty good. I served it accompanied by a seafood salad. That recipe is listed below.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Please keep in mind, all of my measurements are approximated. I'm just no good at measuring and recording the results. I just kind of taste as I go and hope for the best :0)
This one was pretty good, especially for a low-cal deal.
Quick recipe:
Seafood Salad "Lite"
2 cups Imitation crabmeat, chopped fine
1/3 cup celery, chopped fine
2 Boiled eggs, chopped fine
1 Tbs fresh dill, chopped fine
2 Tbs Light Mayo
1/2 tsp Old Bay
1 Tbs Lemon juice
1/4 Tsp Black pepper
1/2 wheat bagel, toasted
a few leaves of spinach or similar green leafy stuff
Combine all ingredients except the last two (duh!) and stir together thoroughly.
Place spinach on top of toasted bagel and spoon mixture onto spinach. Enjoy!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
It was really gorgeous again today. I snapped a few pretty Spring pics
Savannah and the Big E
Hope everyone had a good day! G'night.
Working in front of the computer, ordering supplies, fielding business calls, cooking, cleaning,more computer work, picking up a file cabinet from Mel's and hauling it home, some minor shopping, art lesson, nature walk and workout. That pretty much sums up the day.
Savannah and I had a good art lesson, learning about different types of pencils and their uses as well as practicing outline sketches of various images. We then went for a walk with Elvis.
When Melissa came over to pick her up, we all sat down and enjoyed a quick bite together. I had attempted to make potato soup, but realized part-way through that I was low on taters. So it turned into a sort of a cheese-and-potato-combo soup. It was actually pretty good. I served it accompanied by a seafood salad. That recipe is listed below.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Please keep in mind, all of my measurements are approximated. I'm just no good at measuring and recording the results. I just kind of taste as I go and hope for the best :0)
This one was pretty good, especially for a low-cal deal.
Quick recipe:
Seafood Salad "Lite"
2 cups Imitation crabmeat, chopped fine
1/3 cup celery, chopped fine
2 Boiled eggs, chopped fine
1 Tbs fresh dill, chopped fine
2 Tbs Light Mayo
1/2 tsp Old Bay
1 Tbs Lemon juice
1/4 Tsp Black pepper
1/2 wheat bagel, toasted
a few leaves of spinach or similar green leafy stuff
Combine all ingredients except the last two (duh!) and stir together thoroughly.
Place spinach on top of toasted bagel and spoon mixture onto spinach. Enjoy!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
It was really gorgeous again today. I snapped a few pretty Spring pics
Savannah and the Big E
Hope everyone had a good day! G'night.
Monday, April 04, 2005
Quick and light Salad dressing recipes
Oriental dressing
A quick and very yummy idea which I stumbled upon today:
---about a tablespoon of Sesame oil and 3-4 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar: stir/shake together thoroughly.
It's particularly good served warm on a fresh spinach salad with crumbled boiled egg!
raspberry vinaigrette
This one suits a bed of mixed greens very well:
a 1/3 cup of fresh raspberries,
dash of olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic or rice wine vinegar
sugar or Splenda/Stevia to taste
blend all together until smooth
A quick and very yummy idea which I stumbled upon today:
---about a tablespoon of Sesame oil and 3-4 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar: stir/shake together thoroughly.
It's particularly good served warm on a fresh spinach salad with crumbled boiled egg!
raspberry vinaigrette
This one suits a bed of mixed greens very well:
a 1/3 cup of fresh raspberries,
dash of olive oil
1/3 cup balsamic or rice wine vinegar
sugar or Splenda/Stevia to taste
blend all together until smooth
Sunday and Monday
Sunday
Mom and Dad unexpectedly (to me, anyway) popped into town Sunday and met me for breakfast. It was a really nice surprise! They had been in Roanoke and stopped by to visit on their way back home. They had coffee, and then we all went over to where Melissa and Race and the young'uns were having their post-church brunch and sat with them for a little while and talked. It was nice to see Mom and Dad out and about. I was VERY tempted to just order a desert and keep on talking, but my new "Skinny for St. Lucia" diet won't allow it. Very sad, too, because the joint's creme brulee is to die for! ;0)
I spent much of the rest of the day hiking in the National Forest with Elvis. It was windy and a little cool, but you could feel Spring in the air, all the same. Everything was budding out and the whole area was rife with turkey sign.
Monday
The electricity was off for the first few hours of the day so I didn't accomplish all that I had intended. I ran some errands and had a good workout with Elvis-mostly running. I talked to Ed (photog assistant) and got things partially squared away for my upcoming wedding and the St. Lucia trip. Cleaned house, organized paperwork. Nothing too exciting.
I went shopping today in order to stock my cabinets with low cal, healthy foods. I cooked an extra meal this evening so that I will have something healthy and quick-to-prepare in my freezer. No excuses for getting fast food!
It was stunningly gorgeous outside today. 74 degrees with a mild breeze. Presently, through my open window, I can hear the spring frogs peeping from the pond in the woods. It's after 10pm and they're still going strong. Yes, Spring is upon us.
Here's a karate picture which I neglected to send to Melissa to post on her blog:
Jack demonstrating one of several "arm bars"
Mom and Dad unexpectedly (to me, anyway) popped into town Sunday and met me for breakfast. It was a really nice surprise! They had been in Roanoke and stopped by to visit on their way back home. They had coffee, and then we all went over to where Melissa and Race and the young'uns were having their post-church brunch and sat with them for a little while and talked. It was nice to see Mom and Dad out and about. I was VERY tempted to just order a desert and keep on talking, but my new "Skinny for St. Lucia" diet won't allow it. Very sad, too, because the joint's creme brulee is to die for! ;0)
I spent much of the rest of the day hiking in the National Forest with Elvis. It was windy and a little cool, but you could feel Spring in the air, all the same. Everything was budding out and the whole area was rife with turkey sign.
Monday
The electricity was off for the first few hours of the day so I didn't accomplish all that I had intended. I ran some errands and had a good workout with Elvis-mostly running. I talked to Ed (photog assistant) and got things partially squared away for my upcoming wedding and the St. Lucia trip. Cleaned house, organized paperwork. Nothing too exciting.
I went shopping today in order to stock my cabinets with low cal, healthy foods. I cooked an extra meal this evening so that I will have something healthy and quick-to-prepare in my freezer. No excuses for getting fast food!
It was stunningly gorgeous outside today. 74 degrees with a mild breeze. Presently, through my open window, I can hear the spring frogs peeping from the pond in the woods. It's after 10pm and they're still going strong. Yes, Spring is upon us.
Here's a karate picture which I neglected to send to Melissa to post on her blog:
Jack demonstrating one of several "arm bars"
Saturday, April 02, 2005
St. Lucia, here I come!!! :0)
I tried to publish this twice yesterday, with no success. Giving it another try today!
I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just officially booked a wedding photography job in the Caribbean for June!!!!! All expenses paid for me and my assistant!! Can you believe it?????And I get to stay on for a few days after the wedding to enjoy a mini tropical vacation! YES!
I had met with these people twice before and they seemed very positive about booking me for the job. However, I hadn't heard from them in a couple of months. They came over for another consultation today, this time bringing the Father of the Bride, too (the man with the check book!)
The Bride-to-be had explained to me over the phone yesterday that she and her mother really wanted to hire me, but that "Dad" needed some more convincing that I was worth the price. Naturally, I didn't sleep much last night and woke up with a splitting headache early this morning (probably from worry!). Grabbed a quick breakfast and then scurried around and got the house clean and prepared to put on the best presentation of my career, to date.
I REALLY wanted this job!!
The consultation went beautifully. I gave the usual routine about my experience and techniques and top notch equipment, etc. They perused example albums and then I played a Storybook Slideshow DVD for them. I was as friendly and as charming as I know how to be. AND IT WORKED!! I GOT IT!!
Thank the Lord. It could so easily have gone the other way. I could've stuck my foot in my mouth or the DVD could've malfunctioned (that has happened before!). But it all went smoothly. Thank God for that!
The pictures will be awesome: on the beach, blue sky, white sand, turquoise water, cute bride and handsome groom all dressed to kill... how can they NOT be awesome?!
Alright, I've got to run because my friend is taking me out for a celebration dinner at a fancy-schmancy fine dining joint across town. I've got to find something to wear!!
Catch you later! :0)
I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just officially booked a wedding photography job in the Caribbean for June!!!!! All expenses paid for me and my assistant!! Can you believe it?????And I get to stay on for a few days after the wedding to enjoy a mini tropical vacation! YES!
I had met with these people twice before and they seemed very positive about booking me for the job. However, I hadn't heard from them in a couple of months. They came over for another consultation today, this time bringing the Father of the Bride, too (the man with the check book!)
The Bride-to-be had explained to me over the phone yesterday that she and her mother really wanted to hire me, but that "Dad" needed some more convincing that I was worth the price. Naturally, I didn't sleep much last night and woke up with a splitting headache early this morning (probably from worry!). Grabbed a quick breakfast and then scurried around and got the house clean and prepared to put on the best presentation of my career, to date.
I REALLY wanted this job!!
The consultation went beautifully. I gave the usual routine about my experience and techniques and top notch equipment, etc. They perused example albums and then I played a Storybook Slideshow DVD for them. I was as friendly and as charming as I know how to be. AND IT WORKED!! I GOT IT!!
Thank the Lord. It could so easily have gone the other way. I could've stuck my foot in my mouth or the DVD could've malfunctioned (that has happened before!). But it all went smoothly. Thank God for that!
The pictures will be awesome: on the beach, blue sky, white sand, turquoise water, cute bride and handsome groom all dressed to kill... how can they NOT be awesome?!
Alright, I've got to run because my friend is taking me out for a celebration dinner at a fancy-schmancy fine dining joint across town. I've got to find something to wear!!
Catch you later! :0)
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