the wonder of it all

Sometimes

2009-01-11T07:26:00.002-05:00

I feel like there is a race in my head-- I'm not sure which thought is winning right now. Ryan's car is officially dead. We have been using one car since Wednesday. I am blessed enough to have remote access and am allowed to work at home in the morning until I take Ryan to work at 10. Then I head to work and don't take a lunch (as my time taken to take ry to work and when I get to work is covered by lunch). Then pick him up at 8. This is working out ok for the time being. We went car shopping again today. We found one that was ok. Ryan really liked it-- I was not a fan. In the past two weeks we have been reevaluating our expenses and trying to make sense of what could be in the future given what we have now as well as what it will be like when Ryan is in school. There are lots of variables. Cost vs convenience is a lot of it. Cost vs Saftey. Cost vs being "secure" and feeling like things will be ok for the next 4-5 yrs. What all could change in those 4-5 yrs? Lots of questions to consider. We both keep convincing ourselves that it will work out in the end....God's big enough for that-- but what does that look like?

To lighten life a little as I try and check things off my to-do list tonight I took a quiz. If you know me you know I'm a dreamer. You know I like to get things done and you know I like to make lists to prove to myself that I am making progress in spite of how I feel.

I took the 43 Things Personality Quiz and found out I'm a

Self-Knowing Self-Improving Reinventer

I took the quiz and found out I am a Self-knowing self-improving re inventor. Now if I could just figure out what that means-- I would be in great shape! LOL

Take the quiz and tell me what you are-- thanks Heather for the link.

Connected

2008-12-28T17:30:00.004-05:00

What a great weekend. I love connecting with friends and family and I love it even more when it's a surprise.

The weekend didn't start off so hot. On Friday on Ryan's way to work his car died.... Merry Christmas! Ok-- so that wasn't the best start to the weekend. It poses some challenges until we can find a good used car that meeds the criteria desired. But my mom and dad were on their way to visit for Christmas- unfortunately our time would be spent car searching- but it was good to see them. The car search continues.

On Saturday after they left we went and checked out a few more car places. Then I got a surprise. One of my friends from high school was in the next town over and wanted to do coffee!! I was so excited. It had been 4 years since we had run into each other. But a good 10 yrs since we had caught up on life. It was great to see you Chris and catch up. We will be doing it again for sure.

Sunday morning Ry and I went out to breakfast with our friend Maria and then on to church. Although our time was short (she had to head back to Colorado)- it was great to see her.

We both have to work this week-- I'm glad it's not a full week. But all these odd days off makes it harder to go back. Once all the normal routine kicks back in it will be fine.

Today after church I took a stab at my own attempt at making removable camera strap covers. Ya know-- jazz it up a little. So this is what I pulled off. I am pleased with how it turned out. I'm hoping to make some more. I like this one cause it's the colors of my web site (although they are much truer in person).

Hope you all had a great Christmas.
What fun New years traditions do you have?? I need some ideas.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T17:03:00.009-05:00

Merry Christmas! I can't believe it's Christmas eve. I'm feeling more in the spirit since I'm done working for the day. I have to clean up the house after all the hustle and bustle of this week... but other than that I'm ready.

Since we have over 3 feet of snow... UGH. I've been feeling crafty and rather in the spirit to make and give. So here are a few things I have whipped up this week.

Some delicious fudge was made. MMMM. So good. It was handed out to bosses and friends.
These cute little bottles. I love how these turned out. They are starbucks frapacinno bottles that I saved and converted into these cute gift bottles.

Then yesterday I was at Michael's and picked up a plain green wreath for 1.25!! I then bought these bundles of berries (which I took apart) for .24 each bundle! So for a total of about 2.50 I made this wreath. I love how it turned out.

Last but not least-- not something I made- but a reminder of the reason for Christmas.

It was Christmas eve that we celebrate Mary and Joseph being faithful enough to follow a star, which in turn was following God. I can't say that I wouldn't be struck with pride and doubt if I found myself in their same situation. Their families and community didn't support them but they knew this was God's plan to be carried out. It's because of their faithfulness to God's plan that we are able to celebrate this season the blessing that Christ came to earth to live life like one of us. No he didn't have a cell phone, or fear being laid off from his job, he didn't deal with infertility, or even wondering what was next. But he faced the same stuggles in different situations... no less valuable than ours. He's felt our pain. He's given us Hope. Tonight we celebrate the coming of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Come and let us adore HIM!

Merry Christmas.

Go vote- photo contest

2008-12-21T08:24:00.002-05:00

Please go vote on ck photography photo contest.
10 entries..... first round top 5 will go on.

www.ckphotography.blogspot.com

Tell your friends and family if there is someone you know! They are all super cute kiddos.

preparing

2008-12-20T16:02:00.002-05:00

I don't know where time has gone this year. It's been quick to come to Christmas and with me being sick after Thanksgiving with bronchitis I was feeling behind so I took Thursday and Friday off of work this week in hopes of finishing up decorating, baking and shopping. All that to say that on Wednesday night I got the stomach flu (that i wouldn't wish on ANYONE) and it is just now subsiding (it's Saturday afternoon). If you have kids-- I pray they don't get this. I was vomiting every 20-30 min and my body aches as a result-- I can't imagine a child going through this. So after getting anti nausea meds from the Dr yesterday (who seemed to know this bug all too well) I am feeling better.

But apart from the hustle and bustle I don't feel like I have prepared my heart. I came across these thoughts on Advent on another blog.

Isaiah 64:1-9
O that you would tear open the heavens and come down!

Advent becomes a time when our longing merges with the longing of God. It’s a time of watching in anticipation for the coming of God’s promised reign. It’s a time of waiting for God to set things right.

Walter Brueggemann has written that Advent is a community of hurt. Advent “is the voice of those who know profound grief, who articulate it and do not cover it over. ... And because the hurt is expressed to the One whose rule is not in doubt, this community of hurt is profoundly a community of hope.”

The people who celebrate Advent are those who are not afraid to name the hurt that engulfs them. Advent is for those who refuse to numb themselves with placid thoughts of a better day. It is for those for whom all hell is breaking loose and who have turned their life in every direction imaginable, looking for some help to come, only to find themselves shouting with Isaiah: “God, you do something about this! Tear open the heavens and come down here and do something. God, just do something to end the hurt.”
“Do something, God, to bring peace.”
“Do something, God, to heal my family’s brokenness.”
“God, do something to let me keep my job.”
“Do something to take away the anger that is consuming me.”
“Do something to break the hold grief has on me.”
Whenever we discover that the world isn’t what we or God imagined it would be, when we recognize the hurt, we call out to God in hope that God will do something to set things right.

(John P. Leggett)

Sadly this person lost her husband suddenly at the far too young age of 32 this fall. So her pain is much different than what I think when I read this. I think that's the amazing thing about God. His hope meets us right were we are! But isn't it true that we need hope no matter what our life is-- what our pain is? I think that's what it is to await Christ in Advent. It's not about having the decorations just so or the fudge just right-- it's about your heart. It's about community being real- living in that moment. Living in the joy and sorry and the moments of anticipation and the unknown. There are lots of unknowns in our world right now. But the good new is that as we celebrate the birth of Christ we celebrate the comfort and hope that comes with His grace and peace.

I pray that the grace and peace of Christ's coming- wipes away all fear, anxiety, and hustle and bustle and you allow yourself and your family to sit in that moments of hope that He brings.

Christmas Card Tree

2008-12-16T22:31:00.003-05:00

My mom used to always cut some fresh greenery from the back yard and some branches from the crabapple bush in the front and make a pretty arrangement that went on our fireplace. I have always loved berry branches. So when I saw this the idea sparked in my head. So I grabbed an old vase that was under the sink and pulled the rocks out (that get put away at Christmas time anyway) and poured them in combined with my berry branches and we have a great Christmas card tree.

I'm excited to receive Christmas cards this year. Ryan and I have greatly enjoyed catching up and re-connecting with old friends through facebook over the past few months. And Christmas cards always get me excited to see through other peoples eyes the ways they feel blessed and are celebrating this past year. I love to come home to new letters and cards in the mailbox-- it's one of my favorite parts of Christmas.

We did it!!

2008-12-13T15:53:00.006-05:00

It worked. I am sure if we were out longer (it was really cold though) we would have gotten many more--- but we got a couple that we both like. And to many peoples shock and amazement even one with more than just our faces. :)

A tricky attempt

2008-12-13T10:32:00.002-05:00

Ry and I are headed out to take some pictures of ourselves for Christmas cards. Ya, I'm a little behind. But since I have been sick and or out of town all the times we had planned on doing it- it didn't happen. So off we go today. Tripod and camera in tow. It will be interesting since most of my favorite pictures of others come when Im snapping away & they are being themselves. The whole timer- run- pose isn't really me.... but we shall see the results. Hopefully it will be better than the "self portrait" taken at arms length (although those are our favorites). We need some updated pictures-- so hopefully we will get some cute ones.

Stay tuned for the results. :)

Plain Spoken

2008-12-05T20:21:00.002-05:00

I don't know that I classify as plain spoken. But that's the official name for the quilt I am starting on. All the pieces are cut. It's ready to go. Here are my colors. And here is what I am planning on it looking like
It's kind of Technicolored-- but I love it! It's a perfect curl up on the couch quilt or have a picnic quilt.

I am excited to start laying it out-- but for now I'm off to clean up the mess I made cutting fabric.

Oh and by the way-- if anyone has any tips on maching quilting (not the piecing part)- but the quilting part. Let me know. The other quilts I have made I have quilted by hand-- this one-- has much more intricate quilting. So that's the goal by quilting time (which to me quilting takes the longest anyway).

I'm off to clean!

Just being a kid

2008-12-02T19:58:00.010-05:00

People often tell me that they love the way I capture kids. I have to say that is because when I do sessions with kids-- I let them be kids. They play- they laugh- they show me all their "cool" stuff. If you think about it part of what is so cute about kids is the little things that make them unique- innocent, priceless-- their expressions, their smiles, the way they squish their noses when they laugh. It's not when they are sitting perfectly with their head tilted slightly right. It's when they are being themselves.

This little guy I was able to capture having fun- licking a sucker, showing me his Thomas the Train and John Deer Combines. All things little boy-- then of course some fun in the snow with mom and dad!

If you were wondering

2008-11-27T11:04:00.003-05:00

If you were wondering if I cut my hair.... I had 3 inches cut off. Sorry for the delay in pictures (and this one still doesn't show the hair well). When you are behind the camera it's really hard to get a good shot of yourself let alone one that shows your hair well. LOL

This little beautiful girl I am holding is my the newest addition to our world and belongs to my long time friend (since 6th grade). Thanks Heidi for the picture-- she is perfect. :)
Have a blessed thanksgiving!! We have lots to be thankful for!

Turkey & true life...

2008-11-26T18:48:00.002-05:00

Last weekend we celebrated with my family my niece was sick and Ryan and I are sharing the same cough and crappy feeling. :( But- out of work early today- turkey tomorrow. Chef Ryan is cooking a delicious Turkey meal. I picked up the turkey today-- fresh, free range, antibiotic free turkey! YUM and enough for left overs. I am hoping that tomorrow I feel well enough to yank out the Christmas decorations! I love Christmas decorations!!

Check out my photo blog for some shots from recent shoots. I have session this weekend and maybe one more before the holidays. WOOOWHOOO! Which means I will hopefully be able to spend time working out, relaxing and enjoying my newest hobby knitting. :) YAY!!

Hope you all have a great true life Thanksgiving... may it include family, friends, food, laughter, sleep, shopping, hugs and love. :)

Kids

2008-11-17T18:04:00.011-05:00

It's never been a question to anyone who has known me if I like kids or not. It's been pretty clear, so as I have pursued my photography career I have tried all kinds and by far my favorite is kids. I love their innocence. I love the simplicity of the smile on a little ones face. The carefree laughter in a small child, the heart of older ones who long to have a great picture to give their parents. So in hunting down my nitch- I have found that my heart longs to capture the moments of families, kids and teens. I love the emotion of the weddings- but I love the expression of love and joy in the face of a child- the togetherness in a family- and the sense of hope & confidence of high school seniors. Here are some from recent sessions.

(Yes- it was snowing yesterday during this session)

I hope you have been able to capture the moments in your life that express love- care- hope and joy. Sometimes it seems life is busy and we get going through the motions. I urge you to take 15min today (in the midst of the start of the Christmas/Thanksgiving season) and think about what you are blessed by- who you are thankful for- jot a note, pick up the phone, hug your kids.

Talk about MIA

2008-11-10T15:57:00.003-05:00

I have no reason to explain why I haven't blogged- cause frankly- it's my blog. :) However I do wonder when people who's blogs I read don't update. Are they ok? What's going on? So I will fill you in.
I am ok- not much is going on- I'm just prioritizing my life and well the blog has been bumped the last few weeks. Today & tomorrow I have off from work (today vacation day- tomorrow vets day). I will be spending time cleaning, working out, and editing pictures.

I started weight watchers a few weeks ago (i think 3) and I have lost 8.8 lbs. :) YAA WHO! Ryan and I also joined a gym and have been spending "spare" time there. Really we are just making it fit in our schedule and cutting other unnecessary things. Easier said than done.

There is frickin snow on the ground today- it's freezing. Grrr.

I also just bought this perfect cleanse- a 10 day body detox. Hoping to clear out my colon and liver to make them function better. Cross my fingers that goes well. (sorry if that was TMI).

Also thinking of getting my hair cut like Rachel Ray. I didn't really like her short hair when she first cut it- but I've seen a few pictures lately that I really like. My question is can I pull it off! This is what I would want it to look like. I am in no way as cute as her - but I think a funky style might be fun. Of course I don't have thick hair- nor do I have a stylist. Maybe I will wait til I lose a few more lbs. Hmmm-- your thoughts-- please share.
Let me know your thoughts-- hope everyone is doing well!

seriously??

2008-10-08T18:10:00.003-04:00

I am so over this week! Due to the fact that I am "in transition" with my job there seems to be some confusion over who gets me to work for them. I am like a piece of property and I am ready to start requiring that they pay property tax!

Anyway-- after enough drama this morning I was anxious to just get out at lunch. So as I am sitting in my car (my knee resting against the inside of the car door) I feel and heard this odd THUNK. I was like what was that and where did it come from? It didn't take long for me to look out my window and see a NASTY large mess on my door. Not just on my door, but on my door handle. I was hoping the rain would wash it away (and it did some) but not enough to make it not so nasty!

So, just as I was feeling like my day was sh!t, sure enough God felt the need to send a goose my way to confirm my feelings.
This is the treat that was "deposited" on my drivers side door.
(No my car is not green-- the green tint under the handle is from the rain washing the rest of it down my door!)

Life is good.

2008-10-05T20:32:00.007-04:00

Life is good. In the midst of it being rough for so many right now (especially in MI) Ryan and I have been blessed. If you remember me telling you about turmoil at work and the possibility of losing my job. Banking hasn't been looking up-- but lucky for me I am in the right department for hard times. I am still working at the bank and best of all I just got a promotion!!! WOOO WHOOO!!

I've also been working on some photography stuff. Christmas cards and some other design stuff in the works. Check back at my photo blog for upcoming design stuff.

I LOVE this fall weather. I love the crisp air. I love the fall clothes. I love new TV line ups (Lame, I know). I love the sense that the holidays are around the corner and the joy that those bring.

Love it! I'm off to enjoy it!

My Husband Rocks!

2008-09-25T18:06:00.002-04:00

I think most of my readers would agree that their husbands don't typically step up and offer to clean the house or vacuum or clean the toilet. It's just not their nature. Most men and husbands I know (my father the exception) are typically not observant to the disaster that may surround them. Where as when I walk in the room that's the first thing I notice. It stresses me out. It frustrates me-- even if it's MY mess.

All this to say my house looking a disaster has been what's driven me to get rid of the clutter. Put together a routine and work to stick with it. So far so good- going on 2 weeks and our house still looks great! Best of all my husband rocks! He will call me in the morning on his way to work (he doesn't work til 10) and tell me the vacuuming is done, or the be is made or the dishes are all washed or put away. It's awesome. I can't tell you how good it is to have a routine. To not have to stress or think about what is next or that I am going to spend my whole weekend cleaning only to feel like I still got nothing done. I love it. If you want more info on how to start this process got check this out ----> www.flylady.com

I will post the weekly routine I put together. I of course have adapted it to fit our house and needs. If you have any questions-- ask away.

Our new addition!

2008-09-20T15:56:00.003-04:00

This is the newest addition-- delivered this morning. :) It's comfy and makes it feel even more like home. LOVE IT!! My house is still remarkably clean and organized after a week of life! Looking forward to left overs and some delicious meals this week.

Speaking of meals-- I am wondering what your favorite meal is? Where do you get ideas for meals? Trying to plan menu's but I sometimes get stuck thinking of the same things over and over. Give me your thoughts on food-- please.

It may be 70's but it's ours

2008-09-17T21:23:00.006-04:00

It's our home. It's where we talk. It's wear we make memories. It's wear we are raw and real about life, love, faith and every moment. It's home. While it's definalty dated and we can't paint, or update (which we wish we could)- but, I think we have done a great job with what we have. And-- our newest addition is arriving on Saturday-- we bought a couch. :) YAY!! It's a real couch. Not one that's 20+ years old like the one we have now. It's a real couch. Can't wait for it to come and fit perfectly into our space.

We are blessed in so many ways. We love to share our space with friends-- so come on over. We have a seat waiting for you!!

In other news things at my job are looking up. I can't say much right now- but stay tuned to hear the news that plays a part in me feeling like life is a success right now. :)

My eating healthy is going well. I went to a nutritionist on Monday which was helpful- when I really eat without all my allergies (I typically stick with just avoiding wheat and yeast) I don't even come close to eating enough calories and I KNOW I am missing nutrients. So it was good to hash some things out. Menus are planned for the rest of the week and Ryan picked up todays daily tasks. WHAT A GREAT GUY!! We are on a roll-- now just stick with it (we CAN do this!).

While you were out.

2008-09-15T20:30:00.003-04:00

I haven't forgotten about the embellishments- you will have to hold out for a few more days!

Ryan's been gone for almost a week. He left last Tuesday and he comes home tomorrow-- I CAN'T WAIT!! I MISS HIM!! However, while he's been gone I have done some serious cleaning organizing, etc. I love how clean our house looks now. I took before pictures but I am far too embarrassed to even post them. Anyway-- It looks great. I love knowing that everything is organized. I have everything in order and tonight my plan is to come up with a weekly game plan (with the help of this lady). My sink is shined (and it looks great). And while she says to do things in moderation I feel like I had the focus, energy and made the time to get it all done to start with a fresh kick in the tush! So the goal is that every day we have things to do-- if they aren't done when you get home from work- you help get them done. :) Hopefully it will help my days flow better and my time management a little.

These a few of my favorite elements around my house right now. They make it feel like home. They make me proud of where I live and happy to come home to not only a roof over my head but a place of warmth and love. These are just small elements. I will post pictures later of all the clean beauty that is my home right now. I can't wait to see Ryan-- I feel like a little kid ready to go to Disney. haha!

and the winner is....

2008-09-12T19:53:00.002-04:00

ALL OF YOU!! I decided you all get some paper!! I am going to try and give you some of the styles of paper that you said you love! Have fun with it! Stay tuned for you opportunity to
win some card making elements, embellishments.

The 4 of you who commented and want paper (Nic, Heather, Chris, Mom) email me your address (mom and heather I have yours).

I will be posting a glimpse of the embellishments and such tomorrow! Stay tuned!

check- and only one more day for the contest!

2008-09-11T23:12:00.005-04:00

I love a check list. A to do list. A goal list. I love a list of anything. And since Ryan has been gone (he left on Tuesday) I have had a list a mile long of things I want to get done.

living room- check
new office- almost done
take 2 car loads to good will- (one down- one more to go)

Things left on my list-
A thorough scrub down and organizing of the kitchen
Clean the bedroom- organized that a month or so ago
Coat closet- we have way too much stuff in there
linen closet- organize and get rid of stuff-- also too much stuff in there.

Ya know they say you grow into a house, we have taken this opportunity to grow into this house for sure. But instead I think we collect crap cause there are place to put it.

When Ryan gets back we will be converting the basement into his Bears/cubs den. :)

I will post pictures later-- but I want Ryan to see first and, well, he is reading this while he's away.

Don't miss your chance for some great paper. Leave me a comment and you get put in the drawing.

paper purge contest

2008-09-10T21:52:00.006-04:00

Needless to say I am giving away some paper!! I have some to spare. So, what do you have to do? Well you have to leave me a comment below tell me what your favorite kinds of scrapbook paper is. If you love girly stuff or boy stuff or stuff with words, or colorful patterns, aged prints, floral, etc. If you aren't a blogger you can still leave a comment-- just leave your name and email at the end. I will then pick a comment out of a hat (really a bowl). And I will announce the winner on Friday night.

If you are a card maker-- I have lots of cards and solid paper as well. And --- stay tuned cause I have embellishments and a contest for that is coming following this contest. Don't miss out!

A contest that involves scrapbookin supplies- stay tuned

2008-09-10T21:15:00.002-04:00

If you are a scrapper-- a card maker-- a crafter-- you will want to stay tuned. I am having a contest. Don't worry you don't have to show me any crazy skills or anything-- you just need to stay posted. The rules and plan will be posted by midnight tonight. Trust me-- if you want some great scrap stuff-- stay tuned!!

She's having a baby!! (no, not me)

2008-09-07T21:58:00.005-04:00

My friend Heidi! Heidi and I have been friends since 6th grade. Her and her hubs Ryan (we even picked husbands with the same names) are having a baby next month! This weekend her sisters threw a shower and they got all stocked up and ready for baby! We played this super cute game where you had to guess the number of tp squares that her belly was around! We all got to tie a bow around the baby.
Someone had a cute idea to give her a suitcase with essentials in it so it could be packed when going to Grandmas-- included was this bib. Priceless!
She also got this big box of diapers with a story about the "color indicator" they have on them. The girl giving them explained the color indicator so that Heidi and Ryan weren't confused like her and her husband were with their first and these special diapers.

After that I headed over to take some pictures of this fun family. I can't believe this little one is 6 months old and so cute and such a great personality! Are you impressed even the dogs are looking in this picture? I am!

betcha thought I forgot...

2008-09-04T19:52:00.003-04:00

Nope i didn't forget. It has been a crazy week. I can't believe tomorrow is Friday. I am out of town this weekend for a baby shower for my best friend from High school. I'm taking the Wii so my parents can experience this great gift my hubs bought for my birthday. Dad wants to get a wii fit so I am letting him "test drive". I think it's fun -- several of my friends parents have them and love them, that's so cute! I love things that make you feel like a kid again.

The whole foods is going ok- this weeks and likely next week won't be entirely "whole" cause well we have quite a bit of food in our house that Ryan won't eat and we spent good money on... so I am going to enjoy it. It's still healthy- it's just maybe a little processed.

Ryan and I labored much over the weekend. We decided to re-arrange some things in the house. So now my office is up stairs and we don't have a guest room anymore-- (don't worry Jonathan and Lynde- there is still plenty of room for a blow up bed). I will post pictures when I get it all done sometime next week when Ryan is gone to NC to be with his family. His mom's having surgery tomorrow and he leaves tuesday. :( I will miss him for sure.

In addition to eating better I'm trying to get organized. I used to be possibly the most anal organized person I know - my friends in college teased me cause my clothes were on color coded hangers.... no, I'm not making that up. Anyway- I might have been anal and i might have been organized-- but I had peace of mind. So I am on a search for that again. I have been reading through the tips and routines of this lady and am excited to get my journal started and notes up around the house. Oh but she hit it right on the head-- cause what do I want to do as a perfectionist-- I want to have it all happen now and be pretty and perfect and smooth-- ya--- in other words I want to crash and burn. So I am trying to take baby steps.

I can do this. I will do this. I am looking forward to a weekend with friends.
ck

life update

2008-08-29T23:03:00.002-04:00

I am so glad it's Friday and even more glad that it's the Friday of a LONG weekend. My to do list is a mile long-- so much house work that has gone by the wayside since we have been so busy. Next weekend I'm at it again. One of my best friends from high school is having a baby- so I am going to celebrate with her and her family and friends. Then of course we have to squeeze a photo shoot in. Session number 3 for a sweet 6 month old girl- can't believe they grow so fast!

Social Front:
Looking forward to all those things-- I was also so excited and blessed to get to have coffee with one of my roomies from college last night and Ryan and I had dinner with our dear friend Maria from Denver. She was the maid of honor in our wedding and we miss her now that she in in Denver and we are in Grand Rapids. So good to see both of these dear friends- you both make my heart smile. Of course I took no pictures :(.

Job Front:
Still working at the bank-- didn't get the job I posted about the other day. Crossing my fingers on another job at work-- but at this time it looks like even though it's a job I am currently doing I am going to have to interview and everything else. This makes one very unhappy me! How does that work-- interviewing for something you already do and have been doing for 5+ months!!!??

Health front:
Ryan and I are taking the plunge. We are going whole foods. Well I am for sure. It seems lately even when I am not eating bread or yeast my face is a wreck-- itchy red, inflamed at times. Benedryl seems to be helping some. From what I am reading it's more like excema that is super (let me emphasize that) SUPER sensitive to anything slightly irritating-- including stress, seasonal allergies (which are quickly becoming champs over my body right now), certain foods- even ones I'm not allergic to irritate them. So I am breaking free from anything possible that might irritate it. SIGH-- and to me sadly that means most things good. But I can't keep doing this to my body- myself- my husband- or our future family. Part of the focus for the upcoming months is for me to get healthy-- that means in many ways. This being a key that will hopefully unlock many doors of health for me.

So here it is-- I think I am going to do a 90 day challenge! I NEED you guys to keep me accountable- if I haven't blogged about my challenge in the course of a week - ask me about it! 90 days. Whole foods. Minimal dairy. Nothing processed. Nothing with added sugar. Minimum of 30 min a day of exercise. Wake up with enough time to not be rushed. Go to bed at a decent hour-- what isn't done will still be there tomorrow. Plan my meals (this has to happen if I am actually going to follow through with this). The real challenge for me comes when I get busy-- or when I travel- plan ahead. Carry a cooler. I can do this. I will do this. Ryan is a great support and has been a great success himself-- losing quiet a bit of weight since the new year. We are both going to kick it into high gear!

I thought about starting another blog to tack this-- but that just adds to my to do list-- so I am counting on all of you to keep me accountable!

Wish me luck- I'm gonna need all the help I can get!

Have a great long weekend!

Crossing my fingers

2008-08-27T00:13:00.002-04:00

I'm holding tight and praying hard I get this new job that I interviewed for last week. I don't want to say too much else about it other than I think it would be a great fit. At the earliest I would hear tomorrow what the next step is -- they said they have a deep and well qualified pool of applicants. I at least hope I am in the top few. Crossing my fingers & praying hard!

I'll keep you posted.
ck

busy-- here's why.

2008-08-21T07:26:00.010-04:00

Still alive just busy-- Trying to get everything done before Friday so I can spend my birthday with my honey!
ck

this makes my heart smile!

2008-08-13T22:07:00.004-04:00

I love this shot! I love these little girls checking out their pictures in each others cameras! Some people teach adults photography- I teach kids! It's been awesome. I love the uninhibited creativity and imagination of kids. I love the fun and expressions on their face. I love connecting it all back to the Creator Himself-- to let them know that God made us creative and there are so many ways to see God through the lens of a camera!

My budding photogs!

The door hangers that were hung on everyones doors in the neighborhood!
So much fun. Such a long week- but it's flying by. Much to do before we leave tomorrow night for our weekend photography marathon!

ck

tornado...

2008-08-08T19:51:00.002-04:00

Nothing to do with weather...more to do with my weekends. This weekend is the calm before the storm. One senior session - my first "no contact" client. By that I mean... she didn't find me by word of mouth, just found my site online and contacted me. I'm excited about that. Others have contacted me before- but this is the first follow through.

Next week i am teaching Create 08! That should be great--- we had our orientation last night and God is moving is awesome ways to make this happen. Friday I have a wedding (so won't be at create on the last day). Saturday I have a child/family session. Sunday I'm thinking out of the box. I was contacted to do a photo journalistic shoot of the festivities around the opening of a new apartment complex for Grand Valley State University students. It's called 48west. Check this place out 48west I want to move in!! Click on the photo shop! AMAZING! Sunday night they are going to have bands, a street fair and all kinds of stuff. It should be great!

So needless to say I am going to rest up this weekend for my tornado life next week. But I can't wait! God is opening some awesome doors right now!

CK

on my mind

2008-08-03T23:05:00.002-04:00

Apparently this is on my mind. This is a look at what I blog about most. (sorry, I'm not as interesting as I might have guessed) Of course the bigger words are what I blog about most often and the smaller words make up the thoughts in between.

busy with these cuties

2008-08-03T21:47:00.005-04:00

Remember this adorable kiddo? I did her 9 month session this spring.
Now she's a year and still as cute and smiley! (with the help of some puffs)

And this little guy-- I just can't get enough of. He's so cute!

I will be pretty crazy busy over the next couple weeks. Writing some curriculum for the photography camp. Finishing up my session from today. A senior session next week, camp, followed by a wedding and a family session. WHEEEW!! I am busy but sooo excited about the opportunities that I have been given. I'm excited. I'm busy. I'm Blessed. Following all that will be my birthday-- celebrating all that this year has brought-- the good, the bad, the ugly!

Uninhibited & simplified (thoughts in my head-- bear with me)

2008-07-20T21:16:00.006-04:00

Don't you wish those are words that described your life? I've been working with lots of kids and families this summer in my photo shoots. I love it. Part of why I love it is I love kids. Part of why I love it is cause I love to see the joy and pride on the face of parents who see their child's personality captured in a photo. But one thing it's reminded me of is the fact that kids are so uninhibited and simple. Ok-- life with kids isn't simple (before all you hard working parents think I am confused about this :)). But their life is simple and therefore they are uninhibited. They don't over think things. They don't worry that their needs will be met tomorrow. They typically find great joy in the moment and if that moment isn't filled with joy they express it and wait til a joy filled moment comes along. While this might be a oversimplified explanation of childhood - I believe much of it is true.

I've been working lots (not as much as was threatened at the beginning of the chaos at the bank), I've been busy with photography (which has been FAB-U-LOUS). But this weekend I had some time to get some things done. Think through what is missing and what would make life simpler and me more uninhibited.... maybe that's the problem with growing up and getting your life "together"-- you loose a bit of life in the process. I shouldn't say you lose life-- but balance becomes more difficult. I find keeping up with friends (who I would LOVE to keep up with, hang out with-- chat with) more difficult-- if I do that other things suffer. I find that my house isn't as organized as I wish it were. If I take care of things like working out and taking care of me I seem to leave behind other things I love (scrapbooking, photography, bloging, keeping up with friends, work, etc). I know that these things are part of taking care of me-- because they make me happy... but where's the balance?I think it's a common issue among women today. What do you do? What are the things that keep you going? How do you find balance?
I took this picture a couple weekends ago when we were in Holland. I thought it was fun. I love the colors-- I love the symbol of a girl on something that is not traditionally "girlie". I also too the clock picture in Holland. I love the perspective of the clock contrasted with the sky. Sometimes I think if time weren't an issue the sky would be the limit. But there seems to be the limit of measurable guidelines that seem to get in the way.

So in search of balance and giving back and following dreams... I am excited to announce that I will be teaching a photography class to some high school kids a few nights as part of a camp called "CREATE". A church in the area is sponsoring this camp and they contacted me to teach. I am honored and beyond excited to not only teach photography but to work with an age group that I love. It will be great to help them bridge the idea that God is the ultimate artist- of our world and our lives, but he has gifted each of us to be artists in our own way-- and I think in that creativity we discover a little more about who He is. We explore everyday surroundings, people, and life with different eyes. That is how I want to life-- with eyes of Christ.

Wow-- this is a weeks worth of lost blog posts-- I hope you are still reading.

ok-- so this all is summed up well with a song that often sticks in my head. It's new and I love the message-- or should I say challenge.

It's called "Give me your eyes" by Brandon Heath.
The lyrics in the chorus go like this:
"Give me your eyes for just one second
Give me your eyes so I can see
Everything that I keep missing
Give me your love for humanity
Give me your arms for the broken hearted
The ones that are far beyond my reach
Give me your heart for the once forgotten
Give me your eyes so I can see"

Here's a video of him talking about it.

I leave you with that thought. What are you missing? What are you challenged to balance? How do you balance the things life throws at you?

Hope you are all doing well.
ck

just when you think life is getting good.

2008-07-01T18:45:00.002-04:00

Life happens!

Work (the bank) is HORRIBLE right now!! And HORRIBLE is an understatement. Right now my life consists of getting up and being at work between 6:45 and 7am-- working. working. working. no breaks. no lunch (at my desk if I'm lucky). work til 7. That was today. Last Friday they told us we would be working manditory weekends-- regardless if we had plans or vacations planned-- no if's ands or buts. We seemed to have worked it out that we can work our tails off all week instead. BUT- it we don't meet our quotas-- weekends it is! BULL!

Oh and did i tell you we are in a "rush" to get this done just so they can eliminate our positions by the end of July-- at the latest late August. Nice-- worst of all we don't qualify for unemployment til the middle of September. So we are just getting screwed all around! Yesterday I almost walked out.

Anyway- I'm exhausted-- this is horrible for my health (when i have been working so hard to deal with stress and take care of myself). Needless to say I'm stressed, grouchy, and down right frustrated!

ck

re-connecting

2008-06-25T23:20:00.004-04:00

Last fall I joined face book and was so excited to re-connect with many friends and acquaintances from college, high school and just life in general.

It's also been a great place for me to network. I had a photo session yesterday evening and it was so fun. Check out these cute kids!! So much personality and so much fun!

Sorry I have been so absent around this blog-- life is busy -- good busy! I will give a life update soon.

ck

Back in action!!

2008-06-20T18:20:00.004-04:00

Wow-- I guess I did have some life to catch up on after being laid up for 2 weeks. Good news-- I am back at it-- feeling great and taking care of myself. I am a little stressed because I got so behind after being "out" for two weeks.

Life is good. Ryan and I have been enjoying the outdoors (biking, walking, Ryan's playing basketball). We are looking forward to a day off tomorrow to spend some time outside enjoying the sun (crossing our fingers it doesn't rain).

I don't have anything exciting to "report" life is pretty routine and boring these days. I am busy trying to follow up and keep up with photo sessions (these are a couple pictures from yesterdays session)
The little guy was all smiles -- the 3 yr old was a bit more of a challenge (he wonked his head on this chair swing and it wasn't the same after that). But all in all I got some great shots.

This weekend I plan on catching up so I can tackle my session next Tuesday head on. I am super pumped it's a family with two little ones and we are meeting at Fredrick Meijer Gardens. I think there should be lots of opportunity for some great shots there. Also in the photography news I am likely going to be doing some promo shooting for a blues band out of Muskegon. I am super pumped about that and the creative flexibility I will have with that!

So needless to say I am keeping busy -- we have a few short trips to the other side of the state coming up for photo shoots and a wedding. So the car will be getting some miles for sure. But for pictures -- it's worth it!

feeling better

2008-06-13T19:02:00.000-04:00

off to go catch up with my life.

Thanks for all your prayers-- we are laying low this weekend. I should be back at work on Monday!
ck

good news- bad news

2008-06-12T11:32:00.002-04:00

Well-- after my surgery my Dr was out of the office. She called in yesterday to see about my lab results (to see if the polyps and tissue came back as cancerous). They told her I was sick on Saturday and that I had come in Tuesday. So SHE called ME-- I was some what astonished to get a call from my Doc herself (even though she does like me and we get along very well). But she called cause she was concerned and felt bad that she was not there when I came in. She asked about my pain and as we continued to talk she expressed that given my pain she was concerned that when she was getting rid of the endo that she was now worried that she might have damaged my Ureters. AHH-- Although I will say that her genuine concern and honesty and responsiblity to the matter was very impressive. I had an ultrasound schedule and she called and canceled that cause she wanted them to preform some other test that would verify that there was no damage done. So she calls me like 5 min after we hang up and is like-- I canceled your ultrasound- go directly to ER.

So of course Ryan is working and I of course would rather him be making money than sitting in the hospital room wasting time. So I drive myself to ER- I figure they are just going to runs some tests as she indicated. So I go in- exchange for my lounge clothes for a spectrum hospital designer gown. (Red carpet ready I tell you). Lay there bored. Entertained my a team of nurses (my tylonal w/codine is still working at this point). A hour and 1/2 later I get taken for an CT scan. Mind you I have to lay on my back ( laying flat on my back and sitting are the two worst positions for me). So after they take some pictures and inject the contrast while I am waiting the pain is just getting worse and worse. I try and curl sideways-- not relief! They ask me if I'm ansy and I say no-- just in extreme pain. So they loop me up with some morphine in my IV. 45 min later-- still no relief. I call the nurse. "How long does this take to effect?"-- "ugh- it should be working.". "Not so much". Ok - I will bring you more. Anther dose of Morphine. Let me know in 10-15 min if it's not better. 20 min later-- still in pain. Call button again. "we will bring you some more"

Half asleep and pretty looped up- the ER Doc comes in and says he talked to my Doc and reviewed the CT scans. No damage (good news)- No stones (good news)-no cancerous polyps or tissue- per my lab results from surgery (good news)- but you do have a Kidney infection (Bad news). So I call Ry (figuring that I will be discharged in about 1/2 hour since they still are bringing me more meds and they don't move quickly)- as I am on the phone with him telling him when to leave to come pick me up-- a nurse comes in with another dose of morphine and discharge papers.--- HOLY COW! Anyway-- 3 doses of morphine made me sleepy-- but not pain free.

So-- I am at home. I am resting through the end of this week. I go back to the doc tomorrow for a post surgery follow up & to talk with her about how I got this kidney infection. Ry is concerned about how I got bacteria in me during surgery. I will keep you all posted. Thanks for the prayers and concern.

ck

ARE YOU KIDNEYING ME!!??

2008-06-10T15:43:00.002-04:00

So I just went to the dr and I have a kidney infection and or kidney stones! We didn't sign up to pay our whole freaking deductible within the first 2 weeks of our insurance change!! GEESH! I have to go for an ultrasound tomorrow (no going back to work yet- as I will be looped up on Tylonal with codeine).

Can't i do anything easily?? Off to get my anti biotic filled. BLAH!~

going back

2008-06-09T16:30:00.002-04:00

I am headed back to the dr tomorrow-- I am having lots of pain in my right side still and while my incisions don't really even hurt my right side/back does. I want to make sure it's not something that was ruptured or damaged that shouldn't be. The pain meds (after a vomiting episode on Saturday) were switched this weekend and while they help- the right lower side/back pain is not going away. :(

Hope for something good tomorrow at the dr. I am supposed to go back to work on Wednesday but if this pain continues that may not happen.

I appreciate all the prayers and well wishes. Keep the prayers coming.

ck

Recovering

2008-06-06T08:45:00.002-04:00

I am still around-- I am recovering from surgery on Tuesday. They were able to get out the things they were looking for and did in fact find endometriosis as well. They removed that as well. We go back tot the dr next week to see what she has to say about what's next now that they know for sure a diagnosis.

I am in a fair amount of pain if I am no on the vicodin (and even then I am not pain free). I am thankful that I have time off work and don't have to go back til next Wednesday.

I am excited because I am booked up for photography stuff. I didn't book anything this weekend or next weekend dus to surgery and we were going to attempt to go see my niece's dance recital-- but travel isn't looking real possible or smart right now. But I am booked every weekend and a couple evenings through Mid July and after that I have a steady schedule. SUPER EXCITED about that!

Check out a few new pics at my photo blog there should be more posted soon. But for now I am stuck upstairs (the computer with the pictures on it is downstairs).

Thanks for all your prayers.
ck

Devistation when least expected & faith beyond belief

2008-05-24T15:30:00.002-04:00

I have been surounded by friends everywhere who are having babies-- blog friends, close friends, co-workers. As many of you know babies and kids are two things that make my heart beat. Besides other health reasons-- making it potentially possible for a future family is one of the main reasons I will be having surgery on June 3. Many things have been tugging at my heart as I read stories of two bloggers who are expecting twins (natural)- people who have just given birth in the last month, friends celebrating 1 year birthdays of children, hearing the joy of others as they anounce for the first time to the world that they are expecting. It all makes my heart tug in different directions.

In the midst of all these emotions I was struck by a prayer announcement on the radio on Friday morning. Steven Curtis Chapman (long time Christian singer & big adoption advocate) and his family are morning the loss of their 5 year old little one. Days after their oldest daughter just got engaged and one of their son's graduation from High school... this. I can't imagine. The worst of all was that she was hit in the driveway by a car being driven by one of her siblings. (on accident- story here). I can't even imagine the devastation. Please join me in praying for them during this time.

SCC has a song that I have always loved-- called "With Hope" I am sure he never imagined he would be living these words in this situation. Here is a tribute I found on You tube with the song and pics of her and the family.

Only a big God and an amazing faith can get you through something like that.

In reading blogs I also came across this story. AMAZING! This couple has love that beats any boundary. She has Cystic Fibrosis and the story of their faith and their miracle baby is amazing. You can read it here:
(click on the word here).

I hope that no matter what happens in my life-- in our family-- that I have a faith that perceivers beyond any plan I think is best. Any devastation I perceive. Any fear I have in my own abilities. God is bigger than all that!

Big news that would have made a big impact in our lives

2008-05-09T17:59:00.008-04:00

Man-- it's been forever-- does anyone still read this!!???

I know I said a few weeks ago I had lots going on... and if anyone still wonders what the news is-- I can now tell you that it's good news and not bad news. And honestly it's good news on many levels

Big News #1
Let's go back 10 days or so. I was at the dr and she informed me that she thought I had several red flags for endometiral cancer. Some of my test results pointed in that direction and she wanted to do some further tests and biopsy. So she did. It didn't hit me hard when she told me. But later that day as I talked to Ry about it and told close friends-- not for sympathy or drama-- but because I know they would walk with us through both til we had results and regardless of the results. I also believe that prayers do something. They certainly provided a peace for me over the 10 days. I just had a strange sense of calm that only God can provide. So Wednesday I found out I am cancer free!!! I can't tell you how awesome it was to have people who I knew call me that day and check in-- send me emails-- check in on face book. I really believe that too often in our society we think of these things as taboo-- or too personal-- but I believe there is something amazing about walking in honest community through a situation like that. I do still have to have some surgery in a couple weeks-- but I will trade that for cancer any day! Thanks for the prayers!

Big News #4
ck photography is busy as ever! I have had sessions every weekend over the past few weeks and it's not changing til July!! I didn't take on lots of weddings this year cause we weren't sure where/what life would be like and didn't want to commit to driving to Michigan every weekend if we weren't still here. But I have been doing lots of family/kid/couple sessions & I just love it! I love the people I love how excited I get before a session-- how excited I get when I see the pics on my computer and they get to final proof stage. I love teasing people with a couple good shots along the way knowing there are so many more! So-- I'm diving in. I am working on the business plan and some other things. It's not a fling-- a fleeting passion or anything else. I love it. I have a TON to learn about the biz side as well as the photography side-- but I don't think that will ever stop. But I am excited. I told Ry the other day--- if I am going to do this I need to do it-- be intentional about this figure out where I want to go with it and do it! I can't wait to discover this dream even more!

Here are some favs from last weekend:

Still working through this families session-- but this is one of my favs. It was super cloudy and sprinkling on and off-- they were trooper through the whole thing!

That's it for my big news. Sorry if you were hoping for something more monumental! I'm busy-- which is good and I am excited about all the possibilities! Life is good. God is good. Can't wait for what's next!

Leave me some love and let me know if you are still reading!
ck

3 things

2008-04-29T19:59:00.002-04:00

Sarah tagged me so here goes:

3 places I go all the time: Work (i kinda don't have a choice). Meijer - I never outgrow a good trip to meijer. Costco - we love to buy fruit at costco - fresh, lasts longer and much cheaper.

3 people who email me: Erin, Lynde and photography customers

3 favorite places to eat: well-- we love to eat out-- but there are limited places I can go (because of my allergies) so I will say Red Robin (yum) and On The Border. If I could eat anywhere including the rolls-- Logans or Texas Road house.

3 places I would rather be right now: taking pictures, snuggling with my hubs (which i could be doing but I am blogging- no logic there) or getting a pedicure (I like that one- and am pretty sure Ryan would appreciate it too)

3 Projects I'd like to get started: Photography business plan. Sewing some things (not sure what yet). Getting an efficient system for keeping life balanced (I am pretty sure I would be rich if I could do this)

3 people who will do this: Erin (through email), Lynde (now you have something to blog about), Jonathanand maybe Heather or Nicole??? So that was more than 3!

3 TV shows I could watch over and over: How I Met Your Mother- we love this show!! Great show! What not to wear- Gotta love some Stacey and Clinton! CSI or Law and Order (dun-dun).

productive

2008-04-27T16:49:00.003-04:00

This has been a busy but fun and productive weekend. Last night we went over to my old friends (college roomie) house to meet her hubs, play games and catch up- we had a great time! Oh how we miss (ok- we never really had any) couple friends. :) YAY-- Ry and I both left saying that it would be great to do that at least once a month.

Yesterday and today I have been tackling getting things ready for spring/ summer kick off.
Today my list consists of

on my knees washing the kitchen floor
matching tupperware with lids
organizing cupboards
pitching old magazines
organizing my shipping supplies for stuff I sold on 1/2
Basement--
(a whole week will be needed but for now...)
~~archiving all pictures on my computer~~
organize all computer files
organizing my desk area for efficient work with clients
thinking through business plans and processing procedures for photography bussines

I need to clean the basement too-- but right now I am just in an organizing mood

wash all towels, linens, clothes
fold and put away (the put away part doesn't always happen so promptly)
sew buttons on Ryan's shirts/ lab coats

So-- now that I have my list-- it's time to check it off!
I might post some pics later this week of my "work area" once it gets organized.

For those of you who are still waiting on my "news"-- I have not forgotten-- I am still working through some details-- but it's coming!!!

did you say photography?

2008-04-24T20:29:00.004-04:00

I have been focusing my energy on photography lately- working on my business plan. Trying to get some target markets narrowed down. Launching a free session promo to build my portfolio. So if you are in Grand Rapids, or know someone in the area who would love some fun unique pictures of their kids, family, couple or more-- contact me at ckphotographyemail@gmail.com.

I just put these two story boards together-- love how they turned out.Working on some additional things to offer through the photography customers.

I had some tests / procedures run the other day-- waiting for the results-- praying all is clear-- 2 weeks til the answers!

We are super excited to get together with my old roomie and her hubs and kids on Saturday night- play some games, chat and just relax. Looking forward to it!

Happy

2008-04-19T17:56:00.007-04:00

*** SEE MORE PHOTOS ON MY PHOTOBLOG****
ckphotography.blogspot.com (or click on the link on the right)

While lots is going on in our life right now--- in the midst of it-- I find myself happy-- happy about photography.

I had a session with this little personality this morning and her sister. Doesn't she look like she is just loving life??

(*ugh-- why do these look so funky on here-- anyone else have issue with their pics being blah on blogger-- they look great in photoshop)

I will post more on life news (you guys seem hyped like it's fab--- sorry- no such fab). BUT- the plans I am putting together are for the photography front and I am really excited about that!

Let me know what you think of these pics.

and the activity is--- busy

2008-04-15T19:34:00.002-04:00

I have been taking a much needed hiatus from blogging-- I plan to be back at it next week-- with some life updates & big plans. Stay tuned. leave me some love.

ck

Something new

2008-04-09T20:43:00.003-04:00

I know, I know-- I just said I didn't feel like I had time for the things I do do let alone adding new things to the list-

BUT!!
I recently aquired a sewing machine from my grandmother! I am super excited as I think about the fun projects I can make with this!

Nicole recently made some baby bibs that are adorable-- and I was reading another crafty girls blog and found a link to this!!! Free downloads of patterns-- fun fun fun!

Now you ask-- who would I possibly be making baby bibs for? (In my favorite dream I would enter a briliant announcement of celebration that I was preggo- but sadly no)--- I am sure I could make them and sell them on ETSY-- or custom make them for baby shower gifts or what not. I just think they are cute!

Do you sew? What fun things have you made? I can't wait to start some new project (it will be a while-- but I can still be inspired can't I??)

ck

caught up??

2008-04-07T21:56:00.001-04:00

Right now I don't know if I know what that means!! Caught up-- seems to be a term foreign in my life--- I know there will always be something else that has to be done-- something more that could be worked on. But right now we re in a state of flux and unknown--- So I feel like that's taking lots of energy.

BUT-- I am getting to do some great things.
Yesterday Ryan and I biked 18 mile!!! Yep, you read that right-- 18 miles! GO US right?- Well I won't tell you how bad our butts hurt!

I have a photoshoot on the 19th.

I am working through some great pics -- here is one of little T! Look on the photo blog for more to come.

(I think this looks funkier on here than it does on my computer in PS- HMM)
I am hoping to capture some great pics this weekend of some friends. :)

Well and overall I am just trying to keep up with life--- I have been selling scrap stuff like crazy-- which is good-- cause if we end up moving I am not moving all that again-- I also have some big business ideas-- but that's going to take a TON of time to get that stuff together--- I need like a weekend of brainstorming and plotting! (and no laundry or housework when I come home) LOL (ok I should wake up now from that dream)

Anyway- Just wanting you all to know I am still alive (if anyone is still checking on this thing)
I am thinking of doing a photography contest soon-- but I have quite a few shoots coming up and don't want to swamp myself either.

Look for an update soon (it's working it's way through my head now) on things that are recently making me happy!
ck

Alive--

2008-03-28T19:43:00.001-04:00

Yes I am very much alive--- sorry I haven't posted. I have been busy-- lots going on-- have some great updates-- but about to spend the evening on a date with my hubby (our 3 yr anniversary is on Tuesday-- I can't believe it's been 3 years)

ck

New beginings

2008-03-19T22:01:00.004-04:00

I was thinking of life when we sang a song at church a few weeks ago.

I thought about the life Gramps has lived and the new life of my dear friends new baby born just over a week ago. I believe that God is in BOTH of these situations-- He wants Gramps at peace. He reminds us of his promises with new life! So I am reminded that in these things-- God is among us
Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord

You can check out my photo blog for some cute new pictures of my friends little one! She is so tiny and perfect!see more here: www.ckphotography.blogspot.com

Saying Good-bye

2008-03-17T22:46:00.003-04:00

In my life I have said good bye to several things, people, & places. But none hurt as bad as saying good bye to Gramps. I didn't get to say goodbye... I wrote him a letter and my mom read it to him. But yesterday morning he passed away. He is in a better place now. But I wasn't done living with him here. My own selfish desire over rides my longing for him to be at peace. He is out of pain. He is in a better place. He lived a good life. Taught, loved, shared, blessed, laughed and so much more. His legacy is everything you would want when you pass away. To leave behind a family whose memory of you is that of amazement and love.

The last few days of his life were rough-- I will miss him-- I DO MISS HIM. It will not be the same to be with the whole family (which hasn't happened in at least 8 years- BUT WILL HAPPEN THIS WEEKEND AS WE GATHER TO HONOR- REMEMBER AND CELEBRATE HIS LIFE) and to not have Gramps there. Gramps we love you-- we will honor your legacy for love, faith, and life!

Are you kidding me!!? What's wrong with this story!

2008-03-13T17:35:00.002-04:00

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23595533/?GT1=43001

Seriously people-- 2 years! This is crazy!
ck

Wisdom. Strength. Love. Storyteller.

2008-03-05T19:28:00.004-05:00

These are just a few words that describe my Gramps. All and all he's an amazing man. I feel honored that I have been able to share my life with him- hearing stories- telling jokes-- learning how to stay married- and so much more.

This morning my Gramps hit an all time low- he collapsed and it's looking like his major organs are shutting down and in a matter of a short time he might no longer be with us. Please pray for my family as they go through this tough time of not knowing. As I have said before I am blessed to not have lost many people in my life-- and none of my family members have ever passed away.

Gramps has lived well-- laughed often-- shown love and grace-- and for that I call myself blessed to know and love such a man. Hang in there Gramps-- We are praying for you! Mimi- we love you- stay strong! Mom, J & J you are a gift to your family- your support for them has been priceless over the last few months. We love you all and are praying for you!

Woo Whoo-- Just call me the sellin queen!!

2008-03-02T21:11:00.002-05:00

So, I have discovered a beautiful thing at Half.com! I have been selling stuff on half for a week and I've made nearly $100!!!! I am super excited-- I have a ton more to go!! I am deciding that there are MANY things in our house that we don't need- (sometimes to Ryan's disagreement). Lots of stuff for me to go through.

Our good friend Lynde came to visit again this weekend-- we had a great time, as always. Lots of laughs. Lots of fun. Lots of talking.

I am also counting the days til my friend Erin's baby is due!! Feb. 10-- I can't wait to meet the baby!!

A new week-- I can't believe it's Monday again-- where do the weekends go.
I promise I will post something great and profound (ok, well that might a high expectation)... but I promise it will come soon!!
ck

ABBA

2008-02-28T19:38:00.002-05:00

Who doesn't love them some ABBA!!!??

I am putting all my music on my computer and came across my ABBA GOLD- greatest hits CD.

I don't think in high school I had ever heard of them-- but in college-- we rocked it out!

Funny story:
So I went to a medium sized Christian college (Calvin) and we had hours when boys had to be out of our rooms. I think it was midnight. So one day we were listening to ABBA and decided...
"Gimme, Gimme, Gimme" WINS!

" Half past twelve
And I'm watching the late show in my flat all alone
How I hate to spend the evening on my own
Autumn winds
Blowing outside my window as I look around the room
And it makes me so depressed to see the gloom
There's not a soul out there
No one to hear my prayer

Gimme gimme gimme a man after midnight
Won't somebody help me chase the shadows away
Gimme gimme gimme a man after midnight
Take me through the darkness to the break of the day

Movie stars
Find the end of the rainbow, with a fortune to win
It's so different from the world I'm living in
Tired of T.V.
I open the window and I gaze into the night
But there's nothing there to see, no one in sight
There's not a soul out there
No one to hear my prayer

Gimme gimme gimme a man after midnight
Won't somebody help me chase the shadows away
Gimme gimme gimme a man after midnight
Take me through the darkness to the break of the day

Gimme gimme gimme a man after midnight...

There's not a soul out there
No one to hear my prayer

Gimme gimme gimme a man after midnight
Won't somebody help me chase the shadows away
Gimme gimme gimme a man after midnight
Take me through the darkness to the break of the day"

So I hope you have a good laugh about this!!
ck

Sick of WINTER!!!!

2008-02-25T19:34:00.002-05:00

I'm grouchy. Blah. Cold. and just all around sick of WINTER!!

Stop Snowing!!!

Half & prayers needed please!

2008-02-23T16:41:00.005-05:00

HALF OF WHAT? Half.com -- my new place to help me simplify our lives. I will just say it this way-- we have a lot of "stuff"- it's sad to me how much we have aquired in our short 30+ years of life. Between both of us we have held onto things that we just don't need.

Last time we moved I still was not healthy--so while i went through all of our stuff and donated a LOT (or so I thought) to Goodwill... there seems to be more.

They say you grow into what ever space you have and love it or leave it-- in our house now we have a basement-- which we have "put to good use"--- meaning we are on our way to filling it. Mind out we both have a "work area" down there- and the laundry room and storage room is down there- but between the basement and the guest room we have two perfect places to help us "forget" about how much stuff we have.

Sooooo-- again (see I told you I was going to be really good this year about new years resolutions) we are trying to simplify. So off to half.com to sell our books (mostly my youth ministry books), DVD's/VHS tapes, CD's. We will see how this goes-- I might venture to ebay and see what they have to offer. (Don't worry Dad- I am not getting rid of your books that we have). I figure that even if we don't get a lot for the books- it's more than what we get from them sitting in our basement.

What I don't need half of is your prayers-- I need all of them. Please pray for my grandma (Mimi) who is recovering in the hospital from pneumonia (discovered accidently when she went in cause she fell- they discovered she had double pneumonia). Just as it seemed to be getting better her heart started to go into fibrillation (she doesn't have a healthy heart to begin with and she is 90 years old). She is a gift to our family and we pray for a quick recovery. We love you Mimi- get better fast- we are praying for you!

An answer to prayer is that my grandpa (dad's side) is doing well after a scare last Sunday when he passed out in church and couldn't be revived. The Dr's weren't able to find any reason to why it happened-- his heart seems to be doing ok-- but we have some questions about what caused it still-- continued prayers for them through this tough time as well!! We love you guys.

That's life in a nutshell right now. Busy- crazy- and attempting to be simplified.

ck

Date night

2008-02-17T19:23:00.003-05:00

At the begining of the year Ryan and I commited to do a few things... one of them was to have regular date nights. And well, we are dorks and we like to bowl-- no neither of us are good at it (in fact I think only one game did we get over 100, but it's fun). So last night we ventured out to bowl for a date night.

Yes, he puts up with me while I like to take cheesy pictures. Now that I have a point and shoot again- I can take pictures of us and random things we do. Cause it's just a pain to pull my big camera out every where we go.... but I do like those pictures better. I think that this picture of Ry and I is one of the first ones in a long time (like almost 3 years- since we got married) that I like of us. So I think it's a good start.

Today was back to the normal grind, making meals for the week (yummy chicken enchilada soup w/ extra beans) and 2 hours chipping ice and snow off the driveway and trying to find drains on our street so that we wouldn't have a flood... we didn't find any drains, the flood remains. It's been raining all day-- super icy out and we are expecting, yep, you got it, another storm!!

So more than the ache in my hands, and back.... but the pure joy of not having to scrape my car in the morning, makes me smile. Presidents day! Joy! I would be even more excited if I got paid for it as well, but instead I will revel in the joy that I don't have to trudge through the snow I get to stay home and check things off a list a mile long of things I need to get done!

Hope you are all healthy and safe. I hope someone out there reading this is having sunshine. If you have some sun, please send it our way!

ck

Are you kidding me???? What happened to simplicity?

2008-02-13T20:08:00.002-05:00

Disclaimer: I am not a dog lover-- nor do I understand things like that described below.

So today I am walking through meijer... pass an end cap by the animal section and what is there-- Doggy diapers!! Now I will say (as noted above) I am not a dog lover. I would be frustrated if I had a dog and it peed on my carpet, or something else. But let's face it-- it happens!! If you have a pet you better believe it will happen at least once. It's like if you have a kid you are going to get awakened in the middle of the night.

Is our society so "solution" oriented that we take the easy way out instead of taking the path to get it done right. Weight surgery instead of working out and eating right. heck, we can't even make our own pb & j we buy them from the freezer section!! I must say I am guilty of instant gratification on many things as well. However somehow I think we are shorting ourselves by not taking the time to do things that are "everyday" things-- take the dog for a walk. Make a meal. Pack a lunch. Work out. I think I've discovered these things give me room in my day to breath. Room to be me-- focus. So while you are going through this week-- think about things that you used to do when life was more "simple" - what made it "simple"? Focus on doing one thing different to get there-- and see if you discover a little more of yourself in that simplicity.

seriously God?

2008-02-10T18:00:00.000-05:00

Dear God,

I was wondering if you could clue me into why you feel we need more snow? Another storm? Seriously? I was thinking we could maybe talk about this and "work it out".

I appreciate you expediting summer in a timely manner-- aka- the sooner the better!

I still love you though.
ck

Snowdaze!

2008-02-06T15:47:00.000-05:00

We just got sent home from work due to the intense snow storm happening here! CRAZY! They were like be sure and call the 1800 hotline to check and see if the complex will be open tomorrow. We are expecting 15-19 inches!!!

Seriously!! I don't think this is necessary-- but at least the last 9 inches we had melted 2 days ago when it was 40! Ugh-- weather!

Superwoman

2008-02-04T19:14:00.001-05:00

Today I celebrate someone special. Someone who I has helped shape me, and love me into who I am today.

Today I celebrate Superwoman... otherwise known as my mom!

It's her birthday today, and they say that as you get older you have a different appreciation for your parents and grandparents. Over the last few years my appreciation for my parents has grown immensely. While life has brought many ups and downs in the past few years.... my mom has been a voice of optimism & faith. "We will get through this"- "It doesn't make sense- but I believe God knows what He's doing". I am sure there has been nagging in there too-- but for her heart and spirit I am grateful.

They say that your life is a gift from God, and how you live it is your gift to Him. Today mom, I say you have taught, loved, believed, prayed, hoped, persisted, cared for, laughed, smiled, hugged, encouraged, cleaned up after, planned for, organized and built a life that is honorable. Yes, some days get the better of you, and that's what makes you human. Thank you for being a role model. Thank you for making me laugh. Thank you for believing I could when no one else thought it could ever happen. Thank you for picking me up when I needed to laugh. Thank you for being an amazing woman. I hope that in my life I can be half the gift you have been to me!

You deserve to be celebrated! I love you!!

maybe sheltered isnt' the right word

2008-02-04T17:23:00.001-05:00

Sounds like I just had a "craftier" childhood than most. If you are a boy and wish not to think about having a "crafty" childhood-- you can go back to the previous verbage.

I am all organized up-- I have all my scrap stuff ready to go on a "voyage" this weekend- hopefully it will not return but will be turned into money that will then be returned.

I don't have much to say today.
Working on marketing stuff.

Ohhhh Ohhhh Ohhh! I just booked a wedding for a very special sweet girl who was in my first youth group I led at the first church I worked at. I still keep in contact with her family and am super excited to capture their beautiful day! And of all things... she is marrying her prom date!! AWE!!

Off to get some dinner going and veg on the couch!

Fess up!!!

2008-02-03T15:08:00.000-05:00

I just discovered that my husband had a sheltered childhood!! Here is how the devistating realization occured.

I was in the basement going through my stuff and getting stuff ready for a scrap sale this weekend. When I stumbled upon a purchase I had made, who knows when (let's just say at least 4 years ago). Shrinky Dinks!! I shouted to Ryan as I ran up the basement stairs--- "I just found some shrinky dinks!!" "Shrinky Dinks???" he says with much confusion and skeptisizm, followed by, "What are shrinky dinks?" Oh, geez!! "You don't know what shrinky dinks are?" "no." (big sigh on my behalf-- my husband missed out on one of my greatest joys as a child!)

Soooo-- for those of you who know what they are-- I need to know I am not alone! For those of you who don't know what they are.... it's a heavy sheet of "semi- translucent paper" that either has a pre-printed picture, or you can draw/color on it (with colored pencils).
When you are ready-- you cut out around the picture and stick it in the oven (on a low temp- as instructed on the package). The picture shrinks and becomes a hard plastic. You can make magnets, key chains, jewelry (kid type). Oh so much fun

Fess up if you know what I am talking about-- if you think I am freak-- fess up then too!! :)

and your total is.... $634!!

2008-01-29T19:41:00.000-05:00

I will start off by saying that Ryan and I have a Sunday "ritual" of the following:

church
- Checking what food we have in our house
- Look through adds online (mostly meijer) to figure out what we should buy to use what we have with whats on sale to make the most affordable, healthy meals.
- Go grocery shopping at Meijer

Our problem comes to be that we often don't get there til 8 or so at night. The shelves are pretty picked over of the good things we want (cause of course they are on sale). So we get frustrate.

Well this week Ry was sick so I went by myself. I must have gone earlier than normal cause it was packed and I was able to get everything on my list.

Time for check out.... too many items to do the self scan or the 12 items or less. So I head to the "shortest" line (meaning everyone has a cart full of groceries so it's a judgment of age and competence based on appearance to try and guess which line will go fastest. So I hope in this line. The person in front of me I see has a cart full of groceries and appears to be unloading quickly and things are scanning properly. Then I see it. His wife. At the end of the lane with 2 additional carts full of groceries. He keeps unloading. LOTS of GROCERIES. I am thinking to myself. They must have like 6 kids and this must be their only "alone" time. Neither of them are "fat" or "overweight"-- but I am mentally trying to figure out how much their bill is going to be. I say to the guy. Where do you guys put all this? He replies with a sigh-- "our 4 kids". I said well you must have a big kitchen too (what kinda comment was that I think to myself.). I was just astonished.

The last item is scanned..... a 1/8 inch stack of coupons are scanned. The "u promise" card is scanned (they will need all the contributions they can get). And the total.. $635!!!! And that was after coupons. Are you kidding me? I hope they only shop once a month. I can't even imagine where you would put it all either.

So for those of you with kids... is this a shocking number to you-- or am I just hopeful that I can still be a budget meal planner/ healthy eater when we have kids some day.

*** I should add there were things like mouthwash, and detergent in there too-- but what's $50 on that stuff when you are spending 600+!!??

$634.94

2008-01-28T22:16:00.000-05:00

Check back tomorrow for the story behind the title-- I just have to say it was an eventful day at Meijer yesterday. Sometimes God has little reminders that life could be worse!

Hope everyone is having a fabulous day-- sorry I haven't blogged more-- I had a fabulous weekend with my friend Lynde. Nothin like some quality time with a good friend to put a smile on your face!

Off to finish a few things before bed. Check back tomorrow for my adventures at Meijer.
ck

A day off & countdown to the weekend

2008-01-21T20:34:00.000-05:00

I had the day off today-- it was wonderful.... mostly cause it was a nice extension to the weekend. However, I know that the rest of the week will go by super fast. It might go by fast since I am super excited about this weekend. My dear friend (who lives on the other side of the state) is coming to visit. I am sure that will make for a fabulous weekend of laughs, fun, scrapbooking, rock n bowling (we are planning to do this with Ryan-- he will pass on the scrapbooking stuff).

It's been SUPER cold- perfect for getting my scrapbook stuff I have left scanned and organized for another blitz on the scrap stuff sales blog. Keep your eyes peeled-- I will post here when I reopen the scrap stuff blog. I put a end to it before Thanksgiving cause I knew I couldn't do that and all the other projects I had going. But, I would like to get my basement back (that's where it's all laid out over the floor. But sheesh-- I have a LOT of stuff and while I got rid of a lot of it-- I have a lot left.

Not much else is going on-- I am sure I will have some pics to post after this weekend. Off to make Taco soup for this week.

Taco Soup

1 large onion, diced
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can diced tomatoes & green chiles
1 (11 ounce) canned corn with red and green peppers
1 (15 1/2 ounce) can low-fat or fat-free canned refried black beans
2 cans water (3 1/2 cups)
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 package ranch salad dressing mix (dry)

Saute' onion with vegetable oil cooking spray. When softened, combine all other ingredients and cook until heated through.

Makes 9-10 cups

D-E-LISH!

2 weeks late-- but still fun!!

2008-01-16T19:42:00.000-05:00

Here is a shot from new years weekend with some good friends-- Jonathan (read his blog here)and Erin. It was much fun to get together and just hang out-- something I miss for sure! This was a little "self portrait" of us (hard to get 4 adults in a self portrait). This was taken with my new point and shoot camera I got for xmas! Glad to have a camera to have with me no matter where!

ok-- off to get some things together!

gutting, selling.

2008-01-16T19:32:00.000-05:00

Somehow in America we tend to live beyond our means, and then store it all in our basements!! I wouldn't say we live beyond our means-- however we do seem to have a lot of CRAP in our basement. So I am gutting-- I am evaluating what we need, selling the rest, and organizing what's left.

I love it!!! I love being organized-- however, I have gotten less organized as life has gone on. I love things being clean (contrary to the mess I might leave behind when I leave a room sometime). I love having the house in order.

Do you keep things (necessary or unnecessary)? How often do you go through things and what reason do you have for keeping or getting rid of something.

CRAZY - I cleaned out our closet the other day and ended up with 4 kitchen garbage bags with clothes to take to re-sale/goodwill + hanging stuff!! WOW! I think I didn't really go through things when we moved here cause I was still not feeling well!

PS-- has anyone ever taken stuff to a re-sale to sell? I don't really know how to do it!
ck

apparently

2008-01-13T21:17:00.000-05:00

Apparently in being intentional-- I just didn't blog as much. hehehe! Well, living intentional is going great. It's about taking care of the people around me by taking care of me. There are a few key things that are helping but I won't share those for a couple months. (Just to keep you reading and to keep me motivated).

Some key things that are making my week(s) go smoother:
- Planning meals (both healthier, cheaper, and less thinking after work- always a plus)

- Grocery shopping Sunday night for everything we need for our meals (this saves time later in
the week when we used to just run to the store and get something as well as takes away the excuse that we don't have everything for a meal- so we should just go out)

- Packing my lunch- I still leave work to eat it-- but it saves me from getting something less healthy and makes me bring snacks so I can eat all day long and my blood sugar doesn't drop.

- Not eating wheat (while I am allergic- I haven't done the best at keeping to that rule-- but since the new year-- no wheat, yeast or anything. Tonight at the grocery store I almost had to can a whole recipe cause chicken broth has wheat and yeast in it--even the organic ones- crazy, I know. But we found a great low sodium, and no wheat or yeast.) All in all I feel better
so much better. I forget how crappy I feel when I eat it-- mostly cause it takes a while and the ramifications from just eating one wheat or yeast product don't necessarily do much- but after a while my body shuts down.... literally-- I don't breath well (or get winded easily)- I don't sleep well (major insomnia)- I am moodier-- my digestive system doesn't work-- and it all flashes me back to when I was sooooo sick (almost 2 years ago-- It kind of makes me sick to think it's taken me this long to kick myself in gear-- but I will not let that stop me- I am going forward)

- Date nights- Ryan and I are committing to making sure we are intentional about planning a night together regularly. Saturday I cooked a nice meal and we went to the cheap movies we went and saw "Fred Clause". I love the cheap movies.
Next weekend we are going to go to see the Calvin alumni improv team-- a good laugh for sure.
And in two weeks my dear friend Lynde is coming to town-- I am sooooooo excited. Fun for sure that weekend.

These things are all part of my living intentionally. I feel healthier mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally. Here is to going forward!

Is it really January???

2008-01-07T19:09:00.000-05:00

I am NOT complaining! I went to work and it was 54 degrees at 8 am. I came home and it was 64. CRAZY!!

Now the show I had on tv- is interupted for a breaking weather alert-- we are under a TORNADO warning! WHAT!?? Seriously-- not suposed to hit here-- already hit in wisconson, and it's headed to Muskegon. CRAZY!

Anyway. It made me have spring fever. I love storms-- I hope it thunders tonight!
ck

living intentionally: friendships. self.

2008-01-06T14:37:00.000-05:00

I think I have decided that I will expand a little bit more on living intentionally-- but I will do it by topics. I guess they are topics that I have just separated in my head as areas that I can be more improved, and intentional about life. (disclaimer: the following may be considered verbal diarrhea, but they are my thoughts- so read at your own will)

Friends.
I am an extravert-- I know that is just a HUGE surprise for most of you-- (ok, if you are surprised you don't know me at all!!) So, friends are a big deal. I have always had lots of people who I call friends. I have always been involved in lots of things..... until I graduated from college. Then my life became work. I had a job that didn't allow me a schedule to get involved in a diversity of activities-- nor did I really know where or what to get involved in. The things I could always think of pertained to my job. So my social life & work & faith were all in one big lump. Not that they should be separate-- but when you feel like everything is your job-- it's not good.

So now that I am married-- working a new job--- involved in a faith that's real and sincere-- what does my social life look like? Pretty non-existent! I know part of that is getting older, part of that is being unmotivated and uninvolved, part of that is my own fear of giving and being burned again, part of it is just change in life & location.

I want to focus on friendships and connecting with people in 2008. I want to recognize this as something that energizes me- something that is important to me (and Ryan). So we want to be intentional about getting involved in a house church (small group). I want to be intentional about following up with friends, encouraging them (and not just counting on them). I think in giving in this way-- I will become again more grounded than I have been in the past few years. I want to be fully present in all my relationships-- not worried about what else is going on, what's next, etc-- simple be in the moment.

Self.
oh where do I start--- this should be a whole post in itself-- but in reality these things are all interrelated and will help me live intentionally.
On our wedding day, one of the only parts of the message I remember was Chris (our pastor) talking about Ryan and I sitting on the front porch in rocking chairs when we are older and realizing that each day we had been married- we woke up and were the best person we could be, as well as we did our best to help the other person be the best they could be.
For being the only part I remember-- I haven't done my part very well. (Now, before some of you quickly sigh and respond that's not true). I am a good wife. I am supportive, hardworking, loving and encouraging. That is not what I am talking about. In the almost 3 years we have been married most of it has been rough. In the first year-Ryan lost his job right before we got married. I was sick almost the whole year (depressed, fatigued, memory loss, weight gain, stomach issues), a year filled with diagnosis after diagnosis. Finally in the second year they figured it out, I lost my job, we moved, I got a new job. This year has been the best yet- even with devastating news of fertility issues. We are just starting to really feel grounded I think. The area I want to focus on in 2008 is being the best I can be. Focusing on taking care of myself. Focus on getting healthy. I know that is "everyone's resolution". But for me it's more than a weight loss issue. It's a mental issue. It's a discipline issue. It's a respect for myself and God issue.

All in all (if you are still reading)-- I want each day to be about being intentional- being present in the present-- not worried about tomorrow or stressing about what happened yesterday. I don't want to just react to life- I want to thinking through decisions and how they will effect me, those around me. I believe I have a renewed gift this year--- that's my life, my personality- and my relationships. I want to live in those things & build on those blessings.

Do here is to the present!

Living intentionally

2008-01-04T18:00:00.000-05:00

I know life being crazy is no excuse not to blog--- so here is a post to tide you over. I have lots of ducks to get in a row this weekend. I have been super stressed at work for reasons I can't discuss. I will just say lots of tension, lots of rumors, back stabbing, caddy drama about sums it up! So pretty much it's just like my old job at the church now!

But it's a new year. I am trying to start off on the right foot--- and my goal for this year isn't a list of goals (well maybe in my head there are things I need to do for this to happen)- but my goal this year is for my life motto to be "LIVE INTENTIONALLY"

After much thought, reflection, over analyzing, and prayer as to why I always feel stressed, worried, and caught off guard when life comes my way-- i realized it's cause I am not living intentionally. What does that mean----? More on that later. I have lots to get done so that I can live intentionally and start fresh and that means finishing up these wedding proofs from early December!!

I hope you all had a great new year-- oh yea- I have pictures of that too!

I will post again soon! Off to live intentionally!

why can't life be easy.... or at least moderate??

2007-12-29T15:03:00.000-05:00

I feel like over the past few years (say 5-6) my life is either one big up or one big down. No, steady going along as normal. Mind you I don't know what "normal" is. I don't know that our culture knows what "normal" is- well, at least I don't want to accept what "normal" might include.

I have been thinking and praying a lot about life-- what I like, don't like, need to change, want to change, what I can do better, etc. Ya know, it's that time of year- New Years resolutions.

So stay tuned. I might have unrealistic expectations- but it's time my life get put together and not be so "on the brink of who knows what" every other second.

This isn't the person/ life I thought I would be/ have when I grew up. Maybe this year I can start the curve toward a better me and a better life, faith, marriage, friendships, bank account and so much more. I am a control freak-- I want things to go the way I think they should in my head-- when they don't I feel like a failure. I need to work on that!

Stay tuned for a prescription for the new me! If it doesn't happen now-- my life will change completely in some very bad ways.

Merry Christmas!!

2007-12-24T15:28:00.000-05:00

I hope you all have a fabulous Christmas. Ryan and I will be enjoying time together and then with my family later in the week.

I hope that each of you finds the center of your holiday to be the real reason-- the birth of Christ our Savior.

"He had a different kind of faith. He had a different kind of Kingdom. He wore a different kind of Crown."

A friend of mine had this up the other day.
"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved.”
[Ephesians 2:4-5]

We celebrate a baby boy being born in a manger, the reason for grace. How do we celebrate this happy occasion? Is it by sitting around a tree? Is it by ripping open presents as fast as we can? As you get older Christmas time only gets more chaotic and hectic. It becomes easier and easier to lose your focus. You have presents to buy and desserts to be made. There are so many obstacles to prevent us from focusing on Christ. We are given tasks and deadlines for items we must buy and meals we must fix which is divine as long as we remember. Remember why we do these things for our loved ones. We are celebrating the fact that we are made new in Christ, this baby boy who was sent from up above. We cannot forget the happy occasion that brings us together. Through His humanity we have been saved. Grace became flesh and was wrapped in swaddling clothes. There is no better reason to celebrate for we are no longer dead but alive because of this infant savior. Emmanuel – God with us.

Merry Christmas!

A little less stress....

2007-12-23T22:04:00.000-05:00

I have been stressing about this album and getting it on time since when I ordered it the estimated shipping date was later than it should have been. But to my merry Christmas the book was shipped today!! YAY! That means I should get it in Wednesday. Perfect!!! Now, because I am worried old me, I am just worried that it got printed right and the quality is good!

I will keep you posted!
ck

cutie--

2007-12-20T22:38:00.000-05:00

A couple weeks ago when I was in the Lansing area shooting a wedding-- I had the oportunity to spend some time with my dear friend and her cute baby. It was the night before the wedding and at 11:00 she was wide awake and soooo happy! Isn't she sooo happy!!!

Thanks to my Husband I am much closer to being ready for Christmas- he got all the shopping done today and now I just have to finish up getting his stuff. What a guy I tell you!!

I finished the album-- it turned out great-- just waiting for the actual published copy to arrive so I can HURRY it over to them for their Anniversary!

Now I am on to gradually going through the wedding photos and getting proofs ready as well as a special project for my Grandparents.

I will post more pics of the album on my photo blog once he gives it to her--- it's a surprise!!

ok-- done spitting all the thoughts in my head out onto the computer! Maybe I can get some sleep tonight- I am running' a little low on sleep.

If I don't blog again soon-- Have a GREAT Christmas!!!

ck

done

2007-12-19T06:18:00.000-05:00

In a way I feel as though I have just run a marathon. Only it consisted of working running home and sitting in front of the computer for more work. But I am done! I finished the book-- a total of 76 pages of funky couple bliss!

He loves it-- it's off to the printer-- praying that mail and printing cooperate. It should be here in time for me to get it to him for his Anniversary.
They are a super fun couple and really inspire me to be a better person. They are funny, genuine, faith filled, encouraging, and loving. On the funny note please click the above image to enlarge and check out their HILARIOUS Christmas cards-- please notice the faces of the people their baby is eating. HAHAHA!

Anyway- I am off to go finish my dish to bring to the potluck at work. Oh- and as closure to the drama at work-- we have no bosses anymore :( Truly a sad story-- if it was going to happen at any job I have had-- these are not the bosses I would have wanted to go. Let alone right before Christmas. Many prayers for them right now.

Ok- no focus on Christmas.
ck

what have i been doing????

2007-12-15T07:30:00.000-05:00

Christmas shopping? nope
Getting in the Christmas spirit? nope
Baking? nope

I really haven't even thought about Christmas. I seem to have over committed myself for December and I have been working on a project for a videographer I met in October who liked my work. I am putting an album together as a surprise for his Wife on their 5 year anniversary.

Here is a glimpse at a couple pages.
I'm having a lot of fun doing it--- the end product will be an 8x10 album hard cover coffee table album. A true keepsake for them and their loved ones.

Hope you are ready for Christmas!
ck

Fight Terrorism-- Buy a chair

2007-12-09T20:01:00.000-05:00

Went to church tonight and heard about this furnature co. in Moraco- well they are in Michigan right now-- but moving to Moraco to help the poor people have jobs and feed their families.

Check out their story and their stuff

http://greensaharafurniture.com/handcrafted.html

(for some reason the link thing isn't working-- cut & paste address or google Green Sahara Furniture)

ck

whiped out!

2007-12-09T15:28:00.000-05:00

I shot (as in photographed-- not hunted) a wedding this weekend. It was tons of fun-- however I am super tired and feeling like I am totally over committed right now.

So I am sorry if i am sparse in the blogging-- I am sorry.

What fun did you have this weekend?

ck

A gift?

2007-12-05T20:16:00.000-05:00

In my post the other day I made reference to the fact that this is the season most contradictory in the church-- it's about peace, patiently waiting, excitement-- three things that we (as adults) don't often feel when December hits. The holiday rush with shopping and keeping up with the neighborhood lights and decorations, holiday parties, gift giving (which can often be out of pressure to give to co-workers, and others who give to you- that you might not had any intention of giving to). You see out focus has gotten lost! Our focus has shifted from grateful and appreciative to consumers who won't be "happy" no matter what. There is always that thought in the back of our heads.... "if I just had this".

The message at church on Sunday was awesome. Chris Seay a pastor from Houston was our guest preacher and he rocked. He was hilarious-- but int he end his words tugged at my heart and got me thinking about my own life. He talked about a mother having a baby (I know there are several of you expectant mom's who read). The last month he says the anxiety and expectation and worry, and excitement that it could be any day is amazing. When I think of that I think of Mary and how difficult it must have been to be her and how much of her life was in "upheaval" at the time (especially in the last month of her preg.).

It's funny that during Thanksgiving we focus on how blessed we are - and the next day we seem to forget that as we rush to the mall and stack our carts full of our "must haves".

Mars Hill (our church) has a advent link online (click here). The page on gratefulness says this: "If the only prayer you say in your entire life is 'Thank You,'" wrote Meister Eckhart, “that would suffice." As I look ahead to what we will spend on Christmas and who is the One we celebrate and how are we celebrating- how are we showing that gift. I think of the many things that we could do to honor him as part of the season. There are so many who won't have any gifts this Christmas (and yet many will be more grateful than you or I).

I remember as a child collecting gifts for children who wouldn't have any- I remeber going to the woman & children's shelter with my mom and taking Santa Bears from Hudson's-- that would be put on some child's bed on Christmas morning and that would be the thing that lit their eyes with excitement. I also remember taking gifts up at "Jesus' Birthday Part" at church-- those gifts also went to some child who otherwise wouldn't have a Christmas.

Who would Jesus give to? The least of these. What do you do to give back at Christmas? I haven't decided in what way we will give back this year-- maybe it will be through the potters house (a inner city ministry at our church). Maybe it will be giving to the Z project at Mars. Maybe it will be serving dinner to some homeless people on Christmas morning. Regardless of what it is-- I want it to honor God. I want it to be our OFFERING.

What do you do to prepare and get your family ready for Christmas (an advent calendar, drive around looking at lights, family celebrations, etc)? Do you do anything in your community?

Regrets--

2007-12-04T17:26:00.000-05:00

I always say I don't regret things in my life because I think that they have all made me into the person that I am today... however I am sure we have all done stupid things.

Take these boys for example. I am sure they think that it is more than "cool" that they made this video and put it on youtube. While they can't dance, they did really spend some time on this.

My brother and I as well as my cousins used to make videos when we were younger of us singing or dancing to songs. We have a classic clip of my cousin and I... I am doing cartwheels in the background while my cousin and I are singing "Like a Virgin" by Madonna. SERIOUSLY-- while I would have likely thought it was cool at the time to put it on you tube-- I think it would have come back to haunt me.

Did you do any stupid things with your siblings when you were younger? Oh boy I think I could go on and on.

what's on your list?

2007-12-02T11:11:00.000-05:00

Having worked in a church there was not a busier time in the year than Christmas-- which is a little contradictory to what the season is about. But-- it's a reality.

I will have some more thought about consumerism later this week-- but for today I wanted to say--- what's on your list?

There are many things I want-- most of which I could buy. There are a couple things that I would love to have-
1) Canon 40D

2)Subscription to Digital Scrapbooking Magazine

But for those of you who just aren't sure what you might want--- here are a few things that I have no idea who would want-- but they are gauranteed to make you laugh!

In case you wanted something "exciting" in your bathroom! However isn't the toilet every fishes greatest nightmare-- it is after all where we "bury" them.

(FYI- the toilet tank is seperate from the fish bowl-- no fish are harmed in the flushing process)

Do you stand on your feet all day-- what better thing to come home, sit down on the couch and strap into these:
Because I am sure none of you have anything to do when you get home and you can just sit on the couch looking fabulous in these when your hubby comes home!

or if you have a headache maybe you can play power ranger and strap this gizmo on your head for a massage.

If that doesn't work try these:This is an "eyezone" massager-- I think it's just a good excuse not to see the mess in your house.

And for when you don't have the stress of work but are out playing on the golf course and want to relax and not pay too much for beer or wait for the beer cart to come around-- you can always get this:

And for all you mom's out there who can only get peace and quiet in the bathroom (and that's only if you are lucky). Or all you guys who just want an excuse to stay in there a little longer-- You don't need the Nintendo DS brain age-- you can just slip away and do this:
I hope I have helped you get a good laugh- for those of you who don't like gadgets and would prefer clothes-- there is always this:

Please- leave me your thoughts on these and other "fabulous" gifts that you have seen or heard of!

Have a fabulous Sunday!

So this is Christmas

2007-11-30T20:55:00.000-05:00

I love this song-- it's been historically remade by MANY people. But originally it was written and done by John Lennon.

So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
A new one's just begun
And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

A very Merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

And so this is Christmas
For weak and for strong
For rich and the poor ones
The world is so wrong
And so Happy Christmas
For black and for white
For yellow and red ones
Let's stop all the fight

A very Merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

Without any fear
Without any fear
Without any fear
Without any fear

And so this is Christmas
And what have we done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so Happy Christmas
We hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

A very Merry Christmas
And a Happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

This is more of a "new years resolution" question. And I am sure this song means so much more to those who lived right after the war-- but for me this is a song about a new year-- and reflection on the past year.
"And what have you done? Another year over, A new one's just begun."

A happy christmas for all people-- rich, poor, black, white. I think about those who feel more than lucky just to have a roof over their heads. And yet we take that and so much for granted.

When you think about this year- this Christmas- think about the story you have created in your life for the past year. What do you want to add to your story this year.

Life is our story-- what will you write!?
"Happy Christmas-- Happy Friday"
ck

grrr-- I hate sprint!

2007-11-30T18:32:00.000-05:00

once again-- my phone doesn't work-- half the time we have system issues-- we don't get all our voicemails (even thought I am not good at checking them-- I should still get the ones that are left for me). GRR!

We have been waiting til Ryan's contract runs up in January so we can get a joint account somewhere. HOWEVER- we don't know what company to go with. I have had sprint as long as I have had a cell (11yrs). I lean towards Altel. Everyone has Verizon-- however I have heard bad stuff about their service (although Sprint's isn't good either).

Who do you have your cell phone's through? Do you like them? Do you think they are reasonable?

Details of Christmas

2007-11-29T18:42:00.000-05:00

So here are a few of my favorite details of Christmas. At least so far at our house.

The star on top of our tree-- our tree lit in white lights- reflecting in the window. :) The willow tree manger. I don't collect willow tree- however I love the manger. Ryan's Grandma got me the whole thing the first year we were together. A great gift to remind me of the reason for Christmas.

These are new this year. Well at least in this house. I bought these mirrors at ikea before we moved and just recently put them up in the bathroom (I had other plans when I bought them-- but they work great here) The words hanging are hope. joy. peace. I love that Joy is in focus. I think that we can stay joyous if we keep focused on the true meaning of Christmas.

Hope you are all having a great week!
ck

Multi tasking

2007-11-28T21:59:00.001-05:00

NO I am not decorating old friends. I am working on decorating the house for Christmas- processing some orders. Doing laundry from our trip. Trying to do our own Christmas cards.

My list goes on and on. But I love the house decorated for Christmas. I will post some pics of my favorite details tomorrow.

What is your favorite Christmas detail at your house?
ck

Christmas song 1

2007-11-27T17:53:00.000-05:00

So I decided that I am going to do about 14 posts on my favorite unique or refelctive Christmas songs between now and Christmas. Each one will have a thought or reflection to go with it as well as the lyrics and (if I can find a decent one) a youtube clip.

The styles of music will vary. The message will be that of the Hope of Christmas. If you would like a "gift" that has to do with this series let me know by emailing me at cksun876@yahoo.com

Today I will start with one of my favorites. Every year one of the first Christmas CD's I put in is my Nicole C Mullen "Christmas in Black and White" cd. It's up beat. It's funky. It's awesome. It inspires me to celebrate.

However there is one song that speaks to my heart. The lyrics speak to the humbleness of Christmas. The amazing Grace that Christ would come and be one of us- so that we could have an amazing life.

This clip isn't the greatest quality- but the idea that the girl is signing the lyrics speaks to the idea that what we bring to God is our lives. What we do with our hands. What we do with our passions. What we do when we aren't saying anything at all.

Once upon a long night, after a hard ride, somewhere in Bethlehem
A baby breaks the silence sweetly he's crying I AM EMMANUEL
Then angels gave him music
Shepherds gave reverence and a message to the land
A widow held and cherished the God who became a man

Oh Lamb of God
Oh Prince of Peace
What tribute shall I bring to worship thee?
I have no gold to lay at your feet
So Lamb of God I offer me

Can you see the wise men?
A star did guide them searching all the earth
Till they found the one child the very Godchild who ruled the universe
Did they know the lady's little baby was God and fully man
And everything they gave him he himself had made with his hands?

Oh Lamb of God
Oh Prince of Peace
What tribute shall I bring to worship thee?
I have no gold to lay at your feet
So Lamb of God I offer me

I bring you all my hopes
I bring you all my dreams
I give you all my soul my mind and all my strength
I wrap them all inside my heart to give to thee
AND I come
O come let us adore him
O come let us adore him
O come let us adore him Christ

Oh Lamb of God oh Prince of Peace
What tribute shall I bring to worship thee?
I have no gold to lay at your feet
So Lamb of God may I offer me

See have no gold to lay at your feet so Lamb of God
Please let me offer me

Lamb of God I offer me

I know some of your aren't sure about this "God", yet celebrate the beauty of Christmas. I would ask that this year you look at the story. You look at the reason why we celebrate. Look at the reason you are here. What are you doing with your life?

Today I am reminded that as I start decorating my house, get down to being "efficient" and checking things off my to do list.... that what I need to remember is where my heart is.

So the thought that weighs on my heart today (as I played this song on repeat in my car on my way home). is that as I plan for Christmas, as I plan for a new year and start making resolutions (which may or may not be kept) That the resolution and mindset that would shape me would be these words from the song "I bring you all my hopes. I bring you all my dreams. I give you all my soul my mind and all my strength. I wrap them all inside my heart to give to thee. AND I come-and adore him"

The thought of remembering everyday is a blessing. Everyday is a gift. I have nothing even close to worthy-- but God asks for my life. He wants me to have fun. He wants me to enjoy every minute he has given me. He doesn't want me to be stressed by work or burdens-- he says- trust me-- And with that I come-- and adore him.

ck

Blessed.

2007-11-26T19:40:00.000-05:00

As I explained before Thanksgiving- Ryan and I feel so blessed that we have all of our grandparents still around in our lives. This weekend we had the chance to catch up with My grandparents.

I have discovered that in my life I wear many hats. I play various roles, some of which I am better at than others. Some of which I enjoy more than others. But at the end of the day when Ry and I are settled in for the night I have gotten things done (usually not all that I wanted to- but I have checked things off my list). I play back my day through my head. Throughout last weekend those roles didn't change. Some called me aunt, wife, daughter, sister, cousin, hard worker, over stresser, creative, perfectionist, crazy, planner, leader, friend. But in each and every one of those things---- I can sum up the role I think discribes me the best.

BLESSED.

This is one of many pictures I captured this weekend. I love the joy in their eyes. The love that you can see between them. My grandparents are both in their 80's and my other grandparents in their 90's. A true blessing! They have taught me to love. They have taught us what marriage looks like. What hard work looks like. What faith is. They have been married for over 65 years (I hope to just live that long). And most of all they are happy. Age has come. Life has come. And they have passed on a life that anyone could only imagine! Thanks to my parents. To Grandma and Grandpa. To mimi and gramps. It was great to see you-- we are praying for you all. Gramps get better- we love you!!

On the way home I heard on of my favorite songs. I couldn't find a good you tube clip of it but this girl (Rachael Lampa) has an amazing voice. The lyrics speak to my heart: "I am Blessed" by Rachael Lampa

I may never climb a mountain so I can see the world from there
I may never ride the waves and taste the salty ocean air
Or build a bridge, that would last a hundred years
But no matter where the road leads
One thing is always clear

I am blessed, I am blessed
From when I rise up in the morning
Til I lay my head to rest
I feel You near me
You sooth me when I'm weary
Oh Lord, for all the worst and all the best
I am blessed

All along the road less traveled, I have crawled and I have run
I have wandered through the wind and rain until I found the sun
The watching eyes asked me why, I walked this narrow way
I will gladly give the reason
For the hope I have today

I am blessed, I am blessed
From when I rise up in the morning
Til I lay my head to rest
I feel You near me
You sooth me when I'm weary
Oh Lord, for all the worst and all the best
I am blessed

You've given me joy
You've given me love
You give me strength when I want to give up
You came from Heaven to rescue my soul
This is the reason I know
I know

When all is said and done-- I am blessed! And for that I am thankful!

I think that from now til the end of the month (maybe longer) I am going to focus on unique Christmas songs that rock! I have a few in mind-- and hey if you have one-- let me know about it!

ck

Home again, Home again,

2007-11-25T21:09:00.001-05:00

We are back home after a great trip to celebrate Thanksgiving and my grandpa's 85th birthday!! It was great! I am swamped in family pictures to go through. Christmas cards to create and some other loose ends to tie up.

How was your Thanksgiving!? Hope you found yourself surrounded by family and many blessings!
ck

Have a great Thanksgiving

2007-11-21T14:59:00.001-05:00

Off to enjoy time with the family! 8 Hours on the road and many hours of family time ahead!

enjoy!
ck

Feeling blessed

2007-11-20T17:45:00.000-05:00

As the holidays come around I find myself both in a hurry and busy and loving the thrill of every minute (even if it overwhelms me sometimes).

Today I can say that I am trying to find blessings in a grey rainy day. Why is that a blessing? Cause at this time last year we had already had at least 2 major snow storms. It hasn't snowed yet (knock on wood). We are going to be traveling in decent weather (wet- but not ice/freezing rain/ snow) and we are going to have the opporutnity to see family that we haven't seen in a few years.

Why-- to celebrate Thanksgiving of course-- but more importantly one of the biggest blessings in my life. My Grandfather. Now if you had asked me 20 years ago if I felt blessed to have my grandparents (yes, I still have all 4 as does Ryan and his family- pretty good for 2 people in their 30's) I would have said yes. It wouldn't have been however the same profound "yes" that I would respond with today.

As I have gotten older I have learned to appreciate and value the things that they did to raise my parents to be awesome people. And on top of that the love and prayers they have offered and believed for each of their grandchildren and great grandchildren. A legacy beyond measure. A wisdom that is gained only in time and years. A blessing that couldn't be matched by anything!

So today I am thankful for rainy days (cause it's not snowing & I have lots to get done) and for blessings of family that have lifted me up in faith, prayer, love, and wisdom.

ck

this might be a short post....

2007-11-19T18:13:00.000-05:00

Cause I feel a wee bit of freedom after being tied down and sick for the last week or so--- I have a TON to do before we take off for thanksgiving! Sooo I made my list (I work best from lists and yes, I do add things that I did if they weren't already on there-- sometimes I even put routine things like "shower" on there)

Anyway, I am quirky! So since I have been out of work-at 5 I have come home brought the trash cans up-- cleaned out my car (in spite of the rain)-- got the mail-- packaged up some sold scrap goods-- took them to the post office and ate dinner. Yes, it's only 6:15 and I live 20 min from work!! I am rockin the list tonight!

I am in the zone and of course on my list was to blog--- cause it's still NABLOPOMO!!! I am doing well-- I haven't missed a day yet- even when I was sick.

Well-- I am off to keep being efficient. Have a great night--
leave me some love in the comments!

getting organized!

2007-11-18T10:44:00.000-05:00

I used to be one of the most orgainized people ever. I used to go to friends houses to play and some how convince them we needed to clean their room (cause that would be fun) and organize their drawers. (I was a freak child!- the parents loved me though). Anyway. In high school I was a planner. I had a planner that had my every bit of life in it. (one time I left it on top of my car and drove off-- it ended up as loose paper in the road- it was not a good thing). Anyway- Somehow, as I have grown up I have become less organized. Why? I don't know!

I have some thoughts.
- when I was younger I juggled work, school, friends, church, babysitting, etc. Many things on the schedule. When I got older I had work.
- I had more time to sit down and think through how I wanted my day to be. (I don't know that I have less time now, or I'm more exhausted, or I just don't have the motivation cause I am not juggling as diverse of a schedule)

Whatever the reason. I do need to get organized. I go through spurts. I get organized- get busy- forget about keeping up with "organized" and then catch up/ or regret not being organized later.

I am fully admitting that I am a type A personality. I like to know what's going on-- how it will happen, who is involved, how it will play out. Maybe in my life I have realized that those things don't really stay the way I play them out in my head- so why waist my time. But there is some comfort in knowing that I tried to "prepare" in my head (not sure if that's anxiety or wisdom).

So today-- (as my husband has left for some Christmas shopping) I am going to get organized. Make some goals for myself. Figure out a game plan to stick with them. Plan some meals. Budget some stuff. Figure out how to get rid of some unneeded "stuff" we have in our basement (aka- try and sell it!). And see if I can get on the organized train before the crazy holiday season (I am kind of panicking for all I have committed to in December and before Christmas). I will get done. I will do it well. I just have to plan for it!

Sorry for this rambling post-- just getting my thoughts out there. Maria- I know that you are disapointed that I don't have my clothes on color coded hangers anymore-- I guess maybe I am just normal now. :)

ck

TV.... is it life imitating are or art imitating life?

2007-11-17T13:11:00.000-05:00

Well-- that is the question I guess. Since Ryan and I have been sick we have been watching more TV. There are always the typical tv shows we watch... CSI (all of them), Law and order, Two and a half Men (Brad you gotta watch this-- the boy is totally Jake.). And our newest addition is "The Big Bang Theory". Now to understand why we like this show so much is to know my husband maybe a little bit more. He is a science geek (I mean that in the nicest way honey). He has a degree in Chemical engineering, worked in pharmacutical research for a few years and before that he worked at a flavor company making flavors for things like "lime coke" and more. This explains a lot of his picky taste and his ability to pick ANY spice or flavor out of a meal.

Anyway, when the previews for "The Big Bang Theory" came on-- I thought it looked funny. It's about 4 single science geeks who live together and have a "hot" neighbor across the hall. The guys all talk way over everyones head and lack common sense. While my hubby does talk way over my head sometimes- he doesn't lack common sense, or people skills (hence why he rocks at working in a pharmacy).

Anyway. (sorry for the random rambling- it's my non-science brain at work). We watch the show and I think it's hilarious- so does Ryan , but he relates on a different level than me.

SOOOOOO-- I want to announce to you--- my husbands blog:
The Big Bang Theory
I am sure you will get a good laugh out of the most recent posts- about "talk sex with Sue" another late night show that we found when we were sick-- Oh there is something just funny about at 70 year old lady talking sex with such enthusiasum! Ryan writes more about the humor we found in the commercials.

Once I figure out how to put a link in the side bar again-- I will add his and Lynde's & Heathers.

Soo-- I hope that provides you a laugh for the moment. I am feeling a little better- the steroids seem to be kicking in and I am coughing up a storm (and a bunch of "yuck"). I hope to be better by the time we leave for Thanksgiving. Being around the grandparents while sick doesn't seem like a good idea.

So from the artsy half of the relationship--- I say goodbye-- be inspired to be whoever you are today- regardless of any crazy Hollywood stereo types.

As Donna Downey says-- you are beautiful just the way you create!
Have a great day! I am off to disinfect my house!

Just call me Barry....

2007-11-16T12:34:00.000-05:00

... bonds that is! UGH- I went to work and came home early yesterday. Today woke up feeling even worse, (day 3 of antibiotics), called the dr. . The receptionist sent me into panic cause she could hardly hear my raspy voice on the phone when all I wanted was a possible different antibiotic and an inhaler. But no, here is our conversation

me: yes, I was in on Wednesday morning to see dr. and i have been on antibiotics since then....
receptionist: (not letting me finish my sentence).... you sound like you are wheezing, are you wheezing?
me: yes I am having trouble breathing (thinking in my head- duh- I am sick and I have had trouble breathing the whole time)
receptionist: are you an asthmatic?
me: just when I have bronchitis.
receptionist: where do you normally go for breathing treatments
me: I don't - (at this point I am freaked cause her panic has made me question if I am going to die in the next 5 seconds). I only have problems when I have bronchitis
receptionsst: well, you need to go to er or urgent care immediatly. What's your name?
me: (Tell her my name)
receptionist: Ok-- you need to go to er right now, ok? Ok.

Yea, so anyway. I left work again today (nice that I don't get paid for sick time). Went to er. Got a breathing treatment. Started hacking up a lung. Got x-rays. Got prescription for steroids (hence the Barry Bonds comment) and an inhaler.

Hopefully I will be on the mend by tomorrow-- for now... I am going to bed!
ck