Greetings!
I woke up to a beautiful day today. It was 6am and I woke up happy! Close friends and family are probably picking up their chins right now because that rarely happens. But today it did.
My soul sensed that everything was going to be okay. I must've just really tapped into that as I brought myself out of dream world just in time to click off the alarm before it buzzed (it's a knack that I'm proud of btw).
The day started as I walked into Jamie's bedroom after getting dressed from my cool shower. He was upside down in his bed, facing the fan. Tiny, thin limbs poked in every direction and his little butt was rised ever-so-slightly. I always smile when I walk in to wake him up.
"Wake up! Wake up!" I sang to him, patting his behind and ruffling his hair. A tiny grunt and his Shrek blankie flew over his head in protest.
"No no... it's time to get up! Let's get some clothes on!" my voice dripping in cheer as I tore the blankie off his head.
"Aarrggh," he grasps for his baseball blankie this time and wraps himself as tightly and as quickly as he can before I am able to tear that one off too.
I use my best Jamie-imitiation as payback, "But JAMIE! I'm HUNgry! Get up!! Turn on Curious GEORGE for me!"
I can hear him giggle under the blanket.
If this doesn't signify a good day, I don't know what does :)
Here's a brief list of good things from today:
~ I get to plan my day at work. Keeping myself busy and organized in my own way.
~ Spoke with a good friend that I haven't talked to in awhile. Made my day :)
~ Nearly finished with my surprise for Sam and Brandon's wedding gift. I'll post pictures as soon as I can.
~ My youngest brother is spending the night. He broke his arm at a concert last Wednesday. Moshing. But still, it's cool that he's here. He's even going to watch Jamie tomorrow while I work :)
~ Jamie didn't use potty mouth today so he got to play with his skates. (potty mouth meaning: poop pee butt... not cuss words lol)
~ Knowing I'm getting paid on Friday. I'm in desparate need of a haircut.
I hope everyone else has a great day soon :)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
So much!
I regret not documenting more often lately. Things have been racing me along this summer!
I've already got 2 weddings under my belt as a photographer. At this point I think it's wise to reflect back on the experience and decide if this is the path I want to pursue. Honestly, I don't know. Weddings are overwhelming, fast-paced, wrought with emotion; all of which I can handle... I've proven that. But I think I'd like to try slowing down just a bit. Tap into my artist soul and really put some meaning into my images. I've been thinking of starting a project just for myself. The theme hasn't been decided but maybe I don't need to think in terms of themes. The images will come to me.
I've stepped back into the supervisor role at work, a very different kind of supervisor in which I'm basically supervising... merchandise. Now THAT'S my kind of leadership! It's been about a year since I stepped down as Operations Supervisor. I was asked during my hour and a half interview why I stepped down. It's so unfair to list only one reason but I had to keep it simple. Family. Had I been in a casual conversation with an old friend I might've gone into more detail but the general idea was family. When I saw the posting for Paperchase supervisor I knew it was time to snag the chance. Am I hoping to prove anything? Naw. I just need to exercise my brain :) Long stretches of time spent at the registers or cafe will leave you drained, intellectually. But I'm only speaking for myself. But I'm happy to have my own domain again!
In other news, I've been trying to teach Jamie how to read and recognize words. Tonight we read one of the Curious George Phonics books called George is Happy. I've only read this twice to him but he remembered all the words!! Darn! Just when I thought that maybe he was actually reading! But that didn't stop me from cracking up as he recited 'George is happy to pat a rabbit' word for word. Ah well, it's not like I've ever taught someone to read before, I'm no expert. But at least he will get used to having to look at the words along with the pictures.
About a month ago, we noticed pollywogs in our dried pond in the back (I say dried because it's a piece of crap that the previous owner built himself. It doesn't hold water except the top tier). Jamie was very excited to learn that they would become frogs someday. I picked up a frog habitat from Target and we set about placing a few pollywogs inside. He enjoyed peeking in occasionally. The sad part of this story come to just a few days ago when I heard him gasp and cry, "Mama! Where are my tadpoles??" I motioned for Mike to come over as well since he's more of the animal-boy-pet-expert than I am. "Jamie... did you put soap in here?"
The moral of this particular story is: don't feed tadpoles dish soap. They'll dissolve...like grease! Sad! Once we're sure the habitat is sanitized, we'll refil with new tadpoles and give Jamie another chance. I think he's learned his lesson. Only time will tell. :)
I should probably write a little about our short vacation in Cannon Beach, Oregon! Mike had a few days off before the fourth of July holiday (also his birthday) and I decided to take a few personal days from work as well. We found out that Mike's aunt's husband has a vacation house RIGHT on the beach in Cannon Beach! How sweet! They were super excited to have us come and spend two days with them. The drive from Buckley to the beach took about 3 hours. Jamie promptly started in with, "Are we there yet?" in which we quickly replied, "No and if you ask again you're not going to the beach until tomorrow". It worked. It was a bummer that it was overcast during our stay but it certainly didn't diminish our wonder of this beautiful spot. Pat and Noreen welcomed us warmly into the cute little two story bunglow. We set down our things and they lead us out the side road right to the beach! You know how you see those movies with beach houses and they have this sandy entrance flanked with cute fences and tall, beachy grass? Well, that's what this looked like. It was perfect. The next day, Pat and Noreen took us to Ecola Nat'l Park to explore the beach at low tide and see all the sealife. I think I can speak for Mike and Jamie by saying, we'll be back soon!! We LOVED it! :)
I hope this long post will tide everyone over until next time...
I've already got 2 weddings under my belt as a photographer. At this point I think it's wise to reflect back on the experience and decide if this is the path I want to pursue. Honestly, I don't know. Weddings are overwhelming, fast-paced, wrought with emotion; all of which I can handle... I've proven that. But I think I'd like to try slowing down just a bit. Tap into my artist soul and really put some meaning into my images. I've been thinking of starting a project just for myself. The theme hasn't been decided but maybe I don't need to think in terms of themes. The images will come to me.
I've stepped back into the supervisor role at work, a very different kind of supervisor in which I'm basically supervising... merchandise. Now THAT'S my kind of leadership! It's been about a year since I stepped down as Operations Supervisor. I was asked during my hour and a half interview why I stepped down. It's so unfair to list only one reason but I had to keep it simple. Family. Had I been in a casual conversation with an old friend I might've gone into more detail but the general idea was family. When I saw the posting for Paperchase supervisor I knew it was time to snag the chance. Am I hoping to prove anything? Naw. I just need to exercise my brain :) Long stretches of time spent at the registers or cafe will leave you drained, intellectually. But I'm only speaking for myself. But I'm happy to have my own domain again!
In other news, I've been trying to teach Jamie how to read and recognize words. Tonight we read one of the Curious George Phonics books called George is Happy. I've only read this twice to him but he remembered all the words!! Darn! Just when I thought that maybe he was actually reading! But that didn't stop me from cracking up as he recited 'George is happy to pat a rabbit' word for word. Ah well, it's not like I've ever taught someone to read before, I'm no expert. But at least he will get used to having to look at the words along with the pictures.
About a month ago, we noticed pollywogs in our dried pond in the back (I say dried because it's a piece of crap that the previous owner built himself. It doesn't hold water except the top tier). Jamie was very excited to learn that they would become frogs someday. I picked up a frog habitat from Target and we set about placing a few pollywogs inside. He enjoyed peeking in occasionally. The sad part of this story come to just a few days ago when I heard him gasp and cry, "Mama! Where are my tadpoles??" I motioned for Mike to come over as well since he's more of the animal-boy-pet-expert than I am. "Jamie... did you put soap in here?"
The moral of this particular story is: don't feed tadpoles dish soap. They'll dissolve...like grease! Sad! Once we're sure the habitat is sanitized, we'll refil with new tadpoles and give Jamie another chance. I think he's learned his lesson. Only time will tell. :)
I should probably write a little about our short vacation in Cannon Beach, Oregon! Mike had a few days off before the fourth of July holiday (also his birthday) and I decided to take a few personal days from work as well. We found out that Mike's aunt's husband has a vacation house RIGHT on the beach in Cannon Beach! How sweet! They were super excited to have us come and spend two days with them. The drive from Buckley to the beach took about 3 hours. Jamie promptly started in with, "Are we there yet?" in which we quickly replied, "No and if you ask again you're not going to the beach until tomorrow". It worked. It was a bummer that it was overcast during our stay but it certainly didn't diminish our wonder of this beautiful spot. Pat and Noreen welcomed us warmly into the cute little two story bunglow. We set down our things and they lead us out the side road right to the beach! You know how you see those movies with beach houses and they have this sandy entrance flanked with cute fences and tall, beachy grass? Well, that's what this looked like. It was perfect. The next day, Pat and Noreen took us to Ecola Nat'l Park to explore the beach at low tide and see all the sealife. I think I can speak for Mike and Jamie by saying, we'll be back soon!! We LOVED it! :)
I hope this long post will tide everyone over until next time...
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Foo Fighters
Absolutely AMAZING! These guys know how to really make a concert enjoyable! They kept playing and playing and chatting... Grohl (Lead)is a great performer. The only thing I have to say that I didn't like were the white strobe lights! Heidi and I secured our seats in what she calls, the Nosebleed section right in front of the stage. Being so high up, we caught a lot of direct strobe lights right in the eyes... Other than that, it was memorable.
While, I didn't smack on my Foo Fighters fake tattoo like I threatened, I did purchase a cool black zip-up sweatshirt :)
Heidi, not being a fan of Foo Fighters, seemed to enjoy herself too. She even sang along to the few songs that she knew.
Thanks Heidi, for the Birthday present! I'll always remember it!
On a separate note, my new site is nearly finished! Feel free to head on over and take a look! The links at the top aren't in working order yet because there are no pages created but the main page is lookin' good. Let me know what you think!
Another Fine Mess Photography
While, I didn't smack on my Foo Fighters fake tattoo like I threatened, I did purchase a cool black zip-up sweatshirt :)
Heidi, not being a fan of Foo Fighters, seemed to enjoy herself too. She even sang along to the few songs that she knew.
Thanks Heidi, for the Birthday present! I'll always remember it!
On a separate note, my new site is nearly finished! Feel free to head on over and take a look! The links at the top aren't in working order yet because there are no pages created but the main page is lookin' good. Let me know what you think!
Another Fine Mess Photography
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
New blog coming soon!
Yep, it's true. I'm moving. To a new blog that is. I WISH it were a new house. But I'll settle for a new blog for now :)
It's not done yet and I would like to tweak it and make it extra special before I show it off to the world. You're gonna have to wait. But it's gonna be rad.
:)
I'd like to have it up by August hopefully! (complete with photos of weddings!)
RAD!
It's not done yet and I would like to tweak it and make it extra special before I show it off to the world. You're gonna have to wait. But it's gonna be rad.
:)
I'd like to have it up by August hopefully! (complete with photos of weddings!)
RAD!
Monday, June 16, 2008
The 'little' class of 2008
Jamie is offically ready for Kindergarten! God help us all! Here are some shots from his graduation ceremony today... It's quite obvious who's the class clown.
Enjoy the slideshow!
Enjoy the slideshow!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Hey!
Thought I'd plug in a post for today. I got up at 7:30am this morning. I've been trying to make this a habit because I've been noticing a trend in my moods lately... I'm... perkier... if that's a good word to use? It's ironic because 7 am is EARLY for me... actually, 9am is early for me haha! But really, I like the aloneness of waking up on my own accord and getting ready before Jamie comes bounding in. It really sets me up for a good day so I think I'm going to let this continue.
Another cool fact about me lately would be that I bought a domain name!! I don't have a web host yet, that's still being researched but yeahhhhhh.... I have a domain name!! It will be christine-solomon.com I tried for different variations of another fine mess but most of them were taken and I wanted to stick with .com, .net or .org. So, my name is easy enough for most people to remember. Besides, if I ever want to change the name of my photography company, I can!
Also, I'm getting ready for Sam and Brandon's upcoming wedding on June 28th... it's approaching so fast! I'm nervous and excited at the same time. I picked out an outfit to wear already. I told myself no dresses or heels. Most likely I'll be on my feet for 8 hours +. Might as well be smart. But I'll still look cute :P I also bought a telephoto lens for cheap! It's not exactly what I want, the aperture isn't as wide open as I like but I wasn't going to gamble on whether or not rentglass was going to have my favorite in stock for rental. It's supposed to be nice this weekend so maybe I'll have a go at and post some on flickr. :)
Everyone have a great weekend!
Another cool fact about me lately would be that I bought a domain name!! I don't have a web host yet, that's still being researched but yeahhhhhh.... I have a domain name!! It will be christine-solomon.com I tried for different variations of another fine mess but most of them were taken and I wanted to stick with .com, .net or .org. So, my name is easy enough for most people to remember. Besides, if I ever want to change the name of my photography company, I can!
Also, I'm getting ready for Sam and Brandon's upcoming wedding on June 28th... it's approaching so fast! I'm nervous and excited at the same time. I picked out an outfit to wear already. I told myself no dresses or heels. Most likely I'll be on my feet for 8 hours +. Might as well be smart. But I'll still look cute :P I also bought a telephoto lens for cheap! It's not exactly what I want, the aperture isn't as wide open as I like but I wasn't going to gamble on whether or not rentglass was going to have my favorite in stock for rental. It's supposed to be nice this weekend so maybe I'll have a go at and post some on flickr. :)
Everyone have a great weekend!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Rants and Raves
First, we'll start with Rants:
Can you believe this weather?? Ugh. It's June and we haven't seen a ray of sunshine yet. It's 57 degrees... I think I would welcome global warming right about now because frankly, the idea is a hoax. Seriously.
Secondly, my house is STILL on the market. It's depressing to even browse through John L. Scott online because I know we don't stand a chance anytime soon. Not in this area anyway. I did find myself in the Portland Metro area of my searches though and came up with some very cute and very afforable housing... Luckily, Mike's job is very stable and very flexible if we ever decide we want to move. But don't panic (especially Marilyn...) we're not moving to Oregon anytime soon.
Raves:
My youngest brother Tom graduates from high school on Monday! We're all very happy and excited for him! They're holding the ceremony at the Whiteriver Ampitheater which should be very cool.
I've got another wedding session booked this year in September! The bride is a very sweet, very cool girl at work named Jenn! I can't wait! She's got some fabulous tattoos down both arms and the greatest sense in style! I can't wait to show you pictures someday. I've been brainstorming like mad for ideas for their engagement session...it's gonna be rockin' for sure.
I've got offical business cards! Yeeeaahhh! I'm getting together with Brooks soon to discuss my future website and hopefully get the ball rolling. I know exactly what I want in terms of features. I've got some ideas for actual designs but I'm going to try my hardest not to reveal too much before showtime :)
Can you believe this weather?? Ugh. It's June and we haven't seen a ray of sunshine yet. It's 57 degrees... I think I would welcome global warming right about now because frankly, the idea is a hoax. Seriously.
Secondly, my house is STILL on the market. It's depressing to even browse through John L. Scott online because I know we don't stand a chance anytime soon. Not in this area anyway. I did find myself in the Portland Metro area of my searches though and came up with some very cute and very afforable housing... Luckily, Mike's job is very stable and very flexible if we ever decide we want to move. But don't panic (especially Marilyn...) we're not moving to Oregon anytime soon.
Raves:
My youngest brother Tom graduates from high school on Monday! We're all very happy and excited for him! They're holding the ceremony at the Whiteriver Ampitheater which should be very cool.
I've got another wedding session booked this year in September! The bride is a very sweet, very cool girl at work named Jenn! I can't wait! She's got some fabulous tattoos down both arms and the greatest sense in style! I can't wait to show you pictures someday. I've been brainstorming like mad for ideas for their engagement session...it's gonna be rockin' for sure.
I've got offical business cards! Yeeeaahhh! I'm getting together with Brooks soon to discuss my future website and hopefully get the ball rolling. I know exactly what I want in terms of features. I've got some ideas for actual designs but I'm going to try my hardest not to reveal too much before showtime :)
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