Sunday, August 06, 2006
Tiffany and Josh
Tiffany and Josh were the first bride and groom that I've photographed without knowing them before the day of their wedding. i was a little nervous about it, but my fears were lifted the moment I met them... they are the kindest couple, and I feel in love with both them and their families. I had a blast shooting this wedding, and I know they will have a blessed marriage.
Fairytale Wedding
Tiff and Josh were so wonderful, and I was so honored to be a part of their big day. It was truly a fairytale wedding!.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
The one goal I always have when shooting a wedding is taking pictures that allows someone to feel like they can feel the emotion that is going on. The chaos of getting the bride ready in the cramped quarters of the bathroom, the excitement of saying "I Do", and the curiosity of a camera. It's so rewarding to be a part of such a happy day.
Details, Details
Some of my favorite shots to take at weddings are the details. Becca actually took the shot of the sunglasses, and I think it's awesome. I also love the look of the smoke coming off the candles while the bride a groom walk away. Very symbolic.
One Big Happy Family
The couple's son was the hit of the wedding. I could have photographed him all night! They were a beautiful couple, and they made it so easy to get gorgeous pictures.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
I was good to Vermont, but it wasn't very good to me.....
Road Trip 2006 started out well.
At 7:55 on Thursday morning, I was waiting outside on my porch waiting for Jaime to come pick me up. We were heading to Vermont for the weekend for a wedding. To stay on schedule, we need to be on the road at 8:00. No problem. Jaime and I got some "us" time before we picked up Becca and the madness began.
We grabbed some caffeine from Tim Horton's, and off we went! The trip absolutely sailed by.... 8 hours felt like 2. We caught up, sang loudly, played games, laughed, ate, reminisced about high school, planned Jaime's future wedding, and much much more. We have all the highlights of the trip on tape- it's quite hilarious if you ask me!
We pulled into Vermont at about 6ish. It was cold and rainy, but we didn't care. We were just so excited to be there to see Missy (one of our best friends from High School) get married. We settled into our room and got ready to get some food at the local tavern. The wedding was out in the middle of nowhere at a Ski Academy, so we didn't have many choices on where to eat. My dad warned me before I left that there was nothing in Vermont, and he was totally right.
This is where Vermont began to hate me.
It all started with a sore throat and a tiny headache. I just thought it was from being in a dry, air-conditioned car for so long. I got through dinner, though I got tired real quick. Missy and the wedding party showed up at 8, and we finally go to spend some time with her. She looked awesome, and her now husband is so nice, and very handsome! Good work, Missy! We got to see her parents, who we hadn't seen in almost 7 years, and it was so great to catch up.
We got back to the dorms that we were staying in at around 10ish, and I was in bed soon after we walked in the door. But that didn't last long. All of a sudden was totally congested, my stomach was cramped, and my head was pounding. After a couple trips to the bathroom, I knew that I needed medicine if I was ever going to sleep. Jaime and Becca were such troopers, and they got up with me to take me to the store. We found a little gas station open, and I grabbed some medicine to knock me out. I took some as soon as I got in the car, but sadly it now lies on the side of the road somewhere in East Burke, VT, along with dinner.....if you know what I mean. Sorry about the sweat pants, Jaim......
I rolled out of bed at 1:00 the next day, still not feeling great, but determined to go to the wedding. It started at 4:30. We took out time getting ready, and after making a stop at Dunkin Donughts for some hot tea, we went to the wedding. No lie, people, we could see our breath, it was so cold. She wanted to have an outdoor wedding, but that obiviously didn't turn out since it was POURING out. So she had the ceremony inside the tent where the reception would be. I still felt so awful, and now I was freezing. I felt like such a baby. Becca and Jaime were so good to me, offering me their coats, and letting me know that we didn't need to stay late. I love Missy, and I was glad I was there to see her get married, but I just wanted to be home! The ceremony was only 15 min. long, and Missy was SO beautiful- tho we didn't see her face at all during the entire ceremony. All we saw was the groom's back the entire time.
We didn't stay long, needless to say. We ate the dinner that Missy paid for us to have, and we talked to Missy and Jim, and let them know that we were heading out earlier than planned, and she was so understanding about it, and I was so thankful. Our plan was to stop and stay the night in Albany, then drive the rest of the way back on Sunday. But at 10:00 when we hit Albany, we decided to go all the way back to Rochester- save us money by not having to get a hotel room, and it allowed us to be able to sleep in. I was happy about it because that only meant that I had to drive for 5 1/2 hours instead of 9.
But even with feeling so lousy, the trip home went by so fast, and I was so thankful! I had GREAT company.
Jaime and I got to Allegany at 2:30ish, and I was back on the road at 3:30. Home at 7ish, and in bed at 8:30. Poor Mike was so looking forward to spending time together, and hearing about my trip, but I was just too sick and tired to stay up. I have the late shift at work this week, and I was thankful because I could get more sleep. Wrong. It's now Wednesday, and I still haven't slept hardly at all. I'm up all night coughing, stuffy, achy, and I'm fed up. Mike has been sleeping in the guest bedroom because the coughing was keeping him from sleeping too. He's also fed up. The first thing he said to me this morning was "You need to call the doctor". I agreed.
I called at 9:30 this morning, and they said they only had an appt. for 9:45, so I Okayed it with my boss, and left work. An hour later I came back to work letting them know that I had a sinus infection, and throat infection, an ear infection, and the beginnings of bronchitis. I have 3 different prescriptions to take, and I'm not allowed to go back to work until Friday. No fun.
No fun at all.
As I right this I hear Christy saying...."oh Rachie...." because she always sympathizes with me. She may not agree, but she is going to make a great mom.
I see Kurt shaking his head because he knows that I don't take good enough care of myself. I'm just waiting for an email that starts out by saying "this is your doctor speaking...."
I see Becca yelling at the screen saying, "See Mike, she really was sick!" (I got no sympathy from Mike when I called him Friday night to pout about being sick)
I hear Jaime saying, "Well, I guess we're not taking a road trip to Vermont again any time soon..."
You got that right, Jaime....
You got that right.
At 7:55 on Thursday morning, I was waiting outside on my porch waiting for Jaime to come pick me up. We were heading to Vermont for the weekend for a wedding. To stay on schedule, we need to be on the road at 8:00. No problem. Jaime and I got some "us" time before we picked up Becca and the madness began.
We grabbed some caffeine from Tim Horton's, and off we went! The trip absolutely sailed by.... 8 hours felt like 2. We caught up, sang loudly, played games, laughed, ate, reminisced about high school, planned Jaime's future wedding, and much much more. We have all the highlights of the trip on tape- it's quite hilarious if you ask me!
We pulled into Vermont at about 6ish. It was cold and rainy, but we didn't care. We were just so excited to be there to see Missy (one of our best friends from High School) get married. We settled into our room and got ready to get some food at the local tavern. The wedding was out in the middle of nowhere at a Ski Academy, so we didn't have many choices on where to eat. My dad warned me before I left that there was nothing in Vermont, and he was totally right.
This is where Vermont began to hate me.
It all started with a sore throat and a tiny headache. I just thought it was from being in a dry, air-conditioned car for so long. I got through dinner, though I got tired real quick. Missy and the wedding party showed up at 8, and we finally go to spend some time with her. She looked awesome, and her now husband is so nice, and very handsome! Good work, Missy! We got to see her parents, who we hadn't seen in almost 7 years, and it was so great to catch up.
We got back to the dorms that we were staying in at around 10ish, and I was in bed soon after we walked in the door. But that didn't last long. All of a sudden was totally congested, my stomach was cramped, and my head was pounding. After a couple trips to the bathroom, I knew that I needed medicine if I was ever going to sleep. Jaime and Becca were such troopers, and they got up with me to take me to the store. We found a little gas station open, and I grabbed some medicine to knock me out. I took some as soon as I got in the car, but sadly it now lies on the side of the road somewhere in East Burke, VT, along with dinner.....if you know what I mean. Sorry about the sweat pants, Jaim......
I rolled out of bed at 1:00 the next day, still not feeling great, but determined to go to the wedding. It started at 4:30. We took out time getting ready, and after making a stop at Dunkin Donughts for some hot tea, we went to the wedding. No lie, people, we could see our breath, it was so cold. She wanted to have an outdoor wedding, but that obiviously didn't turn out since it was POURING out. So she had the ceremony inside the tent where the reception would be. I still felt so awful, and now I was freezing. I felt like such a baby. Becca and Jaime were so good to me, offering me their coats, and letting me know that we didn't need to stay late. I love Missy, and I was glad I was there to see her get married, but I just wanted to be home! The ceremony was only 15 min. long, and Missy was SO beautiful- tho we didn't see her face at all during the entire ceremony. All we saw was the groom's back the entire time.
We didn't stay long, needless to say. We ate the dinner that Missy paid for us to have, and we talked to Missy and Jim, and let them know that we were heading out earlier than planned, and she was so understanding about it, and I was so thankful. Our plan was to stop and stay the night in Albany, then drive the rest of the way back on Sunday. But at 10:00 when we hit Albany, we decided to go all the way back to Rochester- save us money by not having to get a hotel room, and it allowed us to be able to sleep in. I was happy about it because that only meant that I had to drive for 5 1/2 hours instead of 9.
But even with feeling so lousy, the trip home went by so fast, and I was so thankful! I had GREAT company.
Jaime and I got to Allegany at 2:30ish, and I was back on the road at 3:30. Home at 7ish, and in bed at 8:30. Poor Mike was so looking forward to spending time together, and hearing about my trip, but I was just too sick and tired to stay up. I have the late shift at work this week, and I was thankful because I could get more sleep. Wrong. It's now Wednesday, and I still haven't slept hardly at all. I'm up all night coughing, stuffy, achy, and I'm fed up. Mike has been sleeping in the guest bedroom because the coughing was keeping him from sleeping too. He's also fed up. The first thing he said to me this morning was "You need to call the doctor". I agreed.
I called at 9:30 this morning, and they said they only had an appt. for 9:45, so I Okayed it with my boss, and left work. An hour later I came back to work letting them know that I had a sinus infection, and throat infection, an ear infection, and the beginnings of bronchitis. I have 3 different prescriptions to take, and I'm not allowed to go back to work until Friday. No fun.
No fun at all.
As I right this I hear Christy saying...."oh Rachie...." because she always sympathizes with me. She may not agree, but she is going to make a great mom.
I see Kurt shaking his head because he knows that I don't take good enough care of myself. I'm just waiting for an email that starts out by saying "this is your doctor speaking...."
I see Becca yelling at the screen saying, "See Mike, she really was sick!" (I got no sympathy from Mike when I called him Friday night to pout about being sick)
I hear Jaime saying, "Well, I guess we're not taking a road trip to Vermont again any time soon..."
You got that right, Jaime....
You got that right.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Our annual visit from Spoofer and Doofer La
Those are the pet names John and Amy use for one another, and I find them so funny! They're prolly gonna kill me for calling them that on my blog, but they love me enough to get over it. :-)
John and Amy came for a long weekend, and it was so awesome! We hadn't spent time with just the four of us since Becca left us stranded at John's (soon to be Amy's too) apartment. That was Christmas time! Too long ago! We were suppose to go to a baseball game Friday night, but they hit bad weather, and by the time they got here, it was too late to go. Instead we caught up on eachother's lives over some Max n' Erma's. We pretty much take every guest we have to that place, and Mike's pretty sick of it. He was still trying to talk us out of going there as we were pulling in to the parking lot. He sucked it up though and appeased Amy and I. We pretty much wanted to go for the cookies.
We acually ate out quite a bit over the course of 4 days. I only had to cook once, and I was obiviously a little rusty because I made the smoke alarms go off in our house. No wonder my daddy calls it the cookin' alarm- no Freer can cook without it going off! But as I was saying, we ate out a lot. on Sunday night we took them into the city and up one of the inclines to go to a resturant that overlooks the cityscape. John was not so excited about this since I acidentally used the words "old" and "rickity" to describe the incline train. I'm pretty sure he was holding Amy's hand mighty tight, and he was DEFINATLY the first one off the train when it stopped. Widdle Jonny was a widdle nervous! I'm hate the incline too, but I actually didn't mind it too much since I was so amused my John. But it was all worth it to see the view of the city. We relaxed for a few hours, and stuffed our faces as we watched the sun set over the city.
After we got home we got in our comfy clothes and retired to the basement for movie time! This was the other event that occured as much as our food outings. Amy and I snacked while John and Mike made fun of whatever movie we watched. It's really really scary how much Mike and John are alike. Hope you're prepared, Amy!
When we weren't watching movies, or eating, we played Phase 10. John's already shaking his head because he know's what's comin....yes, people, I won both times we played, and it was a sweet, sweet victory! I love playing with John because he takes it just as serious as me. Mike isn't a game player, so he's pretty passive about it all. And Amy is passive too, but at least she amused us. :-) Mike put more effort into beating me up than he did winning.
It was a wonderful weekend full of relaxation and laughter. Even though I'm pretty sure they only used us to shop at our IKEA, I was so happy to have them come down. You guys are the best!
John and Amy came for a long weekend, and it was so awesome! We hadn't spent time with just the four of us since Becca left us stranded at John's (soon to be Amy's too) apartment. That was Christmas time! Too long ago! We were suppose to go to a baseball game Friday night, but they hit bad weather, and by the time they got here, it was too late to go. Instead we caught up on eachother's lives over some Max n' Erma's. We pretty much take every guest we have to that place, and Mike's pretty sick of it. He was still trying to talk us out of going there as we were pulling in to the parking lot. He sucked it up though and appeased Amy and I. We pretty much wanted to go for the cookies.
We acually ate out quite a bit over the course of 4 days. I only had to cook once, and I was obiviously a little rusty because I made the smoke alarms go off in our house. No wonder my daddy calls it the cookin' alarm- no Freer can cook without it going off! But as I was saying, we ate out a lot. on Sunday night we took them into the city and up one of the inclines to go to a resturant that overlooks the cityscape. John was not so excited about this since I acidentally used the words "old" and "rickity" to describe the incline train. I'm pretty sure he was holding Amy's hand mighty tight, and he was DEFINATLY the first one off the train when it stopped. Widdle Jonny was a widdle nervous! I'm hate the incline too, but I actually didn't mind it too much since I was so amused my John. But it was all worth it to see the view of the city. We relaxed for a few hours, and stuffed our faces as we watched the sun set over the city.
After we got home we got in our comfy clothes and retired to the basement for movie time! This was the other event that occured as much as our food outings. Amy and I snacked while John and Mike made fun of whatever movie we watched. It's really really scary how much Mike and John are alike. Hope you're prepared, Amy!
When we weren't watching movies, or eating, we played Phase 10. John's already shaking his head because he know's what's comin....yes, people, I won both times we played, and it was a sweet, sweet victory! I love playing with John because he takes it just as serious as me. Mike isn't a game player, so he's pretty passive about it all. And Amy is passive too, but at least she amused us. :-) Mike put more effort into beating me up than he did winning.
It was a wonderful weekend full of relaxation and laughter. Even though I'm pretty sure they only used us to shop at our IKEA, I was so happy to have them come down. You guys are the best!
Saturday, May 06, 2006
"Yeah, Like baby fish mouth is sweeping the nation..."
I can't even tell you how excited I am that Mike and I are going on vacation this next week. Life has been too crazy to handle, and I'm looking forward to sleeping in, laying out, shopping, and actually seeing my husband! Every year since we've been married, we make an annual trip down to NC with our good friends Aimee and Shane to see Shane's brother and sister-in-law. It all started out as a trip to get away from the awful winters in Buffalo, and to let the boys ride their motorcycles. But now it's evolved to a golfing trip for the boys, and a catch up time for me and Aimee. So fun. Can't wait.
I'm finally into the rhythm of getting up early for work. I look forward to going to see my kids. Their all so funny. I have a little boy who HATES when I sing. This has never happened to me before. I've had people prefer other voices to mine, and that's totally okay, but I've never had anyone all out hate it when I sing. We always have music playing in the room, and ya'll know me- I can't listen to music and NOT sing, so I do. And this little boy will stop what he's doing to come over to me, scowl, and say, "no" every two seconds until I stop. He will follow me around to make sure I hear him say no. The kid isn't even two! And once I stop, he'll go back to eating/playing/whatever he was doing at the time I started to sing. I took offense to it at first (which is REALLY sad, I know), but now I just do it to annoy him. I'm so mean. But it's hilarious, you have to admit.
I have another girl who has a creepier quirk. She sleeps with one eye open. Literally. It freaks me out. At nap time I can't even look at her. I've never seen anything like it. Now does anyone sleep with an eye open? I thought it was just a figment of speech! Totally freeky. Totally.
So I need to have a little chat with J.J. Abrams... why does he feel the need to kill off some of my favorite characters in his shows? My annoyance with the man all started when he "killed" Vaughn in Alias, but now he kills of Nadia after being in a coma for a year. Annoying. Then on lost he kills Anna Lucia AND Libby, who I was hoping would get together with Hurley. Annoying. Why is he getting rid of such great characters? Why does America like to see good people go. Why Paris, on American Idol? And more importantly, WHY was Elliot in the bottom two! ANNOYING! I'm done with having anxiety attacks while watching my shows! All that has to be done is put Elliot and Kathrine in the final two, and I shall be content. I love them both equally, and I don't care who wins out of the two. That's all I need, America. It's not too much to ask.
I'm finally into the rhythm of getting up early for work. I look forward to going to see my kids. Their all so funny. I have a little boy who HATES when I sing. This has never happened to me before. I've had people prefer other voices to mine, and that's totally okay, but I've never had anyone all out hate it when I sing. We always have music playing in the room, and ya'll know me- I can't listen to music and NOT sing, so I do. And this little boy will stop what he's doing to come over to me, scowl, and say, "no" every two seconds until I stop. He will follow me around to make sure I hear him say no. The kid isn't even two! And once I stop, he'll go back to eating/playing/whatever he was doing at the time I started to sing. I took offense to it at first (which is REALLY sad, I know), but now I just do it to annoy him. I'm so mean. But it's hilarious, you have to admit.
I have another girl who has a creepier quirk. She sleeps with one eye open. Literally. It freaks me out. At nap time I can't even look at her. I've never seen anything like it. Now does anyone sleep with an eye open? I thought it was just a figment of speech! Totally freeky. Totally.
So I need to have a little chat with J.J. Abrams... why does he feel the need to kill off some of my favorite characters in his shows? My annoyance with the man all started when he "killed" Vaughn in Alias, but now he kills of Nadia after being in a coma for a year. Annoying. Then on lost he kills Anna Lucia AND Libby, who I was hoping would get together with Hurley. Annoying. Why is he getting rid of such great characters? Why does America like to see good people go. Why Paris, on American Idol? And more importantly, WHY was Elliot in the bottom two! ANNOYING! I'm done with having anxiety attacks while watching my shows! All that has to be done is put Elliot and Kathrine in the final two, and I shall be content. I love them both equally, and I don't care who wins out of the two. That's all I need, America. It's not too much to ask.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Loving the New Place!
I'm hoping that there are still some of you out there that will still read this! Yes, I know it's been too long, but my life is slowly returning to normal, so now I'll have more time to write.
Where to begin....
I have a new job, and the kids I work with are my pride and joy. I was thinking about posting some pictures, but I thought that the parents of my kids wouldn't be too thrilled to have their child's picture online for all the world to see, so I axed that idea. I have 7 kids on my roster, though I usually only have 5 a day. I have 4 that come every day, and the other 3 only come once or twice a week. I'm finding it easier to get up in the mornings, though I know I'll never enjoy it. My days go by rather quick, which I like, but Mike and I are both adjusting to my new, earlier bedtime. We're night owls- well used to be that is, so he's all sad that I can't watch late night TV with him anymore. He'll live. :-)
So it was my birthday on Easter, and I was so excited that my mom and my older sis decided to pay me a visit, and help with getting the house ready to move into. But I was very sad that it was yet another birthday that i didn't spend with Becca- I actually cried when I blew out my birthday candles because Becca wasn't there to blow them out with me!!!! I miss you girl! But it was so nice to have mom and Allison here. They did some packing and some painting, and I am SOO grateful because I was feeling so overwhelmed about it all. Thanks so much guys! You're the best!
So we moved in on Saturday, and we're about 80% unpacked, and I LOVE our new house! I can't believe that this is our place! I come home from work and I just thank the Lord for his provision! Mike and I are slowly furnishing the place- we actually had our downstairs sofa delivered today at 6:45 in the morning. How unhappy was I!!!
I'm sorry this blog isn't as exciting as I wanted it to be, but I'll write again soon. I wanted to show ya'll some pics of our new place. Check it out!
Ps- the fist pic is the basement that Mike and I (but mostly Mike) finished! Didn't he do such a great job!
Where to begin....
I have a new job, and the kids I work with are my pride and joy. I was thinking about posting some pictures, but I thought that the parents of my kids wouldn't be too thrilled to have their child's picture online for all the world to see, so I axed that idea. I have 7 kids on my roster, though I usually only have 5 a day. I have 4 that come every day, and the other 3 only come once or twice a week. I'm finding it easier to get up in the mornings, though I know I'll never enjoy it. My days go by rather quick, which I like, but Mike and I are both adjusting to my new, earlier bedtime. We're night owls- well used to be that is, so he's all sad that I can't watch late night TV with him anymore. He'll live. :-)
So it was my birthday on Easter, and I was so excited that my mom and my older sis decided to pay me a visit, and help with getting the house ready to move into. But I was very sad that it was yet another birthday that i didn't spend with Becca- I actually cried when I blew out my birthday candles because Becca wasn't there to blow them out with me!!!! I miss you girl! But it was so nice to have mom and Allison here. They did some packing and some painting, and I am SOO grateful because I was feeling so overwhelmed about it all. Thanks so much guys! You're the best!
So we moved in on Saturday, and we're about 80% unpacked, and I LOVE our new house! I can't believe that this is our place! I come home from work and I just thank the Lord for his provision! Mike and I are slowly furnishing the place- we actually had our downstairs sofa delivered today at 6:45 in the morning. How unhappy was I!!!
I'm sorry this blog isn't as exciting as I wanted it to be, but I'll write again soon. I wanted to show ya'll some pics of our new place. Check it out!
Ps- the fist pic is the basement that Mike and I (but mostly Mike) finished! Didn't he do such a great job!
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Too Busy!!!
I feel like I'm always apoligizing at the start of all my blogs for not writing as frequently as i should, but this time I have a really good excuse!!!
1. We're moving in a week, and all my free time is spent getting the new house ready and the old house packed.
2. I started a new job, and it's the first time i've worked 40 hours a week in years. Yes, it's sad but true. So needless to say I'm always tired!
3. we have 14 Easter services at the church, and on any given night in the past week I've either had rehersals or services, and I don't get home till 10 at night. Bedtime.
4. My computer is on the fritz, so i have to use Mike's and he is always working, so internet access has been limited.
5. It's my birthday tomorrow, so you can't be mad.
We move Saturday, and shortly after that my life will resume to normalness. So be patient, and still love me!
1. We're moving in a week, and all my free time is spent getting the new house ready and the old house packed.
2. I started a new job, and it's the first time i've worked 40 hours a week in years. Yes, it's sad but true. So needless to say I'm always tired!
3. we have 14 Easter services at the church, and on any given night in the past week I've either had rehersals or services, and I don't get home till 10 at night. Bedtime.
4. My computer is on the fritz, so i have to use Mike's and he is always working, so internet access has been limited.
5. It's my birthday tomorrow, so you can't be mad.
We move Saturday, and shortly after that my life will resume to normalness. So be patient, and still love me!
Sunday, March 26, 2006
So Much to Tell!
I finally have some time to sit down and catch up on my blogging.... I know what your thinking. How is it that someone who has no job and no kids NOT have time to write. Well, the answer is simple, really: We own a home. As I've mentioned a few times before, we closed last Friday, and since that day Mike and I have become absorbed in getting the house ready so we can move in. We are literally out at the house morning, noon, and night trying to get as much done as possible on the main floor and second floor, so we can concentrate on the getting the basement finished in the coming weeks. The couple who lived there before us were very eccentric in their colors, so we have spent most of our time painting all the rooms- a task that I thought would take weeks, but has actually gone pretty fast. The entire main floor is done: the living room, the entry way, the kitchen, and the dining room. Mike and I spent hours trying to find the perfect colors to paint the rooms, and eventually called up a friend of ours to come over and help because we were getting no where. She had such a good eye for it, and we are really happy with the outcome. We've been so blessed because we've had so many people come out and help us with the painting. Almost every night someone has been over, and it has made it so much fun, and so much easier!
I'll be sure to post pictures soon of the progress!
But on to other news.... it's been so long since I've posted, I just have so much to tell!
The most important and exciting news first.
Yours truly (that's me) is a bonified LIMBO CHAMP. That's right, ladies and gentlemen. Champ. Not honorable mention, not second place, but CHAMP. When I went up to Rochester for the wedding a few weekends ago, I got the chance to go to a party at my old stomping grounds at Pearce 4 Kids. It was a staff party, and although I'm not a staff person anymore, I got to go as Becca's date. We ate, played games, found out that Oklahoma and Tennessee are two very different states (it's a long, embarrassing story that I care not to tell), we built castles (John and mine's group won, thank you very much), and played Limbo. Now I'd like to mention that there were kids playing also. Kids who were much shorter than me, and I STILL beat them. Just ask Becca, John, and Amy-you would have thought I won the lottery! I was so excited! I never win anything! After the party I called up my friend Rich and told him, and you know what he said!?! "I thought you were like, the most uncoordinated person ever." WHAT!?! I would like to know who exactly told him that so I could challenge them to a duel. A LIMBO duel, and then we'll see who's callin' who uncoordinated! Foolishness I say!
On to more substantial news...and let's just face it- MUCH more exciting than my last news!
I'm a kinda sorta-very distantly an AUNT! Woo hoo! My cousins Jamin and Sara had a beautiful baby girl named Naomi Elizabeth Barret, and she is PERFECT! I'm very glad that Sara is a fellow blogger, and faithful in keeping us updated on how she is doing. I can't wait to hold her, and shower her with kisses!!!! Miss you, Sara!!!
Now this is one of the more adorable tidbits of information that I found out when I went to Rochester. John- Mr. Like a Rock, never shows emotion, cried at my wedding! AWWWW! Amy told me when Becca and I went out to dinner with her, and I thought it was so adorable! He's TOTALLY going to kill me for writing this on my blog, but he'll get over it and love me anyway! I kept bringing it up at dinner, wanting to know all the details- were there tears, when in the ceremony did he cry, I wanted to know everything!! So adorable! And I promise John, in return I will be sure to cry at your wedding. For sure.
Mike and I have decided that we aren't going to move in to our house until the weekend after Easter because Mike is just way too swamped at work to be living out of boxes at the new place. We have 14 services at Crossroads that weekend, and Mike has to oversee it all. I can't even IMAGINE how hectic life will be for him. But it's awesome that we'll have so many people coming through the church doors, hearing the gospel! It will be crazy, but exciting!
Mike just came home with a new DVD player and surround sound system because the one we have right now is AWFUL. We have to beat the DVD player to get it to work. I'm not kidding. We literally have to hit it for it to work. That's a sure sign that we need a new one.
Time to have date night with my man!
I'll be sure to post pictures soon of the progress!
But on to other news.... it's been so long since I've posted, I just have so much to tell!
The most important and exciting news first.
Yours truly (that's me) is a bonified LIMBO CHAMP. That's right, ladies and gentlemen. Champ. Not honorable mention, not second place, but CHAMP. When I went up to Rochester for the wedding a few weekends ago, I got the chance to go to a party at my old stomping grounds at Pearce 4 Kids. It was a staff party, and although I'm not a staff person anymore, I got to go as Becca's date. We ate, played games, found out that Oklahoma and Tennessee are two very different states (it's a long, embarrassing story that I care not to tell), we built castles (John and mine's group won, thank you very much), and played Limbo. Now I'd like to mention that there were kids playing also. Kids who were much shorter than me, and I STILL beat them. Just ask Becca, John, and Amy-you would have thought I won the lottery! I was so excited! I never win anything! After the party I called up my friend Rich and told him, and you know what he said!?! "I thought you were like, the most uncoordinated person ever." WHAT!?! I would like to know who exactly told him that so I could challenge them to a duel. A LIMBO duel, and then we'll see who's callin' who uncoordinated! Foolishness I say!
On to more substantial news...and let's just face it- MUCH more exciting than my last news!
I'm a kinda sorta-very distantly an AUNT! Woo hoo! My cousins Jamin and Sara had a beautiful baby girl named Naomi Elizabeth Barret, and she is PERFECT! I'm very glad that Sara is a fellow blogger, and faithful in keeping us updated on how she is doing. I can't wait to hold her, and shower her with kisses!!!! Miss you, Sara!!!
Now this is one of the more adorable tidbits of information that I found out when I went to Rochester. John- Mr. Like a Rock, never shows emotion, cried at my wedding! AWWWW! Amy told me when Becca and I went out to dinner with her, and I thought it was so adorable! He's TOTALLY going to kill me for writing this on my blog, but he'll get over it and love me anyway! I kept bringing it up at dinner, wanting to know all the details- were there tears, when in the ceremony did he cry, I wanted to know everything!! So adorable! And I promise John, in return I will be sure to cry at your wedding. For sure.
Mike and I have decided that we aren't going to move in to our house until the weekend after Easter because Mike is just way too swamped at work to be living out of boxes at the new place. We have 14 services at Crossroads that weekend, and Mike has to oversee it all. I can't even IMAGINE how hectic life will be for him. But it's awesome that we'll have so many people coming through the church doors, hearing the gospel! It will be crazy, but exciting!
Mike just came home with a new DVD player and surround sound system because the one we have right now is AWFUL. We have to beat the DVD player to get it to work. I'm not kidding. We literally have to hit it for it to work. That's a sure sign that we need a new one.
Time to have date night with my man!
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Pics from the weekend
Wedding picture time!!! This past weekend Becca and I took pictures for Laura and Noel (otherwise known as Ken and Barbie because they are way too pretty for their own good). I posted a few for you to see. And hopefully Becca will post some of her own because I truly think she got better shots than me!!! She really has an eye for it! We both have very different ways of capturing the same shot, and I thought we made a great team! Enjoy!
This is one of the first shots of the day (they got bride and groom shots before the wedding), and they were still a bit shy of the camera. But honestly no shot is bad if these two are in it!
Becca and I had a system where she would run ahead of the couple and take pictures from there, and I would follow them. Hense the many butt shots that I have! but I thought that this one was very simple and touching.
The property that we took pictures on was AMAZING, and I loved all the bare trees around. I thought it added a lot of depth and creativity to the pictures.
This tree was so georgeous, and I had to get a picture of it. I had enough close up pictures of the couple, and I thought I would bring some of the surroundings into the shot.
During the lighting of the unity candle, Jennifer Hopper sang a beautiful song that she wrote. I actually didn't take many shots while she sang because I was so focused on the words Jenny was singing. She did an AMAZING job, and I just had to capture the words in a photo.
I had a blast at this wedding, and I was so glad to be there, and be part of Laura and Noel's day. I know God is going to bless their marriage in so many ways!
This is one of the first shots of the day (they got bride and groom shots before the wedding), and they were still a bit shy of the camera. But honestly no shot is bad if these two are in it!
Becca and I had a system where she would run ahead of the couple and take pictures from there, and I would follow them. Hense the many butt shots that I have! but I thought that this one was very simple and touching.
The property that we took pictures on was AMAZING, and I loved all the bare trees around. I thought it added a lot of depth and creativity to the pictures.
This tree was so georgeous, and I had to get a picture of it. I had enough close up pictures of the couple, and I thought I would bring some of the surroundings into the shot.
During the lighting of the unity candle, Jennifer Hopper sang a beautiful song that she wrote. I actually didn't take many shots while she sang because I was so focused on the words Jenny was singing. She did an AMAZING job, and I just had to capture the words in a photo.
I had a blast at this wedding, and I was so glad to be there, and be part of Laura and Noel's day. I know God is going to bless their marriage in so many ways!
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
Alright, Alright, I'll Write, I'll Write
Before I get chastised by all my friends and family, I better write something new! All I've got to say before I move on is that ya'll are pushy! Becca writes about as often as she cooks, and she doesn't get any lip! Come on, people!
Moving on....
So I have some interesting news. It has come to my attention that I have a blog stalker. I've traced this back to a town in New Jersey where a certain former bridesmaid of mine resides with her hubby. The situation is this: she oh so frequently checks blogs (mine being one of them....obiviously) and never takes the time to comment. Now she is a very smart and clever girl, and is very capable of witty remarks, but yet chooses not to.... I wonder why? So this goes out to my beautiful blog stalker, and to anyone else out there who may be stalking me.... let me know you're there!
Now I know that I've seen my fair share of crappy movies (as John so lovingly pointed out). Movies such as Zathura, The Pink Panther, The Brothers Grimm, and some may disagree with me, but I dare even say that Munich is on that list (way too bloody for me). BUT, I have redeemed myself, for I have seen one of the most enchanting and magical movies I have ever seen since Sleepless in Seattle. And all of you (and I mean all you men too) HAVE to see it! Pride and Prejudice is the movie I am speaking of, and it is amazing. I've read the book, but I think that anyone who hasn't can still appreciate the movie. I now want to change my future son's name from Kemper to Darcy, because he is by far the best character to ever grace the pages of a book, and the big screen. AND I'll get no lip from all you Kemper-haters!
So I have a favor to ask of all of you. I want to start my own photography business, and I need a name. I don't want to be boring and just use my name (plus after all the fiascos I've had to deal with because of my name, I find it wise not to do so), so I have to be creative. I want the name to be elegant, not cheesy or overly modern. It will primarily be wedding photography, but I hope to snag some studio space from a friend of mine, to do some senior pictures and engagement pics. So the name can't solely be about weddings. I would love to hear some of your ideas!
My entire family LOVES the show 24. I felt very left out, so this January I decided to start watching the show, and now I'm just as addicted to it as the rest of them. Here's the thing- I have small group for my church on Monday's, and it lasts till 9, so I've had to start taping it. It's not as much fun because I can't call my parents during commercials and chat about the show. At first I just called them on my way home from small group so they can catch me up on the first 20 minutes, but was still missing out on half the show. So last night there was a 2 hour special, and I TOTALLY forgot to tape the first half! I'm so DENSE! So mom, please call me and tell me about the first half of the show so I can watch the second half!!! THANKS!
Two weekends ago my sister and I, along with our best friend, Jaime took our annual trip to Circle C Ranch for the weekend. We've been doing this since college, and I look forward to it every year. But this year was a little different, for a couple of reasons. First, is that we didn't actually work. Every one who helps out for the weekend gets put on a schedule, and you have different jobs all weekend. You help out with things such as preparing meals, serving at meals, cleaning, working the counter at Miss Kate's Place (and so John can't make an obscene joke here, working the counter means selling candy, popcorn, drinks, etc at the game room). But this year we didn't pinpoint down a weekend in time to make it onto the schedule, therefore making the weekend more of a hangout time for all of us. And this actually worked out because there we a lot of friends there that Jaime and I had worked with the summer we were counselors. So we were able to spend more time with them...that and we didn't have to get up early to toast 300 slices of toast...big plus.
But I tell ya, it was like I was transported back to the summer of 2001, and we all spent hours and hours just reminiscing about old times, and it was just so much fun. It was also quite amusing that Becca new almost nothing about what we were talking about...take that Miss. I've been in 11 zillion weddings! Ok, enough razzing on Bec... but the weekend was awesome, and I'll be sure to post some pics of the weekend soon. And Rich, if you're out there, don't be a blog stalker, and comment!
I'm heading up to Rochester to shoot another wedding this weekend, and I'm so excited because I get to see all my Ra Cha Cha friends again, and it's been way too long since I've seen them. And Amy- we'll have to get in plenty of wedding chat so i feel in the loop. So watch out Rochester, the good twin is coming to your town! (Sorry Bec, had to put that last jab in!) You love me!
Blessings to you all....and Sara- could you please have that baby already!
Moving on....
So I have some interesting news. It has come to my attention that I have a blog stalker. I've traced this back to a town in New Jersey where a certain former bridesmaid of mine resides with her hubby. The situation is this: she oh so frequently checks blogs (mine being one of them....obiviously) and never takes the time to comment. Now she is a very smart and clever girl, and is very capable of witty remarks, but yet chooses not to.... I wonder why? So this goes out to my beautiful blog stalker, and to anyone else out there who may be stalking me.... let me know you're there!
Now I know that I've seen my fair share of crappy movies (as John so lovingly pointed out). Movies such as Zathura, The Pink Panther, The Brothers Grimm, and some may disagree with me, but I dare even say that Munich is on that list (way too bloody for me). BUT, I have redeemed myself, for I have seen one of the most enchanting and magical movies I have ever seen since Sleepless in Seattle. And all of you (and I mean all you men too) HAVE to see it! Pride and Prejudice is the movie I am speaking of, and it is amazing. I've read the book, but I think that anyone who hasn't can still appreciate the movie. I now want to change my future son's name from Kemper to Darcy, because he is by far the best character to ever grace the pages of a book, and the big screen. AND I'll get no lip from all you Kemper-haters!
So I have a favor to ask of all of you. I want to start my own photography business, and I need a name. I don't want to be boring and just use my name (plus after all the fiascos I've had to deal with because of my name, I find it wise not to do so), so I have to be creative. I want the name to be elegant, not cheesy or overly modern. It will primarily be wedding photography, but I hope to snag some studio space from a friend of mine, to do some senior pictures and engagement pics. So the name can't solely be about weddings. I would love to hear some of your ideas!
My entire family LOVES the show 24. I felt very left out, so this January I decided to start watching the show, and now I'm just as addicted to it as the rest of them. Here's the thing- I have small group for my church on Monday's, and it lasts till 9, so I've had to start taping it. It's not as much fun because I can't call my parents during commercials and chat about the show. At first I just called them on my way home from small group so they can catch me up on the first 20 minutes, but was still missing out on half the show. So last night there was a 2 hour special, and I TOTALLY forgot to tape the first half! I'm so DENSE! So mom, please call me and tell me about the first half of the show so I can watch the second half!!! THANKS!
Two weekends ago my sister and I, along with our best friend, Jaime took our annual trip to Circle C Ranch for the weekend. We've been doing this since college, and I look forward to it every year. But this year was a little different, for a couple of reasons. First, is that we didn't actually work. Every one who helps out for the weekend gets put on a schedule, and you have different jobs all weekend. You help out with things such as preparing meals, serving at meals, cleaning, working the counter at Miss Kate's Place (and so John can't make an obscene joke here, working the counter means selling candy, popcorn, drinks, etc at the game room). But this year we didn't pinpoint down a weekend in time to make it onto the schedule, therefore making the weekend more of a hangout time for all of us. And this actually worked out because there we a lot of friends there that Jaime and I had worked with the summer we were counselors. So we were able to spend more time with them...that and we didn't have to get up early to toast 300 slices of toast...big plus.
But I tell ya, it was like I was transported back to the summer of 2001, and we all spent hours and hours just reminiscing about old times, and it was just so much fun. It was also quite amusing that Becca new almost nothing about what we were talking about...take that Miss. I've been in 11 zillion weddings! Ok, enough razzing on Bec... but the weekend was awesome, and I'll be sure to post some pics of the weekend soon. And Rich, if you're out there, don't be a blog stalker, and comment!
I'm heading up to Rochester to shoot another wedding this weekend, and I'm so excited because I get to see all my Ra Cha Cha friends again, and it's been way too long since I've seen them. And Amy- we'll have to get in plenty of wedding chat so i feel in the loop. So watch out Rochester, the good twin is coming to your town! (Sorry Bec, had to put that last jab in!) You love me!
Blessings to you all....and Sara- could you please have that baby already!
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Home Sweet Home...on March 17th
In fear of losing my "favorite daughter" status with my mother, I am posting some pictures of our new house!! We had our inspection last week, so Mike and I took a ton of pictures to get a feel of what rooms we want to change or not change, and I'm posting just a few of those pictures.
This is the master bedroom with an on suite bath AND three, yes three, closets! Woo hoo! PLUS, there is a walk-in closet in the hallway- I don't know what I'm going to do with all the space- guess I'll have to go shopping!
This is the living room that will be our "reading room" because the basement with be the TV room. The kitchen and dining room are to the left of this picture.
This is the quest room where all our friend will lay their heads when they come to visit. I love the yellow, but I'm pretty sure that we are going to make this room a navy and white room, and give it a nautical feel.
And last, but not least, is our dining room with the deck right off it- which is great because we're gonna get a BBQ, and it's convenient to have it right there. Now all I need to do is learn how to barbecue!
So all the bedrooms are upstairs (there is another bedroom that is just like the guest room shown), along with another full bath for guests, and the living room/dining room/kitchen are on the main floor along with a half bath. And downstairs is the basement that we're going to finish, and there is also a place for another half bath, but we're not sure if we want to finish that just yet. Our closing date is March 17th, but the people who live there now won't be moving out till the next day. But it's all good because we prolly won't move in till after Easter because we have the apartment till the end of April.
We are so excited about our first house, and Mike is especially excited about decorating the place, and making it our own. He is OBSESSED with watching HGTV (you must be so proud, mom!), and for date nights we walk through Lowes and Home Depot and just dream! Can't wait for ya'll to come down to visit (and help us paint?! Doesn't that sound fun?)
This is the master bedroom with an on suite bath AND three, yes three, closets! Woo hoo! PLUS, there is a walk-in closet in the hallway- I don't know what I'm going to do with all the space- guess I'll have to go shopping!
This is the living room that will be our "reading room" because the basement with be the TV room. The kitchen and dining room are to the left of this picture.
This is the quest room where all our friend will lay their heads when they come to visit. I love the yellow, but I'm pretty sure that we are going to make this room a navy and white room, and give it a nautical feel.
And last, but not least, is our dining room with the deck right off it- which is great because we're gonna get a BBQ, and it's convenient to have it right there. Now all I need to do is learn how to barbecue!
So all the bedrooms are upstairs (there is another bedroom that is just like the guest room shown), along with another full bath for guests, and the living room/dining room/kitchen are on the main floor along with a half bath. And downstairs is the basement that we're going to finish, and there is also a place for another half bath, but we're not sure if we want to finish that just yet. Our closing date is March 17th, but the people who live there now won't be moving out till the next day. But it's all good because we prolly won't move in till after Easter because we have the apartment till the end of April.
We are so excited about our first house, and Mike is especially excited about decorating the place, and making it our own. He is OBSESSED with watching HGTV (you must be so proud, mom!), and for date nights we walk through Lowes and Home Depot and just dream! Can't wait for ya'll to come down to visit (and help us paint?! Doesn't that sound fun?)
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Updates from the Artist Formally known as Freer
Aren't we so cute!? This is Mike and I at the resort that we went to this past weekend with our friends, Ashley and Ryan (not the Kirnans, but just as fun to be around). They treated us to a weekend away at this five star spa and resort, and we were SPOILED silly. It was two days full of massages, facials, amazing food, and tons of fun. The place is just a little south of here called Nemacolin, and if any of you get a chance to go, you won't regret it!
This is the room we had at the Falling Rocks Hotel. The bed was the most comfortable bed I've ever been in! If you opened the curtains, you over look the golf course where they play the 84 Lumber Classic (that's where really good golfers play....Sorry John!)
This is the four of us getting ready to go to the hot tub. We had the BEST butler (his name was Billy, but we called him Billy the Kid), and he brought us wine and hot towels to use. We just had the most amazing time there, and we were so sad to leave!
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So my cousins are having a baby, and I'm so excited for them. I can't wait to shower that baby with affection when I see him/her (I'm betting it's a girl). But I'm having a bit of a dilemma.... what relation is this baby to me? Is it my second cousin? Will the baby call me Aunt Rachel? Or am I not really related? Explain this to me, people!
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Speaking of babies, a good friend of mine, Marcy, is expecting her own bundle of joy (again, I think it's a girl!). I find it rather amusing because her husband, Jeremy, is 100% sure that they're having a boy, and he refuses to even think about a name for a girl because he is so sure. But I beg to differ. When I've had other friends who were pregnant, they dreampt about the baby, and whatever sex the baby is in the dream ends up actually being the sex of the baby. Low and behold, she has had 2 dreams about the baby, and it's been a girl in both! Could I be on to something? Is this really the way to find out the sex of the baby? You're thoughts on the subject?
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Though I am not expecting a baby, nor do I have baby fever, but what I do have is doggie fever! One big reason why I can't wait to move into the house is so I can get a dog! I want one so bad, and I'm really hoping that Mike will get me one for my birthday. He isn't too thrilled about the idea, but hopefully a little batting of the eye lashes, and some heavy whining will change his mind. I've already decided that I want an American Bull Dog ( just like Amy and Shane's), and I want a girl so I can name her Sydney in honor and in memory of Sydney Bristow from Alias (the TV show, which sadly is not going to be on anymore). And no, if I get a boy dog, I WILL NOT name him Kemper, because that will be MY SON'S NAME!
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Mike and I are so proud because between the two of us, we've lot over 10 pounds since the new year! YAY US!!! I never realized how hard it is to stick to a workout plan, AND change what you eat! But it's been so much easier to do it together, because we keep eachother motivated! Just like Becca, I too want to lose a few pounds this year, and I just gotta stick to it!
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
WE DID IT!!! YAY STEELERS!
Greetings from the Steeler Nation!! I'm so proud of my Steelers, and if you ask my dad (whom I called many many times during the game), I took the whole Super Bowl thing WAY too seriously. Becca (whom I also called quite a bit) reminded me that my life would go on if they lost, and that Jesus would still love me the next day. So wise, sis....
But luckily I didn't have to go to bed with disappointment because THEY WON!!!! But to be honest- I'm kinda glad it's all over because this town has been turned upside down for the last month. John touched on some of the insanity in his blog (and by the way, that woman who induced labor so she wouldn't miss the Super Bowl named her child after Steelers players- they're JUST a football team!), and it got crazier after they won. Downtown was taken over by drunk fans parading in the streets and burning park benches, screaming, and setting off fireworks. Then on Tuesday we had a huge parade in honor of the players, and almost a quarter of a million people flocked to the city streets to catch a glimpse of the team. Schools were actually closed so students and teachers could go to the parade. MENTAL! It got so out of control that the police couldn't hold people back, and they were mobbing the players...even the reporters who were just trying to do their job we're getting run over! I'm glad the season is over, and the city can go back to normal until next year.
Anyhoo- enough of that.
Life has been pretty uneventful these past few weeks. We're just trying to get all the paperwork done for the mortgage, and it's all just one big headache. I can't wait until it's all over and we can just enjoy the house!! We had our home inspection on Monday, and there is nothing major that needs to be fixed, and that's what we thought since the house isn't that old. We close on March 17th, and we can't wait to get started on decorating the place.
But luckily I didn't have to go to bed with disappointment because THEY WON!!!! But to be honest- I'm kinda glad it's all over because this town has been turned upside down for the last month. John touched on some of the insanity in his blog (and by the way, that woman who induced labor so she wouldn't miss the Super Bowl named her child after Steelers players- they're JUST a football team!), and it got crazier after they won. Downtown was taken over by drunk fans parading in the streets and burning park benches, screaming, and setting off fireworks. Then on Tuesday we had a huge parade in honor of the players, and almost a quarter of a million people flocked to the city streets to catch a glimpse of the team. Schools were actually closed so students and teachers could go to the parade. MENTAL! It got so out of control that the police couldn't hold people back, and they were mobbing the players...even the reporters who were just trying to do their job we're getting run over! I'm glad the season is over, and the city can go back to normal until next year.
Anyhoo- enough of that.
Life has been pretty uneventful these past few weeks. We're just trying to get all the paperwork done for the mortgage, and it's all just one big headache. I can't wait until it's all over and we can just enjoy the house!! We had our home inspection on Monday, and there is nothing major that needs to be fixed, and that's what we thought since the house isn't that old. We close on March 17th, and we can't wait to get started on decorating the place.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Change of Plans!
So Mike and I have had an interesting week trying to buy this house. We put in an offer on Friday, and since then, it's been back and forth, back and forth with the seller. She was being really shady about the contract agreements, and she was asking for more than what the house is worth. After talking with the real estate agent about it, she advised us to maybe look at another place to scare the seller a little, and maybe she would meet us halfway on the price.
Well, we took her advice, and looked in a neighborhood that we hadn't looked at yet...and we FELL IN LOVE with it. Mike and I were jumping up and down, we loved it so much! The other house that we looked at needed work in the kitchen and the bathrooms, and the appliances were a little dated, but we were willing to put in the work. The place we saw today was in AMAZING condition, and the only thing we would have to do is finish the basement. The people living there now already did most of the work, and all it needs is drywall. PLUS, all the appliances come with the house, and they are much newer! We went back to the mortgage people, and we found out that our monthly payment is LOWER, our taxes are LOWER, and the closing costs are LOWER!!!! We can't believe it, and we are SO excited!!!! I tried posting some pictures, but it wouldn't let me, so here is the website:
http://www.pittsburghmoves.com/property/propertydetail.aspx?property=4fe9a940-d6a1-4588-b12a-689029c63aa5
Mike and I are going to the real estate agent TODAY to put in an offer so we can close in March, and that way we can have the house empty for a whole month before we start the payments on the house!
Guys, can't wait to have you all down so you can see!!!! I'll let you know what happens...and hopefully these sellers will be nicer!
Well, we took her advice, and looked in a neighborhood that we hadn't looked at yet...and we FELL IN LOVE with it. Mike and I were jumping up and down, we loved it so much! The other house that we looked at needed work in the kitchen and the bathrooms, and the appliances were a little dated, but we were willing to put in the work. The place we saw today was in AMAZING condition, and the only thing we would have to do is finish the basement. The people living there now already did most of the work, and all it needs is drywall. PLUS, all the appliances come with the house, and they are much newer! We went back to the mortgage people, and we found out that our monthly payment is LOWER, our taxes are LOWER, and the closing costs are LOWER!!!! We can't believe it, and we are SO excited!!!! I tried posting some pictures, but it wouldn't let me, so here is the website:
http://www.pittsburghmoves.com/property/propertydetail.aspx?property=4fe9a940-d6a1-4588-b12a-689029c63aa5
Mike and I are going to the real estate agent TODAY to put in an offer so we can close in March, and that way we can have the house empty for a whole month before we start the payments on the house!
Guys, can't wait to have you all down so you can see!!!! I'll let you know what happens...and hopefully these sellers will be nicer!
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Steelers, movies, and just plain ol' venting
I know....
I'm a sell out. I've been a Bills fan all my life, and the moment I change cities, my allegiance is gone. But for the first time in my life I'm watching good football! And it has made me become a screaming, yelling, ESPN watching, lover of the sport. I can't get enough of it, and I have no shame!
And I just have to say that the last 4 minutes of the Steelers game this past Sunday (and to those of you who watched it, you know what I'm talking about) was the most intense four minutes of football I've ever watched, and I hope that the Steelers don't scare me like that again this week! Ya'll better be rooting for my team this weekend! And Mom, don't let dad persuade you into becoming a Denver fan! Hold fast!
~~~~~
So for the first time last night, I went to the movies by myself. It was an interesting experience. I've been wanting to see Memoirs of a Geisha for weeks, and Mike keeps making excuses for not wanting to go. I almost had him convinced to go with me on date night, but somehow he talked me into seeing Munich instead. So tonight I took matters into my own hands and just went on my own. I was actually really nervous when I walked in by myself. I asked for one ticket for Memoirs of a Geisha, and the woman looked behind me to see if anyone else was there. I politely said that I was there alone because my husband couldn't come. My wedding ring is being sized, therefore I was ringless, so I'm pretty sure the woman didn't believe me. I got myself a box of junior mints and a small diet coke, and went over to the man who tore the ticket- I had put it in my pocket, so I had to shuffle everything to one hand to get it. When I did that, I squeezed the drink a little too hard, and coke came pouring out the top. So embarrassing...
So I finally got to the theater, and took my seat in front of two 50-something women, so just in case someone tried to kidnap me, there would be witnesses (honestly, that's really what I thought). But my plan backfired because they talked (loudly) during the movie- very annoying. But once the movie started, I forgot I was by myself because I was so engrossed in it. I totally recommend reading the book before seeing the movie- it would make a lot more sense.
~~~~~
So tell me people- what is so funny about my last name? Because it just seems like everywhere I go- the doctors, the pharmacist, even ordering take-out, I get snickers, giggles, or "wait a second, how do you spell that?". It's getting annoying people! Mike doesn't have this problem, so why me? I came home from the pharmacist one evening frustrated because the young man helping me asked for my last name to look up my order, and when I told him, he grinned and said "I'll look that up, miss". But before he did, he went over to a young woman and told her my last name, and she snickered- right in front of me! I was so mad! But you know me, I took my order from him, and left without saying anything. I told Mike what happened, and he asked me to say my last name. So I did, and then he asked me to say it, but say it with a "t". So I did what he said, and he smiled, saying that they sounded exactly the same. So now my own husband is coaching me to say our last name correctly so it doesn't sound so much like a swear word- in the words of my sister- UN- believable.
I'm a sell out. I've been a Bills fan all my life, and the moment I change cities, my allegiance is gone. But for the first time in my life I'm watching good football! And it has made me become a screaming, yelling, ESPN watching, lover of the sport. I can't get enough of it, and I have no shame!
And I just have to say that the last 4 minutes of the Steelers game this past Sunday (and to those of you who watched it, you know what I'm talking about) was the most intense four minutes of football I've ever watched, and I hope that the Steelers don't scare me like that again this week! Ya'll better be rooting for my team this weekend! And Mom, don't let dad persuade you into becoming a Denver fan! Hold fast!
~~~~~
So for the first time last night, I went to the movies by myself. It was an interesting experience. I've been wanting to see Memoirs of a Geisha for weeks, and Mike keeps making excuses for not wanting to go. I almost had him convinced to go with me on date night, but somehow he talked me into seeing Munich instead. So tonight I took matters into my own hands and just went on my own. I was actually really nervous when I walked in by myself. I asked for one ticket for Memoirs of a Geisha, and the woman looked behind me to see if anyone else was there. I politely said that I was there alone because my husband couldn't come. My wedding ring is being sized, therefore I was ringless, so I'm pretty sure the woman didn't believe me. I got myself a box of junior mints and a small diet coke, and went over to the man who tore the ticket- I had put it in my pocket, so I had to shuffle everything to one hand to get it. When I did that, I squeezed the drink a little too hard, and coke came pouring out the top. So embarrassing...
So I finally got to the theater, and took my seat in front of two 50-something women, so just in case someone tried to kidnap me, there would be witnesses (honestly, that's really what I thought). But my plan backfired because they talked (loudly) during the movie- very annoying. But once the movie started, I forgot I was by myself because I was so engrossed in it. I totally recommend reading the book before seeing the movie- it would make a lot more sense.
~~~~~
So tell me people- what is so funny about my last name? Because it just seems like everywhere I go- the doctors, the pharmacist, even ordering take-out, I get snickers, giggles, or "wait a second, how do you spell that?". It's getting annoying people! Mike doesn't have this problem, so why me? I came home from the pharmacist one evening frustrated because the young man helping me asked for my last name to look up my order, and when I told him, he grinned and said "I'll look that up, miss". But before he did, he went over to a young woman and told her my last name, and she snickered- right in front of me! I was so mad! But you know me, I took my order from him, and left without saying anything. I told Mike what happened, and he asked me to say my last name. So I did, and then he asked me to say it, but say it with a "t". So I did what he said, and he smiled, saying that they sounded exactly the same. So now my own husband is coaching me to say our last name correctly so it doesn't sound so much like a swear word- in the words of my sister- UN- believable.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
The Joys of House Hunting
Mike and I are so excited at the prospect of moving into our very own house, and I want to share that excitement with you all!!! Last week, we walked through 8 houses, and really liked two of them. But after weighing all the pros and cons, we decided to go with the 3 bedroom house, instead of the 2 bedroom (but newer) place. Now, nothing is official, but we're taking a second look at the place tomorrow to really make sure that it's a place we see ourselves in. I posted a few pictures of the place so you can see. One of the things I love most about the place is the deck and the backyard! The housing development put a field in the middle of the neighborhood so people can have a place to walk their dogs, play softball, and just have a place to roam. Not a whole lot of people use it, so it's like we have this huge backyard all to ourselves! If Mike and I in fact get the place, we hope all of you will come down and visit!!!!
But not only am I house searching, I'm job searching as well! I'm trying to get a full time nanny job around the area. So far I have a few prospects. A family in our church is looking for a nanny (they used to have two, but they both moved), and are now looking for someone else to look after their 6 kids (yes, 6). I would love to be able to work for someone in the church, and they don't live too far away. We'll see if it works out- I'll keep you posted!
Saturday, January 07, 2006
MY Twelve Days of Christmas
Yes, Yes, I know....it's been a while! And before you all make plans to come egg and TP my apartment, I better get to writing. but I have a very legitimate excuse! I was parading around western NY like there was some sort of.....parade, and then I came home only to have visitors come down the next day for the week. So this little girl has been a very busy bee. I'll explain it all in my version of the 12 Days of Shipman Christmas. Drum roll, please-
On the 12th day of Christmas the Shipman Family-
Got to see 12 very special friends!
And yes- I'll tell you who those friends are: First there was Amy and John, whom we had dinner with, then spent the evening watching Madagascar, and Run's House while calling Becca A MILLION times to see if she was ever going to come home. But the 2 of them are so much fun that we didn't mind at all! Then there was Kurt and Lindsay who came over from Colorado. We hadn't seen Kurt in a year, and it was my first time meeting Lindsay- but Mike already knew her from college. She is a sweetie, and I hope Kurt holds on to this one. We also got to see Missy and Rob Luckey- who also went to school with Mike (Rob he grew up with, so I always can guarantee on good Mike stories). We went over to their place for lunch, but ended up staying through the evening cuz we were having so much fun with them. We also got to see Aaron Rose and his girlfriend, Kvetta (pronounced Key-etta). She is a DOLL- and Mike and I just love her, and we are SO glad that Aaron found someone so awesome. That evening we had a BLAST hanging out with Robbie and Leticia, and Christopher and Jennifer Hopper. We haven't seen them in SOO long, so it was really nice to catch up. So that brings me to the end of the 12 very special friends.
On the 11th day of Christmas the Shipman family-
Spent 11 hours playing football on TV.
Well, actually it was only HALF of the Shipman Family that played Playstation...I'm pretty sure you all can guess which half. Becca and I BARELY saw our husbands while we were at our parents house because they were obsessed with playing. Christy was totally right when she told me not to get a playstation for Mike for Christmas. BUT I didn't complain (just whined) because I knew that it was what Mike needed to do on vacation. He worked SO hard at work to get ready for Christmas, and mindless video games is just what he needed. And Denis was more than willing to help him out. Jaime even got into the fun by spending an evening playing with him when Denis and Becca left. She's too good to him!
On the 10th day of Christmas the Shipman family-
Spent 10 hours in the car traveling.
But it was totally worth it to see everyone. And we spent that time calling people that we weren't able to see over the holidays- like Mike's family, Christy and Ben, Amy and Shane.... so it was all good.
On the 9th day of Christmas the Shipman family-
Had 9 Christmas Eve Services!!!
Yes people- 9 services. It was such a long day, but it was totally worth it because we had almost 2,400 people come, and a lot of people coming to Christ. PTL! Mike totally stepped it up because the main worship leader got sick Christmas Eve morning, and Mike had to lead 6 services instead of 2. I was so proud of him because so many people came up to me telling me that he stepped up the Crossroads services with the music, the decoration, and the flow of the service. It really was an amazing day. God is so good!
On the 8th day of Christmas the Shipman family-
Got to spend Christmas with all 8 of us at home
This hasn't happened EVER- and it was so much fun. My parent's house barely fit us all, but we made it work. We played games, went to the movies, had a FABULOUS Christmas dinner, and got to spend time with my brother's girlfriend, Amy Kay. She's such a cutie! Plus she's an Alias Fan, so she's super cool.
On the 7th day of Christmas the Shipman family-
umm....can't think of anything, so moving on...........
On the 6th day of Christmas the Shipman family-
We visited 6 different houses/apartments
1. My parents house for a couple of days
2. Jaime's house to visit and see her new kitchen! Very nice!
3. Becca and Denis's place
4. Amy and John's apartment- and NO, Amy doesn't live there yet. It's the CUTEST apartment ever though.
5. Missy and Rob's new house- so beautiful!
6. The Rose Manor- I'll always love that home, and I don't want them to move out of it!
On the 5th day of Christmas the Shipman family-
Did get a golden ring!!!!
I asked mike for ring for my right hand, and boy did he ever!! He got me a ring with 20 diamonds in it, totaled a little over a quarter of a caret. It is SO beautiful, and I couldn't believe that he went so far above and beyond what I was expecting. It was defiantly my favorite present. That and the crocks that Jaime got me- as much as I pick on Jaime for wearing hers- they really are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. And I called it- Mike wore them taking out the trash! He looked so funny in bright pink shoes.
On the 4th day of Christmas the Shipman family-
Four days with the Johnson family!
I think that has been the most time that all four of us hung out. It was so nice to see Becca as much as I did, and Mike I swear has a love affair with Denis, and enjoys every moment with the man.
On the 3rd day of Christmas the Shipman family-
Spent 3 hours in the movies watching King Kong with my family.
It Rocked! Everyone should see it in the theatres- watching it on TV just won't cut it....except for John and his massive TV.
On the 2nd day of Christmas the Shipman family-
Got to spend time with 2 of the most beautiful babies ever! Eva and Robbie Jr. came over to Becca's house Friday night, and I had SO much fun playing with them. I haven't been around babies in SO long, and it gave me baby fever just a little bit. But probably the sweetest thing I've ever seen is watch Denis put Robbie Jr. to sleep (see pic)! I wanted to cry!!! He is going to be such a good dad and uncle.
On the 1st day of Christmas the Shipman family-
Had one of the funnest vacations ever! We got to relax, sleep in, see friends, spend time with family, and not have to worry about anything. We came back to Pittsburgh refreshed and rested. I hope everyone had as wonderful of a Christmas as we did!
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
So do you have a Pittsburgh license Yet?
The title of my blog is what my best friend, Christy, (who is an engineer) said to me during my trip to New Jersey. I looked at her and said, "No, but I have a Pennsylvania license." Ahh Christy....good times. No worries, Christy....I say air-headed things all the time!
So, I ventured out to the Garden State this past weekend to spend some good, quality girl time with Christy and her handsome hubby, Ben. I was a little nervous flying by myself, so I made Mike come in with me to help me check in. I was a little reluctant to leave him- but he patted my head, said, "my little girl is all grown up!", and sent me on my way. I had the "privilege" I guess you could say to sit next to a kind old man on the plane. He was kind until he asked me to become a member of the "Mile High Club"....little freaky, little scary... and he also wanted to take me home to his recently divorced son because he saw us "having fun together" as he winked and nudged me. Needless to say, I was glad when we landed. But he was kind enough to show me where I picked up my luggage because the Philly airport is so hard to get around.
So I finally get to Christy's, just talked one another's ear off about life until Ben came home, and then we all went out to eat. Christy's used to going to bed pretty early, so we didn't stay up too late. But we needed our rest for our big shopping adventure the next day. We sent to the Mall of Prussia, and it was AWESOME. I got everything I needed there, and I was so happy about it.
After the mall, we went to see the new Harry Potter movie, which was so cool....need to read the books (Huh, chris...) now. Good Christmas gift....hint hint. We went home and hung out with Ben and watched TV till we were too tired to keep our eyes open.
The next say we woke up and watched "White Christmas" and vegged out on the couch. Then it came time when I needed to head back to Pittsburgh. The trip home was much more uneventful than the trip there, and I was thankful for that. But the trip as a whole was awesome, and it was just what I needed. Christy is one of my bestest friends, and any time with her is well worth it!
So that pretty much brings me up to date with my life....
Oh, I had a root canal yesterday...wasn't the greatest experience I've ever had...but it wasn't the worst....
Peace out Boyscouts!!
So, I ventured out to the Garden State this past weekend to spend some good, quality girl time with Christy and her handsome hubby, Ben. I was a little nervous flying by myself, so I made Mike come in with me to help me check in. I was a little reluctant to leave him- but he patted my head, said, "my little girl is all grown up!", and sent me on my way. I had the "privilege" I guess you could say to sit next to a kind old man on the plane. He was kind until he asked me to become a member of the "Mile High Club"....little freaky, little scary... and he also wanted to take me home to his recently divorced son because he saw us "having fun together" as he winked and nudged me. Needless to say, I was glad when we landed. But he was kind enough to show me where I picked up my luggage because the Philly airport is so hard to get around.
So I finally get to Christy's, just talked one another's ear off about life until Ben came home, and then we all went out to eat. Christy's used to going to bed pretty early, so we didn't stay up too late. But we needed our rest for our big shopping adventure the next day. We sent to the Mall of Prussia, and it was AWESOME. I got everything I needed there, and I was so happy about it.
After the mall, we went to see the new Harry Potter movie, which was so cool....need to read the books (Huh, chris...) now. Good Christmas gift....hint hint. We went home and hung out with Ben and watched TV till we were too tired to keep our eyes open.
The next say we woke up and watched "White Christmas" and vegged out on the couch. Then it came time when I needed to head back to Pittsburgh. The trip home was much more uneventful than the trip there, and I was thankful for that. But the trip as a whole was awesome, and it was just what I needed. Christy is one of my bestest friends, and any time with her is well worth it!
So that pretty much brings me up to date with my life....
Oh, I had a root canal yesterday...wasn't the greatest experience I've ever had...but it wasn't the worst....
Peace out Boyscouts!!
Monday, November 28, 2005
An update from the good twin (hehe...luv you Becca!)
For some odd and annoying reason, my blog is being stupid, and not downloading pictures from Nanette and Gabe's wedding. Grr... but you can see some at Becca and Jamie's blogs. Once my computer stops being dumb, I'll post some of my own.
Anyhoo-
I haven't written in a while, so I'll catch you all up to speed. I went to work on Monday with a small ache in my tooth, and over the course of the day, it grew into a full fledged throbbing in my mouth. It was UNBELIEVABLY painful, and I had to call Mike to bring me medicine.
Work called me off the next day because they weren't busy, so I spent all day trying to find a dentist that would take my insurance. FINALLY, after about 12 tries, someone gave me an appointment. Comes to find out I have a sizeable infection in my mouth, and I need a root canal. Yuck. They can't take me for a couple of weeks, so they gave me pain killers and antibiotics. That night my face swelled up to the point where I looked like I had a golf ball in my mouth. It scared the snot out of me, so I called my dentist as soon as I got up and left a message telling them that I need to come in ASAP. I had to work that day, so I went in and opened the studio, and called my manager and told her what was going on. So she let me off, and I went home and waited until the dentist to call me. They finally did, and they told me that I had to wait 48 hours for the antibiotics to work, and until then, I needed to up my dosage of painkillers.
Finally, on Saturday, the swelling was gone, and I could function like a human being again.
As for work, I didn't go in on Friday (which was suppose to be my last day). Mike and I stayed in NY for a day longer, and we had the most WONDERFUL time home. My mom made the best thanksgiving dinner, and got to spend lots of time with my older sis and my brother. My mom and I spent the day on Friday shopping, and it was so fun. It actually wasn't too busy in the stores...thankfully!
Sooooo....
This weekend was the first time that I sang on the worship team at Crossroads. It was tiring but fun. Mike and I had a lot of fun ministering together again, and we'll slowly start putting me into the rotation. Sunday night Mike and I put on some Christmas music and put up our tree together. We had so much fun. This was the first time we put it up together, and I want to start making it a tradition.
So that brings us to today where I've spend the day cleaning, and getting ready for small group tonight. I have a huge list of things that I need to get done this week, and I've been trying to cram in all in today. But then I realized that I don't have to work this week, and I have lots of time!!! So I sit here with my warm cup of hot chocolate and my lap top, taking a breath, and looking forward to the weekend when my sissy comes down!!!!!! YAY!!!!
So I hope that all of you are doing well! Oh, and John, Amy, Christy, and Jamie- I need to know what you want for Christmas!!!!!
Peace Out!
Anyhoo-
I haven't written in a while, so I'll catch you all up to speed. I went to work on Monday with a small ache in my tooth, and over the course of the day, it grew into a full fledged throbbing in my mouth. It was UNBELIEVABLY painful, and I had to call Mike to bring me medicine.
Work called me off the next day because they weren't busy, so I spent all day trying to find a dentist that would take my insurance. FINALLY, after about 12 tries, someone gave me an appointment. Comes to find out I have a sizeable infection in my mouth, and I need a root canal. Yuck. They can't take me for a couple of weeks, so they gave me pain killers and antibiotics. That night my face swelled up to the point where I looked like I had a golf ball in my mouth. It scared the snot out of me, so I called my dentist as soon as I got up and left a message telling them that I need to come in ASAP. I had to work that day, so I went in and opened the studio, and called my manager and told her what was going on. So she let me off, and I went home and waited until the dentist to call me. They finally did, and they told me that I had to wait 48 hours for the antibiotics to work, and until then, I needed to up my dosage of painkillers.
Finally, on Saturday, the swelling was gone, and I could function like a human being again.
As for work, I didn't go in on Friday (which was suppose to be my last day). Mike and I stayed in NY for a day longer, and we had the most WONDERFUL time home. My mom made the best thanksgiving dinner, and got to spend lots of time with my older sis and my brother. My mom and I spent the day on Friday shopping, and it was so fun. It actually wasn't too busy in the stores...thankfully!
Sooooo....
This weekend was the first time that I sang on the worship team at Crossroads. It was tiring but fun. Mike and I had a lot of fun ministering together again, and we'll slowly start putting me into the rotation. Sunday night Mike and I put on some Christmas music and put up our tree together. We had so much fun. This was the first time we put it up together, and I want to start making it a tradition.
So that brings us to today where I've spend the day cleaning, and getting ready for small group tonight. I have a huge list of things that I need to get done this week, and I've been trying to cram in all in today. But then I realized that I don't have to work this week, and I have lots of time!!! So I sit here with my warm cup of hot chocolate and my lap top, taking a breath, and looking forward to the weekend when my sissy comes down!!!!!! YAY!!!!
So I hope that all of you are doing well! Oh, and John, Amy, Christy, and Jamie- I need to know what you want for Christmas!!!!!
Peace Out!
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
On to Greener Pastures
I figured that this is the best way to tell you all what's been going on in my life because it's been really hard for me this past month or so, and I don't want to have to tell my story over and over (I get really emotional..imagine that), so this is my solution.
So I put my two weeks notice in today, and it was probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I've been having a lot of problems there, and I just feel like it's time for me to move on. The hardest part about it all is that I LOVE my managers- I consider them friends- and I knew that I was going to hurt them by leaving.
Mike and I talked about it, and we decided that I wouldn't wait until after Christmas to quit, and that sooner would be better. You see, I was suppose to take over the assistant manager's job while she went on maternity leave, and now they have time to find someone else before she leaves.
So after a sleepless night, and getting up early to pray, pray, pray, I went to work. I decided that I would tell my managers at the end of my shift, so I spent all day with my stomach in knots. Whenever I felt my anxiety taking over, I'd just go to the back room and pray that the Lord would give me strength. I honestly have never been so scared. I know it may seem stupid to get worked up over something like a part time job, but I just couldn't seem to calm myself down.
At around 4:30, I told my manager that I needed to talk to her and Becky (who was coming in at 5), and she looked at me and said, "is it bad?". And I just looked at her. She said "you're quitting, aren't you". And I knew I had to tell her then and there, and I just told her that this was such a hard decision, and that I'm so sorry that I was doing this in the middle of the busiest season we have, but I had to leave because of personal reasons. You guys, she was SOO understanding, and so wonderful about it. She told my assistant manager, and she also was so nice about it. So I told them that I would stay on until next Friday, and then I'd be leaving. I was so relieved that it went well, but I know that there will be some fall outs in the next week and a half with other employees, and I know my managers will get stressed and take some of that stress out on me- but I'm prapared for that.
I left work tonight with a ton of mixed feelings. Peace because I knew I did the right thing. Guilt for leaving at such an inopportune time. Tired because I hadn't slept the night before. Relieved that they took it so well. And foolish for being so scared about it.
But I'll sleep well tonight, I know that. I'm going to take some time off and let myself heal before I find another job...I'll start looking beginning of December. I don't want you guys to think that I'm being lazy by doing this, but I really need time to get my feet back under me, and really figure out what to do with my life- with my career...
So that's what's goin on... thanks for your prayers and concerns. I love you all so much, and I ask that you continue to pray for me over the next few weeks!
Much Love!
So I put my two weeks notice in today, and it was probably one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I've been having a lot of problems there, and I just feel like it's time for me to move on. The hardest part about it all is that I LOVE my managers- I consider them friends- and I knew that I was going to hurt them by leaving.
Mike and I talked about it, and we decided that I wouldn't wait until after Christmas to quit, and that sooner would be better. You see, I was suppose to take over the assistant manager's job while she went on maternity leave, and now they have time to find someone else before she leaves.
So after a sleepless night, and getting up early to pray, pray, pray, I went to work. I decided that I would tell my managers at the end of my shift, so I spent all day with my stomach in knots. Whenever I felt my anxiety taking over, I'd just go to the back room and pray that the Lord would give me strength. I honestly have never been so scared. I know it may seem stupid to get worked up over something like a part time job, but I just couldn't seem to calm myself down.
At around 4:30, I told my manager that I needed to talk to her and Becky (who was coming in at 5), and she looked at me and said, "is it bad?". And I just looked at her. She said "you're quitting, aren't you". And I knew I had to tell her then and there, and I just told her that this was such a hard decision, and that I'm so sorry that I was doing this in the middle of the busiest season we have, but I had to leave because of personal reasons. You guys, she was SOO understanding, and so wonderful about it. She told my assistant manager, and she also was so nice about it. So I told them that I would stay on until next Friday, and then I'd be leaving. I was so relieved that it went well, but I know that there will be some fall outs in the next week and a half with other employees, and I know my managers will get stressed and take some of that stress out on me- but I'm prapared for that.
I left work tonight with a ton of mixed feelings. Peace because I knew I did the right thing. Guilt for leaving at such an inopportune time. Tired because I hadn't slept the night before. Relieved that they took it so well. And foolish for being so scared about it.
But I'll sleep well tonight, I know that. I'm going to take some time off and let myself heal before I find another job...I'll start looking beginning of December. I don't want you guys to think that I'm being lazy by doing this, but I really need time to get my feet back under me, and really figure out what to do with my life- with my career...
So that's what's goin on... thanks for your prayers and concerns. I love you all so much, and I ask that you continue to pray for me over the next few weeks!
Much Love!
Friday, November 11, 2005
Zathura
Mike has Fridays off, and to brighten my spirits a little, he treated me to a day of going to the movies, dinner, and a little Christmas shopping. I wanted to see Pride and prejudice, but it only comes out in select theatres today, and apparently no theatres were selected in Pittsburgh....grrr. So we tossed a coin between Chicken Little and this new movie that came out today called Zathura. It's like an outerspace version of Jumanji. The previews looked cute, so we thought, hey, lets check it out. BIG mistake. Huge.
We're pretty sure the movie has no plot. There were some mini plots that kept you occupied for a few minutes, but nothing to write home about. And the last 15 minutes of the movie we didn't really see all of because the movie reel went haywire, and the alignment of the movie moved up about a foot and a half, and all the heads were chopped off. Totally lame, and extremely annoying. Two thumbs way down. The ONLY good thing about the movie was the little boy- he was so cute.
I'm embarking back into the world of Sears Portrait Studio tomorrow, so I'd appreciate some prayer. I'm having a hard time trying to make a decision about staying or leaving, and I've been pretty upset about the whole thing. Poor Mike has to deal with my mood swings, so you can pray for him too! I'll keep you all posted about it all.
We're pretty sure the movie has no plot. There were some mini plots that kept you occupied for a few minutes, but nothing to write home about. And the last 15 minutes of the movie we didn't really see all of because the movie reel went haywire, and the alignment of the movie moved up about a foot and a half, and all the heads were chopped off. Totally lame, and extremely annoying. Two thumbs way down. The ONLY good thing about the movie was the little boy- he was so cute.
I'm embarking back into the world of Sears Portrait Studio tomorrow, so I'd appreciate some prayer. I'm having a hard time trying to make a decision about staying or leaving, and I've been pretty upset about the whole thing. Poor Mike has to deal with my mood swings, so you can pray for him too! I'll keep you all posted about it all.
Friday, November 04, 2005
I'm sorry I've been so neglectful with my blogging! Life has thrown me a few curve balls this past week or so.... i hurt my back at work (where's Kurt when I need him!), and I now have to go to Therapy 4 times a week- it's a total waste of my time. I've been working a ton (and it stinks cuz I hate my job), and this week I came down with the WORST case of the flu EVER. Plus I've barely seen Mike this week, so I've been bumming. So needless to say, I haven't had much time to get on the internet.
But enough of my whining and ranting...
I got the chance to play with my new camera this past weekend. Our friends, Nate and Natasha, got married last Friday, and they asked if I could take some pictures. Of course I jumped at it cuz I love to do it, and the pictures turned out well. I still need to figure out my camera a little bit more, but overall, I'm pleased. I posted a few for you all to see. Enjoy!
Hope all is well with you all!
But enough of my whining and ranting...
I got the chance to play with my new camera this past weekend. Our friends, Nate and Natasha, got married last Friday, and they asked if I could take some pictures. Of course I jumped at it cuz I love to do it, and the pictures turned out well. I still need to figure out my camera a little bit more, but overall, I'm pleased. I posted a few for you all to see. Enjoy!
Hope all is well with you all!
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