Monday, October 29, 2007
So excited!!
I am so proud of how these pics turned out! I am just psyched to get going with this stuff! I have a ton of ideas and have a tad bit of confidence now that maybe this can work.
I'm not ready to quit my day job, but maybe after I get my studio set up and do some glamour shots....who knows what the future holds?
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Start Panic Mode now!
I am so excited for one of my friends. She's getting married in May. This is not cause for panic.
Panic must now ensue because she's asked me to photograph her wedding.
I'm mostly worried about having the right equipment. I've got some great ideas for creative shots that will be more fun to hang on the wall of their new home than the usual shoulder-to-shoulder shots of every family member at the ceremony. Not that those aren't great shots to have! The creative part I'm excited about. It's the technical part and the "what if I screw this one-time-only event up?" that makes my stomach churn.
So I'll be doing some research. Lots and lots of research!!
Friday, October 12, 2007
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
What I'm wondering
So I'm wondering, in honor of today being Hump Day (any excuse, you know?), what you do to keep the Stress Monster at bay.
Me? I am not so successful at that. But playing computer games where I can kill stuff and zone the rest of the world out would be my #1 stress buster. Second would be scrapping or photography. Unless that photography involves people. That's a stress inducer if nothing is! Usually because I'm the one who wants the pictures not my model. Occasionally I'll get someone who wants their pictures taken and they're fun to work with, but usually it's me trying to learn how to take better portraits and begging a kid or friend to sit for me. But I wouldn't trade it for the world. I love getting a good photo. And one of these days I'm going to get a digital SLR camera (top of the line in cameras right now) and then I can quit this popsicle stand and go to work for myself!
Me? I am not so successful at that. But playing computer games where I can kill stuff and zone the rest of the world out would be my #1 stress buster. Second would be scrapping or photography. Unless that photography involves people. That's a stress inducer if nothing is! Usually because I'm the one who wants the pictures not my model. Occasionally I'll get someone who wants their pictures taken and they're fun to work with, but usually it's me trying to learn how to take better portraits and begging a kid or friend to sit for me. But I wouldn't trade it for the world. I love getting a good photo. And one of these days I'm going to get a digital SLR camera (top of the line in cameras right now) and then I can quit this popsicle stand and go to work for myself!
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
How do you say no to this face?
From the time we found out that our daughter was pregnant, I've been taking pictures. I took four and a half rolls of the labor and delivery process which only took about three or four hours once we got to the hospital. That along with my coaching responsibilities.
When we brought Lynn home from the hospital, the picture taking really got rolling. I have pictures of her doing everything you can think of. If she'll sit still, grandma will snap her picture. And grandma has many blurry shots that say she'll try to take pictures while the little doll is running around!
So what do we get now? Grandma has to hide her digital camera and keep the film camera securely tucked away so that the little doll can't get her hands on them. If she does, she hands the camera to you and makes this face:
I have quite a few of these shots now. But what can I say? I'm a sucker for such a cute smile!
When we brought Lynn home from the hospital, the picture taking really got rolling. I have pictures of her doing everything you can think of. If she'll sit still, grandma will snap her picture. And grandma has many blurry shots that say she'll try to take pictures while the little doll is running around!
So what do we get now? Grandma has to hide her digital camera and keep the film camera securely tucked away so that the little doll can't get her hands on them. If she does, she hands the camera to you and makes this face:
I have quite a few of these shots now. But what can I say? I'm a sucker for such a cute smile!
Serious thoughts
So today I saw the mentally retarded (not a value judgement, it's a DSM diagnosis) woman riding her very large tricycle down the street. Well, actually, I was at an intersection and she was sitting across from me (going the other way) and holding up traffic. She was apparently waiting for someone who had been walking behind her. My son who was in the car with me needed an explanation as to why we waited at the intersection for so long.
*brief Be A Responsible Driver speech*
But after dropping #2 son off at school I started thinking about how far we've come from the days when we put anyone who was "imperfect" in a home. My mom has a cousin with Down's Syndrome. About 55 years ago when she was born, the doctors told Karen's parents to put her in a home as she was be totally uneducatable. Her parents didn't take that and now Karen lives a life most would not believe possible.
In my state, we have a system where we maintain kids who are at risk of state (mental) hospitalization in their homes. Most of the time this works to a varying degree of success. There are still those kids who need long term hospitalization. But even just twenty years ago, all these kids were shipped off to the nearest state hospital and the average stay was 18 months.
Now I am completely aware that on occasion, society tends to act like a wildly swinging pendulum in a grandfather clock. Going so far one way that we snap back and go too far in the other direction within two generations. For instance, shipping every kid with emotional problems to the mental hospital for 18 months vs. keeping kids who SHOULD be in a hospital or home in their communities. Is there a middle ground? Is there a place where we recognize that in our desire to see everyone as "normal" we're really not helping anyone?
There are kids I work with who will never be "normal." Of course, we could go into a long rant about what is normal! But some of these kids will never be able to live on their own unassisted. They aren't likely to get married. Is there an appropriate time for us to accept some of these things and adjust our expectations accordingly?
Just thinking.
*brief Be A Responsible Driver speech*
But after dropping #2 son off at school I started thinking about how far we've come from the days when we put anyone who was "imperfect" in a home. My mom has a cousin with Down's Syndrome. About 55 years ago when she was born, the doctors told Karen's parents to put her in a home as she was be totally uneducatable. Her parents didn't take that and now Karen lives a life most would not believe possible.
In my state, we have a system where we maintain kids who are at risk of state (mental) hospitalization in their homes. Most of the time this works to a varying degree of success. There are still those kids who need long term hospitalization. But even just twenty years ago, all these kids were shipped off to the nearest state hospital and the average stay was 18 months.
Now I am completely aware that on occasion, society tends to act like a wildly swinging pendulum in a grandfather clock. Going so far one way that we snap back and go too far in the other direction within two generations. For instance, shipping every kid with emotional problems to the mental hospital for 18 months vs. keeping kids who SHOULD be in a hospital or home in their communities. Is there a middle ground? Is there a place where we recognize that in our desire to see everyone as "normal" we're really not helping anyone?
There are kids I work with who will never be "normal." Of course, we could go into a long rant about what is normal! But some of these kids will never be able to live on their own unassisted. They aren't likely to get married. Is there an appropriate time for us to accept some of these things and adjust our expectations accordingly?
Just thinking.
Stress Reducers
Shortly after my uber-genius oldest son graduated from high school, he bought a computer game - to go with the souped up computer his father bought him. In an effort to spend every possible moment with him before he moved away from home to go to college, I started watching him play. That lead to letting him teach me how to play. Which lead to updating our old computer about a year later so I could play it on my own computer.
Oblivion, by Bethesda Software was 2006's game of the year. It is the coolest game I've ever played. I can't think of a better way to unload from a busy day than to sit down at the computer and instead of talking to people about their problems I just smash away at them with some mideaval war axe or claymore. Or maybe throw bolts of fire at them until they expire. Well, not all of my victims are people. Most are an assortment of cool creatures (walking down the road you're as likely to encounter a Minotaur Lord as a bear).
I like it for utter mindlessness. Some of my other hobbies require expensive supplies. Some require other people. But this one only needs me to get my youngest son (who is also hooked on the game) off the computer!
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Something fun
I really love doing these things. It's nice to know that after this many years, I at least partially understand my husband.
| You Have Your PhD in Men |
 You understand men almost better than anyone. You accept that guys are very different, and you read signals well. Work what you know about men, and your relationships will be blissful. |
What a great night!
We had a blast last night! Stayed until the wee hours of the morning...danced...talked to lots of people I haven't spoken to in more than 20 years if ever...just had a great time.
And funny enough, no hangover this morning. Friday night I drank about 6 beers and woke up with a killer headache and a queasy stomach that lasted most of the day. Last night I had 6 really good margaritas and woke up fine. No headache. No queasy stomach. I guess I'm weird.
Anyways, there were some interesting things: it was supposed to start at 7:30 with a class picture at 8. We didn't get started until after 8:30 with the picture. Everyone who was there had to stand and say a little about themselves. It was nice to see who got old and who got fat. There were quite a few of the girls who were, I kid you not, skinnier than they were in high school. But they were also the ones who had multiple marriages and divorces behind them. Several either had no kids or were just starting out in married life. And we're all almost 40! There were a few couples married 15 to 20 years, which was impressive. And there are two other classmates who are grandparents, which was nice.
There weren't really any "hook ups" at my reunion like there were at Mike's last year. No one was really single. Or at least there didn't seem to be any who were "looking." There were a couple who actually live near me and work nearby who I think it would be nice to be friends with, but I suspect that we'll never be anything but friendly. There are a couple who I think I could be real friends with if we ever had the chance. Maybe we will.
But the strangest shocker of the night, for me, was when one of the gals I was sitting with told me that in high school, she'd been jealous of me. She envied my high school life. I just shook my head. I have spend 20 years doing everything I can to forget those three years and yet there were some who envied me. Unreal!
And funny enough, no hangover this morning. Friday night I drank about 6 beers and woke up with a killer headache and a queasy stomach that lasted most of the day. Last night I had 6 really good margaritas and woke up fine. No headache. No queasy stomach. I guess I'm weird.
Anyways, there were some interesting things: it was supposed to start at 7:30 with a class picture at 8. We didn't get started until after 8:30 with the picture. Everyone who was there had to stand and say a little about themselves. It was nice to see who got old and who got fat. There were quite a few of the girls who were, I kid you not, skinnier than they were in high school. But they were also the ones who had multiple marriages and divorces behind them. Several either had no kids or were just starting out in married life. And we're all almost 40! There were a few couples married 15 to 20 years, which was impressive. And there are two other classmates who are grandparents, which was nice.
There weren't really any "hook ups" at my reunion like there were at Mike's last year. No one was really single. Or at least there didn't seem to be any who were "looking." There were a couple who actually live near me and work nearby who I think it would be nice to be friends with, but I suspect that we'll never be anything but friendly. There are a couple who I think I could be real friends with if we ever had the chance. Maybe we will.
But the strangest shocker of the night, for me, was when one of the gals I was sitting with told me that in high school, she'd been jealous of me. She envied my high school life. I just shook my head. I have spend 20 years doing everything I can to forget those three years and yet there were some who envied me. Unreal!
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Better than I expected
Last night was pretty fun. The football game was hardly a game. We'd scored three unanswered touchdowns in the first quarter. By the end of the game (50-something to 7), we were playing all the JV that never got much playing time.
After the game, several members of my class went to the VFW right across from the field. I drank too much "liquid courage" and am paying for it this morning.
This is not me:
This is not me:
But this is about how I feel today:
Friday, October 5, 2007
Friday Fun
I love bubble wrap. I love the nice popping sound it makes when I squeeze each little bubble. Here's a spot of bubble wrap for you to play with!
This is it!
This is it. Today kicks off my 20th high school reunion weekend. I don't know if one word would be sufficient to describe how I feel about it.
First of all, I hated high school. Several classes both before and behind my class have commented on how awful my class was, clique-wise. I never fit in. Was never "accepted" socially. Had no real friends in my class. Never dated anyone in my own class...well, there was ONE person ONE time. And despite the fact that it's been more than two decades since we walked across that stage and went our separate ways, there are classmates who act exactly as they did in high school.
To be fair, most haven't. But there are a few who just don't want to let go. Back then, it was my dad who didn't have the right job or the right amount of income or whatever. I didn't wear the right clothes or drive the right car. And I think my boobs were too big. Now, it me who doesn't make enough money. I'm sure I still don't drive the right car. So many were so shallow then and are still shallow now.
I don't think I'll ever come to the place where I can say I have enough friends. And more than that, having friends who are my same age is important to me. Not that my older and younger friends aren't "good enough." But having someone who is at the same stage in life that I'm in would be nice.
Mike is going with me, of course. I couldn't go without him. He even told me he was trying to figure out ways to make the girls I graduated with jealous. I love him!
First of all, I hated high school. Several classes both before and behind my class have commented on how awful my class was, clique-wise. I never fit in. Was never "accepted" socially. Had no real friends in my class. Never dated anyone in my own class...well, there was ONE person ONE time. And despite the fact that it's been more than two decades since we walked across that stage and went our separate ways, there are classmates who act exactly as they did in high school.
To be fair, most haven't. But there are a few who just don't want to let go. Back then, it was my dad who didn't have the right job or the right amount of income or whatever. I didn't wear the right clothes or drive the right car. And I think my boobs were too big. Now, it me who doesn't make enough money. I'm sure I still don't drive the right car. So many were so shallow then and are still shallow now.
I don't think I'll ever come to the place where I can say I have enough friends. And more than that, having friends who are my same age is important to me. Not that my older and younger friends aren't "good enough." But having someone who is at the same stage in life that I'm in would be nice.
Mike is going with me, of course. I couldn't go without him. He even told me he was trying to figure out ways to make the girls I graduated with jealous. I love him!
Thursday, October 4, 2007
A new addition!
So I'm on another site and there is discussion going on about whether or not men and women are equal. It might help to note that many on this particular site are young and from one fundamental faith or another.
It is the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Seven. The 21st century. And there are still people who do not believe men and women are equal. It is intensely frustrating to participate in these discussions beyond "this is what I think" posts.
So, to save myself some "ugh" moments, here's a picture of my granddaughter. This is the face she gives me when she begs to have her picture taken. And yes. She does beg. I have to hide the digital camera!
And here is a picture of our newest...well, it's not actually a picture of our newest grandchild. It's a picture of someone's grandchild (I suppose) at about the stage of gestation that OUR grandchild is at.
Our oldest daughter announced yesterday that she's expecting again.
Yes. We're quite excited!
It is the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Seven. The 21st century. And there are still people who do not believe men and women are equal. It is intensely frustrating to participate in these discussions beyond "this is what I think" posts.
So, to save myself some "ugh" moments, here's a picture of my granddaughter. This is the face she gives me when she begs to have her picture taken. And yes. She does beg. I have to hide the digital camera!
And here is a picture of our newest...well, it's not actually a picture of our newest grandchild. It's a picture of someone's grandchild (I suppose) at about the stage of gestation that OUR grandchild is at.
Our oldest daughter announced yesterday that she's expecting again.
Yes. We're quite excited!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Ouch!
I like my new tattoo. It's a memory tattoo in memory of my niece and nephew. It's the only one I have that's readily visible (if I'm not wearing long pants) and the only one I'm sure of that my parents have seen (I have two others).
This is my grandson, Chris.
He's such a little cutie. He's getting to the age where grandma and grandpa can play with him more and do more things with him. If you can't imagine, we're thrilled to our toes. We spent half an hour trying to get a picture of him and his cousin together. Exhausting, but fun!!
He's such a little cutie. He's getting to the age where grandma and grandpa can play with him more and do more things with him. If you can't imagine, we're thrilled to our toes. We spent half an hour trying to get a picture of him and his cousin together. Exhausting, but fun!!Today is another long day at work. Eleven and a half hours. The good thing is that I'll be getting all the unpleasant work out of the way and on Thursday and Friday I'll only have to work a few hours. Of course, hubby stays home sick today. When I won't be around. Not Thursday when I'll be home most of the day. *sigh* I guess he really is sick.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Are you one of those morning people?
A co-worker asked me that this morning as I sat at the break room table, drinking so-so coffee and reading the op-ed page of the paper.
An hour ago, I could have said, with bleary eyes and hunched over back "NO!" with a few choice expletives. But unfortunately, it takes me about 10 minutes to wake up. And once I do, there's no going back. No matter what time of the morning it is. But since #2 son likes to be at school at 7:35, I just go to work directly after that.
This weekend marks my 20th high school reunion. In honor of that here is my senior picture. 
Yep. I think that was the year I learned about eye brows! All my pictures before that are being hunted down and burned. My eyes look weird with now brows. Ok, technically, I have brows, but they're transparent. As are my eyelashes sans mascara. I've actually had people I know well not recognize me right off when they caught me without makeup. It's sorta funny to know it would be that easy to fool people if I were ever on the lam.
Anyhow...my reunion. Not really looking forward to it. I was not popular in high school. Well, that's not exactly right. I was more like invisible. I can't remember any good friends from my graduating class. There are a few that I was friendly with. And a few that I'm friendly with now. But no real friends. So why am I going? To see who got fat. Who got old. Who lost their hair. Who's all gray. Of course I suppose that means putting up with who's wildly successful, thin and married to a movie star. I can just imagine who that might be.
Well, despite all that, I'm taking next Sunday off (I teach an adult Bible study class and lead worship at my church) just in case I do have a good time and want to stay for the whole thing. We thought that we wouldn't like it last year when we went to Mike's 20th, but we did and ended up exhausted the next day.
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