The end!

I accidentally deleted my blog roll... again.
I'll slowly be adding everyone back!

I went to a job interview the other day (for an awesome job that requires some travel to London!!) and I think it went really well-- they are hoping to make a decision by the end of the year so I'm keeping my fingers crossed praying!

I also just shot my last wedding for 2009- it was bittersweet! I'm sad I have to wait a few months for another wedding, but I am definitely going to enjoy the downtime to work on a few things. Here is one of my favorite images from the wedding..

Hope everyone has a great week!

The Day...

Today was one of those days I would have liked to of hit the restart button. Unless that means that the day would have been the same and in that case No. Thank. You! Let's see... I..

..woke up later than normal which made my day seem weird
..had to sit around waiting for the Fed Ex guy to deliver something I needed a few days ago who doesn't knock very loudly
and doesn't leave my package if I don't answer
..couldn't join the Richmond Bridal Expo (what I thought was going to help round out my 2010 weddings) because they're full
..and there's already a waiting list for July's show
..didn't have any yogurt for my daily smoothie
..dropped sugar allllll over the floor (not for smoothie..made tea)
..missed an accident by ---- much..someone pulled out in front of me
..not only slammed on the brakes but also slammed my knee while frantically reaching for the brakes
..was walking out of the gym talking to David and missed the curb and fell
..once I hit the ground I said "I hate today" and burst in tears

The good news is that i'm alive. Living and breathing with a roof over my head. And that even though I haven't found a full time job yet (even though photography keeps me plenty busy--still in the business building stage) my husband can provide for the both of us.. and our sweet Sadie.. but we said no babies until I can get a steady paycheck coming in. And a house-- I want a house to put those babies in.

How was YOUR day?

I want..

I want to run a marathon.
(This girl is a constant motivation for me!)

I love running. I love running more than any other physical activity because I get so bored with the others. With running, I don't have time to get bored. I've got the music blasting in my ears and the constant pain in my legs. Oh yes, there's a problem. I am constantly "running through the pain" but the problem is my legs give out waaaay before my head does. I thought it may be shin splints, but apparently after I saw a doctor I was told it's the muscle behind/beside the "shin." I've never had a problem with them before (I used to run Cross Country) and have only had a problem with them in the past couple of months.

Today, I had to stop after 2.80 miles. I couldn't even make it 3 miles. Once I got to the car I couldn't hold the tears back. It's frustrating.

Guess it's time to go see a specialist because I'm tired of running through the pain.

Light up my life..

We put up our 2009 Christmas tree today!

Thanksgiving was a lot of fun this year, we traveled to my parents house and my brother & his wife came in from Kentucky and we got to shoot a few maternity pictures for them.. I cannot wait to meet Miss A* when she arrives in January/February!

The thing is..

Why have I been so absent from blog land? Because there is only so many things a unemployed photographer can talk about besides.. well.. photos! (And I already HAVE a photoblog for that!) Photography has seriously kept me so completely busy that I even had to miss what would have been a very fun bloggy meet up organized by Lis Loves. Weddings are obviously the source of income for me, and family sessions are just fun! I will be doing two bridal shows in January so I hope that helps round out 2010 business for me. God has been good, every time I get a little discouraged- a client contacts me to book. (Perhaps I should just become depressed...then I'd be RICH!? Just kidding, God!)

I do keep up with my blog friends every day.. if by keeping up can be considered just reading your blogs and being too lazy to sign into THIS blogger account rather than the photobusiness one..

After over a year of living here, David and I have FOUND a church! I think we have at least.. it has really impressed me. See, David was raised Catholic and I was raised Baptist, Southern Baptist to be exact, so finding a middle ground was pretty tough. I thought "oh we'll just go to a non-denominational church" and went one Sunday to a church I passed on the way to a session. Bad. Move. The pastor actually came up to us before the service and asked about our background, when David said he was raised Catholic the pastor let out a chuckle and said, "Well you're in for a REAL treat here!" We probably should have left then. It was.. a little crazy to say the least. The new church is big and contemporary, but not crazy. I was in love the moment I walked in the door. I really hope to get involved in small groups and volunteer when I can.

Happy Birthday to the BEST man I know!

Today I am celebrating my husband's birthday. Did you ever create "a list" of the characteristics your husband would have? Well, I did, and David has every. single. one. of. them.

In celebrating his birthday I want to write 26 reasons why I am so in love with him (although there are many, MANY more!):

1. He is honest with me. He has never done anything to be the least bit dishonest or deceiving with me. I cherish that.
2. He values his family.
3. He makes me laugh. daily.
4. He loves to hang out with just me--something I was not used to in past relationships but always desired.
5. He prays with me.
6. He has the best work ethic and is a great provider.
7. He supports me. I couldn't have started a photography business without his support. He is an amazing backbone of this business I am trying to build. He sits down and looks at the pictures I take with me and that is so special to me.
8. He is a gift from God. Our meeting, our relationship, our marriage..all brought together by God.
9. He constantly tells me he loves me.
10. He is SUCH a man of integrity.
11. He goes out of his way to help people. One time we saw a car broken down in the middle of the road with someone inside and no one was helping the car. David pulled over and pushed the car out of the way. It was an older lady who had no way of getting the car moved out of the way.
12. He's strong. Ohhh his muscles ;) He takes such good care of his body.
13. For the Father he will be. I cannot wait to make babies with this man because I know he's going to be the best Daddy!
14. He's respectful. Not just to me and his family, but everyone he meets.
15. His hugs are the. best. ever. And he never lets go until I'm ready.
16. He protects me.
17. He is so intelligent! Graduated college with a degree in biology and is in the top 15% of his class with his Master's!
18. He kisses me goodbye with an "I love you" every morning before he goes to work.
19. He surprises me with little gifts. He is so thoughtful.
20. He helps with the housework without me asking.
21. He is a good steward of money.
22. His 'down time' includes playing football on his PS3 and not getting drunk with his friends.
23. He is a good listener..and the best secret-keeper ever.
24. He values my input.
25. He is the most unselfish, caring man I know.
26. He is my best friend, my lover, my husband, my everything.

Happy 26th Birthday, David! I love you more than I could ever express through words or silly lists. Today, I am thanking God for you and praying for many more years to be your wife and celebrate who you are.

The 411

Today, I am realizing just how great life is. I mean sure, there are always going to be bumps in the road, but overall..things are good. I am hoping to get back into blogging..I like to keep a record of things and one day I would like to put it all together in a book (at least the funny/exciting posts!)


So here is what has been going on..

• I am still not working other than my photography business, but trust me that has kept me busy enough! October is booked with 3 weddings, a completely filled boudoir marathon, and many portrait sessions. I am truly enjoying every second of it. I could continue on and not get a full time job, but like I've said before I (we) want to save as much as we can for the future (I hear children aren't cheap!) and it'll be nice to be able to have a cushion.
  
  
• There is a plus sign of being home..there are always vacuum lines in my carpet..and I LOVE vacuum lines. :-)
  
  
• Since today was Oct 1 it's officially "Fall" to me. Today consisted of the yummy aroma of pumpkin spice candles lit in various places around the house.
  
  
• Today also marks the first time in our married life that we sat down at the table to eat. Isn't that crazy? We've been married over a year! We like watching our favorite shows and eating at the same time..so the couch is where it happens. It almost felt like we were at a restaurant, except that I had to clean up afterwards! :-) I think we will try and keep that up a few times a week. It's nice to sit there with no distractions and just talk.
  

The BEST thing for runners!

Maybe you have found this website and aren't like me who after a run I hop in the car & track my distance. After my run today (which was GLORIOUS!) I came in and was going to try and mapquest it or something, and instead, I found THIS website!! The link will take you right to a map and you can put in your address and draw out on the map where you ran. Super easy!

Brightened my day..

"Don't worry about where the baby is"

Taken in Richmond, VA

(others can be found by clicking the link)

[un]fashionable

I have always been into fashion..I just have never been "in" fashion. For instance..David & I went to the mall today. To the mall. That has a billion stores. And I only found 1 pair of jeans. There has not been too many times that I have found more than a couple of things at any given shopping trip.

I have a TON of clothes, but the problem is I wear only a few of them. (Too tight, too old, too something!) A lot of the clothes I have were bought in the early college years (and maybe a few from highschool too!) and it's just time for new clothes!

So glad that fall/winter is close. I feel much better "in my skin" with a few layers on. I don't own a pair of shorts, and I have always been one to put a tank top under shirts..so you can see where the summer months make me just a little hot.

..If I ever win the lottery (which is pretty high in VA right now!) I will have a personal stylist.

Things I love..

Things I LOVED this week..

Eating.

Had fresh homemade salsa for lunch

&

Pulled pork BBQ is in the crockpot for dinner as we speak

David.

Celebrating my Birthday with him (this past Sunday)

He took the day off Monday so we could hang out and when I woke up he suprised me with a trip to the waterpark.

Snugglin' up to the him & watching a movie

(There is no hidden message in this post. The big & bold do not go together. For instance do not put "Loved" "Eating" "David" together & call the cops because you think that I have eaten my husband. I have not.)

I . am . done .

My days of being an ungrad are officially over. I have completed my bachelor's degree!

..and now I am going into job search mode. My "plan" is to put the money I make from my "job" into savings so that when we have children if I want to take a litle extra time off (or perhaps then switch to full-time photography!) I will have a nice cushion behind me. Photography money will be used to expand the business and for spending. Because of David's job (he just got a nice raise! and will get another nice raise this time next year!) I do not have to work, but hey, I like the money! Plus, I am excited about savinggg.

Addicting

The smell of David's cologne stops me in my tracks
I even sprayed it on his pillow last night
because he's on a business trip this week.
I miss him more this trip that I ever have before
I am confused as to why I am missing him so much.
I can't wait for him to fly in tomorrow night
I haven't shaved my legs in 3 days
(can't believe I just admitted that!)
But tonight, those babies will be like silk
in anticipation for his arrival

:-)

It's a sad song..

I was driving down the road, listening to this song, and had to pull over because there were too many tears in my eyes to see the road:

Sissy's Song Lyrics
By: Alan Jackson

"Loved ones she left behind
Just trying to survive
And understand the why
Feeling so lost inside
Anger shot straight at God
Then asking for His love
Empty with disbelief
Just hoping that maybe

She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me.."

Although I am incredibly thankful for my step dad, even after all of these years of my father being gone, it hasn't gotten any easier. Losing a parent, child, or spouse is to me among the hardest losses. Someone that you see and talk to every single day that is suddenly taken away is hard to stomach. There have been many times that I had "anger shot straight at God" because my father wasn't here with me.

I remember the first time I took David to my father's gravesite, it was the day we got married. David said out loud, "Don't worry I will take care of her." And of course hearing him say that brought tears to my eyes. He has not wavered from that promise. David takes good care of me.

Today, I am thanking God for a wonderful husband, memories of an amazing father, a mother that held it all together & a stepdad that has done a really good job.

..and this is where life begins

I have two interviews coming up! One is this Sunday for the vendor in Maryland that wants to talk to me about being their full time photographer for weddings (woohoo!). And the next one is on Monday with a local middle school here for the position of head cheerleading coach! Which, could be a good "in" for a teaching position.

I went home for a senior session on Tuesday and called Sarah (little sister) right before I got to the session and said, "Put on a cute dress and some boots and when I'm done here we'll spend a few minutes taking pictures behind the house." Literally we had 10 minutes of sunlight left. I am so proud of the young woman she's become!


.....have a great weekend!

Thankful & Paper

David is so awesome. In this move I have done all of the packing, and I will do all of the unpacking in the new place. (Not to mention making this place spotless for our checkout!) And he, with his big muscles, is our mover. The only thing I am required to help him with is one of our couches that is too long for him to carry himself. I did my duty by labeling the biggest boxes "heavy" and i'm pretty sure he gets a little kick out of it.

Chapter 1 of our lives is almost complete. Our one year of marriage will be celebrated this Saturday. I had decided to make a scrapbook and include in it the highlights of this year as my "paper" gift to him- and David said, "Why don't I help you with that and we'll make it together." So that is the plan. It will not be finished by Saturday, but we're off to a good start. I plan on making a Q&A page for us with questions like "What is your favorite thing about being married", "What was the best memory of this year" ..etc. I will take pictures of the final product when it's completed. I will tell you I am having the HARDEST time with the "real" scrapbooking. Digital scrapbooks are SO MUCH EASIER because I can click a button to delete something if I don't like it. I have created and thrown out 4 first pages that will only say "The Garrisons" and have our picture.

I say, "The Plan" and God laughs..

Did you know that I switched majors in college from business to teaching? And then I switched back to business? In 3 (holy cow!) weeks I will have a Bachelor's in Business Management. My plan is to pursue teaching. In some counties, such as the one I live in, there are alternative ways to getting hired as a teacher without a teaching degree..and most of the time, the school will pay for some/all of the tuition to get licensed.

As we are nearing August, and it is very unlikely that I will get a position for the fall, because I will not officially have my college degree until August 15- teachers are supposed to go back on the 31st and students on September 8th. However, for the upcoming year I plan to sub and hopefully get a job next school year. (I do of course have my fingers crossed that SOMETHING permanent will open up! And praying. Hard.)

FYI I am still going to pursue photography part-time.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Made me laugh..

They were happy that she was getting married before the baby was born, but in hindsight, buying the dress months beforehand may not have been a good idea.

Top 10 ugliest dresses

One year: Paper

Our first anniversary (August 1) is quickly approaching.. which means that I have 10 days to figure out what I'm doing for us! Traditionally, the first year is to be celebrated with "paper"--did you all follow this? If so, what did you do? I'd like to do something more than a letter to follow that tradition.. I would love to buy tickets to somewhere nice..that would be much easier if I had a job..so that may just be a nice thought. I am signing two contracts on weddings this week and one next month- so that is nice.

Trusting God to provide and open doors is a lot easier than stressing! I. am. so. blessed.

It's ME!

Has it really been that long since I last posted? Eek. I assure you that it isn't that I do not have anything to say..I've got a million things running through my head!

I have four weeks left of this class i'm taking [corporate finance-yuck!] and it literally has sucked the life out of me. There is no way that I could keep up if I was not currently unemployed. Speaking of unemployed, once I finish this class I will have my Bachelor's in Business Management. Once I dust off & update my resume I will be sending it out..Photography is going GREAT! (Last week I had one wedding & 6 sessions!) I just want a job.

I'll be back to the regular posting soon.

All P'S

Problem: The ONE problem with having a DSLR is that I do not feel like putting it together to take one picture. I think I will purchase a fits-in-your-pocket type of camera soon so that I can take quick pictures when I want. Not to mention since I started my business David & I haven't taken any pictures together.. YOU try turning that big camera around for a self portrait! (ok ok it isn't that hard, but it just seems like a hassle)

David has been gone for training since last week (he comes home tonight, yay! Trying to stay awake to see him home) and as I was in my hometown the day before he left shooting a senior session (I need to blog about it!) he cut up little pieces of paper and wrote "I love you!" on them and placed them all around the house. (Credit for the image below. I told you I didn't feel like getting up to get my camera!)We won't even talk about how a majority of the notes were left in the kitchen! :-) hah What can I say, he knows where I go the most! There was also one in my laptop, in my makeup bag, and clothes drawers & shoe rack.

Ok fine, the ones in the kitchen were: On the fridge, on the sweet-tea container when you open the fridge, in the snack drawer, in the pull out drawer where my oven mitts are, in the coffee machiene, and in the silverware drawer... I think that's it?

Prayer Request: Please pray for this lovely lady as she is waiting on test results from a spinal tap.

Pizza: I may or may not have ordered a Large pizza, Cheese bread sticks & a 2 liter diet pepsi for dinner.....all for myself (hides face) In my defense, I had 2 of the cheese bread sticks & 1 slice of pizza for dinner! I really don't know why I ordered so much food.. I just did, but I know what i'll be eating the rest of the week! (and running extra to punish myself!!)

Photography: Thank you all for your support in the last post. I love my blogging friends. I'm not stopping. I'm using any negativity to fuel my fire!

There goes another..

[this is my blog, my outlet, and I will speak my mind]

Nothing prepares you for the day you realize a close friendship is over, or that is has created some feelings that may not be resolved, no matter how much you would like to reconcile. In my life I have been hurt by two, now three, girls worse than I was ever hurt by a boyfriend. (keeping in mind that my first 'boyfriend' got a girl pregnant while we were together, and I had no idea he was being 'unfaithful') The friendships with these girls were all friendships that I held dearly to my heart and it still upsets me to think about. I would say that my eyes will not shed any more tears, but there are currently tears in my eyes.

I honestly 100% thought that there was a mutual encouraging relationship between me and her. We would talk throughout gmail pretty much all throughout the workday Monday-Friday. She would tell me something exciting about her more experienced business, and I would tell her something exciting about my new blooming business. I shared frustrations of the business world (maybe I should have kept a few comments to myself, but I was afterall in the presence of a friend) and always made sure to ask what she was up to and encourage her and her work. Somewhere in between there, it seems that things got taken out of context and I now look like I am a braggy person.

My desire was never to say, "Hey look at me! Look what i'm doing!" I do have a little more time to focus on creating a bigger clientele now, but I have no choice- I do not have a job! There is no steady income from my part of the marriage. If anything I wanted to know that I was on the right path and never in a million years would I think things would turn out like this.

I didn't "know" anyone except her in the business before jumping in with two feet, so of course I had questions that maybe I should have found someone else to ask, but I realize now that photography is so cut-throat, and I am contemplating finishing the weddings I have booked and hanging up my business hat. I just feel so defeated.

Blog list gone! [please respond]

As I was putting in this awesome layout, I lost all of my stuff. If you were on, or would like to be on my blog list- leave a comment here. (I use my blog list instead of "followers" to read..I don't think I "followed" all that I read..)

On a different note, Happy Father's Day! (Below, my father [need to take a picture of his picture for this computer!] My Mom & "Dad" [stepdad], and below that, My FIL, MIL, and nephew. Please excuse the fact that my dad looks like Colonel Sanders.

Love <3

I am so in love with this picture! I cannot put it on the photography website because her inlaws are traditional, and this isn't exactly a traditional maternity picture. But I am allowed to post it other places :-)

Have a great weekend!

Life after job.

Last week as I was in the single digits of counting down (not happily counting down) my last days before the layoff, I was dreaming of how I would keep a spotless house, dinner would be ready when David got home instead of my usual head scratch not knowing what to fix, I would be spending some of the day at the gym, I could read books, I could bake, I could organize the house, I could lay out at the pool, I could advertise my butt off for photography..oh the dreams I had.

What I realized on Tuesday morning is this: With my job I already had way too much on my plate. [Full-time job, full-time school, part-time business, being a wife, Furmom, keeping a house, and not to mention watching my shows on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings!] I still have all of those things going on, minus the full time job.

I normally get up at 9 (Even when I worked, it's nice working from home- get up and turn the computer on) but i'm not thinking I want to try and be up at 7:30, 8 at the latest. I could get a lot done if i'm not wiping the sleepy out of my eye at 9AM every morning. (I know, some of you are thinking, "That isn't even the morning time!")

Having a schedule would work. I used to plan out my days to the hour- and worked very well on that schedule. The only problem was when something unexpected would happen and throw me off for the whole day, sometimes two.

Where are the hours in the day? It's already 10:30 and the motivation to get the day started hasn't come yet.

This weekend.. Ohh this weekend is going to kill me- I've got TWO (yes TWO!) weddings on Saturday. Remember a while back I said that I may work for a really awesome photographer that is right down the road? Well, I am. I had a 2 hour very small ceremony booked, and she has an all day a wedding right down the road, so I will start out at hers, go to mine, and go back to hers. Sunday I have an engagement shoot. At least I will come out of the weekend with a lot of good pictures. [had a fun maternity session last weekend-seen here.] There is one picture that I am dying to post from that- but I need to check with the mommy first. It's her & her husband on the traintracks, both shirts off and back is to me with them looking over their shoulders. (They've got some fun tattoos that they wanted to showcase, plus her belly)

I may or may not be photographing her birth. My good friend (who I think I mention on here every other week) Liz has photographed a few births and loveees it. (Thankful that we're 2 hours away so I don't feel like i'm stepping on toes if I get into birth photography here) I'm not so sure I wouldn't pass out. I don't have a problem with blood-but i've only seen a cow and cat give birth, I've never seen a human birth. (and I had my hands over my eyes for a few parts in both animal births.) Right now I am trying to think about clients, and there could be a decent market in Richmond for a birth photographer. As of now i've only found 1, but she hasn't posted new stuff in a while. There's a lot to think about there!

Wow, this was a long post.
About...nothing really.
If you've made it to the end: congrats!
Now you may see why my days go by so quickly
as a million things swirl in my head at once.

[Changes]

There are some exciting and not so exciting but still equally fulfilling their description of "Change" happening around here!

Exciting: We're moving! More space an extra bedroom and a private patio = ♥ ...and The BEST part? They're raising our rent here so we are getting all of that for the SAME price we would pay to pay here.

Not so exciting: My job ends Monday! And there is no It is a little nerve wracking to know that I will not be walking up to my mail box and picking up a check every two weeks. I need that in my life. I could very well pursue photography full-time, but I decided to keep that as a side business for now. [what can I say, I like to actually have money and not have to worry if I want a pack of gum] Especially considering I don't have my dream studio. I will be pursuing Monday-Friday employment-- as soon as I dust off my resume.

It's that time again! [SWAPinfo]

I didn't join in on Mammarazzi's last swap (I know, what was I thinking?) but I definitely am all in this time!

Will you join me?
(Click Below to enter!)

Copycat.

Liz has a new outlook on her blogging. I am copying her idea and saying that things I am grateful for today are:
1. My new running shoes (Thanks David!)- I don’t want shin splints anymore! (Although I am STILL recovering from the previous ones)
2. The rain. The grass was starting looking yellow & crispy-
3. A friend that answers all of my photog questions (that’s YOU!)
4. My husband’s “I love you” texts that I know that he just pushes “resend” throughout the day, but it’s still sweet to get them while he’s gone.
5. My dog (although she’s harmless) to keep me company at night. If she weren’t here i’d be a little more scared at night.

I would love to copy ...love Maegan's big and fabulous curly hair that she's sporting today. And her stomach. Ah, she's so cute! (cute = super hot in the non lesbian way!)

I'll also take a little of Pulsipher Predilections and GlamLifeHouseWife's wit. (p.s. time to change your blog name Whitney!!)


...Ok I really could go on and on and on, but i'm hungry. Sadie is also hungry and is threatening to not be so protective if I don't feed her right this second.

Trouble in Paradise

"...The mother-in-law frequently forgets she was once a daughter-in-law"

There really should be a part in our vows about accepting his family. My family is not perfect, but they have always accepted David with open arms. Upon entering his family I was told "Good Luck" by another member.

There's a story. There's always a story. However, it is so long that it would be impossible to describe on here. David & I screwed up by not including them when we originally got married on August 1. It was supposed to be under wraps so that everyone wins. My family is very conservative, southern baptist, and his... well his just didn't care that we were going to live together. We decided to let my parents in on it, but not his. Not out of spite, or anything, but purely for what we thought was a "win-win" situation. When we decided we weren't going to have a "wedding" on May 16, we decided we didn't want a wedding day. We didn't want a wedding day that didn't have everyone included. This was not good enough for his mother, as you know she must know everything. It has even gone as far as me getting some nasty threat-type e-mails from someone his family. (Yeah, really!) Well, curiosity killed the cat, and she found out the day that the church threw us the reception on May 16 (which was so nice of them, and that was supposed to be our "wedding day"). David went over there the next day after we got back and they talked it through. He told them how my & my parents beliefs did not line up with theirs and how we truly thought this was the best situation for everyone. Everything seemed settled. Of course they were going to be upset, after all, they did kind of miss their son's "wedding day" and it was our fault.

Well that was 3 weeks ago and his mother has not spoken to me. She has ignored every single phone call and message I left. I broke down crying the other day because I want her to forgive and move on, but she is the type to hold a grudge for years, and years. (like, double digits.)

At this point, she wants nothing to do with our lives. She doesn't want to get to know me as her daughter-in-law. I am not sure when she will eventually call, but when she does I am praying that I will have a good attitude. So much of me wants to write her out of my life because of how things are going now.

The worst part? They live a mile away from us. It isn't like we're a ways away and she happened to be busy.

When I was growing up I was terrrrrible. All of those times that my mother should have thrown her hands up and left me, she didn't. She always was quick to forgive and I guess not everyone can be like that, and that hurts. It hurts to have someone so close (in distance and family-wise) that wants absolutely nothing to do with you.

My grandmother said her MIL never once accepted her. They went through YEARS like what I am describing where she would have nothing to do with her. I really hope that is not the case for us. I make a vow right now to never, ever turn my back on my kids or their spouses.

The upside of all of this, is that deciding where to go for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, July 4th, and all the others have just gotten a lot easier!

Help Needed

My baby sister is turning 15!

Not such a "baby" right? I remember one year of college she came to visit and people treated me like I was visiting her. Ridiculous!

On to my "help needed" ad. I want to throw Sarah a party..but what kind? I want it to be fabulous, but certainly not breaking the bank! Here's where you come in--I need ideas!! Get your creative juices flowing for a minute. Here's the hard part- They live in the middle of no where. There are NO stoplights in the county and the nearest movie theater is an hour away.

There will be boys & girls attending this shin-dig..but they're all good kids.

Ideas? Please?

Next Time..

• When people ask me how tall I am I say, "not very." It usually makes people laugh. That being said, it shouldn't be said when the gyno is performing his exam. Next time-- just answer 5"0.
• I've reached my fat limit. As a 5"0 girl, extra weight is not flattering. I know that 110 pounds would be ideal for most people, but not for me--it carries right on my stomach. 10 pounds needs to come off! I am not a "sweets" eater-I would probably pick chips over chocolate any day. I crave salty/fried goodness. Except it isn't "good" for me. Although I normally run a few times a week, I had to take a few weeks off due to shin splints. The last time I did the Shred I got way too over heated and got sick. I haven't done it since (about 2 weeks. BAD. Megan!) - next time-- don't eat tortilla chips & sour cream for dipping right before.((I am not looking for a "you shouldn't complain about being 110 pounds" or "you're so skinny!" type of comment. I know what weight looks good on me and what doesn't. The end.))
• I shot two newborn sessions for Memorial Day and they can be previewed here. I drove 2 hours to my parents house for the first, then drove another hour to the second shoot and two hours back home. next time-- I won't shoot two newborns in two different locations in one day.

What a GREAT DEAL!

Discount Mags is having some ahhhhhmazing deals on magazines for this weekend.
Available magazines (prices are for 1-year subscription, multiple years can be purchased at once):

• ESPN Magazine (26 issues) $3.50 with coupon 1629
• Fitness (11 issues) $3.50 with coupon 2481
• OK! Magazine (52 issues) $6 with coupon 8172
• Runner's World (12 issues) $6 with coupon 6212

(type in the "coupon" in the checkout area)

I bought a year's subscription of Runner's World & Fitness magazine for under $10. So. Fun.

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Wendy's has a BOGO frosty coupon that is valid on Coffee Toffee or Frosty Cino through June 7, 2009

Toes in the sand..

We're going to the beach in July and I cannot wait! I haven't been to the beach in the summer in about 5 years, because I was always working and taking classes in the summer of college.. why do I feel like we're sneaking around by going? We're adults, and let's not forget married, but I still feel like I am sneaking off with my boyfriend. (I did go to the beach with dear friends liz & tommy, but it was never in the summer so we couldn't lay out)

I had hoped that we would celebrate our first anniversary in August by going on our overdue honeymoon, but with David continually taking classes for his masters it wouldn't work right now (thank you U.S. Govt for paying for his masters..and thank you instructional design master program that requires an adobe suite which his work is ALSO paying for..meaning Mama's getting the latest photoshop & indesign along with others!) I currently use Photoshop Elements, so I am excited to learn the full program. And by "learn the full program" I mean being completely lost but hoping for the best!

Do's & Please don't ever do that again.

Do.. go to the gym
Don't.. go to the gym if you have gas. When I walked in & got smacked in the face with a smell that not even your mother would love, it was really hard for me to exercise. How I didn't just walk out is a mystery- honestly, I didn't want to hurt your feelings. At the time you "let it out" you were the only one in there, but then I came, and I knew you were slightly embarrassed by the look on your face when I walked in so I just hopped on the treadmill hoping the stench would pass quickly. I honestly thought I was going to pass out due to the lack of oxygen because I was trying not to breathe. I thought the smell would go away, but no, it wasn't a one time thing with you- You kept passing gas! (I never say the F word-it's just gross).

It's Love <3 <3

My sister came down this past Wednesday and left yesterday. A lot of time was spend finding the "perfect poses" for our portraits. She does not have her own photography business, but after seeing the reactions of these portraits I think it will push her into it! :-) I have so many "favorites" and besides the one you saw in the last post here are some others:

once a photographer, always a photographer

Our wedding portraits

My sister, who will be joining me as an assistant shooter for weddings when contracted, took our wedding portraits today. It was perfect, minus the bruised lung I have (that's a post for another day) I am going to blog about this later but wanted to share a lovely picture from today..

Random List of Things..

• Driving from my BIL's house yesterday to celebrate Mother's Day with my MIL, we stopped where this man was selling watermelon on the side of the road. I love this area, you just can't do that in DC. Boy is it good. We filled up every single Glad tupperwear container in sight and i'm just hoping we can eat all of it before it goes bad. Needless to say, I don't think i'll be buying any other fruit this week!
• The weather on Saturday was great, although it was a little windy! I blogged about it. I'm so thankful it didn't rain. I had heard of people praying to hold off the rain even though I think there are greater things to go to the Lord for...but as I was making the hour & half drive I spent a lot of time in prayer.. prayer for the ceremony, the weather (yes, I did pray for no rain!), for their marriage, for my marriage..it was nice to spend that time in prayer. I also had to sing my heart out because although I LOVE driving it sometimes gets a little lonely.
  
• Sometimes when I sing (especially trying to keep up with Carrie Underwood) I accidentally gag myself. Not.Pretty
• Two new classes start today, an upper level business & a psycology..both subjects I love. I'm hoping for 2-A's!
• My church and it's ladies are throwing David & I a "reception" this Saturday--did I mention that? I will be sure to take pictures & share sometime next week! I have been a member of this church since I was 2, and even now haven't switched memberships.
  
• David & I have a habit of taking the other persons ring if we notice them on the counter. He always comes in and takes mine while i'm in the shower or putting on make-up and I ALWAYS know where they are so he doesn't get too far without hearing, "give me back my rings!!" This morning David calls me and says that he looked all around for his ring this morning, checked the cars and everything and couldn't find it. I tucked it into my pocket last night and forgot all about it..Poor guy almost late for work looking for the symbol of our commitment! hehehe...

Now it's YOUR turn to tell me something random!

Relief.

My facebook status this afternoon was:
[megan] Has to finish a paper (4 pages left), take a final & submit 3 discussion boards before midnight... -nervous laugh-

If I decided to update my status it would now say:
COMPLETED!

In 4 hours I took a 2 hour test (seriously, after the first hour my brain is fried-why do you do this teachers?), wrote 4 pages to make 12, and completed 3 (LONG!) discussion boards. whew, what a sigh of relief! I have a few classes this summer and I will be done with my undergrand. I could have walked in graduation [which is tomorrow] but I didn't feel like it. Last year Chuck Norris was our speaker, this year, it's Ben Stein. Liberty should have canceled all graduation speakers after Chuck Norris-- I mean how can you compete with that?!? Unless I were to speak of course :-)

The President [of my company] called two days ago and has enough money for me to have 2 more paychecks! He said within 10 days he'll know if I can stay longer! That is such great news because I am going to put those extra checks into savings for a rainy day. It will postpone my "full-time" photographer status for a little bit, but that is okay! I have a lot of weddings this summer to keep me busy.

Kicking off the wedding season is a wedding tomorrow at a lovely vineyard [oh so yummy], please send good vibes to keep the rain away--it's supposed to be 90 degrees and have bad storms.

Random Updates

• Now that I officially have a photography blog, I will not have to bore you with my photoshoots on here! I need to switch it over from being .squarespace to just my own, but I haven't done that yet. I found the website last night and had it up & running today, it was THAT user friendly. I'm looking forward to perfecting it, but for now it makes me smile.
  
• I may get the chance to work for an AMAZING photographer in the Richmond area. {Wondering why I would work for someone if I already have my own business?} It will be such an experience and I would be able to learn so much {so much that I NEED to learn}. Plus it seems that i'll have a lot of free time on my hands so doing a little extra sidework will be nice.
  
• Sometimes I have a hard time sleeping at night..last night I stayed up until 4AM..it's already 1AM and i'm not even sleepy--I think it may be another late night.
  
• David & I have been making fun of each other all day {in a loving way}, and it feels like a middle school romance <3>
  

I'm the lucky one...

...due to the lovely anonymous commenter (coward, what?) on my last post-
I wanted to write a post on reasons why my life is so fabulous:

• God. He is so amazing and I can definitely see where his hand has guided me in my life.
  
  
• David. When I was younger & I would come up with "lists" of what I wanted my husband to be, David met every single one of those characteristics. The "boyfriend" I had before David was the complete opposite in every single one of the areas that I wrote on my list but I hung on because I felt like that was the direction my life was supposed to go (after all, I met him in college, Liberty is close to my hometown, etc.) I am so glad that I finally got fed up and picked up and moved to DC, knowing that he would realize what I meant to him. Well, finally, he did, and he even came up to DC proclaiming through tears over dinner that he knew I was the one and he wanted to take me "home" that day. I already had my eyes on David, and felt relieved when I sent ex home and called David to come pick me up so we could hang out. David is my best friend, soul mate, lover, father to our future children, secret keeper, confidant, supporter, biggest fan, and so much more.
  
  
• Family. My mom is truly my best friend. It was not until I was 15 and in and out of the hospital that I realized just how important she was and how sorry I felt for treating her so badly for so many years. Some of you that have read my blog for a while know of my plans to stuff her when she dies. We'll just leave it at that. I have also been blessed with a wonderful set of in-laws and the best sisters & brother anyone could ask for.
  
  
• Job. I know, I know. You all are thinking "What Job? You're about to lose it!" I am not afraid when I think about how I have about two weeks at my job. Photography is going so well, and I cannot wait until I can venture out during the day and let people know who I am. There will be a slight change from the pay check I am used to receiving, but it will not be that bad. I am thankful that if worse comes to worse, David's salary can support us. Plus he says if I get a job at Subway then we won't have to worry about making dinner. Such a funny guy he is, I want to throw a shoe at him when he says that.
  
  

Speaking of photography, I am now offering custom announcements.. This is just the design I don't have the hard copy yet (I changed the name).

"My loss your gain"

While browsing my local craigslist
I came across some very interesting pieces
and thought I would share.
No need to thank me,
it's my gift to you.

"Stylish airport chairs in great condition, hardly used. Great for studio or loft seating"
..they honestly look like they have never been used! For $150 they can be yours!
While I do see potential for an artsy studio or loft apartment, $150!?!?!

The issue with this is not the $50 price tag, although I would even dispute that, the problem arises when I can't even clearly see the desk. By looking in the mirror the picture is obviously from a phone, and I don't have a problem with that! Lady, here is a tip I learned and will graciously share with you.. clean up the area around whatever object you are selling. [how do people live in that much clutter?]


Oh John Wayne. If only I had the $250 your owner wants I would snatch you up quicker than grits! What is it about you that won't get out of my head?


I would buy this $20 mirror and throw in a cheeseburger so that lady can eat! Perhaps some pants too because those are some awfully weird places for tattoos.


[P.S. This post is obviously a light-hearted post. Do not take it seriously. Do not track the subjects down and feed or clean for them! (i'm even joking with this sentence!) To the anonymous commenter who obviously loves my blog enough to come back- thank you. I decided to write another post tomorrow describing just how fabulous my life is! Thanks for the great idea]

Diagnosis.

Thanks to all of you who lifted up a prayer this last night or morning. While sitting in the waiting room after David went back, I was nervous- couldn't concentrate on the book I had brought to pass the time, couldn't even pay attention to Regis & Kelly on the television. I wanted answers. I needed to see "my baby" again.

After the procedure David's doctor called me back and explained what he found. I was praying it wouldn't be colon cancer- I wouldn't have been prepared to hear that my 25 seemingly in amazing health by his great shape year old husband has cancer. The doctor informed me that David has Ulcerative Colitis. Although this isn't great news, I am thankful that it wasn't cancer. By that time I still hadn't seen David since he went back. (why do doctor's offices do that? all I wanted to do was sit by him and hold his hand--I know he's an adult and didn't "need" me but still- can you imagine how it will be when we have children?!)

Speaking of children, there is a possibility that it will be passed on, but we have many things to get through before we worry about that. From 25% to almost 50% of ulcerative colitis patients have to have surgery their colon removed, but I can also be thankful that we are not at that point right now.

We (meaning as in he) has some medicine to try- I went to fill the prescription and it is $100 for a one month supply! Of ONE medication! That is WITH insurance--Government insurance at that(aka really good). I couldn't imagine facing the almost $400 monthly prescription without insurance.

Prayer Request

[how can anything ever be wrong with this sexy hunk?!?]

Please pray for David.. He has been having a lot of problems & will be having a procedure tomorrow that will hopefully help us get some answers.

Book Recommendation

Plain Perfect
By: Beth Wiseman

At just a few pages shy of 300, I started and finished this book this evening as it was that good. Despite the fact that I am smitten by the Amish ways, I adore a book that I can truly picture myself in. It was so good that I didn't skip to the end to find out how it ended, I just wanted to read in the moment..which, never happens! I laughed and cried-it was just that good. ..without giving too much away, as I was reading her heart turn more towards God it created a new spark within me.

It made me want to get rid of all my "earthly" possessions and move to the small Amish community near my home.. but then I realized how much I truly enjoy those earthly things (AC, Car, AC, AC, Electricity, AC, wedding rings, jeans, heels, AC..the list is truly endless)Plus- my hair in this VA humidity? Whew, let's not even go there.

Precious moments

Business seems to have picked up, and I am completely embracing the fact that I just may be able to pull of this full-time photographer status. I am going to focus on it this summer, and see just how much I can learn and accomplish in one summer. I have been praying constantly that God would open the necessary doors and lead me in the right direction, and it seems, at least for now, that photography is it.

I had two shoots in the past two days and although both of the days were absolutely gorgeous, boy were they hot!
While I was taking his sister's picture, Brevin was playing in the blocks I had brought. After a few minutes he runs up and says, "look Daddy I spelled your name!" of course I had to get a picture of it-- he was so proud.

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There are few greater joys than seeing the miracle of a baby. This little man is DEFINITELY going to be a soccer star. At 11 days old he was SO active and didn't sleep the whole 3 hours I was there!

[sweet summertime]

I know that it's springtime, but this past weekend we had some glorious summer weather with temperatures in the high 80s to mid 90s. Did I tell you that from Saturday-Sunday our AC was broken? At night it was so hot that we pretended we were camping and had so much fun. Ok, I lied- I am a total AC freak and was NOT in a good mood. I even took a sleeping pill so that I could fall asleep. (that is how much I hate being hot!) Needless to say, I was delighted when it took the maintenance man all of 5 minutes to fix the AC. (I might have preferred that there was a huge earth ending type of disaster to our AC and not that he had to go tinker around and fix it in 5 minutes) It left me wondering why I haven't trained David in AC repairs?

Saturday & Sunday were spent lounging at the pool, the freezing water was refreshing to the blazing sun. In the heat of Saturday I took a "nice long run" and was sohotabouttodie that I stopped. Once I got home I jumped in the car to determine the distance, knowing that I had run at least 3 miles.... how about 1.5 -->Total. Definitely blaming that one on the heat--that was pitiful. However, by the sweat on me & the redness all over I had a good workout--even if it was such a short distance. I couldn't have made it to "at least 3" if I tried--at least not without passing out first :-)

Because I don't know who else to ask..

Trying not to go in too much detail here, but has anyone else used NuvaRing? I "started" it a few days ago, and have felt dizzy off and on. I had to switch from the pill because I was having spotting problems, and I obviously want to be on some form of BC, but haven't found the right one--needless to say I do not think NuvaRing is right for me--it's making me feel weird.

Has a certain BC worked for you?

[hopefully we can all be adults here- if you think it's rude for me to talk about my BC, then sorry!]

Cause sometimes I embarrass myself.

Why is it that the few times I forget to make sure the toilet paper is in the holder when i'm using a public restroom--that it's then that it is always EMPTY!? Not only that, but there's no one else in the bathroom! So, do I wait and see if someone will come in? Sure, for about a minute--then I and do the drip dry and run to a different stall to get some fresh 2-ply, only as soon as I come out of the stall I exposed myself to the older lady who also had to use the restroom.

Why is it that whenever I go to the store I always get the broken cart? Seriously, today, it was a workout just to get around the store because the wheel was messed up. To make it worse I refuse to go back and get a different cart so by the time I leave the grocery store i'm sore and winded AND embarrassed.. although if the lady saw me again in the store she wouldn't have recognized me without my pants down.

Fair

If you are in the VA/DC area
check the post below
if you would like to schedule a session
for the next boudoir marathon in June!

I LOVED this shoot. Brittanie is one of David's coworkers and was up for anything which made the shoot go so well. Ahh..I am in love with these pictures..

June Marathon Information

I have just finished editing all of the photos from my first boudoir session this weekend and have already started planning a new one. :-) I am excited to say that I think I will be specializing in boudoir. Contact me if you'd like to book a session.

-More Boudoir

This client contacted me a few days before the marathon after finding my information (thanks free listings on craigslist!), luckily I had one session left (the 8AM one..eek!) Although it was earlier than I like to get up, it was the absolute perfect lighting. Can you believe this lovely lady has 5 children!? Those red lips & lashes--oh my..perfect boudoir photo appearance!