Beach Baby, Beach Baby

As I have been promising for about a week... beach photo shoot pictures!!! How about a little less talk and a lot more pictures!












Oh, and one more!

I've seen how far I've come...

Tonight is the first episode of this season of The Biggest Loser. Sometimes it's really hard to see people who are where I was at one point in my life. I'm not saying that I was 400lbs but I was at a point where as much as I acted like I was fabulous, I felt wretched. I looked at myself and tried to make myself believe that I was pretty, talented, funny. Mostly funny. The fat friend is always funny. I finally saw myself and thought, "I have got to change. I have got to do something."
So I did. I cut out all unhealthy foods. I took a look at how much I was actually eating and I trimmed down my portion sizes. And I started exercising. And it turns out, I love it! I love to run and sweat and jump and sweat some more. I saw HUGE results. I lost 60 lbs. my stamina has gone through the roof. I started to see myself as the fabulous, amazing person that God created me to be.
Even through all of that, I still have my days. You know those days. The ones where you hear that voice that says you aren't fabulous. But you know what? That voice is wrong. I am fabulous. I am amazing. And you know what else? You are too. God made you to be a fabulous, fierce individual. And we shouldn't let anyone, anyone tell us otherwise.

This turned out to be way more personal than I intended but I guess I really needed to get that off my chest.

Susie the Little Blue Coupe

My mom and I have been planning our trip to Disney in November for the last 6 months. (*Edit- btw, my pop is going with us but it's my mom and I that are mostly planning the trip. He just wants to be told where to be and at what time! Typical guy!) We are now under 100 days and we are so super stoked! I have become obsessed with everything Disney. While perusing all the websites for anything and everything Disney, I came across this, my absolute favorite Disney cartoon from when I was little. Now, I always have a soft spot for anything that has my name, and this is no exception. So, please click on the link and check out my absolute favorite... Susie the Little Blue Coupe from 1952.

Forgive me!

As I was so wonderfully reminded by Becca, I completely "forgot" to update my blog like promised. I say "forgot" because at one point I looked at it and thought, "Hmm, I should do that." And then promptly turned on the TV and got some ice cream. Mmmmm, ice cream. But, I digress.

Here's what's been going on in my life as late. I've been to the beach! OK, so it was just for one day, but I get to go down at least three more times before the summer is done. Here's a little pic...

Fabulous!

That's what is going on vacation wise and that is it for trips until the BIG Disney trip at the end of November. Oh man! Am I ever excited! I go to this fabulous website everyday for tips on planning. If you are going, you should check this site out!

Oh, and one more thing that is going on in my life. I had an epiphany two weeks ago when I was baby sitting at a picnic. 9 kids between 3 and 7, paint under my finger nails, grass stains on my paints, wet hugs and I was hooked. I miss being around kids so, so much. Right, so what is this epiphany you ask? I have decided to go back to school to become a teacher. I contacted Eastern yesterday for help in the Grad school process and I will be working towards starting in the spring. I'm pretty stoked. It will probably take me between two and two and a half years to complete but I know it will be totally worth it. I was so glad to have this revelation that I even thanked the friend that had me over to watch the kids at her picnic.
The only thing that I am concerned about is (actually there are two things) and that is letting my bosses know my intention and being able to work, attend school, and not lose my mind completely!
So, that's what's going on for me this summer. Anyone else have big things happening?

Update tonight

Ok, so it's been a few weeks since an honest to goodness update. And guess what? You'll have to wait just a little bit longer! I have some thoughts that I shall add later tonight...(fingers crossed that I will remember!)

Countdown to Vacation!

Free Disney Tickers

So exciting!

Blog Generator

Maybe I should preface this post by saying that I found this website that is like Mad Libs for bloggers...!


Oh for crying out loud! I just returned from my daily swim on the beautiful Fijian beach and realised I have not updated this since Hammertime was in the charts... You would not believe how heavy that rock really is. I hope you still love me!.

I am absolutely consumed with waiting for a fine young gentleman to propose, learning to speak Japanese, just generally being the life of the party to my psychologist, my day seems to be a litany of stuff and giggles from sun-up to sun down and beyond. I am putting money aside so I can run away. I need some perspective.

I absolutely, positively promise I will update you with my nefarious activities as soon as I get a chance. Go with God, good friends. This is for my ever faithful, devoted public..

I found this from CakeWrecks... here's the website!
Check it out!

Kelli and Chad Get Married!

So, for months now I have been talking about K&C's wedding. It finally happened! It was such a blast and God really did make them for one another.
Friday night was looking really scary, weather-wise. It had drizzled and rained on and off throughout the entire rehearsal. Right as we are getting ready to leave and go to dinner, downpour! But, the good news is, that they had changed the weather forecast to rainy Friday and sunny and gorgeous on Saturday.
The weather man got it right.
Ok, enough with the chatter, let's see those pictures!










It was so much fun to be in the wedding and to be able to take these great pictures!
Best of luck to the happy couple!

I remembered my ten on Tuesday!

Woo-hoo!
1) Tomorrow is my birthday! I will be turning 29 for the first time... normally I celebrate in huge ways but this year has been a little more low key.
2) Next year, when I celebrate 29, part 2, I am going to do it in a very big way! I hope to have a huge party with all of my friends and family. Hey, if I have to turn that number that I don't want to turn, I might as well do it in style!
3) K&C's wedding is this Saturday! I can't believe how quickly the time went! I'm very excited to share this day with them and honored to be a part of it.
4) The bachelorette party was this past Saturday and it made me realize that when I (whenever this may be) get married, I want to spend my day on the beach and a low key night out to dinner. It's so much more my speed.
5) I have been watching So You Think You Can Dance religiously and have fallen in love with this dance routine... Every time I watch it, I get goosebumps and I cried the first time I saw it. Very moving.
8) My birthday is tomorrow. I didn't want you to forget.
7) My car finally kicked the bucket. After all the drama with tires and not starting, we deemed it unsafe for me to drive it over an hour every day.
8) That being said, I am currently tooling around in my dad's Taurus wagon. I think it's safe to say that I need to purchase a new car. Anyone willing to contribute donations?
9) I have been snapping pictures like crazy! My new life plan is to quit my job and become a beach bum who makes a living at photography. Aah, a girl can dream, can't she?
10) I have a guitar sitting in the corner of my room. Once upon a time, I knew how to play. I kind of wish I still could. Until then, the guitar just sits and gathers dust. The tragedy.

Enjoy your day!

Hmmm...

So, today is 1 week until K&C's wedding!! So exciting! Tonight we are taking Kelli out for her Bachelorette Party. I won't reveal what we're doing on here because there is a chance that Kelli might see this, but my question is... what did you ladies do for your parties? Was it classy and chic? Laid back and chill? Rowdy and raucous? Do you think it becomes tit for tat- if the guys go to a strip club, the ladies should too? What about bachelorette party weekends?

Bad Blogger!

I really, really try to remember to write more than once a week but it just never seems to happen that way. But, what are you going to do? Here are some long awaited pics (less than a week old!) from the festivities of the weekend!

Let's start with Jordin... vote for her for Cutest Baby! (I'll post the link at the end)


A nod to my Marching Band heritage!


Who doesn't love the drums?!


This was just really cool!


And of course, no post would be complete without a photo of Aaron!

Here's how to vote for Jordin... got to my facebook pictures and click on the link provided in the album "Jordin's Shoot."

Frustration

Wold you like to know how to spell frustration? O-L-D C-A-R. Actually C-A-R spells frustration. A few weeks ago, my car did this no starting thing. We put a new battery in it. Then two weeks ago, the car did the no starting thing again. This time we took it to the mechanic and he couldn't find the problem. Was it the starter? The alternator? He didn't want to put one in and have me spend $400 and have it turn out to be the other. That's why I like my mechanic. Not trying to fix things just to fix them. Right, next on the bum car list. Then, on Monday, I was tooling down the turnpike when the tread on my tire popped off, causing me to swerve and have to pull over. Again, my dad came to rescue me. He changed the tire and we took it to the shop to get new tires. Ok, no problem right? Oh, you would think that. Last night, Wilma Louise did the no starting thing again. So, we decided to park her at my parent's house while I drive my dad's car (name: Nessie, because she is big and green like the Loch Ness Monster) and look for a new car.
Anybody want to help me get the down payment for a car? Or give me a car?
Anyone? AnyONE?!

Firing up for the 4th

Oops, I think it has now been a week since I have blogged anything. So much for every other day. Well, in my defense, I really have been pretty busy since then. And by busy, I mean I worked out, babysat, worked out some more, and laid in the sun reading My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Piccoult. (I tried to hyperlink back to her site, but apparently, you can't. So you'll have to go there yourself, if you want to.) But, wow! It was amazing and sad and unexpected all at the same time. You should read it.
But I digress.
This week is a holiday week, which means that I get to enjoy our wonderful Mayberry parade. If you have never been to the Glenside parade, you really should. I mean, who doesn't love 15 dance groups, a band of motorcycles, 25 marching bands (ok, maybe 10), and hundreds of fire trucks? I love going because it's a huge event that happens every year, without fail, that I have marched in, and that my church family piles onto the front yard of the church to enjoy together. And it is a great time to take advantage of the crowd and practice my photography. The people, the americana, the firetrucks. It's great!
Now, don't you want to go and check it out? Saturday, July 4th at 4 PM. All this from a girl who is so NOT patriotic.

Contemplating

Recently I have been thinking a lot about predestination. I know, that's quite a heady subject for 7:45 in the morning. Here's what I've been thinking; in Ephesians 1 Paul speaks an awful lot on the subject of predestination and I just am not sure I fully understand it. I know God calls us and has plans for us, i.e., Jeremiah 29:11, but where does free will step in? If God foreknew everything that I would do, say all the way down to the fact that I don't tie my shoes, then how is free will involved? God knew that I wouldn't like to tie my shoes, God knew that I would go to Eastern, God knew that I would fall madly in love with photography. God knows if there is a spouse and children in my future. My question is, if God is Sovereign over all things and He has called us each to a certain purpose, and He is in control of my whole life, where does sin step in? If God knew we were going to sin, why doesn't He stop us? I guess that's where the whole free will thing gets involved. It also begs the question, why do bad things happen to good people?
Again, like I said before this is heady stuff to be contemplating even before I've finished my first cup of coffee. But, it's been on my mind and I am curious as to what others think on the matter...
Thoughts, comments, bible verses, or books to read are most welcome.

Introducing

Aaron Edward Walker! My mom and I took a visit down to the hospital to visit Nana and to visit the new little one. What a handsome little guy.

It's a ...

BOY!! Aaron Edward Walker graced the world with his presence on June 19, 2009, a little before noon. He weighed in at 7 lbs, 4 oz, and was 21.5 inches long! Mama and baby are doing great! I hope to get in to meet him very soon and, of course, will be posting pictures! Stay tuned...

Aaahhh!

NanaSue will have a brand new baby at some point in the next 24 hours! Holy cow, it's so exciting. Her little boy, Andrew, is the picture in the banner of this blog and he is one of my favorite subjects to photograph. Now, there will be two for me to play around with! Look for new baby pictures coming at some point in the future. I figure, I should wait at least a couple weeks before I storm the house with my trusty D40...

A Rose is a Rose

Especially when you take a million pictures of the same flower. Does anyone else do that? Find one subject and take mulitple shots over a long period of time?

Girl's Photo Shoot

I had the amazing opportunity to photograph three best girlfriends who have been inseparable since infancy. Ok, so they are only 3 years old, but hey, that's a lifetime's friendship to them. Now, I haven't had the chance to edit all of the pictures, but I wanted to get some posted before time got away from me. And wait until you see these kids. Adorable doesn't even begin to describe them. We were running around the Arboretum just trying to keep up with them. Let's just say, they really wore me out!

AnnaLee

Singing Together

Peering through the bridge

Dancing Princesses

Taylor

Monday's Thought Process

So, every Monday night, I think, "Don't forget to blog your Ten on Tuesday." Every Monday night. And what happens when Tuesday rolls around? I forget. Or rather, I start of the day with good intentions, but between work, Shredding, running, and church functions, Tuesday usually disappears on a cloud. Or something like that. I just wanted you all to know that, while I think blogging ten things every Tuesday is a great idea, my follow through is severely lacking. Do I get an "E" for effort?

A Picture from the Shower

I wanted to post at least one picture from Kelli's shower yesterday while had the chance. Don't worry, I will be posting more later plus, today is Photoshoot Day(provided the weather holds up!), so I will be posting those as well. Soon. I promise.

All of Kelli's roomies that were present!

Bridal Party... aren't we classy?

Quick Update

Phew! This is day two of a super busy weekend. Last night was dinner at P.F. Chang's with the girls from Goddard. Hanging out with them makes me miss seeing hem everyday and wish that I could keep my pay rate but work with the kidd-o's again. But I have to remind myself that it's not all sunshine and daisies. That I was stressed on a continuing basis and that it just wasn't where I was supposed to be anymore... Still sad, though. But, I had so much fun with them last night! Being with the ladies makes me laugh till I tear up.
Today is Kelli's shower. I'm not going to let any of the planning stuff stress me out. The shower will be lovely, we will have fun, and we will be celebrating Kelli. that's the way it should be. My only concern is the actual paying for it part. I have no money until my paycheck goes through on Tuesday. And I have 50 bucks. That's it. Until Tuesday. Ok, no more thinking about cashflow. It's going to be alovely day and I will take the pictures to show you later!
Tomorrow is my first big photoshoot. Well, it will be as long as the weather cooperates. I will be taking pictures of 3 lovely little girls who are best friends. They are so fun and cute and funny. it has the promise of being an amazin day. After that, I will take family portraits of the girls with their families. That is my one source of stress. I take pictures of kids all the time. Whole families? Not so much. But they are all great families, so I'm sure it will be great! I will also post photos from that when they are done!
So, look for new photos coming in the next few days!
(Ok, so maybe that wasn't as "quick" as I promised! Oh well!)

It's really Wednesday...

but I'm going to do my Ten for Tuesday today, since I didn't have time/forgot to do it yesterday.
Here goes:
1) I'm doing the Shred dvd and it is hard core. But then I transform into an idiot and go running with the walking group at church. (Maybe twice the exercise= twice the results?)
2) I am re-reading Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince before the movie comes out. And I'm not gonna lie, I still tear up when I get to the part where Dumbledore dies. And I still get angry at Snape, even though I know the ending.
3)It took me 5 alarms to get up this morning. I wish I could be one of those people who hops out of bed the minute the alarm goes off. Maybe I'll see if I can't train myself to do that.
4)My friends have so generously responded to my message about photographing their children for my portfolio. I love it! I get to practice taking pictures of kids and they get a free shoot where the only thing they have to pay for is any pictures that they want.
5)I have discovered that I am obsessed with the exclamation point! I use it more often than I should! I just happen to think that everything that I say deserves exclamation!
6)I have recently had to cut back on my coffee consumption which, if you know me, is horrible. But I would rather drink less coffee than have my heart racing after 2 cups. So, I stop at 1 1/2 for now. And so far, I haven't killed anyone.
7)I feel like every muscle in body is screaming. But in the best possible way.
8)My cousin is graduating high school next week and leaving for college the following week for 6 weeks. She's like my sister and I will be so sad that she is 2 1/2 hours away at Bloomsburg but I am so excited for her to enjoy every minute of college.
9) I looked at my calendar and every single weekend is taken from here until K&C's wedding. Will I ever get down the shore?
10)I have to be at work early today, which means I will get to leave early today, so I have to go get ready.
Have a great day!

Lazy Chick's Post

Ok, so I am totally cheating with this post but, there you have it, it is what it is, and all those other cliche's about, basically, taking the easy way out. I get home at night after having been on the computer all day at work, and I just can't sit and blog. I really want to, honest I do. Because you all know how much I love having everyone know as much about me as possible! Maybe my goal should be weekend blogging. Although, with this photography "thing" I should be posting more anyway!


I have a proposition for my friends that have young children/toddlers, babies, or newborns. I am really trying to break into the photography niche of children. I would love it if you gave me the opportunity to come photograph your child. This would serve a few purposes. 1) I would be able to hone my skills of portrait shooting, 2) you would get a very low cost (only the cost of the photos) photo shoot and 3) I would have photos to add to my portfolio. If you have any interest at all, please comment on this note or send me a fb message and we can talk from there.
Remember, if you want to preserve your child's early years through photographs, please contact me.
Thank you so much!

*Note~ This offer is good for friends and family through the end of July with photos having to be taken some time this summer.

Oops...

I am so embarrassed... I almost wrote a super sappy, TMI post about fulfillment and loneliness and how we define what makes us happy.
Phew. Dodged a bullet on that one. I can NOT do that to myself today, or any other day.
Tell me, have you ever started to write a post and then had second thoughts about the direction it was taking?
For your troubles, you get a flower.
Don't say I never give you anything.

Ten Things Tuesday

I can't believe it's already time for another installment! I am totally with Mauby and Brookiellen.
Also, it makes it go a little faster when you post your Tuesday post on Friday... ;)
1) I had a fab time at the photo shoot with Brooke and Cash. He was adorable and fun and super photogenic! And it helps that Brooke has an Etsy shop and understands the kind of pictures that need to be taken for a site! (thanks Brooke!)
2) I am going to kill my computer... It keeps acting up and doing weird stuff. And it doesn't help a photographer when photoshop doesn't agree with the computer. It makes it almost impossible to edit pics!
3) I decided that I want to go back to school for photography. I LOVE it and I can't get enough of it. I'm thinking of starting classes at Bucks County in the photography certificate program in the fall.
4) I am almost ready to buy a new car. Either this week or in the next two, I will have (hopefully) picked something out. I am being extremely picky in this process because it's a big decision and I want this car to fulfill my current and future needs.
5)I had the best weekend I have had in a reeeeallly long time. Friday night with Nana and some cool high school girls, Saturday dress shopping with the girls for Kelli's wedding, photo shoot on Sunday, and hanging out with my super cool, college bound cousin on Monday. Phew. So much fun!
6) We picked out dresses and they are HOT!!! But you have to see them on to fully understand the amazing hotness of the dress. (Stay tuned for pictures in July.)
7) I am up waay past my bedtime but I was waiting up to watch the season finale of My Boys. Remember, funniest show. Ever.
8)I will confess. I took pictures of a giant hershey kiss and played around with the lighting. I even tried using the tinfoil it came wrapped in to act as a reflector. (I'm such a nerd.)
9)I spent all day thinking about how I was going to come home and read a book tonight. Did I? Unfortunately not. Maybe tomorrow?
10) I haven't posted a picture in awhile, so I will leave with one of my newest faves.
*Well, when my computer starts acting right, I'll put up pics!
Thanks Karen, for the advice on the rose!

Fun Fact Friday?

Ok, so I was reminded that I never followed through with my Ten Thing Tuesday.
That's my fact number 1... I have really good intentions but I have a hard time following through with them.
2. I like my job but sometimes I wonder if I should go into photography as a career.
3. I went car shopping last night and felt utterly frustrated. What I want, what I can afford, and what I am willing to pay all come out to three different numbers.
4. I really want to live by myself... and I would love to have my own place... until the right guy came along. I want to experience living alone before I deal with living with a spouse and children.
5. I cry whenever I go to the beach. The first time the smell of brine hits my nose and I see those waves crashing on the sand, I tear up and need a moment to myself.
6. I am a slob. That's right people. I have very good intentions and I really like a clean room, but it's the follow through I lack (see number 1).
7. I lost 60 lbs 2 years ago but I still feel like the "fat girl" and I'm not sure if I'll ever shake that.
8. I miss my kids from school. And my friends from school. But not the paperwork. Or the pay. Or the headaches, pee, and things that I will not mention here.
9. Ok, so this isn't something new. I am obsessed/addicted to coffee. And everyone at work has learned that and has offered to get me counseling.
10. I am going bridesmaid shopping tomorrow. And I am super excited to try on dresses and can't wait till K&C's wedding.

Ten on Tuesday

I forgot that I was going to write ten things on Tuesday as a way to keep up with my blog as learned of from Mauby's and The Blue Door as a way to keep a consistent update of my blog. But two things happened tonight.
One- I came up with a topic on my own.
Two- I was lazy and didn't feel like putting in the effort to come up with 10 fascinating points for the day.
So, hopefully, I will remember and do it next week. And the reason is simple. I absoLUTEly love making lists.
Check back soon!

How much is too much?

I was watching My Boys tonight (which I highly recommend, it's hilarious) and they were talking about Facebook and virtual friendships. One of the characters, "Kenny," updated his status when he went to the bathroom and then again when he was finished. It made me wonder, how much information is too much? I could extol the virtues of social networking by claiming that I get to keep more in touch with friends that I might not very well see often. Which is true. But what about when I am working and tweeting or updating my status about doing laundry? Do people really find all of that interesting?
I could also say that it helps me get my photography out there. Which is also true. But where do you draw the line? When do you say "enough is enough."
Any thoughts on virtual oversharing from the virtual world?

Heather and Eric: Engagement Photos

I had a wonderful time taking the e-pics of my friend Heather and her fiance Eric. This was the first time I had done an e-session, so I was a little nervous. But I didn't have to worry because they were such a blast to work with. I took almost 600 pictures all afternoon and can't wait until I edit them. (Well, not all of them but a good bit!)
Anyway, enough of the chatter... let's see some pictures!

Blogging?

I don't know how regular bloggers always come up with something to say every time they write... What do people find interesting? What keeps them coming back for more? I guess I could write about the amazing dinner that I made that has me licking the bowl clean. Or perhaps, I will write about how I spent time sitting in traffic. What about how I spilled my coffee? What brings people coming back for the next installment? Let me know so I have a direction to follow...

Arboretum

I had a blast today! I spent over two hours, taking over 300 pictures at the Morris Arboretum. I loved it so much that I got a membership so that I can go back as often as I want. I loved walking around and seeing all the different plants and sculptures and I can't wait to get back and see it when everything is blooming. I passed one lovely, older gentleman who commented, "It's spring!" My response, "I'm so excited!!" Him, "I can tell by your camera!" To which I laughed in response. When I saw him later, he winked and chuckled along with me. I am so excited about how the pictures turned out and it made realize that I was indeed working towards my goal... and that couldn't have made me happier!

Photography

I just saw someone's photography blog and it made me feel frustrated that I haven't actively sought out people to learn from and also that I haven't posted any pictures in a while...
So here are a couple that I took for my friends of their adorable son!

And so it goes

And goes and goes without ever stopping. Life. It moves on and we have the choice to either sit back and watch it fly by, ignorant and unaware of what we are missing, or we can pull up our big girl panties and dive in to live life to the fullest. I think for the last few years I have been living with the former as my attitude. It's not the most exciting way to be but it is, at it's most basic, being. But I don't want to live that way anymore. I want to indulge in all that life has to offer. I want to take chances and look foolish. I want to take risks and succeed. Why so contemplative this morning? I was reading over people's Tweets (thing you do on Twitter) and I was looking at friend's blogs and it made me realize something. That I have been content to watch from the sidelines. Well, no more. I am determined to take action. To celebrate life. To be brave and accept challenges as they come my way.
Keep my accountable. Help me to not sit idly by, content o watch others live. Encourage me to take action.
I'll keep you posted!

Time may change me...

It has finally happened, my friends. I have finally found the moxie, and the new job, to get me to leave my current job. My last day at school will be February 13th and I know it is going to be a very sad, emotional day for me. I have become such good friends with some of my co-workers, that I can't imagine going a day without seeing and talking to them. I really was blessed with such great friendships and I hope that they will continue to grow long after leaving. I gave my notice yesterday and just cried and cried all day. I know I complained often about how I wasn't where I wanted to be, but now that the time has come, I am so sad and so scared. Scared of the unknown, of the new and different.
But I am excited for the new opportunities and experiences that will be presented to me. For the doors that will be open to me. What is this new opportunity, you ask? Well, I will be the personal/executive assistant to the Executive Vice President of a christian counseling center. Mostly office work, organizing, filing, phone, email... typical assistant stuff. But I will also be responsible for marketing letters and typing up contracts. Wow. Big. Exciting. Overwhelming.
No more snack time at 10 and 3. No more 2 hour down time when the kids are sleeping. No more hugs and kisses and "I love you, miss Susie." I'm going to miss that the most. When the kids come in with a picture they drew just for me. When they come running up to me with hugs because they missed me even though I was only gone for 30 minutes. Laughing with my friends. Helping a child solve a problem. Meeting developmental and emotional goals. Okay, so I won't miss the diapers, the crying, the peeing on the floor, the overwhelming number of kids. But I will count my time there as one of the best experiences of my life. It is time to move and move on I will.
I could stay there for a long time and be safe and comfortable and marginally happy. But I would not be obedient to God's will who has called me to move on and rise to a new challenge. So, if it's a choice between obedience and disobedience, the choice is clear. It just so much harder.
Sorry for the really long blog but apparently I had a lot to clear out of my mind. Thanks for taking the time to read, to listen to me babble and to support me.

I've been told the holidays...

I've been told the holidays have a tendency to make a person lonely and slightly miserable. Not by any one person but by society and the media. But if I have to go to one more family or church function by myself and go home by myself, I might go crazy. And it's not when I am in the midst of the celebrations, it's after. After I've gone home or after everyone has left and I am left to clean up. Okay, now that I sound sufficiently whiny and slightly off-kilter... and a little embarassed, I'm gonna go.

Happy Thanksgiving

Here are some things that I think of on Thanksgiving... How thankful I am for my family, but how I wish it weren't just the five people in my family... it's like the same old dinner at my mom's but transported to my house with a turkey.
I hope that maybe one year it will be my brothers and I, plus spouses and children.
We shall see.
And, since when did my brother have to be entertained? Why do we have to bend over backwards to make Thanksgiving a day when he isn't "bored?" I mean, can someone tell me what Thanksgiving is supposed to be about?
Anybody?

Has it really been that long?

I just looked at my blog and realized I haven't updated it in 2 months!!! That's ludicrous. That's insane. That means that absolutely nothing has happened in that time. That's depressing. Two months go by and all I can say is...?

Now, in my life, nothing may be happening but in the world around me, it's some crazy times. The election is days away, the economy is in the toilet, the Phillies won the World Series... I'm not going to start proseletizing about which candidate to vote for because by now, if you aren't sure who you are voting for, nothing I say will help you determine your vote. If the mass phone calls, emails, mailings and tv ads haven't helped you make up your mind... you've been living under a rock. Seriously, I am only going to say one more thing about politics: vote. Do not miss your chance on Tuesday to vote for a new leader and to change the direction this country is headed. Political rant over.

Last week, I had someone tell that I should give online dating a try. WHAT!? No, thank you. I may not be perfectly happy being single but I am perfectly happy waiting for the right time, the right person and as corny as it may sound to some, I am perfectly happy waiting on God's timing. Does this mean that online dating is out? Not really, but is out for now? Yes. But, you may ask, where will I meet someone? I have no idea. Does that bother me? Sometimes. Most times I have a hard enough time taking care of myself, plus I like being a little selfish with my time. Okay, I vowed never to turn this blog into Single Girl Seeking While Ranting About Being Single, so I'm going to move on.

How's the job search? Not so hot. There is nothing and I mean nothing open at this time. People are being laid off and many companies have put into effect a hiring freeze. I guess I just have to stick it out a little longer.

I'm having a hard time figuring out how to end this post, so here's a picture...

Huh?

I just posted some pictures to my newly created Flickr page (http://www.flickr.com/photos/susiegirl) and as I was looking over them, I saw this..."Uploaded on September 1, 2008." Who can tell me, where did summer go? Why is it already September 1? and why does time just keep flying by? I feel like the older I get, the quicker time flies, and I am NOT a happy camper. What happened to the lazy days of sleeping in, of spending oodles of time at the beach, of doing absolutely nothing? Oh, right, it's called adulthood and I do not like it at all. I have decided to resign from growing up and revert to my childhood again... sigh. If only I could.