NewYears Rez / 365 / Revamp Promise

Today is the first day in 2013. Its a day to start fresh and set new goals. Like everyday, its a day to better yourself in ways that better those around you. Today is a honor, a gift.

Every single year I New Year Resolution the dog poo out of the first day so I can get to work. I create intricate plans I will execute and finalize, leading me to victory over all the promises of broken bad habits my pretty little heart craves. Truth be told my heart craves no yearly assault against delicious baked goods, sweetened drinks, my lounge time, and projects I only started to impress someone -- usually myself in a moment of doubt, and all the other things I store in my garage until we have to pack it to move, like today. Way to ring in the new year right?

Not weakened by the defeat of last year's war with resolutions, I promise yet again, this year will be different.

So here is my absurdly long list of betterment for this coming year.

1. A/B grades in school.
2. A Good Savings
3. Decorate my house for once -- if you know me you understand haha
4. Write more -- about anything its a rusted talent I today realized I missed.
5. Actually complete a Project 365
6. Sell a photo
7. Conquer Scream free parenting for real
8. Improve Sewing / kitting / crochet / photography  / all other back burner hobbies
9. Never have more than 1 load of laundry at a time
10. Wash every dish immediately after use to avoid the agony of a full sink
11. Enjoy Hawaii, it will be my new home for the next three years
12. Learn to swim / go under water without holding my nose
13. Stop living in people's shadows
14. Enjoy my friends and family more
15. Worry less, Complain less, Thank more
16. Calm the hell down
17. Make my kids clean their own rooms
18. Laugh my heart out
19. Eat right / learn to cook.
20. Kick the Hawaii pcs's butt
21. Learn a second language
22. Climb a volcano or mountain
23. Update this blog everyday unless case of emergency
24. Learn Makeup & Style
25. Get a pair of shoes I feel sexy in
26. Experience living life
27. Learn to park (maybe back up too?)
28. Make a bunch of new friends
29. Build something with my bare hands
30. Repurpose the two kids dressers
31. Love myself for who I am as well as enjoy myself for what I am worth

Ok, that's all I can think of ... for now. The intense feeling you get when looking at a to do list that long is probably why I always lose this war. However, I walk away from each year with memories, love, smiles, and health and so hey, whose keeping score?? So I have picked my 5 major must have victories. They are highlighted in Gold.

My next post will be later today, my first day of Project 365. Since I have already given up day light and have no indoor lighting, don't expect anything more than a snap shot.

Anyone wanna pack my garage?

And I am back. One day I am going to revamp this blog, then continue to remember to come back and post. Part of the problem is each time I come back it has changed its look and feel. I hate change. And so I just leave. Haha.

Anyway, I have much to be grateful for lately in life and I would like to share it with anyone or thing listening. From my family reuniting, births in the family, moving to Hawaii soon, all the way down to my health I have praise to sing.

Today is a short post, but I will soon be tracking my journey to Hawaii and hope to have a bucket list via this blog as well as progressing with my photography through business and networking on here and other places.

But for today, something small. Some small gratitude to send myself off to peaceful sleep. Today, of all things, I am grateful for a messy kitchen. Dinner time is a time of "helpers", "oops", "that was an accident mom, I didn't know Adelyn couldn't fit the entire carton of milk in her cup", "is this ho...OUCH! why is this stove hot momma?" to "Babe, is dinner done? Done now? Is dinner almost done? So almost... does that mean dinner is done now? "

Think possessed dishes flying across the counters, flash floods in the sink while filling pots for boiling potatoes,'what was that?... omg...', and 'I don't like that, I don't like that, I don't like that either. Can we have fruit snacks fro dinner?' 'Sorry your peppers just fell in the trash'.' MOM THE DOG STOLE THE CHICKEN!', 'D! That does not belong in the oven, EVER!'

All in all its amazing I am blessed with the clean up while the rest of the house readies for bed. Well, amazing that I get to clean up while I get the rest of the house ready for bed. I often find myself sick with worry, gah we are running out of food and pay day is not in sight! But be it so we never starve. We may scrap, but thankfully our bellies know no hunger pains. My children know no sleep where your growling stomach wakes you. I will gladly clean the mess in return for my family's fullness. I am grateful we have been given the opportunity to thrive and have easy access to basic necessity like clean food and water. So many do not.

And just so you know, we had an amazing! spinach and cream meat loaf with delicious garlic butter potatoes and some broccoli and dinner salads! How lucky we are!

I hope to be back tomorrow night. I hope to come back every night to praise the things I am taking for granted all day.

Daily Gratitude

What a list today! Not only did I get new running shoes, but I ordered Spyder4pro as an anniversary gift from my husband! I ended up having 60$ in gift cards from various things so with 2 day shipping, it was still under its original cost. I have high hopes for this thing, it better pull through!

Daily Gratitude

I had hoped to keep up with this much more often, daily obviously. But being as inconsistent as I am, I'm lucky I did it two days in a row, once.

Anyway, I had a lot to be grateful for today. Today marked 4 years of my little boy Damion. I am so lucky to have him in my life, as beautiful, charming, funny, strong, and courageous as he is. I feel like he was learning to walk just yesterday! Last Sunday he bright on year four with a batman party. It felt right, he is a super hero, after all.

 

Camera Bling giveaway!

http://www.pamelatopping.com/2012/02/camera-bling-giveaway/


Pamela Topping Photography is giving away a camera key chain, a camera necklace, and my fav an 'I shoot people' bracelet! Spread the word about her! 

Beautifying the basement

Today I am grateful for the gifts my mother gave me to spruce up the basement! I now have a computer desk and a few things on the wall.

Today was the last day of the Christa Meola worshop and I am not terribly disappointed. Maybe shes just not my scene but I did not find her to be very knowledgeable or professional and even slightly annoying. Her cussing branded her work for me, at least shes honest shes 'all about brand.' I am however SUPER excited about the next workshop which is my all time favorite, BABY PHOTOGRAPHY! The workshop addresses maturity to toddler and touches on some business. This is exactly the type of workshop I am needing. I think, fingers crossed.

I didn't take any actual pictures today, but I took a snap shot of the computer desk. I figure at least it got the camera in my hand and will hopefully help build of habit of having it there. Hopefully I get some fun valentines photos in the next 2 days.

And here is a reedit, me trying to figure out how to use photoshop in photography. I feel like I will never get it right! But here's to day one of trying.

Boudoir Workshop With Christa Meola Day One

I struggled through the Christa Meola workshop day one with the kids. I am grateful that it wasn't half as bad as I thought it would be though. Biggest issue was salsa and shredded cheese in the fuzzy rug. 

Boudoir is not my major intrust but it was one of many different style workshops I signed up for in the next couple months. I figure there will be things to learn in each one such as lighting and posing that can carry into all genres of photography and be useful in my progression. Plus I do have a love of all types imagery. Its fun and a learning experience even if it is not my career focus.

I was really intimidated when I sat down for the workshop being as I feel very far behind where I feel I should be in my photography. People I started with have surpassed me long ago. I need to be more dedicated, that's no secret. But I actually walked away from day one a with a little confidence. I got to see some professional shots and business owners unveiled their on the spot compositions. All in all, they were wonderful photos but pre editing I was not wildly impressed. I don't feel as far away from them as I once did. 

I do feel strongly though that my editing is harming my images rather than enhancing them. I think I need to commit to a large amount of work in photoshop. I need to google tutorials, but I don't even know for what. I am unsure where to start and feel somewhat overwhelmed. If I am going to progress as a photographer I have got to get post processing down. I've looked into this before but haven't really found much useful free information on post processing. I am lucky tomorrow Christa Meola will be dabbling in lightroom, not a well liked friend of mine, but I have it and so I am determined to walk away with some knowledge on the program from tomorrow's workshop session!

I took a major leap today and began to develop a plan to achieve photographs I truly love and can be proud of. Today's workshop instructed me to write a mission statement for the course. I felt it more fit, since I am not yet high enough on any latter to claim a brand, to generalize it and apply it to my goals as budding photographer. I wrote down a few things I really hope to succeed in incorporating into my art. By the end of this workshop I will will write my mission statement for becoming a photographer.

Here's to following our dreams...

Daily Gratitude

Today I am extremely grateful for my children's good behavior. I had no idea they could be have at all, period. They surprised me at the church's child care today though. And I must say I am proud of them for doing so well and not even crying when I left! Adelyn's only fit was it was time to leave. 

Forgot my camera when we went to the park today, so no photo today unfortunately.

Also, I saw some SOOC shots from a photographer today. I am beginning to think maybe its not my photography that is bad (though it is clear I need certain pieces of equipment) but that I have terrible photoshop skills. I really thought it was the other way around. But I think thats a much better way to have it. All in all it was a good boost of confidence. I needed it. 

Online photography workshop from noon to 7pm tomorrow. I sign up for these often and they usually last 3 days. Between the kids, chores/errands, and just randomness I ever actual watch and learn from one. If you miss it, its $100.00 to buy the video to watch it. I hope with my unspoken goal in mind, I sit down with some pen and paper, by the grace of god minimal interruption from the kids,  and commit to the 3 day workshop and walk away with at least one good eye opener. I hope to improve my composure.

So no new photo of the day, but I love this photo. Its my current favorite and gives me a good smile. What better end to the day than a smile. My beautiful little girl.

Gratitude Journal Challange.

I've decided to take on the Positive journal challenge. Every day for 5 minutes or more I will write about something I am grateful for from that day. I also hope to beef up my photography skills by posting a photo relating to each entry, the original purpose for this Ghost Blog. My goal is in 1 years time to place outstanding weight on each day's thoughts with positivity rather than pay attention to my dramatically half empty cup. I am willing to bet some of my posts will have photos not take by me. That's simply because I them uplifting and inspirational and if that isn't positive then I don't know what is.

 

Today I am grateful for the chaos I call my children. If I have anything to be proud of, its them. Their laughter and smiles melt my heart. I wish I could freeze time and they could stay little and my best friends for ever. I could handle finger paints off the entire house everyday for the rest of my life, its a small price to pay.  

Missing days are cell phone photos

day 6

 

day 7

 

Day 8

 

Day 9 

Day 10

 

Day 11

Day 12

                                                                               Day 13

Day 14

                                                                            
  Day 16

                                                                              Day 17

Day 19

Day 21

Day 22

                                                                           Day 23

                                                                     Day 24

Day 25

Day 26

Project 365 day 5

DSC_2173webb, a photo by a.aleman56 on Flickr.

Project 365 day 4 [BackPost]

DSC_2103webby, a photo by a.aleman56 on Flickr.

Project 365 Day 1 [BackPost]

A visual of my hobby.

Nature Photography

Runners up 

 

Project 365 Day 3

Children & Their Popsicles

Equal { = } Summer <3 Love 


Other ones I like from today

Project 365 Ideas

A basket of apples
Caves
mission trails
alcohol
trains
flag
tape over mouth --protest
Cars
hand holding
sewing
Children with sparklers
push ups
ball game
books
farm animals
streets
industrial park
A self-portrait
cup cakes

http://www.digital-photography-school.com/53-weekly-themes-for-your-2011-project-365
http://www.beyondmegapixels.com/
http://photochallenge2.wordpress.com/2010-challenge-themes/
http://365project.org/

21 Ways To Stop a Fight.

twenty-one phrases that help turn down the heat of anger:


Please try to understand my point of view.
Wait, can I take that back?
You don’t have to solve this—it helps me just to talk to you.
This is important to me. Please listen.
I overreacted, I’m sorry.
I see you’re in a tough position.
I can see my part in this.
I hadn’t thought of it that way before.
I could be wrong.
Let’s agree to disagree on that.
This isn’t just your problem, it’s our problem.
I’m feeling unappreciated.
We’re getting off the subject.
You’ve convinced me.
Please keep talking to me.
I realize it's not your fault.
That came out all wrong.
I see how I contributed to the problem.
What are we really fighting about?
How can I make things better?
I’m sorry.
I love you.

Missed Yesterday

& thats exactly why I am a terrible, terrible blogger. That and I'm boring.

Day wasn't so bad, except now with my memory I can't remember the entire thing.



I did a lot of childrens puzzles, Damion threw a lot of puzzle pieces out of frustration, and Adelyn ate a lot of puzzle pieces out of... well, out of fatness.

Damion rode his bike around town for the first time ever! He looked fantastically cute in his helmet. Too bad it didn't last long and ended with mommy carrying a big wheel, pushing Addy's stroller, and trying to quiet Damions fits of rage due to the fact he is unable to peddle up hill. I hope his temper and distaste for failure take him somewhere in life; not down. He is a very passionate child, and anything lacking perfection taunts him. He reminds me a lot of myself.

I didn't do laundry. And I am not doing it again right now.

Me and the girl scouts are about to be at war. Why in God's name would they be holding posters on the corner of my town if they have NO thin mints???

And the knocker for the day- Tried to give the kids a bath, the water restrictions are now lifted. Addy took a dumb the size of her head in the water. She didn't mind, she continued to play, Damion was in shock and kept looking at me wide eyed while I rushed to get him out. Then he whispered in disbelief, "Why would fatty poops on Damion...."

And we had pasta for dinner!

30 Days Of Truth [6]

Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.

I hope I never have to say good bye to one of my children

Another boring day

Nothing too exciting today. I went and priced some camera lenses I'd really like and can't afford. I want the Nikon 70-300 AF-S VR. Its about 500 new with a 5yr warranty. Then I have the option of that same lens for 400 refurbished with a 90 day warranty. Decisions, decisions...

Also went and got a Shark Vac then Steam. For 150 damn bucks I think it should work a little better. Damion happens to love the fact that it sounds like NASA is preforming its most recent launch in your kitchen and tried to dance with it. It says it cleans and sanitizes with only water. Tried that, it lied. It clearly stated to avoid detergents and cleaning solutions the the machine and suggested if I have hard water that I let it sit over night. I am clearly not the sensitive type and the fact that water may cause damage to this thing kinda ticks me off.

Won't last long in this house thats for sure. Starting with the fact that when water didn't work I tried the next best thing, water and vinegar. It steamed, a lot more than it should have, when I did that. So basically it hardly cleans my floors, but it makes a good vaporizer.

And on a better note tomorrow will be my first day driving, and alone, here in Hell Paso. I am going to look for some homes for a PFC's family who are due here soon. I'm extremely nervous about the fact that my GPS often tells me to drive into walls, rivers, and playgrounds full of small children. Pretty much I can't find my mail boxes yet and I am heading out. Which if I was a normal person, big deal, but me? Well, if you know me I will probably be calling you to raise bail money for charges of reckless driving and endangering the welfare of the general public in the middle of the mall bc I was completely, utterly, and retarded-ly lost and well, my GPS told me too.


Lastly, Thank Christ for toy rooms.I am closing the door on this one tonight.

4 Degrees