Orange Toadstool

Big, Huge, Ginormous and/or tiny, itsy, bitsy news....

2010-02-15T07:39:00.000-08:00

So, I know, I'm not getting off to a very good start with my new blog. My goal was to blog every day, but perhaps that was a bit ambitious.

There have been just a few other things going on in our lives the past few weeks. This was the second year we'd applied for Joel to attend law school (and I say we because I spent as many hours proofreading essays as he did writing them), and last year were accepted to Elon Law, but didn't want to move to Greensboro. So we decided to go for it again, and see what happened. Well, we were supposed to hear from Duke in mid-December. Here it is, February, and still we haven't heard the first word. He applied to Carolina for early-admission to hear January 15 at the latest - nothing. Campbell was supposed to let him know on January 15th as well. That date came and went with no news. We did get an email a few weeks later saying that the admissions committee was so divided on his application that they would have to review it again. The meeting was set for the following Monday. Then it snowed. And we all know how snow affects things here in Raleigh, so the meeting was cancelled. 2 more weeks passed. Finally, Joel checked the admissions website on a whim, and sure enough there was some news. He sent it to me in an email - ACCEPTED - CONGRATULATIONS!

I was shocked. After hearing that the admissions committee had to review his file again, I had kind of resolved myself that he wasn't going to get in again, and it was time for him to start looking for a job again. But there it was: ACCEPTED. If you know me, you know that it takes me some time to get used to big changes in my world. This was a big change, at least in my head. But I'm so proud of my husband, and in the fall he's taking the next step to his dream job - the FBI.

As if that wasn't enough change to incorporate into our lives at once, we got some other news a few weeks ago as well. A few select people know this, and we just told our parents this weekend, but we are PREGNANT! We've been told that we're due at the end of September, but we have our first ultrasound on Wednesday and I guess they'll give us a little better idea on a date. So, needless to say, Joel is giddy. He can't stop smiling. He can't keep his mouth shut. It's cute, and it kinda cracks me up a bit. I think I could be giddy, if I could get rid of this feeling of nausea and being so tired all the time. Someone told me it's like your body is climbing a mountain every day, and that's definitely how it feels. It's not even 11am yet, and I could take a nap right now.

Our little kidney bean was definitely a surprise, but we're thrilled! Our families are both really excited, and it's so much fun to share this with them! My grammy is going to be a great-grandma for the first time, and she can barely contain herself. I love it! It has taken a bit of getting used to, and I can't promise that I won't be bitter about not being able to eat things that I love, like sushi, goat cheese, and wine... but I guess it's not forever, and women have been doing it for centuries, so I can probably make it.

Anyhow, there you have it... our little, tiny, Huge, Ginormous news. It's been a crazy few weeks, and I'm so glad to finally be able to share it all!

February.... already?

2010-01-31T15:37:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that tomorrow it will already be February. This year is already flying by, and I can't imagine how fast the rest of it will go. There are big things brewing for this year. I can't really divulge them yet, but I promise, they won't disappoint.

By the way, I'm not sure who I'm actually talking to - I don't think that anyone really reads this blog. And while that is nice, and allows me quite a bit of freedom to say whatever I want, I would love to know you're there if you're reading. So take just a second to stop and say hi, won't you?

I've been enjoying this weekend - full of doing absolutely nothing but watching movies and staring at the white flakes falling from the sky. I guess we had about 4 inches of snow if the amount of accumulation on the roof is correct. Yesterday we ventured out to Target for some butter and baking soda so that I could finish making the banana bread I started earlier in the morning. I'll post that recipe at the end, because it's the best banana bread I've ever tasted. If you want to get real crazy, you could add some chocolate chips, and it's just to die for!

Today, Joel and I headed to Barnes and Noble for an afternoon date of reading books and mags in the comfy chairs there. But it seems that a lot of other people had the same idea, and there were no comfy chairs to be had. So we made do at the little cafe table, and enjoyed our time there anyway. I know, we live such a thrilling life, right?

So, without further ado, the banana bread recipe: (Preheat oven to 325)

1 c white sugar
1/2 c light brown sugar
2 eggs, well beaten
2 c flour
1 tsp vanilla
4 Tbsp milk
1 tsp baking soda
3 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 c chopped nuts (optional)
1 stick butter, melted

Cream together the white sugar, brown sugar, and eggs. Add flour a little at a time. Add vanilla, milk, and baking soda. Add melted butter. If you want nuts (or chocolate chips) add them last.
Bake at 325 for about an hour (really depends on your bread pan for the time). This makes one loaf for my bread pans, but could make 1 large and 1 small loaf if your pans are smaller. Larger loaf pans take about 1hr 20 min to bake.

Enjoy!

snOMG!

2010-01-29T20:48:00.000-08:00

It is snowing in Raleigh. During the winter, this is occasionally forecasted, and every single time, the crazy southerners (ok, I'm a southerner at heart) run out to the grocery store to get milk, bread, and beer. Now, the beer I can understand. But why milk? Maybe if you have a baby or just eat an inordinate amount of cereal, but otherwise.... really?

This phenomenon occurs even when the forcasted "snow" only ends up being rain. Which brings up another subject entirely - I think meteorologists have one of the few jobs where they can constantly be wrong, and still keep their jobs. No snow? Oh, well, you know, by snow, what I meant was rain. Didn't make it to 65 degrees today? I meant to say 50 as the high.

However, tonight, the snow started almost exactly when the weather man said it would. The snow is still coming down, and there's no end in sight. It's beautiful. And I love it.

My plan for tomorrow is to bake some fantastic banana bread (one loaf with chocolate chips for an extra special treat), find every chick flick that we own, and watch them all! I think it sounds divine. Enjoy the snow, and stay warm!

Truth Thursday

2010-01-28T18:30:00.000-08:00

I love having something warm before I go to sleep. Russian tea, chai, hot chocolate... There's something cozy about it. But I'm bad at taking the mugs downstairs the next day. We are currently out of mugs.

People who sit still at green lights tick me off. The rest of us have places to go, people.

My favorite clothes are my pajamas. But if I must get dressed, it's a pair of jeans for me. Always.

I used to be an engineer. True story.

That concludes this week's edition of Truth Thursday. Thanks for joining me.

101 in 1001 updated!

2010-01-22T20:01:00.000-08:00

I've updated my 101 in 1001! Check out my progress!

Tuesday Inspiration - Illustrations

2010-01-20T18:00:00.000-08:00

Lately I've been coming across tons of really cute illustrations that would be adorable in a kiddo's room, or even elsewhere in your home. I think they're adorable, and someday maybe there'll be a room for me to decorate with these type things.

Love these! Especially the whale ones... what do you think?

ps - sorry, I found these on various blogs around the interwebs, but forgot to make a note of which one each came from. I'll do better about that in the future - promise.

Music Monday

2010-01-19T11:58:00.000-08:00

I know, it's actually Tuesday. But since it was a 3 day weekend for everyone but me, I'm declaring today Music Monday.

Today's featured artist: Keane

I'm a bit slow on the uptake with Keane, having just discovered them this summer, so pardon my tardiness. I love them now, and I can't stop listening to them on repeat in my car. The drive of the piano, the range of the lead singer's voice... it's got me. Some people have told me that they hate his voice, but I love it.

Currently listening to:
Hopes and Fears

Under the Iron Sea

Take a listen, even try their station on Pandora for similar artists (this is actually how I discovered them).

Let me know what you think... And if you have favorite new music, share away! I love finding new bands!

The Plan...

2010-01-09T21:24:00.000-08:00

A new blog, a new year, a new start all around. I have big plans for this blog, and I hope you're up for coming along with me on the ride. Here's my basic plan, with the disclaimer that this could change at any time :)

Music Monday - Old favorites or new music I've discovered - and you can tell me about yours too!

Tuesday Inspiration - Things that inspire me, that I hope inspire you. Part of my goal to be inspired for 3 hours a week. This will probably be photography often, but there are tons of other things that inspire me.

DIY Wednesday - DIY projects I find around the web, or take on myself. Can't wait to try some new stuff!

Truth Thursday - Inspired by photographer, Jeremy Cowart, just a chance to be a little vulnerable and authentic with you.

Saturday 101 Update - I'll update my 101 list on Saturdays, review things that are in progress, or upcoming goals that'll be completed soon!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope that you enjoy - and as always, let me know if there's something you'd like to see more of. Happy Saturday!

101 in 1001

2010-01-06T10:30:00.000-08:00

I'm a huge list person. I write lists for everything. For thing to do today, for things to do next week, for things to do next year. Honestly, if I don't write it down on a list, I will forget to do it.

I'm also a big believer in goals. I think it's so important to have goals to help you grow as a person, in your business, and in your relationships. I don't, however, love new years resolutions. I, like you, feel an unexplainable sense of optimism and new life at the beginning of each new year. But, also like you, I have a tendency to fail at following through on goals like "get in shape" "eat healthier" and "get organized."

So, instead of new years resolutions that I will never achieve, I have decided to jump on the 101 in 1001 bandwagon. I like this approach much better. The whole idea is to give yourself more than a year to accomplish a list of things. These things must be specific, measurable, and achievable within the 2.75 year time period.

Without further ado, here is my list. What's on yours?

101 in 1001 January 6, 2010 – October 3, 2012

Things to see:
1. See the 2012 Summer Olympics
2. Go to the NC Museum of Art three times (0/3)
3. See U2 in concert
4. Go skiing or snowboarding
5. Go on 3 trips out of the country (0/3)
6. Go on a roadtrip with no destination in mind
7. Go to the Caribbean
8. Go to New York
9. Go to India
10. Visit Napa/Sonoma Valley

Money things:
11. Save at least $10,000 in a year
12. Enter all business receipts into Quickbooks at the end of each month (0/34)
13. Pay off Citi card
14. Learn how to invest money
15. Have 35% of a downpayment on our next house by the end of the 1001 days
16. Have over half of our house paid for by the end of the 1001 days
17. manage investments to 15% return for a year
18. give 200 hours of time volunteering (0/200)
19. tithe regularly

Content to Cosume:
20. Drink 2 camelbak bottles of water every day (48oz) so far this is right on track!
21. Get a mani/pedi
22. Read 1 book per month (0/34) in the middle of "A Million Miles in a Thousand Years"
23. Watch all 100 AMC top 100 movies (12/100)
24. Read through the Old Testament in its entirety
25. Read through the New Testament in its entirety
26. See all movies nominated for Best Picture in the Academy Awards each year (0/3)

Physical Changes:
27. Go to Crossfit 3x per week for 6 months (0/6mo) had to put this on hold until after the BABY!
28. Do Pilates 1-2x per week for 2 months (0/2mo)
29. Train for and compete in a triathlon
30. Get thyroid condition treated and feel normal again endocrinologist says my family doctor misdiagnosed me. no idea what is going on now.
31. Whiten teeth each year (0/3) 7 days in on Crest whitestrips.. also on hold bc of BABY.
32. Complete the 100 pushups challenge
33. Use face lotion every morning and evening for 1 month (0/31)
34. Take vitamins every day for 3 months (0/3)
35. Run a mile at 7mph without stopping
36. Swim 1-2x per week for 3 months (0/3)

Things to Create:
37. Create a new blog (you're looking at it!)
38. Post on new blog 1x per week for 3 months (0/3)
39. Knit or crochet a ruffley scarf
40. Plant a vegetable garden and successfully grow tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and onions
41. Put new shelves in the laundry room
42. Move pantry to the other closet (DONE! 1.17.10)
43. Complete a self-portrait project – 1 photo a month for a year (0/12)
44. Create a new website for my fine art photography
45. Collaborate with Scott on a new project
46. Design and print a photo book of my niece, Maddie’s, first 3 years
47. Design and print a photo book for a cause and donate proceeds to a non-profit

New Things to Learn:
48. Learn to speak French (again)
49. Learn to speak Spanish
50. Learn how to make pastry
51. Learn how to make soufflé
52. Learn how to cut photo mats
53. Create my own recipe for a baked good
54. Try a new recipe for dinner every week for 2 months (3/8) Lemony Chicken with Cilantro Sauce - success! Roasted Cabbage with Bacon - success! Roasted Cauliflower - yuck!
55. Take a cake decorating class
56. Take a flower arranging class
57. Go to a wine tasting
58. Make 10 different kinds of bread (0/10)
59. Learn to make really good hummus from scratch (found a recipe - does anyone know where to get Tahini?)
60. Learn how to make homemade cheese

Risks to Take: i know some of these aren't really risks... couldn't think of where else to put them
61. Start a family - well, this was a surprise, but I'm 11 weeks in on my first pregnancy!
62. Stay in my pajamas all day once a quarter (0/11)
63. Invest $1000
64. Nap once a month (1/34)

Relationships:
65. Go on a date with Joel once a week
66. Have a photoshoot of me and Joel - DONE! Had the most fun and cute session with rachel!
67. Send a care package to my sister once a quarter (0/11)
68. Call Rachel once a month (2/34)
69. Send cards to friends and family once a quarter for 1 year (0/11)
70. Call our parents once per month (1/34)
71. Go on a double date once a month with friends (0/34)
72. Keep Maddie 2-3 times per month or see her once a week

Things to Own:
73. Buy an Alien Bee light system
74. Find a great makeup foundation
75. Buy a paper shredder and shred old papers and documents
76. Buy a Canon 5D Mark II
77. Buy a tilt-shift lens
78. Buy a 35mm fixed lens
79. Get a second monitor for my editing computer
80. Get a pair of designer jeans
81. Own a taser - joel got one for me... but i haven't really touched it yet.

Business Goals:
82. Quit my part time job
83. Book 25 weddings in a year (9/25)
84. Have another wedding featured in a magazine
85. Publish a book
86. Have to turn down as many weddings as I shoot in a year
87. Photograph a band
88. Go on a documentary trip
89. Spend 3 hours per week being inspired
90. Conceptualize a photo shoot and shoot it
91. Theme a vintage shoot
92. Go to 3 photography workshops (1/3) (Spread the Love Tour by Justin & Mary Marantz)

Pieces of Paper
93. Journal at least once a week
94. Create a will
95. Record serial numbers for the stuff we own (DONE 1/9/10)
96. Make a list of 100 things that make me happy (0/100)
97. Get life insurance

Random
98. Buy a few investment wardrobe pieces that are classic and timeless
99. Buy a Raleigh coupon book and use at least 1/3 of the coupons in it
100. Participate in the MS150 bike ride again
101. Make a custom design for my blog