from the mind of me

Kate's more of an indoor girl

2011-08-16T09:18:00.000-07:00

We spent the weekend camping up in the Colie-radda mountains. I know what you're thinking. ME? CAMP? I questioned my sanity more than a few times, trust me. Scott likes to say "Kate's an indoor girl" and really, he's mostly right. My idea of being outdoorsie is mostly confined to drinking beer on patios. But here I am Colorado! Watch out.

Day 1: We arrived at the campgrounds after a fun 2.5 hour drive from Denver to (Fairplay/Southpark area) Drive was filled with CB talk and making up handle names. Scott was Mack Daddy and Chuck was Daddy Mack. You can guess what song erupted after that. Jump, Jump! Drive was also filled with just about as many South Park references you can imagine. Anyone who's spent even 5 minutes with Scott knows the intensity of his love for South Park, so you can imagine he was at a level 10.

Once we arrived at camp we started to set up. This was our inaugural run with our gear which included a new tent, 2 thermarests, and my personal favorite, the double sleeping bag. Our friends Chuck and Jill are great people to camp with. They pretty much brought all the fun camping stuff like the hammock and the shade tent thingie. But we totally had the best camping chairs. I don't know how we scored such luxe chairs considering we've been camping together a total of like 2 times, but these chairs are the rolls Royce of chairs. Once everything was set up we started "camping" which basically meant, drinking, talking, and staring like zombies into the fire. Really, the only bad thing about the evening was my preoccupation with the bathroom situation.

I was told that this site had great bathrooms, and I'm sure that's correct, but anytime I have to go where someone else has just "gone" and there's no flushing capabilities, I can't help buy dry heave. I'm not being dramatic about dry heaving. There was lots of lurching going on and I found that to really put a damper on this whole "camping thing". I was so disturbed with the toilets that I really dehydrated myself, and when you're at 10,000 feet dehydration is not your friend. The first night of sleeping was no bueno.

Day 2: We woke up, ate breakfast and then the guys were off and hiking while Jill and I sat around talking for the better part of the afternoon. When Scott and Chuck came back they found out that a hiker had been missing for nearly 2 weeks in the area. He was going for a day hike and never returned. We determined that he was either likely dead, or didn't want to be found. There were rescue dogs and people looking for him and every 30 minutes or so you'd hear a little prop plane fly over looking for the hiker. It was eerie. I don't know how you could even survive one night out in the open in that area. It gets REALLY cold at night. After an exhausting afternoon of lounging around, we all collapsed in our tents (jill in the hammock) and slept for a good two hours.

After napping, we woke up, started a fire and had dinner and s'mores. The s'mores and campfire made up for the bathroom portion of the camping program, but not by much. It started to drizzle just after dark which was fine because we all were ready for bed. We got in our tents and about 2 minutes later it started pouring. I'm talking like raining so hard you can't even barely hear the person 5 inches from your face. It was not just raining but really thunder storming. Lightening EVERYWHERE and thunder so loud the ground was shaking. We were just hoping our tent wouldn't leak, and it didn't. It even hailed. Did I mention it was loud? It was. You spend you life feeling like the center of your universe and think you've got control over everything, and all it takes is one night camping in a massive thunderstorm to realize that you are seriously nothing. It was equal parts cool and humbling, and very scary. It's a wonder we even slept a wink with the noise level, but we both slept great. I think the storm lasted for a solid 2-3 hours and I fell asleep probably after the first 45 minutes-hour. Throw a pillow over my head and I turn into rip van winkle.

Day 3: I was ready for my own bed, and a good shower. We packed up, and were on the road by 11:30. Camping was fun, but I was ready for home. Overall camping gets a 6 out of 10. I would do it again, definitely, but damn if the bathroom situation doesn't put a serious damper on things!

Me giving my best "I'm having a blast" face.

Our camp site had hearts carved in a lot of the trees. It made me happy and sad at the same time

Scott enjoys a good hammock lay every now and again

Our first night. Scott is likely giving a sermon on how to build the perfect fire.

Our campsite. I loved that we were surrounded by trees :)

Step 1: Admire your roasting abilities

Step 2: Open as wide as you can get your mouth to go

Step 3: Insert Marshmellow

Step 4: nom nom nom nom nom

A fun way to be narcissistic

2011-03-21T13:07:00.000-07:00

A. Age: 30...and Dirrrrty

B. Bed size: King, and it's glorious. I'm always in a constant search to make our bed as hotel like as possible

C. Chore you dislike: cleaning out the tupperware container that has something moldy growing in it.

D. Dogs: Love 'em, but my gag reflex is way to sensitive and will just not allow for picking up warm shit in a bag.

E. Essential start to your day: kissing my husband good bye

F. Favorite color: I love all colors

G. Gold or silver: Gold for costume jewlery, silver for anything over $500, except I hate jared type jewelry, so let's just say Gold.

H. Height: 5'7"

I. Instruments you play(ed): Clairnet, Bass Clairnet

J. Job title: Photographer

K. Kids: zero, unless you include Tick, Artie and Sara

L. Live: LIVE!

M. Mom’s name: Mary

N. Nicknames: From Scott: Noodle caboodle, bean dip, babe, baby (don't even ask about bean dip, there's no weird meaning...it's just weird.

O. Overnight hospital stays: none that I remember

P. Pet peeves: This is my year of not thinking about annoying things. Keepin' it positive up in herrr.

Q. Quote from a movie:

" what Joel, what? I'm just a fucked up girl looking for my own peace of mind.

I can't see anything that I don't like about you

But you will! But you will. You will think of things. And I'll get bored and feel trapped because that's what I happens with me

Okay

(pause) Okay"

R. Righty or lefty: Right

S. Siblings: brother

T. Time you wake up: sometime between 8-9

U. Underwear: 50/50

V. Vegetables you don’t like: caliuflower

W. What makes you run late: being lazy

X. X-rays you’ve had: ankle/foot/wrist

Y. Yummy food you make: pesto pizza, mexican casserole, black bean quinoa, meatloaf

Z. Zoo animal favorites: Gorillas

What makes the Kit Kat Happy

2011-02-11T14:56:00.000-08:00

At the begining of this year I wrote down a list of the things that make me happy....incase I forget :)
Why do we neglect to do the things that make us the happiest? I have no idea. That's why I'm making a honest effort to do more of this.

Yoga- The best therapy aside from actual therapy
Getting my nails done- nice looking hands make me happy
Make the bed in the morning- I love walking into the bedroom and having it be clean and neat
Organizing-I need to tackle the last few disasters in the home
Daily Cleaning-SUCH a struggle for me, but when I keep on top of it I can breathe easier
Nightly schedule- My OCD kicks in for me here. I'm happy when I brush my teeth and wash my face
Drink great wine- My new favorite is Sean Minor-2009 Pinot Noir. So Good!
Clean Sheets-Clean soft sheets are the best, and it's free
Making a healthy breakfast- Something I can do that sets me up for a good day
Baking- I just love to bake. It's food for my soul
Set Monthly Goals- I get overwhelmed with planning too far out in advance
Ironing- I really don't love to do it, but I love ironed clothes. Catch 22
Listening to Music- I'm dead set on bringing back the art of just listening to music. Not in the car, in your home. Give it a try. Put on a good CD, get your glass of wine, snuggle and just listen. I recommend listening to Bob Mould:Workbook.

Going Crazzzzyyyyy!

2011-02-01T15:00:00.000-08:00

Have you heard of the new book The 4 hour body? It's by Tim Ferris the author of the 4 hour work week which I believe was a NY Times best seller. Anywhoooo, the 4HB is getting some major interest and some major scrutiny. So Scott suggested we take a look at it because the author is a big fan of really cheap meals and eating the same few things over and over again.

The gist of the book is eat lots of protien, lots of beans and lots of veggies and don't eat anything that's white or that COULD be made white. Whole wheat bread COULD be made white, so therefore it's a no no.

This one time I told myself it was a fantastic idea to do the lemonaide detox. You know, the maple syrup, lemon juice and cayenne pepper drink. After half a day I was seriously losing my mind. LOSING MY MIND! Well, after two days of doing this 4HB diet, I'm freekin' losing my shit. I saw a commercial for a burger and it almost made me nausious thinking of eating more meat. This 4HB isn't really at all like atkins, but I feel like it is.

I decided I could probably make it a week, but honestly there's no way I can sustain this for two months. So I'm doing another round of Body for Life. The eating is nearly the same, but you can have carbs like yogurt, fruit, whole wheat bread (in moderation) potatoes etc...

So that's that for anyone who cares. Turns out I go completely insane if i can't have bread. Body for Life worked really great for me before, so I'm just not messing with trying something new.

I'm on a roll now

2011-01-30T12:41:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to do some sort of window treatment on some of the windows in our house, but even "cheap" curtains add up fast when you get the hardware and various accoutrements.

Enter:BURLAP!

It's not just for potato sack races anymore!

Burlap isn't really jazzy, it's total ultilitarian and it's super cheap. Turns out they have a few colors at JoAnn's. Standard beige, dark brown espresso color and a sage green. I can't say I'd have chosen burlap if it hadn't been for the sage color. I had the idea to finish the edges, but since burlap's edges are tricky since they're so messy, I decided to actually buy...a needle and yarn. I had no idea what I was doing, I just picked a yellow/gold twisted yarn and a fairly large needle. Look at me, throwing caution to the wind.

I worked with the natural factory crease in the burlap (not even attempting to iron in a new one.) I eyeballed the width of my office window and cut the fabric, then just did a "loop stitch"??? I know that's the name of a stitch, but I'm not sure if that's the one I ACTUALLY used. I just sewed the two layers together leaving the creased edge (top edge) bare. It was pretty easy and although it's not like earth shatteringly beautiful, I really like it. It's simple, but I think the yarn says "my maker is too crafty for her own good".

What makes this project even more poor person? I used three nails to hang it. No high falutin curtain rods for us folk.

One Project down, 15 or so to go

2011-01-29T19:16:00.000-08:00

A couple years ago my friend Lori introduced me to the wonders of "junkin'". Junkin' is scowering through the pounds of crap at thrift stores and estate sales and craigs list for the gems. I was pretty much hooked right from the start and started collecting Pyrex. One bowl turned into...let me go count...twelve bowles and a mini muffin dish. I put my dish soap, sponge and pan scrapers in the muffin tray on my window sill and because of this, I feel uber domesticated.

Last year I found a dining room table & 4 chairs on craigs list for $40. I really was only interested in the table, but took the chairs anyways. We got rid of all but one chair that I told myself I'd recover SOMEday. Well tonight, nearly a year later, it happened. 1 trip to JoAnn's, 2 trips (by bycicle) to Ace hardware for a staple gun in which the friendly old man sold me the wrong size staples, 45 minutes later and 2 ugly fabrics and TaDa!

Thoughts on 2010

2010-12-29T14:59:00.001-08:00

It's been quite the year for me. I haven't even posted on this blog since Feb?!?!?! I just want to get all these things out of my head, so I figured this would be a good place...since I'm sure maybe 1 person will even read this. So here's my 2010 wrap up

First and foremost, I quit my lame soul sucking part time job and jumped head first into being a full fledged business owner. I took the leap mostly because I felt like where I was working was going to go out of business any day. There were literally no upcoming jobs scheduled and I felt the impending axe coming. Scott and I talked about it and we thought it was best for me to just quit and do photography full time. I wasn't making barely anything at the job anyways, since it was low paying to begin with AND part time. What a difference leaving has made in my life. I no longer dread Sunday evenings and no longer have that pit of my stomach sinking feeling when I think about work. Instead it's been replaced with a zest for the business I never thought possible.

About two weeks after I left my day job I was featured on Living Social, which for those who don't know, it's just like Groupon...and if you don't know what Groupon is, well then you're missing out on some serious deals. So I was featured Oct 18th and since then I have been so busy I can barely see straight. It's just now calming down after the Holiday rush. I had a photo shoot almost every day. Many Saturdays and Sundays I had multiple shoots, maxing out at 3 shoots one day. That was too much! I really got a baptism by fire and have learned so much I feel like my brain has doubled in size. I really underestimated the amount of back end work that goes into a photography business. Scheduling, shooting, downloading, editing, uploading, collecting orders, ordering prints, cashing checks (my favorite), mailing out CD's etc, web work, social media etc. I have loved every minute of it though. I love giving a family something they will look back on for years. I love being a part of that in some small way and I love when clients tell me how much the photographs mean to them. It's beyond rewarding and I feel like for the first time in my life I'm doing what I'm meant to be doing. I've followed a passion and it's rewards so far have been awesome. Last week I even purchased a new iMac and named her Josie. She's going to help me make lots of money. Her words, not mine. Scott calls me his "plucky business woman" and can't wait until I can support him in the lifestyle he's grown accustomed to. He told me that I need a pony tail because every good business woman wears a plucky pony tail and he thinks I can get the "plucky business woman kit" complete with detachable pony tail at Office Depot. He says the weirdest shit sometimes. I don't know where he comes up with half of it.

Here's my website, incase you haven't seen it ever...or in a while
www.goldenpaisleyphotography.com

The other big highlight of the year came early when Scott and I decided to do a round of Body for Life. 3 months of insane workout schedules and strict eating. We both lost about 15 lbs and kept most of it off. It was a great thing for both of us. We had just enough time to workout, go to work, make dinner, eat, sleep and do some mommy daddy stuff and that was literally IT for 3 months. We even got rid of cable because we didn't have time for TV. Highly recommend ditching cable TV. I learned that no one needs to see crap like Toddlers & Tiaras, like EVER let alone re-runs. Crap tv for me is so addicting. We were just in Chicago for a week and having access to the tv in the hotel was like crack. I'm glad we cut-IT-OUT! Joey Gladstone style yo.
So I said we've kept most of the weight off. I've gained back 5 lbs, wohhh wohhhhh. Losing weight isn't for the birds. It's hard and it's even harder when I eat my feelings :) I've been seeing a counselor for a while now. Actually 2 years nearly to the day. There were times I'd go once a week. I've done a LOT of work on myself over the past couple years and I feel like I should be the poster child for Therapy. I think everyone should go. I see my counselor about once a month now, but I'm going to do a sort of yoga therapy for the next few months and see how that goes instead. I really really adore my counselor, but I want to do something new. For me yoga is therapy in a way. I leave feeling notably happier and calmer and the added bonus is that I get a great physical workout from it too. So I'm committing myself for the next three months to take classes 4x a week and see how it goes. I've gotten out of a huge funk without medication-just with seeing my counselor. I feel like I'm definitely over the hump now and have been for quite some time, but I know it will always take work to stay not crazy. So, that's where yoga comes in for me. I feel like I've taken ownership of my life. Because the truth is, it is only us who can make our life great or shit. I've really tried to eliminate all excuses from my life. "my life isn't "X" because of...."X" is something I just don't do anymore. If I miss a workout or a week's worth of workouts, or eat like crap, it's because of ME not anything else and it's an extremely empowering way to live, but it can be a bitch sometimes. You are the master of your own destiny. I get it now.

We also moved into a new house at the beginning of March. It's a fantastic home. 3 bed, 2 bath, built in 1896. Original floors and doors and fixtures, but updated plumbing, electrical, master bedroom and closet, kitchen and bathrooms. The master shower was nicknamed the grotto (ala playboy style) from friends of ours. The house is cozy without being tiny and it's just a perfect fit for us. We're renting from a great girl about our ages (or somewhere in between). She moved to NY for her job and wanted to find good renters. We get along great and she's the perfect landlord. Never in our business, living out of state, and trusts us and knows we take care of the house very very well. We're hoping she may want to just sell it to us after our lease is up...who knows. We live within walking distance (short walking distance) to 2 major grocery stores, bars, sandwich shops, coffee shops, bank and downtown is a 15 minute walk. We've been pretty spoiled with our Whole Foods (paycheck) 2 blocks away. Here's a pic of our living room/dining room

So that's pretty much it. Soon I'm going to post some goals and things we want to do in 2011. I may even start posting more regularly, but I wouldn't hold your breath.

Love, peace, happiness, joy, blessings and all that jazz to you all

Katy

My new Life

2010-02-25T06:56:00.000-08:00

Since February 8th I've been doing Body for Life. I'm sure you've seen the book before. It's been a best seller since 1999.

I feel like it's all I think about now. I'm waking up at unholy hours of the morning to workout, then thinking about breakfast, then a protein snack, then a balanced lunch of a fist size portion of a protein and a carb and some veggies, then another protein snack, then a good dinner much the same as lunch, then another snack, then I'm thinking I have to be in bed asleep absolutely NO later than 9:00-9:30 because I have to wake up at 4:30 and I turns out am a little cranky if I don't get a good 8 hrs of sleep minimum.

It's basically my life now. I'm on day 18 and I haven't felt this good or this alive since probably 17-18 yrs old. Bonus: I measured my waist this morning because I noticed that when I did the recumbent bike my legs weren't hitting my "pregnant sandwich belly" quite as much... actually almost not at all. Turns out I've already lost almost 2 inches from my waist. 2 INCHES! I think that's just amazing.

Anyway, I have a blog where I talk about it all. The good, the bad and the ugly. If you're sensitive to words like "thigh chafing" and "boob sweat" don't visit. Infact I haven't really publicized this new blog for that exact reason, but I figure what the heck.

It's likely that I'll only be posting on that blog for the next 10 weeks because let's face it, I really don't have much other to talk about.

So drop by if you want and follow me because the more followers I have the better I feel about myself.

www.projectlookgoodnaked.blogspot.com

On Gratitude

2010-01-27T09:50:00.000-08:00

I have a lot to be grateful for lately. I've found myself in my car doing a lot of thanking. Although I have no real clear idea of exactly who or what it is I'm expressing my gratitude to, I feel compelled to send it out anyways. It makes me feel like I have more control over my life than I once thought. I grew up thinking that if I was worthy enough, good things would come my way. Although this belief isn't necessarily flawed, for me it proved futile. I never felt worthy enough & spent the majority of my youth feeling guilty.

I'm realizing now though, that in a round about way that old way of thinking is the same way I'm thinking now, just with a different spin. I know I deserve good things, I know I deserve to be happy and I know for sure that if I focus on good, good has to come. Weather that good comes from the God of my youth, or the part of God that is within me, within us all, it's the same thing. I'm sure of it. Gratitude has taught me that in some way we all speak the same language, but we get so incredibly hung up on the semantics of it all that we tangle ourselves in unhappiness. When I was young, I'd pray, but part of me never really believed I deserved anything I was praying for. Because I didn't believe I deserved it, it never manifested into anything. Prayer wasn't flawed, my head was. Some people talk about sending thoughts out into the universe, and in turn the universe would reflect the energy you put out. Send out positive, get positive, send out negative, receive negative. If you tell yourself a story often enough it comes true. This is what I believe to be a universal truth that runs below every form of religion and spiritual practice weather we realize it or not. The book "The Secret" brought this fundamental truth to the masses, but the the "Secret" was always the secret. Way way waayyyyy before it was talked about.

I know a girl who is deathly afraid of spiders. She sought out help in the form of a counselor to overcome this fear. As they were talking it over a spider dropped down square in front of her, hanging from its single string of silk. If that's not manifesting a fear for the purpose of healing, than I don't know what is. She put out FEAR, FEAR, Spider Fear and what do you know? That damn spider showed up and forced her to confront her fear head on.

I guess what I'm saying is that when it comes down to the core of it all, of existence, we're all the same. Whether you find your path through Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Scientology or are a Jehovah's Witness, we're all the same even though on the surface it looks very very different. Amazing what a little gratitude can do.

Reality Show Review

2010-01-12T07:54:00.000-08:00

The Bachelor-Episode 2

One thing is for sure. The girls are crazy nuts. Except Ali, who I like. She was the blond wearing the yellow dress that flew "on the wings of love" with Jake.

The date started with a bad boy motorcycle ride through the California hills, which P.S. Ali is wearing a short dress and straddling the bike, and Jake. I'm no prude, but I always think about that when the girls are wearing dresses. It's like, don't mind me, my crotch will just be pressed against your low back and I don't even know your mother's name yet. That's neither here nor there, just a little gem for you to linger on.

So then they get in the small prop plane and about 3 minutes into the flight they start playing the song On the Wings of Love. The real song, the one by Jeffrey Osbourne. Listen to it here if you'd like your ears to bleed. That guy probably hasn't received a dime for years and now all the sudden he's hit it big because of ABC's royalty payouts.

Then Ali and Jake share a top down car ride, romantic dinner then a private concert by Chicago. I really hope she knows who that band even is. I love Chicago, but seeing those old guys up on stage makes me wonder if Chicago contacted the show, or if the show contacted Chicago.

Next up, group date at 6 flags where one of the girls says "Jake just looks soooo hot flipping around on those rides." I can't remember when ANYONE looked good, let alone HOT riding a roller coaster. Nothing is more flattering than 6 g's doing a number on your face.

Kind of like this guy.

At this point when Chris Harrison says something like "the most dramatic rose ceremony ever" it's sort of like white noise. It's the boy who cried wolf. Yeah yeah Chris, real dramatic. This time though, he wasn't lying. One of the girls ended up having an "inappropriate relationship with one of the staffers." They kicked her off the show and fired the guy who was getting some strange on the side. All of the other girls were crying when they found out. Ohhh, poor Jake...why would anyone do that...that's so horrible. Buck up girls, there's one less girl in the house. You should be having a toast, not crying! That's part of the reason I like Ali (yellow dress girl) because she said, hey that's one less girl we have to compete with. She said this while wiping tears, but whatever.

All in all-Good episode.

See you back here next week.

Reality Show Review

2010-01-06T08:41:00.000-08:00

The Bachelor

We met Jake last season when he was a contestant on the Bachelorette. At first I was all like, yea Jake, when they shared that first dance. Then he got all emotional. Like, way over the top emotional. Part of my brain exploded when he cried over the balcony after he tried to warn Jill of Country Music boy's wandering ways. Here's a tip guys, never cry in a dramatic fashion over any balcony, especially one that looks like a renovated Motel 6.

Fast forward to the Monday night premier when suddenly Jake has been selected because of an "overwhelming demand" for him to be the next bachelor. What woman is demanding that Jake be the next bachelor? Are you out there? He's just too... vanilla. I'm not saying a want a man who beats me and demands I pour him whiskey shots, but I also don't want a man who acts like that beaver cleaver guy on the Cialis commercial either.

As if my brain wasn't permanently pock marked with the image of Jake crying over the balcony, they had to add two more vomit inducing scenes to Monday's episode.

1) Jake sawing planks of wood
2)Jake riding up on his motorcycle to meet the girls as they came out of the limo.

Oh Bachelor producers... how I love you!

It's almost as if they were like, we know you're a douche (in a nice guy sort of way) but we need to make you look like more of a bad boy douche. Let's see, what can we do.... hmmmmm. I've got it. How about you saw wood with your shirt off? Then Jake asks what he's making that requires wood to be sawed by HAND? They ultimately conclude that it doesn't matter. It's just the act of sawing wood with your shirt off that will make your pecs bounce. Well played ABC.

The girls were desperate to say the least. Nearly everyone came bearing some sort of sentimental chotchkie. A display of who can out do the previous girl in seeming more like "my biological clock is TICKING."

My personal favorite was this tiny Cambodian girl who said something in Cambodian to Jake and then teased him by telling him he had to come find her to see what it meant. I think America was expecting her to have said something like, my heart has lead me here to find my true love's kiss, or something equally demure. Later in the night she reveals that what she said translated to "you can land your plane on my landing strip any time." Wha wha WHAT! Holy shit Cambodia, you just made me fall in love with you! She became my favorite, until she didn't make it past round one.

Other highlights included

*The girl who lost her shit after she kissed Jake
*The girl who was crying because she was "here for the right reasons" and didn't get to spend enough time with Jake at the cocktail party
*The normal bachelor music was changed to the musak version of on the wings of love.

To read another (funnier) version of the bachelor review, click HERE

I am thankful

2009-12-23T07:33:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for

My friends. When I moved to Colorado I thought there was no way I'd make friends as good as the ones I have in AZ. I thought, sure I'll have people to hang out with, but no one I would feel comfortable with enough to be around in in my pajamas talking about real stuff, hard stuff, life stuff. I was wrong. I have met a good solid handful of really great great friends and I feel even closer to the ones that remain in my home land.

My husband. He is a good man. He makes me laugh, really loud. He takes care of me and likes it when I take care of him. I have lots of nicknames for him. Boo, Boo Boo, Bunny, Sweetheart, Baby, Babe, Honey. He mostly calls me baby, my love & my dear. When we're in a group of people he sometimes calles me "Kathryn my dear." He's a good provider, the best. He works so hard and is so well respected. He smells really good too.

My Parents. I have a great mom who isn't afraid to smother me with affection and tell me how much she loves me and is proud of me. Most of the time I feel a bit unworthy of the praise, but I figure it's better to be over praised than under appreciated. Makes me feel good. In a very non "big head" sort of way. "My 2 Dads" are swell too.

My cats. I'm completely owning the fact that I'm blogging about my cats. They make me happy OK? Get over it. We are total cat people. Our girl cat Sara has Scott wrapped around her little paw fingers. He's going to kill me for posting this, but whatever. She sits on his lap like 99% of the time. If he's working from home she will sit there the whole day. When he gets up to do something he carries her with him through out the house. When we go upstairs to bed, he carries her up the stairs. They nuzzle each other then both look at me like "we're cute huh." They both know it makes me go nuts with joy. I go crazy for all three of our cats. Scott+Me+cats+bed=Pure bliss.

PS-Scott called in the middle of me writing this last part about him and Sara. I told him I was blogging about him. He asked what it was about and I told him I couldn't tell him. He said, well I hope it's something perverted. He'd love that. I'm a lady though, I don't talk about anything less than pure.

Day Zero Project-Year One

2009-12-10T09:51:00.001-08:00

I realized today that it's been one year since I made that list on my side bar of all the things I want to do in 3-ish years. I've been updating it fairly regularly, and I've really done a lot this year.

In updating it a minute ago I realized that some of the things that I thought were important, just aren't anymore, so I reserve the right to delete and come up with new things. I thought last year that for our 5 yr anniversary it would be cool do have another little vow ceremony. Now... it's not important to me. I've realized that it's more important to reflect on our vows in small doses, rather than a big grand ceremony. Not that it wouldn't be fun, but not for 5 yrs... maybe 10. I also could give two shits about finishing the twilight series now. I loved the first one, and the second one I stopped at chapter 2 and haven't looked back. I'm over it.

There were a couple things I had on my list that were specific events that never happened as well, so I will have to edit those and turn them into new goals.

I'm feeling pretty different this year. My goals for 2010 are going to be bigger and broader. I've sort of learned how to dream bigger. With my business up and going, it really changes my perspective on how I'd like my life to be... thus changing my goals.

Last year I said I'd like to weigh 170. That's a pretty good weight for me. I can wear a normal size 10/12, have my buffed out soccer legs back and still indulge my sweet tooth every now and then. I still have 2 years to complete this, but I'm hoping I'll be down to that weight sooner than that. I learned a lot this year about weight issues for me. 1) I'm a PRO at losing 3 lbs, then gaining it back, then losing 2, then 4, then 3, then gaining back 5 and so on and so on. Overall, I've lost and gained putting me at a total of 10 lbs lighter than last year at this time. Not much to speak of, but I will keep on truckin'. 2) I realized that I think about my weight WAY WAY too much. It stresses me out to worry about it, think about it, visualize about it, dream about it. Because it causes me stress, it's sort of like I'm standing in my own way. This year I'm going to just eat healthy and exercise. I know, I'm a genius! I've decided to stop thinking about it, and stressing that it's not happening fast enough, and just relax about it and do it. I have this quote at my desk that essentially says "the mind has to run the body, not vice versa" but I think in my case, I need to let my body run my mind. I need to get out of my head and more into my body. Does that make sense? Does anyone even read my blog anymore? Who am I and where am I going? What is my purpose on this earth? Just kidding... I'm ready to truly create the life I want, and let's be honest... who wants to live life with their thighs rubbing together? Not me!

Ten-Four little buddy, smokey check. Over and out!

PS- on our trip out to California last week. Scott and myself created trucker handle names for eachother. He named me Noodle Caboodle and his name is El Jefe. We spoke in C.B. talk for a good 30 minutes and I highly recommed it for a good time.

Photography Blog

2009-12-08T14:45:00.000-08:00

New on the Golden Paisley Photography Blog.

Keiko & Jeff.

Check it out

http://www.goldenpaisleyphotography.blogspot.com/

photos...as promised

2009-11-30T14:29:00.000-08:00

B-day

2009-11-30T06:48:00.000-08:00

Hot off the Press! I had a birthday yesterday. My GOLDEN birthday to be exact. I'm 29. WOW. I think this is definitely the age where you don't get any free passes for not having your act together. Thank god I feel like I got my life together this year! ha ha. Last year at this time I felt pretty lost. I had no real direction and just sort of felt like life was just happening to me. What a difference a year makes. I don't think I can say I totally have it all figured out, but I feel like I have a handle on the important things now and that's a good feeling to have. Creating your life... who knew it could be so empowering?

Last weekend a bunch of friends and myself went for a birthday celebration. We had Lebanese food and went and did karaoke. It was fun. I love karaoke. I sang "we're off to see the wizard." It was the chocolate cake shot that decided that, not me. I even marched in place when I sang. I think that added a little something special, don't you think?

This weekend Scott took me out to dinner @ North -LOVE THAT PLACE. Then we walked over to this place called "cocktails and canvases." It's a place where you create a painting and drink, basically. Although I was a bit too concentrated on my painting to drink. I had a small glass of wine... didn't want to disrupt the creative juices. I really love my painting, I think I'm even going to get it framed! We had a great time & it was very romantic.

My mom sent me a package with a cookbook called "Kissing in the Kitchen - Cooking with passion" I joked with Scott that this is her subtle way of saying PROCREATE DAMNIT, I WANT A GRANDCHILD! Hey, you can't blame her. Scott and I are sort of defective in that baby department. It freaks us out a bit more than most couples. I mean, I'm 29 and he's 38 and we have no children to speak of. I'd be scared too if I was my mom:) We decided that we're not having children until we both feel like we can have them and not die. And if that time comes, and I'm 40 and he's 50, then we'll adopt. OK, the die part was a little dramatic, but a woman who's almost 30 can be dramatic when talking about babies.

I'll post a picture of my 29 year old self holding my painting later today. Hold your breath!

Peace, Love & Chocolate Birthday Cake-
Katy

Who wears short shorts? And what's up with that mug shot?

2009-10-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

Action Sports International - Denver Marathon

The Divorce Piggy Bank

2009-10-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

The Divorce Piggy Bank
The Divorce Piggy Bank Can Help Pay Your Lawyer
By Sam Margulies PhD

Having mediated thousands of divorces I have acquired some knowledge over the years of what acts and omissions reliably contribute to divorce.I have also learned that marriages generally don't break over a specific event but rather erode over time as spouses fail to feed the marriage what it needs to thrive. I also know that most divorces are expensive and that it is common for each lawyer to ask for a retainer of $3,000 to $5,000. So this post is designed to help you finance your divorce gradually as you engage in those behaviors that slowly damage and eventually destroy your marriage.

Here is what you should do. First, buy a good size piggy bank. Every time you commit one of the acts listed below, or anytime your spouse commits one, you deposit the required amount in your piggy bank. This way, by the time you need a retainer you will have saved it. You will want to count the money in your piggy bank once a year because it may serve as a guide to how close you are to divorce. Be sure to share this data with your spouse.

Go to bed angry with your spouse. $3.

Spend an entire day without expressing affection or praising your spouse. $3.

Make a sarcastic comment to your spouse. $5.

Raise your voice in anger to your spouse. $3.

Do the above and fail to apologize. $5.

Dismiss as unimportant an issue raised by your spouse. $7.

Install a TV in the kitchen. $20.

Watch TV while eating together. $10.

Spend a night in bed with your spouse and make no gesture of affection such as a kiss or caress. $5.

Refuse a request from your spouse for sex for the second time in a row unless you have a note from your doctor. $7.

Refuse a request from your spouse for sex for the fifth time in a row unless you have a note from your mother. $30.

Roll your eyes at something said by your spouse. $5.

Refuse a request to go to counseling with your spouse. $100. (almost 100% predictive of divorce.)

Spend a year and not take a vacation with your spouse while leaving the children home. $25.

Schedule so many activities for your children that you leave no time for your marriage. Each week pay: $5.

Be upset with your spouse and not raise it because you believe it pointless to discuss it. $10.

When your spouse raises an issue stonewall and refuse to discuss it. $50.

You fail to learn what actions by you bring pleasure to your spouse. $50.

Although this list is by no means exhaustive it represents a good sample.

Readers are invited and requested to add to the list.http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/divorce-grownups/200904/divorce-piggy-bank

Weekends

2009-10-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I was in AZ for some photography shoots.

See the sneak peaks here

http://goldenpaisleyphotography.blogspot.com/

This next week I will be here! Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan & Puerto Vallerta.

Relationship Deal Sealers-Part 4 of 5

2009-09-24T19:00:00.000-07:00

Scott told me he writes poetry very early on. I'd say within our 2nd or 3rd date. I really didn't know what to think at first. I'd never met a man who wrote poetry. It was never on my "things I like in a guy" list and frankly I never thought it was my thing-to like a guy who writes poetry. Pshaw!

That was until he wrote this line.... for ME!

"our hearts held by ethereal strings hearts held by ghosts of beautiful things"

Ladies, you may think a man who writes poetry is not for you, but I challenge you not to break out in tears when the man you love professes his love for YOU through a poem. He wrote countless poems for me in our early years. Now, it's tapered off a bit but when I get one, I savor every word. Which is why we insisted on writing our own vows.

This is the last little part of his vows to me.

"Most of all I vow to walk with you through the fire that will temper and strengthen our love, and embrace you throughout our lives with tenderness, stillness and respect."

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh, I'm swimming back in that cocktail of love drug

Relationship Deal Sealers-Part 3 of 5

2009-09-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

It was October 2002. We had been dating for 9 months. We were madly in love. Over the moon. Beside ourselves, unable to make any rational decisions about anything. Including but not limited to: leaving the house in our underwear. Stay with me.

It was Halloween. In fact, I think it was actually Halloween day. We were going to a party and had no costume. We drove around aimlessly for a while joking about how we should just go as nudists. Then Scott suggested we go as Adam and Eve. Ha ha ha, I thought. But he was serious. Wait, WHAT?! What are we going to wear? More importantly, what aren't we going to wear? Well, being as though my brain was swimming with oxytocin and I was barely able to function with all of that love drug swimming around inside me, I can not be held accountable for what happened next. Like, ever. So when I run for some sort of public office in my 50's and a picture surfaces of me in my unmentionables, you'll know why.

We decided the best way to execute this costume was to get a bra and underwear for me (which turned into a bra and short shorts) and boxer briefs for Scott. We went to the gap for those items. Then we went to Michael's craft store for leaves. We got home and I sewed plastic leaves on our skivvies. And I don't even sew! And I don't think I've ever used the word skivvies.

The costumes actually looked really good. I was impressed. Martha would have been horrified. We put on the costume, aka underwear, and stood in front of the bathroom mirror. Picture to bug eyed owls standing in front of a mirror. We looked at ourselves and both thought "holy shit, we're in ourfuckingunderwear" Sorry, this blog is not censored. So we stood there and stood there and stood there and suddenly you have this stark realization that you're about to go out in public in your underwear. You think... it's just like a bathing suit, but I'm here to tell you my friends, it is NOT just like a bathing suit. We were committed though. Committed to our art. So we went out.

We got in his smooth as silk Audi S4 and I remember thinking. Hey, I feel a whole lotta leather on my back. Wow, I'm in my bra...with leaves. The drive to the party was filled with church giggles and, and cuss words.

Scott still has those white GAP boxer briefs. I know this because every time I do laundry and come across white briefs with tiny holes where the leaves were sewn on, I smile.

The moral of this story-If you find a man who can convince you to go half naked to a Halloween party, and he'll do the same. Well, that's a true testament of love in my book.

And that's how I knew-Part 3

Relationship Deal Sealers-Part 2 of 5

2009-09-22T06:50:00.000-07:00

I kept seeing this CD in Scott's collection. Always passing it over because what they heck was Sade? In my head I was pronouncing it Say Dee. I'd never heard of her, or them or him. One day I finally said, who is this, what CD is this? He said Sade, but pronounced it Shaw dey. Ohhh, right, the woman that sings Smooth Operator. Yeah, my interest wasn't peaked, because that song brings me back to 1980 whatever. But again, because Scott was all up in my grill about how awesome Sade is, I gave it a try. He took the CD from my hands and put it in his nicer that nice car stereo and blasted it. I still remember where we were. 7th st & the North Loop of the 101. Right by what would soon be "our house." We were just about to go under the overpass right there at the light, facing North bound. I have no idea why I remember where we were in that exact moment in time. I suppose it's because I knew there was something bigger happening and I wanted to seal it in my memory.

I completely fell in love with Sade that day. We ended up driving to Target a little later and he bought the Lovers Live DVD which is a Sade Concert. I highly recommend it. Buy it here and don't blame me if you find yourself with child in 9 months. He wanted me to really experience Sade, so he suggested we watch the concert DVD. Now, I'm not a concert DVD kind of person, but this concert is other worldly. It was a Phoenix day in August, so that guarantees two things. The morning will be hot and the late afternoon and evening will bring Monsoons. I love Monsoon season, like most all of the V.O.S, but this evening would put a permanent marker in my life so that every monsoon season from then on would bring me back to this one evening.

We got back to his house about 4:00 and put on the DVD in the bedroom. We laid on the bed and snuggled. It was pouring outside and the sky was dark. Perfect! I felt like my heart was going to burst open. We watched the concert unfold like we were there. I was totally immersed in the experience and I was with a man that I literally couldn't love more. I looked over about 30 minutes later and he was sound asleep. He was asleep and for some women, I'm sure they would think that rude, but for me I thought that was endearing. He was safe, I felt safe and loved, oh boy I felt loved. I love this moment because it's mostly all mine. It's one of my fondest moments of us and yet he was asleep. I lay there and finished out the DVD and just took it all in. I was in love, HARD!

Later that night, we ran around naked in the rain in his backyard. We jumped in the pool during the storm. The thunder was crashing so loud and it was exhilarating. Then we sat naked on pool chairs watching the storm under the cover of the patio eating a big bowl of Haagen Daz Chocolate-Chocolate Chip. And that's how I knew-part 2.

Relationship Deal Sealers

2009-09-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

I was blog hopping this morning and found a this blog. She posted about an old Marie Claire article about deal sealers instead of relationship deal breakers. It got me thinking about the moments when I knew I was hooked. Here are some of my fondest memories of the early days, and how I knew he was it.

Mini Road Trip & The Soundtrack to 2002

One weekend in our early courtship, we decided to take a day trip up to the Natural Bridge just past payson. We hiked through the whole thing, had a picnic, talked, took pictures. It was a great date, one of the best. I usually end up with a soundtrack to my life in certain times. For instance, I was really into Coldplay back then. We listened to Yellow a couple times and now I literally can not hear that CD without at least one of the songs bringing me to happy tears. On the way home Scott put in a Ben Folds CD. I thought he was a dork. No, really. I couldn't get into it. I pretended to like it while I silently thought, this is sooooooo 1999 "Brick." I thought he was cute though for being REALLY into Ben Folds. He talked to me for a good while about why they were so awesome. He was really passionate about music and still is. After that I decided to buy a couple Ben Folds CD's and really sit with them and figure out why he liked him so much. He told me his favorite songs and I listened to those songs over and over like they were my oxygen. Finally, I got it. Like, really got it. Our first dance was to a Ben Folds song. Our song, The Luckiest. Listen to it here.

Tomorrow: How I knew, Part 2

Just hand over the credit card

2009-09-08T08:48:00.000-07:00

There are some experiences in life where you just accept that you're going to have a fantastic time and you're going to spend a fantastic amount of money. Last night was one of those nights.

My brother is in town for the week. He has some friends here in Denver, so last night we all went out to dinner. It was total sensory overload. The food, the wine, the conversation, the wine, the wine, the company, etc. There is something other worldly about going to a restaurant where you just surrender to the culinary experience. Sort of like, I'm here, take care of me, feed me, drink me and then I'll just give you the money. It's a fair exchange of sorts. When you say, make me something good and then 30 minutes later you have an amazing feast before you that makes your eyes roll in the back of your head. When the wine gurus (aka my brother and his friend) say to the sommelier "bring me something funky" and then suddenly your glass is filled with velvet. I don't even want to know how much that cost.

If you haven't ever had an out of body culinary experience, I highly recommend it. Just save your pennies, and then give yourself over, mind, body, spirit and first born.

Thank you TAG restaurant & Troy Guard. It was a night to remember

The Duggars are officially out of control

2009-09-01T07:11:00.000-07:00

Michelle has been pregnant for 12+ years of her life and has ANOTHER bun cooking in the oven. That will make 19 children. NINETEEN!

I'm glad they live debt free and are so frugal, but they have estimated they've changed 90,000 diapers. Let's all say a collective prayer that at least 100 of those diapers have been cloth and not disposable. Seriously, almost 100,000 diapers sitting rotting in a landfill in AK.

That makes my tree hugging hippy heart shed a single tear.

(Notice, only 14 kids in this picture)

These Ladies have my heart

2009-08-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

Althea 4 Months

2009-08-24T08:12:00.000-07:00

To see the full "evolution of a full body baby smile" click HERE.

Golden Paisley Photography-The Blog

2009-08-17T10:40:00.000-07:00

Check it out HERE. Then follow me on the sidebar!

Saturday Night

2009-08-17T06:39:00.000-07:00

Not much to say about this other than.... Scott, Shelby and my butt were celebrating Shelby's 30th Birthday. Good times were had.

The Logo

2009-08-13T15:59:00.001-07:00

After much work, I am finally done designing my logo! I have this thing... it's called not feeling satisfied until I get that "good gut" feeling. If something is not right, I just know it. I've been messing around with this logo for about 2 months now. It's been frustrating, but I'm glad I just kept on it and did it myself. Finally today I got the "hallelujah choir" sound in my head and I knew I was DONE! What a great feeling to check something as BIG as BRANDING A BUSINESS off the list.

So here it is. The logo for Golden Paisley Photography!

Nguyen Family Reunion - Favorites

2009-08-13T09:27:00.000-07:00

Friday's Quotes

2009-08-07T09:29:00.000-07:00

"I'm kind of over the Friday quotes thing. Anyone have any other suggestions"
-Katy DeJong

2009-08-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

This is Scott again.
Hey ladies, looking for that next great way to get in shape? Well, I showed this to Katy and she got all sorts of ideas! Your men will thank me. ;-)

See more funny videos and TBT Videos at Today's Big Thing.

All Hail the Feed Bag

2009-08-06T16:22:00.000-07:00

This is Scott again.
Katy asked me to post this after I showed it to her. I love the Onion!

New Wearable Feedbags Let Americans Eat More, Move Less

Things that make me happy-Wednesday

2009-08-05T16:56:00.000-07:00

-Mini sweet yellow red and orange peppers marinated in balsamic vinegar

-Champagne

That's all I got right now folks

Things that made me happy (and somewhat ashamed) Wednesday--Revised

2009-07-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

I just learned how to upload photos from my phone to Facebook. It makes me feel like a cool kid. So I took this picture because I'm a dork who was channeling my inner Paris Hilton (and I wanted to make Lindsay laugh)

It's shameful and soooo very not my style, but every now and again you have to remind yourself that "it's hot" you know?

(I just got Lindsay to send me a paris pose too) Erin, Keiko, wanna join in on the fun?

Should I cut my hair - Revised w/ picture

2009-07-28T08:24:00.000-07:00

Yes

or

No

If I should cut my hair, how short? Right now, it's long, really long. Like bra strap length. It never fails, I get to this length and always cut it. I just don't like how at the end of the day it gets scraggly looking. However, this is less of a length issue and more of a curly hair issue I suppose.

Oh curly hair, I hate you and love you.

This is what I'm thinking.

Monday Spotlight

2009-07-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

I love Shelby. She is my Colorado BFF, or CO BFF for short. She’s really funny and witty without trying and that makes her even funnier. She’s also really smart. She holds her ground when talking politics and I really admire that about her. I just turn into a pile of insecurity whenever sentences include words like incumbent or filibuster.

(photo curtosy of Scott)

She can make/bake anything. For those of you who aren’t aware, baking in Colorado isn’t easy. You’ve got to get the wet/dry ingredients ratio just right, say a prayer to a witch doctor and pray the moon is in Saturn with Jupiter rising. She does it though. It’s black magic as far as I’m concerned, but she does it up right. She makes home made bread. So much so that she invested in a 25 pound bag of flour from Costco. She also bakes cakes. She baked Scott a black forest cake for his birthday and it was so good. I didn’t even know Scott liked black forest cake until he requested one from Shelby. He said he never asks for that cake because it’s never done right, but that he knew Shelby would do a great job. She did. I think she should open up a bakery. She should be like Maggie Gyllenhaal in the movie Stranger than Fiction. Remember that was the movie where Will Ferrel played a serious role. Maggie Gyllenhaal was a baker.

Shelby is much more than an amazing baker though. She is also a massage therapist, works in finance, is getting her Masters Degree in Non-Profit organization, and in her spare time she runs marathons. She’s even doing the Denver ½ marathon with me. We’ll be running together for about, oh….the first 3 seconds. She also had a former life as a theater actress and has a HUGE box of head shots in her apartment. That’s what I call a multi-faceted life, right? By the way Shelby, I think we’ve reached the time in our relationship, where I deserve a head shot of you. I mean really, you have about a million.

She also has two cats named Toby and Bridget. Apparently Toby has likes to collect fur in his small intestine instead of coughing it up like a normal cat. He just had to have emergency surgery because his small intestine said “NO MORE.”

Shelby also has the coolest story about how her and her man friend met. It involves a Starbucks, an allergy attack, the missed connections section of Craig’s List, and moving across the Country. And when I say Country I mean the United States of America! Maybe I’ll post a blog about their story a different day, with her permission.

So now …

LADIES & GENTLEMAN, READERS FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE. I PRESENT TO YOU....

SHELBY

Q&A

Favorite Color?
Deep Royal Blue! With a little black on the side.

What are you most proud of?
The fact that I will make really big leaps even when they scare me to death, like moving to NYC weeks after I graduated from college when I had no plan and no job, moving to Chicago to audition for a program I hadn’t gotten into yet, then leaving my steady, reliable job in Chicago years later to move out west because I’d always wanted to live out here and I had fallen in love with someone who was making the move. I’m very careful in many ways but I’ll take big jumps when I need to.

Republican or Democrat?
I’m a registered Democrat, but I can see multiple sides to every argument and truly believe we need politicians who can as well.

What’s on your pizza?
Mushrooms, onions and green peppers. Best pizza topping combo EVER. And, interestingly enough, this answer has been the same for many of my closest friends, a fact I learned about each of them only after ordering pizza with them for the first time.

If you could do anything for a living, what would you do?
This is THE question for me. I used to have about fifty million answers. It has been hard to get to, but I’m finally here. I would like to run an arts-education related nonprofit organization. I’m in grad school right now so that I can make that happen.

I would also like to write a book, open a bakery, operate my own theatre company and save the world. That’s all doable, right?

What do you love most about your husband
Ha! I don’t have one of those. What I do have is a boyfriend I find charming enough that I was willing to pack it all up and move with him across the country very early in our relationship. And if you’d asked me before I met him if I would ever do “that sort of thing”, my answer would have been “HELL no”. I love many, many things about Ryan, but the some of the top ones are that he challenges me, he supports me in all things, and he is kind, intelligent and articulate. He’s the best.

Life would be easier if…
I would take a deep breath and chill the hell out more often.

In Lieu of my Friday Quote

2009-07-24T06:19:00.000-07:00

In Lieu of my Friday Quotes, which let's be honest have kind of jumped the shark, which by the way, did you know that saying came from an episode of Happy Days where Fonzie actually jumps a shark on water skis? I found that out last week. Crazy huh!

So anyways, in lieu of my Friday Quote I'm directing my thousands upon thousands of loyal blog readers ( all 5 of you) to Renee's blog HERE.

Her most recent blog post is just too awesome to not share with everyone. Renee, you're a sick pup, and I love you.

Here's a little teaser. Property of MommyBlogYea!

Feeling better... much better

2009-07-23T10:07:00.001-07:00

I'm feeling better, way better, more in control and ready to continue.

Someone's got a case of the Wednesdays

2009-07-22T06:17:00.000-07:00

I’m feeling a little blah today. I’ve been feeling a little blah the past week or so. Not great, not miserable, just “ehh.”

I figured I’d take my blah-ness to the readers. Maybe you can help

Here’s the main problem. Point blank, I hate being a thick sista’. I don’t believe people who say they don’t care, or it doesn’t bother them, or their proud of their bodies. I call bullshit. The thing is though, I’ve lost like 25 lbs, ok, 24lbs. I’ve been hovering around my current weight though for like the past 3-4 months and I’m getting antsy again. I still have a long way to go before I reach my goal weight. I know people say “don’t focus on the scale, focus on the way your clothes fit” yeah, that doesn’t work for me. Thing is, I know what weight I feel good at, and so that’s my goal. If I didn’t focus on the scale, I’d be deluding myself that I didn’t weigh as much as I did and then by the next time I got on the scale, I’d be 5 lbs up. Trust me, I’ve tried that technique. No scale for me, is sort of out of sight, out of mind and that’s the last thing I need.

My problem is that I’m pretty lazy in a lot of ways. I’m training for a freekin’ ½ marathon and I have trouble pulling myself away from the latest episode of The Little Couple, or (insert crap show here.) I have a lot of excuses lately and I’m a master at talking myself out of working out or eating the right thing. I have a total mental block on losing weight. My weight loss thus far has just been starts and stops. I’ll lose 5 lbs, then do nothing for 4 months, then lose 10 lbs, then gain 5, then lose the 5 I gained then maintain for like 6 months. You get the picture.

I get bored pretty easily too and practically break out in hives at the thought of a long term commitment to anything-I’m fighting the hives on the ½ marathon. Don’t worry though; I didn’t break out in anything when I got married. Here’s the kicker, I really really like planning long term and making training schedules and setting goals, but once I set them, or make the plan, I feel an intense need to rebel against it. Maybe I should start planning to start something new every week, or every two weeks. So instead of feeling guilty that I can’t stick with something for more than a week or two, I’ll plan to get bored, then have something else lined up. A large part of me just wants to decide on something and just do it, to never look back, but I don’t think that’s realistic for me. I sometimes see it as failure when people go from diet plan to diet plan and never fully succeed on just one, but lately, I’m starting to understand it. I have diet ADD. Oh, and please don’t tell me it’s about a “lifestyle change.” That is such a buzz word right now. I get that you have to change the way you eat forever, but remember, to me “forever=hives?” I can’t commit to forever. I know a diet is temporary and that’s why you need to think of weight loss as a lifestyle change, but it’s not like once I lose the weight I will just start eating crap. As I said before, I’m a master at maintaining my weight, it’s the losing and gaining part I have trouble with.

I think I just need to hire that cheerleading squad that they have on the smart choice commercials. You know, the ones where there’s cheering in the background when people make smart food decisions. Can we make that happen?

Dirty Little Secrets

2009-07-21T08:22:00.000-07:00

I found a blog somewhere along my journey of killing time at work and there was a post with dirty little secrets. I thought it was a fun idea, in a masochistic way, so I created my own.

*Sometimes I’ll let the washed clothes sit in the washer so long, I’ll have to re-wash them.

*This happens with dried clothes too, except then I throw a damp towel in and re cycle it through the dryer to get some of the wrinkles out.

*I’ve googled Scott’s ex wife just to see what comes up. Unfortunately, nothing

*I’ve eaten a whole sleeve of thin mints

*I’ve cleaned the entire bathroom with Clorox wipes (toilet exempt)

*Sometimes I’ll put food down the disposal without running it, just so it’s not in the sink anymore. It looks clean, but there’s a dirty little secret lingering just beneath the surface.

*When I wash my face or brush my teeth I create a tsunami and about 80% of the time I don’t wipe it up. Scott created a song for me, it’s called “wipe the tsunami.” It goes, wipe wipe wipe the tsunami, wipe wipe wipe the tsunami.

*I use my Sigg bottle for weeks without washing it. Scott does this too. We wash them when they start to smell. We’re alive.

*I’m fascinated with gender, human sexuality, human behavior and religion. If there’s a show on about any of those topics, it’s a safe bet to assume I’m watching it.

*Two nights ago I watched the movie Phat Girlz with Mo’Nique. It was beyond horrible and I’m not sure why I even sat through it. Scott literally just about died.

*I have severe anxiety surrounding car accidents. I hate passing big Mack Trucks and I hate two lane highways and I hate driving in bad weather and I hate even more Scott driving in storms of any kind.

What are your secrets?

Monday Spotlight: Becca

2009-07-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

I met Becca at the beginning of 2009 I think, or was it late 2008? We met because we both wanted to organize a charity run for Stephanie Nielson. I had contacted Stephanie's "people" and Becca had contacted Stephanie's "people" and those "people" put us in contact with each other. We never got a chance to hold the race because the Nielson clan insisted that they didn't need anymore help money wise. So, we aborted the mission, but I assure you, it would have been great. Through all of that though, I came away with a new friend.

Becca seems to me like the type of person that you can form an instant bond with. At least I certainly felt like that. She's genuine and kind and funny and I felt like she was a friend from the get-go.

She has 4 sons and a husband and that's a lot of testosterone in the home. You can read all about her life HERE on her awesome and funny and endearing little blog. She tells it like it is, and I love that about her.

We've also bonded over our love for photography. She's one talented cookie and is also in the beginning stages of a photography business.

Ladies and Gentleman, readers from around the globe, I present to you.... BECCA

Favorite Color?
Green

What are you most proud of?
My four happy, healthy, brilliant, handsome kids, and their equally happy healthy, brilliant, handsome dad!

Republican or Democrat?
Republican, but I am fed up with the party, so I am switching to Independent next month. (Thanks for reminding me)

What’s on your pizza?
Artichokes hearts, Asiago Cheese, and Roma tomatoes, with garlic olive oil.

If you could do anything for a living, what would you do?
I think about this a lot, my current answer is I would want to be a computer hacking genius. I also flirt with the idea of government spy and Governor of Colorado.

What do you love most about your husband?
He loves me in spite of me. He “gets me” and he makes me laugh.

Life would be easier if…
Strangers would smile at each other more, if people would not sweat the small stuff, and if everyone laughs at least once a day.

Friday's Quote of the week

2009-07-17T08:07:00.000-07:00

"Mesa High reunions are just a bunch of people talking about how many kids they have and them trying to convince you that their multi-level marketing scheme is better than your multi-level marketing scheme"

-Mesa High Graduate, Class of 1998

Not a direct quote, but still freekin' awesome.

Are some feathers ruffled yet?

Biz-ness updates

2009-07-16T09:18:00.000-07:00

1) My website is almost finished-YEA!

2) I need to change my business from a Sole Prop to a LLC

3) I'll be in Phoenix from Nov 6-10 for some photo shoots. More info on that later, but if you want to book a session, let me know. I probably have room for 3 more.

4) I'm doing a family reunion next week with about 25-30 people and it should be awesome!

5) My logo is coming along swimmingly and I'm kind of in love with it

6) I hired someone to create my blog, but that fell through, so I'm doing it myself and I think it's going to be awesome.

Things that make me happy-Wednesday

2009-07-15T10:44:00.000-07:00

Having my kitties pile on me at night while Scott's away on business.

Baths- I've never been a bath person.... until I experienced a deep soaking tub and Aveeno Bath soap last night. Relaxation!

Reunion

2009-07-09T15:23:00.001-07:00

I feel like there's going to be like 40 people at the reunion and that's it. Anyone else feel that way?

I bought my plane tickets last week and now I'm wondering if it's just going to be a few of us just hanging out.

That's all I have to say about that....

I'm baaaaaaaaack!

2009-07-09T10:34:00.000-07:00

Chicago was as soul stirring as I thought it would be. The sofitel bed embraced my weary bones just as expected and the skyline sang Katy, I love you! To which I replied, I love you too. I ate my favorite pizza http://www.sanfratellos.com/. Lounged on rooftop decks overlooking the city. Had intense romantic philosophical conversations with Scott that have filled me up. The man knows how to woo me. Seriously though, I think my happiest times are on rooftop decks, with a pitcher of beer and deep conversation. It's my thing.

We walked, and walked and walked more. Then went to bed, got up and walked some more. We ate, ate, ate and then slept, the got up and ate some more. There was lot's of eating and walking. It's a good thing because then I would have probably gained 7 lbs instead of 4.

We stayed with Scott's brother David (you remember, he taught me how to drive stick) and his wife Karen for the first 5 days.

** side note**
David-Scott's Brother
Karen-David's wife
Ed-Karen's brother and Melissa's Husband
Melissa-Scott's sister

There's a thin line of inbreeding in the DeJong family. Not really, but it's close.

David is married to Karen
Melissa is married to Ed
Ed and Karen are brother and sister, and David and Melissa are brother and sister. And to top it all off, Scott and Karen dated before Karen married David (scott's brother.) As Scott says, the Dutch marry the Dutch marry the Dutch. I broke the chain with that one. I tainted the royal blond haired blue eyed, wooden shoes clip clopping through the tulips, wind in your hair from the windmills blood line.

So, anyways, we stayed with David and Karen for the first 5 days. We like them. David cracks me up. He's funny, like Scott. They love Jamaica even more than we do, and boy do we love us some Jamaica. They even named their son Luke Nesta after Bob Marley, who's first name was actually Nesta. Nesta Robert Marley. We went with them to this random authentic castle in the middle of the suburbs to listen to some Reggae. It was so much fun and now I have a Red Stripe bottle as the background on my phone. Jamaica stirs my soul like Chicago does.

We watched lightening bugs out in the field behind their house, listened to music, sprayed OFF bug spray a LOT, made good food like David's famous whole wheat blueberry waffles and just generally relaxed.

The day of the 4th was with the WHOLE family. Interesting bunch, we'll leave it at that. I played Wii golf and kicked some serious butt. Golfing is in my blood, what can I say?

Overall, it was a great trip. I even took pictures! Even some of.....wait for it.....ME. I know, I know, shocking. The best part is that I didn't delete them from the camera when I saw my double chins. I'm workin' on it.

Pictures to follow.
Peace from Chicago!

Chicago my Love

2009-06-30T06:41:00.000-07:00

Chicago produces a reaction in my soul. It lifts me from my current state of mind and transports me back to a time when my love for Scott was just taking off. Ahh, that time when love first starts. If I could bottle that feeling, I'd be a rich woman.

We walked the streets of his home town. He told me his life story and I breathed in every word like he was my last chance for oxygen. Chicago was really where I fell in love. I knew it with every thick crust pizza that man shoved in my face. With every red hot sausage bought at the taste of chicago and with every cuddle session had in the magic Sofitel bed. I was done. Scott has a picture of me, still on his desk, of me on a patio eating a Chicago style pizza for the first time. Chicago fills me up. Emotionally and physically. The city reminds me of what is important. Family, Love, and 1000 thread count sheets. Let's get real, it's not always about family.

I remember lying on the ground watching the fireworks. I was wearing light blue shorts and a white frilly tank top. We were hot and sweaty, but I didn't care. I was so wrapped up in being close to him that I could have been literally overheating and wouldn't have noticed. I met Scott’s family that first trip. You know if a man fly’s you across the country to meet his family, you’ve got something.

Scott’s brother taught me how to drive stick that first trip out to Chicago. Learning how to drive stick shift doesn’t sound like an endearing activity, but for a girl riding a wave of serotonin that would last for the next 3 years, it was a memorable activity. I thought, I’ve got to show Scott that I’m up for whatever, that I’m a thrill ride, that I’m not scared of anything. All of that is of course untrue, but he didn’t know that. We were not yet at the phase where you tell the other person, p.s. that first date where we ate Sushi and I told you I love sushi, yeah, that was a lie. I only mildly like sushi and I reach my max at about 4 little rolls. No, we were not there yet. To him, I was a wild curly haired girl who wanted to learn how to drive stick. Right then, right there. Inside I was having a mini panic-attack and truthfully it was sort of painful to be removed from his side for anymore than a few minutes. But I was a woman, and I was with his Brother. All ladies know that getting the Brother’s approval is almost as important as getting the Mother’s approval. Scott’s brother David is a lot like Scott. He’s just a quieter version of Scott, but he’s got that calm assertive thing going on. Kind of like the dog-whisperer. “David, the scared girl driving stick for the first time, whisperer”

So as you can see, I’m not just going to Chicago, I’m going back to where it all began. I’m not just going to a new city, I’m going to our city. When I say Chicago has my heart, in a lot of ways, it does and it always will. My heart has expanded 100 fold in that city and it’s good to feel the fullness again.

I'll be back to reality, and Colorado, July 9th.

Monday Spotlight: ME

2009-06-29T08:06:00.000-07:00

I sort of dropped the ball this weekend with finding a new Monday Spotlight. I figured just incase there's any little morsel that you don't already know about me, well then, who am I to deny you.

Favorite Color?
Green, but it used to be red for years.-not much else to say about that.

What are you most proud of?
Recognizing that I needed professional help and meeting with my counselor 2 /4 times a month since the beginning of the year. It’s changed my life & it’s changed my relationship with Scott. Yep, it’s true. Every Wednesday or every other Wednesday since December 31st 2008 I’ve been getting “stop being so crazy” help. I never fully believed it would help. I remember going the first time and really wanting it to work, but feeling like there was no way I could imagine REALLY feeling like I would get out of this funk I was in. Scott and I now affectionately refer to that period in my life as “the dark ages.” We were discussing our lives the other day and he said the sweetest thing to me about that time. Last week we were at our neighbors house and we were chatting with him and a couple of his friends. They asked what I did for a living and I boldly said “I’m a photographer.” I think Scott could tell I was nervous about actually saying it outloud. He quickly chimed in “yeah and she’s amazing too.” He proceeded to talk me up and tell everyone that how for years he always thought if I never decided to use my talent then it would be a waste. He was right, but for years I couldn’t actually believe that I did have any talent… until now of course. So back to the sweet thing he said (aside from him saying that I was amazing.) So like I said, we were talking about our lives a couple days ago and I said, yeah I just want to sort of forget the “dark ages.” He said “It’s a part of your life now, it’s a part of our lives now and we shouldn’t forget about it, you should be proud you overcame it” Ahhhh, it almost makes me cry all over again. That Man… we stick together, me and him.

Republican or Democrat?
Neither. I’m more Libertarian than anything else and I’m registered Independent. I’m for free thinking, and for the most part having the government stay out of my business. But not it a “I live in the mountains and shoot guns” sort of way, more like “please don’t tell me who I can or can’t marry” sort of way. Basically, I want to choose for myself and I feel pretty confident that I can handle it.

What’s on your Pizza?
We’ve been making home made pizza now once a week for months. It’s amazing and I’ll invite any of you in the Denver Metro area to come over and prove me wrong in saying it’s better than any pizza you’ve ever had. Bring it! Oh, wait… what’s on it. Well it’s Scott’s magic tomato sauce which I can’t tell you the recipe but it has lots of garlic and it’s spicy. Then we sauté up mushrooms, add some crazy cheese, like Champagne Cheddar and maybe a few sprigs of basil for looks. It will make your eyes roll back in your head. And if you’re like me I do a special “pizza sauce dance” that looks a little like Billy Blanks Tae-Bo.

If you could do anything for a living what would you do?
Exactly what I’m doing… photography. Except I would omit that pesky little part time soul sucking day job. WOW, I’m actually doing just what I want to be doing. I’ll tell ya’ it’s a FU**ING great feeling.

What do you love most about your husband?
I think he’s really funny. Sometimes inappropriately funny. I love that he’s comfortable around all different types of people. You gotta love a man who will go with you to Gay Pride Fest and walk around with a smile on his face. I love that he’s really smart (even though sometimes it bugs me that he knows everything.) I love that he looks great in a vest. I love that he can fix anything that could ever go wrong with a house. I love that he speaks his mind even if he knows it will be met with opposition. I love that he tries to be a better husband and person continually. I love that he loves to see me happy.

Life would be easier if…
Our cat Arthur didn’t throw up multiple times a day on the carpet, on the bed, on the stairs, and in the middle of the night. Life would be easier if we were not still in debt from our house debacle in AZ.

I realized yesterday I like my Men a little on the hairy side.

2009-06-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for this ladies?

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh, breathe.

Scott-shaved-his-legs-last-night.

Now this may not freak you out initially. The thought of it doesn't necessarily put me over the edge, however when it's YOUR husband and not some random guy, you really need to dig deep and find intestinal fortitude.

If there was ever a question weather or not I had a leaning towards the female gender, it is confirmed now that I am straight. I have a sliding scale theory about sexuality, it's totally a topic I love to talk about, but I don't know if it's blog material. Is anyone else fascinated by gender reassignment/sexuality preferences/transgender? tap tap tap... is this thing on? Anyways that's neither here nor there.

Back to leg shaving extravaganza 2009.

Scott has been cycling almost everyday to and from work. It's a 30 mile round trip route. We've also been swimming a lot too. Many of you are aware that a lot of cyclists shave their legs. This is because if they fall there's a tendency to get road rash in your hair covered legs, which makes cleaning of the wound and healing a bitch. So, his friend Jeff shaved his legs to see what it was like, and convinced Scott that he too needed to try it.

Scott assured me that he was just doing this once to see what it felt like in the water, then if he liked it, he would shave before our triathlon in September. Did I tell you we're doing a tri in Sept? Oh, well, we are. I told him that it is most definitely going to feel different in the water. Being a swimmer in HS, we'd have shaving parties the night before big swim meets. Um, I'm realizing how naughty "High School Shaving parties" sounds now.

I remember shaving my arms and it feeling so strange. We'd wear pantyhose on our arms after we shaved, so the skin would remain sensitive once race day came. It worked. I would always swim faster, but I don't think it was because I took a 1/2" of hair off my arms. It's pretty much psychological.

So last night, he shaved.
First he trimmed
then he used my razor

I would have taken pictures, but he was in the shower and well, this is a public blog and if I'm posting nude photos of my husband then I'd like to get paid for it. Just kidding-not really.

I had to tell him and show him how to shave legs. It was really strange and slightly psychologically damaging. I just kept picturing these wives who find out their husband wants to be a woman, but they stay with their husbands and help them transition. I know, my mind is a little warped. What of it?

He kept going too fast with the razor and so finally I just was like, here, let me do it. So there I sat, squatted down by the shower shaving my husband's legs. It was a funny moment that we were both laughing about.

Then he accidentally farted and asked me to hand him his Whiskey on the rocks.

Turns out, he's still a man. Just a really smooth man.

Things that make me happy-Wednesdays

2009-06-24T08:55:00.000-07:00

Dumb dumb stupid Dumb You-Tube.

I'm giving up embeding this video into the blog. It won't copy right and I've wasted 20 minutes trying to figure out why.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XkD5sJwwrE

So here's the link to the video that makes me "happy" this wednesday.

Click it, it's worth it.

Monday Spotlight: Keiko

2009-06-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

Keanu Reaves lover
English teacher
Intelligent
Kreated a baby boy
Opinionated

Keiko and I go back, way back into time. I first laid eyes on Keiko… just kidding. Keiko and I met during that special time in life when you start to get a pimply face and awkward bodies. We met in 7th grade and were instant best friends. We did everything together.

-We had sleep overs in her queen size water bed
-Took trips to the outlet malls with our moms
-Sang along to TLC
-Made fun of the Jr. High gym teacher Ms Wolfe
-Got church giggles
-I went on family camping trips with them in their Toyota bubble van
-We decided to reinvent ourselves in 8th grade and become “grunge” and wear flannel plaid shirts and sweats. Umm, I’m realizing now how very lesbian that was of us Keiko.
-We watched the movie Somewhere in Time like a bazillion times
-Made Ruth Viejo stuff herself into a locker. I swear that just popped into my head. How the hell I even remember her first name, let alone LAST name is beyond me.
OK-we didn’t MAKE her stuff herself into a locker. We just urged her to see if she could do it. Turns out you CAN fit a 12 yr old girl into a pint size gym locker. Who knew?
-We were in band together too. That’s actually where the love affair started. We both played the clarinet.

Turns out a lot of my life would be formed and shaped by people I met in that band class in 7th grade. Weird.

Anywhoo, Keiko is an awesome chick. She’s funny as all get out. She’s smart and lately she’s been very crafty.

Keiko has a son who’s 2 yrs old. His name is Bradley. He is named after Jeff’s brother. She doesn’t think her son particularly looks like her, but I think so and so does Erin. So it’s settled. Baby B does in fact resemble his mother.

I can honestly say I really look up to Keiko as a mom. She seems to do have that motherly love thing DOWN. I love how she hasn’t completely lost herself in motherhood. She’s still spicy and speaks her mind, but you can tell she has a deep intense love for her son and husband. She makes me not so freaked out to be a mother. She’s not afraid to be both deeply nurturing and a (self proclaimed) bitch at the same time. And that’s why she’s so great!

Ladies and Gentleman, readers from around the globe, I present to you Keiko!

Favorite Color?
Can I tell how much pressure I am feeling here? I mean, I can’t just say “purple” and be done with it. But I don’t like purple—it reminds me of this ladies in that red hat club who wear purple old lady clothes. If I ever see those ladies coming, I turn and go the other way. They are really like the old lady equivalent of a stuck-up sorority. N-E-Way, I really like the color green.

What are you most proud of?
I am really proud of what I am able to accomplish because I am a hard-worker. I am working very hard to be a good mom and Bradley is a polite, funny, and intelligent little boy. I work hard to be a good teacher and I really feel like I make a difference with my students.

Republican or Democrat?
I have a second blog all about politics (http://adversariesandfriends.blogspot.com/) where I try to figure out where I stand on things since I am pretty moderate. Sometimes it just depends on the issue. At the end of the day, I call myself a Democrat because I am pro-choice and pro-gay marriage.

What’s on your pizza?
Mmmm, pizza. I am five-years-old on this, I could eat pizza everyday. Old Chicago has a really intense deep dish pizza on which I decorate with garlic, mushrooms, sausage, and onions.

If you could do anything for a living, what would you do?
Write. Plain and simple. I have so many great things knocking around my head; I just don’t have the time or means to do dedicate a ton of time to it.

What do you love most about your husband?
Jeff is incredibly patient, a great dad, and he is hot. I think he is the only person who can handle me for more than a couple days at a time. Plus, I have always liked bad boys. Jeff looks bad but he is actually pretty squishy and sweet.

Life would be easier if…
Living our lives without trying to interfere with the lives of others. Why do Rush Limbaugh, Bill O’Reilly, Keith Olbermann, and company have to be on TV? Don’t they trust others to come up with their own opinions? Why does the friendly Baptist church around the corner insist on knocking on our door once a month at 8pm? What’s it to you if I don’t go to church? My dad taught me the value of keeping an open mind and no matter how loud my mouth gets I truly do have a quiet, open mind.

To see more of this woman, click HERE to view her blog

Friday's Quote of the week

2009-06-19T06:44:00.000-07:00

"Chicks who like dolphins are like the equivalent of guys who like wizards"
-Scott DeJong

"God Damn Whoopie Goldberg"
-Scott DeJong

8 is GRRRRREAT

2009-06-18T06:55:00.000-07:00

8 things I did yesterday:
-dropped off the dry cleaning
-Went to Argonaut and bought the Sam Adams summer sampler and some wine
-Went to Whole Paycheck and got sushi for dinner and Cannoli's for dessert
-Sent out Father's Day cards
-looked at the first draft of my website (which is so official I almost peed myself with excitement)
-Called my mom to have her gush over the first draft of the website
-Went to work
-Watched an episode of Locked up Abroad

8 things I look forward to
-One week in Chicago for the 4th of July
-One week on a Mexican Rivera Cruise in October
-Having my website fully finished
-Snuggling with my boo in the early hours of the morning before the alarm goes off
-Completing the Denver 1/2 marathon in October
-Not having my thighs rub together
-Scott's red sauce (pasta/pizza sauce)
-Being able to shop at Anthropologie

8 things I wish I could do
-be a hip hop dancer, and be like "let's take it to the streets" and have a dance off
-Figure out how to work the clicker
-magically make my body gain weight in my hips and butt rather than my stomach
-have my kitty sit in one of those strap on baby carriers and listen to her puuurrrrrr all day and pet her and have her butt her head against my chin and.... etc. etc. etc.
-Travel to India to take photographs, but stay at the Westin at night and eat Indian food that wouldn't make me sick
-Get back to Jamaica and (fingers crossed) see the lady who was so tan her nipples matched her flesh/boob color.
-Buy a house in our neighborhood with out the fear of paying for it and wondering if we're going to lose money on it.
-Bake cookies and cakes and breads with the altitude here in CO

8 shows I watch on TV
- Bachelorette
- My life on the D list
- Obsessed
- The Hills
- The Duggars (shameful, I know)
- Paranormal State
- Secret Lives of Women
- Tori & Dean

Shawn Johnson Euthanized

2009-06-15T20:58:00.000-07:00

This is Scott adding a little of my own levity to the blog.

Gymnast Shawn Johnson Euthanized After Breaking Leg

Monday Spotlight: Renee

2009-06-15T07:14:00.000-07:00

Renee summed up in one word. Funny! This girl cracks me up serious. People seem to say things like "you have a way with words." Often times that statement is true, but it doesn't come close to describing Renee's art for the English language. Wanna see... Click HERE to view her blog.

Renee loves music, especially the Beatles. She pretty much IS a Beatle. She even named her two kids Lennon and Harrison. That's love people.

Renee is a genuine person. She's honest even when she thinks it's not pretty. She talks frankly about going blind and being somewhat agoraphobic. She pokes fun at it, but I think her candid nature is endearing and bold and beautiful. She probably wouldn't describe herself as bold or beautiful, but I would. Hey... the bold and the beautiful. I swear I didn't mean to do that :)

Ladies and Gentlemen, readers from across the world, I present you one cool Chuck Taylor wearin chick. RENEE

Q&A

Favorite Color?

My mom almost had a conniption when I told her I wanted my wedding colors to be red, yellow, and blue, but those have always been my favorites. I love the primary colors in all their combinations. I love the incredible range of physical and emotional reactions they have the ability to exhume from an individual based on that person's state of mind and experience. This might be a cop-out answer. I can't tell.

What are you most proud of?

Being right all the time. Jokes, jokes. I'm most proud of keeping it together. It doesn't matter that I haven't always done that. It matters that I was able to put myself back, and I'm whole today.

Republican or Democrat?

I was a member of the Young Republicans, but never aligned myself with the "religious right" in case that matters. I don't even think those people are real republicans. I believe in a limited government, but I recognize that that way isn't always best for the country in every time. When it comes down to it, I really hate sides. Rivalry is dumb. Sometimes the Jackrabbits don't Rule, and some of my best friends were Mountain View Toros. What were we talking about again?

What's on your Pizza?

Jalapenos and/or banana peppers. If not everyone is up for it, I settle for green peppers and mushrooms. Or cheese. Or broccoli. Or anything that isn't a mean, unless that meat is pepperoni, which is probably the grossest kind of meat, but I don't think about it.

If you could do anything for a living, what would you do?

Be the author of books relating to my experiences as the best friend of my favorite celebrity humorists. (The first title would be "I drive A Sedaris: How We Prevented Global Warming, One Doily At A Time" Book two would be titled "Fey and Me" and Lifetime would buy the rights). You said 'anything'.

What do you love most about your husband?

I know that when people say, "His honesty" is usually ends up that he's a spy of a fugitive or an evil villain in a superhero movie, or maybe I watch too much TV, but either way, I won't give that answer, even though that's part of it. Eric is a genuine and good person. He cares deeply about his family, and he's the best dad I've ever seen in action. He's handsome, and he's talented, and smart. But the thing I love most is that he makes me laugh. I probably should have just said, "he makes me laugh" but I'm pretty sure I was Charles Dickens in a past life.

Life would be easier if...

I didn't want to badly for everyone to like me for who I am. I'm unwilling (too stubborn) to change, but I'm endlessly frustrated that who I am isn't enough for some people. Also, a robot housemaid who prefers to be paid in jokes or air.

Saturday Night

2009-06-14T20:08:00.000-07:00

A big group of us went and sang karaoke on Saturday night.

Mike busted this out. It was awesome. He told me he knows all the words to TLC's waterfalls too. One day my dreams will all come true and I'll hear Mike sing "don't go chasin' waterfalls, please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to, I know that you're gonna have your way or nothin' at all, but I think you're movin' to fast"

But for now, ladies and gentleman. I give you Mike.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x76yWH5xT0Q

PS-this is Kelly's husband. I spotlighted Kelly a few weeks ago.

Seriously, go... watch the video!

Friday's Quote of the week

2009-06-05T07:40:00.001-07:00

Excuses are the tools with which persons with no purpose in view build for
themselves great monuments of nothing.
-Unknown

Things that make me happy-Wednesdays

2009-06-03T09:01:00.001-07:00

Um, I'm having a not so great day today, so it's hard to think of a ton of stuff that makes me happy.

Let's see- Oh, I registered my business! I'm official now. I've never been so excited to pay taxes in my life. I decided on Golden Paisley Photography. The thought of being called Kathy DeeShung was just too much.

I've also gotten about 5 referrals from people. 3 have turned into real-paying-official-clients. WOWZA!

I'm feeling less and less enthused about my actual day job. I was never gung-ho about it, but now that photography is picking up, I'm finding myself more and more lazy about my job. It's not good. I forgot to do something semi-critical to the success of a project yesterday and I got scolded this morning for it. I totally have my tail between my legs and I hate that feeling. It's hard to give something 100% or even like 60% (let's be honest) when your heart's not really in it.

Plus it kind of felt like the "memo" scene from Office Space... It's not that the system doesn't work, it's just that I forgot... again, it's just that I forgot!

Monday Spotlight

2009-06-01T12:32:00.000-07:00

Encouraging

Really Witty

Interested in what people have to say

Needs to open a restaurant

What to say about Erin? Where do I start? Erin and I have been BFF's since we were 12-13 yrs old. We met in Jr. High and it was love at first site. We've pretty much been joined at the hip ever since. Lately she's been calling me her "little kitty." She's my boo. Fo' Life

Erin has always been funny, but lately, I'd say the past couple years or so, she's amped up her funniness like 20 fold. She's subtle and she cracks me up. She uses words like "Him's" and "Her's." I love it, but it drives my husband Scott NUTS. Here, I'll use it in a sentence.

" Him's is tired and hungry, Him's needs a nap" Even as I type this, I laughed. Scott would roll his eyes. I think secretly he loves that Erin does that too :)

Erin has a blog, but she never updates it. Like EVER! I think she believes she has nothing interesting to say, but I disagree. Just this weekend she had 5 bud lights and was almost pressured into doing whisky shots with someone. She didn't do the whiskey shots, but my girl had 5 bud lights! I don't know about you, but I'm amused by that.

She's really fashionable too. She always looks put together. I wish I was like her in that regard.

I think she should open a sandwich shop. I think she should persue her love of the culinary arts. She's a good cook and a healthy cook. She always tries to eat good food and her weakness is salsa. I'm sorry Erin, but when you're weakness is a sleve of oreos then we'll talk. Salsa? That's just veggies. I know, I know, the chips are the vehicle, but c'mon, the girl's "weakness" food is still pretty healthy.

Really, I could go on and on about this girl. She's my sis. Love my sis.

Ladies and Gentleman, readers from around the globe. I present to you Erin.

Favorite Color?
This is a tough question for me. I like every color for what it is and what type of feeling/mood it can create. I'm really diggin' purple right now, and I make sure to wear something purple everyday... just like a true Unicorn from Sweet Valley High!

What are you most proud of?
I finally got my bachelors degree from ASU last year, and I am so proud of myself for sticking with it and graduating. No more nightmares of failing to appear for a final.

Republican or Democrat?
Neither. I'm a registered Independent. I'm very liberal, but I have a hangup with paying so much in taxes. Catch-22.

What’s on your pizza?
Always mushrooms, and if I'm feeling devilish I'll add pepperoni. With a side of ranch, of course! I always try to get a salad too just to make myself not feel as guilty.

If you could do anything for a living, what would you do?
I would own my own restaurant, serving healthy, yet tasty, seasonal fare.... and/or a (traveling) food critic.

What do you love most about your husband/boyfriend?
I'm not married, but I do have a very special someone in my life. If he plays his cards right, he might get lucky to have me in his life on a permanent basis. ;) I don't know what I love most about Eric, but the top three would have to be his enthusiasm in every facet of his life, his compassion for others and his ambition.

Life would be easier if…
Life would be so much easier if I had an Alice Nelson (housekeeper on The Brady Bunch) full-time: someone to tidy up the place, do the grocery shopping and add some sassy zingers to the conversation.

Quote

2009-05-27T15:35:00.000-07:00

I know it's not Friday, but I've got to share this quote.

Wow, I'm a little too excited about this.

Here it is

" The moment one definitely commits one self, the providence moves to. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manor of unforeseen incidence and meetings and material assistance, which no person could have dreamed would have come their way."
-W.H. Murray

Things that make me happy Wednesdays

2009-05-27T07:17:00.001-07:00

I have a lot to be happy about right now. Let me lay it out for you in a 1-5 format.

1) Getting dressed up and walking to a surprise date destination, which turned out to be a restaurant called Fruition on 6th ave in Denver. So good.

2) After dinner we walked home in the rain. The air was crisp and it was drizzling. Scott wore his new vest that we got earlier that week. I love a man in a vest and I never knew it until last week. I wore a new skirt and top with new wedge sandal heals. I love Clark shoes. I felt like a lady and I rarely feel like a lady.

3)On Monday we walked (again in the rain) this time with an umbrella, downtown to see Angels and Demons. Afterward, Scott suggested we sneak in to see Star Trek. I felt like I was 15. It was fun.

4) Rock climbing. I only made it up the enormous wall once, but I was happy about that. My husband/mountain goat climbed up multiple times like it ain't no thang.

5) Signing up for the Denver 1/2 marathon. It's October 18th. At first I was like, psh-aw, 13 miles will be hard but it's cool, then I was like holy crap, I'm walking from our condo downtown to Golden, CO!!!! Does anyone have visualization of that? It's freekin' FAR. I'm going to do it though. Oh, believe me, I'll walk my ass off! Scott is doing the full marathon again.

Monday Spotlight-A Day Late

2009-05-26T08:09:00.000-07:00

Kind

Empathetic

Listens to what you have to say, really listens

Loves to travel

Youth/Adolescent Therapist

Kelly moved to Denver in 2008 via the world. She's traveled all over, so I can't say exactly where she's "from." I do know that she lived in Mali for a while. She met her husband Mike in Mali. They were both serving in the Peace Corps in West Africa. Seriously people, the freekin' Peace Corps! When I used Kind as a word to describe Kelly, I really meant it.

Just this past Sunday we were talking about kindness and genuine people. You know when you meet people who are "surface kind?" The kind folk who smile and make small talk, but then talk about you behind you back and judge you and stuff like that. Well, Kelly (and her husband Mike) are the opposite of that. They're genuine, they're authentic, and I believe that's what draws people to them.

Ladies & Gentleman, readers from across the globe, I present to you Kelly

Q&A

Favorite Color?

Blue

What are you most proud of ?

Good question….I feel like I should mention something spectacular that I’ve done in the past (or just make something up…), but truthfully, I’m most proud of all the wonderful people in my life. I am very lucky to be surrounded by an amazing group of kind, supportive, and loving family and friends.

Republican or Democrat?

die-hard Democrat. I even named my cockatiel Michael Dukakis when I was in 5th grade.

(this answer made me actually laugh out loud, I love this Kelly)

What's on your pizza?

Well, first things first, I have to a start with the kind of pizza: Gino’s East deep dish pizza from Chicago (they have a crust that is truly to die for!). Add extra cheese, spinach, and garlic and you have a culinary masterpiece in your hands. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it.

If you could do anything for a living, what would you do?

A travel writer for Lonely Planet. I’d get to travel the world on their dime.

What do you love most about your husband?

So many things…. But if I had to pick just one it would be his kindness.

Life would be easier if...

People smiled at other people more often….

I just saved $$ by switching to Progressive

2009-05-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

I want to shout it from the rooftops.

This progressive logo is more like a whisper though
I just saved $113 a month by switching to Progressive.

That's $1356 a year

Turns out the commercials are true

Friday's Quote of the Week

2009-05-22T06:44:00.000-07:00

Never be afraid to sit a while and think. - Lorraine Hansberry

Business Name-Thinking session Part 5,485

2009-05-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

If you voted for either name and you'd like to comment as to why you chose what you did. Please, please comment.

I like Golden Paisley, but is it to impersonal? Too Kitchie?

I like Katy DeJong, because it's my name, but is it too hard to mess up the spelling? What about Kate DeJong? That takes the misspelling of Katy out of the equation?

I'm not a commitment phobe, but with this, I just can't decide. I'm building a website and a logo and I NEED to decide.

Things that make me happy-Wednesday

2009-05-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

The many faces of Lyla. Including the signature "Lyla Yell"
I had such a fun time photographing this little girl. Here's a sneak peak of the many great shots I got!

This my friends, is what makes me happy today

Monday Spotlight

2009-05-18T16:35:00.000-07:00

Jubiliant Laugh

Eats a vegetarian diet

New to Denver

Jen is a new friend in Denver. Her husband’s name is Kendall and I think that’s a cool name. Jen has really long beautiful hair and a big smile. It’s the kind of smile that makes you feel like “hey, I think I like this girl.” She kind of reminds me of my cousin Megan. She’s warm and open and has a great laugh.

Jen and her husband Kendall have the cutest little girl named Lyla. I photographed Lyla last week for her 1 year old photos. We threw Lyla up in the air, blew bubbles at her and took some bare butt photos, because well, you can’t have one yr photos with out a little juicy butt.

Jen has a pretty amazing story. Their little Lyla was brought into this world via a lovely surrogate in India. In fact you can read all about her story HERE. Or just google wombs for rent Oprah, that’s what I did. I think it’s courageous what her and Kendal did. It’s inspiring on many levels beyond parenthood. They wanted something, a child and they made it happen. They created the life they wanted and I think that’s just great!

This is Jen & Kendall's Surrogate

Ladies and Gentleman, readers from around the globe. I present to you...Jen

Q&A

Favorite Color?

Orange

What are you most proud of?

Surviving many, many years of infertility without losing ~ faith in miracles, love for myself and my husband, and the ability to still find happiness in a life that is not always "fair."

Republican or Democrat?

Absolutely neither! I detest politics, distrust all politicians, and feel that the system will always be inherently flawed and corrupt. So I choose to abstain. But I love all my Republican and Democratic friends! :o)

What's on your pizza?

My favorite pizza in the world is from Woodstock Pizza in Isla Vista, Santa Barbara - pesto sauce with artichoke hearts and extra cheese. Yum!!!!!

If you could do anything for a living, what would you do?

I would be a writer.

What do you love most about your husband?

I knew he was a keeper when I met him in the midst of my bad-boys-with-lots-of-tattoos phase of dating, and he talked about how great his mom was, said cute old-fashioned words like "gals," and told me that he grew up in a small mountain town and not in "The O.C." like I had. :o) In short, he's innocent (in a good way) and kind hearted.

Life would be easier if...

I didn't have to go to India and spend $20k every time I wanted another child. (I want 3 or 4!)

Friday's daily dose of brillance=no Friday Quote

2009-05-15T07:35:00.000-07:00

This is too good not to completly COPY!

Lindsay does a Friday post and it's called Friday's dose of brillance. And, well, this is brillant

http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com

It's going up on my side bar STAT.

Thanks for the laugh Lindsay. Check it out everyone!

Stay tuned next week for a quote. I know you're on the edge of your seat!

Vote people, Vote now.

2009-05-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

Vote for my business name up in the top right corner of my real estate on the web.

I don't care if you lurk around here and I don't know you, vote anyways. I want everyone's opinion!

Go ahead, clicky click click

Things that make me happy-Wednesdays

2009-05-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

What a powerful transformation it has been to finally be doing what I love to do.

I feel like almost every area of my life has a lightness to it again. That gut feeling of, what the heck am I doing with my life is gone. I couldn't even imagine it being gone, but it is.

I'm happier.

The only way I can describe it is that it feels like years of pent up energy and anxiety and just a general yuck feeling have spilled out of me.

I had no idea it would ever feel like this.

Who knew that my camera and creativity could make me so happy? Not me, but WOWEEeeeeee!

Monday Spotlight

2009-05-11T19:34:00.000-07:00

Sarcastic

Calm and cool

Optimistic

Tea connoisseur

The man knows a lot about a lot

Scott is my husband for all you thousands of readers who don't know this yet.

We met online! Ahhhhh, yes it's true. Now days meeting online is no big deal, but we met online when it was a big deal. When you didn't know if you were meeting for dinner or for an axe murder. We went to Sushi on Shea then for drinks at a place called the Famous Door (now out of business) The first date didn't go very well. He was a nice guy and I just wasn't sure if I was done getting emotionally beat up just yet. You know what I'm talking about girls. You gotta get that bad boy out of your system.

Our second date was where the magic happened. No no, not that magic. The knees weak magic. The PG magic. Don't ask me what changed. I'm not really sure, but something did and from then on out I couldn't get enough of the man. He was my drug. My black tapered jeans, poofy hair, target clothes Cherokee brand wearing hunk o' burnin' love.

The man is a romantic at heart. He wrote me countless love poems, cooked for me, played his guitar for me and loved/loves me like no other ever could. He even proposed to me on the top of the Empire State Building.

He's ambitious as all get out. He's kind and willing to teach anything to anyone. He thrives on helping people understand things, whether it be how to connect a Storage network to a grid or help his wife with her placement community college math test or helping people understand their own selves better.

He's what you call a "stand up guy" a "Renaissance man" and an all around A+.

Ladies and gentleman, readers from around the globe. I present to you Scott

Favorite Color?

Blue

What are you most proud of?

Becoming the person I’ve become through my own volition. I’ve made myself more patient, understanding, and genuinely interested in the best for myself and others through my own hard work and will to change. I saw who I was and who I wanted to be and I started down the road to change. And I’ll continue down that road till the day I die.

Republican or Democrat?

Independent. I can’t align myself with any political organization when it’s the candidate that counts. I believe political parties are organizations designed to remove the need to think. People can conveniently vote along party lines to keep from having to research and thoughtfully decide.

What's on your pizza?

Anchovies, garlic, mushrooms, tomatoes, basil

If you could do anything for a living what would you do?

I would work for National Geographic. I’d be the person who travels to all different parts of the world to document nature, society, and life in general. There would be danger, real danger, adventure, and new experiences.

What do you love most about your wife?

Love most? That’s a hard one to pick. I would say it’s her spark. It’s the spark of creativity and her passion. She always asks me for more specifics about what I mean by spark or passion and creativity, but I can’t give her more specifics. The spark drew me to her originally and it is part of what keeps me coming back every day. It’s hard to describe the spark in detail, but you know when someone has it and when they don’t. She had it when we met, she lost it for a while when she lost her way, but it’s back now with a vengeance and it’s attractive.

Life would be easier if…

If people truly always tried to do what’s right. No one can make me believe that the behavior from the executives of Enron, from some of our politicians like Chris Dodd and Barney Frank, and from the people who cut you off and then flip you off is motivated from trying to do the right thing. When people try to do what’s right, society works better. Alas, that’s why communism doesn’t work. It requires that all people are truly interested in doing what is right

My Mom

2009-05-08T06:43:00.000-07:00

I don't have a picture of her right now, I'm at work, so you'll have to use your imagination.

*update* Lindsay supplied me with a photo of my mom

She is Italian and looks Italian. She has dark brown curly hair, although you'd just think it was wavy because she blows it out and it's short. My mom has the Italian nose and olive skin with dark eyes. Oh, I wish I had olive skin. She, like my grandma have the same skin, uber soft and velvety. She's short, about 5'4" and wears black about 85% of the time. She branches out with color more these days, but sometimes it's true, she just does look good in black. She's really pretty. I remember growing up when people would meet my mom, they would always tell me, wow, your mom is pretty.

She's smart and never talks about it. I know she's climbed her corporate ladder almost to the tippy top, although I can't give you details, because like I said she's very quiet about her achievements.

I inherited her fear of really anything remotely dangerous. Snowboarding, snowshoeing, rock climbing, driving, walking in the city. Ok, maybe not city walking, but seriously I'm a worry wort and she's a worry wort. I suppose it just comes with the territory. I fear the day we have a child and Scott teaches him/her to scale trees and houses and rocks. If if were up to me, I'd keep everyone I love in a bubble of Katy Love & protection.

I also inherited her love for the arts and rhythm. We're like soul sisters. I have this theory that I'd be a really good drummer. I don't think I've shared that with anyone but maybe Scott. I can drum along with the most complex songs with the greatest of ease. It's a hidden talent of mine and hers too. Sometimes we'll be driving down the road listening to, oh I don't know Prince for instance and I'll catch her thumbs tapping on the steering wheel and knees bobbing to seriously every drum beat in the song, with acute precision. We don't just do bass drum, we do snare and every other drum too. Like I said, hidden tallent. I've never said anything to her about it. I like to keep that sort of thing to myself. It makes me happy to feel like it's all mine.

She's also a great artist, although you'd never know. We're both very right brain/left brain. Artsy, yet we get crap done. She's a fantastic drawer and she can do a mean watercolor. My grandparents house was filled with her paintings.

My mom is coming into town this weekend too. She'll be here in a couple of hours. We'll probably eat Mexican food, get pedicures, go shopping, talk a lot, see a movie and hold hands. Lately, she's turning into my grandma. She's becoming a hand holder. I indulge her. She'll probably want to buy me stuff too. I'll indulge her. For her, you know, not me!

I loves my mom.

John & Kate + 8 = never want to have children?

2009-05-07T11:45:00.000-07:00

I used to really like John & Kate +8. I'd DVR it weekly and watch in amazement/horror. Until one day I realized I felt the same way about having children as some do about marriage. Freaked the F out!

Sometimes I really want a baby, then sometimes thinking about it makes my stomach churn. I'm sure some of this is normal, but recently (few months or so) I've been trying to dissect it a bit more.

I realized I have very very few positive influences of couples with children in my life. It seems like relationships blow up when you have children and I just really don't want that. I REALLY don't want that. One of the main influences has been John & Kate. I know, it's sounds stupid, but seriously, when I watch that show I want to punch her and I can't help but think, this is what I have to look forward to?! Even typing this I have a disgusted look on my face, like I'm smelling rotten fish.

I know most people aren't like Kate and most family dynamics aren't those of couples with 8 children, but still! She is just such a B-word (you like how I edit myself) She makes me feel like having children is the death of a marriage and fun and sex and intimacy and love and everything I like about being with my husband.

So my decision was to stop watching the show. I thought, I need to surround myself with positive examples of couples with kids. Where are you? Hello, is this thing on? So now a couple months later. I don't exactly feel tons better about having children, but at least I don't feel despair.

I had a friend tell me before I got married that "everything changes when you get married." When I asked what she was talking about, she couldn't pin point it but said it was just a general shift in the relationship. It scared me to say the least, but it didn't keep it from marring the man I love. I do think my relationship changed when I got married. At first I was really hip on being a Mrs. It made me feel old and secure and sexy. I don't know why it made me feel sexy, I know that's odd, but it did. Then it made me feel like, holy cow what did I do? Then it made me feel like, who am I without my husband. Now I feel like I'm part of a pair again. Not lost in the other person, but not without him as part of my identity also. It's a good feeling.

I guess where I'm going with this, is that I realized a long time ago that your life is what you make of it. My marriage is either going to be strong or crumble because of me and likewise I suppose bringing children into the relationship will be what we make of it. Maybe couples get so cranky and yucky and mean because they just assume that's what children do? Failing to see that there are actual choices you make to keep your relationship connected and spicy. Who knows. I just don't want children to be something that me and my husband have to survive, like it seems so many couples go through.

Thoughts?

PS-Don't think I'm talking about you. I'm not, just a general feeling.

Gary Jules-Mad World

2009-05-07T11:15:00.001-07:00

Everytime I hear this song (which is not very often) I think. I've got to find out what that is. It's from the Donnie Darko movie

This song is sort of haunting/magical. Does anyone agree?

Listen here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4N3N1MlvVc4

Happy-Wednesdays

2009-05-06T09:59:00.000-07:00

This is what makes me happy.

I think I've made up my mind on which camera I'm going to get.

The winner is.... The Olympus E-30

Let me introduce you to the soon to be newest member of the family.

For anyone who knows anything about cameras... a lot of people poo poo on the Olympus brand. Nikon and Canon are King in the DSLR industry. What I would really love to have is a Nikon D2x, but I don't have the money for that right now and it's not necessary. The E-30 is an EXCELLENT camera, seriously excellent. The lenses are all interchangeable and I already have 3 olympus lenses so that saves me $$ that I would have to spend to get all new lenses if I change brands all together... another selling point. I'm going to get another lens to add to the line-up too. It's a pro-grade lens, super fast and fancy. It sounds like a samurai blade when you take the photo. Makes me giddy! Plus, did you notice that articulating screen? Be still my heart! You can pop that out when you're taking ground images or way up high so you don't have to shoot and hope you come out with something, or get on the ground to take certain shots. It has lots of other bells and whistles that I won't waste your time with, but I'm really excited. The most important thing to me is image quality and ISO noise, both of which are super on this beauty.

I really tried hard to make this a business decision rather than an emotional one. If I made it emotional I would have ended up with a Nikon D-700 plus lenses I'd need which would have run me easily 4k. Yikes! I will probably end up with a Nikon a year or so down the road and start over from scratch with lenses and stuff, but for now, it's olympus which is more than enough.

So that my loyal readers from 'round the world, is what makes me happy this Wednesday.

Monday Spotlight

2009-05-04T07:45:00.000-07:00

Sara

Self proclaimed feminist
Academic
Recommended to me Target boxed wine
Almost Dr. Sara

Ladies and Gentleman, readers from around the world, I present to you, Sara

Sara was the first person I met here in Denver that I consider a friend. Sara, her husband Nate and their son Ben (Benny/Bear) lived one door down in our little apartment building. They had just moved from Austin, TX and I thought that was cool, because well, it seems like only cool people go to/come from Austin TX. My stereotype was accurate. Sara is cool.

The week we moved into our first apartment we were noticing that there were a lot of girls coming and going from this apartment down the hall. Young, cute girls, walking down the street, up the stairs, down the stairs, into the apartment, out of the apartment, etc… Scott and I didn’t yet know Sara (and Nate) or Benny for that matter, so we assumed that 4-5 girls lived in that apartment. We nicknamed that apartment “Lipstick Jungle” Then one morning I saw a guy walk out of that apartment. I assumed that he was one of Lipstick Jungle’s boyfriends and thought WOW there are a lot of people living in that little apartment.

A month or so later, Sara came over, knocked on our door and invited us over for drinks. When she told us what apartment she and Nate were in, we were confused. Turns out all those young, cute, lipstick girls were Sara’s college friends. They were staying with her for a few days and those few days just happened to be the weekend we were moving in. They were just visitors, Nate wasn’t the stud living with 4 women that we thought he was. Our little apartment world was shaken up.

Sara is from a small town in Nebraska called Brule. Population 410. Somewhere in Brule or near Brule there is a sweet nectar of the gods that is produced. Somewhere in or near Brule is the best BBQ sauce that will ever touch your lips. That BBQ sauce is like crack and Sara is my dealer. Sara, hook me up, we’ve been out of that stuff for months. You know, when you get around to it.

Sara graduated from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2000 with a BA
THEN
Graduated from the University of Iowa in 2003 with an MA
NOW
She’ll be graduating with a PhD in Communications from the University in TX very very soon. I’ll probably have to call her Dr. Sara.

Q & A

Favorite Color? Kelly Green

What are you most proud of? I'll have to list a few things... Maturing and dealing with big, stressful events in my life with a little bit more grace and a little less drama. Writing a dissertation. Running a marathon. And last, but certainly not least, having a beautiful son who is developing into an amazing little boy. Raising my son with my loving and committed husband.

Republican or Democrat? Democrat

What's on your pizza? I'm a pizza purest - tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and garlic. That's my idea of heaven.

If you could do anything for a living what would you do? Own a used bookstore and coffee shop (but not manage it - just own it and work there and discuss current events with the patrons).

What do you love most about your husband? He's a snuggler and he often reminds me to slow down, snuggle, and relax - even if it's just a hug while we're making dinner.

Life would be easier if... My dissertation was done, I had a job, and we could afford to do some work on the house. Some day. Some day...

Happy Wednesdays

2009-04-29T08:29:00.000-07:00

Wanna know what makes me happy? I mean REALLY REALLY HAPPY?

My first photo shoot up for viewing.

If you want the link & password, let me know. I'm not just going to put it on this blog all willy nilly. Gaw people! I'm a professional now and professionals don't blog their first born all over the web.

What's in a name-Part 2

2009-04-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

Let's discuss some of the front runners of my business name

CatMom Pix
Rocky Mountain Girl Photography
Clicking Katy
DreamClouds Photography

I think I'm going to take the essence of all of these fab suggestions and combine them into a power house name. Something like..

Sunflower Daisy Faux finished wall paper border photography

Because really when you think about it, nothing captures me like a good sunflower border. What, you don't think so?

FINE!

Here's what I'm REALLY thinking. Keiko suggested something with a Lotus flower because I have a lotus tattoo. I like where your head is at Keiko. Here are my thoughts

I think the lotus is more representative of yoga, and I'm all about yoga, but you get where I'm going. So this is what I thought. My lotus flower petals were supposed to be somewhat in the shape of a paisley. (let's not talk about my lotus tattoo. It's nice, but It's not exactly what I wanted and I was too much of a pansy to have the guy keep making changes, so I just went with it after 3 drafts and I'm not super happy about it and I'll probably be getting it fixed sometime soon...whew)

So, then I was thinking I'm kind of in love with the paisley shape. Hence the paisley lotus combo that went awry. If you're one of those people who doesn't understand me being in love with a shape than I don't know what to tell you. The shape speaks to me ok? Get off my back Erin. I know you're dreaming up a witty comment. I'm your kitty and you know it. Sooooooo anyways, what about something with the name Paisley in it?

Paisley Photography-Too plain? Should we add another word, like a color name?
Black Paisley Photography?-I can see the logo in my head and it's marvelous, but Black paisley I fear is too dark. I'm not doing Goth photography people! (unless you're into that and by all means I'll do it, oh I'll rock that Goth photo shoot)
Green Paisley Photography? Green is my favorite color. It's not red anymore, red is so 1999.

Now that we have a little more focus, let's brainstorm up things with Paisley

Ready... GO!

What's in a Name?

2009-04-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

Here I go again... taking it to my "people"

I need to name my photography "soon to be" business. I need to name it, like NOW.

Reason one. Copyright
Reason two. Web hosting client photos
Reason three. So I can make a pretty logo
Reason four. Business cards-the lifeline to word of mouth

Here's my dilemma. A lot of photographers call their business by their name. As in, Katy DeJong Photography. I like that, for the simplicity of it, but I think I want a bit more PUNCH! Plus, and this is the main reason, my name can easily be screwed up.

Katy is usually spelled Katie
and
DeJong-Yeah, good luck. By the way it's pronounced DeYOUNG. I even catch my mom trying to throw a french little twist on it every now and again. It's like, MOM, YOUNG. DEEE-YOUNG! As in young child. As in I am young you are old (not my mom, I'm just sayin')
My dentist tells me EVERY time that at BYU there's a DeJong Hall, spelled the same, pronounced the same. I feel famous and a little weird at the same time.

Some times my mom says it like. Day Yawng. Reminds me of Mao Tse-tung (Mao Zedong)

Anyways, this is not a blog about my last name, it's about my business name.

I thought about using Kate instead of Katy because my family and close friends call me Kate, but then what about DeJong... Young? Kate Young. I think it's too much of a stretch.

Nothing too fluffy like Dreamland photography (as Lindsay said)

Suggestions?
Ready? GO!

Some Favorites from the first two photo shoots

2009-04-27T14:12:00.001-07:00

I had my first official photo session last Thursday, then I had another one on Sunday. I have another one Wednesday, then again on Friday, then two more on Sunday. EEEEEEEEEEEE

Here are some favorites. I never thought I'd get more than a few good ones from each shoot, so I'm pretty much beside myself happy that I got literally hunderds of good ones!

Monday Spotlight

2009-04-27T07:11:00.000-07:00

Lindsay

Loves to blog

Intelligent

Never a dull moment in her life

Detailed

Sarcastic & Scheduled

A crock pot guru

Y'all, she's an HOA president!

Ladies & Gentleman, I give you Lindsay

This is her son Connor. He just turned 2 on April 18th. Lindsay can be really photogenic. Here's an example

Lindsay and I have been friends since the womb basically. One time we put on brand new clothes and swam in our elementary school's irrigation ditch. The water was warm, a little humid and gross and LOADS of fun.

Lindsay dreams of living in a quaint small town. She would probably be the social director of the town and greet everyone with some homemade baked good. This is her dream, but then she realizes that she couldn't leave all her friends and family behind to be Betty Crocker on the range. So she stays... in Chandler.

Did you know that she lives a few blocks from my DAD? Yep, it's true.

Q & A

Favorite Color? Geez, I should be able to pick just one but I really can't. Purple has always been way up there but I'm really into yellow right now. Ok, final decision...green.

What are you most proud of? Balance. I'm an overscheduler to the nth degree and I like it that way. It's not really easy balancing work, immediate family, extended family, friends, clubs/groups, etc. but we manage. I am proud of my family. I adore my husband and our son is growing into this amazing little man. He's pretty much amazing.

Republican or Democrat? Republican, but moderate on various social issues

What's on your pizza? Pepperoni, Sausage and Black Olives. Sometimes I'll be crazy and go with the delish white pizza from Pesto's and it's just layers and layers of amazing cheeses.

If you could do anything for a living what would you do? I don't really know anymore. I had the great, powerful career before and gave it all up for the tedious, monotony of the one I am in now...the opposite ends of the spectrum have left me unsure of what I want to be when I grow up. I think I'd love it the most if I could work part time at something I loved-maybe even something out of the home so I could spend the most time possible hanging with Connor

What do you love most about your husband? Jeffrey is incredibly smart and really passionate about the things he cares about, namely Connor, myself, baseball and electronics. Probably in that order :)

Life would be easier if...Money tree in my backyard. I would even be willing to do yard work for some of that action.

To see more of Lindsay go HERE

Friday's Quote of the week

2009-04-24T10:37:00.000-07:00

Most of the shadows of this life are caused by our standing in our own sunshine
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Give the people what they want!

2009-04-22T09:05:00.000-07:00

I'm looking for a new ongoing blog post for Mondays. I have Friday's Quotes, Wednesday's Happy things, and now I need a Monday.

My friend Lindsay, who is equally blog obsessed suggested I take it to the readers, because after all, it's all about my thousands upon thousands of readers. Without you all, well... I'd still be mindlessly blogging but that's beside the point.

So, what are your ideas? What topic do you want me to drive into the ground every Monday? C'mon, let's hear it. GO!

Things that make me happy-Wednesdays

2009-04-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

My new LG washer & dryer.

Never have I been so giddy to do laundry. When the drying cycle is finished it beeps out a little show tune that lasts about 10 seconds. It's pretty fun

Winning things

I don't know what it is, but I am pretty much the raffle queen. I remember the first time I won something. I was at a soccer party at that Mexican food restaurant on the SW corner of Alma School & Guadalupe? By Dobson High, opposite corner of Pink Pepper. Help me out Lindsay? Anyways, I won a purple t-shirt with a number on the back like a jersey and I thought I was the hottest thing. My winning streak has progressed from there. Fast forward to now. Christmas 2007 yielded me an egg mc muffin maker AND a pannini maker from the Lockheed Martin Christmas Jamboree. Last night I won a free one hour massage and Scott won a $50 gift card to Whole Foods. I attribute his luck to just being near me. My essence if you will. I am so confident in my winning skillz that I always boldly tell Scott, get ready, we're winning stuff. I told him at the Christmas Jamboree and it came to pass. I told him last night and it came to pass. People always look at me like I don't deserve to win all this stuff. Like I rigged the raffle. Like I really really HAD to have that mc muffin maker. Last night we walked out of the Courtyard Marriott and a couple people said, you BOTH won? wow! But it wasn't a "WOW" as in, I'm excited for you. It was a "WOW" as in, how many sexual favors did you have to preform to get that one hour massage and a $50 gift cert? To all those haters, I say. Suck it!

Just kidding. What can I say, the universe likes me to win. Thank you universe.

Casa de DeJong

2009-04-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

Living Room

Half Bath

Keepin' it Real Kitchen

(just got done making THIS recipe)

Inside the DeJong fridge

because I like to pretend I'm on MTV's Cribs and I love the built in wine rack

Friday's Quote of the week

2009-04-17T06:21:00.001-07:00

Many of us lack a sense that we are lucky to be living whatever life we happen to be living - that despite our circumstances, no key ingredient of happiness is missing. With this sense comes a diminished level of anxiety; we no longer need to obsess over the things - a new car, a bigger house, a firmer abdomen - that we mistakenly believe will bring lasting happiness if only we can obtain them. Most importantly, if we master desire, to the extent possible to do so, we will no longer daydream about living the life someone else is living; instead, we will embrace our own life and live it to the fullest. - William B. Irvineargues, "On Desire: Why We Want What We
Want"

Denver from our Balcony

2009-04-15T20:20:00.001-07:00

Haiku in honor of Anne

2009-04-15T08:22:00.001-07:00

Last weekend was fun
The morning after was not
We loves us some wine

Things that make me happy-Wednesdays

2009-04-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of meetup.com?

Did you know that I organize a meetup group for Denver couples?
It's not a swingers group. Every time I say I organize a couples group, I feel like I have to follow it up with (it's not a swingers group.) Not that there's anything wrong with swinging. Hey, if you want to do it with other people, by all means, do away.

Well we have something like 260 couples who are part of the group. It's wacky nuts. Yesterday I scheduled a meetup for a wine tasting that filled up within 3 minutes. This is what a friend said about the meetups "Your meetups are so popular. They're like the sales on black friday, except with out the fatal trampling." or something like that. I laughed and told her that was our new "meetup slogan" See, I'm already using it.

So anyways, my point.

I sent out an email to everyone saying how I'm finally making the step into portrait/lifestyle photography and I need test guinea pigs. I got a great response and I think I'll have a portfolio and website soon. My goal is 3 months.

That, my friends, makes me very happy. Especially since I'm working part time and I REALLY don't want to go back to full time and I REALLY don't want to get another job/random paycheck/soul sucking job.

On my list of 101 in 1001 I talked about quitting my day job and starting a business where I can create something I love. Well, I love photography. I have ever since I can remember. So here's my chance. I'm going to do this. I'm going to make it work. I know I have the talent. I have the time and I have the confidence now to go do it.

Things that make me happy-Wednesdays

2009-04-08T06:31:00.000-07:00

Today has been a good day so far, and it's only 7:34 am. These are the things that have made me happy this Wednesday morning.

Arriving at work to a hot breakfast burrito from Santiagos. A co-worker has been talking about these breakfast burritos and told me he'd bring one in for me this morning. He totally came through. It was very good and very free and very not good for weight watchers, but I'm blocking that out, because I'm actually really good at denial when it comes to food. It's sort of a talent I have.

Seeing this little blog shout out from my friend Sara. This was like the equivalent of like 10 breakfast burritos. (without the sick stomach and calories and guilt of course.) To read it click HERE

One more thing that makes me happy. We have this fence that spans the length of the condo complex behind our building. There are constant squirrels running back and fourth. I think they're making the migration to Cheeseman Park. I think they're gay squirrels. Either way, Scott named it the "squirrel highway" and I just think that's really funny. What's also funny, is that Scott's in FL right now for a business trip (that's not funny, stay with me) and he arrived in Orlando, got his car and then called me once he left the airport to get directions to his hotel. This is typical Scott.

He had no other plans but to hope I was home, in front of my computer to be his personal GPS. I literally guided him to the hotel, turn by turn. He told me I was his spirit guide, then I said, you mean "squirrel guide" because I was watching the migration to Cheesman Park on the squirrel highway.

Then yesterday I was at Anthropologie (damn that store is expensive) and I saw this kitchie squirrel pillow and thought it would be funny to get as a joke but then I looked at the price tag and thought $56.00 was a lot for a joke. (damn that store is expensive)

THEN... I found the perfume I wore on my wedding day at this beautiful place HERE. (deep breath) ahhhhhhhhh. It's sold at Anthropologie. I almost bought it, but I don't want to start wearing it again, because then it won't have the same transformational powers. Maybe I'll buy a bottle just to smell it once a year or so.

I have a lot to be happy for today.

Bad cat dream

2009-04-07T07:44:00.000-07:00

Last night I had a dream that there was a fire alarm going off in our building, but our building was like a giant dorm room and we just had a small living section to ourselves.

The alarm went off and we didn't know if it was a test, or real. I was scrambling to get our cats. We have three cats ranging in size from "medium size dog" to "average cat" to "small 6 lb little doo doo boo booo, runt, precious little fur nugget"-that's the technical term.

I was in a panic. Not for us to vacate, but for our cats. We only have one cat carrier and Tick, the medium dog, barely fits in it, let alone two other cats. In my dream I was stuffing them in the carrier (it wasn't working)

I had to make a choice. I thought, if I leave Tick, he'll surely die. He's big and looks intimidating, but really he's a pansy ass. He freaks out over everything. Arthur would probably survive. He's a hunter. He's doesn't seem to be afraid of anything, so he'd probably try to escape instead of hiding and waiting to die. Sara (the precious/vicious/fur nugget) well, I could never leave her. She's like a permanent fixture in my heart. Plus I feel confident I could carry her out and keep her from getting away from my grasp.

Thankfully, I woke up and didn't have to make any "Sophie's choice."

What lesson do we learn from this? Don't live in giant dorm rooms. It's not good for the soul.

Happy Anniversary

2009-04-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

Today is our 4 year Anniversary.

If you know me at all, you know I like giving unsolicited advice.
So, here's what I learned this past year of marriage.

It's important to be your best self mentally, physically and spiritually.
If you don't feel you're up to par in any of these areas, start correcting them.

I really like love letters/flowers/poetry and any general variety of swoon worthy stuff. I think it's important no matter how over the top it seems.

Remember you're on the same team.

Kissing, real kissing, is important.

If you don't have the money, don't spend

Keep your home clean and as clutter free as possible. No one likes living in a mess and it does wonders for your well being if you come home to a clean house and a made bed.

A mini vacation to a Holiday Inn for a night can make you really happy.

It's best to not be critical of your husband's tomato sauce. When you tell him "I don't really like the cinnamon in it" there's no need to tell him 3 more times when he makes it again. He understood the first time. You don't like cinnamon in your tomato sauce. Done.

The last and most important thing on my list this year and every year- Talk about the shit you don't want to talk about or that makes you uncomfortable.

Mama gets a Vacation

2009-04-02T08:15:00.000-07:00

We're going to Chicago for the 4th of July! Does anyone understand how Chicago/The Midwest celebrates the 4th? It's like Christmas times 100.

It's magical.

We used to go every year. Visiting Scott's family, getting heat stroke from the humidity, almost killing yourself with fireworks, eating copious amounts of food including fruit pizza, real Chicago pizza, red hots, sweating out 10 lbs of liquid. Oh Chicago, I love you. I really really do.

We have a tradition of staying at the Sofitel Water Tower Hotel. Click HERE to see it.

I'm beyond excited to have a little vacation. It's the first sign that we are re-gaining momentum. Digging ourselves out of our house tragedy and starting to resume normal life. Normal life including week long 4th of July trips to Chicago.

I'm so excited, I did a little spontaneous poetry for Scott a few minutes ago.

Here it is-it's supposed to be funny, not serious btw.

My dearest Sofitel
You're renewing
Like a spring bird that promises new life
I'm sure to be born again
Through your whisky flights and late city nights
Through your heavenly bed that cushions my weary soul
Let me sit upon your bar
With my adoring husband
And drink your beauty in until it fills me up
Until we meet again Sofitel
I am yours, you beacon o' water tower.

Things that make me happy-Wednesdays

2009-04-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

Black & White Cookies

I love these cookies. There's something romantic about them. Does anyone agree? They're old fashioned and remind me of my grandma and grandpa. My grandma loved black and white cookies. She also loved chewing half sticks of the "yellow package" gum and eating peppermint patties. What brand was that gum? I don't remember, but the yellow package was of the mint variety.

One time, she and my grandpa were out at a bar/restaurant in Santa Cruz, CA and made friends with a Lesbian couple. One of the Lesbian women told my grandma that she could psycho analyze my her by the contents of her purse. My grandma of course being the overly sweet trusting soul got giddy at the thought and quickly handed over her purse. The story goes that the lesbian woman said something about my grandma being practical and organized by seeing all of the half torn pieces of gum still hanging on in the pack, neatly tucked away for later consumption.

I feel her now, laughing and rubbing my hands with her uber soft velvet skin. She had the softest skin. I miss her.

I found the gum! Accept my grandma's package would never have looked all beat up like this. Plus it was not metallic packaging

I think what really makes me happy today is remembering my Grandma

Other things my Grandma used to do that make me happy

-Obsess over crossword puzzles

-Mix multiple cereals

-Talk about BM's

-Get overwhelmed at big meals

-Swoon over my high school boyfriends and my husband's voice

-Call me and Scott "Lovebirds"

-Softshoe with my grandpa on the front porch and in the living room

-Walk everywhere

-Eat half sandwiches

-Carry a hand made handkerchief

Her love could heal anything. She could heal anyone. I know it sounds cheesy, but if you knew her, you would have fallen instantly in love with her. She was a lady.

20 Questions-because I'm a narcissist

2009-03-31T06:59:00.000-07:00

1. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A pathologist. I’m not kidding. Then I found out what it was. I mostly wanted to be a doctor.

2. What have you done in the past week to help someone else?
Sold a girl our bed for $800 instead of $999.

3. Who is the best-dressed person you know?
Erin

4. What is on your nightstand?
Wedding picture of Scott, candle and jewelry box

5. If you were a cat, what kind of a cat would you be?
My cat Sara-minus the allergies.

6. If you lived in a house surrounded by acres of trees, what particular type of tree would you want flourishing on your land?
Cherry Blossoms, orange blossoms and lots of fruit trees.

7. What do you find to be very overrated?
Jack Johnson

8. How many email addresses do you have?
Five- Work, personal, mystery shopping one, flickr one and resume one

9. Have you ever felt replaced?
sure

10. Would you rather watch football or baseball?
Football. It’s way more exciting

11. What is the wallpaper on your phone?
An orange Moroccan pattern

12. Name a lyric from the song you're listening to.
I’m not listening to music. There’s Rush Limbaugh in the background though. Not my choice! I’m at work

13. Do you use a feed reader?
I don’t even know what this is

14. What chocolate do you always leave in the box?t
he jelly filled ones

15. What would you do if you found out your ex is engaged?
be utterly shocked.

16. Do words hurt you?
Of course

17. Are you a talker or a listener?
both.

18. Have you ever walked on the beach at night?
Yep- Many times

19. How long do you sleep at night?
Last night I was in bed by 8:45 and up at 6:00 so that’s…8hrs and 15 minutes. I’d say normally though I get between 7-8 hrs.20.

20.Which TV show have you seen pretty much every episode of?
Felicity and Dawson’s Creek. I love you Scott Speedman

I'm Baaaaaaack!

2009-03-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a whirlwind!

Moving-Unpacking-Snow-Unpacking-Home Depot-Old Apartment-Cats-Home Depot-Unpacking

You know every time you move you think, we don't have that much stuff, then you start to move and you find out you DO have a lot of stuff.

Well, NOT US! Not THIS time!

We've gone from a 2600 sqft home
to a 1500 sqft home
remodeled that to an 1800 sqft home
to an 850 sqft apartment
back now to 1750 condo.

When you downsize your life to 850 sqft. It leaves little room for anything other than essentials. This is good. I like life this way. Sure, we have toys like bikes and snowboards and beer making stuff, but we don't have any crap.

As you could see from Thursday's pictures, our old apartment looked like it exploded. Our new place has space for miles. The only thing in the spare bedroom is the bed. The only thing in the den is my desk and easel! It's a beautiful thing!

All the remaining boxes are in the basement-all 5 of them! We were like machines this weekend. I think moving should be as quick and painless as possible. Your days suck for like a week, but then you're done. I don't prolonging the inevitable.

I'll post pictures soon!

Pros of living in our new place
-central heat and air
-2 car attached garage
-very very very quiet, despite being in Capitol Hill
-Feeling like for the first time in 4 years, we're finally living in a place where I don't have to think about it. Meaning, I don't have to think. Ugh, this place is so small, or this place is filled with construction workers and dust. It does my soul well to be in a home where there's peace and space to move around.

The DeJong's Do Packing

2009-03-26T17:05:00.001-07:00

No Words-Just Emotions-Ahhhhhhhh

Gird your loins Colorado

2009-03-26T06:53:00.000-07:00

SNOW STORM- I've heard anywhere from 12"-16" to 2'.

Customers at work that I've called have told me "good luck getting home from work."

Schools and businesses are being closed, yet my boss thinks it's a fluke and that all I'll need is a shovel! UM... I don't even own a shovel. Remember me? Arizona girl?

Best part is... We're MOVING tomorrow!

The winter storm warning goes until 6am tomorrow morning.

This should be interesting!

Stay tuned.