365 Days...

The Boss Man

2011-11-14T12:02:00.001-05:00

Busy Supervising. Very busy.

The new digs

2011-06-17T14:11:00.003-04:00

Moved into my new place over the last few weeks... it's been slow moving though, since I've been super busy with my other jobs (other than moving).

So here's the studio:

It doesn't look like that anymore. It looks worse.

I haven't quite moved ALL the furniture over, and have been sewing quite a bit as well.

so... I guess I should get working on that instead of this?

I'll post the "after" photo when I'm not quite as ashamed!

2011-06-16T16:26:00.002-04:00

Cargoh re-hauled their website and it looks great!

My store needs some serious work to get up to par with the design of the rest of the site, so I'm working on it. A new banner is on its way to fit the new design and a bunch of new camera straps and covers will be featured soon! Soon, I promise!

Another Snow Storm

2011-03-23T11:55:00.002-04:00

is coming! 3-6", which isn't too bad, but I have a some place to be in the AM and wasn't planning on shoveling my car out!

In happier news, the impending snow makes Aidan's friends (the thistle eating chickadees and finches) crazy for food and come visit. He's been lonely lately and some visits with friends is the highlight of his day (well next to coffee, dinner and snack times)!

Well, time to run out and get my paycheck, milk, bread and bananas!

Welcome Spring!

2011-03-21T11:14:00.002-04:00

View from my bedroom window this lovely spring day!

Weather

2011-03-18T12:26:00.001-04:00

It's 65 degrees out. Feels tropical.

It's awesome.

Holy Bat Batman!

2011-03-15T23:36:00.000-04:00

and speaking of the coupons...

2011-03-12T15:23:00.003-05:00

CVS had a deal this past week where if you bought $15 worth of Planters NUT-rition bars, you got $5 Extra Bucks back. I love the energy ones- the boxes are normally $3.39/each for 5 bars... but they were on sale for $2.50 each.

So I bought 6 of them. Had $1 off coupons for each one, got $5 back... final cost: $0.67 a box.

Sweet.

Won't have to buy those again for awhile- just need to pace myself. They're so delicious and really fill me up.

Got a good deal on cereal and milk too- which is great since I'm beyond broke! =]

Extreme Couponing

2011-03-11T11:40:00.005-05:00

Ok, I thought of something to report on.

TLC has ordered 12 episodes of Extreme Couponing and I'll be watching every single one.

Please, please, please shoot me if I ever do this. I'm all for the deals, but I'm not going to be buying and STOCKPILING 140 years worth of TP or deodorant.

I've started doing the couponing thing for real- I've tried it before, but it just turns into a mess. This time, I'm much more organized... but I'm not going to be dumpster diving either. There are LINES that I'm NOT willing to CROSS. Sorry.

It is so amazing that people can get $5000+ worth of stuff for $250, but what's he going to do with 100 toothbrushes? Why aren't these people donating more to the foodbanks and spending more time with their significant others? 70 hours a week isn't awesome. Time is money, and they're not saving anything, certainly not their marriages. It's hoarding. And scary.

*steps off soap box*

Spring

2011-03-11T11:36:00.002-05:00

I'm ready for it!

It's pouring out today- but at least we have little risk of a tsunami hitting CT any time soon. There are always things to be thankful for.

I need sunshine. No winter has been as hard on me as this one has been, and I think I'm SEVERELY vitamin D deficient!!

I don't have any news to report, nothing interesting to say. Sorry! Bring me some sun and we'll talk... until then....

Cabin Fever

2011-01-14T10:43:00.002-05:00

I've got it. I mean, I got in.

I'm going to be showing at the Cabin Fever craft fair in Boston, on February 13th. I'm super nervous about it, and I'm a huge procrastinator when it comes to things like this, so I really need to get my ass in gear and start sewing. I've been focusing on how to best utilize a 7'x7' space to display camera straps and guitar straps- without spending a ton of money.

So instead of sewing, I'm writing a blog, which I haven't done since like October. Good job Liz, good job.

Ok- I'm off- wish me luck!!

Gorgeous Day

2010-10-26T12:36:00.003-04:00

The heat is NOT on today! Have some windows open and enjoying a warm spell before winter comes and beats us up!

update:

2010-10-24T20:15:00.001-04:00

the heat is now officially on!

brrrr

2010-10-21T11:56:00.003-04:00

Like I said in my last post, "we" don't believe in turning on the heat until Thanksgiving... well, it's on, because it's roughly 40 degrees out and the thermostat stays at 60. It's cold. My fingers are kind of numb, but you know what? I'd much rather be bundled up, than sweaty.

But that's just me.

There's still time to register to vote for the election on November 2nd if you've somehow forgotten that there is one. The political ads are so nasty... I'm lucky I'm running in an uncontested race, and didn't have to campaign at all, although it would have been awesome to have my name on a lawn sign. Having my name on the ballot is cool enough!

What could someone possibly come up to say about me, that's negative? What, I spend all day sewing? Ohhhhhhhhhhhh burrrrrrrrrn.

P.S. That was a rhetorical question. If any of you dares answer the question, we're no longer friends! =]

October Musings...

2010-10-07T09:55:00.002-04:00

My mother has a policy of not turning on the heat in the house until Thanksgiving. I'm not going to say we've ever made it that far... but... it's like 53 degrees in the house right now. I prefer sleeping in cold air, burrowed in a lot of blankets, but it makes for cold fingers and sleeping in way later than I should.

Especially since what I should be doing is a lot of sewing.

Things are going well in the Aidan's Attic/ Sweet Strap world- I started making guitar straps this week, and they look awesome. My ex-boyfriend still has my guitar that I bought for myself for my 22nd birthday... so I can't actually put one of my straps to use, but whatever!

Also- it's been raining for the last few days, really windy. Which is taking down my pretty autumn colors and ruining the beauty of the season for me. I'm not impressed! I need to get to the orchard and get some cider. None of the orchards around here make apple cider doughnuts though. That's just a crime.

Dinner

2010-10-06T20:40:00.000-04:00

From Ree- The Pioneer Woman - Sesame Noodles

I added some marinated steak and zucchini sticks. And it was awesome.

my last post

2010-07-13T09:11:00.004-04:00

was 3 months ago... I've been working at the Cone, breaking hearts and sewing up a storm. Aidan's Attic is slowly becoming my main source of income, but when the summer is over (and the Cone closes), it's going to have to be 100% and that's pretty scary!

And so... I'm going back to the sewing machine now. I hope I'll have something interesting to talk about in another 3 months or so...

Birthday Dinner

2010-04-11T12:43:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday to my Mum- Big year for her!

We went to the Still River Cafe for dinner last night- I wish I had ordered the beef entrée rather than the lobster (especially since my mom ended up getting the lobster as well so we didn't have much variety), but it was a beautiful location, the service was lovely and I wouldn't say no if somebody really wanted to take me some time. Connecticut magazine called it the best overall restaurant in the state for 2010, but I'd prefer Bella's or 85 Main any day. The balsamic vinegar at Bella's is out of this world delicious (I have a bottle of it in the cabinet downstairs that I treasure), and I have intense cravings for the wild mushroom ravioli at 85 Main.

I made a citrus bundt cake for Thanksgiving last year that went over real well, and that's what my mom wanted for a birthday cake this year. Ask and ye shall receive! I plan on making a kahlua mocha cake later in the month too. Just because it's the birthday month and a good excuse to try something new!

Tonight it sounds like I'll be playing some beer pong- which I love. And so on that note, check out my friend Kate's blog in which she makes amazing creations and shows them off. I should note, this Kate drank lots of beer and ate lots of easy mac kind of foods when we were in college... I am sooooooo impressed with this endeavor of her's, and really think she should start taking cake design classes and become the next ace of cakes! =]

Check it out: Kakie Murray

H2O

2010-04-01T19:11:00.004-04:00

we got some here if you want some. with the rain the last few days the water table rose so high that water was coming back up through a drain in the basement. we have doors in the basement so the water level never got over a 4-5 inches, but it ruined a lot of stuff. the fire department came and pumped us out and my mom and i did a lot of work over the course of the last few days. mike came over last night with an industrial shop vac and really got a lot of water up.

so. what i mean to say is...

sorry they're pretty crappy photos- but it's almost 7:30pm and I just caught the last light of the day (yes- it's still a little light out! whoo!)

And isn't it amazing that the little pansy popped up? I'm not even sure how that's possible! Fell out of the pot last year and rooted itself in the moss? Pretty freakin' cute!

stuffed up

2010-03-27T13:25:00.005-04:00

I have had a cough/ cold/ sinus issues for a full month. I'm done with it. Seriously. Get it out. Things are starting to bloom around here and I want to be able to enjoy them and not be a sniffling mess in the corner!

In other news, I broke my glasses and got contacts again. Do not have back up pair of glasses. Not a good thing. Going to get a cheap pair online and see how that works for me. Photos below. Total cost for 2 pairs of prescription glasses including shipping? $20.95.

I'm about to make some (what I hope to be) delicious treats for my trek out to Stafford tonight...

Other things are new and wonderful too. I like new and wonderful. =]

o hai spring

2010-03-16T13:53:00.003-04:00

Nice of you to join us!

A Few Things:

2010-01-21T14:19:00.003-05:00

* Jon is coming home this weekend.

* Darrell turned 30 yesterday.

* I learned how to set the white balance on my camera in the last week. Yes, that's right. I love automatic settings. Or I did, until I realized what I had been missing out on...

* My light box sucks. Or, the very expensive black cardboard I bought as a back drop for white based products sucks- it's not really black and that's important to me.

* Mariah and Dan both got jobs last week, and both started this week (I think). I am very happy for them, and am wondering when mine will show up.

* I'm freezing cold right now- Freezing. It's warmer outside than it is in here I think. My fingers are like icicles. No joke.

* Watched 1000 Ways to Die last night- what a creepy show.

* Got Lady GaGa "The Fame Monster" cd a week or so ago. FANTASTIC.

* Going to go make some tea now to warm up. It's almost 2:30pm and I really don't get how my day just slips away from me...

* Must go sew now.... bye.

hmm

2010-01-05T15:01:00.001-05:00

I'm guessing someone would rather I paid attention to them instead of using the lightbox...

very subtle.

New York Trip- Part 3

2010-01-05T11:34:00.004-05:00

New York Trip- Part 2

2010-01-05T11:05:00.008-05:00

I was going through my blog here to see what kind of junk I've posted over the last year (and a lot of it is junk- believe me, I know it.) and realized I never posted the second half of my NYC trip photos when Jenny and I went to see Dan. It's night photography, handheld, no tripod, so I was very happy with how things came out.

Ok. That's enough for part two. Part three coming right up!

2010's 365 Photo Project

2010-01-02T14:38:00.002-05:00

Ooooook.

This blog was for my 2009 "365 Photo Project", but that was a fail- so I think for simplicity I'll be doing this on Flickr for 2010.

Liz's 365 Day Photo Project on Flickr

Hope you check it out- I'll be posting all sorts of good stuff here probably as frequently as I did for 2009!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T13:23:00.004-05:00

Hello all!

I hope each and every one of you has a fantastic, fun, and healthy 2010!

2009 wasn't the BEST year for me, but it certainly helped me along to where I am today. I always think back about decisions I've made and whether I'd make them a second time, and the answer is almost always "yes". The people I meet, the friends I make, and the experiences we share through the good times and bad, mold who we are today.

So- here's to a moldy new year!

the 'other' AA

2009-12-19T23:44:00.002-05:00

I have a new blog, devoted to the Aidan's Attic endeavor so you won't be reading about that here anymore- because this is supposed to be about photography, not my fledgling 'non-photography' business!

New Blog

I hope you check in on that occasionally- I got some good news today... you'll have to read all about it on the other blog. =]

It's snowing! I hope to be able to take some winter wonderland photos tomorrow morning- my camera battery is charging just in case we should lose power... for now, reading and bedtime!

Dog Collars

2009-12-14T19:58:00.004-05:00

Listen. I know this is supposed to be about my photography, but I've been busy with this side business of mine, and I'm enjoying what I'm making a LOT and want to share with you, loyal readers.

I'm just really pleased with how these are coming out. I took the photos really quickly this afternoon and didn't put a lot of thought or time into them, but I'm pretty pleased with how they came out too!

Etsy

2009-12-10T12:20:00.002-05:00

I sold two camera strap covers this morning- I am super duper excited because:
1. I've been making stuff and not putting it on Etsy and this isn't exactly cheap, and not the best way to recoup my costs.

2. I've been unemployed for well over a year now, and any income at all is welcome.

3. If I sold not just one, but two! camera strap covers, that must mean I'm not the only one who thinks they're super rad!

I should be getting dog collar hardware in the mail soon, at which point, those will be going up too. I think they're just fantastic, and actually pretty fun to make!

That is all, resume your normal Thursday activities...

breaking news!!

2009-11-28T19:26:00.001-05:00

I don't have to sew sitting on the floor anymore!!

Photo Update from the last week or so...

2009-11-28T16:57:00.004-05:00

Melisa's husband Ryan's birthday was last week and Jim made him a dirt bike birthday cake. Ryan says repeatedly how he doesn't have a lot of friends, but seriously- quality over quantity. Jim is a good friend. The cake was three layers, chocolate, vanilla and funfetti, with vanilla pudding in between the layers and it weighed about a ton.

Thanksgiving at my house was Friday, because we went to Kate's house for the actual holiday. This was our beautiful turkey mere moments before it was carved. Best stuffing ever.

Aidan doing what he does best...

This is from today- I made a double sided bandana for Will- it slips over his collar so it won't fall off. I didn't use a pattern for it, so another trial and error project. I know what to do differently next time around, but I was pretty pleased with it quite frankly. He certainly was.
This is the backside of it, we'll flip it a little closer to Christmas...

Busy Busy!

2009-11-27T12:20:00.003-05:00

Hope everybody had a lovely Thanksgiving!

I've been busy lately (applying for jobs of course) and sewing stuff. I started out making balsam and lavender sachets, which smell woooooonderful and are superduper cute, as well as some cat toys. Actually I started out with the cat toys- I wanted to make some catnip toys that weren't obnoxious looking- that people like me could get and it would sort of fit into their living room decor or whatever, and not be this bright pink sparkly crap that, um... I don't care for much. I also prefer toys that don't have bells in them, or don't make noise (although I'm making some of those too). I'm pretty particular about what's acceptable around here. So I made some catnip toys- some standard, some that you can throw in the microwave for a few seconds and rejuvenate the catnip. Aidan loved this project of mine, but now I think he's all catnip-ed out. Then I started making the sachets- which I love, but got boring after awhile.

So now I've been working on camera strap covers- there's a link on the right of the screen to my Etsy store- but there are only two strap covers listed at this moment, and both of them are coming down today and being replaced with the new and improved strap covers. They're pretty adorable, add some personality to your camera, and prevent your neck from being irritated by the standard strap that comes with SLR cameras. I'll branch out at some point and make bags for point and shoots or something- eventually, but don't hold your breath.

And finally, I've made a few dog leashes. I actually enjoy this the most, and once I get a few dollars together, I'll be investing in the hardware to make a bunch more, and collars. They're going to be fabulous. I might even make a few cat collars, Aidan can model them, but there's no way he'll be sporting one in "real life".

I'd like to mention that I've been doing all of this sewing sitting on the floor of my room, using a plastic tote box as a desk. Using the foot pedal with one hand and guiding the fabric with another. This is not easy. I think I'm at a slight disadvantage here.

So- these photos are a sampling of the offerings- but are first runs/ learning to do what I do projects. New and Improved Coming Soon!!

Randomness to the Extreme

2009-10-05T14:42:00.008-04:00

Things are happening around here. We're having a yard sale October 17th- probably rain or shine. So this means I'm rutting through my childhood finding stuff to sell and throwing a TON of stuff away (and recycling of course!) The attic is pretty much done, just have to start bringing stuff down to the garage. These are some of the things I found. The last time I found my pocket rocker it worked. I haven't checked this one yet. By the way, the only "cassette" I ever had for that was Tequila/ LaBamba (shown in photo).
Then I found this giant NKOTB button. Somebody (my mom probably) decided that I should have a NKOTB birthday party because everybody liked them. Except me. So I had a NKOTB cake, table cloth, cups and plates... and all my presents. Awesome.

And to close, my room smells fantastic. I love the smell of balsam. I just found out Dave doesn't. I'm concerned for him. Just so sad.

Halloween Time!

2009-10-02T13:30:00.001-04:00

New York Trip

2009-09-23T12:01:00.007-04:00

This past weekend Jenny B and I went to go visit Dan in NYC. Dan lives in Brooklyn, so it was almost like I was hanging out with Dan and Jenny Humphrey from Gossip Girl, except these two aren't related, even though we all bicker like we are. Ha.

So the weekend started out with me trekking up to Peabody to Jenny's absolutely adorable new apartment. We had some sangria and Katie and Steve came up for a visit. I haven't seen them since March, and Katie has the cutest baby bump! We may have gone to bed a little later than we should have, but we got up (before the sun did) and got ourselves to South Station (even though I took the wrong exit) and where the parking garage was. We could see it, but not how to get INTO it. After 15 minutes of circling the place, I finally decided we had to just park wherever so we wouldn't miss the bus or lose our seats. So... we did that. We got to the bus just in time, and missed the opportunity to grab a coffee or something to eat. 4 hours later we were in NYC, eating a delicious bagel and drinking some mediocre coffee at the Tick Tock diner while we waited for Dan to show up.

We had lunch at this interesting restaurant called SweetiePie where Jenny met up with some of her dollie friends- who were super duper nice!

Dan expressing how weirded out he is by all the dolls on the table... he got used to it eventually.

After lunch, we went to Central Park, to Strawberry Fields. There's a mosaic at the entrance to that part of the Park...

Umm... so I meant to finish this and post it DAYS ago. oops.

borrowlenses.com

2009-08-24T13:01:00.005-04:00

Hi folks,
No new photos to post, unfortunately... but I wanted to share this with you... what... maybe three people that check out my blog?

Instead of paying a gazillion dollars plus shipping and tax and whatnot for a new lens you're not sure you really need, or will use that much, you can 'borrow' the lens, or flash or whatever your heart desires from this company.

I'm fascinated by the idea of it, because the other sites that I've seen that do this, make you put a deposit down for the value of the lens, and will refund it back to you when you return it. That sort of defeats the purpose of 'borrowing' a lens in the first place, n'est pas?

Anyway, the prices are good, they offer insurance, and a variety of rental times, and you can reserve a lens in advance to make sure they have it in stock. They also sell their used equipment on occasion, so it's a good place to check for deals.

I've recently become an affiliate for them, so there's that banner on the side of the blog if you ever want to rent something, please click through that link so I'll get credit. As an unemployed girl, I can use all the help I can get. Aside from this post and seeing that link on the side, and mentioning the site once I get some awesome shots with my fisheye lens or something... this will be the last you'll hear of it from me. Most of you have already heard about this site from me anyway though, so it's old news!

ok... maybe ONE photo...

2009-08-09T15:35:00.007-04:00

I still take photos. I'm just clearly too lazy to post them daily as I should be. So here's a hodgepodge of whatnots I've quickly pulled forth for your amusements.

Grace, my mother's cat.
Some summer flowers...

My handsome Aidan cat.
Nostalgia. Laying in my twin bed, looking out my old bedroom window, drinking coffee out of my old coffee mug, and my old CT plates over head...

Maine. Love it.
Long car ride...
Life necessities.
Waiting for the ferry...
in the fog.
Pea Porridge Pond.

The End.

Day 9- Me

2009-05-05T09:50:00.001-04:00

Day 8- Spring Flowers

2009-04-24T09:45:00.002-04:00

Day 7- Dave and Emma at the Park

2009-04-19T12:01:00.000-04:00

Day 6- Concord, MA

2009-04-17T10:04:00.002-04:00

http://www.saveourheritage.com/Barretts_Farm_Project.htm

Check this site out. This is where I went today. My family lived in that house for over a 100 years, and a few years ago the historical society bought it and built my cousin who lived there a house behind this property. Today it was officially incorporated into the Minute Man Historical Park.

For those of you familiar with the Revolutionary War: This house was the home of Col. James Barrett. When Paul Revere did his famous ride, word got to Col. Barrett that the "British were coming!". They were coming specifically to this house for the munitions stored there (enough to arm 15,000 men). The family literally plowed the canons, firearms and ammunition into the field next to the house, and when the British soldiers came to the house, they found nothing and Col. Barrett's wife served them breakfast as fighting broke out at the Old North Bridge- the "shot heard 'round the world".

Admittedly, the house had fallen into disrepair in the last 25 years or so, but remained historically accurate, which pleases the preservationists. The last few years have been spent renovating the house to it's former glory and is now being turned into a museum. A lot more work (and fundraising for over $700K needed!) to go!

Day 5- Stafford Trip with Melisa

2009-04-16T10:55:00.006-04:00

I can't just give up. I love taking photos. Just because I lost some, doesn't mean I should stop taking them... right?

So here are some I took the other day. I had my camera set on "vivid" through most of it, so that's why some of the colors jump out more than probably normal.

And if you're one of the artists featured here today, that stuff is great. I hope you don't mind I took photos of it!

Day 4- Death and Destruction.

2009-04-09T15:04:00.000-04:00

Whatever. I give up.

My hard drive got knocked over this morning. I just plugged it back in, and its making a bit of a buzzing noise and the computer won't recognize it.

All my photographs are gone.

If anybody knows how to or knows someone that can recover hard drive files, cheaply... please let me know. I can't afford to shell out hundreds of dollars. I really just can't.

The Last Photo

2009-04-09T14:36:00.001-04:00

This is the last photo I was working on... I wasn't done with it. But this blog probably won't get updated for a little while... I don't know. I'm really discouraged about losing the photos.

Day 3- Sorta... Maybe I Cheated a Little

2009-04-08T11:42:00.001-04:00

I'm posting this on Day 4, no matter what the date might say. I'm trying to keep this clean and organized, and saying I'm posting Day 3 on Day 4's date is not clean and organized. I had big plans for yesterday, I swear I did, but got distracted by the job posting that is PERFECT for me. So I worked on my resume and cover letter instead.

I downloaded a trial of Photoshop Elements 7, because technically, since I don't really know how to do anything, that should be enough for me. But after using Photoshop CS4 for a couple of months, this is such a step down, I'm not sure I can take it. Plus, I don't know how to do anything. It took me a long time to figure out how to even make a photo black and white. Not ok. CS4 is where its at. If anybody is looking for a nice birthday present... ordering me a $10 "free" trial for 30 days would be great. You probably thought I'd ask for the full version... sigh. No. I'll get it myself some day, when I have a laptop that can handle CS4's power. Gadgets. Love 'em.

Day 2- Mashamoquet

2009-04-07T11:30:00.007-04:00

11:30AM: I was supposed to go to Stafford today for a photo-safari of sorts, but the weather isn't great. It's fine for what I want to do today instead, which is go to Mashamoquet and see what I can see. The water levels should be high in the brook and it should be dark and damp there.

My tripod and wireless remote should come in handy today too. I'm pretty psyched about this.

1:30PM: It was super depressing to be at Mashamoquet. Nobody else was there, which was fine with me, but it's still winter there really... the pond is drained, I went up into the pavilion and was creeped out by that. I also forgot my remote, so my long exposures were a failure. Better luck next time. I took the long cut home, up by the Golden Lamb. The clouds were impressive, and there were a few breaks of bright blue sky. And then as I was pulling away, I saw the cross they had put up for the Easter morning Sunrise Service for one of the local churches. The road I was on brought me to my church, so I grabbed a picture of that too. Enjoy!

They don't call it "fisheye" for nothin'...

Day 1- 4 Hours in the Life of Liz

2009-04-06T12:11:00.013-04:00

That's right folks, I'm back. I took these photos last week, but haven't had the heart to post them. It's been a rough bunch of days. I miss my Neil.

So... without further ado, here's what was going on in my life between the hours of 4 and 8PM on March 31, 2009.

Almost as unflattering as it gets- fresh out of the shower, no makeup and a super warming setting on the camera. oops.
What I really felt like doing... that's Grace. Now that I sleep in my "real" room, she's taken over my other bed.
Aidan being a BAD CAT. He's not supposed to be on the table (any table) and that's screen he's doing his downward dog yoga pose on... he never seems to use his claws, but he certainly feels guilty for his actions and when he saw me cried and complained and apologized in a snotty way like a good cat should.
"See mom? I was right here the WHOLE time. I don't know WHAT you're talking about!!"
Innocence.
This dog has learned to use the power of guilt too. See how he's missing half his lower jaw? He likes to remind us that he had cancer and we should be nicer to him and give him treats on a much more regular basis...
My coffee mug. I switch is up between the Woodstock mug and my Optasite mug. There's very little variation on that though.
The bourbon coffee I got my for a souvenier from my last trip to CA. This was from the Kentucky airport. I'm not sure there could have been a better gift.
Aidan's kind of bulimic. So... he doesn't like his photo taken when he's binging.
And he doesn't like to share.Even though there are two dishes. Grace knows the score here...
That's my car.
That's the stuff in my car that I should take out. That's where my satellite radio used to be in my car, but I ripped it down because it made me sad.
That needs no caption.
The "Punk goes Crunk" CD Kate made me last Thursday morning.Getting the mail. Turnpike Buyer was the only good thing.
That's the stop sign that I almost took out at the beginning of the winter season, and instead of buying $600 worth of winter tires, opted out of driving in any sort of inclement weather for 4 months. So I wouldn't die. Low profile tires are stupid.This is me looking both ways before making a left turn on to Route 6. I looked both ways a bunch of times, without camera in hand. Don't worry about me.
Route 6. On a beautiful 60 degree spring day.You can see my house from the road. Which is handy. For me anyway.
New stop light. I don't really care for it. Except that if you're coming from Prince Hill or Church Street, the light changes immediately so you don't have to wait. I guess that's cool. I don't come that way often.My favorite track on the Punk goes Crunk CD.
This used to be a rotary circle in Danielson. I wish it still was a rotary circle. I love rotary circles.BIG Y IS AWESOME.
The big list. Coffee was the priority. We were completely out.Me realizing I left my BlackBerry at home. Oops.
Whoa. Didn't see that coming did you? Welcome to Brooklyn.I'm glad I don't live there. They never look too happy with their lot in life.
When the leaves come out, the canopy of the trees here is just lovely.I'm really looking forward to spring... This is the little pond down the road from my house.
My dog Sam's dog house. He's buried where those daffodils are coming up.
Dishes. I do lots of dishes. Yay. I look forward to this every week...
Relaxing afternoon.Dinner preparation time.
Ok. I bought this mandolin slicer last fall. It is a piece of crap. PIECE OF CRAP I TELL YOU!
Look how butchered the onion got. Dumb.Dins. Tasty.
So bored.Yup. So bored.

So there you have it. Tomorrow Melisa and I are supposed to do a photo-safari in the Stafford/ Monson area, so hopefully I'll have some fun shots to post.

Day Whatever

2009-03-29T09:49:00.000-04:00

I was very much distracted for the last few months, and photography was not my priority. I'm sorry for that, faithful readers. I'm more sorry my distraction has left me and I'm feeling like I need photography to fill the void. That's not the best attitude to have, I know.

I'm just going to start over. Consider this Day 1. Fresh Start.

Day 61

2009-01-25T13:33:00.002-05:00

oh. missed a few days eh?

Neil did this last night:

So I did this:

Day 54

2009-01-18T15:06:00.002-05:00

It snowed again today. It's a really fluffy pretty snow. I think it has been snowing a lot more this winter than last winter. I'm glad I don't HAVE to drive in it ever though, because I still don't have anything more than low profile sport tires that hate snow. Actually snow is kind of ok... at least there's something to grip. It's the ice that really puts those tires over the edge.

I haven't really done much today... Just watching movies and drinking copious amounts of coffee. Talked to Neil, played on the computer a bit, working on some laundry and cleaning of my room... I wish it wasn't so cold out. I don't really want to go outside.

WELL I guess it doesn't matter anyway. Apparently I left my camera on all night and the battery is dead. Dead dead. I thought my camera just shut off automatically if it was not in use for that long... I hope something isn't wrong. Nope- it works now... just dead battery. It was also hooked up to the computer, so maybe the camera thought it was in use, when it wasn't really. Oh well. Lesson learned and it's not an emergency anyway. I'll let it charge up for awhile and post something later.

Day 53

2009-01-17T22:50:00.002-05:00

I updated a post: Day 38 Click it.

Also- Most of the shots that I've taken for self portraits are not smiley. I don't like to smile in photos really. I generally don't like my smile. I don't know why. Whatever.

Here's one to prove that I'm capable of smiling at least...

I'd really like a mint mocha latte from Starbucks. Tastes like a Thin Mint. Melisa had one the other day and I'm jealous. I keep trying to go to Starbucks but it keeps being closed. And then today Carrie said she thinks they ran out of the mint syrup. Besides being unemployed... not being able to secure myself a mint mocha SOMETHING from starbucks is my biggest issue. Today.

Day 52

2009-01-16T16:34:00.003-05:00

So I haven't been to the gym for a few days... it might actually be since last Friday. The beginning part of my week was kind of busy, and I had every intention of going to my gym in Stafford. Yes- I have two gyms. Bastards.

Then on Tuesday, I was all geared up to go and couldn't find my MP3 player. Tore my room apart looking for it (it still hasn't recovered), then my car. Not to be found. Every day, I look in my room, hoping it will just show up. Today, I tore through my car again and said to myself. Whatever. WHATEVER. I'll just get a new one I guess, but I HAVE to go to the gym. It's not even motivation- I just like going. Who woulda thunk it.

So I go into the gym, and there's my MP3 player. Sitting on the table with the sign in sheet. It's been there for a week! A WEEK! I love that gym. Sucky thing is though... the battery was completely dead and country music was on the radio. I braved through the next half hour or so until the only other guy in the gym left and changed it to the lithium station. i felt better immediately. country makes me sick.

Ok. I have to do dishes real quick!

That's an AWESOME photo by the way. jokes.

Day 51

2009-01-15T16:33:00.001-05:00

Day 50

2009-01-14T17:58:00.001-05:00

My photo du jour was taken with my blackberry.

Update 1/18/09: Apparently the no smoking ban really did end on January 15th. Oh well. Maybe next time.

Day 49

2009-01-13T23:22:00.002-05:00

I installed my new trial of Photoshop today. I also slept until 11am (I didn't go to sleep until 3ish... so it's KIND of ok right?), picked out a pile of movies to watch, looked (in vain) for my MP3 player, lost 2 hours of my life somehow, took down the Christmas tree and most of the decorations in the house, clipped some coupons, made a list and did some grocery shopping.

End result:

1. some updated posts going back 2 weeks or so probably...
2. some delicious dinner. but only if you like chicken, teriyaki and mushrooms as much as I do. Now that I'm looking at it... it doesn't look that appetizing. Back when I was in middle school or high school I wanted to go into food styling as a career. Like... how when they photograph a bowl of Cheerios, the milk is actually glue... that sort of thing. I'd fail if this was my real attempt.

Day 48

2009-01-12T23:22:00.001-05:00

I did some errands, said some swears, visited with Kate and then off to see the Neil.

In either the Villager or the Killingly Reminder- somebody has the task of taking a photo of something super close up, and challenging the readers to identify what it is. I think there's some sort of prize, but I always enjoyed that sort of abstract technique.

When I took my photography class in college, I had to put together a self portrait portfolio basically- something that showed who I was. Interestingly, there were very few photos of ME. There was on of me sticking out my (pierced) tongue, one taken with my feet up on the coffee table, wearing my birkenstocks, and one of me in bed. My favorite place to be...

This is a photo of that picture- it's not in great shape.

The rest of the photos were of my friends- they were such an interesting assortment of people... and they defined me.

My point was though, and why I brought this project up at all- was on each left page (the right page in the book was a human shot) was a shot of a tree. All black and white- just getting right in there with the mangled mess of bark and knots and branches. You knew they were trees, but you couldn't see the whole thing and couldn't identify its location. I liked that. It was my self portrait portfolio and to me- the way I shot those trees was like me- you could see parts of me, but nobody ever saw the whole thing.

Those were my first license plates. I kept them after CT switched over to the new plates. I liked them quite a bit. I wish I had a longer range on my lens. I need a new lens! and a job!

Day 47

2009-01-11T23:21:00.003-05:00

The best part of this is that while I felt like I went out on Saturday night... most of these pictures were taking after midnight, so technically- Day 47. GOOD THEN.

I guess it's also fair to say (and should be fairly obvious...) I didn't take all of these... I let my camera baby out of my hands in into the hands of folks who have been drinking.

I also seem to have lost my lens cap- good thing I use my UV filter as a secondary lens cap anyway. piece of crap.

Oh it's also interesting that I'm wearing glasses in these shots. I do not wear my glasses when I'm out to be out. I hate my glasses.

Day 46

2009-01-10T18:54:00.005-05:00

Melisa and I took Krista to the mall to buy an outfit for a Christmas party for Christopher's work. I have a super headache right now and can't even think nevermind type. I hate the mall- it was fun dressing Krista up tho and she was a pretty good sport. She got this outfit for $30. That's for the shoes, dress and sweater. GOOD DEAL!

My Sullypuppy with his new bandanna:

Day 45

2009-01-09T19:02:00.003-05:00

Day 45

2009-01-09T12:16:00.002-05:00

Shawn yelled at me to get a job today. Um... ok! Jeez! It IS practically the middle of January after all. Which means I've been unemployed for 3.5 months. Whoa. I can't believe I haven't lost my shit yet. I did some searching today. I probably should update my resume. I'd like to find a job as an office assistant at a photography studio. If anybody has any ideas- let me know.

Going to JTs tonight and to Melisa and Ryan's tomorrow. Well... I mean... I'll probably end up there tonight/ tomorrow morning.

I'm going to go to the gym now. I loph the gym. And my sirius radio. Thanks Darrell.

I'll install Photoshop on Monday. Without fail. Promises. Then it'll be an uploading photos party. MAYBE I'll do some this weekend off of Melisa's computer. We'll see. My mom seems to think I'm going to be snowed in Stafford for EVER. Worse things could happen.

Day 44

2009-01-08T21:33:00.003-05:00

I bought a tripod today. A tripod that converts into a monopod if need be.

Look out world!

Also, going to convert this blog into a flickr 365 photo project thing... I'm just starting to play with flickr, so I don't know if I can back-date photos yet... but I'm assuming I can. Hope I can. Oh well. Maybe I won't.

Darrell asked me to go for a ride today... to Best Buy. I'm always up for a trip to Best Buy. So we go to Best Buy in Warwick, where I haven't been since I was in middle school or something when I got my ears pierced. Things have changed a little bit.

We went to Best Buy- since we were there for too long I bought the tripod instead of the DVDs I was eying. Then we went to Longhorn somethingoranother for lunch and that was good. AND THEN. AND THEN DARRELL MADE ME GO TO THE MALL.

Ugh. That's two trips to the mall with Darrell in one month. I hate the mall. Good thing I like Darrell because otherwise this would have gotten ugly.

The only thing I bought at the mall was two bandannas for Sully and Sadie who I'll be seeing this weekend. I miss my Sully. I hope he likes his bandanna. Sadie gets one too for being a good girl and not biting me when I come in the house at 2am. Hopefully that's how it goes down...

Also Darrell definitely redeemed himself by installing my Sirius radio and I am so very excited to get it going tomorrow. Whoo!

Doesn't seem fun eating upside down...

Or being stared at... like you're lunch...

Day 43

2009-01-07T21:29:00.004-05:00

I'm not sure how Wednesday just got away from me...

I don't even remember what I did Wednesday. It's Thursday night now that I'm writing this.

I seriously have zero recollection. Good thing I have the camera to look back on and remind myself...

How do I lose an entire day? I watched "the duchess" and "tristan and isolde". I watched them through to the ends... but didn't particularly enjoy either of them. I'm pretty sure I did some dishes yesterday too.

Was yesterday the ice storm? How do I just not remember it at all?

Wow. Scary.

What I do remember is this: My eye has been twitching for the last few days. This is never a good sign. Something is up. My eye knows I'm worried about something before I do- but it's always been "I hate my job so much". At cell tower company of awesomeness, there was no eye twitch. Not even when they're like- yeah, we're selling. good luck! because they followed that up with, oh hey- we're going to give you a bag of money to make you stop crying. i was ok with that.

So the question is- what is up? I'm not unhappy. I thought I was pretty happy actually. I suppose the obvious answer is that I'm unemployed- but as I mentioned before, I am really ok with that. In the last week or so, I've become even MORE ok with that. My funds went below the "my funds can not go below this level" level sometime between Christmas and Tuesday, but are back up above that level now... and yet my eye still twitches.

there is one other possibility... not for conversation on public blogs... but now that I've thought of it... maybe that's what it is... blogs are so healing.

ok. ok good then.

Update 1/9/09: I didn't finish watching either of those movies. I mean... the duchess was technically on until the end, but I don't know how it ended. i didn't care. as far as tristan and isolde goes... i think i shut it off about an hour into it. i didn't care. i didn't care so much that i forgot that i didn't even finish it. what a waste of time. funny that it took me until i was falling asleep last night to remember that...

Day 42

2009-01-06T18:29:00.003-05:00

I have a lot of catching up to do... frankly... I just haven't been home. I haven't installed the new trial of Photoshop because I didn't want to waste it on days I knew I wouldn't use it... So I suspect Thursday or Friday we'll see some substantial updates around here.

Last night I was thinking about how I'd like to get a studio lighting kit- try out portrait photography... it's not exactly a cheap endeavor... but what it comes down to is that I'd like to find a career that I love and that I can take with me wherever I go.

I definitely wish that I had pursued the photography thing when I was in high school and in the higher education track. I took a photography class, but I had a harder time and spent more of it trying to get the film canisters open in the dark rooms than I did learning about aperture and burning and dodging. I wish I had taken ANY art classes in high school.

I'm going to look at QVCC right now and see if there are any photography classes available... it's hard because of the job thing... and what if I get a job- I can't finish the class? I suppose I should just cross that bridge when I come to it.

OK- I checked. Classes are full. Oh well!

Day 41

2009-01-05T12:25:00.007-05:00

Day 41... Not a very descriptive title... and now that I kind of want to go back and see some specific things... Well- I will be going back in the blog and retitling some of the old posts with subject material du jour.

My first trial of photoshop ran out about a week ago, so that's a bummer... but I have another trial waiting for me in my room... of the whole CS4 bundle! WAY more than I need, and WAY more than I can even start to look at in a month.

So I'll get my photos together to make up for the last few days and install the new trial of photoshop and try to take better advantage of it in the coming month...

I bought a satellite radio for my car. I know I shouldn't have. I KNOW! I'm unemployed! I know! I need brakes and tires so I can leave the house in the winter! I KNOW!! However, my car doesn't have radio (I'm sure it's a pretty easy fix though), and I really like the lithium station (formally known as 'Lucy')- so I should be receiving that in the next few days and hopefully Darrell can hook it up for me! Whoo Darrell!! Darrell is the bombdiggitydog! Whoo!

***********I DID NOT TAKE THAT PHOTO!************

WHOA. I just noticed that sirius REALLY likes the lithium station too! That's the one they have showing on my new radio in all their promotional material. sweet.

Day 40

2009-01-04T17:27:00.001-05:00

Day 39

2009-01-03T17:26:00.000-05:00

Day 38

2009-01-02T17:26:00.002-05:00

Self Portrait Day... Well January 1st should have been self portrait day... but...

whatever.

I call it: "WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN THERE??"

Day 37

2009-01-01T22:28:00.012-05:00

Went to Cliff and Darcy's NYE gathering- it was lovely. As evidenced by adorableness...

Cliff and Darcy

Melissa and Shane

Evan and Michelle

Me looking awesome with my eyes open...

Missy and Darcy

Michelle

Evan's ear after the "activities"...

Darrell looking like he's been drinking for 12 hours... holding up pretty well actually!

Jay... not so much...

Boston's too tired to eat his treat...

What I Posted on Myspace- NYE

2008-12-31T19:06:00.000-05:00

It's been a really long time since I've written anything here- mainly because I've been keeping another: http://stillmanphotography.blogspot.com/

It was my "new year's resolution" to update that every day, but it's just not going to happen- I generally do put up a photo or two for every day... just maybe 5 days later. whatever!

2008 has been a tough year for pretty much everybody. A lot of bad, and a lot of changes... but there have been some good things too. I lost my job, but that left me with money to finally buy my camera, time to go to CA for the first time to see Jon, Lisa and my brother, an open schedule to see my friends and the Neil and basically just enjoy myself.

I moved from Stafford, and I miss my Stafford people quite a bit. I think that everybody is in a better place now though. Now I'm in Brooklyn and reconnecting with the friends I neglected while living a whole 40 minutes away.

The economy sucks. In 21 days Obama will be president, and I have hopes for that. High hopes. Selfish hopes.

Andrew and I are working on a 3-D/ lenticular printing scheme (I mean... we were- and then the holidays hit... ) and set a goal for getting our shite together for an art show in the South End in June 2009.

Kate and I are planning on going to CA in February (depending on Jon's schedule- he won a fantastic contest and will be coming to NY for 6 weeks- road trip!!)

I can not wait to go to NH a couple times this summer... I had a dream about it the other night. And Maine- oh boy. Can't wait.

I can not complain. I am jobless- but my new year's resolution is to start looking. I can only blame myself for not already having a job... but I'm in no rush, and I want to find the right fit.

I've been going to the gym 4-5 times a week and I've never felt better.

Life is good. And it should only get better.

I hope that you all find the good things in your life and focus on what ever they may be. We all have things to be thankful for, and positive aspects of our lives that we can improve upon. It does us no good to focus on negativity. If it's one thing I learned from reading "The Secret" it's that. *jokes!*

Best wishes to all my friends for a very happy New Year!!

Day 36- New Year's Eve

2008-12-31T15:57:00.003-05:00

It snowed again today... I put the birdseed out yesterday though and Aidan's friends came by. He gets very excited for friends!

That's how I can call him to come too. "Aidan! Friends!" and he'll come flying... but like the boy who called wolf... I don't use that too often, because he trusts me for some reason.

Day 35

2008-12-30T22:01:00.002-05:00

I just wrote a post and realized that I was going to have to delete it or get in some serious trouble. Kate- you saw what I was doing prior to leaving for the bank/ Sturbridge. This is the "after" when you dropped me off. Point= Made.

Everybody else: Don't Even Worry About It.
Seriously.

Day 34

2008-12-29T22:00:00.001-05:00

Went to Sturbridge with Kate for dinner. I suppose in and of itself, Sturbridge is a nice town. Since I used to work at the evil hotel though... it gives me a bit of anxiety being there... like crazy laughing anxiety.

But we went to the picadilly anyway. Billy was far too busy to come over and say hi- had to unload a wood pellet mixer for his dad. Whatever. WHATEVER. =]

This is me stalking the host... oh... no nevermind... forget it.

This is how beautiful the Publick House looked (the host looked like poop.):

I also took photos the whole way home- playing with aperture and such... it was amusing for me, but you know... not that awesome photo wise...

I need a tripod. A lot. Santa forgot to bring me snow tires too.

Day 33

2008-12-28T22:00:00.001-05:00

I didn't take any photographs.

I did watch Burn After Reading though- and you should too.

Day 32

2008-12-27T22:00:00.001-05:00

No photos today either.

Very busy.

Very important.

Day 31

2008-12-26T21:59:00.001-05:00

Nope.

Didn't take a single photo.

Day 30- Christmas

2008-12-25T22:08:00.003-05:00

This is not my self portrait of the month... but I got this jacket for Christmas and this is what I look like when I'm fully wearing it:

Day 29

2008-12-24T22:11:00.001-05:00

Neil got me a fantastic book for my photography education... It jumps right in from the first page with stuff I really need to learn. Most likely, since I have "assignments" with this book, I'll be posting them here to keep you all entertained.

In the meantime- here's Aidan looking wistful. Really wishes Santa would move his ass and get here already!

Day 28

2008-12-23T22:10:00.001-05:00

That picture that I posted a link to yesterday... yeah- my mom submitted that to the Norwich Bulletin and they printed it today. My mom was SUPER excited about it, and I was too, but the excitement has since worn off. I got a by line. So there. Good then!

I made cookies.

Day 27

2008-12-22T15:54:00.002-05:00

I've been published! Sorta!

Check out #78
Willy on the Web!

Day 26

2008-12-21T21:01:00.007-05:00

So when I started this project, I installed Google analytics, because it provides some interesting information. statistics. i love statistics.

i think what's most interesting right now, is that i've had visits from a number of countries, including one from Iran. Thanks Iran. Two from France too- one from Paris and one from Bourges.

I'll have to remember to keep an eye on that.

I think it's safe to say I took these pictures after midnight so they count as Sunday photos...

Jill

Jason, Kate, and AJ...

and again... only AJ gets to be in focus for real though...

Jay

Timmy

I'm just going to put this out there... but... I'm pretty fantastic at beer pong. Just saying.

And this is the photo I took of Willy today- mom's printing and putting it in some Christmas cards.

Day 25

2008-12-20T16:15:00.002-05:00

It snowed yesterday.

Going to Stafford now- to JT's to celebrate Kate's 30th birthday.

Whoo!

Day 24

2008-12-19T14:50:00.003-05:00

Today is THE BIG SNOW STORM! I got an email from my mom saying it was snowing and I decided that was the time to run to the store. So that I did. My car has low profile sporty tires. Because my car is kind of a low profile sporty kind of car. I don't know WHAT I was thinking getting this thing. My corolla was a trouper. LOVED driving in the snow in that car- if there was a snowbank- I could plow right through.

Back to the dumb cobalt- I got out of the driveway, and sort of slid down the hill in front of my house. Slid right through the stop sign at the end of the road too, but got control of the car before it hit that tree, and before I got to route 6. Route 6 was a bit better because there were more cars warming up the pavement. Almost slid past the road I needed (going to Brooklyn Market or whatever it's called now to get my mom some food items and me some diet coke- EMERGENCY!!) and barely got control of the car pulling into a space.

Side note- I grew up in New England and know how to handle a car in 'weather'. I am not a dumb girl. Trust me on that one.

I get the diet coke and get out of there- there's already a big accident on Route 6/ Route 169 intersection- somebody in an SUV rear ended a CL&P truck. Good job!

I slowly pulled up to Brown Road, and took my left (and my life in my hands) and successfully pulled up the hill. Slowly. I couldn't really hit the gas at all, because as soon as I did, the car would lose traction. I couldn't hit the brakes for sure, because the car would lose traction. I barely made it back up the hill to my house. BARELY.

The dumb cobalt isn't that dumb though... every time I lost traction it would flash "Low Traction". Very helpful! "Ice Possible". You're not kidding cobalt- thanks!

Dear Santa,

New Tires Please!!

Love,
Liz

Day 23

2008-12-18T14:46:00.000-05:00

My mom's cat, Grace. She's pretty.

Not very nice a lot of the time though... and definitely not graceful.

Day 22

2008-12-17T12:30:00.002-05:00

Kate told me last night that I was "the worst blogger ever".

Dear Kate,

Love always,
Liz

In other news- it snowed today.

Day 21

2008-12-16T12:30:00.001-05:00

Look! He does tricks!

On a side note- Aidan is a lovely adorable cat that does not hate me. He does hate me teasing him with tasty treats and taking his picture... with flash. He mostly hates the flash. He moves too much to not use flash though.

Day 20

2008-12-15T12:29:00.001-05:00

Day 19

2008-12-14T18:54:00.004-05:00

Borella making breakfast...

View from the living room. I'd be more than just ok with that view...

and Old Trinity...

Day 18

2008-12-13T18:54:00.001-05:00

Day 17

2008-12-12T18:54:00.001-05:00

Day 16

2008-12-11T16:43:00.004-05:00

Dad's been here for pretty much all day... I snapped a couple of photos when he wasn't looking...

It smells good too. Like wet rotten wood.

Day 15

2008-12-10T14:13:00.005-05:00

Kate brought it to my attention that it was past Wednesday morning. Well. I'm running low on excuses... but I sort of got sick. No really. Yesterday afternoon I slept from 5:15 til 9ish when my mom woke me up because she knew I'd be regretting going to bed that early around 2am or so.

So my dad came over a couple weeks ago to pick me up so we could go for a hike in Hampton. The boy scouts fixed up some trails and it was quite nice. Built some bridges and benches. Good boys. While dad was at the house I pointed out that the ceiling in the kitchen was literally falling apart.

See:

So he went upstairs and checked out the bathroom because that's probably where the leak is coming from... he saw my mom and told her he'd be back to take a look at it again... which he did... today.

That black junk on the floor is the head of the bolt that used to hold the back end of the toilet down. It disintegrated when he touched it. So... that's good. Also you can see the tile is sort of coming up. That's because the floor is completely rotted out there. Pretty awesome!

He wanted to pretend this never happened, back out slowly and hopefully she'll never know. He likened it to stepping in a bees nest and pulling your foot out and staying still and hopefully the bees won't notice. good times.

This is where the concrete is literally rotted. I didn't even know concrete could do that.

Anyway- he's slightly concerned that one of us will end up in the kitchen some day a lot sooner than we had expected, so he's going to try to fix it... if my mom gives him the go ahead...

Day 14

2008-12-09T09:50:00.003-05:00

In case anybody has been checking this- been very busy with the life and all... I haven't unloaded the photos off my camera in a few days and will update the blog accordingly Wednesday morning.

Update (Wednesday 2:48PM)

Day 13

2008-12-08T12:50:00.001-05:00

Day 12

2008-12-07T23:57:00.001-05:00

Came back from Stafford this afternoon, went for a walk with my mom to find a Christmas tree without much luck. It was snowing (first real snow of the season!) and the roads in the farm were kind of icy. I fell. The shoes I grabbed while my mom was being all impatient with me are running shoes for the road. I thought they were my trail running shoes. Not so much. Look exactly the same except the tread. These have none. Dumb.

Other than that- I've done nothing productive today at all except a load of laundry and made dinner and did the dishes.

Tomorrow should prove to be more productive and interesting in general.

Day 11

2008-12-06T23:50:00.005-05:00

I made some life plans last night. Big time.

Day 11 was Krista's 21st birthday. Kate and I "went to the game", which means we went to Manchester and saw a movie and I had a piece of a piece of the literally worst pizza I've ever eaten in my life and felt sick for the rest of the day, and then went to JTs and I stayed there for like... 3 hours drinking selter and then went to Vernon Lanes to go bowling (super fun- love bowling) and then back up to Stafford for drinks at Mun's. Considering how much time I spent at the bar Saturday (bar at the bowling alley too), it's funny that my total bar tab for the entire day was $20 and that included a bacardi and diet for Kate and a long island iced tea for Krista and a bud light that I bought for myself, but mysteriously disappeared (thanks Jason).

Can't you just feel the love?

Day 10

2008-12-05T11:49:00.005-05:00

My mom's dog had mouth cancer- from all the chew- you know? Like the baseball players? Exactly like that- they had to remove half of his lower jaw and now it clicks all the time like he's chewing ice. It's an awful sound and makes me think twice about the eating of the ice.

Anyway- a lot of people have been asking my mom about him and so she wanted to send out a nice Christmas card featuring Willy. So... today's photoshoot will feature my mom's collie Willy with antlers. Later in the day I'll be headed back to Target to get the antlers for Aidan and Grace and since I probably won't be able to get them to sit nicely for the photo... work on photoshopping them into Willy's picture.

This is quite a little project for the novice. Just thought I'd keep you all posted.

P.S.- he doesn't look like he's missing half his lower jaw... He's still a good looking dog. Seems to be pretty happy too- when he's not "adjusting" his jaw.

P.P.S.- I got my hair cut again. I just wasn't happy with the length. So I called at 1:30 and got an appointment for 2:30 and the owner apologized for not being able to take me herself. Whatever! Thanks for taking me at all!

So this is the new length. It's a little shorter than I wanted, but I can still throw the sassy face with it, so whatever!

Day 9

2008-12-04T12:04:00.002-05:00

Day 9...

Well it's noon. Last night I watched 4-5 episodes of House and 4-5 episodes of Grey's Anatomy to catch up. I haven't watched TV for quite some time- that kind of TV at least. Prior to leaving Stafford I was generally indisposed during prime time- chitchatting with the phone calls or at JTs or Melisa's or something... most of the shows I used to watch were DVRd so it didn't really matter if I couldn't watch them when they first aired... but now I don't have that luxury. or HBO. So I haven't watched True Blood or Heroes or anything else in a really long time. Been watching MSNBC at night.

SERIOUSLY. I watch MSNBC at night and want to wear heels. I bought a pair of jeans yesterday. I put them on and said- these would look better with heels. I found a pair of heels and put them on and I was right. Then I went online and went shoe shopping. I don't know what's happened to me. I didn't buy any shoes- I'll just stick with what I've got for the time being and see how that treats me. Even with the heels the jeans are too long. I normally get "tall" jeans, because normal isn't long enough... but this is a bit too much. I suppose I could get them altered- but... that'd be too grown up.

Oh- rambling. Sorry.

So... it's time to get the ass in gear and go to the gym. New policy is leave at 12:50 to get there for 1PM or so and watch days of our lives while on the arc trainer. I just tried the arc trainer yesterday... it's like Tony Little's Gazelle on crack. It changes the incline while you're going- like a treadmill... except the part where I didn't realize it was going to do that... good thing I was completely alone in the gym yesterday when that happened, because I burst out laughing.

This picture isn't the picture of the day... just something to prove I do own heels. I admit the only reason for that was to wear to weddings, job interviews and funerals... but whatever.

Day 8

2008-12-03T11:46:00.002-05:00

Since I live with my mother at the moment (who hates her photo taken as much as I do) and my cat and her cat and her dog and that's it... it's easy for me to take pictures of the cats. I don't have another subject. Cats or Christmas trees.

Today was cats. Shooting into the sun.

He's very sick of the camera. He's also dusty, and I think the look in his eyes reflects the "please don't document my filth! let me clean myself first!" and then spends the next three days cleaning himself obsessively. at least nobody's told him he's fat lately... he literally goes bulimic for a few days after a weight comment.

I know I promise more interesting photos pretty much every day- but you know... that would involve a more interesting life I think.

Day 7

2008-12-02T19:48:00.004-05:00

It was a beautiful sunset today... I took a bunch of shots trying to capture the bright colors- this is about as good as it got. I didn't alter the colors in photoshop, just used the vivid setting on the camera with the saturation and hue cranked up. The photo was more about the colors than the trees, but I can see now that they're a bit out of focus. The sun (obviously) had mostly set, so light was very low there in my yard. This is overlooking the christmas tree field next door.

I took some other pictures too... but now that I look at them, they're very grainy. Obviously I need to reset my camera and figure out why that's happening. Even with the low light, they shouldn't be that bad. It wasn't THAT dark.

I'll try again tomorrow.

Melisa's tinkering with her camera again. Yay!