A Senseless Killing

I haven’t had the energy to put all my thoughts in order regarding the terrible events in the city that I grew up in, in a movie theater that I went to. This one hits closer then Columbine for me, as I moved to Colorado the year of the Columbine shooting.

I woke up on Friday morning, and grabbed my phone to check the weather and the news. When I read that there was a shooting in Aurora it didn’t even cross my mind that it was Aurora, Colorado until I saw the next article which stated the name of the state.

The AMC 16 was just down Chambers Rd from the house that I grew up in. The theater and the mall are about a 15 minute drive from my childhood home. And while as teens and young adults we preferred to go to the newer movie theaters built on the south side of town, we’ve seen quite a few movies at AMC 16.

I can’t even explain the numbness that I’ve been walking around with. My mother-in-law texted me that one of the victims was once a student of hers, a sweet girl who wanted nothing but to help others. Another one of the victims (Alex Sullivan) was a year younger that hubs and graduated from the same school. While D said that he had not knowing him personally, he had crossed paths with him in high school. What’s even sadder is that I knew his wife. Not closely, we went to school together, so I knew of her and had spoken to her a few times here and there. They were getting ready to celebrate their 1st year of marriage, and some idiot loner decided that he would take it into his own hands to stop these newlyweds from a wonderful life together.

This is the video from 9News.com, of the initial court appearance of the jackass who doesn’t seem to even care that he is more than likely to be faced with the death penalty. Thank God Colorado still has capital punishment as an option.

Personally, I believe that the death penalty is too simple of a get away for this asshole. However, I don’t believe that he deserves a life in prison that we would have to pay for with our tax dollars.  

My heart goes out to all the victims, their families and friends. I’m heartbroken that I cannot be in my community doing something to help those in need.

Please hold your loved ones close, tell them you love them and make sure that you don’t go to bed mad. We never know when a psycho like this will decided to end more lives.

Dear Friday

You must really be joking me as there is no way it can actually be Friday already?! AND I guess technically it is still Thursday, but for most of the world it is in fact Friday. On top of it it’s the 19th of JULY! Is anyone else seeing the time zoom by. I seem to have a to-do list that is longer then the hours in the year, and I feel very unaccomplished these past few weeks. Should probably revisit my goals from last the beginning of the month.

Dear Lilly, you gave me a heck of a time this week. First I come home to you having devoured a whole bag of sandwich bread. Then that same night, you decided that it would be a really good idea to jump on mom and dad’s bed and PEE on it. Really bug? Is this what we have taught you? Dear Time, please slow down. I need to catch my breath. Dear Leia, I love you for kicking my butt. Even know my butt is literally sore and I am loving being back at the gym and having some guidance as to what I need to do. Dear Photography Clients, thank you, from the bottom of my heart for the repeat business and for all the referrals. You guys rock and be advised that I will be starting a referral/repeat customer program that you will LOVE. Dear photographers who give out digital negatives, please stop. It’s really hurting the industry and not doing anything for your sales or reputation. Just think of all the people re-editing your photos and then getting them printed at Wal-Mart. Terrified yet? Dear Leia, thank you for the pep talk the other day, while my butt was getting kicked. You got to know that you are worth it!!! It’s helped a lot this week. Dear Husband, I’m sorry that you hurt your finger yesterday while trying to do laundry, and NO a hurt figure is not an excuse to never ever ever do laundry again. Dear Colorado, I will see you in 12 days! That’s right, I’m counting down. Dear Bed, you are calling my name, BUT there’s a discussion that needs to be done for school.

 

Finally, Dear Weekend be kind to me. I’m on call all day Saturday and Sunday. Let’s hope for good weather and no issues in ANY of my cities.

8 Fears

 

Sometimes life takes you by surprise, and this month is taking me by surprise for sure. I can’t believe that today is the 18th of July! Holy COW where does time go?

I have another full week in AZ and then off to Denver I go. In fact two Wednesday’s from now, I’ll be either in Colorado or very close to being in Colorado. It all depends on the driving and the dog.

Keeping up with my 10 Days of me Challenge, here are 8 of my greatest fears.

1. Losing my husband or anyone else I love. None of us are immortal. BUT boy do I wish we could all be vampires and sparkle and live on forever. How cool would that be? I have a very real and at the same time irrational fear of losing someone close to me, including Lilly the dog. I sometimes will try to imagine my life without them, and will randomly start crying. It’s that bad.

2. Cancer. I’m not so much afraid of dying as I am of cancer. I fear it above all other deadly illnesses. You would think I’d be better about getting annual check ups and such with this fear of mine, however I’m even more afraid of someone telling me that there is something wrong with me or my test results are abnormal.

3. Spiders and anything else that crawls, creeps, slithers and so on. HATE them. We kept finding black widows in our back yard and front porch and I swear I was having nightmares about waking up to one dangling above my head. ARGH

4. Disappointing/Letting down people. I don’t know if this is really a fear, but I hate it. I know sometimes I end up doing it anyways, but I simply can’t stand it. I like to make people happy.

5.  Losing my wedding ring. I know I’ve talked about getting a new ring, and how when we got mine, it’s really all we could afford and so on. BUT I do love my ring for what it stands, and what it means to me. I’d never trade it in for another ring (as in I would not get rid of it, I’d just wear it on my right hand or something). BUT I have a fear of losing it. For example, I usually leave it at home if I’m going to be lifting weighs, and every time I look down at my hand I am terrified that I lost it.

6. Car accidents scare the living daylight out of me. When I see one, I always start to visual how it happened and then start thinking of what one had to do, then start putting myself in that position. And then I have to distract myself by something else otherwise I’ll probably end up in an accident myself.

7. Sick babies. I am terrified that my children will be born with disabilities or deformations. AND I know this is going to get me some hate mail, BUT if I knew that my child would have disabilities/deformations/life threatening illnesses, I would abort my pregnancy (if I still had the chance). I feel very strongly about bring a child into this world who would not have the same quality of life as a healthy baby.

JUST A NOTE this is my personal opinion, my personal choice, and my body. My husband feels the same exact way, so please don’t preach to me how wrong it is. If you don’t agree, then lets just agree to disagree.

8. Not being good enough. This goes in all aspects of my life. I’m afraid that I may not be a good enough daughter, granddaughter, wife, friend, sister, dog mom and future mom. I am afraid that I am not a good enough employee, and a co-worker. Or that I’m not a good enough student or a photographer and so on.

_______________________________

There you have it. My 8 greatest fears.

What are you afraid of? How do you cope with these fears?

I’m going home!!

I feel like you can never have too many homes. For example, our home is here in Arizona, but I consider Denver home as well, since I’ve grown up there and my family is still there. However, my first real home has and will always be Yerevan, Armenia, and I get to go back in two months and 3 days.

My Dad called me this morning, as I was reluctantly getting up at 6 AM to take Lilly out and feed her, to tell me that he was booking my ticket. This was great news, as we wont have the money to pay for the ticket until later this month, and the price would have most likely gone up. Now, I just have to get my name fixed in my passport and pack my camera!

The sad part is, that I’ll only be in Yerevan for 3 full days, then leave for London and spend another 3 there before heading back home to Denver, and then flying back to Tucson. I cannot wait to see my grandmothers, and my aunt, cousins and above all my adorable new niece.

So today’s Sunday Social questions are perfect for me and my travel mood.

 

Best trip you've ever been on: It’s really hard to pick one trip that was “the best” as each trip I’ve taken has been unique in its own way. There have been a few trips that have just been awful. BUT if I had to pick one trip that was the best, I’d say my last trip to Austria with my brother. We were just flying through Vienna on our way to meet family, and had a 12 hour layover. We got into Vienna at about 6 AM and the city was still asleep. So we walked around the streets of downtown, hung out in a park for a little while, then when the city started waking up we got some breakfast at a small little coffee shop right on the street of Vienna. It was the shortest 12 hours I’ve spent anywhere, and it was a great time with my baby brother. I think it’s where our relationship really solidified into the one we have today, from the kiddy/bickering one we had before.

Best idea for a girls weekend trip: My beautiful friend Katy and I always talk about a spa trip out of town, but have yet to find the time to do it. Maybe we’ll go to Scottsdale when she comes to visit. Personally, I’d love to spend a weekend in a spa, sipping on margaritas and enjoying the company of beautiful friends.

Best idea for a couples trip: Hands down an all-inclusive beach vacation. Mexico is ideal. Especially when there is lots of alcohol available, no need to drive and the beautiful ocean steps away. We’re actually working on a trip in November for our anniversary and talking our friends on coming along. I don’t think they really need lots of convincing.  

Best vacation on the cheap: Humm, staycation?! Haha. We’ve found some amazing deals on Groupon for getaways! My in-laws celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this year, and we got them a deal off of Groupon for Las Vegas. They loved it!!! We’ve also managed to do a trip to Vegas with flight, hotel, food, and entertainment for under a $1000 for the 4 days!

 
Place you most want to visit: A better question is a place I don’t want to visit. I’d love to go to Paris once every season so I can photograph it in all of it’s beauty. However, my current “want” is to go to Belize, the diver’s paradise!

Vacation/Travel necessities: This is a good question. I use to be a complete overpacker and would take everything under the sun. In the last few years, I’ve been able to really narrow down what I really need on a trip. For example, my trip to Armenia, I’m going to take my camera gear and a small carry on with my clothing, and this is what I’ll most likely include:

1. Camera body, prime lens, zoom/telephoto lens, flash, CF cards, and other minor gear
2. A dress, something that can be dressed up or down
3. Pair of jeans, usually something that’s a little bit more loose and comfortable
4. A pair of comfortable flats
5. Sunglasses
6. Toothbrush
7. Facewash
8. Sports bra!!!!
9. Phone
10. Laptop

The end!

Dear Friday…

I cannot believe you are here. What is going on?! Where did my week go?

Dear Lilly I really don’t appreciate your whining every single morning at 6 AM sharp, especially when my back is as sore as can be. I do appreciate your snuggles thought, after you’ve been let out and realize that you are NOT getting me out of bed. Dear husband, thank you for letting the dog out this morning, and for making delicious dinner tonight. Dear baby Matthew, thank you for letting me get a few good shots of you, even though you kicked and screamed and hollered the whole time. AND then fell asleep as we gave up on you.

Dear baby Logan, thank you for actually posing for me. Who knew that an almost two week old could be such a great model. We’re going to have lots of fun for your six month and one year photos!

Dear blog friends, thank you for being here, for supporting and inspiring. Dear Sal Cincatto where have you been all my life? Thank you for giving me a good business lesson and sending me on my way to success. Dear Lightroom 4, are you worth the $79 upgrade from Lightroom 3?

Office colors & It’s Okay Thursday

I am not really sure where time is going, but I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it’s flying. I’ve got too many things to do and not enough hours in the day.

This week has been full of work, changes to the photography biz, and workouts. Yes, you heard right, this lazy butt is back in the gym. AND it’s very evident in the way that I walk hobble around.

I think I’ve finally decided on the colors I want to do my office in, and might have even found furniture for it all. Along with artwork and so on.

Here are the different color set’s I’m considering:

'

Here is the bookcase I am thinking about. I also found a plain black writing desk and a file cabinet.

 

And here are two of the photos I’ll have printed, mounted and framed.

   

So what do you think? I’d like to incorporate a little bit of red into the colors buttt not too much. So I’m thinking the print may be all I have with red in it. Let me know your thoughts!

______________________

And now to move on to It’s Okay Thursday

It is totally and completely okay that I had a slice of tuxedo turtle cake with my tea last night. If you haven’t had tuxedo turtle cake (from Fry’s/Kings Soopers) you are missing out. It’s life-altering. SOO GOOD.

It’s okay that I’ve decided to change out my selling structure for my photography biz. It’s scary not knowing how clients will react to it, but as a business I need to go in a different direction to ensure that I can pay my bills.

It’s okay to be stern with co-workers, even though I feel guilty. BUT come on, if you want to take on a new task, you better do it 100%, not call me and expect me to do your job for you. It wastes my time. I’d rather just do the task myself, and not sit on the phone for 2 hours giving my input.

It’s okay to be super excited about my trip back to Colorado in two weeks time!!!!

It’s okay to have drank a whole pot of tea by myself. What can I say, I love tea.

And it’s totally okay to be incredibly in love with my hubs and dog. It may be a little ridiculous the things I do and say, but at least it’s all out of love.

Hope you all are having a wonderful Thursday. I’ll be working my tail off today with lots of Chimpsy things to do and a newborn shoot late on this afternoon.

9 Loves!

Happy Hump Day All! It’s now officially the second Wednesday of July! This past weekend was my grandmothers 80th Birthday and as well as my mother in laws birthday (not quite 80 yet). I’m a little sad that I’m so far away from my grandmother, and this July 8th, marks 5 years since I’ve seen either one of my grandmothers. I plan on making a trip out to Armenia in September. Keep your fingers crossed that it doesn’t cost me an arm and a leg, and possibly my first born child.

To continue on with the challenge, here are 9 loves!

1. First and foremost I love my husband, more than anything in the world. He drives me insane sometimes. He also makes me so bad I probably shoot sparks out of my ears. But I love him through it all.

2. My family. This is a no brainer. I could list out every single one of them individually, but that would be cheating. I have the best family ever. Really, my parents and brother are my best friends. There is no way around it. I tell them everything and know everything. I love them to the moon and back.

3. My Lilly Bug. Of course she gets her on point. I don’t know what I’d do without her around. She keeps me sane.

4. Good food and friends. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love good food and good company.

5. SHOES! If you know me even a little bit you totally know and understand this.

6. Reading. I love love love a good book, almost more than anything else!

7. A good glass of wine and my hubby’s margaritas. You have not tried a good margarita until you’ve had one of my hubby’s creations. Let me tell ya! This man can make a mean margarita!!

8. Cooking. This one doesn’t really warrant an explanation. I love food, therefore I love cooking.

9. Photography.

 

_____________________________

I love lots of other things, but these are the first nine that popped into my head.

Hope your Wednesday is filled with lots of love

Sunday Social–TV edition

Hi Sunday, you’re here again and this weekend, unlike the last I am not on call. Which means that yesterday, I actually got to enjoy my day. I’m once again up at the crack of dawn, because Lilly thinks that it’s the perfect time to go out a pee and do a bit of surveillance work around the backyard. She doesn’t realize that mom likes to sleep in, and has decided to never ever ever let me sleep in again.

Today’s Sunday Social is all TV. Now, if you know me in real life, you know that we’re not huge TV people. We love movies and certain shows, but paying for cable is really not for us. We had cable for a little while, and paid $200+ a month for it and never really used it. So we turned it off, and haven’t missed it sense. It’s cheaper to watch our favorite shows on their site, or through my dad’s dish subscription online, or just go out and buy the season on DVD and have it to watch on our own terms.

  That being said, here are my answer.

 

This Weeks Questions:

Favorite TV show of the past?

Favorite show of the past would have to be Sex and the City. I never really watched the whole thing when it first came out but a few years ago, I got the whole collection and I love just popping it into the DVD player and watching an episode here and there. I love looking back at the style and seeing how it’s changed over the years.

 

Another one would have to be House. I just love the sarcastic, asshole personality of Dr. House.

Favorite TV show currently?

Game of Thrones has got to be the best show out there right now. We love it. We’re also loving Suits and Burn Notice.

      

 

Which Reality Show would you NEVER do?

Any of them. I never got into the whole, let’s watch other peoples lives. I read about them here and there so I know which ones are out there. BUT really, what’s the fascination with sitting on the couch and watching other people live their lives. I’d rather be out there living my own life.

Which Reality Show would you LOVE to do?

Again, reality TV is not my thing. BUT if someone was going to pay me to do a reality show, I wouldn’t say now. And honestly, wouldn’t really care what it was about considering I’d be getting paid. That being said, I totally do not blame the likes of Kim Kardashian and Snooki for milking the reality tv industry.

TV personality/character that you feel is most like you?

Hahaha. Hubs and I were just talking about this. It’s got to be Donna from Suits. Hubs said that I’m just missing the read hair and the ability to raise just one eyebrow.

TV character you'd want to date?

Humm, this is a good one. Harvey because he’s practically my husband just with a law degree.

_________________________________

Hope you all have a great Sunday.

We’ll be cooking, cleaning and getting things done today. I start my next class tomorrow morning, and I can’t tell you how much I am not looking forward to having school work again. But got to do what I got to do.

Have I told you I love dogs?

It’s true, I love dogs, possibly more than I love children and humans. But I do love children and humans too. I didn’t really know what to title this post, so I went ahead and thought I’d throw out a fact!

Yesterday was the 4th of July. Having a mid-week day off threw me off, and it was strange. I don’t remember ever having a 4th of July that wasn’t attached to a weekend. We did a whole bunch of nothing, and because it started pouring like crazy we (the neighbors and us, we’ve decided we’re just one big household) decided to just get Olive Garden takeout instead of grilling. It was a good decision, and as D pointed out a “very traditional American dinner” … takeout.

In the morning, I met up with Tina, who I bonded with over the hate of hot weather, the love of children, photography and dogs, to take some kiddo only photos.

This beautiful girl is Harley. The baby of the family. She’s a 6 month old Mastiff who is the sweetest thing in the world.

The eldest child and the only girl (not four legged) in this bunch. Maddie is not only beautiful but she’s also the best big sister ever. She’s one of the select few people who can make Lucas (the baby) laugh!

DJ is the middle brother, and he loves his hats and posing.

Lucas, also known as Baby. He’s a very quite little guy who likes to smirk, and sometimes lough and smile, but it usually involves Maddie doing all kinds of dances and goofy faces in the background.

This handsome boy is Jacob, he’s the oldest of the brothers. He takes care of Baby and helps his mama out.

To see more a few more of this beautiful family check out my photo blog HERE.