{{Buzz.... Buzz....}}

I've been as busy as a bee lately.
Working 40+ hours a week.
1-5 photo sessions a week.
Taking care of Parker - who's become INSANELY clingy lately.
Scentsy management of 25 (YES 25! Sisters)

What's new in your world?

{{When Zombies Attack}}

I had a trash the dress session with super fun bridesmaid turned zombie, Judy. She was a RIOT! I think this was one of my favorite sessions in a long time and REALLY sparked my love for it again. Here are some more photos from this session

She even brought "brains" along! Hahahah.

She is a really pretty girl and we had lots of laughs during the session

See the rest of the photos here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.444924855534920.114269.137302766297132&type=3

Another TTD session on the 31st with another bride! I can't wait! 

<3,

Kym

{{I'm Happy and I Know It}}

Well, a lot has happened since my update. Some good, some bad, some ugly. But like I firmly believe... "Everything happens for a reason and in the end it will all work out."
So here's a recap of what went down...

Don and I - We separated for a couple days in March. Things were said out of anger and 6 years of frustrations were thrown on the table. We survived as a strong couple should and things have been much better. We have expectations and know each others concerns and are working on them as a team.

Work - Well, I started at the lab... did 13 days of that and begged to be put somewhere else. They did a VERY fast turn around and got me into the pharmacy where I WANTED to be. It's a part time position, but there are a ton of hours to pick up and I am going to be going to PennFoster.edu to get my Pharmacy Tech degree to move up. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the pharmacy. That's where my heart is. I KNOW I needed to get in there. I've never looked forward to going to work and now I do. Pretty awesome.

Weight - Well, I have lost 11 pounds since March 26th. I have 39 to go for my goal. I am walking 10-12 miles a day with this new pharmacy job which is AWESOME. I got myself some new Asics shoes since I'm walking a ton. 

Well, I think that's all.... I hope to get better at the blogging and continue to update. 

{{A Beginning To An End}}

Well, 5 years ago... I was desperately seeking work. Anywhere. Anything. And believe me, I took some really crappy temp jobs. We weren't financially hurting but I needed a job that was clear. I did everything from cleaning offices, wiping down toilets, answering phones, fighting mutant bugs (long story), and even being a waitress. So, when Office Team called me about this position at Appleton Heart Institute in medical records I jumped on it. It was simple enough. Run around, look for charts, get yelled at by nurses, put charts away. Slowly things progressed and there was talk of EMR on the horizon. It sounded so foreign that we thought oh it will be YEARS before it hits us. Well folks, the year is here....... A LOT sooner than ANY of us expected. Just 4  months ago we were slammed in pre-scan. Now we are purging the charts off the shelf. HR came in and told us to start looking at other options. Of course we liked our comfy desk jobs scanning, but the reality is, there aren't any of those at the hospital. The hospital is a new world, so to gain employment you had to think outside the box.

I had a 1 on 1 meeting with the career lady and asked her about different positions, mostly patient registration, some billing, and then there was the clinical lab / phlebotomist position. I have never drawn blood before and didn't even know if I was qualified. Her reply was "most people we hire have never drawn blood". Ok then. Sign me up! I shadowed a billing job. NO THANKS. Then decided to pursue this phlebotomist job. I could do this. Mind over matter.

I went and interviewed and shadowed and less than 3 hours after that HR called and said we are offering you the job, if you want it.  I didn't see a way to say no. They will train me on everything from robotic arms, to my co-workers offering themselves up as Guinea pigs, before ever giving me a patient. Eek! The hours are a little bit of everything, but I think we can make it work. Luckily our sitter is super flexible. Some days I'll go in at 4am and be done at 1pm, some days I'll go in a 1pm and be done at 9pm. Rotating weekends, but she said its like 2 every 14 weeks or something, so I can work around that. Rotating holidays, so that makes me sad as I might miss some with little man, but whatever. Santa will have to come early or something.

The raise, the hours, the training and the people all made me say, you know what... I CAN do this! Plus all the walking is going to be GREAT to get me back in shape. No more sitting at a desk.
I've cried a couple times (even today) thinking about leaving my best friends at AHI. I've known these girls through EVERYTHING. Kids, grandkids, marriages, boyfriends, everything. *sigh* It was just my time I guess.

{{Mommyhood Monday}}

So, I've been trying to find the balance between working full time, job searching, applying to college and getting that squared away, Scentsy, photography, and my little boy. It's been a challenge. However for this week... little man made it so easy to remind me why I love being a mommy. I'm not gonna lie, for a long time I didn't love it. I felt as though I had given up my life and would never be able to do anything I love again. What I didn't realize until about a week ago was I didn't give up my life, I just have to change my life slightly.

Little man has been hysterical this week. He learned to shake his head no, but does it when he means yes, which cracks me up. His personality has been shining through this week and it just kills me. He does the funniest things EVERY DAY! I am so glad spring is coming and we can get out and play. I think he's going to LOVE being outside, which is ok with me. =)

{{Random 5 Friday}}

5 Random Things About Me or My Life.

1. I am slightly obsessed with cleaning my ears. No joke. I do it probably 10-15X a day. If I feel the slightest of anything in there I'll go crazy and have to clean them. I really think if it gets any worse I could go on that show My Strange Addiction.

2. Little man was named after FBI Agent Seely Booth's son in the show "Bones".

3. I own more lip gloss and eye shadow than I will EVER wear. Yet, I keep buying more.

4. I will be heading back to school for the first time in 6 years this summer, to get my certification in Pharmacy Technician.

5. April is my favorite month. I love spring, I love watching the snow melt. The perfect day to me is, 50's... roads are wet from melting snow, and it smells like life because things are growing back.

{{Recap!}}

Ok, I've been MIA. Sorry. Things have been.... well.... psycho.

1. Weight loss challenge. Oh yeah I'm still in that. Umm ok well I'm at 215. Don't know where I was last update and frankly with everything else going on this has been the last thing on my mind.

2. Little man. He's so sick. I think he's got pneumonia. =( Sad panda. I'm taking him in today. Would have taken him to the ER last night but who has $200.00 laying around for that?

3. Job situation. No word. Job shadowed a position Friday and that couldn't be any further away from what I want. What a mess. Couple more irons in the fire on a few positions, but losing hope. Fast.

4. Taxes. I'm excited to get taxes back. I am thinking of taking an add out on Miss Indie's blog and hope that drums up some business for me in the Scentsy world. The party last week did amazing. Happy about that.

5. Just when I'm gearing up for spring and ready to start pushing photography, ect I find out we are getting a huge snow storm this week. Thanks mother nature. Appreciate it.

Ok, that's all you get from me today. I have a ton to do. Adios!

{{So Mad At Myself}}

Ok, so to say I'm anything but pissed off at myself would be a lie.

I've gained so much weight this week it's seriously is rediculous. I know why. I haven't stopped eating since last Thursday when I found out my job was being elimiated. And not the good eating. Chocolate, Big Macs, fries, cereal, anything I can get my hands on really. I've been guzzling soda like it's being discontinued. It's horrible. I'm ashamed really. I guess I just don't know how to cope with "my family is so beyond screwed".

I'm exhausted. I'm frustrated. It's so hard to come to work and do anything knowing they are getting rid of you. I just want to sit at my desk and stare at the wall until it's time to go. Better yet, I'd rather not be here at all. I'm just 110% fed up.

I have a couple job prospectives lined up. Hoping the one calls for an interview today. We'll see. It's the job I REALLY want, just not the hours (rotating shifts) but with the hours comes less sitter costs and more money, so you never know it could be ok. Plus it's a REALLY big step for us. If I get it I could potentally go back to school (paid for by work), and that would open a whole lot of doors.

I guess all I ask is think of me. No actually don't. Think of my family. I am the main providor and we are facing some really hard times. I'm doing what I can, but I know this ride isn't over yet.

{{End of a Life Pathway}}

When I started at Appleton Cardiology I was a temp looking for ANYTHING! Little did I know it would turn into 5 years, a lifetime of friendships, and eventually come to an end. We were told yesterday that that end was here.

Thankfully, having being bought out by Thedacare last year that meant one thing. We were safe under their no lay off philosophy. That means they will work with you to find you a new position in the company. Maybe not doing the same thing for the same hours or pay, but you will have a job. I was scared this meant I'd be flipping Laura's "Lean" burgers (You TC ppl know what I'm taking about) in the lunch room.

HR reps / career services came to our meeting yesterday and told us that our options were out there, and the more open minded we were the better off we had a chance of being repositioned sooner. AND not to rule out a job you may not qualify for on every level. This was huge for me. Clerical jobs are a dime a dozen, but it's all I know. BUT if I could look outside of that maybe I would find something.

I found 6 somethings. They are a wide range of positions and I feel each has it's pros and cons but I could do any one of them with minor training and determination.

Just pray for me and my family, and pray that I land one of the 6 and it's a good fit for my family and I. I realize beggers can't be choosers and that's why I'm open to the rotation shifts and night positions to open more options however I don't want to end up somewhere too complicated.

{{Romantic at Heart}}

Don and I don't really "do" Valentine's Day. I mean we get gifts, which we give weeks ahead of time. We might hang out together. So, imagine my surprise when at 1pm yesterday I get a text at work that says "There's a surprise hidden in plain sight at home. See if you can find it before I get home". I was shocked. He actually wanted to surprise me with something.

Turns out it was a gorgeous rose with cute little vase and a card that says I Love You. =) He HATES flowers because they die, so I NEVER even guessed it was that. I'm so pleased he thought all this through to surprise me.

He may not always be my favorite person, and he may not always me Prince Charming, but he's my Don. And I love him.

{{Valentine's Day}}

Well, since it's Valentine's day I thought I would just jot a little story about how Don and I became "The Carlson Family".

I wish my story had a romantic trip, hell even my name on a scoreboard at a Brewer game, or even a romantic walk through Central Park, but it doesn't. And yet, it seems perfect to me.

Don and I met when he was hanging out with my at the time current boyfriend, who shall remain nameless. The funny thing was Don had some stories behind him in school. You know the he moved here because he threatened to kill someone OR had killed someone stories. No one really knew who he was.

So the day I was hanging out with my BFF at the time Joy and the phone rang and it was boyfriend at the time I really didn't think nothing of it. Until he said the words "Don and I are coming over". "Ummmm excuse me??! You are bringing Creepy Carlson over?!?!" That was my response. My mother would kill me if I let a killer in the house. I quickly shut the shades and told Joy she COULD NOT leave my house with him here, incase he did kill someone. Little did I know a couple hours later I would be head over heals in love with a kid I knew nothing about. He came over. I sat on the porch watching him and boyfriend jump on my big trampoline completely dazed. Joy sitting next to me rambling on about something and me... just watching him. Feeling guilty of course because my boyfriend was 3 inches away from him, but I was gone.

A lot happened between 6th grade and high school. We went out as friends (me still dating ex-boyfriend a.k.a. best friend). The local hang out at the time was "Skate City". We went there often. Him being a bad ass "I don't skate, unless it's my song" and hanging by the video games. WOW! Should have taken a hint there! HAHAHA.

Anyway, I made a bet with him. If mine and ex boyfriends song played and then mine and Don's song (yeah after all those late night secret chats we had a song) played I would dump boyfriend for him. Imagine my surprise when it happened. I still don't know the details behind HOW this happened as they were the 2 most opposite songs on the planet, rumor has it the DJ was paid to do it, but regardless I dumped boyfriend on the spot and was now with Don. Yeah, I was a heartless bitch. What can I say?

Lots happened after that, some good, some bad. We eventually went our own ways on account of me being a heartless bitch again. And then we ended up in the same place at the same time. That was how the rest of it would always happen. We had Mrs. Abitz's film class together. He would show photos of his "older hotter" girlfriend laying on pool tables IF he showed up to class. He was a bad ass. TOTALLY not my type, but damnit I wanted him BAD.

I went off to college... him... well wherever he went. Then one day I was home from college visiting my dad after a pretty bad breakup from long time southern boyfriend, and we are driving down college ave. I see Don in MY old Camaro. I grab my phone see his name in my contacts and PRAY he didn't change numbers and hit dial. I casually said, "You look hot in my old car." I have NO idea why I said that, but I'm glad I did.

To fast forward, we spent sometime together. I gave him a CD with the song "Don't Cha" by the Pussy Cat Dolls on it and told him to listen to it, he shortly there after left his girlfriend and her army of children (I became known as the homewrecker). And we dated. In a whirl wind we got engaged (not a great story either but super sweet on his part), a year later broke up because the long distance was hard, got back together after a couple hotel room hook ups, and then got married.

I've loved and wanted Don since that day he came over. I miss those days where he tell me he loved me. I feel like it's said out of habit now, as I'm running out the door at 5:15. But I do love him as much as I did that day.

{{Week 1 :: Report Out}}

Ok, I'm not going to lie. I dropped the ball BAD this week. I didn't work out once. I drank maybe 40oz of water ALL week. *Hangs Head* I was feeling so crappy this week and with the trip to Chicago the week kinda got away from me. BUT! I am willing to accept my losses and move on. Next week will be my starting point. I have to do this.

This weeks stats:
Waist: 44in (That doesn't seem right...)
Thighs: 26in
Arms: 14in
Weight: 215.2 ~ down 2.6! At least I didn't gain this week <shocking>

{{Spring Sprint!}}

Well, yesterday was Scentsy's Spring Sprint in Chicago. I am SOOOO happy I got to go and I got to go with some people from my team. =) We had so much fun, got to see some amazing things, got some awesome freebies, and had SO many laughs.
I'm so proud of my team of 11 (hopefully 12 by tonight).
Heidi and Orville (Scentsy owners) showed up and surprised us! We were so happy. They are amazing.
Here are some pictures!

 Heidi and Orville!!!

 Malea, Lindsi and I!!!

 Rob shows up the difference in the buddy sizes

 Some of the girls from my team. Missed the ones that weren't there.

 Scentsy Bus!

What a fabulous trip! Can't wait for next year!!!

{{6 Week Challenge :: Week 1 :: Weigh In and Plan}}

Measurements:
Arms - 14 inches
Thighs - 26 inches
Stomach - 48.5 inches
Weight - 217.8

Plan:
This weeks plan is
3 days - 30 minutes of Cloud Walker / Day
3 days - 20 crunches / Day
3 days - 10 Squats / Day
30+ oz of water each day

Saturday 2/11 I will post my week review on how well I did this week!

{{Project 52 :: Week 6 :: Emotion}}

Right as I read this weeks word was emotion, my 14 month old was having a fit. I grabbed the camera and he hid his face while crying. I like this photo because he's overtired and fussy. Very emotional.

{{Cake Batter Rice Krispy Treats}}

So, I found on Pinterest a photo of "Cake Batter Rice Krispy Treats" and then we decided to have a pig out day at work. (NOT good for my diet, but I'll working 5X harder this weekend!) Anyway, so with the help of Don I decided to tackle these.

Here are all my ingredients. Yumm!!!

Have to have sprinkles! LOL

Finished product! (And REALLY good too! I got to eat it off the spoon we stirred with!)

So, there you have it. Cake Batter Rice Krispy treats. Here is a link to the recipe in case you want to create

http://gimmesomeoven.com/cake-batter-rice-crispy-treats/

{{Bigger Issues}}

I feel very guilty this morning. I had a bad morning. I ran out of bubble mailers, forgot I had to work everyday so I wouldn't be able to do my one important errand I had planned Thursday, was on E and had to get gas, ran out of printer ink, ect ect ect.

I found out that my friend had her little boy, a few months early, and they are praying that he does well.

It really made me snap into reality that my petty problems were nothing compared to theirs and I sat in my car at the grocery store bawling. I feel so bad for them and am sending many many many prayers their way.

I think I need to go home after my sessions, give little man a hug and thank God for what he has given me vs despite him for what prayers he hasn't answered.

{{Great Session}}

I did my first boudoir session today. It turned out awesome. I am LOVING the shots. It was just so relaxed and flowed nicely. I didn't know what to really expect, but it went really well. The girl loved the preview I sent so that's good. I'm really glad this went well. Defiantly something to consider doing more of. I have another in a week so we'll see how that goes.

Have a great night everyone!

{{60 Day Challenge}}

As some of you know, I did a fitness challege with my good friend a few months ago. I lost approx. 13 pounds, but had SO much more to go. I haven't been able to join any of her recent challenges but told myself I didn't need to, I would do it on my own. Well that hasn't happened. Then work announced they are doing a 60 day challenge. I contemplated it for days before deciding I just NEEDED to.

So, that said... starting Feb 6th (that's when the challenge starts), I will be doing blog updates on Mondays about the total loss, what I did that week, ect. Monday the 6th will be putting up numbers for the starting point, which I am not ashamed (well maybe a little) to publicily announce, but I'll get over it. I need accountability, and having to blog it will give me that. I also need to get back on my fitness pal. That I will start today.

Here's to a new challenge and committment. I even put a tracker over there on the blog! ~~~>

{{Wednesday Wrap Up}}

Ok, for those of you keeping track of my journey. Are there any of you? LOL. Let's do Wednesday wrap up. This is the update to what's been going on in previous blogs.

1. Hair Drama - I'm good! I'm loving the new sock bun. I'm loving the curls. I'm loving the new ideas.
2. Motherhood Mayhem - While the thought of leaving it long kills me, I think he'll have long hair for a while.
3. DIY - Yeah, I'm slacking on this. I found the frame... just have to find the funds to buy it and then create it.
4. In Too Deep - I've decided to keep going with all 3 projects. We'll find a perfect balance... eventually.
5. Color My World - The cake was amazing and I can't wait to make another. My next house better have a bigger kitchen.

So, there you have it. Wednesday wrap up.

{{Motherhood Mayhem}}

Ok, so we had little man's first hair cut booked this weekend. After the paychecks came in vs. bill ratio we decided to cancel. $25.00 for a first hair cut? Really?!

My problem now is that he still needs a hair cut. So..... do I do it myself? (Keep in mind my hair drama lately), leave it, or try and find somewhere else?

This is silly, but I'm so stressed over it. I'm sure I can trim it........ sort of. Ugh. Maybe I'll take my friends advice, never cut it and have him look like a beach bum. >.<

{{Hair We Go Again}}

So.... hi!!! *waves*
Yeah, my hair DID NOT go as planned. I look like I fell outta the 80's vs out of the ocean. BUT! Do not despair! I found a different idea.

Has anyone tried the Sock Bun to make curls idea? See it here.

Not only does this look simple..... but..... it looks like it could actually work. I am amazed. And will be trying this tonight. My only concern is all the women I see do this have long hair. I have medium hair, but I'll give anything a try once (except sushi).

Back to the drawing board. Scentsy training call today at 11. Got some errands to do. Blah. Happy Tuesday!

**UPDATE! I have my hair in the sock bun, and let me tell you, if nothing else THIS is a cute style in it's own!!!!**

 

**UPDATE** I took it out early because I HAD to know if it was working.... 

Ok well if I would have left it in longer it would have worked better, but it was super cute. I put it up longer in hopes of it looking fab by tomorrow morning for work!

{{Project 52 :: Week 4 :: Imperfections}}

This weeks theme is Imperfections. I saw this quote and wanted to play off it.

I don't know why I liked the quote, but I did.

And watching Sam rip duct tape off his face was funny. Win Win.

{{Hair Drama}}

Ok, I am a piece of work. No lie. This is a photo of me... this morning.

I don't do my hair. Honestly. It's either down or in a pony tail, most days in a pony. I envy those girls who can pull off the really messy but cute look. I envy those girls who look like a stylist came in their home every morning to do their hair. I don't own hair styling products because I don't style my hair. Ha. I own hairspray for some reason. I have a hair dryer, and a curler I've used maybe 3x. Ugh. I was going to get a loose perm to get curly hair everyday without the effort, but the last time I permed my hair it took 4 years to get it grown out. I won't do that again.

I am a hair disaster. I'm sooo not a girly girl. I had to google to how properly apply eye make up a few weeks ago. My mom never really taught me about this stuff. So frustrating. I need a look. BAD

{{Boudoir and More}}

I've gotten a lot of interest in doing boudoir photo sessions this year. I've got a couple booked, and am starting to wonder if I should add it to my "line-up" of session types. I'm not uncomfortable with the idea. I feel everyone should have a "sexy" picture of themselves to make them feel good. I would totally do a session if I could find someone to do one for less than the prices I've seen ($200-300). I would rather I be a little skinnier, but this is me. I've lost weight, and feel I look ok. I'm excited to see how these couple I booked go. I have a lot of ideas in mind, got some tasteful props, and am willing to shoot whatever the client is comfortable with.

I have a feeling photography is going to be a huge deal this year. I have a bunch of people having newborns, so I'll get to tackle that avenue a little more. I'm excited. I'm excited for new opportunities.

{{Coloring My World}}

Well, I've been feeling a little gray lately. Not so colorful, so I decided to have some fun and make something colorful. =)

 

I made white cake batter and mixed in food coloring.

 

Poured them into the pan, one on top of the other to look like this

 

Colored the frosting

 

And wala!!!

 

Very delicious, fun, and COLORFUL! It cheered me right up.

AND I decided while little man is learning his colors, I will make colored cupcakes for him to learn with 

I'm super pleased it turned out and VERY happy I got to use my new pink hand mixer!

<3

{{In Too Deep}}

Ever find yourself in a situation you are in too deep to get back out of? I am currently sitting in that position with three things in life. I love them all, and I put my heart and soul into them, but I don't know if I can do it anymore. These three things have caused me so much stress in the last month, that I feel as though my world is collapsing. I feel I'm missing time with my family, I'm spending too much money, and I'm not seeing the benefits at this time.

I just don't know how to get out. I feel like I am suffocating, and I have no idea how to fix it.

{{Quit Yanking My Chain!}}

So, I'm beyond frustrated, here's one of those not so butterfly and puppy dog posts. Sorry, if I don't vent I'm going to have a mental breakdown, seriously.

Don switched departments, and with this switch comes more money. However, for some reason they are really dropping the ball on someone signing this paperwork to get him more money. I asked him who had to sign it and he said X, ok well who tells X to sign it and he said Z (mind you X and Z are actual names, haha), so I said who tells Z and he said X. See my problem!?! X needs to get off his ass and do something. But X is making the money and his family doesn't have to worry about things like this. This could mean the world of difference to us. Like a house. But X doesn't realize this because he goes home to his house everynight and doesn't worry about anyone but himself. Typical management.

I lay awake at night thinking about what could be sold to make more money, what could be done to get our heads out of our asses. I wonder if things will ever be "right".

I cried on the way to work today, no big shocker, that's been happening for a few weeks. But I was thinking about my friend J, who committed suicide 4 years ago on her birthday. I thought about her daughter she left behind. I wondered who has her and is taking care of her. I wondered if the father stepped up. I facebooked him, he did. Thank god. He also got married, had another kid and the way it looks they are a loving little family. That made me happy.

But, all that got me thinking. I won't deny my past. It happened. There were a few attempts on my end of taking my life. I've got the scars to prove it. Back then, people would say "think about what your leaving behind" and my answer was "nothing." Ok, fast forward to today. I would have never got to hold my little man who is life. I wouldn't have seen Sam (my brother) grow up into an amazing young adult breaking powerlifting records and wanting to be a senator.

I guess where I'm going with this is... you never know what lies ahead. It may seem like nothing, but odds are there is something. It may be masked in bad things before clearing to show the good, but there's something there. Maybe this year I become a Scentsy director. Maybe this year Don gets his raise and we get a house. There's got to be something to look foward to, I just have to find it.

Well there you have it. I don't really feel better... but I'm glad I could just vent for a little bit.

{{Week 3:: Project 52}}

Inspiration

 

Week 3: Inspiration

My husband and son inspire me and give me the inspiration to make myself a better person and to do everything I love 110%

{{Going A Little Mad?}}

Ok, so let's face it. I've accepted there will be no house buying within the next 4-5 years. Where I found this to be a very negative stress filled event, I have found a way to find the good in the situation. Pinterest. I have decided for the next 4-5 years I'm going to focus on creating rooms in my head. What do we want in a bedroom? Maybe we want a canopy bed. Maybe we want a chandelier in the bedroom. Just because. I know I want the kitchen to have a wall of chalkboard paint so that we can plan the menu on it, or make a calendar!

I can spend the next 4-5 years looking at paint colors, deciding on themes, and planning. This way, when we are ready to move in, it will basically be go buy the paint and make my 5 year vision come to life.

Now, mind you I JUST started thinking about this 10 minutes ago while looking for DIY projects on Pinterest, but I have managed to take a very stressful thing in my life and make it fun. =)
I'm pretty proud about that.

{{Snow!}}

Ok, so I HATE snow. I hate winter, cold, snow, ice, sliding around in the car, shoveling, ect. I hate winter. But I didn't complain once today (like I said I wouldn't) about the snow we got this morning. I feel we got very spoiled up until now, and let's face it.... 5 inches? That's nothing Wisconsin. Anyone remember the 13inches over night last year??? Yeah, I'll take this 5. So, I put my game face on, brushed off car, slid to work and didn't complain once. Pretty proud of myself.

Made a good supper last night, however Don didn't like it. Can't please them all I suppose. He hates chicken and it had a lot of chicken going on in it. I thought it was amazing.

Photographing KHS Powerlifting tomorrow. Team photos, coach photos, and kids lifting photos. Gonna be a long day. **Kym this is your reminder to pack the SD cards!**

It's Friday the 13th! I LOVE Friday the 13th (the day, not the movie).
Have a great day! <3

{{Project 52 :: Week 2 :: LIFE}}

Ok, so here's what I came up with for the theme, Life. Sadly it didn't really work out as planned. You can't tell, but I placed objects to represent the spaces. Get married (wedding rings), baby boy (pacifier), ect.

Well, I'll give it another go with next weeks theme and see what I come up with. (I won't know the theme til Sunday).

{{So, Tell Me...}}

So, a friend sent me this "survey" and said I should fill it out and blog it. Ummm, sure why not! I've got nothing better to do.

1 ~ Your life is a movie! Which movie is it and which character are you?
Easy. "Confessions of a Shopaholic" and I'm playing Rebecca Bloomwood. I seriously have a VERY bad shopping habit. The first time I saw this movie and she was talking about retail therapy and how the shops make her feel better, I was like oh my word, that's ME! I think my whole family is complusive shoppers and hoarders, so I don't feel alone, but I do wish I could stop. hahha. I bet some shrink out there specializes in it.

2 ~ This song/band comes on the radio and you automatically turn it not thinking.
FOO FIGHTERS! UGH! Really?!? Could there EVER be a worst band. Are they even a band. Group?

3 ~ What is on your "to-do list" in life. Your bucket list, per say.
Well, what don't I want to do? Oh, I never have any desire to travel outside the country. Shocker I know. I just don't. Places out of the USA scare me for some reason. I do want to travel a lot more of the US. More so the West coast. I would kill to go to California or go to Vegas. Right now my main goals are getting a house, getting finances squared away, and getting Parker into activities like hockey and such.

4 ~ What's a movie you could watch over and over and never get sick of?
Well, there is 4 off the top of my head.
1. Twister. LOVE Twister. Hardcore. I know all the lines, and it ticks everyone off when we watch it and I say the lines before it happens. So funny.
2. Clerks and Clerks 2. I say these together because let's face it, they go together. And they crack me up EVERYTIME. 
3. Superbad. I don't know what it is about it but it's hilarious.
4. THEM! There's something about mutant ants, old school special effects, and black and white that work together in this flick.

5 ~ Where would you rather be right this second?
New Orleans. I went there a few times while dating a guy from there, and left a piece of my heart. I would like to find it again. I believe it's near the French Quarter. (And no, I'm not talking about the guy!) I LOVE that city. I love the buzz around it (which is weird because I hate busy, noise, fast paced places), I love the shops, the sounds, the music, the lights. EVERYTHING. I can't explain it.

Well there you have it folks!
Thanks for reading!

{{Life}}

I am very excited for a few things this week.

First, I have decided what I want to do for my photo this week for Project 52. I am not going to be releasing the photo until Wednesday night/Thursday morning, but it's going to be good. At least I envision it awesome, now to just make that a reality. I'm up for the challenge. The theme is "life".

Second, this sounds so silly, but my Scentsy track pants came. They are like sweatpants. I'm so excited to start working out again in them. Speaking of which, I made a workout date with a co-worker for next Tuesday after work. We have free workout room, should probably start using it. It just has lame hours, esp for me who works 6am-5pm.

Third, took little man to the doctor for those horrible red lines on his cheek that weren't going away, and those are just scratches, and should go away with time. Not sure how they can be scratches, when they don't break the surface, but whatever. Yay! I just had to know nothing was wrong for piece of mind.

Have a great Tuesday!

{{Back in The Grind}}

Well, I had my first session since the end of November yesterday, it was nice to get back into it. I was nervous all day (as I usually am before a session) but it went without a flaw. Here is the image the mommy said I could share (only this one).

I love this photo. The simplicty in it, and SOOC, no editing.

I did some minor marketing for sessions by offering Valetine's Mini-Sessions. WOW, that got some response. I booked 5 sessions yesterday and today (not just mini's either). The next couple weekends will be hopping again. But, I think I like that idea. It was SO nice to have something to work on last night after little man went to bed.

Also, theme 2 for my Project 52 I'm involved in is life. I took this photo thinking it would be my submission, but the more I think about it, it represents my old life. I need to find a better photo to represent, but I do love this photo A LOT.

I have a couple ideas to represent life, so I'll work on that this week.
Happy Monday!!!

{{Click, Click}}

So, I'm behind the lens again today for a maternity session. Like always I have my "storyboard" written out. I always jot down pose ideas, and stuff, so that I can keep the process flowing without standing there wondering what to do next. This is usually only applicable for the indoor sessions since often times those are more "posy".

Sadly, I will not be able to show any of this photos on my website, fan site, or here. The couple is very selective on who gets to see those photos and although they sign authorizations saying I can use the photos they have requested I not. So, I'll respect that to avoid aggravation. We went through this with their couples session last summer, and although everyone said I can use them because they signed the paperwork saying I could, I have chose not to. Even thought they were some of the best photos I have ever taken.

I don't know how I feel about being "off vacation" from photography. I feel like I am excited but at the same time, this begins the stress of getting everything done in a timely manner and constant worry about if the client will like them. A lot of stress happens for me with a session. I think I need to work on not being my own worst critic, and understand you can't please everyone. I've only had 3 very displeased clients, and well there's a mile long list of things involved in those sessions. The fact remains, those 3 can not drag me down, in fact I kinda forgot about them until now. Hmm...

Have a lovely Sunday!

{{Pinterest}}

I have decided that I NEED to use Pinterest for the good. I am going to find a DIY project and do it. At least 1 every 6 months, I am HORRIBLE with DIY so, I really need to have 6 months for a time frame for one. I have until June to do this:

It's a metal piece, framed, with magnets on the back of all your makeup and then hung so it's easy to find, use, ect. Here is the current makeup situation:

I am hoping I can find a piece of metal at like Menards, find a frame at the antique store, paint it, and find magnets strong enough to hold at hobby lobby(?)

I am very excited for this...

{{Date (less) Night}}

Well, date night started out sketchy because Don was emailing me at work he wasn't feeling good. Ummm... ok. So, after realizing he really didn't (he got what I had last week) he managed to put on a smile and we went to Buffalo Wild Wings. It was yummy. I love the Electrik Lemonade.
We came home then and he wasn't feeling well still, so nothing really took place. I went to bed and watched Clerks 2, while he played his video game for a while. I guess it was nice to get out of the house without little man if nothing else. But it wasn't this awesome night I envisioned.

{{Wonderful Thursday... until supper}}

What a great day! Seriously. Pancakes for breakfast, shopping with little man, coloring, surprise gift, and figuring out supper/making supper. I had a GREAT day. I thought my day could be showed better in photos than words.

Little man LOVED the color wonders markers. He colored a picture for my desk (YAY!), daddy and grandpa.

My surprise present from a good friend, which not only was SO thoughtful, but SO helpful. This book rocks! It should be titled "Cooking for the Complete Moron" but it's so uncritical to my lack of knowledge! hahhaa

This was supper, and although it looks good..... it really wasn't. The meat was, but beyond that. I've also decided that (and I never thought I would think this) the kitchen must be bigger. This is silly. We have no counter space, no room to work. No wonder I don't want to cook. Frustrating.

But this won't be the end of my cooking adventures. Don said "well babe, this was the first time you made any of this, so it's ok". No, it's not but thank you. We'll try again.



{{Mind of Matter}}

Ok, I know I said I was going to blog about why I needed a cookbook. I've decided not to. The fact remains, I need to get better about preparing meals and figuring out life time management. This came to my attention while I was at work yesterday and little man was being babysat by a good friend and ex-co-worker. Let's just say after all the good food she fed him I'm surprised he came home.

Ok, well he didn't want to come home. In fact, he cried hard when he got home for about a half hour. Made me feel like crap. He is at my friends for the month, because my sitter had surgery and needed a few weeks off. My friend is seriously mom of the year. She is watching little man, her daughter (4, already? sheesh time flies)  and her two 5 month old twins. Makes me exhausted thinking about it. But without her we would be so screwed so I am SO thankful she is able to multi-task.

When I came back to work a year ago, I didn't cry. Ok maybe 2 tears. Litterally. I wasn't worried at all. So why am I constantly checking the phone for messages of panic, thinking of sending a message "is everything ok" after a half hour, when I KNOW my friend has this under control. I would trust her with my life, so why am I freaking out???

I'm kinda getting annoyed. There's no reason to freak out. Little man LOVES playing there with her daughter, and it's just a couple weeks (no more than 4 days a week, most 2 or 3). I really need to find myself in this so that the next month isn't spent staring at my phone like a weirdo. I think I'm more worried or my friend, because I know how little man can get, and I know I'd be in over my head, but again, I know she's fine.

{{Frustrations in Mommy World}}

Ok, so here is one of those not so butterfly and rainbow posts. But I have to get this off me before I crumble in self destruct.

I want to go back to work full weeks. Right now I work 10's and have Thursdays off, but as soon as Don gets his raise I want to go back to 8's, full weeks.

*hangs head in shame and bursts into tears*

I know that staying home with little man should be the greatest thing in the world, but I go CRAZY on the days I'm home with him. I don't know why. Is it the age? Would I enjoy it more if we could do craft projects, build things with blocks, and color? Right now I feel like I spend more time chasing him around making sure he's not eating cat food, touching the heater, or god knows what else that by the time Don get's home I just want to hand him over, lock myself in our room, and do NOTHING.
I feel horrible about this.
Do I not make any rash decisions about work for a few more months and see if things get better as he gets older?
I'm so at a loss on this. Help?

{{Baby Blues}}

A lot of my friends and I had babies around the same time. I've heard a handful of them say they are ready for another. Really? I'm not in any shape, way, or form criticizing your decision, I'm just scared I'm going to start getting the question, "when are you having another?"

Ummmmm... well..... to be honest.... we're not.

For the time being (and as long as we are living here) there will be no talk of babies. In fact the talk we had ended up being, we love Little Man and don't really want to start all over. He's out of formula (BF was an epic fail despite my 2 months of trying, which I feel I deserve some credit for even that.)

At the very earliest, Little Man would have a sibling in 6-7 years. Hubs and I are planning ahead for life. We want to take him to Disney when he's 5 or 6. We want to travel with him. I was an only child for 10 years and don't get me wrong, my life would be nothing without my brother, but I feel we are being responsible in this. If we honestly can't afford another, don't have space for another and don't really want another, then I don't feel we should have one.

My mother (shockingly) is game for this plan. She said she was perfectly happy with just me for 10 years. I mean she loves my brother (I believe more than me sometimes) but she would have been happy with me.

So with that said... there won't be baby blues or baby talk for the Carlson's. Little man is our world and we are focusing on him and ourselves for the next few years.

{{Never A Dull Moment}}

Don and I enjoy looking at the http://damnyouautocorrect.com/ because let's face it... it's pee yourself funny.
Today while I was laying in bed waiting for him to make a decision if we are going shopping or not, this took place:

Possibly the funniest thing today. I never thought it could happen to us, but apparently Auto - Correct is out to get everyone eventually.
Hope your having a good New Years Day!

{{Happy New Year}}

Well, it's January 1st! That means it's time to start over. Sadly, I start the new year very sick. However I'm hoping to not let get me down.
Today started the Project 52. The first theme was resolution. Here was my submission.

I will be spending the day working on the powerpoint for the December review for my team, taxes for Scentsy, and more operation living room overhaul. Must find some motivation even though I'm sick.

Have a wonderful 2012!