31 Things: Story 20 (kinda), 21 & 22

I promise we will get through these stories soon!

Story 20, "carry," was something I wrote about my husband, M. It took me a very, very, very long time to write it and there are some very personal details about him in it. Because it's not about me, I don't really have the right to share it on the world wide web. I decided to keep 90% of it private for that reason, but I really love this picture of him and I didn't want you guys wondering if I skipped a page. So here it is:

Here are the stories I'll be sharing today:

Story 21: Think | "The Things I Think"


i think it’s time to start paying for weight watchers again. i’m just not feeling good about myself anymore (though my weight hasn’t changed that much).


i think it’s time that i sit down and write some important emails.


i think that the endometrial ablation i had in february was one of the best things i have done despite being terrified to do it.


i think my kids are like the cutest, ever.


i think i need to do better at my job as a homemaker (which sounds so old fashioned and i really don’t like it but seems to be what everyone is categorizing me as).


i think i miss my brothers and want to go see them.


i think that the dishes in the sink are piling up at an alarming rate and i wonder how the heck that happened. i swear i just did them.


i think a trip with michael for our 5-year anniversary sounds like an excellent plan.


i think photographing a wedding in august is going to be so much fun. i can’t wait to edit those photos.


i think i need to get all of the things addy has grown out of and sell them on ebay and craigslist.


i think teagan is finally cured of her thumb-sucking habit, but boston is being stubborn about giving it up.


i think it must be really hard to be a 3-year-old.


i think i might be done biting my nails for good now. manicure time!


i think michael is going to be very successful in his new position here in reno and i’m worried we’re going to be “financially handcuffed” to this place for many, many years.


i think we finally made a decision on a chuch home here in reno and i’m hoping we meet some good people.


i think dunkin’ donuts coffee with caramel chocolate creamer is a little taste of heaven.


i think about my mom a little less frequently now than i did last year at this time and it makes me feel relieved.


i think God has a bigger purpose for my life and i hope i understand it soon.




Story 22: Spot | "More Than a Chair, a Desk & a Computer"


my favorite spot in my house is sitting at my computer desk, in comfy pants (see uniform story), legs crossed, windows open to the world, a perfect 75 degree breeze fluttering through my hair every so often, my favorite tunes playing on my itunes program, a cup of hot coffee in front of me, children quietly napping, a perfectly exposed photo opened in photoshop, wacom pen in hand. that being said, you can imagine how many times this exact combination of events comes together. not often enough, i’ll say that. 


there is something so amazing about editing photos; it creates a great balance between my left and right brain. it’s if it’s quiet and i can put my music on, i can get lost in it. i could do it all day. it’s the perfect combination of relaxing, creative, and gratifying. i love working tirelessly on a photo and finding that perfect mix of edits to make it look just, well, me. i sometimes sit really close to my 27” imac and view the picture at full size to make the tiniest of edits that i think make the biggest difference. no pixel goes untouched.


in the past few years, i’ve started to develop a certain style to my edits. something that always appeals to my love of bright color and dramatic images. i’ve become much more skilled in my knowledge and use of photoshop. additionally, my photography has improved and it makes editing that much more enjoyable.


so, yea, my favorite spot in the house involves more than just a chair, a desk and a computer. it’s the combination of stimuli surrounding these particular pieces that make it so exceptional.