Showing posts with label Arizona. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arizona. Show all posts
Monday, June 18, 2012
life-ography: phoenix children's museum
This weekend was wonderful. We've been making the most of our time together and I couldn't be happier. On Saturday we took a trip into Phoenix and explored the Children's Museum. I think both of the girls had a lot of fun and I have to admit it, Marc and I did too.
If you are near the Phoenix area and you have kids you need to get to the Children's Museum. It was a blast. If you have more than one kiddo I definitely recommend going with someone else. It's huge! but so much fun.
I've been working a lot on my photography lately getting ready for a big event I'm going to be doing next year. Working in manual mode, white balance, editing all that good stuff. Outside and in natural light I feel like I'm golden, inside however, ughh... shoot me. My photos turn out underexposed, grainy, and just blah... It's a work in progress but I'm getting better. If you have any tips for indoor photography please leave a comment. I'd be more than happy to hear some good advice!
What did everyone else do this weekend?
Friday, June 8, 2012
life-ography: lost dutchman picnic
We were lucky enough to have my father-in-law in visit us over my birthday and Memorial day. I love when we get visitors from Pittsburgh, especially Marc's parents. I'm probably the luckiest wife I know because I have such amazing in-laws. I don't know what we'd do without them.
On memorial day we tried to head of to Canyon Lake for a picnic but that ended up being an over crowded mess. Instead of heading all the way back home we decided to stop at the Lost Dutchman camp grounds and trails to have a picnic. I'm really glad we did because it was such a nice, peaceful spot to picnic. I think someday we're going to try hiking there too.
I'm sorry about the photo overload. I was having trouble deciding which ones were my favorites. This is actually just a small selection of the large group of photos I took that day. I get a little click happy when I have my camera with me. I say its a good thing though.
Have you been on any adventures lately?
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
San Marcos Hotel Photo Adventure.
Things are finally back in order from our little flood. The apartment is dry and clean. It actually gave me a great opportunity to get reorganized and deep clean everything. It really wasn’t a bad experience after the shock of the event wore off. I think my favorite part was being able to stay at the San Marcos Hotel. We needed a place to stay for a few nights while our house dried out. Piston got to stay at his favorite place, the doggie hotel, and we got to stay at a beautiful and historic hotel.
The San Marcos Hotel was the first hotel built in Chandler, AZ. My husband used to work in the area and we passed it by admiring it on a regular basis. Not only is it historic, it’s also suspected to be haunted. Marc was having a field day with that idea. Thankfully there were no ghostly sightings happened during our stay. Aurora and I enjoyed our time outside walking around downtown Chandler. I even got a chance to revisit one of my most favorite places to eat, In Pockets, YUM!
It had been a while since I took my camera out and just took pictures because that I enjoyed. I finally got to do that while we were staying at the hotel. It was so beautiful. I hope as my skills improve I’ll get to go back and take even better pictures.
I feel slightly refreshed after I saw the look of these photos. I feel like I'm getting my groove back alittle.
Hey, by the way, don't forget to enter my little giveaway in celebration of my birthday. One year older and maybe a little wiser... well... maybe.
The San Marcos Hotel was the first hotel built in Chandler, AZ. My husband used to work in the area and we passed it by admiring it on a regular basis. Not only is it historic, it’s also suspected to be haunted. Marc was having a field day with that idea. Thankfully there were no ghostly sightings happened during our stay. Aurora and I enjoyed our time outside walking around downtown Chandler. I even got a chance to revisit one of my most favorite places to eat, In Pockets, YUM!
It had been a while since I took my camera out and just took pictures because that I enjoyed. I finally got to do that while we were staying at the hotel. It was so beautiful. I hope as my skills improve I’ll get to go back and take even better pictures.
I feel slightly refreshed after I saw the look of these photos. I feel like I'm getting my groove back alittle.
Hey, by the way, don't forget to enter my little giveaway in celebration of my birthday. One year older and maybe a little wiser... well... maybe.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
We moved to Arizona and had a flood... wait, what?
Yesterday started out pretty normal. It was Aurora’s first time sleeping in her big girl bed and our dog, Piston, woke her up extra early. No big deal, we started our day and I got a lot done. I did some laundry, vacuumed, took care of the dishes, and enjoyed time with Aurora. I was so tired from our first night of big girl bed time. I stayed on her floor until she fell asleep and then stayed up late finishing some homework. I thought a nap would be great and I didn’t want to be up all night again working on projects. So, I decided even though we hadn’t bought a new crate for Piston yet, Aurora and I would take a walk over to McDonalds and she could play while I finished up some work. I took everything out of Aurora’s large bathroom and made Piston a little area. I didn’t think he could get into any trouble, I mean, it’s an empty bathroom right? What could he hurt? I never realized how much water could come out of a toilet…
Yes, that’s right, he attacked the toilet. He lost it when we left and attacked the toilet breaking the line the leads to the water tank. I have no idea for how long. Aurora and I were walking home from being at McDonalds for about two hours when I ran into one of the complex workers near our apartment. When he told me that the downstairs neighbors called complaining about water coming from the ceiling, I lost it. We flew up the stairs and as soon as I opened the door I saw it, water. It was in just about every room of our two bedroom apartment. When I stepped into the hallway my feet, up to my ankles, were completely covered with water. I was in shock. My heart sank into my stomach and I didn’t know what to do. My emotions were high and I just started crying. The poor guys that work in our complex tried to calm me down. They helped scooping water into the tub and I tried to keep Aurora out of the water and get as much stuff into a dry area. I was thankful that our kitchen wasn’t affected. I started pilling everything into there.
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Aurora’s room got it the worst. A lot of her things were completely water logged. The carpet it in room was completely covered in water. I’m so thankful that other than some stuff animals and toys we didn’t have that much damage. It’s a miracle. Somehow our furniture is all intact and the guy who came for the carpets said that they wouldn’t need replaced that they will dry out. I’m so glad it was fresh water that came out. All of my products listed in my Etsy shop somehow escaped the waters that were rushing into our bed room closet. It’s amazing. Other than an aching back from moving everything out of the way, I’m fine and so is everyone else. We’re at a local hotel for the next two days until the guy can cames back to check on the carpets. I hope they are dry so we can get back in and start the cleaning process.
When all this first happened I was completely ready to give up Piston. This had done it for me. He has destroyed a couch, two recliners, a countless number of toys, broken plates, ruined the carpet, destroyed the blinds and so much more. We got him about a year and a half ago when he was only a year old. He was never crate trained and one of his owners was home with him all the time. He’s not used to people leaving, and I get that. I love him to death, but I can’t stop doing things because he’s crazy. I also feel really terrible because I can only image how scared he was when all that water came rushing out at him. I didn’t even think of that until later. Poor guy, I just shoved him out on the patio, I was so angry. He’s at his favorite place right now, the doggie hotel. I’m hoping that we can come up with some kind of solution. With the new baby on the way I’m just completely freaked out on what will happen nest.
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This crazy thing that happened to us made me really think about what’s been going on in America. As I was cleaning I was thinking about all the people in the south affected by the tornados and recent flood waters. The water in our house will dry and in a few days we will be able to get back home again. So many people in our own country won’t be able to do that. I didn’t really lose anything, so many have lost everything. We’re all healthy and fine but how many loved ones have been lost? When I came home and walked in the door and saw all that water I was so hurt. I can only image what it would be like to drive down the street to where my house used to stand and see nothing left but rubble. I want to encourage anyone and everyone who is able to donate what they can to the Salvation Army or other wonderful organizations helping out. So many people need so much more than just food and shelter, they are going to have to start all over again. It’s hard to think when living in our cozy homes, feeling safe, that it could be gone in the blink of an eye. My prayers and good thoughts go out to all the families who have been a part of this weather tragedy that just doesn’t seem to want to let go. God help us put the devastated parts of our country back together.
Wow, and I thought I was lacking in things to blog about this week…
Yes, that’s right, he attacked the toilet. He lost it when we left and attacked the toilet breaking the line the leads to the water tank. I have no idea for how long. Aurora and I were walking home from being at McDonalds for about two hours when I ran into one of the complex workers near our apartment. When he told me that the downstairs neighbors called complaining about water coming from the ceiling, I lost it. We flew up the stairs and as soon as I opened the door I saw it, water. It was in just about every room of our two bedroom apartment. When I stepped into the hallway my feet, up to my ankles, were completely covered with water. I was in shock. My heart sank into my stomach and I didn’t know what to do. My emotions were high and I just started crying. The poor guys that work in our complex tried to calm me down. They helped scooping water into the tub and I tried to keep Aurora out of the water and get as much stuff into a dry area. I was thankful that our kitchen wasn’t affected. I started pilling everything into there.
Aurora’s room got it the worst. A lot of her things were completely water logged. The carpet it in room was completely covered in water. I’m so thankful that other than some stuff animals and toys we didn’t have that much damage. It’s a miracle. Somehow our furniture is all intact and the guy who came for the carpets said that they wouldn’t need replaced that they will dry out. I’m so glad it was fresh water that came out. All of my products listed in my Etsy shop somehow escaped the waters that were rushing into our bed room closet. It’s amazing. Other than an aching back from moving everything out of the way, I’m fine and so is everyone else. We’re at a local hotel for the next two days until the guy can cames back to check on the carpets. I hope they are dry so we can get back in and start the cleaning process.
When all this first happened I was completely ready to give up Piston. This had done it for me. He has destroyed a couch, two recliners, a countless number of toys, broken plates, ruined the carpet, destroyed the blinds and so much more. We got him about a year and a half ago when he was only a year old. He was never crate trained and one of his owners was home with him all the time. He’s not used to people leaving, and I get that. I love him to death, but I can’t stop doing things because he’s crazy. I also feel really terrible because I can only image how scared he was when all that water came rushing out at him. I didn’t even think of that until later. Poor guy, I just shoved him out on the patio, I was so angry. He’s at his favorite place right now, the doggie hotel. I’m hoping that we can come up with some kind of solution. With the new baby on the way I’m just completely freaked out on what will happen nest.
This crazy thing that happened to us made me really think about what’s been going on in America. As I was cleaning I was thinking about all the people in the south affected by the tornados and recent flood waters. The water in our house will dry and in a few days we will be able to get back home again. So many people in our own country won’t be able to do that. I didn’t really lose anything, so many have lost everything. We’re all healthy and fine but how many loved ones have been lost? When I came home and walked in the door and saw all that water I was so hurt. I can only image what it would be like to drive down the street to where my house used to stand and see nothing left but rubble. I want to encourage anyone and everyone who is able to donate what they can to the Salvation Army or other wonderful organizations helping out. So many people need so much more than just food and shelter, they are going to have to start all over again. It’s hard to think when living in our cozy homes, feeling safe, that it could be gone in the blink of an eye. My prayers and good thoughts go out to all the families who have been a part of this weather tragedy that just doesn’t seem to want to let go. God help us put the devastated parts of our country back together.
Wow, and I thought I was lacking in things to blog about this week…
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
empowerment.
A little while ago Danielle of the merriweather council asked about empowerment. I seriously thought about this for a while. I didn’t really think that I had done anything in my life empowering for myself, but I guess I have. I think a lot of times I feel the things I’ve done in my life are small and unimportant, in reality they are pretty big.
First thing I did that really was a big deal was graduated from high school. Even though the odds were against me I managed to pull out a head and prove that I was more than what everyone said I was. After high school I attended community college and had a great opportunity to be a part of the Theater department and be involved in some really great shows. I even had my first official lead roll there. I’ll never forget performing in “See How They Run” as Penelope; it will always be a great high light of my life.
During my college years I also got to do some traveling. I visited Israel with a woman’s group and I’ll never forget how breath taking and beautiful that country is. At the same time it can be a sad and scary place for the people that live there. I was able to walk in places that have been inhabited for thousands of years and see things not a lot of people get to see.
Yes, that would be me akwardly riding a camel. It's not easy! He tried to bite me a couple of times too.
An amazing moment where I got to float in the Dead Sea. Float is the key word, you really can't swim in the Dead Sea.
The next big trip I took was with my church’s youth group. It was my first official trip as an “adult” helping out and it was amazing. We not only visited Germany but we got to experience time in Poland as well. It was a rocky road but serving on that trip was amazing. I think the thing that stands out in my mind is when we visited our second prison in Poland. There were only a few men that attended our service, but they were very thankful and receptive of us being there. I’ll never forget the looks on their faces and how shocked they were that a group of kids from American wanted to come visit them and share something important. It was a really beautiful moment to watch.
I think this is pretty much the entire group that was there. We were able to visit an old German concentration camp while we were there... wow... amazing.
This is our little acting group. We had a lot of fun preforming for the kids at the Vacation Bible school. The teens that were with us were so amazing. They're all grown up now, I can't believe how time flies.
For several years I floundered around not knowing left from right or what I was doing. Somehow, by the grace of God I believe, I found my way. Marc and I had Aurora, got married and shared in the biggest decision of our lives, I think. Deciding to move from Pennsylvania to Arizona was as easy as breathing but as hard as you can imagine. I feel like we are both growing and blooming into new people on our adventure and the best part is we have each other. I know I’ve talked about this a lot but it is very important to me. I have to say I’m proud of us and what we are doing. Being on your own is defiantly empowering.
Think about your life and what you’ve done. Things you wouldn’t have thought were that important probably were. If they were only important to you than who cares, they were important to you. Sometimes just getting down and really cleaning the house makes me feel empowered. Not killing our house plants thus far also makes me feel pretty empowered!
Now is the hard part, the next step. Moving forward I want to make sure I’m taking the steps to continue on my journey of empowerment. I admire so many people for what they have done and what they do now it’s my turn!
What are you doing to do?
First thing I did that really was a big deal was graduated from high school. Even though the odds were against me I managed to pull out a head and prove that I was more than what everyone said I was. After high school I attended community college and had a great opportunity to be a part of the Theater department and be involved in some really great shows. I even had my first official lead roll there. I’ll never forget performing in “See How They Run” as Penelope; it will always be a great high light of my life.
During my college years I also got to do some traveling. I visited Israel with a woman’s group and I’ll never forget how breath taking and beautiful that country is. At the same time it can be a sad and scary place for the people that live there. I was able to walk in places that have been inhabited for thousands of years and see things not a lot of people get to see.
The next big trip I took was with my church’s youth group. It was my first official trip as an “adult” helping out and it was amazing. We not only visited Germany but we got to experience time in Poland as well. It was a rocky road but serving on that trip was amazing. I think the thing that stands out in my mind is when we visited our second prison in Poland. There were only a few men that attended our service, but they were very thankful and receptive of us being there. I’ll never forget the looks on their faces and how shocked they were that a group of kids from American wanted to come visit them and share something important. It was a really beautiful moment to watch.
For several years I floundered around not knowing left from right or what I was doing. Somehow, by the grace of God I believe, I found my way. Marc and I had Aurora, got married and shared in the biggest decision of our lives, I think. Deciding to move from Pennsylvania to Arizona was as easy as breathing but as hard as you can imagine. I feel like we are both growing and blooming into new people on our adventure and the best part is we have each other. I know I’ve talked about this a lot but it is very important to me. I have to say I’m proud of us and what we are doing. Being on your own is defiantly empowering.
Think about your life and what you’ve done. Things you wouldn’t have thought were that important probably were. If they were only important to you than who cares, they were important to you. Sometimes just getting down and really cleaning the house makes me feel empowered. Not killing our house plants thus far also makes me feel pretty empowered!
Now is the hard part, the next step. Moving forward I want to make sure I’m taking the steps to continue on my journey of empowerment. I admire so many people for what they have done and what they do now it’s my turn!
What are you doing to do?
Friday, March 25, 2011
where i'll be tomorrow....
What are your plans for the weekend? Will I see you in Phoenix? ^_^
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
First blog post in Arizona
So for my first blog post in Arizona I decided to keep it strictly photography. We are doing really well here. Aurora and I get to have a lot of fun and Marc does too, right now he’s working a lot but he still makes time for us! I’ve been playing around a lot with a feature on my camera phone called FX: toy camera and Polaroid, and I love it! Here’s some of the photo’s I’ve been taking with it
Here's a few of Aurora playing in the fountains at San Tan Village:
Here's a few of Aurora playing in the fountains at San Tan Village:
Some other fun things:
I've uploaded some other ones to my facebook, and I'll probably being posting those at a later date! In the future I'm going to be posting many more of my photography experiments as well as some of my favorite shops on Etsy! Who knows what else will come up!
Happy trails!!!!! <3>
Monday, August 2, 2010
move westward, son.....
So, I haven’t posted in a while and I have to apologize for that. Life has gotten a little more hectic than usual. About two weeks about Marc went down to Phoenix, AZ for his company and when he came back he had some news. My husband was offered an awesome opportunity to work in Arizona. BIG DESISION! We talked, we argued, we laughed, we cried, we got excited, and we have finally made our decision; we’re moving.
Now 2,000 miles seems like such a long ways away, but really with the technology we have now it’s not. It’s about a five hours plane ride and I talk to most everyone on facebook anyways so that’s not going to be that huge of a difference. I think the hardest part will be leaving our families. I still have to tell my parents, argh. Marc dicussed it with his family last night and it went okay. I think that mostly they are excited for us; sad and a little scared, but mostly excited. I hope everyone else can be too! I’ll miss the ‘Burgh but I’m excited to take a new adventure head on!
I’ve spent most of my life not taking chances and missing opportunities but I have a terrible fear of failure, but I’m not going to let the dictate mine or my families’ lives anymore. We could go out there and fall flat on our faces but I know we have people that love us that can help us put back the pieces.
Have I said I’m excited yet? Because I am! I’ll be keeping a log on what’s going down here on my blog so stay tuned!
P.S. My Etsy shop opening has obviously been postponed until further notice – I will keep you informed for when I’m going to give it a go! I’m not giving up on that yet!
Now 2,000 miles seems like such a long ways away, but really with the technology we have now it’s not. It’s about a five hours plane ride and I talk to most everyone on facebook anyways so that’s not going to be that huge of a difference. I think the hardest part will be leaving our families. I still have to tell my parents, argh. Marc dicussed it with his family last night and it went okay. I think that mostly they are excited for us; sad and a little scared, but mostly excited. I hope everyone else can be too! I’ll miss the ‘Burgh but I’m excited to take a new adventure head on!
I’ve spent most of my life not taking chances and missing opportunities but I have a terrible fear of failure, but I’m not going to let the dictate mine or my families’ lives anymore. We could go out there and fall flat on our faces but I know we have people that love us that can help us put back the pieces.
Have I said I’m excited yet? Because I am! I’ll be keeping a log on what’s going down here on my blog so stay tuned!
P.S. My Etsy shop opening has obviously been postponed until further notice – I will keep you informed for when I’m going to give it a go! I’m not giving up on that yet!
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