Glam Nation

 

The greatest thing happened. I got to see Adam Lambert. I can now die a happy woman.

A good friend of mine, and fellow Adam  stalker  enthusiast, found out he was practically playing in our backyard. We bought tickets, waited a few months and then experienced what it's like to be an official "Glambert." It was fantastic. This photo was taken by a friend of my friend. We weren't that close, but we may as well have been the venue was that intimate. I found the video on youtube taken by someone else at the same concert.

"Aftermath" was never my favorite song on the album, but when sung acoustically against the summer night it was beautiful; a really nice "love yourself first" message. One thing I've always admired about Adam is the confidence he feels in his own skin. We could learn something from his mentality.

A sometimes poem

Sometimes I wish I had more to write about.
Other times, I'm grateful for my boring, sedentary life.
Happy Friday.
If you need me, I'll be on my couch.

Photo a-go-go

I have a friend/coworker who has left her graphic design routes to follow her dream of photography. She opened her own studio and shoots photos of babies and families and weddings galore. Sounds like a fun way to spend a day or two or thirty each month.

She recently had a special where anyone who responded to her facebook post would get a free session and 20% off any prints. Since Neil and I never really got "professional" shots taken when we were engaged or getting married we thought, "what the heck, it's never too late." Although Neil's boss was a bit confused we'd have them done without an occasion. So the occasion is our successful three years of marriage. Go us!

We traveled to the Yuba River and met Kelly at Bridgeport where there's a rustic covered bridge crossing the river. It brings back memories of when my mom used to trek the family around in search of covered bridges. And now here I am, a grown woman, wooing over how cool a wooden bridge can be.

I've never been comfortable getting my photo taken and I think the anxiety on my face will be apparent in most of the shots. The close-ups are not my favorite, but I do like the shots in the bridge so far. We were given 3 sneak peeks and I'm told we can't see the best ones until we visit her studio on Saturday. But for now, this was our glimpse.

The shot with my head resting on my chin was in homage to the publisher of the magazine I work for. I take a monthly photo of her for each issue and most of the poses she holds look very similar to this one. Eesh. It has become a running joke in the office. At least it makes for a good laugh and a campy photo!

Let me rest in pieces

I'm typing this from my desktop computer *gasp!*

I know.

My apple laptop has been my tried and true for the last 6 years and it is becoming quite obvious that its years days are numbered. But I have no idea what I'll do when it's official. I can't bear the thought of losing it. Or forking out the dough for another.

6 years together and not a single trip to the Mac genius bar.

That's literally amazing.

Buying Macs are like buying Hondas: Reliable. Safe. Infinite.

But we all have an expiration date. And this one is looming.

Temporary gal

Well, I got a wild hair and decided that now was the perfect time to bring in a foster dog. An email went out from the basset hound rescue we support saying that an emaciated senior stray basset was in need of a home and some TLC. My heart was bleeding and I knew we should help. Neil's been behind the idea from the beginning so it was just a matter of the right time and the appropriate dog coming together. The stars and planets aligned on Friday and Saturday morning we found ourselves carting home another basset hound.

She didn't have a name so we are calling her Georgia. She's incredibly sweet and very slow. Although her brain seems to be sharp as a tack. I am currently waiting to hear back from my vet about letting the rescue pay for her medical bills (apparently they have to set up an account with HR first?) So until that happens I am just working on feeding her and keeping her comfortable.

She's had a few accidents in the house because I'm afraid she has the same issue Lola did when we first got her: She doesn't know how to ask. She uses doggy doors just fine, but unfortunately we don't have one of those. We're in the process of teaching her to ring the bell like Lola and Lucy do, and she has a few times, but it's not a consistent practice yet.

I'm pretty sure either she was an only dog or she's just old and arthritic because she doesn't seem to have much energy for playing. But she does love her squeaker toys. And sleeping. And eating. She's been a really easy girl to please. My only fear is that she may be older than everyone is estimating (9 years) and that she'll be hard to adopt out. I am fully aware that some fosters can be with you for months before being adopted ... but I'm afraid she may be with us longer than that. Fingers crossed that quiet, special home comes along.

Miss Georgia:

Hobby knobbing

I've been thinking about a hobby lately. I've tried several things, most of which I'm not good at: knitting, cooking, graphic design. I really want a fun way to spend some time and get something out of it in return.

I was sent a gift from a good friend in Hawaii. A small cookbook. I thought "hey, I could cook my way through this cookbook like in Julie & Julia." But then, considering the context of the cookbook, my waistline screamed in terror. I decided to show it mercy and forget the idea.



Then I remembered how much fun I had when testing and reviewing pet products for sacpaws.com. I was given several products from companies, both new and old, to try out with my animals. I think I had more fun with the process than my pets did. So I'm planning to start up a new blog once I think of a name (don't worry, I'll still update this one with details of my boring life) and begin the process of taking it public. I hope it works!

What I remember

Here's what I remember about this day, three years ago:

1. How I awoke that morning completely rested and noting what a good sign it was.

2. How nervous I was once the dress was on because I was afraid of falling on my face in front of everyone.

3. How I loved the way my hair was done.

4. How my mom and Aunt surprised us with a limo to take us to the site.

5. How the butterflies in my stomach fluttered when I heard he'd arrived and was waiting for me.

6. How I floated down the aisle.

7. How I don't remember anyone else being there but us, even though we were surrounded by our nearest and dearest.

8. How it was a beautifully muggy, summer southern morning.

9. The way he looked at me.

10. How his voice sounded as he promised me a lifetime.

11. How complete I felt 15 minutes later.

12. The kiss that sealed the deal.

13. How his hand felt in mine, entirely different from any time before.

14. The rings on our fingers.

15. How it was the best day of my life.

It goes like this, the fourth, the fifth

Neil and I spent 4 peaceful days up at the cabin near Mt. Shasta to celebrate the 4th of July and our anniversary. I love these vacations. Not a single television or internet connection to be found and our cell phones barely get reception. It really is heaven and a welcomed break from reality.

This year my parents were able to join us for two of those days. They brought along a good friend too, who really needed the distraction and safe time with friends family. It was incredibly serene. The lack of television encouraged interesting conversation over drinks, as well as early bed times. The mornings were spent in the sun on the back porch with coffee mugs in hand. It was hard to go home.

This was our view each morning:



This was our view each evening:



This was our view while saying goodnight to the mountain:



Such beauty reminds me of the good left in the world; of the presence of God. In a skeptical world, and even with my cynical mind, I can still take in an awesome view like this and know deep down that everything will be alright and that I am loved. I am loved more than I will ever know.