currents.

20110328_0454 
listening: Mazzy Star
eating: greek yogurt
drinking: decaf skinny white chocolate mocha/water
wearing: skinny black jeans, soft grey tee and back oversized cardi.
feeling: a little tired. sometimes I feel even more tired when I get more sleep.
weather: blue skies...it's getting warmer!
wanting: a personal assistant. have I mentioned this before?
needing: not much. would like good morning hug from the boy though.
thinking: how awkward I can be sometimes.
enjoying: my hair. I know, sounds like I'm full of myself but I actually took the time to style it rather than running a brush through it and calling it good.
wondering: why some people can go through life being so cranky. I mean, I get it...we all have our days but sheesh, this person is constantly at a low point in her life.

I had such an awesome weekend.
Bought myself a few things on my short budget. Why have I never been to Kohls before? Also bought a few more sleepers. I'm addicted to sleepers, especially ones that zip.
My facial was fabulous. Not sure why I've never had one before..well, I know why. Because I'm cheap. But this was a gift from my guys so I had no excuse. When I got home from my mommy day, Jeff met me at the door to tell me my face was glowing. Yes, he actually used the word "glowing". Made me smile.
Family time together, visit from dad, surprise package from mom, red velvet cupcakes, shrimp & grits (my bday dinner this year)...it was all low key. Just the way I like it.

Put up some new artwork in my studio.
 20110328_051520110328_051820110328_0523 
I downloaded these from one of my new favorite places on the web. New to me..not the web. There's also a great read on there about being a shy photographer. Actually there's a lot of great reads on the site. I finally found a tutorial on how to use a tilt shift lens which is pretty awesome.

Guess I should get on with my Wednesday.
Thanks for all the birthday wishes!
xot.

currents...

...done a little different this midweek.

currently checking out blogs via google reader.

currently polishing off a banana and chugging it down with water. hello healthy eating and baby steps to losing weight. my trick is to chug water anytime i want something sweet which is my major weakness. so far it's working. i plan to reward myself friday with a white chocolate mocha.

currently annoyed at a certain person who always seems to bring that out in me.

currently looking for a long skirt. yes, i'm jumping on the long skirt trend.

currently excited for my hair appointment tomorrow! seriously looking like the it although i'm pretty impressed at my loosely pinned up side bun that I spent 20 mins doing this morning.

currently listening to Cake and loving it.

currently loving that it's staying lighter out in the late afternoons. can't wait for that midnight sun.

currently reading texts from my husband who informed me of a poopy diaper change.

currently finishing up a few tasks at work before heading out the door.

currently wondering what to do for st patty's day.

currently not happy this is a photoless post. oh well.

what are you currently up to today?

currents.

bringing currents back.

 

listening: Sublime, Doin' Time.
-not the biggest Sublime fan but I love this particular song. Makes me think of the hot sun beating down my shoulders, the smell of bbq, and the refreshing taste of a Corona with a wedge of lime.
eating: some cut up honey dew.
drinking: decaf skinny white chocolate mocha.
wearing: Gap straight jeans, black tank, black cardi, my favorite high heeled booties.
-have been wearing loads of black post-baby.
feeling: spiritual. 
weather: sunny and cool.
-although we've had some pretty good weather up here, I'm smart enough to know that this is not the official break up.
wanting: to squeeze an extra few hours out of the day.
-trying to find balance in my life right now. between being a mom, home life, office life, going forth with my own business ventures..I'm finding myself a tad overwhelmed. I'm seeing light at the end of the tunnel though and that keeps me going.
needing: a haircut.
-my bangs are hideous.
thinking: about a long distance online friend.
enjoying: the warmth of the sun I'm feeling through my office window.
wondering: how other working mom's juggle everything and keep their sanity.

3333216967_6e5ae73e02
 
source 

xot.

currents.

listening: my dog yapping at the mailman.
eating: peanut butter cookie, freshly baked.
drinking: diet A&W rootbeer.
wearing: a well loved, broken in pair of abercrombie jersy knit pants.
feeling: content.
weather: COLD.
wanting: a crunch roll from sushiya 
needing: a pair of jeans that don't have a maternity band around the waist.
thinking: how angelic my little boy is when he's sleeping.
enjoying: the sound of Tyler's coo as he sleeps.
wondering: what his future holds.

I am currently chillin like a villain.
The boy and I are upstairs snuggled in bed because it's the warmest spot in the house.
My little chunk-a-munk went to his first party over the weekend where he was the only baby boy amongst many baby girls. It was cute to be in the presence of all these babies ranging from 6 weeks to 9 months.

Sugar Cookiesblog

We were all there to celebrate the coming Paula's second baby girl. She was radiant and beautiful and sported the familiar preggers waddle that I personally do not miss. :)

Sugar Cookies1blog
Things I'm anticipating this week? 
Getting my box of the newest release from Studio Calico which can be viewed here.
Also getting excited about my first photo shoot of 2011 this week. Can't wait. 
I'm really looking forward to getting back in the photo business. 

xot
 
 

currents.

4067132253_29f29ea635_o                                              (polaroid sx 70, 600 film)
 

??listening: to some random mix on Pandora.
eating: a breakfast burrito with salsa.
drinking: peppermint hot chocolate 
wearing: leggings, Uggs, long t, sweater, scarf.
feeling: nervous, scared, excited, not ready.  
weather: COLD.
wanting: for him to wait a few more weeks.
needing: to do some last minute baby shopping.
thinking: REALLY?!
enjoying: the excitement.
wondering: am I going to have a Thanksgiving baby?

So.
OB says it could be anytime.
ANYTIME.
I was not prepared to hear that yesterday at my check up.
What happened to my December due date?
I had maternity leave plans with work.
I have more laundry to do. Meals to make and freeze. A bathroom to remodel. Christmas shopping!
Oy.
I know, I know...you can only prepare and plan so much. I hear your thoughts as you're reading this.
I guess I was just really hoping for a baby with a December birthday.
But I don't have any control on when he'll make his fabulous debut.

Other than that, it's a pretty typical Wednesday. Just trying to stay warm!
xot.

currents.

??listening: The White Stripes. 
eating: about to have a bowl of frosted mini wheats.
drinking: ice decaf coffee. I woke up with a huge craving for ice coffee. The idea sounded better though, I'm not enjoying it one bit.
wearing: The only pair of jeans I can fit my big bootie into, black sweater & my fake Missoni scarf.
feeling: puffy.
weather: cold & dark.
wanting: some one to do my Christmas shopping for me.
needing: a boost of energy when I get home from work.
thinking: 4 more weeks, 4 more weeks, 4 more weeks. holy shnikies
enjoying: love.
wondering: are these Braxton Hicks contractions I'm feeling?

The shower was absolutely fabulous.
I could not have asked for a better party. It all came out as I envisioned which was kind of like a vintagy carnival type theme. Old fashion candy, popcorn machine, soda bottles, yummy food, face painting for the kids.....it was all perfect.
And of course I didn't get one photo in. Something I was afraid would happen. Ronalyn was kind enough to take photographs, you can view a few of them here. Her and her partner Paula who shot my maternity photos gifted me with the most wonderful photo book. It's amazing.
Another thing I wanted to do instead of the usual sign in book was to take a polaroid of all my guests that would later go into a scrapbook that will hold baby cards and other memorabilia.
I found that Polaroid actually makes something really similar to Fuji's instax camera and that I could find it locally here at Target. I'd so much rather pay for something here than order it online. I haven't had a chance to play with it yet but the photos are fun.

Baby_shower_polas resBaby_shower_flowersres
Thanks for all the anniversary love! Dinner was delicious...especially the crab legs dipped in copious amounts of melted butter.....mmmm....

xot
 

currents.

Currents 
 

??listening: The Sea and Cake. 
eating: Melon and grapes.
drinking: Water.
wearing: Nothing special.
feeling: very very tired. my eyes are so heavy this a.m.
weather: foggy, icy.
wanting: to snuggle back in bed with my 5 pillows.
needing: haircut. desperately.
thinking: about my upcoming baby shower. hope all goes well.
enjoying: the return of eggnog steamers.  
wondering: how I will ever manage.

Finally started working on the nursery. Pictured above are the only 2 items besides our crib and dresser that we have for our very non-traditional boys room. I really wanted to do something different. I was first inspired by this rug from UO.

UorugI immediatly new this would be the color scheme. 
Jamaica was super kind and made me a quilt based on the rug.
I absolutely adore it. What a talent to be able to quilt.  
My photo really doesn't do it justice.  The backside is one of my favorite fabrics which is the teal/blue woodgrain from Joel Dewberry. LOVE.

For the baby 
The little elephant was given to me by my 3 year old niece. What a sweatheart. She and her mom where reorganizing her room and toys and she came upon the little elephant. She told her mom..."I don't need this anymore, I want to give it to Aunt Tina's baby". It's so soft and snuggly. I can't wait to have our son play with it.
These are the types of gifts I will treasure forever. It's so nice to have such supportive friends and family surround me at such a huge turn in my life.
Even my interweb friends who leave me supportive comments here and make me feel like I'm not crazy for thinking the way I do.
The text messages I get from Vee.
The emails I get from my SC friends.
It's all meaningful and taken to heart.
Thanks to all of you reading and listening.

xot

currents.

Currents lens 

??listening: Ingrid Michealson
eating: nothing at the moment.
drinking: Nantucket Peach Orange juice.
wearing: you guessed it, skinny gray jeans.
feeling: a little on the grumpy side.
weather: dark, cool.
wanting: a winter coat that I can zip up.
needing: a Tums. love oj but man does it give me acid reflux.
thinking: about my tasks for the day and how much I can accomplish.
enjoying: nothing at the moment. It's too early in the morning to be joyful.
wondering: what errands I need to get done on my lunch hour.

I posted those who are in on my Dare swap this morning. Head over to the blog and check it out. Be sure to email me your mailing address no later than the 24th. My goal is to get swap goodies out by Monday.

Will hopefully have a few November SC sneaks for you this week. As thrilled as I was receiving this kit, I'm having a hard time finishing layouts. I know this is because my scrap-room is a complete disaster right now. I may have mentioned this before but it seriously looks like a room straight out of a Hoarders episode.

xot

 

currents...two posts in one.

October 12, 2010
I spent a whole 3 days away from the computer and emails.
It was amazing and something I recommend for anyone who is or has been overwhelmed with life and everything in between.
Last Friday ended with a bang. A very non-welcoming bang. The kind of bang that sends you over the edge and makes you want to crawl into a hole. Drama is as drama does I say.
But I feel better after taking a few days for myself. No photo shoots, no editing..well, a little editing but only because I wanted to scrapbook. Finally started on the nursery which was taking down the shelving and spakling over the millions of holes. Paint will commence this Saturday. Not to worry. The man is taking care of it. I took 2 naps yesterday. Yes, 2 and it felt sooooo good.
Now I feel like I'm ready to take on the world again. Or partially. Maybe like the US and part of Europe.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.

This ones a toughie. My mind is drawing a blank at the moment.

October 13, 2010

Currents 

??listening: The Decemberist
eating: grapes
drinking: water
wearing: a cowl neck gray knit maternity dress, tights, boots. super comfy.  
feeling: hungry for lunch
weather: bright and sunny but cold
wanting: my old shoe size back
needing: a hair cut
thinking: about  a lot right now. my cup runeth over.
enjoying: assembling my baby shower invites on my lunch break.
wondering: if it's going to snow this weekend. hoping it doesn't snow this weekend, especially since I have to drive out to the valley for a photoshoot in my civic that it not yet equipped with studded tires.

Frost already. It's normal I suppose.
I thought long and hard about the day 6 truth. I don't really want to take so much time thinking about these truths. I'd like to just spit out the first thing that comes to mind but I can't always post those things here. Many of you have family who read your blogs, right? Well, that is why I'm going with my second choice for today's..er...yesterday's truth. And while I know a lot of you enjoy reading my deep hearted truths, I have to keep some of them light. Especially since I've succumbed to my pregnancy hormones as of late and cry at the drop of hat.

?Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.

I hope that I never ever have to give a speech in public again. NEVER. I can teach a small class of 6-8 but I will never be able to walk up on a stage and give a speech. NEVER I tell you. I was humiliated at the age of 13 during a pageant. Yes, I was in a pageant. It was the first and the last and it was just a small pageant for the local Air Force. Miss Elmendorf. Oh god, it was horrible. The only thing I enjoyed was meeting an older group of teens who got me into a little trouble with my father. Nothing major but good times.

xot

Currents

listening: The Weepies. I'm so loving the Weepies right now.
eating: just polished off a bowl of chicken & wild rice soup.
drinking: strawberry lemonade. I know, kind of weird lunch combo.
wearing: boots, gray skinny jeans, super soft flowy tee. (I seem to wear my gray skinnies on Wednesdays)
feeling: good.
weather: blue skies, cool air.
wanting: the cookie that's waiting for me to gobble.
needing: to get the nursery started!!
thinking: about my sc kit that should be arriving on my doorstep tomorrow.
enjoying: the season
wondering: why are some teenage girl so rude to pregnant women? wait...could be their rude to everyone. I just don't remember being that way myself when I was that age.

Said cookie is gone.
I've swapped my ice cream addiction for a cookie one. The Nordstroms cafe has the best buttery shortbread cookies. Kind of sad that I only go to Nordstroms for the cookies but it's not like I can fit into any of their clothes. :)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Day 4: Something you need to forgive someone for.

This ones a no brainer for me. It's something I did a few months ago.
Some of you may know about my situation with my mom.
Here's a brief summary.
Mom leaves family heartbroken for a supposed better life far away from us.
Mom calls once in a blue moon the first year.
Mom stops calling.
Girl goes on with life and gets pregnant at 32.
Mom finally calls after 15 years of no communication.
Mom regrets not keeping in touch and wants to pick up where relationship left off.
Girl is confused and doesn't remember where relationship left off.
Girl is cautious with her heart but no longer wants to hold onto any ill will towards mom nor does she want her son to harbor these feelings.
Girl lets go and forgives because we all deserve forgiveness.
Now girl enjoys weekly convos with mom.
Girl does not expect anything more.
Girl has learned that expecting things from people only bring on disappointment.

Girlmom (polaroid sx 70, 600 film)

xot

currents.

CURRENTS 
listening: The Smiths
eating: an apple
drinking: ice tea
wearing: boots, gray skinny jeans, white sweater, fave scarf
feeling: better
weather: looks promising
wanting: a bagel
needing: to get to work
thinking: how lucky I am
enjoying: saving money this week by bringing my own breakfast & lunch
wondering: what I'm going to wear for my maternity shoot this weekend

monday's post was such a downer. still can't pinpoint why exactly I was so irritable but I did go home and make chocolate chip cookies. that helped.

the latest Dare should be up sometime today. Jamaica sent a amazing array of papers for us to work with. my Wear mini is still a work a progress as you can see....
Jeddare 
just need to add some journaling and it'll be done. I'll post more on it later.

I do have one more Studio Calico sneak, actually 2. the polaroid image above is part of a 2-page layout. yes, I actually completed a 2-pager. didn't flow like I wanted it too but the personal challenge was welcoming.

20100921_6850

now I have to dote on a few things, one being an item that's currently in the Studio Calico shop. 
it's the American Crafts This to That tape runner
I LOVE THIS PRODUCT.
I recently ran out of the last refill of my old beloved tape runner from Glue Arts....I thought I loved this one until I used the AC runner. it handles beautifully and I highly recommend it. 
second item is a particular add on with a particular rubber stamp in Octobers line up. I've used it in the sneak above and in my Wear Dare. The add on is called En Plein Air.
I LOVE THIS STAMP.
and it's exclusive to this add on so be on it when the time comes to buy. 
last is the Mister Huey Warm Calico mist available at Two Peas and will be available in the SC shop soon. 
I LOVE THIS MIST.
it's an awesome shade of gray and I can't get enough of it. I also used it on the above sneak.

alrighty, that's my sales pitch for today. :) I hope you know that I would never endorse anything i didn't use and love. 

xot

 

currents.

BUMPANDBOOTS

listening: Bon Iver
eating: nothing
drinking: hot chocolate
wearing: new fall boots, black leggings, plaid shirt
feeling: restless, worried.
weather: thick fog
wanting: nothing
needing: nothing
thinking: about my glucose test I have to take this week.
enjoying: being busy at work, makes the day fly by.
wondering:will I have to give up carbs?

I can't stop thinking about the possibility of having gestational diabetes.
I'm told this is fairly common during pregnancy but is it really?
I'm already on a low sodium diet and now I have to worry about sugar and carbs?
And then I make the mistake of googling the symptoms and read about the side effects it may have on my boy.
Sucks.
But I may be worrying prematurely as I haven't taken the glucose test yet.
My baby is a big one. 3 lbs already, long legs and arms like his daddy. :)

The OctoberStudio Calico kit has become a fave of mine and by the looks of the other sneaks, a fave amongst the dt. Here are few sneaks.....

Clstinasept2 
Clstinastept1 The stamps in the kitand add ons is enough to make my knees buckle. No joke. 
 
Vee and I are hosting theSC blog this week. Vee's got a little "Neutrals" challenge posted. You could win yourself a $5 SC gift card if you get your Neutrals layout posted to the SC gallery by Saturday! 
Here's my take: 
111509818 Head over to theSC blog for my quick tip and product review of the new Mister Huey. 
 
xot

currents.

Currents 
listening: Jane's Addiction
eating: an apple
drinking: just finished my delicious hot chocolate
wearing: cargo pants/tee
feeling: ok
weather: cool, cloudy
wanting: another hot chocolate
needing: a good laugh
thinking: about how long it'll take jeff to complete the floors downstairs.
enjoying: the thought of having new floors downstairs. no more stinky old carpet!
wondering: why so many women are having thier babies early.

I am loving all the current dares I'm seeing from the past week! Be sure to check the dares blog to see if you are one of the lucky 15. If you see your name, be sure to email your address! Swap dares are due on the 21st!

Studio Calico is having a fabulous deal on they're nifty rub ons. TODAY ONLY. Please remember to enter the code at the time of checkout.
E1283197211 

Paislee Press has released a new set of gallery frames.
Being the digi newbie I am, I have yet to figure out how to use them but like my other digi layouts, it's all about trial and error. Hopefully I have something up this weekend.
_paislee-gallery2-prv
xot

currents.

in the form of a Dare.

111509815 
Totally different vibe doing currents in the comfort of my home rather than at work.
My mood seems to be a lot more relaxed, especially when I'm in my clean scrap room, windows wide open and feeling the cool  breeze on my skin. I take a deep breath and dive into paper and paint. 
It's a great feeling. One that I need to experience more often. 

This Dare is a special one. Be sure to check the Dare's site later this evening and get ready to scrap. 
I promise, you'll want to.

xot
 

currents, a day late.

listening: Iron & Wine.
eating: a banana.
drinking: hot chocolate.
wearing:a yoga skirt and a stretchy tee.
feeling: pretty damn good.
weather: the sun is out! holy shiz! after 30 some days of rain, I kid you not.
wanting: a new laptop. not only is my laptop acting up but my work computer is down. poo.
needing: to visit my aunt who has maternity clothes from korea.
thinking: happy thoughts.
enjoying: a lot. too many to mention.  
wondering: what materinity clothes from korea look like.

I leave you with my favorite quote this month:

Ab34quote
xot

currents and a new adventure.

listening: Golden Shoulders, Hooverphonic.
eating: just polished off a sesame bagel.
drinking: peach italian soda with cream.
wearing: maternity jeans, black tee. too tired to make an actual effort to look stylish.
feeling: unmotivated. i'll kick into gear in about an hour or two.
weather: rain, rain, rain. (this never changes)
wanting: a refill on my delicious soda. can't get enough icy cold beverages.  
needing: to fill you all in on my exciting news.
thinking: i don't know what i'm thinking really. i'm just trying to keep my eyes open.   
enjoying: the thought of eating my way through the upcoming state fair.
wondering: if I'm too old to wear jeggings.

 
and now for my exciting news and new adventure.
yep. I made the Paislee Press design team
I know what the majority of you are thinking....digital?
Hence, new adventure.
I've been a fan of Paislee Press for quite some time and I'm looking forward to expanding my scrapbook skills. I'm hoping that I can inspire those who have wanted to try digital but have been intimidated, like myself. I'd be fibbing if I said I knew the ins and outs of all things digital but I'm so ready to dive in. I hope you'll hang with me while I'm on my new adventure and try digital out for yourself. I'm a paper girl first, there's no doubt about that. But I'm going to make digital work for me. I just hope the digital communtiy does not shun my efforts. :)

Paislee-ctnew-2 
So, yeah....that's my exciting news. I'm curious to know how you all feel about digital. Is it something you're interested in or not at all. I know there are some devout hands on paper people and some who are digital all the way. FIll me in on your thoughts.

xot

PS...I have not forgotten about August Break. I will post my photos later this week.

currents.

listening: beck.
eating: honeydew
drinking: apple juice
wearing: maternity cargo pants,
feeling: tired. as always. stayed up late editing photos and watching the Zoe Project.
weather: rain, rain, rain.
wanting: my new SC kit. can't wait to scrap recent photos and play with new product.
needing: to back up my computer.
thinking: of dubbing a coworker "repeat" since she says the same thing every single day.   
enjoying: the thought of using the Slice machine KP is sending me.
wondering:if we're ever going to have a full day of sunshine and blue skies. this rain is bonkers.

So Taylor is officially gone from the Zoe Project? I'm going to miss that girl, bad attitude and all. My goodness, what I would do in that room with the racks of clothes and sea of shoes. Makes my mouth water. More so than watching Diners, Drive Ins & Dives.

A little peak of my first senior photo session with the lovely Stephanie.

Daisylemon1wtrmrk 
Feildmisty2wtrmrk 
Daisylemon2wtrnr 
questions I received from Monday's post will be answered in 2 parts starting tomorrow.
happy wednesday!
t
 
 
 

currents.

listening: to a cd my dad burned for me.
eating: Jello Tapioca pudding. I can't get enough of this sweet stuff right now.
drinking: water.
wearing: skinny jeans, billabong tee.
feeling: overwhelmed. it's been non-stop this month and will continue on to the next. I've had no time to nest which I'm really craving. especially now that we have some furniture for the nursery.
weather: cloudy with a chance of meatballs.
wanting: a pair of skinny grey maternity jeans for work but not wanting to spend a fortune.
needing: to buy another slurry of gifts for upcoming events. does it ever stop?
thinking: about the short convo I had with my mother. we haven't spoken since, I think 2000. all I can say about it is that it was awkward and now thoughts are weighing heavily on my mind and in my heart.
enjoying: the connection I had this past week with all my aunts and uncle that are visiting from Korea. I haven't seen them since leaving Korea as a baby. I only remembered my one uncle from an old photograph. He looked exactly the same.
wondering: a lot.

Studio Calico is on sale right this very moment. Amazingly the main kit and several add ons are still availble but most likely won't be for too much longer.

E1279997292 E1280074951 E1280074385 E1280074225 
And my gallery layouts...
20100725_5657 Foundphotoboothfnl Masonfnl Quote037 
 
xot
aka
tina
aka 
teens
aka
tink
aka 
tbone
aka
girl 
 
 
 
 
 

currents

listening: yeah yeah yeahs.
eating: steel cut oatmeal and a grapefruit. (making up for eating at the golden arches 2 days in a row)
drinking: water.
wearing: maternity khakis, olive green pre-maternity shirt.
feeling: oh so tired. airport must have changed flight patterns, listened to the roar of planes all night and we don't even live near the airport.
weather: rain, rain, rain.
wanting: to tuck myself back into warm cozy bed.
needing: to make a final decision on the crib.
thinking: about everything.  
enjoying: naps. immensely.
wondering: where in the heck is the sd card for my little camera?!

some tumblr faves.
Tumblr_l3xjfzubMS1qzmnlso1_500 Tumblr_l2ma5yzj6q1qaqs3eo1_500 Tumblr_l5075i6qQ71qzclx7o1_500 Tumblr_kt7t99eGS11qapwqgo1_500
(+) (+) (+) (+)
 
 xot

currents.

listening: Bjork, The Shins, Violent Femmes.
eating: oatmeal. again.  
drinking: black ice tea lemonade.
wearing: black leggings, my fave white tee and purple/lavender cardigan.
feeling: full.
weather: gray, cloudy.
wanting: to head to the yarn shop so I can start my nesting project. (thanks to Jen G's help, I'll be a master at crocheting granny squares)
needing: a new pair of flats. these ones hurt my feet.
thinking: thank god I made it through yesterday.
enjoying: my side braid ponytail. can't believe it's held this long.
wondering: if J fibbed to me when I asked him if this outfit made me look fat.

Currents 63010 (1) (2) (3) (4)