I have found that in order to keep me sane and mostly happy, I have to have some sort of creative outlet. When I was younger, I always looked up to my mom because everything she did arts and craft-wise was amazing. I thought that sadly, the artistic gene had totally skipped over me and I was really jealous! When I was in high school, my mom opened an art gallery. Thankfully, I had the opportunity to work there for around seven years on and off. I loved being around all the artists and their amazing work. While working there, I developed a love for jewelry. I have always found gemstones awesome. I even had a rock collection as a kid. When I got married, A and I moved 2 1/2 hours away from our families. We didn't know a soul there and it was a really hard transition for me. The first Christmas that we were married, my mom gave me a whole bunch of semi-precious gemstone beads and sterling silver findings. She got me just enough to start making some jewelry. I don't even think it was a week later, I was on the internet searching for me supplies. That was almost ten years ago. These days, my jewelry making has slowed down a lot. I don't really have a great place to set up all my things where I am comfortable to work and safe from L! Even as my production has slowed down, some how my sales have picked up (I have been selling my jewelry at my mom's art gallery since I started)! It's pretty freaking awesome! I love making jewelry and the idea that people are out there rocking jewelry I made....just outrageously cool!
Recently, I took a bunch of my jewelry out of the gallery and took them apart. This is a great way for me to update some of my designs and I don't have to buy more materials! I believe it was around Christmas time that I made a bunch of new items for the gallery. Well, my mom has been hounding me because my jewelry case is getting sparse. Now it's time to beef it up again! When I actually have the opportunity to make things, I am so happy and content. I can't help but think about how cool it would be if I could expand my little "business" to other shops and galleries. I debate this every time I get back into making my jewelry. There is a lot to be responsible for if I expand. I swear, someday I will!!!
I am forever thankful that my mom drew my creative gene out of me with my first jewelry kit. It seems, since I starting making jewelry, I have become a lot craftier with other things as well....whether it's just something as simple as painting rocks for my garden or more complex like making a beaded flower bouquet with my mom for our vow ceremony. I hope that L will grow up with an appreciation for art and love being creative as well!
PS- Check out the website for my mom's gallery (Gallery in the Vault). It really is an amazing shop!
http://www.galleryinthevault.com/
PPS- Expect to see all of my projects on my blog! I love writing about them!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Vacation...you seem so far away.....
I have found that I am becoming obsessively excited for vacation. I find myself texting and emailing everyone that usually goes on vacation the same time we do checking to see if they are even remotely excited as I am! I am like a little child. My family has gone to Hilton Head, SC for 33 years (this year is our 33rd). I believe I have missed two, possibly three years....but no more than that (the first year when I was a baby, the year my brother was born, and the year we travelled through Europe).
Last year was the first year we deviated from our normal time share slot. My brother was getting married in Hilton Head in the beginning of June. So, we did some maneuvering and went that week rather than our normal week in August. My whole childhood, we went the first two weeks in August. As we got a little older and everyones' lives got a little more hectic, we cut back to just one week (the second week). When my parents divorced, my mom got two timeshares for the second week (we actually have two condos the same week) and my dad got the first week. When we first got married, we would rent the second condo from my parents (or mom). Since the divorce, we started actually staying with my mom. She pays the maintenance fees for the condo at the beginning of the year and we pay for the gas to and from and buy most of the groceries. I would say the first year of this arrangement was a little bumpy, but since, it has worked out for all of us quite well. Anymore, we are so used to all being together, it is just normal. This year we are going to be going at our normal time....in August.
In the years past, my dad's brother and sister's family have come down the same week as well. This was always amazingly fun. To me, the more, the merrier. Everyone has their own condos and never have we felt obliged to entertain the others. We always had the best time with the whole group of us on the beach all morning! When I think of Hilton Head, I have the fondest memories. I am hoping to give L the same fond memories of our family vacations!
To me, this vacation is still super exciting and fun. There are always new things to do and explore, at the same time, if you want to just chill and relax, you can because you know exactly what to expect. Throughout the years, we have made a lot of friends that have also vacationed there for many, many years. It is amazing how many friends that I used to bum around with on the beach or at the pool with, take their growing families there now. To me, that is amazing! I imagine this sounds somewhat boring to some people, but to me, it's like a home away from home. The definition of vacation to me is a beach, a chair, and family and friends. Heaven!
This year is going to be a little different. The last few years, my dad's family haven't come due to schedule differences. We've missed them a lot and beg every year for them to change their minds! This year, however, we are expanding our family in a different manner. My brother is now married and has an 8 month old daughter. They are staying in my mom's other condo. My husband's parents, sister, brother in law and their 16 month old son are coming. My brother's mother and father in law, as well as two sisters in laws are also coming. We are going to have a full house (thankfully everyone has their own condos!) It's all very exciting! For quite a few years, there hasn't been any small children (just L for the last three years)....this year we now have THREE little kids! It is so amazing that we are starting a new cycle of families and traditions! I just love it!
After all this vacation talk, I am even MORE excited to go. Dangit!
Last year was the first year we deviated from our normal time share slot. My brother was getting married in Hilton Head in the beginning of June. So, we did some maneuvering and went that week rather than our normal week in August. My whole childhood, we went the first two weeks in August. As we got a little older and everyones' lives got a little more hectic, we cut back to just one week (the second week). When my parents divorced, my mom got two timeshares for the second week (we actually have two condos the same week) and my dad got the first week. When we first got married, we would rent the second condo from my parents (or mom). Since the divorce, we started actually staying with my mom. She pays the maintenance fees for the condo at the beginning of the year and we pay for the gas to and from and buy most of the groceries. I would say the first year of this arrangement was a little bumpy, but since, it has worked out for all of us quite well. Anymore, we are so used to all being together, it is just normal. This year we are going to be going at our normal time....in August.
In the years past, my dad's brother and sister's family have come down the same week as well. This was always amazingly fun. To me, the more, the merrier. Everyone has their own condos and never have we felt obliged to entertain the others. We always had the best time with the whole group of us on the beach all morning! When I think of Hilton Head, I have the fondest memories. I am hoping to give L the same fond memories of our family vacations!
To me, this vacation is still super exciting and fun. There are always new things to do and explore, at the same time, if you want to just chill and relax, you can because you know exactly what to expect. Throughout the years, we have made a lot of friends that have also vacationed there for many, many years. It is amazing how many friends that I used to bum around with on the beach or at the pool with, take their growing families there now. To me, that is amazing! I imagine this sounds somewhat boring to some people, but to me, it's like a home away from home. The definition of vacation to me is a beach, a chair, and family and friends. Heaven!
This year is going to be a little different. The last few years, my dad's family haven't come due to schedule differences. We've missed them a lot and beg every year for them to change their minds! This year, however, we are expanding our family in a different manner. My brother is now married and has an 8 month old daughter. They are staying in my mom's other condo. My husband's parents, sister, brother in law and their 16 month old son are coming. My brother's mother and father in law, as well as two sisters in laws are also coming. We are going to have a full house (thankfully everyone has their own condos!) It's all very exciting! For quite a few years, there hasn't been any small children (just L for the last three years)....this year we now have THREE little kids! It is so amazing that we are starting a new cycle of families and traditions! I just love it!
After all this vacation talk, I am even MORE excited to go. Dangit!
The view from our condo!
Beachin' it!
Awww....can't wait to get back to my spot!
Monday, July 16, 2012
Swooning....
(a much better, updated photo...I love cell phones...they can be so fun!)
Indeed, that is the two most swoon worthy men ever (well in my opinion).....
Christopher Meloni is wearing a weird hat, but seeing Alexander Skarsgard and him in the same picture definitely makes up for it! This, by far, would have been the best Comic-Con ever to have attended!
True Blood is one of my favorite shows hands down. But also at Comic-Con was Shameless (probably my second favorite show), Lost Girl, Being Human, and Psych (along with the cast of a ton of other great shows)!! Maybe someday I will go. I'll be sure to dress up like some crazy comic character too. Hahaha. Ok maybe not!
Any other True Blood lovers out there? What do you think of the new season? So far, I'm digging it. Not sure I am following all the plots as enthusiastically as others, but mostly I'm into it. I don't want to go into too much detail for those of you who have not watched it all yet.
So now that I am on the TV topic....what is your favorite TV shows? I'm always open to new suggestions. Lately, I've fallen behind on a lot of my normal favorites such as Burn Notice, Royal Pains, White Collar, Covert Affair, Necessary Roughness (yes, I watch a LOT of USA programs....they usually are very entertaining!) However, the two shows that I never miss week by week are True Blood and Lost Girl. If you like Sci-fi shows, you really ought to check out Lost Girl. And the greatest part of the show is that it was originally released in Canada a few seasons before it was released in the US, so the SyFy channel has been playing all the seasons consecutively. It's been months of all new episodes. SO COOL!
I have to admit, I do love some trash TV too....namely the dang Kardashians (I cringe just saying I watch this crap), Real World and Teen Mom. I really should be embarrassed, right? I swear it's like watching a car wreck. I just can't stop watching and shaking my head.....really? Every time I think it can't get any dumber, it does!
Alright....give me some ideas of new great shows or make fun of me for admitting I watch the Kardashians!
Friday, July 13, 2012
Colonoscopy.....
I will be the very first person to admit that having a colonoscopy SUCKS! That being said, this test saved my life. I've explained previously that I am a colon cancer survivor. Recently, I started having some bleeding very similar to when I was diagnosed. I went to my internist and had an exam, but she felt better having me see a colorectal specialist....no surprise there. I haven't actually seen a colorectal doctor in quite some time. Probably close to 6 or more years. The Dr who does my normal colonoscopies is a general surgeon. I tried to get an appt with my old Dr, whom I adored, but he couldn't see me until late August. So I saw one of his partners. She seemed nice enough and promptly ordered me a colonoscopy (I began to wonder even before I went, why I didn't just schedule one and be done with it). She said she found a "fissure" that she thought was the culprit, but wanted to make sure that was all it was. Honestly, I have my doubts. That's not to say that I think there is anything to be super worried about, but I feel better knowing 100% that everything is all good.
Today is the day. It was really nice that this Dr could schedule me within the week for a colonoscopy. They offer a different prep than what I normally do. When you have approx 7 colonoscopies under your belt (no pun intended!) at age 32, you know what works for you. Sadly, I didn't listen to myself and thought I'd try it. Without going into to too many nasty details, it was an epic fail that resulted in my puking most of it up and being up all night. Even at this point, I'm not completely sure I won't be getting a welcome enema when I get there. Good stuff! I've never had a colonoscopy this late in the day...it's scheduled for 2pm. I am STARVING! All I can think of is the good drugs I'm going to get during the procedure and the all the food I am going to scarf down afterwards!
Aside from whining about my prep and how much I hate this stuff....I am writing this because I think colonoscopies are important. Fun, they are not, but potentially life saving, they own that title! I hate the situation I have put all of my family in, my parents, brother and child. I feel bad that they have/ will suffer through colonoscopies at a more regular than a person with no family history. I do think that every time someone has to have a colonoscopy it's a great time to talk to your loved ones and encourage them to be pro-active about their health. That's exactly what I am doing now. If you're that age (50), have a family history of colon cancer (any age), or have any problems.....GO DO IT! Speaking as a somewhat expert on the procedure, the prep is bad....by far the worst part. But it is only one night of misery. The actual procedure isn't terrible at all. They get you naked in a wonderful hospital gown, put an IV in (another bump for me because I hate needles), then you wait, talk to the Dr and nurses a bit answering questions. Then they take you in the procedure room, make you lay on your left side and administer some fantastic sleepy drugs. After that, most people don't even know or remember what happens. I have a tolerance like a horse, so there have been some that I've been times when I was awake and that wasn't awful either, actually it was kind of interesting.
UPDATE:
The colonoscopy went well. Everything was clear! Thank God! Now can I please go my normal two years without a colonoscopy?!? :)
Today is the day. It was really nice that this Dr could schedule me within the week for a colonoscopy. They offer a different prep than what I normally do. When you have approx 7 colonoscopies under your belt (no pun intended!) at age 32, you know what works for you. Sadly, I didn't listen to myself and thought I'd try it. Without going into to too many nasty details, it was an epic fail that resulted in my puking most of it up and being up all night. Even at this point, I'm not completely sure I won't be getting a welcome enema when I get there. Good stuff! I've never had a colonoscopy this late in the day...it's scheduled for 2pm. I am STARVING! All I can think of is the good drugs I'm going to get during the procedure and the all the food I am going to scarf down afterwards!
Aside from whining about my prep and how much I hate this stuff....I am writing this because I think colonoscopies are important. Fun, they are not, but potentially life saving, they own that title! I hate the situation I have put all of my family in, my parents, brother and child. I feel bad that they have/ will suffer through colonoscopies at a more regular than a person with no family history. I do think that every time someone has to have a colonoscopy it's a great time to talk to your loved ones and encourage them to be pro-active about their health. That's exactly what I am doing now. If you're that age (50), have a family history of colon cancer (any age), or have any problems.....GO DO IT! Speaking as a somewhat expert on the procedure, the prep is bad....by far the worst part. But it is only one night of misery. The actual procedure isn't terrible at all. They get you naked in a wonderful hospital gown, put an IV in (another bump for me because I hate needles), then you wait, talk to the Dr and nurses a bit answering questions. Then they take you in the procedure room, make you lay on your left side and administer some fantastic sleepy drugs. After that, most people don't even know or remember what happens. I have a tolerance like a horse, so there have been some that I've been times when I was awake and that wasn't awful either, actually it was kind of interesting.
UPDATE:
The colonoscopy went well. Everything was clear! Thank God! Now can I please go my normal two years without a colonoscopy?!? :)
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
I Suck at Blogging!
Seems I can't get my head around anything anymore these days. Could it possibly the thousands of things that are swimming in my head already? Hmm...
Anyway, I swear I want to be good at this....
About a week ago, I got this great idea that A and I should renew our wedding vows while in vacation in Hilton Head. Took a little convincing to get A to go along with this. I'm not sure why. Who wouldn't want to marry me again? :) There are few reasons I thought this was a great idea. First and foremost is that, I want to renew my commitment to my husband and family. Lately, A and I have been nit picking at each other. It's really easy in day to day living to forget to appreciate your spouse and remember the attributes that you married them for in the first place. A little romance never hurts!! The second reason is, it's our ten year anniversary this year. In the old days, ten years was no big deal, but with divorce rates sky rocketing, ten years is a big deal. I barely know anyone my age that has made it this long. There are only a few couples. I think this is something to celebrate! We tend to think of our anniversary as just another day (with A's work schedule, we rarely get to celebrate). We deserve something to feel good about and our anniversary and vow renewal is perfect! This is a great year to do something like this, not only because it's our ten year anniversary, but because literally almost our whole family is going to be in Hilton Head with us. Perfect timing!! Finally, we originally wanted to get married on the beach, but opted for a normal wedding so all of our family and friends could come celebrate with us. This is a perfect chance to have a beach "wedding"! A didn't want to spend too much $$ on this shindig and I'm OK with that. My only concern was finding a decent priced dress. I went online and looked a few dresses that I kind of liked and they were all around $80-100 (when did clothes get SO expensive??) My mom and I went to the mall and poked around. I tried on maybe six dresses and found one I really liked. It's a simple white sun dress. It was on clearance for $67. I figured that was better than what I was expecting. I went up to pay for it and it rang up $21!!!! I almost started crying. What a perfect start!
I was thinking it would nice to carry a small bouquet, but didn't really want real flowers. My mom found a great tutorial for beaded flowers using seed beads. This project couldn't be more perfect for a jewelry making fiend like me! Currently we have 15 or so flowers and a few leaves made!! They really are beautiful! And similar bouquets online sell for $300+! I am on a roll here. I asked my sis-in-law, a budding photographer, to take photos for us and my other sister-in-law's father to "officiate". All we need to do is get a white button down shirt for A. L already has his white shirt and khaki shirt, so he's all ready! I am really excited about this and truly hope A is as well!
PS- I'll post pics soon of the bouquet. It truly is beautiful!
Anyway, I swear I want to be good at this....
About a week ago, I got this great idea that A and I should renew our wedding vows while in vacation in Hilton Head. Took a little convincing to get A to go along with this. I'm not sure why. Who wouldn't want to marry me again? :) There are few reasons I thought this was a great idea. First and foremost is that, I want to renew my commitment to my husband and family. Lately, A and I have been nit picking at each other. It's really easy in day to day living to forget to appreciate your spouse and remember the attributes that you married them for in the first place. A little romance never hurts!! The second reason is, it's our ten year anniversary this year. In the old days, ten years was no big deal, but with divorce rates sky rocketing, ten years is a big deal. I barely know anyone my age that has made it this long. There are only a few couples. I think this is something to celebrate! We tend to think of our anniversary as just another day (with A's work schedule, we rarely get to celebrate). We deserve something to feel good about and our anniversary and vow renewal is perfect! This is a great year to do something like this, not only because it's our ten year anniversary, but because literally almost our whole family is going to be in Hilton Head with us. Perfect timing!! Finally, we originally wanted to get married on the beach, but opted for a normal wedding so all of our family and friends could come celebrate with us. This is a perfect chance to have a beach "wedding"! A didn't want to spend too much $$ on this shindig and I'm OK with that. My only concern was finding a decent priced dress. I went online and looked a few dresses that I kind of liked and they were all around $80-100 (when did clothes get SO expensive??) My mom and I went to the mall and poked around. I tried on maybe six dresses and found one I really liked. It's a simple white sun dress. It was on clearance for $67. I figured that was better than what I was expecting. I went up to pay for it and it rang up $21!!!! I almost started crying. What a perfect start!
I was thinking it would nice to carry a small bouquet, but didn't really want real flowers. My mom found a great tutorial for beaded flowers using seed beads. This project couldn't be more perfect for a jewelry making fiend like me! Currently we have 15 or so flowers and a few leaves made!! They really are beautiful! And similar bouquets online sell for $300+! I am on a roll here. I asked my sis-in-law, a budding photographer, to take photos for us and my other sister-in-law's father to "officiate". All we need to do is get a white button down shirt for A. L already has his white shirt and khaki shirt, so he's all ready! I am really excited about this and truly hope A is as well!
PS- I'll post pics soon of the bouquet. It truly is beautiful!
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