Exposing Posies

I heart Faces Week 26 "Pets" Challenge

2010-06-28T14:47:00.003-05:00

Hello!! It's been a long, long time since my last blog, but I love this challenge! I heart faces is hosting a Pets challenge. I've been lucky enough to hang out with some pretty cute pups, including my own, which had some luck last year with this challenge.

So meet Outlaw. He's my sister's dog. He was just six weeks old in this picture and couldn't have been more adorable. He's now 2 years old and 20lbs heavier, but still adorable.

For more entries of cutie pets, click on the link below:

Ok so I watch American Idol...

2010-04-09T13:19:00.002-05:00

And Glee and Real Housewives (all of them) and a bunch of other shows I don't really tell people about. My only comfort is YOU DO TOO!! I was really sad last week when Didi Benami was kicked off. I think her voice is amazing. And this should be her song. Which I will quickly learn on my guitar and play when no one is listening. =)

becuase I lazy and uber tired this morning

2010-03-29T10:27:00.001-05:00

This week's I Heart Faces challenge can be found on Flickr. The challenge this week is Dramatic B&W. I love this picture of Emma and my dad. Btw, Emma is darling. Baby in a basket pictures coming soon.

This week's entry.

I heart faces weekly entry: All bundled up!

2010-03-16T09:46:00.001-05:00

So here's my take on all bundled up. Actually, I left my jumpdrive at home but I really wanted to play so I searched through my flickr pictures until I found one that i thought worked. This was one of my favorite pictures from my 365 project. It makes me laugh everytime I look at it!

For more Bundled up entries, click here:

Photo Restoration

2010-03-11T09:01:00.005-06:00

ok I'm really excited about this. We're throwing a huge party for my grandparents at the end of the month and one of my duties was to get an 8X10 made of each of my aunts and uncles for their respective tables. Luckily all of them went to the local photographer in Port Lavaca for portraits when they graduated, and grandma had a copy of them all. Unfortunately, she didn't have a copy of my oldest uncle. His daughter scanned a photo from when he was 21 but the photo had definitely seen better days. My clone stamp and I went to work! I was so happy with the way it came out (as well as my cousin) that she sent me their wedding photo. Check out the before and afters. I'm very happy with them!!

Before:

After:
It looks a little different b/c I had to change the size for 8X10

Before:

After:

and just like that...

2010-02-28T22:08:00.004-06:00

the world is a seven pounds cuter.

She's got 10 fingers, 10 toes, 2 gorgeous blue eyes, and an amazingly full head of hair.

Emma Jay Perez was born February 22, 2010 at 2:01pm. She is 7lbs 8oz, 20 inches long. I could go on and on about her cuteness and how much in love with this little girl I am, but I'll let her pictures do the talking. Obviously, more pictures to come. :)

Right outta the oven...

So sweet

What a great moment--caught my dad's first meeting with Emma

And then a great grandmother meeting her 17th great-grandchild

mother and daughter are doing great.

I heart faces weekly challenge: I wanna dance

2010-02-16T10:05:00.002-06:00

I like these challenges because it gives me a chance to go back through the pictures I've taken and relive the experiences. I didn't realize I had so many dance pictures to choose from! This one made me smile the most. This was taken at the beautiful wedding of Deanna and Victor. The kids were hilarious and waaay better dancers than I'll ever be. :)

More I wanna Dance photos can be found by clicking on this link.

I heart faces photo challenge: Kisses week!

2010-02-09T16:12:00.001-06:00

My favorite kissy kissy picture, the beautiful Claire and Charlie.

Taken in Italy soon after their wedding in Ravello on the steps leading to the bathroom (hah I'm not sure what else was up there :) )

For more kissy kissy pictures, click on the link:

November 1, 1951-January 27, 2002

2010-01-27T09:05:00.002-06:00

"There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the
mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten
thousand tongues. They are messengers of overwhelming grief...and
unspeakable love" -Washinton Irving

My best friend, my confidante, my mother. I miss you every single day. I'm happy you still show up in my dreams. It gives me peace to feel your spirit. Thank you for making me who I am today.
Love,
me.

I heart faces weekly challenge: Texture

2010-01-26T14:59:00.002-06:00

I love texture. I think it really adds to the artistic part of the photo. This is a photo of Faith during her 12 month photos. Really, blue eyes? I love them!!!

Click here for more entries to the I Heart Faces Weekly Challenge:

Tuesday Ramblings

2010-01-26T14:06:00.005-06:00

Lesson Learned
Never trust the person you once considered your friend but then she went and acted crazy and you defriended her and are just getting back to where she's tolerable. Trusting her to not say anything even after you say with emphasis PLEASE DO NOT SAY ANYTHING is stupid and won't happen. Jerk.

Lesson learned and pain caused
When you don't exercise for like a month and then all of a sudden decide it's a great idea, your legs WILL try to break off and not be a part of you anymore. At the very least, all your muscles will shake every time you walk up or down stairs and you can't catch your breath to save your life for about an hour. You know what my favorite part of working out is? I stink. Like, really. So if I have somewhere to be after I work out, I have to take a shower. It takes me a good hour or so though to get my body temperature down. So trying to put on makeup after I work out and shower is ridiculous.

Love
I think the dvr is the best invention EVER. I can now fall asleep and not worry about who won jeopardy or that late night tennis match. I can just click record and catch it in the morning. I feel so free.

Adjustment
Having an early bird boyfriend is nice b/c I eat breakfast more often on the weekends, but kind of sucks b/c we're both exhausted by 11pm. I know this schedule is better for me, I just miss my late late nights.

Awesomeness
My dog can hold it for a really, really long time. He's awesome.

Awkwardness
If there is any type of tape around me, I'm playing with it. I'll waste tape like crazy. No seriously, I just pulled two pieces of scotch tape off the roll and it's now sitting on my nose. I will not take a picture.

More pain
I just started a bet with my friends to work out 5 days a week. It's going to suck, but it's going to be awesome. This might pertain to number 2, as the bet started yesterday.

More Love
Hosting a baby shower is not easy work, but it kind of is. I truly appreciate all the help I've gotten from family and friends and am looking forward not only to the shower, but to meeting Baby Emma! I can't wait for her to get here!!! 3 short weeks left...

Nearing the end of an era...
My career is very important to me, and I think once my hair with a bumpit in it hits the glass ceiling, it's time to move on. So watch out people, I'm putting in the bumpit.

Not Awesomeness
Has anyone ever tried the bumpit? What a piece of CRAP.

And lastly, well said Mr. O Brian.
"All I ask of you is one thing:
please don't be cynical. I hate cynicism-
it's my least favorite quality and it doesn't lead anywhere.
Nobody in life gets exactly what they

thought they were going to get.
But if you work really hard and you're kind,
amazing things will happen. "

- Conan O'Brien's farewell speech

I heart faces challenge: we are family

2010-01-19T14:22:00.002-06:00

I love this challenge. I get to post one of my favorite pictures!

Click here for more entries

I heart faces photo challenge: Best Face Photo

2010-01-11T15:57:00.002-06:00

I heart faces is looking for the best face photo taken between december 09 and january '10. I made a deal with a girl from back home that I'd take pictures of her and her family anytime they wanted to if she'd give me free haircuts. If you've ever shelled out $95 for TRIM, you'll realize, this is quite the deal. So here's my entry this week. This is Baby Busa. His eyes pierce me.

Click here to view more entries!

i heart faces weekly challenge

2010-01-05T09:46:00.003-06:00

In celebration of their one year anniversary, this week's challenge was to incorporate the i heart faces name into your photo. Wow. I was looking at some of the others and some of these people's shots are amazing! I did my best, unfortunately, I only have time to submit one photo. Good luck this week!

I am submitting this photo into the I Heart Faces logo photo contest. By entering, I am granting I Heart Faces LLC permission to consider my photo for use in the marketing and promotion of their website

check out more of the entries here:

New Year, New Monday

2010-01-04T15:05:00.008-06:00

“The very least you can do in your life is figure out what you hope for. And the most you can do is live inside that hope. Not admire it from a distance, but live right in it, under its roof.”— Barbara Kingsolver.

Happy New Year! Hope everyone's holidays were enjoyable! I didn't take very many pictures this weekend, except I got a few shots of the most adorable family, the Von Mindens. The following questions I did for you, but I also plan to follow these statements for the rest of the year. 2010's the year of wonderfulness. 4 days in, so far so good!

1. I want you to look at other people and not judge them immediately. They could be going through so much more than you ever have.

2. I want you to accept that I will probably never be able to keep a secret.

3. I want you to learn that differences are not a bad thing. Everyone is beautiful in their own amazing way.

4. I want you to utilize all your talents. God gave em to ya for a reason.

5. I want you to give your heart to someone who truly deserves it.

6. I want you to be kind to others, but most importantly, yourself.

7. I want you to practice what you preach. Stand up for what you believe is beautiful and right.

8. I want you to feel everything life brings at you.

9. I want you to choose the best options for you. It might not be the *right* option, but at the time, for you, will be the best.

10. I want you to tell the world what a wonderful person you are, whether through your words or actions. Everyone needs to know!

Monday Monday...

2009-12-29T20:19:00.002-06:00

questions via Good Intention Equals Nothing
Listening to Knock You Down. I think that's my song for 2009. Love it.

Watching 500 Days of Summer.

Eating hummus. lots and lots of hummus.

Looking Forward To what the new year will bring. This one is ending quite nicely.

Dreaming of warmer weather

Planning my trip to Singapore, end of May. Can't wait to see K-Pat!

Just Beginning a new...thing. It feels like it's going to be around for a while. :)

she read my mind

2009-12-29T12:28:00.002-06:00

via notebookdoodles

I Heart faces photo challenge: Hilarious outtakes

2009-12-28T15:40:00.006-06:00

Greetings! Hope everyone had a great holiday! Here is my contribution to the I heart faces photo challenge! This one was fun, and lucky for me, I snapped a picture of the nephew this weekend right as the other one made him laugh. Snot came shooting out of his nose. Disgusting, but hilarious. Enjoy!

Baptism outtake:

attempt at a family picture.

Check out more here:

Things I've read this week you might find interesting

2009-12-15T23:18:00.006-06:00

This is part of my "I really want to blog more" kick. The longest streak of blogging ever: 3.

1. I can't stop watching this cute little puppy. Seriously, cutest thing ever.

2. If this is marriage, no thanks.

3. I'll admit it. I love Glee. Wasn't the season finale awesome? My favorite of all the episodes.

4. A future purchase for Baby Emma. I'll wait a few months though. :)

5. The Big Picture is going through it's top photos of 2009. They're worth looking at--amazing pictures from across the world.

6. Feel-good movies I've seen lately that you should too: The Blindside and Invictus. Both true stories, both excellently portrayed. You'll root for the good guys through both movies.

7. What I have to say over and over in my head until May when this whole thesis junk is over!!

8 . So far, so true.

9. It pains me to say, but my cravings for the crack chicken have ceased. I had a bad experience with Chipotle. My loyalty is slowly switching to the adjacent sandwich shop. God bless you, turkey wich.

10. I love the end of the year, when the best of photos are named. Warning: Nerdiness alert.

11. GREAT textures posted on Pay it Forward for the Christmas season. Love these.

I think I want to blog more

2009-12-15T10:05:00.006-06:00

I think I say that and do well for a couple weeks and then fall off the wagon. *maybe* this time I'm serious.

I think I'm going to start entering the I heart faces weekly photo contests. And for those of you with adorable kiddos, you should enter too! The contests are open to everyone and it's a lot of fun to look at the different entries. Check it out!

Questions taken from a cute little blog I've been lurking on, Good Intention Equals Nothing:

1. When exactly is your birthday?

June 18, 1982

2. What is your biggest passion?

I thought about this one for a while. But I think the answer is making people smile. There's nothing like seeing a good pair of teeth.

3. What are your expectations of the new year?

To get my masters in public health. After my advisor meeting yesterday, it's going to happen, as early as May, as late as August. But it's happening!

4. If you were given the chance to get something you want most in your entire life, what would that be? Why?

It would be more drive, more motivation, more passion. Why? Because procrastination sucks and having a little more drive, motivation, passion seems to be the secret to getting over the hump.

5. How would you complete this sentence below:

- I'm ~~fucking~~ pissed off when...

People wallow (is that a word?) in the negative and don't see how absolutely gorgeous the world is around them.

credit

6. What was the most interesting class you've ever taken?

This is going to show my nerdiness, but I think it was Legal Aspects of Environmental Quality. It was my first "Matt Class" (Mr. Berkheiser taught almost all my favorite classes in college). It was the first class that really sold me on making my career what it is today.

7. What is your favorite flower? Why?

You would think posies, huh? hehe but it's not, my favorite flower is the yellow rose, in memory of my favorite person ever.
Photo taken at Regent's Park on my last Europe Trip

8. Would you still love or be friends with someone that did you wrong? Why?

I can forgive, but I wouldn't trust them again. That might end the friendship.

9. Why do you blog?

Because why not? :)

1o. How would you describe your philosophy in life, if you have one?
focus on the good. The bad will happen, but accept it and move on. One of the last conversations with my favorite person ever, she said "it's okay to cry, but I'd rather see you smile." Words to live by people!!

I Heart Faces Photo Challenge: 9th place!

2009-12-14T08:21:00.006-06:00

I've been a lurker for about a year now, but when I saw the Pet Week Challenge, I figured I'd give it a shot. I've said it a million times and I'll say it a million more: Rocko is the most awesome weenie dog in the entire world.

Congrats to all the other winners!

Elena attempts to bake

2009-12-13T21:34:00.004-06:00

I made cake balls! They're much easier to make than I thought. I was inspired by this post by Bakerella. There's no way I'm that talented with frosting though to make cute little reindeer. So I figured, maybe I can pull off some christmas ornaments. Here's what happened.

1. Bought all the ingredients yesterday while shopping at HEB. Unfortunately their sprinkle selection was not to my liking. Add to my list to buy sprinkles tomorrow at Target.

2. 2nd Quarter of the Texans game, getting bored watching the Texans run all over the Seahawks, decide it's cake ball time. Mix all my ingredients and wait for the delicious smell to wander from my kitchen.

3. Allow the cake to cool down, add a 1/4 cake at a time to mixing bowl and crumble to pieces until the entire cake is in the bowl. Mix in frosting. The smells at this point were almost unbearable. I confess, I saved myself a piece of cake. (=D)

4. Cool mixture in refrigerator whilst gone on trip to target. Make a mental note to use whilst in everyday talk. At target, get sidetracked and buy all kinds of crap I don't need. Sounds about right. Finally remember what I'm there for and buy sprinkles.

5. Back, prepared and ready to get on with these cake balls. my house still smells like chocolate cake and I'm getting hungrier and hungrier. Melt some white chocolate in a bowl and add the food coloring. Ok, what the crap did I do wrong? When I added the food coloring, it looked like a globby mess and wouldn't become liquid anymore? So I wasted HALF of my white chocolate candy coating making booger trash. Darnit.

6. Next I use the rest of the white chocolate to cover as many cake balls as I can. I get 7 done. And my are they ugly. Bakerella I am not. I'm not even close. Like I could be the worst baker of all time. Feeling like a failure, I shove my creations back in the freezer and pout to randall's for more chocolate.

7. About 10 balls in, I got the hang of it. I had a system of adding sprinkles and worked as fast as I can. I made 45 balls and only messed up 3. By mess up I mean broke in half while trying to cut off excess chocolate to make them look like cake balls not cake blobs.

8. I chose the prettiest, roundest cake ball to show you what I did. I'm telling you, they're much tastier than they look. But I had 2. One covered in green booger chocolate and another that broke in my hand. I ate them 3 hours ago and I am JUST now coming off my sugar high. These things could be dangerous.

I think I'll take them to work and pawn em off on the guys. =)

When I was younger, aside from wanting to be a tornado chaser, I wanted to be a cake designer. I now realize why that dream never came true. I suck at baking.

Happy holidays, y'all.

how 5 words can make your day...

2009-12-04T09:17:00.003-06:00

Sitting at my grandparents house talking to my aunts and my grandparents about my recent trip to Italy, I look over and see my grandpa with a smile ear to ear. Then I saw him lean over and whisper to my grandma in spanish "look how beautiful she is. " Then my grandma smiled.

Aren't they the best?!

Everything...no really, everything.

2009-11-15T21:50:00.007-06:00

Every time I have some free time I think, hey elena, you should post the blog about your fantastic vacation. oh wait! there's ice cream in the fridge! or hey elena how about posting about football season and how you're oh so proud of those awesome nephews? What? Colts vs. Patriots on Sunday night football?

sigh.

this is why my thesis isn't done. and my laundry.

but this evening I curled my hair and tried a new recipe.

So here's one big long post with everything in it, excluding pictures. I'll add pictures later. Maybe. haha

1. Claire's wedding.
I loved every single thing about it. From the minute we got off the ridiculous winding road up the mountain to Ravello, it just felt beautiful. Her family was amazingly nice, and everyone knew the week was about making Claire and Charlie's wedding perfect. And so it was. Tuesday night we had a hen party where we asked all the ladies to join us at a local bar for some wine. I think everyone had a great time. Wednesday we took a chartered bus back down the mountain to go see Pompeii. Wow. Just, wow. We had a great tour guide who showed us the highlights. Very very cool. Wednesday night was the wedding dinner- not technically rehearsal dinner since there was no rehearsal and all the guests were invited--and it was all you can eat pizza. umm delicious. Great speeches, good wine, and a shot of limoncello to make you sleep better. Oh and Claire gave us bridesmaid gifts--I fell in love with the pearl necklace and ring she gave us. Since I was robbed 3 years ago and my pearl ring was stolen, i've been on the lookout for a new one. This one has such a flair to it--love love love it. Thursday was the big day. We packed up our things and went to the hotel where Claire was getting ready. I snapped some "before the real photographer" pictures, and we laughed and enjoyed the moments. I love in Mario the wedding coordinator's photos, he labeled the one of Claire, her mother, her sister and me as "a family photo." There was a short walk from the hotel to the Villa Eva, where the wedding was taking place. We passed several tourists who were oh so excited to be a part of Claire's day. The ceremony was just beautiful. When Charlie's sister shared a poem, there wasn't a dry eye in the crowd. The ring bearer, Charlie's nephew, was absolutely adorable. After the ceremony, the musicians led the way down to the Ravello square where we had champagne and toasted the newly married couple. We did the pictures, ate a ridiculously rich and wonderful meal, and the wedding party danced the night away until 4am. Like I said, the whole wedding was perfection.

2. The rest of the trip.
I went back to Rome and spent a couple days by myself in Vatican City. I visited Pope John Paul II's tomb, which for me (and apparently a lot of other visitors), was a highlight. We weren't allowed to take pictures, but as soon as you got to that part of St. Peter's you could feel the energy change. People were praying to him, dropping off notes and flowers. It was just enough to make me think of the time we took a charter bus from Houston to Toronto, Canada to see him. That same energy from the crowd in Canada when JPII spoke was still there in St. Peters at his tomb. Amazing. I then went to London to spend the next week with Claire and Charlie. Poor Claire was sick but she was a trooper and took me out for sushi and a show (Avenue Q--anything that has a song called "everyone's a little bit racist" is a show for me). Charlie was great--we spent a day in Cambridge. I knew he was a great guy, but after that day I knew he was just perfect for Claire. We went punting (think sort of gondola ride in venice, but not really) and had fudge and played with our cameras. Good day. Wednesday I took a train through the chunnel! and went to Paris for the day. I saw just enough to realize I want to go back. Most of the sightseeing was done from the inside of a bus, aside from the champagne lunch on the 2nd deck of the Eiffel tower and the boat ride down the Seine. When I go back (notice I said WHEN), I must be in a relationship. It really is the most romantic city. All the lovey dovey bridges and art--it all felt like it needed to be seen with a significant other. And the Louvre? Worth every penny. Go see the art. Spend a day or two or three. It's wonderful. That's really the highlights of my trip. I'm sure there are many more stories, things I'm forgetting, but I think for this bullet, I'm done for now.

3. Football
I missed the most games I've ever missed of these crazy nephews this year. I hardly took any pictures and I never saw them win. Was I a jinx? Maybe. The 7yr old finished his last year of pee wee football and is looking forward to terrorizing the junior league next year. The 10 yr old had a rough year. New coaches, new teammates, and it was really a struggle. Once he figured things out though, he was great. Those kids are great. I can't tell you how proud I am that they're growing up to be such good kids. Sure they have their attitude problems but at the end of the day, I can't wipe the smile off my face after hanging out with them. They crave energy, attention and love. By golly, they will always get that from me. I'm taking them to their first professional football game after Thanksgiving--Texans vs. Colts. I'm actually really excited to be with them as they experience their first trip to reliant stadium to see real live football players (including the incredibly awesome Payton Manning!) They're going to love it.

4. What else was I behind on blogging about?
I can't remember. I cleaned my house from top to bottom this weekend and while it looks fantastic I know it won't stay that way for long. Plus I really hurt my back when I was scrubbing the tub. Take your own advice ergo lady.

5. Lovey Dovey ok really stop it.
I said a few months ago that if anymore of my friends got engaged or married, I was going to scream. Wouldn't you know, Mike, Clay, Laurance, and Justine all got engaged or are getting married in the next coming months after I said that? Like I've always said, I'm so happy my friends have found their significant others but come on! Is it my turn yet? I know I know, you can't rush these things...but does anyone have Shemar Moore's phone number? or Demeco Ryans? or a decent looking guy who will accept the following requirements:
* take out the trash
*walk Rocko when I'm sick
*pay half my bills
*maintain my car
*must be able to cook, or be willing to clean, not necessarily both
*slightly smarter than me, or at least smarter in a different way.
*respect and love me for who i am and think that even though we make blue, it's a GOOD thing.
I really don't think it should be this complicated to find that guy.

6. Coming Up Next
Saturday, the 21st- Clay's wedding. I can't believe Claybird is getting married. Mindboggling how much we've grown up since college...He got me through many chem tests by helping me study at the library. I'm excited for what his future holds.
20--something? When is Thanksgiving?
28th-Texans vs. Colts. Hopefully we'll see a good game.
December 1st: K-pat's birthday! I have to send her the BEST gift--something she'll never suspect! I need ideas!
December 5th: Faith's birthday. I can't believe that little girl is turning 1. She is soo adorable. Her blue eyes melt me.
December 10th: Keda, I won't say your age, but it's your b-day. I'm going to make you a bucket of devil's punch and a cake pan-sized pazookie. Deal? :)
dec. 25th: Christmas time already? Good lord.
Jan 2: Mike Drabs wedding! should be a boot scootin' good time! Seriously, I might wear my boots.
Jan 30th: Elena hosts her first baby shower. any tips? I'm not allowed to play "ridiculous games"

Aaaaaand I'm done for now. I think between getting ready for baby and finishing my proposal before the end of the year, not to mention all the other work things and holidays, birthdays, and weddings packed in, it'll be a crazy next few months. I hope I have the strength to do it. I hope I can maintain my exercise schedule and work on developing a sleep schedule (that puts me to bed before midnight--not making it tonight as it's 11:57pm and i still have to walk Rocko).

here we go!

wow I'm behind

2009-10-28T22:26:00.002-05:00

Procrastination at its finest! I'm so good at this, I'm procrastinating the blog I made while I was procrastinating something else! AGH!

Blogposts I still need to post:

1. Italian Wedding-- At least I've posted the pictures on facebook, so i'm not *that* behind. But really, those pictures deserve stories.

2. The rest of the trip, including my conversations with a very grumpy french woman and a hotel connoisseur who didn't put down her cigarette to type. so awesome.

3. Football season. I missed 4 games this year, half the season. I feel terrible and I have very few pictures to show. Ugh. But the season ended well with a fun halloween party in our back yard. Post coming soon about the party, and i'm hoping to capture some great last games this weekend.

4. I dunno, just need to get back on track, start the monday questions again or maybe i'll change it up and do the 3 things about me thursday? grateful wednesdays? Hmmm something.

And the posts will start.....another time. It's midnight and I'm tired.

procrastinated yet again!

Here we go...

2009-09-29T10:39:00.010-05:00

It's Time.

Time to pack my bags and get out of here! The plane leaves on Saturday. Holy cow. I'm so excited for the wedding. Claire and Charlie are such an amazing couple. I've known Claire for so long and she's just so much happier now that Charlie is in her life. I'm so happy for the two of them, and to top it off, they're coming back to the states in just a few short months! woo hoo!!

He's rather tall, but it works. :)

The wedding will be in Ravello on the Amalfi Coast. I don't know much about the area, but I hear we're going on a day trip to see Pompeii and Mt. Vesuvius. Being somewhat of a science nerd, that excites me. After the wedding, I'll be spending a few days back in Rome to really enjoy the sights of Vatican City. Last year when I was there we ran out of time and had to rush through. There were too many beautiful things to see that deserve time. So here we go!
Vatican City-The picture is dark and crooked. Must try harder to focus on this year's trip. :)

And Then...
Off to London to hang out with Claire and Charlie. We're looking at going to a theatre show, and I'm also looking at day trips to Paris since it's only 2 hours away by train. On Friday it's back to Rome to catch my flight back home. Fast and furious, but should be a wonderful trip.

I'll relax. Soon. If I can...
finish making accommodations for Rome
Buy a jacket since none of my winter clothes from last year fit
Finish my evaluation plus a million other things for work that can't wait until I get back
Get my straightener that I left in Port Lavaca
Clean my apartment and make Judy a key so she can check my mail while I'm gone
Take my dress to the cleaners to be ironed
I'm sure there are other things I'm forgetting...ack...hopefully I'll remember soon.

about how i feel right now. Everything will be better on Saturday!!

hi neglected blog

2009-09-16T22:03:00.004-05:00

Elena's life, stated in the most random of thoughts:

1. It's football season.
For me this means driving to Port Lavaca almost every weekend to watch the nephews play. Both the boys play their heart out and love the game. To me, this is exactly what football is all about. Hard work, open minds, and tough skin. Good lessons to be learned at all ages.

2. I'm going to Italy/somewhere in three weeks.
This trip is coming up so fast and there is so much unknown. The first week is planned, done--can't wait for claire's wedding. It's going to be so beautiful and awesome in a beautiful little town in Italy. But after the wedding I can't decide what to do. Should I go to London and stay with Claire and Charlie? or should I go to Scotland? Paris? Must make up mind very soon.

3. It's cold/allergy season.
Disadvantages of having a cold:

feeling like crap
thinking you're getting over feeling like crap, but the realizing a new symptom has started, for instance, "wow I don't feel like there's a 10lb weight on my chest anymore, but, hmm, wait, are those boogers running down my face?"
the loopiness from the cold/congestion/sinus meds i've been taking. I seriously considered snorting a pixie stick tonight to clear my nose. I know that's not MY mind talking.

Advantages of having a cold:

sleep, sleep, oh the sleep, how i've needed, craved, wanted you for so long
eating chicken noodle soup and oreos, because i can never remember if you feed a fever and starve a cold or the other way around. But in my loopiness, I determined oreos and chicken noodle soup to be the only thing i'd eat for three days.
The scale is being nice this week.
cuddling with the warmest, laziest dog on the planet. Rocko has slept every hour with me. What a great dog.

4. Biggest Loser
My motivation, the reason why I got off the couch a year and a half ago. It's back and I'm so excited. This is the first time I've watched and not felt like I'm one of them. That doesn't mean I won't cry when they do or feel their pain, but I'm passed that point. I figured out how to make the changes and I know it can be done! They can change their lives! Just give up the bad and focus on the good. Really, I hope they have the determination to make the changes necessary to become healthier physically and mentally and stick with it. Jillian looks meaner this year! Putting it in the books now, my biggest loser winner is Dan.

5. 50/50
Those are the odds. Friday we'll get a glimpse. That's about all I can say on this blog. ;)

6. Shoot
2nd Shooting a wedding with Keda this weekend. Excited, nervous, can't wait. But really, someone buy me a shootsac.

7. pictures
I'd planned on posting football pics, but the sudafed kicked in. so you get one, of muddy joshua. I can't tell you how proud I was when he sacked the quarterback. in the rain. We've since had a talk, and he knows now his job is (besides looking so darn cute) is to get the ball! I foresee recovered fumbles in his future....he's the big scary #45

Monday!

2009-08-31T09:10:00.002-05:00

Ok! It's Monday. It was a whirlwind of a weekend but it was a good one. Friday I hung out with my oldest friend and met some new people. I laughed so hard I could barely walk! There was inappropriate name calling, quoting of really bad movies, falling down, and just all around fun. Awesome, awesome time. Saturday was the start of football for the nephews. Those little boys put 100% into everything they do and I couldn't be prouder. It was also Eli's baptism--pictures coming! He's a cutie. Sunday I went to visit the grandparents. All I have to say is that I love them so much. They are 80 years old and pick on each other like they're newlyweds. When my mom was sick, my dad would drive her to my grandparent's house and my g-ma and mom would spend their days sewing quilts. This weekend my grandmother gave me the blanket her and my mom had started for me. It's beautiful! I can't wait to redecorate my room around it. Pictures coming soon :)

I've recently been trying to widen my blog list. I have new questions, courtesy of this great blog I stumbled upon called Under the sheets shh!! It's very girly and reading through, seems like her a lot of her thoughts describe my own. Plus, she loves very vintage, "dainty", photography which I've always had a love for. Do the questions! I think they're pretty good ones!

The Five Questions Are:

1) The best advice I’ve ever received? From my mother. "It's ok to cry, but I'd rather see you smile."

2) How do you share good news? any way I can! Good news should be yelled from the rooftops! (or at the very least a nice text haha)

3) My most valuable lesson? Things can change in an instant. Holding on to the little things means you don't have time to love the big things. Don't take today for granted!

4) My perfect evening? Being with people I love that make me laugh. Or a football game haha

5) The key to confidence? I have to agree with Sheets--The key to confidence is believing in yourself, that you have the ability to do it.

Favorite photo of the weekend:

Duckworth Wedding

2009-08-26T21:27:00.004-05:00

Billie and Jeffery had a beautiful ceremony in early August. Not only did Billie gain a husband, but she is now the proud step mother to 4 sons! They have quite the sense of humor too. =)

The new Duckworth family:

Next two are my favorites.

I gotta feeling...oooooooo hoooooo

2009-08-24T09:20:00.002-05:00

It's Monday. The monday of all Mondays. The most exciting, anticipated day of the year!!!

...
not really. Just trying to spice things up today. This weekend was really relaxed. Got to hang with the Patlovich/Georgas clan on Thursday night, I slept almost alllll day on Friday, Saturday was a baseball game with the Barnetts (Cyndi is the cutest mother ever. She made Faith a t-shirt for her 1st baseball game! adorable!) Sunday I worked on wedding pictures alllll day and watched Criminal Minds. Thank you Shemar Moore for being the hottest man alive.

this week.
Tomorrow I'm going to dinner with a friend I haven't seen in about seven years. We had a falling out and now it's all fixed and I can't wait to meet up with her. Wednesday is free! No more bowling! woo hoo! (You are, however, reading the blog of the most improved woman bowler on the wahoo league. I have a patch and everything! haha) Thursday I'm going to dinner with a friend who apparently is moving to NYC? I'm actually kind of excited about that so that I can go visit her! Friday I'll head to PLT for Eli's baptism on Saturday and hang with the grandparents. It's been a while since I've seen them.

questions for monday.

I am...refocusing my priorities.
I am known for…my laugh and my little tooth (not really but I find it hilarious)
When nobody’s watching I…cut my split ends. I quite possibly do this while people are watching, I don't really care. :)
It makes me mad when…"we make blue"
My latest accomplishment is…getting through a televised presentation at work with only one slide missing
I laugh when…Jesus plays wii.
For breakfast I have…tea and something
My best friend and I…don't speak as often as we should
In the spring I…will go to Singapore.
My next project is…to finish my mf thesis.
I just want to…be in Italy already!
And I’d just like to tell the world...it's never as bad as it seems. Unless death is involved, then it probably is.

Have a great week!

alright monday, let's do this.

2009-08-17T08:53:00.002-05:00

Mood: lovely
Craving: deep, dark sleep
Highlight of my weekend: the whole weekend was one big highlight, minus the flat tire and sat. nightmare about aliens.
Weekly Goals: become remotivated about exercising.

Fragrance: ck euphoria, although i'm running out. Should I buy something new? hmmm..
Quote of the day: from 20-nothings, a blog that I love love love, " Some things happen for a reason, others because you make them happen, and a strange, special few because of an unexpected combo between the former, latter, and luck."

Theme song: The World Exploded Into Love, Bob Schneider

Gotta get it done: everything. Everything's gotta get done.
Breakfast beverage: chai tea

Grateful For: feeling too much all the time. It reminds me how crazy life is...

picture of the week. D's a beautiful bride. Thanks to Keda for letting me tag along. Can't wait to see her pictures!

wise words

2009-08-15T11:46:00.003-05:00

Love this, courtesy of Sarah Von at yes and yes:

It's really my Monday

2009-08-11T10:20:00.002-05:00

What a weekend. I'm exhausted. I need a vacation!

Mood: tired, but it's a good tired.

Shoes: They're last year's Target black flats. But I love em.

I can't live, if living is without ____: cheese and cheese related things.

Breakfast: a glass of milk and a cup of coffee

Stressin': Need to get started on these wedding pictures from the weekend.

Lovin;: stepping out of my comfort zone.

Weekly Goals: Finish season 1 of Mad Men, clean my apartment.

Nail Polish: clear on the fingers and pink on the toes.

Quote of the day: Remember to Breathe.

Wedding- Tara and Rustin

2009-08-03T14:39:00.003-05:00

Tara and Rustin got married a couple weeks ago in Freeport. It was a Hawaiian theme so it was really colorful! I had a lot of fun shooting this one--definetely a learning experience (first time really shooting with a flash) Here are a few of my favorites. If you can't tell, details of weddings are my favorite. :)

Thanks to Keda for shooting with me! (which btw, I know you're one of like 3 readers that reads my blog, LOVE the new look of your blog!)

2009-07-28T08:35:00.002-05:00

Mood: really, really happy

Craving: a good night's sleep

Highlight of my weekend: sunday dinner and movie :)

Weekly Goals: finish wedding pictures. sneak peek--my crazy family!!

Quote of the day:

“The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins.”- Bob Moawad

Theme song: Every now and then I go on a Bob Schneider kick. Here's one of my favorites: Flowerparts

Gotta get it done: work work work!
Breakfast beverage: going searching for coffee when I finish this
Grateful For: the awesome people in my life
Looking forward to: the little things.

phew

2009-07-20T09:19:00.003-05:00

What an exhausting week last week was. It was so much fun karaoking at Corkscrew on Thursday, Mixers and Elixers was a BLAST, the wedding was wonderful, and Sunday was a day of nonmovement for the most part (I went to church, chipotle, and Salentos. That's it.)

I'm going on about 3 hours of sleep last night. The past five nights or so haven't been much better. Must try tylenol PM.

This week isn't looking much easier. I'm not sure if I do these Monday posts more to tell you what I'm up to, or if it's just a way for me to remember everything that's going on.

Monday-thesis work, for real. This would also be a good day to get back on the exercise wagon. I've been slipping a lot lately. Darnit.

Tuesday- sushi with my favorite cousin (Sorry other cousins, he really is my favorite) Greg. It's been about six months since I've hung out with him and I'm hoping that will change now that he's settled in Texas for a while.

Wednesday-Bowling. My average is improving still, although it was so bad, I'm kind of happy it has no where to go but up. Last week I was most improved woman bowler. Woo hoo!

Thursday-Going to see "The Wiz" with Tina. Should be fun!!

Friday-Dinner for my good friend Tonya's birthday. Man this chick is funny-can't wait!!
**************
new: Some friends have gotten me to start watching two new shows: True Blood and Mad Men. These are both boy tv series that I do not recommend which now I am invested in watching.

more new: I'm addicted to this song. Must get guitar fixed and learn it!!

have a good week! (pictures of the wedding are coming soon)

fluttering

2009-07-13T22:00:00.002-05:00

Wowzers what a weekend...the 10yr old nephew came to stay with me for 3 days. I love this kid like crazy. I knew he needed a get away from the norm so I planned a whole weekend of fun. Here's a rundown of alll the stuff we did.
Thursday night: Dave & Busters, came home and played cards and dominos til around midnight
Friday: Spacecenter and Astros game. The astros game was AWESOME!!!! and there were fireworks afterwards so we didn't get home until 11:30pm.
Saturday: lounged around the pool, Butterfly Center at the museum, Ice Age 3 in 3D, back to the pool. (We were going to do the Terra Cotta Warrior exhibits at the museum but the darn place closed early so we settled for the butterfly museum)
Sunday: church, buca di beppo, and gelato.

We both were completely exhausted by Sunday afternoon. Good times. ok there were a few times I forgot to feed him and he had to remind me that he was hungry, but I think that was the most responsible-ish I've ever had to be, and I passed.

ok so I've always considered myself someone of a treehugger--I love nature and the outdoors. Flowers are my friends (hence, exposing posies), and I'm generally ok with most critters (minus snakes. I'm TERRIFIED of snakes). The butterfly center was interesting. At first when they'd fly by my face I'd swat or duck like a dummy but then after a while it got better. The nephew had a butterfly guide and we went around trying to find each kind on the guide. He really enjoyed checking out the wings under the microscope. Maybe he found his calling? We'll see!

It's a busy week folks!
Tuesday: b-ball game with Keda and her kiddos (flash practice!)
Wednesday: bowling! We're still last place, but my average is improving
Thursday: Karaoke at Corkscrew with SPH buddies!
Friday: Mambo Kings at Mixers and Elixers!
Saturday: Wedding shoot!
Sunday: posssssssibly a maternity shoot for the lovely ninja-ette!

New idea I stole from someone else

2009-07-08T14:20:00.003-05:00

Anyone want to play Wordless Wednesdays?

eyes...closing...

2009-07-06T23:17:00.007-05:00

I should just go to bed, but I'm tired of looking at the dead flowers as the latest blog on my page. This picture makes me infinetely (sp?) happier.

Mood: 'swonderful

Craving: nothing. really!

Highlight of my weekend: sleeping in on Saturday morning

Weekly Goals: get crazy amounts of thesis done for advisor meeting on Thursday!

Quote of the day:

credit

Theme song: silversun pickups, lazy eye. I haven't listened to the words yet, but I love the beat.
Gotta get it done: the dishes!
Breakfast beverage: chai tea
Grateful For: air conditioning!
Looking forward to: spending the weekend with the nephew. Should be a hoot!

I guess we'll just go to waste...

2009-06-29T14:00:00.003-05:00

like dead flowers....great song, kinda sad. Lots of things going on, nothing I'm ready to blog about. All I know is life is interesting, and things are going to be ok I woke up really early this morning, not sure why. I curled my hair, made breakfast, sat on the couch and drank my tea. The light coming through the blinds found the flowers that I'd gotten for my birthday. They were so pretty. I think even dying they're beautiful...

weekly blog post!

2009-06-26T13:16:00.003-05:00

I told myself I'd post at least one a week, and so far I've been good with that. It's a quiet day at work so I figured I'd get caught up on my blog reading. I came across a post with some cute questions, so I figured I'd borrow those.

This weekend's plans:
Going to watch UP! tonight. Kind of excited.
lobsterizing for real. I need to start looking mexican.
dock dogs at discovery green, IF i can wake myself up at 8am.
Photowalk with Rakeda. Looking for cool shots around town and some nice places to shoot. If you know of any, let me know!
Church. The past couple of weeks I've been looking forward to going to church. I feel such peace when I'm there...looking for ways to bring that into my everyday life. Any suggestions?
Thesis. Yea.

Have a great weekend!

The rules are:
1. Respond and rework: answer the questions on your blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, add one more question of your own. (I'm sure you'll know the question I added!)

What is your current obsession?
I'm not obsessive about many things, but iced coffee has become a great love of mine recently.

What are you wearing today?
an old navy shirt and some blue jeans

Do you nap a lot?

I love naps. I take them maybe 3 times a week after work.

Why was today special?

It's Friday!

What would you like to learn to do?
be completely awesome.

What's for dinner today?
no clue. probably not much since i had pizza for lunch.

What's the last thing you bought?
iced chai tea from salentos last night.

What are you listening to right now?
michael jackson, greatest hits.

What is your favorite weather?
70 degrees, no humidity

What is on your bedside table?
would you believe I dont have a bedside table? The pile next to my bed though is books and my cell phone

What's your style?

Whatever is on sale at Old Navy and New York and Company. That's my style.

What is your most challenging goal right now?
To stay motivated.

What's your favorite mold?
Aspergillus. so pretty.

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?
goodness. Probably on a beautiful beach somewhere!

Favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere outside of Texas!

Favorite meal of the day?
Usually lunch, because of the peeps that I eat with and b/c it usually includes Chipotle.

Name a memory from childhood that sticks out in your mind:
I hit my sister over the head with a shovel. Hard. Because I saw Bugs Bunny do it. Obviously I got in trouble. She was not permanently damaged, I don't think. Thank goodness, I'd have felt really bad.

What person would you like to have in your arms right now?
not a specific person, but a sleeping baby. I just love em.

What's something you got rid of but wish you hadn't?
I've yet to regret throwing something out.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
just for an hour? the beach.

Which language do you want to learn?
spanish!

Which countries have you visited?
mexico, canada, UK, Spain, and Italy

Father's Day.

2009-06-19T15:42:00.000-05:00

My father. He picks up my nephews when he gets out of work to make sure they do their homework and have dinner. He takes them/coaches their sporting events and encourages them to always do their best, just like he did with his own kids. While his family is his number one priority, he's also a union man, and fights for health care benefits for employees and retirees.

I've always thought I was more like my mother than my father. But the truth is, I never knew my father until my mother got sick. Our talks were always short, but I always knew he was there. He never missed a school function, piano recital, band concert, or football game. He checks the oil in my car more often than I do and is adamant about me watching my surroundings. He calls to say good night every day. Even though I live 120 miles away, I never feel like he's too far away to depend on if I need him.

He's my rock, my conscience, my comical relief (see picture below), the standard to which I hold all other men, and most importantly, my friend. While I may have a lot of characteristics my mom had, I would be proud to become half the person my dad is.

Love you Dad. More than you'll ever know.

Jump.

2009-06-17T22:12:00.004-05:00

When life takes you on a journey and you find yourself staring out of an airplane door at 14,000 feet, it's really hard to turn around and say nope, not going to jump. It was one of those "well crap, I've made it this far, might as well take the last plunge." A year ago I made myself a promise that as soon as I reached my first weight loss goal, I would go skydiving. I reached it in March, so I finally got around to making my skydiving reservation. Thankfully, my friend Janie stepped up to go with me. It would have been really hard to do by myself. (I would have done it still...maybe.) I'm so happy my amazing friends Rakeda, Daniel, and Brian took off of work to come watch! It was so nice to have the support (and camera crew to document the event! Check out rakeda's pictures at papillon perspectives!)

I won't say that I wasn't terrified...I really was. This was one of the very few times in my life though that I've just put all my faith in the powers above me that everything would turn out okay. And guess what...this time it did!

So now I can say I've been skydiving. I can check that off my bucket list. Or maybe I should do like Sarah Von from Yes and Yes and create a 30 before I'm 30 list. Something to ponder...

After taking a look at Rakeda's pictures, have a look at these pictures from the sky....

you can see the nervousness as we approach 14,000ft:

and a one, and a two, and a here we goooooo!!

This is when it stopped being scary and started getting cool. That and they said to keep a nice big smile so that I wouldn't get a lot of air in my cheeks. hehe

sooo amazing, it really can't be described. you just have to do it!

The cheeks are awesome hahaha

I pulled at 6,000ft and we floated down. I started screaming how absolutely amazing it was during the freefall. Because during the freefall all I could really muster out was "eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!" hahaha

aaaannnnd land.

Best weirdest instructor ever, Rory.

Weekend thoughts...

2009-06-12T09:45:00.008-05:00

I love coming across quotes that make me go "wow. WOW. " Sometimes they're inspirational, sometimes they're funny, but usually when I run across certain sayings it's exactly what I need to hear at that time. This one I think I read in Glamour earlier this week while trying to step out of the funk. I love it.

"I must learn to love the fool in me--the one who feels too much, talks too much, takes too many chances, wins sometimes and loses often, lacks self-control, loves and hates, hurts and gets hurt, promises and breaks promises, laughs and cries. It alone protects me against that utterly self-controlled, masterful tyrant whom I also harbor and who would rob me of human aliveness, humility, and dignity but for my fool." -- Theodore I. Rubin, MD

so there you go.

Things of interest:
This weekend is a PLT weekend. The oldest nephew is turning 10. Wow. I remember when we would watch Jungle Book til all hours of the night because he loved it so much. And then it was Ice Age and he would say all of Sid the Sloth's lines and I would be Manny the moody mammoth. so cute...now he's just a forehead shy of being as tall as me and we talk about how awesome the Dark Knight and cumulonimbus clouds are. hold on. I need a minute. While I take a minute, take a look at the cuteness that is John Anthony.

Sister's bday is on Sunday and since I'm refusing to make another trip home next weekend, we're going to celebrate Father's day a Sunday early. So Sunday is day o'party. They might throw a little piece of cake in there for me too, even though I've discussed with my father that i'd rather have roasted corn than cake. He's making some calls (this time of the year I could eat roasted corn for every single meal. I don't even mess with the butter or seasonings--just give me an ear of corn and i'm happy as happy can be.)

Hope everyone has a nice, relaxing weekend!

John and Erica: the wedding

2009-06-09T22:38:00.003-05:00

To the happy couple: I hope your future is filled with happiness and love. You're beautiful people and I love you both. Congratulations!

I wasn't much for mingling at the wedding. I've been in sort of a funk lately that hopefully I'm working through. As long as the pita chips stay out of my house, I'll be able to get through it. (excluding tonight--I had pita chips and guacamole for dinner. it was wonderful) Anyway, so I didn't mingle at the wedding, which meant that I didn't take too many pictures past the people at my table. Hence the pictures of Letti, the Camachos, my cousin Matt, and my sister. The cool part was we sat at the table by the bar, so when an uncle would walk by to get a beverage, they'd buy a round for the table. fun!

Ceremony pictures (I was trying to be inconspicuous and just use my 50mm but in hindsight i really wish I had used the other. If i hadn't worn heels I would have run to my car to get it--ah well. Also, I think I should consider investing in a flash)

My grandparents just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. How awesome is that? My favorite part is that they still pick on each other like they're 20. It was 90 degrees out and they were bickering over my grandpa refusing to put his jacket on. We see who won that argument! And how awesome is my grandpa's hair? So stylin!! I love them!
My sister and I
Elissa
Letti:
The Camacho family--these kids are hilarious!

And then there's Matt:

and last but not least, blame it on the applejuice...hahaha

Rakeda

2009-06-02T14:26:00.004-05:00

Of all the people I've met in my life, Rakeda ranks as one of the strongest, most passionate persons (people?my grammar is terrible. it's that whole who/whom thing all over again. Sorry for the long parenthesis.) ever. She fights for what she believes and is an incredible mother to her children. When I grow up, I want to be Rakeda. :)

We did this as sort of trash the dress but not really trash the dress as much as elena needs practice directing a shoot and keda needs to be on the other side of the camera session. (Again with the bad grammar!) Our good friend Brian came with us to explore some of the Galleria area. It was such a fun day! P.S. Keda balanced on a thin ledge to get some of these shots. in the wind. I definetely think it was worth it! I love them!

this one is my favorite

my second favorite:

Rock Paper Scissors:

Hi Monday...

2009-06-01T13:11:00.003-05:00

Aside from my doggie being sick (allll over my carpet. thanks.), I had a fantastic weekend. Rakeda and I got some gorgeous and hilarious shots of her in chuck taylors and a wedding dress. I'll post them later this week. It was such a good time. And then we had this cookie thing from BJ's in Pearland called a Bazookie? Cazookie? Whatever it was it was AMAZING. I've never had a cookie so good.

Sunday I went to the ballet with my friend Judy. An accupuncturist at her work gave her the tickets. When we got to the theater we asked an usher where our seats were and she looked at us and said "girls, don't you know you have the best seats in the house?" and they seriously were. It was so wonderful and peaceful and thrilling. Ah the ballet, so wonderful.

So Monday questions, changing them up a bit. I got these from my friend Judy who posted this on Facebook. Enjoy!

A - Age: 26 (for 17 more days at least)
B - Bed size: Full
C - Chore you hate: washing dishes or folding laundry. They're equally blah.
D - Dog's name: Rocko Artichoke Perez. I'm not quite sure how I came about that name, but I did.
E - Essential start your day item: toothpaste and toothbrush.
F - Favorite color: depends on the day. my favorites are blue, green, pink, purple and black
G - Gold or Silver: silver
H - Height: 5'3"
I - Instruments you play: piano and guitar, used to play clarinet and saxophone
J - Job title: Safety Specialist
K - Kid(s): just Rocko
L - Living arrangements: apartment by myself
M - Mom's name: Maria De los Santos Perez, or Mary.
N - Nickname: oh magada!, mags, e-dawg
O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: I think I was a sickly kid (I remember a plastic tent?) but nothing recently
P - Pet Peeve: really loud noises
Q - Quote from a Movie: "you made a woman meow?"
R - Right or left handed: Right handed
S - Siblings: Brother Jay and wife Nora, Sister Elissa
T - Time you wake up: 6ish on weekdays, 8ish on weekends
U- Underwear: umm, yes. :)
V - Vegetable you dislike: eggplant doesn't do anything for me
W - Ways you run late: I like to lollygag
X - X-rays you've had: chest xrays, dental...that's about it I think
Y - Yummy food you make: queso. haha
Z - Zoo favorite: Turtles! hahaha

Here comes the bride...

2009-05-27T15:50:00.004-05:00

My cousin Erica is getting married on June 6. Last Saturday we spent the day around the Brazosport College (is that what it's really called? I might have made that up) taking pictures. The day was bright, beautiful, and OH MY GOSH SO FREAKING HOT. With gam gam and little brody in tow, Rakeda and I got some great shots. It was a lot of fun! Erica is a stunning bride. Can't wait for the wedding! Here are some of my favorites:

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T14:34:00.007-05:00

Today is the day to honor those who've served our country and lost their life. I'm not from a big military family, but to those who are, thank you. Thank you for your courage and strength.

It's a holiday but it's still Monday. We should have more Monday holidays.

Mood: procrastination-filled. (is that even a mood? or maybe the word is lazy)

Goal for the day: finish my laundry

Last movie I watched: Sister Act. love it!

Lipgloss, lipstick, chapstick, or naked? nothing today

Breakfast beverage: glass of milk

Goals for the week: get erica's bridal pics out

Theme song of the week: Jimmy Eat World, Chase this light

When I grow up, I wanna be ______: happy.

Things I’m really good at: biting my tongue

Things I need to work on: oh, you know.

bridal pics are coming soon...I took the sneak peak down because of a shadow issue. haha!

Google Reader Goodie...

2009-05-20T19:40:00.008-05:00

I was quoted...are you ready for this....in an EXERCISE blog?! haha I was perusing my google reader like I normally do (usually when I'm procrastinating my workouts) and I saw my name. How crazy/cool! Fitsugar had an article a few weeks ago asking readers what do you tell yourself to get through your workouts. I'm not typically a commenter, but if there's anyone who needs a mantra while working out, it's me. So I put down what I tell myself when I really really don't want to keep going. Well today they posted their favorites of the commenters and mine was on there. Cool huh?! :)

Port O'Connor, Texas

2009-05-19T22:36:00.004-05:00

Like I've already said, this weekend was nice hanging out with Dr. Miller. He was my boss in Huntsville for 4 years. Here's what I learned working at Doc's office:

1. Dr. Miller was always right. No matter how conservative Republican his view was, he was always right. I learned very quickly not to argue with him. About most things. Occasionally it was fun to get him riled up. haha
2. He liked to call me different names, which I inevitably had to get over. It started with Eloise and quickly moved to J-Lo. Towards the end it was treehugger and earth muffin. This weekend he called me princess several times. hilarious.
3. HE learned that just because you hire a Hispanic does not mean you've solved your language barrier problems. When he asked me to communicate to a patient in spanish I looked at him and said "did you SEE bilingual on my resume?" he was so mad it was hilarious!!!
3. The girls that worked for him were amazing. I learned so much from them. They're wonderful mothers to their children and were great advice givers to a crazy girl trying to make it through college...
4. Even after 4 years, i still miss them all. Hopefully we can all get together this summer in Port O'Connor.

Port O'Connor pictures:

Doc and Casey

little fish, but a fish none the less...

Bud on the boat

Bud overboard!

Back at his post:

Good Morning Monday, I promise I won't curse you...

2009-05-18T09:36:00.003-05:00

Another Monday. The weekend was good in Port Lavaca. Hooray for haircuts and pedicures! Oh and I got to see my favorite dentist, Doc Miller in Port O Connor, who was down for Warrior's weekend. I really wish I could've taken some pictures of the awesome fishing tournament that was going on for war veterans, but Doc took us on a boat ride and we missed the weigh in. Ah well, next time. The boat ride was fun, and it was nice catching up with Doc. Sunday was what I expected. I went to church with the family and then we went out to the cemetary. Really, I can't believe it's been three years.

Questions for Monday:

Mood: reserved
Craving: Chipotle
Highlight of my weekend: the boat ride in Port O Connor
Weekly Goals: wake up early 2 days this week to exercise

Fragrance: I may have overdone the hairspray, so I'm really smelling that this morning.
Quote of the day: Zen to Fitness had a really good article on the 20 Do's and Don'ts of Good Health. I'm posting that as my quote for the day.

Theme song: No Creo En Jamas, Juanes, for a couple reasons. #1: who doesn't want to see Juanes on a Monday!?! and #2: Translated, this song rocks.

Gotta get it done: i won't even say it, since it seems to never change.
Breakfast beverage: green chai tea

Grateful For: Swirrl, my favorite yogurt shop, for bringing back the 35 calorie goodness that is peanut butter yogurt. (it's the little things in life!)

The 20 Do's and Don'ts of Good Health, from Zen Fitness

Do’s

1- Floss your teeth regularly

2- Think Postive and Healthy thoughts

3- Wear a Helmet during high risk sports and always wear a seatbelt

4- Do something you fear everyday

5- Eat healthy and get sun

6- Do a kind deed for someone else when you can

7- Accept what is……..

8- Spend time with your freinds and family when you can

9- Don't cheat

10- Be as Honest as you can

11- Workout fasted

12- Keep your mind active through Maths, Quizzes, Crosswords

13- Keep a Gratitude Journal

14- Always have a goal or something to look forward to…..

15- Keep life in balance

16- Meditate or Practice deep relaxation/breathing

17- Do it Anyway and Take one day at a time

18- Do weights/resistance training regularly

19- Accept moods as moods and know they will pass…..

20- Watch your thoughts and Listen to Music

Don’ts

1- Focus on the Negative’s in Your Life

2- Dwell on how you feel/emotions

3- Eat refined foods from a box/package

4- Be unproductive

5- Take things for granted

6- Hide how you feel and lock up emotions

7- Avoid Excercise

8- Take perscription medicine unless you really know you need it

9- Give into struggles and slumps

10- Think in words like always, never, every time, every one

11- Make Assumptions

12- Hang around Toxic Smells and Chemicals

13- Use a Microwave

14- Drink from plastic Bottles

15- Let thoughts run over and over in your head

16- Withold love

17- Avoid eating fat

18- Let toxic people affect your life

19- Mull over things for too long

20- Fight to be right

The Benavides Family

2009-05-11T15:36:00.016-05:00

I have a ton of family. No seriously, a ton. If I get bored with any of my 24 first cousins on my mom's side alone, I can now choose from their husbands or kids, or move on to my second cousins. BreAna is my second cousin. We're the same age so we grew up together. We lost touch in college but all this social networking has brought us back together. I got to meet her beautiful family and catch up on the happenings in and outside of our family. She cooked me dinner too, which was delicious! I had such a great time. I can't wait to go back and hang out with her, Bobby and the boys. Or seriously Bre, if you ever need to get away, call me! I'm just up the road!

p.s. I'm not sure how many times I've published and taken down this post. Everything looks right in the preview but then I click post and the pictures are all messed up! ARGH!

p.p.s. I HATE the white border around these pictures but I can't figure out how to get it off. Any ideas? help!

Mundane-less Monday...

2009-05-06T20:56:00.000-05:00

Another set of Questions for Monday Monday Monday....

Mood: slightly nervous (about what? who knows!)

Goal for the day: Finish Breana's pictures and work on my thesis

Last movie I watched: I watched the end of My Cousin Vinny last night, does that count?

Lipgloss, lipstick, chapstick, or naked? Lipgloss. Usually the bigelow stuff from bath and body works

Breakfast beverage: milk or green/chai tea

Goals for the week: thesis. won't you/I be happy when that's not my goal anymore!?

Theme song of the week: Portions for Foxes, Rilo Kiley

When I grow up, I wanna be ______: one of those people that makes people happy because I'm happy.

Things I’m really good at: overthinking, missing obvious jokes, procrastinating :)

Things I need to work on: thesis before prof. mtg on Thursday, laundry

It's going to be a good week. I can feel it. There's this anticipation in the air. I had a fantastic weekend even though I'm sunburned and it hurts to wear clothes. Breana and her family are awesome! We had a great time taking pictures and catching up. Pictures coming soon!

your turn. Post on your blog or in the comments!

Mood:

Goal for the day:

Last movie I watched:

Lipgloss, lipstick, chapstick, or naked?

Breakfast beverage:

Goals for the week:

Theme song of the week:

When I grow up, I wanna be ______:

Things I’m really good at:

Things I need to work on:

Exposing...myself

2009-05-06T14:27:00.001-05:00

So this post is something that I've not really shared with anyone. until now...

Last year this time I was having a realization. A realization that I needed to get things right in my life. I felt super stressed and under appreciated, ridiculously obligated to things that didn't matter, unhappy, and disgusted in my own skin. At my annual checkup at the doctor's office, I finally did something that changed my life. I asked for help. I told her I wanted to lose weight. She recommended Dr. Hwang and Dr. Edwards, who run the UT Weight Managment Clinic. I went for an initial visit with them to discuss the program. Six months of learning portion control, foods, and what exercises I was capable of and that I could stick with. Dr. Hwang spent a lot of time examining my personal life, learning about my family, feelings, career, school, and social life. I really felt like I'd finally found something that I could stick with: no diet, just education and exercise. I lost 8 pounds in the first month, 9 the next. The weight just kept coming off. Changing my eating habits wasn't hard. The exercising took some time. Even though I still have to push myself to go (I call myself a lazy slob until I force myself off the couch. Somedays it takes 30 minutes, somedays 5 hours.), the results I'm seeing motivate me to keep going.

There are two days of the year that I don't fight back tears. January 27 and May 17. We're coming up to May 17. It was the worst day of my life. I got a phone call at work that my brother had passed away. My 29 year old brother died of a heart attack due to complications from obesity. How does that happen? Sure he wasn't a small guy, but he wasn't grossly obese either. It still stuns me and still feels like someone is hitting me in the stomach with a baseball bat when I think of him not here. I know he doesn't want me to be sad though. I have to be healthy, do things differently. For his kids, for my future kids, and for myself.

With that said (Goodness this is a long post), here's a little over halfway. Since this time last year, I have lost 65 pounds. Sure I've noticed it in my clothes, but I guess it took looking at old pictures to realize how much I've actually changed. crazy. Feeling better about myself, taking care of myself helped me realize the other things I was stressing about aren't important. I now come home everyday and think to myself how lucky I am to be doing exactly what I'm doing. I'm grateful.

p.s. The before picture isn't the best picture, but it's the only picture that i allowed last year that was all of me. Thanks to Neha for providing the "after picture" :)

How are you doing?

2009-05-04T09:45:00.001-05:00

Maybe I'll start this every Monday. Or just this Monday. hee hee...

Mood: content.
Craving: watermelon
Highlight of my weekend: Sangria and brunch at Farrago. So chill, so good.
Weekly Goals: run 3 miles 3 times this week, and get a chunk of thesis done.

Fragrance: Calvin Klein Euphoria and Bath & Body Works Breathe Lotion (which was discontinued...sad!)
Quote of the day: from thenakedredhead.com: "please stab me in the eye. It's monday again" or Keda, who just said "From now on, we make the plans. If they want in, they can come. If not, they can kick rocks. this is "The Keda" speaking."

Theme song: Call it off, Tegan and Sarah

Gotta get it done: thesis. now and forever. oh and some junk for work. =)
Breakfast beverage: it was a coffee morning, strangley.

Grateful For: good friends, good music on Pandora.

A blank copy for you to paste into your blog, or in the comments. Have a good week!

Mood:
Craving:
Highlight of my weekend:
Weekly Goals:

Fragrance:
Quote of the day:

Theme song:

Gotta get it done:
Breakfast beverage:

Grateful For:

You know how some people are home sick? I think I'm vacation sick.

2009-04-30T22:58:00.000-05:00

This time last year and the year before, I went to Europe for some amazing vacations. So this year, since I'm postponing Italy until Claire's wedding in October, I'm starting to feel a little restless. Anyone going anywhere? Take me with you!!

I was going through my Italy pictures and decided to post one of the most gorgeous places I've ever seen. Cinque Terra is on the coast of Italy and has five small villages that you walk to. It seemed like the real Italy--not very touristy, full of culture, and of course, lots of wine :) We took a train from Pisa and immediately after a tunnel, we see this. i played with the picture a little bit (#1 because I hadn't learned photoshop yet so all my pictures from Italy were raw, and #2 because I was bored and was procrastinating loading the dishwasher). Hooray for Italy!!

Easter with the family

2009-04-16T22:38:00.000-05:00

I hung out in the PLT this past weekend. No pictures of the nephews this weekend! Their cousins had a party on Sunday so they did Easter with the Medellin family. That's ok, hopefully I can catch a soccer game or two in May!

We always start our holidays at the Servantes house. I swear every one of those family members can cook: from Uncle Frank and his brisket, Aunt Fina and her sides, Mona and her desserts, yummy. The easter egg hunt was fun...does anyone know how to take good pictures of kids as their hunting eggs?? I apparently don't.

outtake, but I love it:

I snapped a couple of Julia too. She's too cute:

This is my cousin Maribel and her two kids, Devin and Derek. I will always see Devin as 8 yrs old, even if she just turned 16.

Afterwards my sister and I headed to my grandparent's house to visit with my mom's side of the family. Another easter egg hunt ensued.

This is my cousin Sara's oldest daughter, Rayven. She looks exactly like her mother!

and finally, two quick pics of 6 month old Brody:

good times were had by all :)

Stolen Words

2009-04-07T14:48:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I wonder if I have some kind of attention disorder. I just wrote a couple sentences in the report I'm writing, and then immediately without even thinking opened a browser and checked my Google reader. Again. After I've checked it probably 20 times today. Anyway, I came across these words of wisdom and thought I would share a couple of my favorites:

--- Never apologize for your own sense of beauty. Nobody can tell you what you should love. Do what you do brazenly and unapologetically. You cannot build your sense of aesthetics on a concensus.

--It’s easier to focus on buying that next piece of equipment than it is to accept that you should be able to create great work with what you’ve got. Buying stuff is a convenient and expensive distraction. You need a decent camera, a decent lens, and a light meter. Until you can use those tools consistently and masterfully, don’t spend another dime. Spend money on equipment ONLY when you’ve outgrown your current equipment and you’re being limited by it. There are no magic bullets.

(by Cheryl Jacobs, Flickr portrait group)

Neha and Maya

2009-04-05T16:13:00.000-05:00

Neha and I worked together when we were in college at Sam Houston State. She was such a good friend! Thankfully my crazy nosiness paid off and I found her on myspace one day. We hung out last weekend for the first time in 5ish years. It was so much fun! She's still an excellent photographer and she gave me some great tips for shooting. (She also told me I should start this blog =P) She has a daughter, Maya, who is incredibly adorable. She's so funny! It was definitely a good day. Here are the pics I took of Neha and Maya... (my first post--I realize the last few are sized differently but I'm still learning what size to make the pics! Thanks for your help Neha! =P)

Blogging!

2009-04-04T23:20:00.000-05:00

“There is only you and your camera. The limitations in your photography are in yourself, for what we see is what we are.” -Ernest Haas

Very fitting quote to start my blog. I've always used flickr and still will, but I think I'd like to use this to give the stories behind the pics I've been taking. Every day is a learning experience, and in the past year I've added a camera to help me remember the lessons. So here goes...