Monday, October 31, 2011

Photo Challenge Day 31: A Re-do. Something Orange.



Happy Halloween to you.
We've decided to pass out candy tonight. I just returned home from the grocery store with two bags. Hopefully, we get rid of all of it.

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Simple Sunday, four


Whoa. Look at all that brown. 

I thought Simple Sunday was not going to happen today. I had failed to record anything from the weekend even though I had quite a lot going on. I was also working on getting a couple other pages finished for a deadline.
So instead of stressing out about a self imposed deadline, I took some time out and did a little yard work today and it was so nice. It's definitely energizing for me to work outside and be in the sun. Dare I say I love yard work? Well I do.

We acquired these landscaping rocks last weekend. On the way home from the park, Zeb saw a pile of rocks in front of someone's house with a sign marked 'free'. I was so excited because I had spent some time on Craigslist looking for landscaping rocks just like this. In this case, the price was right, so we loaded up the car and brought them home.

It was a fun little activity, digging though the pile like we were on a scavenger hunt, looking for the coolest rocks.

Today, I took the time to set them up in the backyard. I like what I created out there. We'll see how I feel come spring.

Happy Simple Sunday to you.
Link up in the comments about your Simple Sunday.

Photo Challenge Day 30: Self Portrait


It's Sunday and that means one thing.
Every Sunday I work for a couple of hours at the gym and then the rest of my Sunday begins. Today it involved a little cleaning, a little bit of yard work, laundry, scrapbooking and watching Sister Wives. You could say I'm a bit obsessed with that show right now. Unfortunately, Netflix streaming makes it incredibly easy to keep watching TV shows. Oh, Netflix!

So each Sunday looks a little bit different, but one thing stays pretty constant: my hat. I wear my hat most days actually, but especially on Sunday I care less about what I look like. I just want to get my chores done before the week starts.

Let's go visit Kate and see what her Sunday is like.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Photo Challenge Day 29: Black and White


Now, to Kate's we go!

Photo Challenge Day 28: Flowers


A lot of nature in this little photo.

Let's go see what Kate is up to.

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Photo Challenge Day 27: From a Distance


It was a pretty great day in Kansas City.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Photo Challenge Day 26: Close Up


We had people over for a Bar-B-Q/Bonfire last night. I was very nervous about the fire, like always, because I am afraid of the house burning down. To add to this paranoia, all week on the news they were announcing fire warnings since it was so windy and so dry. My concerns about this went unnoticed and since nobody else seemed to be stressed out, I decided not to be either. I just sat back and enjoyed the flames and heat with everyone else. 

The rain this morning came and set my mind at ease. It put out the last little flickering flame.

Now, off to Kate's!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Photo Challenge Day 25: Pink


I do most of my scrapbooking on the floor in our craft room/office. I have a table in there, but I'm convinced it's not big enough.
If I got a new, bigger table, I'm not sure I would use it to scrapbook on. I like the floor.

This room is currently a mess. I'm working on creating a few things for submission to a scrapbook company to be a designer. I don't really know what this means. I've never done it before, but I thought I would try. I'm trying to convince myself that not being a well known designer will work in my favor here. That makes total sense, right?

Fingers crossed...

Monday, October 24, 2011

Photo Challenge Day 24: Animal

I had a really hard time with today's challenge.

Just kidding...







Let's go visit Kate.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Simple Sunday, three


These were waiting for me on the coffee table when I got home from work last Friday. Zeb got them for me since I was named the Best Personal Trainer. They were quite the surprise. 

Photo Challenge Day 23: Sun Flare

Today was a fun challenge. I do like the ones that make me figure out my camera more than the ones that don't.
We took our little one to the park today and I have two favorite shots from our adventure on this last nice day of the year (so I hear).



Which one do you like better?

Let's go see what Kate is up to today.

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Photo Challenge Day 22: Hands


Morning. I look forward to this part of my day everyday. Sometimes the buildup begins the night before as I lay on the couch, completely immobile because the sun has set, thinking of waking up the next morning. I get nothing done at night, but so much done in the morning.
I wake up and get the coffee brewing first thing, and then I settle into my alone time.  I take care of bills, bookkeeping, reading blogs, sending emails...everything happens now, coffee in hand.

Let's visit Kate, shall we?

Photo Challenge Day 21: Faceless Self Portrait


Today, I wanted to share a picture of me and my cowlick.
Sitting right at the back, left tip of my head, this cowlick gives me trouble, and has for as long as I can remember; so much trouble, in fact, that I have not looked at the back of my hair in some time. I will take time to style my hair, but I know if I take a peek at the back, I'll just feel defeated.
The cowlick has won.
The cowlick always wins.
It will either be pushing my hair up into an odd poof or will have parted my hair so drastically, that a line of my scalp will be revealed down the back of my head.
So now I pretend, I pretend that nothing wacky is going on back there...or I wear a hat.

Let's go visit Kate.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Photo Challenge Day 20: Bokeh

Ahhhh.....Bokeh.

There are a lot of interpretations of this on the internet, so it leaves me feeling like I don't know what it is exactly, let alone how to capture it. However, I have found a few definitions I can work with.

So here is the link to the Wikipedia definition which as far as I can tell means blur in a photo.

This definition is interesting to me because it doesn't just talk about the blur existing, it talks about the feel of the blur.

Here's my attempt.


Let's go visit Kate!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Photo Challenge Day 19: Something Orange


She loves carrots and goes into serious beg mode when I eat Granny Smith apples.
My little health nut.

I wonder what Kate is up to.

He's Totally Irish


I love this photo of Zeb. I also love that he wanted to get this Irish man's hat once we got to Ireland.
He does look pretty cute in it.

I'm involved in a monthly scrapbook page challenge with Zeb's mom and her friend. This month's challenge was 'Old School Scrapbooking". I only kind of know what that means since I wasn't scrapbooking then, but here is my submission for that challenge. It's simple (which I tend to like these days) and old school (I think).

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Photo Challenge Day 18: Your Shoes


Here are the shoes I wear everyday....to go to work and sometimes to go to fun. I'm no fashionista, I'll tell you that.

Today, these shoes took a boot camp class, taught a boot camp class, and helped others get fit for 6 hours.

I'm sure Kate has something fun to show us today. Let's find out.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Photo Challenge Day 17: Technology

Technology?
Hmmm....kind of a step backward after yesterday's challenge, don't you think?

Today I took a picture of my little lady using the camera on my phone.
Unfortunately, the technology on my camera phone isn't as advanced as some.

Peanut is all wrapped up because it's getting cold here and rainy. Not the kind of weather I prefer.
I wrapped her up like her dad would have.

He left this afternoon and headed to Columbia to see Blind Pilot again.

I'm jealous. and cold.

Good-bye summer. I think it's official.

Let's go see what Kate is up to.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Photo Challenge Day 16: Long Exposure

Well that was fun!

Although I am no expert at this, I did have fun trying it out and playing around in my front yard with flashlights.



Then I took the fun inside. Peanut didn't want to play along, but I was impressed with the detail of the roses. (There are 2 dozen there, just in case you were wondering)


I looked online for some ideas before I began my journey and found these awesome photos. Inspiring.

I also learned that the point and shoot I've been using is capable of long exposure so that's cool. I would like to try this again, you know, somewhere besides my front yard.

I wonder what Kate came up with, don't you?

Simple Sunday, two


This week's Simple Sunday draws inspiration from Shimelle again.
Her starting points are just what I need to throw together a quick layout about something that happens every single day.

Connemara, Ireland

Getting all the pictures scrapbooked from my trip to Ireland this summer has been a daunting task. I have a lot to do, and sometimes not a lot of inspiration.

I have been playing around with this photo for a long time, and finally came across this sketch from Elle's Studio and knew it was perfect for this photo.

I love this picture so much that I didn't want the layout to be too busy and take away from the photo.

Sometimes simplicity is best.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Photo Challenge Day 15: Silhouette


I took a family photo during our afternoon walk.

How beautiful was today?!

Kate is sharing an awesome picture today. Check it out!

Photo Challenge Day 14: Eyes


Last night we went to see Blind Pilot open for Brett Dennen.

Blind Pilot was so amazing. It was my first time to see them live, Zeb's third. The show had so much energy; one of those bands whose members play several instruments, always switching around for each song. Amazing.

guitar
ukulele
harmonium
drums
bass
piano
pump organ
banjo
dulcimer
trumpet
vibraphone
violin

etc. seriously.

We had the best time dancing and singing and felt really sad when their 50 minute set was over. too short!

Brett Dennen's performance didn't even compare. so sad.

So we spent time after the show talking to the band in that weird way fans talk to bands, and getting their autographs and pictures. (I told you we love them)

You must check this band out....and to help you on your way...


That's what I've been up to. Now, go see what Kate is up to.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Photo Challenge Day 13: Yourself With 13 Things

Today, I am reading 13 copies of The Pitch.
I was recently named The Readers' Choice for Best Personal Trainer in The Pitch Best of 2011.

Toot toot!

Now, go read Kate's blog.

Photo Challenge Day 12: Sunset

Ask me to get a picture of a sunrise? Done. I'm up with the birds most days.
Ask me to get a picture of a sunset. Not gonna happen. I'm a working lady and most of my work happens when that sun is making its final appearance for the day.
So for this challenge, Zeb came to the rescue.
He really committed to this challenge and drove to several locations.

Look at that shot he captured! I wish I got to see it with my own eyes.


Now, go find out what Kate's been up to. Clicky clicky.

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Photo Challenge Day 11: Something Blue

I'm lucky to say that today I had a great subject to work with.
We babysat a friend's toddler and she was so precious all day long.
Lots of playing in the dirt and leaves. A little bit of dancing and a little bit of chasing.

So here's a picture of her cute little shoes to fulfill the challenge and one more because every time I got out the camera she would say, "EEEEEEE"... and that is cute.







My friend, Kate is playing too. Go visit.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Photo Challenge Day 10: A Memory from Childhood

When I was little, I would sometimes get sent to my bedroom as a 'time out'. (Unbelievable, I know).
I remember on more than one occasion, I would happily entertain myself by listening to records. I had a small, orange and brown Fisher Price record player that played 45s.

The only song I remember listening to was Twelve Little Indians, but I had more than just one record. I'm sure I listened to nursery rhymes and other songs too.

On more than one occasion, when my mom would tell me I could come out of my bedroom, I would choose to stay in because I was enjoying myself so much.


Now, go check out Offal Adorable

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Simple Sunday, one

I'm starting a new feature here at This Time Around. It's called Simple Sunday.

My intention for this is to encourage you (and me) to make scrapbook pages of simple things, using a simple layout. One of my biggest handicaps with scrapbooking is that I can make a layout and look at it for months and months and months before I commit to it and glue anything down. This leaves stories untold and projects unfinished. 

With this feature I hope to print a picture and make a layout within the week.

The other aspect of Simple Sunday includes scrapbooking something simple. This is in an effort to notice the little things in life and make a note of them. Sure, scrapbooking vacations, birthdays, etc is fun and necessary, I do believe the little things deserve a layout too; a conversation, a lunch, a date night. 

So without further delay, here's my layout for this week's Simple Sunday. I used a starting point from Shimelle

I would love if you played along too. Link up in the comments!

Photo Challenge Day 9: Someone You Love


This guy.

Some reasons why I love him?

1. He's kind
2. He's funny
3. He's affectionate
4. He rode bikes with me yesterday
5. He likes children
6. He's laid back
7. He reads books
8. He listens to good music
9. He's loyal
10. He's a good friend
11. He's non judgmental
12. He's open minded
13. He loves Peanut a lot a lot
14. He's encouraging
15. etc etc etc

Now, check out Offal Adorable and see who she loves.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Photo Challenge Day 8: A Bad Habit


A bad habit of mine: My daily nap.

I wake up pretty early some days. For example, today I woke up at 4am. It's crazy, I know! Today I didn't need to be up at any time for any reason. I have dinner plans at 7:30 pm and that's all that was on my agenda for the day.

Still, at 4am, I was up and ready for the day.

This is how most days look.

I am up by about 7am AT THE LATEST and then around 2:00 I start to think about going back to sleep. Some days it happens, and some days it doesn't.

Of course, to most, my naps seem justified. However, they're such a habit that my body feels like it needs a nap whether I slept enough the night before or not. Also, my body loves 2 hour naps. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

I'd like to think that if I didn't take a nap everyday, I could get so much done. I could try new recipes, finally start Crochet School, knit more, paint something, read a book, the list goes on!

But, alas, I'm a napper.

Go visit Kate's blog to learn more about her. She's participating in the photo challenge too.

Friday, October 7, 2011

This Much I Do Know....

Though I may not have a photo to show for Photo Challenge, Day 7, Fruit...

I do know one thing:
I love this entire 30 days of photo challenges.

It's making me realize that carrying a camera around is a great thing because I get to capture events that may otherwise be dismissed and forgotten.

Today, I was driving down the street on my way to find inspiration, and passed by a dumpster sitting outside someone's home and this lil squirrel enjoying a taco dinner.

Now, I do know the obvious thing about this photo is that it does not contain fruit anywhere.

I struggled with this challenge today because I wanted my picture to be more than ordinary, more than just something to fulfill this (self imposed) challenge. 

Last Night

Yesterday at work, I had a pretty grueling schedule. I worked for 7 hours with one small 30 minute break, and that break was just to allow me to drive from one gym to another. Now, I do love my job and love the people I train, but that long stretch of time just going going going is exhausting. Also, I am in charge of my own schedule. So there is that.

So I got home last night and Zeb and Peanut were on the couch watching TV and I told them both about my day. They were both very good listeners.

Peanut was so human in that moment; the way she listened and (I know) comprehended.



Then she got cuddly and had to lay down on Daddy's chest.


She's the best!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Photo Challenge Day 6: From a Low Angle


Like Kate, I have felt some confusion about the photo assignments the last two days. 
From a low angle, from a high angle, what does it all mean? 
Today, though, I think I captured (with Zeb's help) something really fun from a low angle.

Did I do this right?

Around Here


These days we've been making a point to head to the park near us and let Peanut off leash. (Don't tell the cops).  I can't explain it, but she never runs in the yard like she runs at the park. She loves it there and runs and runs and runs....and smiles a lot too.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Photo Challenge Day 5: From a High Angle

I met this guy on our deck today and since it was for a photo challenge I had my camera and was ready to take pictures of whatever I saw, mantis or otherwise. 

This photography subject is usually reserved for Zeb, who will fill up our camera's memory card with pictures of slugs, wolf spiders, cicadas, cicada shells, beetles, etc.

Today, it was my turn.



As always, head on over to Offal Adorable.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Photo Challenge Day 3: Green


Well, I was actually hoping to post a picture of a finished sock, but life got in the way today. So here it is, one green sock, so close to being complete.

Check out Offal Adorable for her interpretation of green.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Photo Challenge Day 3: Clouds

How beautiful was today?!

The funny thing about today, on the day we needed to get a picture of clouds, was that there were no clouds in the sky. I waited all day. Nothing. So this is a picture of the night sky. Cloudless.


Now, head on over to Offal Adorable and check out her picture for the challenge.

The Ole Standby

We're not very good at cooking meals at home. It's true. We're just not. This past week was actually a good week for us as we made two meals and then had leftovers to eat the rest of the week. I was secretly very proud of us for doing this.
Usually, when we're hungry, it goes something like this:

Z: "Where do you want to eat?"
C: "I don't know. Where do you want to eat?"
Both: "Let's go to Chelly's!"

We say this in unison, it's true. Then we high five and go to Chelly's.

Chelly's is really fantastic. The chips and salsa are crispy and delicious, which is important to me, and the food is not all sloppy on your plate like some Mexican restaurants. It looks nice and tastes good.