Life - so far 2010.

Well, so far, 2010 has been rough. I have mentally decided, I am getting OUT of this funk, sunshine or no sunshine! With the loss of both Grandfathers and one Grandmother since last September, I have definitely been falling, physically and mentally. I have been sick now for about 6 weeks straight - 3 body infections, pinkeye and some crazy sore throat that just won't quit. I went to the Dr for the sore throat and she called the next day to ask if I wanted anti-depressants... ummm, that's weird! Do those help with sore throats? haha, anyway, um no thanks. I think the best thing I can do and the thing my body REALLY needs is for me to chill it out. Find some time for me, relax. Lose the stress and I think I will lose the sick. Most of the stressful situations have passed, we have survived all of them, my grieving has slowed and am finally at the point where I have taken responsibility and decided, if something needs changed, change it. The only thing left is Sophia's surgery, August 16th. I am nervous, but I know the idea of not having it done is SO much worse than just sucking it up and getting it done. Once that is over, no more excuses, I am getting out of this funk once and for all. In the meantime: naps, shrink, positive thoughts.

Oh, and vacation to New York: countdown is 2 weeks. YIPEE!

been designin'

I have been missing design. I want to be freelancing. As of now, I have just been playing around on my free time and spending less time working and more time napping and relaxing. Here's what I've been up to:

Business card idea for a friend

I followed a tutorial for this one, in case Travis ever decides he should brew his own beer.

I think this should be the label.

I guess now I should work on promoting myself! Ouch, that's the hardest part.

design. mother's day. life.

I will start with design! I found an etsy shop yesterday that I am definitely going to support (when I can afford to, of course). This girl makes the most flattering and simple tops, they are reasonably priced too! Here is a link to crystalindumentaria's etsy site.

And here's my fave top of hers:
Makes me want to buy new clothes and sew and get creative and stuff. Yep, all that from one Etsy shop. Amazing.

On another note, Mother's Day was spectacular. I started the day with pure laziness (my favorite thing). I slept in and then browsed the internet with a cup of my Keurig coffee in hand, with the house to myself. You just can't beat that. We later headed to my mom's to help her with her garden as her gift. We laughed and decided that, if you raise 5 kids, there is no guilt in having them come over and shovel hot, stinky compost (okay, be honest, it's shit) from the front to the back yard. And we did it, and we loved it. Happy Mother's Day, mama. We then planted the garden for her and really got her off to a good start! It was great time spent with my sister, brothers, significant others, nieces, nephews and folks. And a beautiful, sunny day to top it all off!

I feel blessed to have the family that I have. This has by far been some of the hardest couple of months I have ever had to endure. With health issues, life stress and the passing of my beloved Grandma, I think I have definitely been given the test of life. I have to give one big thank you to my daughter, husband, family and friends for truly being there through the thick and thin. I am blessed.

Love these two.

I've learned from you.

I lost a legend this week. My Grandma had a sudden stroke and was gone the next morning. Now, lucky for me, I was able to spend the last 29 years knowing my Grandma and Grandpa (who also passed earlier this year). I guess you can never really be ready to lose someone until they are gone, and then you grieve them and never forget how they impacted your life.
There was quite a difference in the way they went, Grandpa had been talking about it for years. Every time I would see him and tell him goodbye, his response was something along the lines of, "I won't be around 'til then." He's had one foot out the door of life for at least five years. But, WOW, did it hurt when it really happened.

And just when she started to really break out and start living without him, Grandma went too. Grandma was different. She had chosen to live life, to the fullest, every day. She was busy, never bored. She engaged her mind and body all the time, every day. She always had a crossword and a new painting that she was working on and was always up for a game of Scrabble. There was always fresh biscotti in the cookie jar and ice cream in the freezer, just in case the kids came by. Never missed a Birthday or a holiday. She was healthy, strong and young at mind and heart. And then, gone. Just that quick.
So, to cope, I look at past pictures. I cherish the treasures that I got to bring home and I continue to tell myself how fortunate I was to have them for the first 29 years of my life, and how fortunate Sophia was to have them for 6 of hers. Not everyone gets a chance to share a song with their Grandpa-Great and a sundae with their Grandma-Great and I just keep telling her that.

I just hope they know the legacy they left behind - They were loved so much, by so many.

You will be missed, Grams and Gramps.

I'm back.

So, you're asking, "what's happenin' lately?" Well, we have been a little busy, to be honest. Sophia keeps me going... No rest for the weary! Currently, she is doing ballet one night a week and soccer at least 3 nights a week. She wants to try out for a talent show at school and also just finished taking native dance classes for a friend's senior project. I had a video, all ready to post but, when I try to email it to myself, it is taking FOREVER, so unfortunately, I have nothing to show.

They did great, it was by far one of the best senior project productions I have ever seen! Great job to Halona, I hope she gets a wonderful grade for this.

On my end, just working full time is enough to keep me busy. I am pretty much completely exhausted after spending 5 hours with a classroom of 3 year olds. I really have been loving my sleep lately. Not sure if that's a good thing or not ~ regardless, I enjoy it! I have also been spending a lot of energy, and that's about all, on trying to figure out how to go about doing some graphic design work. I miss it so bad, yet am so torn on how to get into it. I would love a full-time graphic design job with great hours! HA, however, I don't want to commute. This seems impossible with my situation. My other option would be to do freelance/contract work. I am NOT business saavy, so I just don't even know where to start. I have done some networking, but I need help with the paperwork/contracts/marketing. SO, for any of you that just absolutely LOVE this stuff and can help me. Please, by all means, call. I would love to pick some brains on breaking into the solo world and being successful at it.
Today, I have high hopes to put my garden in, or at least begin the process (til the dirt)

Just to finish off strong, here are a couple of photos from Christmas 09. I was inspired by Alyssa, who just posted her Christmas photos, they are always great to return to. Excellent family time!

The little girls with their Grandma-Great.

Sophia and her Chitch, having fun.

I think she got what she wanted! ;)

Garden updates soon - I am on my way out to plant it right now!

seriously.

Update you blog already! ugh.

Sorry, I am lazy, boring and just don't get around to it. What more do you want me to say?

Soon enough, I will post something AMAZING and WONDERFUL. But, not now.

Sorry.

~E

For all you UN-pc readers.

So, this site is not so politically correct (so if your sensitive, maybe it's not for you), but it is one of my favorites. I love Etsy, don't get me wrong. This site is more dedicated to the Etsy sites that one may call...slightly eccentric? (Or just crappy, whatever you want to call them)

regretsy

Enjoy!