Monthly Archives: February 2008

P365 Day 35 – Feb 4th 2008

This is one of the best books I have read in a long time but wow – what an emotional rollercoaster. It’s not often that a book makes me cry but some sections of this one were very hard to read. Not because of the way it is written (and it is beautifully written), but because the subject matter is just so brutal, yet realistic. I usually read right before I go to sleep and this book was responsible for a few bad dreams. That being said, it is well worth the effort and the story will linger for a long time after you finish the last page. 

I am now reading a book by Jodie Piccoult called Vanishing acts and so far so good. Have any more suggestions? I am on a bit of a reading kick right now.

Oh, and I’ve been playing around with my brand new lens. Seriously, it has made such a huge difference with taking photos indoors and during this dreary Portland winter that is very important. This lens was recommended by Karen Russell on her blog. She lives in Oregon as well so I guess she understands low lighting situations. :).

I am also trying to learn and shoot in manual. It will be a learning curve but I need to learn how to use the camera properly.

Inspired

I did not become very interested in politics until I moved to America. I don’t know why – possibly because I moved here when I was in my late 20s and my adult life had truly just begun. Probably because I now have 1.75 children and the state of the world is something that is constantly on my mind. Also likely because so many things have happened in this country (America) since I moved here in 2002 (exactly one year after 9/11) that have appalled me and made me want to see, and make, change.

So our little family has been making small changes – setting aside funds to donate to charities that are important to us, eating more organic, local foods to help support the community, being more environmentally responsible (we still only have one car and Kei rides his bike to work as much as he can) and just being more aware. The one thing I have not done that has been on my mind for some time is get my US Citizenship. I would NEVER give up my Aussie citizenship, but I am able to have both – in fact Thomas is already a dual citizen. I would like to ensure I have a say in the things that happen in the country I live in – especially when this country has such an incredible impact on the rest of the world.

So I am putting it here in writing to make myslef accountable. I am going to get off my lazy behind and apply for my US citizenship. I’m not sure it will come in time for the election but at least I will be moving in that direction.

I work in internal communications and part of my job involves creating inspiring pieces of media for our company meetings. I only wish we could make something this amazing. It sends shivers up my spine and was the primary inspiration behind this post.

It doesn’t matter that it is Barack Obama giving the speech or whether you are democrat or republican – the message is the key. (and for the record, I am torn between Barack and Hillary :)).

Thanks for stopping by
Nicole

Scraptastically Challenged

I have been feeling a little unispired with my scrapping lately – not knowing where to start and not feeling it with the photos I have been taking (although I love the pics I have been taking for my P365 project – go figure).

I have been doing a little digi shopping – apparently the scrapper’s block has not affected my ability to find a good bargain. Of course I won all of Jen Wilson’s new stuff and then went shopping at the lilypad for parts of their new BYOC and even bought some of Traci Murphy’s drop shadows thanks to her 50% off sale.

So then I just felt like I HAD to scrap with some of this new stuff so I went in search of a couple of challenges to help inspire. (images are clickable).

This one was for the Hodge Podge challenge – use three different frames on a multi photo LO.

Photobucket

And this one for Little Dreamer – to use a white background with a splash of colour to make an impact. I actually LOVE this one. It is one of my favourite pages.

Photobucket

So the moral of the story – do more challenges to get the creative juices flowing. 🙂

Back to work tomorrow – ugh. Hoping for a snow day – although with remote computer access is there really such a thing anymore? I really just feel like sleeping in and lying around on the couch for a few hours. Can someone please cancel Monday?

P365 Day 34 – Feb 3rd 2008

So we were “watching” the Superbowl (I don’t even know who was playing) when the halftime show came on…. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. I mean, I know they’re a classic band and everything but are they really that scared of finding an act from at least this decade? Something a little more edgy?

Anyway, a few moments of watching the band playing their instruments, Thomas turns to me and says “I have to get my guitar” like it’s his mission. Like he HAS to play because the fever is driving him to it. So off he goes, grabs his guitar, asks me to help him to put on his strap and proceeds to play along… for about 1 minute. I guess the fever is quickly relieved with a few strums. 🙂 

P365 Day 33 – Feb 2nd 2008

It snowed in Portland! OK – it may not look impressive and none of it actually stuck to the ground but it DID snow. Since we have lived here we have experienced two or three major snow/ice storms that have closed down schools. One of them was last year, just after Thomas started walking and he was rather unimpressed with the whole thing. I think it was the fact that he was already unsteady on his feet and a few inches of the white stuff didn’t help.

As much as I hate snow, I would love Thomas to see some at our house this year. I think he would really enjoy it and I would enjoy watching him – and taking photos of course. For now, this rather pathetic display of snowfall will have to do.

P365 Day 32 – Feb 1st 2008

My sick little baby. He has just not been himself this past week and woke up complaining of a sore ear on Friday so I took him to the doctor. Sure enough, the beginnings of an ear infection. Thankfully it’s not too serious. I am going to give him pain medication only if he needs it and give him antibiotics if it gets worse.

Unfortunately it means missing out on a bunch of things this weekend – potluck with friends on Friday and birthday party and swimming lesson on Saturday. This is the second weekend in a row that we have had to cancel plans due to Thomas being sick and I am starting to feel a little shut in. Hoping he is back to normal next week.