Jana's Radical Weblog 3

39 little happy things... six weeks late!

For the last two years I've tried to check off one item for every year of my life.

Somehow I've been too busy with other little people's birthdays and Life, etc to reflect back on my 39 items. This morning I woke up before the bambinos so here I type.

1. Pimp my basement. For real this time.
   Funny that this is on the top of my list. Once we received The Beatles Rock Band and it took up half the basement it deflated my ambition to redo the basement. My vision was uninspired and the basement looked hideous. That has all changed with the recent flooding of our basement. It is now a blank slate... with the Rock Band slated to go back in the basement... but who cares, I can still make it cute and usable.
2. Ride bikes. This probably means I need to buy a bike. Anyone have one they want to sell me?
   I biked through Amsterdam last summer and loved it, but have yet to do any biking stateside. I still need a bike. Maybe a Paul Frank picnic bike! I regret getting rid of my ten speed from 4th grade.
3. Take the water taxi from West Seattle to downtown with the kids to meet the husband for lunch.
   Check! My friend and I took our kids to meet our husbands for dinner on the Seattle waterfront. It was a beautiful night, and as I recall a monk wanted to take his photo with my costumed child.
4. Go to Europe with husband.
   Check! Amsterdam and Paris. Sigh. Fabulous.
5. Go to Europe by myself for a few days.
   Check! Krakow, Poland! Amazing! Next time I will lay off the Ambien though! (Lots of stories about getting rained on in the middle of the night and not caring; forgetting luggage in Amsterdam; and eating food but not knowing what I was eating.)
6. Start Project 52 (Have a photoshoot with my camera once a week).
   Check! It all morphed into a portrait photography business!
7. Take the a boat out for a picnic.
   Yes! These boating picnics (and boating everything) were my favorite memories from last summer. Unfortunately our boat is still in the shop this year. I'm really missing it.
8. Have picnic dinners with friends at the pool almost every Friday night during the summer.
   Check!
9. Kayak home from the pool because I need more moments like this.
   Sadly NO. The kayaking commute takes a lot of coordination but I'm still hoping to do this again. I haven't gone kayaking at all this summer mostly due to the stitches in my hand. Soon. Soon.
10. Get a better lookin' blog!
    Nope.
11. Create a website or an iphone app that is based on my vision, not anyone hiring me for their project.
    Yep! I did two sites that I did not run by any committee. One for the PTSA and the other for my business (which still needs a portfolio section. I miss having someone to write custom code for me.) I also did some projects for the green dollar. One for the Gates Foundation : https://www.foundationregistryi3.org/ which was announced from the White House. Wow! And an iPad app for IMDb (that Steve Jobs praised! OMG!) and an Android app for IMDb. Not bad for not focusing on design this year! I hate to say that I'm starting to itch to do more design work.
    
12. Go on class field trips with the kids.
    I was able to go on three. The kids were really excited to have me there. I'm glad I was able to go while they still want me to go.
13. Carve out craft time with friends (my busiest friends Shawna and Becca are on the hook again.)
    Check. My mom and I did a whole crafting weekend.
14. Take the boat to Blake Island or Vashon Island for an overnight camping trip.
    Andy did this while I stayed home and worked on the PTSA website! Oh well. The plan is go again very soon -- if our boat is working.
15. Have an outdoor movie night.
    Check! I'm ready for another one.
16. Make at least one video with my Nikon d90 HD video -- and put some sound to it.
    Half a check. I recorded a few things but did not do any editing. I'm worried that would open a new can of worms for me in that I'd have to create professional level videos!
17. Paint Britta's room pink.
    Check. And now it is the prettiest room in the house. Her words! I agree!
18. Take my kids to a concert.
    Check. Recess Monkey!
19. See something at SIFF.
    Check!
20. Volunteer with LB for the Salvation Army on the holiday gift selection day.
    Sort of check. I volunteered but then my son came down with the stomach flu and no one would watch him and I had to cancel.
21. Go shoe shopping and museum-ing with Becca.
    Check! I love the Henry art museum. And I picked up a great sweater while shoe shopping.
22. Create a photo album encapsulating 2008.
    Nope.
23. Take each individual member of the family on a "date night."
    Check.
24. Frame pages of my vintage ABC books.
    Nope.
25. Rent a lens for my adventure.
    Check. What a great experience renting from them. Highly recommended for photographers wanting to try a new lens.
26. Make more thoughtful gifts instead of last minute less purchased gifts.
    Nope.
27. Create custom holiday cards.
    Check. In fact I'd say I went overboard. I made custom mailing stickers even! I had to try it though so I could offer such services to potential clients. :)
28. Dare I type it? Put something for sale in my Etsy store.
    Nope!
29. Make a few baby blankets.
    Check! I pre-made a few cute girlie blankets but then all my friends had baby boys. I bought material to make some boyish ones to have on hand.
30. Cook with my kids.
    Check. My son is getting into it, although his specializes in hot dogs.
31. Finish my family friendly cookbook "Good with Ketchup."
    Nope. We started trying to eat gluten and dairy free so that screwed up our typical menu. We're back to eating in a free-for-all state though so I might get back to this.
32. Finish the effing bag I started sewing when I was 36 and tried to finish when I was 37.
    NO.... hanging my head in shame!
33. Make a pillow.
    Nope, but I just received fabric to make a huge pillow yesterday, so there is still hope.
34. Make homemade ice cream. Extra points for me if I figure out how to make them on the boat.
    Nope.
35. See the tulips blooming.
    Nope.
    
    
36. Find the ultimate summer chic lit book to read. Suggestions please!
    Yep, just finished Shanghai Girls and loved it!
37. Add pink highlights to my hair. Rebel mom!
    Nope. Maybe later today.
38. Read a classic book to my kids. Really this is for my pleasure more than theirs.
    House at Pooh's Corner and The Nutcracker! Now we're reading How to Train a Dragon. Awesome.
39. Sign Karsten up for music lessons and Britta up for dance lessons.
    Done and Done.

This family isn't big enough for two gimps

My husband and I have had an ongoing battle since we've lived in our house at the beach. He wants our bbq to live down by the beach because if he is going to be grilling he needs to be where the action is. I prefer it by the back door where I can easily access it while preparing food in our kitchen and have more room for guests down by the beach.

On Thursday my husband was scheduled to fly in at 5:15pm and Britta's birthday party was scheduled for 5:30. I had my mom show up at 4:30 to help me move the bbq to its rightful place on the back porch. Plus he has a bad back and I didn't want him moving it -- if I could convince him to move it, that is.

Turns out that sucker is heavy -- and sharp! I tried to heave-ho it above my shoulders to get it up the stairs when ... (I'll censor myself for those not liking blood and gore) ...  and then I told my mom I needed stitches. She drove me to the doctor's office for a tetanus shot and 4 stitches right below my thumb.

At 5pm Andy called me to tell me his plane had landed early. "I'm at the doctor's getting stitches. Call your sister for a ride." By the time he got to our house there were about ten people milling around ready for the party. They tried to figure out where the food for the party was (in the back of my car still, of course). Fortunately for me I have some resourceful female relatives. They found the flank steak, tomatoes, corn and watermelon and had everything under control.

My hand was hurting by the time I got back home. The doctor had prescribed vicodin which I immediately popped. I got to hosting the party as well as I could with my right hand out of service. Once the vicodin kicked in I even took a few photos, although not nearly as many as I normally would have. Here's my adorable girl so happy with her new Pillow Pet from Aunt Katie:

My mom and Katie helped with the party clean up. I popped another vicodin and went to bed. I'm not sure if it was the pain or the vicodin but I hardly slept at all and had strange nightmares all night.

The next day the kids had swimming so I popped another vicodin and headed to the pool.

Yes, another vicodin! Within two hours my day was ruined. I was useless. My mom took Britta up to her house and Karsten went to play with a friend. I slept a few hours then rallied to head to the pool for a picnic with friends I hadn't caught up with in a long time.

But I couldn't do it. I crashed out on the couch and slept even longer.

The next day I took some migraine pain medicine and went off to my photo session. I was fairly wiped out. I thought maybe I'd get some pampering. Some sympathy.

Nothing. I'd say, "my hand hurts." Husband, "I'm really wiped out from so much traveling. I am going to take a nap." Later I might have said something like, "our house is a mess, I can tell I'm out of commission by how many dishes there are to do." Husband, "we had a party, of course it is a mess. I'm heading upstairs for a nap!" My mom helped me with the dishes thankfully. A few hours later I said, "I'm surprised how much my hand hurts." Husband, "I think I may have an ear infection."

Finally he admitted it. This family already has a gimp (him!) and there is no room for a second one. I'm feeling a lot better now and staying away from the vicodin, so I'll let him be the gimp, as long as the bbq can remain on the back porch!

Happy birthday Britta!

Here's the image for the invitation to Britta's pajama party. I was impressed by all of the details she thought of when planning her sixth birthday party, down to having a basket for the girls to put their stuffed animals into once they arrived. They were to take their stuffed animals out of the basket once the movie started. No cake was to be had, only ice cream sundaes where the girls could pick their own toppings. The ice cream choices needed to be vanilla, chocolate and orange sherbet.

 

The party was to be in our cabana (maybe because the best tv we own happens to be out there?) Or because the girl knows a good party location when she sees it. In my opinion the party was a huge success. I hope she feels the same way! Here are all the girls right when the party started. No ice cream faces yet.

 

Cousins Heidi and Hannah gave her an outfit with a doll with a matching outfit. This lead to a tea party in a park. And yes, a photo opp for mom! 

And speaking of photo opps, Britta's one request for her birthday present was a camera of her own, preferably pink, but she'd be happy with any color. (She scored a purple one! Thanks Nikon.) 

So when the girl wanted to take a photo with me in my jammies after I woke up this morning (and looking far from my best), who was I to decline? Pay backs are a bitch! Later she said she decided to delete it because she wanted a photo of me when I was looking prettier. Okay! I'm down with that. Later in the day I guess I looked better (only marginally in my opinion) so she asked me to pose again. "Move this way. Now hold the cat. Say cheese! Smile!" KARMA!! But I'm not one to discourage my daughter from pursuing her dream of being a "fafafrafer" (aka photographer) so I am happy to oblige. Imagine how good she'll be by age 7 if she keeps this up? Very exciting for me. And her... I hope. She might even be able to pronounce "photographer" before she needs business cards.

Another big accomplishment this year is her new found joy of swimming, along with the skills to kick a for a few yards without looking like she's drowning. I'm aiming for her to be a Speedy Sixer next year but am not sure she'll go for it. The speedy sixers get donuts a lot so I'm hoping that might lure her.

Here is a photo from our spring break trip to Palm Desert. She was hesitant to go into the pool without her "floaty suit" or any sort of flotation device, so you can imagine my pride when I saw her JUMP off the diving board today during swimming lessons. Hurrah! (Refer to this post to see what I was dealing with last summer and you'll really know why I'm celebrating.) I tried getting a photo today but got the "no memory card" message as oy, my memory card was in my card reader at home. Drat.

On the topic of accomplishments I can't help but mention that my girl is reading! The public school system really does work because they have  taught both my kids to read and do some crazy weird math stuff that makes me scratch my head. I just know she's going to be hooked in just a matter of time, or I will have to stop references to her being my mini-me. I am just so excited for the world that reading is going to open her up to. I am fully planning to read all the Anne of Green Gables series along with her, and maybe even teen vampire novels.

And lastly I should mention that Britta is not quite satisfied with her name. Why did I not name her "Diamond" or "Jewel"? Aren't those the prettiest names ever? I told her that her middle name means "star" in Norwegian in an attempt for her to be satisfied with the names I gave her, but nope, that is just silly. 

Happy birthday to my sweet girl whom I love so dearly! I am one lucky mom.

The softie

I am out of practice with blog writing! I forgot to mention Karsten's love for animals in my last post. This is a theme with him I've been taking notice of a lot lately.

Here he is in what appears to be a make out session with the neighbor's dog Skipper:

Britta didn't want anything to do with that:

Here's a friend he met during our visit to Joshua Tree:

They were instant friends

Now my parent's cat, Milo is staying with us for awhile and Karsten is taking great care of him. He was very concerned for Milo's well being. Makes me proud to be raising a compassionate little dude! Sorry folks, I couldn't find any Milo photos but I'm sure with Milo in our lives right now he'll be in some photos soon enough.

Good night!

Look who is 9!

Hello sadly neglected blog. We've had some birthdays around here that I'd like to commemorate, the first being this cutie pie's:

I've been really proud of my big guy this year. For the sake of preservation I am archiving the voice mail message still on my machine from the music teacher for when he taught the first grade music class (I won this at the school auction as he knew he'd love it).

"Hi, I'm the music teacher at the school and I wanted to say that when Karsten came in to the 1st grade class to teach it yesterday he did an outstanding job. It was absolutely delightful and the class really enjoyed him. I'm sure you heard that he and I talked last Friday about what he would do and he just carried it through so smoothly. I would say he's going to be a natural leader, even a teacher. He just did so well and I'm so happy. I just wanted you to know that. You can be really proud of your son. I'm glad for the opportunity for him to do that. Bye!"

He was also asked to co-MC the pinewood derby contest with his dad:

His car didn't fair so well and either did his bad jokes, but he didn't care as long as he had time on the mic.

The PTSA asked him to help MC the Family Bingo night as well (no photos as I was sick that night). I'd say for a second grader he's off to a great start as a spokesperson for something... say for Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Nintendo DS, Calvin and Hobbes or LEGOS. I'm inserting this photo

just to show he's more concerned with looking like Tony Hawk than being like Tony Hawk. To him, life is a stage. I told him I will always be his biggest fan. I love you Karsten!

Happy Easter

happy easter, originally uploaded by B-TownMom.

Andy is making sure his kids love Peeps as much as he did as a kid. Sorry Peep Lovers I can't see the appeal of stale, sugar-coated marshmallows. Sounds strange, huh?

We tried something new this Easter. We went to a "Mega Church" for the rock service. It felt like we were parking at the state fair with people flagging us in into a grassy lot a quarter of a mile away. Coming from a Lutheran background I felt like I had hit the corporate version of church. Testimonials set to music and projected on a large screen... slick brochures, fancy band broadcast on multiple screens... it felt a little info-mercial-ish to me.

I can see the appeal. The kids enjoyed the Mega Nursery as well. There were video games, coloring stations and activities galore. The music was catchy, there was an espresso stand and a Guest Relations area. It seemed like a happy place.

For whatever reason is felt a little too slick and over processed too me, like Church Lite.

I guess I'm a Lutheran for Life, which would certainly bore anyone from the mega church.

DISCLAIMER: I am not typing this to upset anyone. This was just my first impression and really it was an enjoyable one. It just felt like visiting a foreign country to me, and I'm glad I went.
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Later in the day the kids were playing in the pool at Bestemor and Far Far's house when an earthquake hit. The ground moved for what seemed forever. The kids couldn't feel it but we made them get out of the pool. It was exciting! I'm just glad it wasn't more serious.

it is getting late so I'll end with how I started: Happy easter!

Let's get out of this rain

Let's get out of this rain, originally uploaded by B-TownMom.

My photography retreat workshop (self pity post)

I decided to write this post because it has been gnawing at me.

This weekend I went to photography retreat in the Joshua Tree. I'd been so excited for this trip since November when I signed up for it. My expectations were really high that I would be learning photography skills and be inspired by two of my favorite photographers. The expectations were extremely high but up until the very the last day I felt the retreat was living up to my expectations. As I told my roommate, it seemed to be just the right retreat at just the time for where I was at with my photography.

All was going well until the last day of the retreat. One of the photographers stated that maybe some of us would learn on this trip that we weren't cut out to be photographers after all. Huh?

Is this what you tell a group of passionate women who sacrificed a lot time, money and immense coordination to come to their retreat? The same women you promised would be inspired?

Then came my portfolio review. The photographer who reviewed mine said, "you have better examples on your website." I asked which ones but she wasn't able to say. Then came a blast on every piece I presented. "You have mommy googles on." (Meaning I like photos of my cute kids but they aren't portfolio worthy. Yes, I'm of course guilty of that!) "You need to find a style. You are all across the board." Yes, I'm trying to find my style. One of the reason's I'm at the retreat. "You need to pay attention to details." Good to know. I agree. "You shouldn't take photos of babies in that age range." (six weeks) Say what? On and on until she couldn't find one nice thing to say about my work. She ended it by saying I should stick with doing design work for now.

I felt stunned and couldn't really process what had been said until later. All I knew was that I ended up feeling like shit when I had gone to the retreat to be inspired. After the retreat my friend texted me saying, "sorry your review went so badly." I called her and she said she had to leave the room at one point because she couldn't handle the bashing I was getting any longer. 

Now as a professional user experience designer I am accustomed to public bashing. It happens every time I present my work, but never to this extent. And usually I am the one getting paid so I can handle the bashing. I do appreciate a talented photographer taking the time to give me some constructive criticism but I can only take so much negativity without any positive words. (I'll admit she did tell me one of my photos had nice lines, so it wasn't ALL negative.)

I did email the photographers who put on the event to recommend that they leave off the "inspiration" part when they are trying to promote their next workshop. They felt badly when I said my feelings were hurt but I am sure I felt even worse.

All this isn't stopping me from forking over some dollars for a new camera though! At the end of the day, I listen to myself and photography, here I come.

New friends

The highlight of Britta's day is riding the bus home from school. She is only in half day kindergarten so she and two girlfriends have the (short) bus to themselves. The other girls are not in her kindergarten class so I am not sure who they are.

Today Britta asked me, "Mom, can I go to my new friend's house?" I replied, "I don't know who your new friend is or who her parents are. Give them my business card so they can call me." Then Britta dropped a bomb on me, "(friend's name)'s Dad is in jail!"

OY! My mind thought, "must transfer to private school immediately!" But then I remembered all the episodes of 90210 and the OC where the rich parents go to jail too. Plus Martha Stewart went to jail and I'd be okay with Britta hanging out with her daughter. Yeah, I know, not the same.

I really didn't know what to say when Britta said her friend's dad is in jail so I asked, "how do you feel about her dad being in jail?" Britta said, "my friend and I are sad about it."

Still, I don't know. I don't think I can ever bring myself to let Britta go over to her house, even if the convicted dad is behind bars and I don't know what to say to Britta. Maybe it isn't true. I hope not.

Little loves from today

Little bits that are making me happy today:

My son wearing a superman cape to piano lessons. I know superhero caped days are numbered so am trying to enjoy them while I can.

My daughter doing ballet dance moves through the house to Barbie music.

Vintage inspired dress and poka dot bikini arriving in the mail today from Boden. Clothes that I justified ordering by thinking they'd look good in photoshoots of the kiddos.

The kids alerting me to the faintest rainbow.

Having enough food from last night for a feast of leftovers. Nothing better than quality leftovers!

Came up with a new monthly project for myself. I am going to do one "photo design" project per month. More to come on this later, but probably where I've been blogging lately at janakphoto.com.

BEEP! The timer alerting me to a warmed up dinner has gone off. Signing off until another day.

happy day to you too!