The Swimming Pool

So, my sister has this friend. This friend has a dog named Max. Max is a super sweet and sensitive German Shepherd. Sometimes my sister house-sits for her friend. I've taken both Pepper and Dusty over there on different occasions for a play date with Max. Dusty didn't have the best time...he prefers to play with people. Pepper had a blast on her first play date though.

Recently this friend put a pool in the backyard. I was SO excited! Probably more excited than they were! Because I was willing to bet since they had Max, that they would be willing to let Pepper come over and play and swim in their pool the next time my sister was house-sitting. I was right!

This morning, Pepper and I went to our play date with Max and the pool. First of all, Pepper was a big ol' brat. She totally picked on Max and stole the ball from him. She's lost play date privileges until after traning #3 which we're scheduling soon. Other than that though, she was a TOTAL CHICKEN with the pool! The pool had a few levels and she would get in the water on the step level, but she only actually got into the deeper area a couple times (with some "encouragement" from me). When she was in the deeper area where she had to swim, she would swim to the edge and then get stuck because she couldn't pull herself out.

I think with some more practice (after she learns to be a more polite friend), she will figure it out.

Oh, Pepper...

Darin and Brenda

Let me start with Brenda. Not only is she drop dead gorgeous, but she is also the nicest person I think I've ever met. Did I mention she's smart too? It's kind of not fair for one person to be gorgeous, sweet AND smart. Fair or not, I'm so happy that Darin found her because that means I (I'm totally selfish) got to become friends with her.

Darin, you hit the jackpot with this one. I suppose Brenda hit the jackpot too. ;)

Thanks again, you two!

Lucky Me

About 20 minutes after I posted my last post, I got a call from my (now) employer! I was offered a job and didn't hesitate to take it! I just have to say, I am feeling SO relieved. When I was working at the zoo, I found it to be boring and easy. I hated the 8-5 schedule and complained all the time. This time around, regardless of my hour commute or 8-5 schedule, I'm promising myself (and I never break promises) that I'm going to always remember how miserable unemployment was and be incredibly grateful that I have a job.

I'm one VERY lucky girl.

Yesterday I had to pleasure of taking photos of two of my fabulous friends, Darin and Brenda. I may have had to bug them a bit...okay, A LOT, until they agreed...but I'm happy to say no restraints were needed to keep them around for the hour of the shoot.

Seriously though, they were so sweet to let me take some photos of them for their one year anniversary and I'm super happy with how they turned out! Here's one for your viewing pleasure...and more coming later this week.

372 Times a Day

I think I need to become employed VERY soon because I've become incredibly obsessed with my cell phone. Today, my phone turned itself off for no reason and I spent an hour trying to talk myself out of the thought that I might have missed a phone call for a job opportunity. I also think I must have checked my email, oh, 372 times today.

Is it unprofessional to call and demand they give me a job? Or beg? You know, for the sake of my cell phone. Because at this rate, I'm positive I'm going to break it from overuse.

Maybe I should just take him to interviews because it is pretty darn difficult to say no to this face.

An Overly Emotional Pushover

While visiting my sister and helping her clean (because I'm a weirdo and actually kind of enjoy cleaning), we were chatting about relationships.

This conversation led me to the realization that Rudy and I are complete opposites for a reason. See, I'm a pushover. I'm also far too sensitive and worry WAY too much what other people think of me. Although I'm never going to be completely cured (and if I'm being honest, I like these qualities about myself to a certain extent and don't want to be cured completely), he has helped me become a much stronger person. Sometimes I say no. Sometimes I talk some sense into myself when I'm being overly emotional. And sometimes, sometimes I even do something knowing that somebody will be upset because it's the right thing to do for me. If I were to be with someone who was similar to me, yes, he might understand me better...but, I don't think he would help me become a healthier, happier (more happy?) me.

I'm a lucky, lucky person to have found someone who compliments me so well. I love you, Rudy.

36 Wedding Photographers

Yes, I'm obsessed with photography. I've loved taking photos since I was really young and some day (hopefully soon), I'll have the means to put that obsession to work.

This obsession drives me to read a ridiculous amount of photography blogs, mostly wedding photographers, every day. I have a "photography" folder under my bookmarks that contains, oh, 36 blogs right now....and this is a NEW computer. I know I don't even have 10% of all the crazy talent that's out there though.

With all that talent, I thought it would be incredibly difficult to choose a wedding photographer. And I'm positive that if I chose any of those 36 photographers, I would get amazing photos on my wedding day. However, it was actually really easy to choose a photographer because this particular photographer just so happens to be one of the nicest people I think I've ever met. Add talent and making me feel great about myself (yes, that is totally a requirement), and we've got a winner!

Meet Kamee from Kamee June Photography!



Photo credit: Kamee's blog

Last year I decided I really wanted photos of me, Rudy and our puppies. After doing some research and falling in love with Kamee's work, I set up a shoot and a couple months after we drove about 8 hours (round trip) for a day to get photographed. It was totally worth it! Kamee was so sweet and made us feel totally comfortable.

One of the photos from our shoot last year.



I'm so excited about our wedding and knowing Kamee is our photographer just makes it that much better! Check out her website and blog for some eye candy! You won't be disappointed!

Kamee, hopefully we will be more chatty (Rudy is especially shy) this time! ;)

Job Interview

I'm unemployed. Not a huge surprise to anyone who reads my facebook. Ever since I quit my position at the zoo to student teach, it has been really difficult to find a full-time position. It is seriously driving me crazy. I'm bored out of my mind!

However, after three months of searching, a billion applications, a million resumes and a thousand cover letters, today I'm going to only my second interview. This particular position is clerical, which I'm totally happy with and an hour away, which I'm not as happy. But, I'll totally take it!

I always get so nervous just before an interview. Certainly not because I'm afraid of the people or the job, but because I put so much pressure on myself to GET the job. Especially right now, where stress is becoming a huge factor in my life because of unemployment. I tend to not let myself think before giving an answer to a question and just babble on (okay, I do this ALL the time) and on and say whatever pops into my head.

I have to admit something, though. I don't just get nervous at interviews. I'm BAD at interviews. I totally am. I like people and I know I'm personable and I know I can do well in any job I apply for but I have a really hard time fighting my nerves and explaining myself. I come off either sounding too young (okay, I sound young no matter what) or a bit unsure of myself because I'm a little afraid to say what I'm good at for fear of not living up to it. What if I'm not really very good at something that I think I'm good at?

I'm hoping by writing this and admitting these things to myself that I'll give myself the opportunity to improve. I WILL slow down, be myself and be confident in what I have to offer an employer.

Interview is at 1 PM. Wish me luck!

Here's some cuteness to brighten your day...or just mine. :)

Dresses of the Bridesmaid Kind

My mama is getting married. Her fiance's name is Rick. He's a really nice guy and it's incredibly apparent how much he adores my mama (although EVERYONE adores my mama), so that makes him totally acceptable in my book. Rick has children as well...three girls, which makes their daughter count together a whopping seven!

Instead of having traditional bridesmaids and groomsmen, they've decided that their daughters will be their wedding party. One daughter won't be able to make it to the wedding, so there will be six girls, ranging from age 12 to 30, in the wedding party.

Because all of us ladies vary in age, shape and size, we want to each pick a dress that flatters us but follows a basic color scheme. These are all dresses that I LOVE and could see myself or one of my sisters wearing. :)



Dresses by French Connection (top left only) and Mod Cloth.

I'd love more online, budget-friendly, shops to look at! Any suggestions?