Day in the Life 09.28.2016

This week I've been thinking a lot about my life, it's routines, where I am RIGHT NOW.  So I decided I needed to, without prompt from the scrapbooking community, but because I feel like it's a pivitol point in my life, document a day.  I didn't chose today because it held any significance, or because I had grand plans for it.  I just chose it because I was motivated to do so.  I had forgotten about work cupcake breaks and lunch plans and doggie doctor visits and all the other things this day would hold, but it turned out to be a perfect representation of what happens to my days and how little down time I really have.

Marli and I have started a new routine of walking twice a day.  As part of her recovery from TPLO surgery, we have had to slowly increase her activity and will continue to do so until it's fully healed.  So that means we are up at 6:15AM to get 20-30 minutes of walking in.  I'm not really sure if it's harder for me or for her to get up that early.....but once she knows she's going on a walk she gets SO excited.  And I've noticed it starts me off in a better mood every day....and right now, I'll take anything  to make that happen.

After a week of travelling and another week of being sick, it's been the perfect week to start getting into the routine of taking BART to work.  $18.00 a day for parking downtown, or $5.00 to take BART.  I mean, it's really a no brainer.  What I like about BART is not having to do too much.  I get to stand or sit listening to music and catching up on social media feeds.  I get to read articles that I normally wouldn't have time for and I get to listen to new stuff that Pandora brings my way.  It's a moment of calm between the hectic routine of getting ready for work and a hectic day of work ahead.

I work in Uptown, Oakland.  I moved to Oakland about four or five years ago and immediately fell in love with The Town.  The culture, the people, the whole Oakland vibe.  The company I work for recently moved to Uptown from Downtown and I love it.  We have amazing views of the SF skyline and Oakland rooftops.  I love that you can see the Port of Oakland and the At At's.  There are also far too many good places to eat around here, or grab a cocktail, which I did often when I was working with my bestie.  Good grief do I miss her face.

A perk of the job is the yummy snacks we have on site, and they are even healthy.  Since I've been trying to think a little more about my health this week, the options have been pretty ideal.  My coworker suggested the pickles and pretty much, I'm in love.  

I got to have lunch for the first time with one of my coworkers.  She's super adorable and has lived in many places in her lifetime (four countries!)  What I've learned in the last couple of years is to be slow in getting to know people.  Take your time, there's no need to rush.  Her and I have several things in common and I look forward to more outings with her!

We went to Parlour for lunch where I unexpectedly ran into one of my photographers from Through the Lens.  Turns out he bartends there.  Randomness.  But it added to the conversation of the lunch hour and got me inspired once again for a project I'm slowly putting together.  (Shhhhh......we will talk more about that later!)  My coworker ordered the margarita pizza with arugula and I got a BLAT, minus the T but add the cheese, please.  Lunch was delicious and I took half of my sandwich to go.  We finished our drinks, her taking the extra water in her water bottle so as not to waste it, and headed back to the office.

On the way back to the office we passed a homeless man.  I'm not much for giving money to "beggars" but I am okay with sharing my food, especially if I know I have a house full of food for dinner.  So I offered it up.  Before he would take it, though, he questioned me.  "What is it?"  I said, "It's half a BLT".  He said, "Is it Spicy?".  I said, "Nope" with a bit of a chuckle.  He shrugged and said ok.  I mean, just because you can't chose where your next meal is from doesn't mean you have to suffer through what you wouldn't be able to eat, right?

Sometimes when I'm trying to get in the zone at work, I play scrapbooking process videos.  There's something about hearing the mundane voice of a scrapbooker that keeps me calm and helps me focus on the tasks at hand.  I believe that's Kelly Purkey's process video of one of her project life spreads.  What's also visible is the post it I hold on to from my bestie.  She left that on my screen maybe around March of this year (she gave me the post it pad for my birthday) and I spent months trying to figure out who wrote the lovely little "Drive by Hugging" note.  She finally confessed.

Today was our monthly "cupcake break", which we switched to Ice Cream instead.  While we were walking, I noticed that a paperclip had hijacked a ride via Danielle's sweater.  Before I could take it off I made her stop so I could take a photo of it.

We went to Little Giant Ice Cream on Telegraph where the girls got "Dirty South" which had whisky cooked in the caramel...and was delicious but I couldn't pass up the Mexican Rocky Road which had cocoa flavoring in it.  It was really good and I'm glad we made it.  It was also nice spending more time with coworkers.  Who you work with and how you get along with those coworkers makes such a difference in your work experience.  These ladies are strong, motivated and funny....just all around great company.

At 3:40PM I had to head home to pick up Marli for her first day of Physical Therapy.  We had tried to go the week before, but due to an injury unrelated to her surgery, we rushed off to the vet and the next day had a claw removed.  (Don't worry, it'll grow back!)  So a hop back on BART, pick up the car, pick up the dog and off to the vet.

Marli has been spending quite a bit of time in and out of the vet offices and puppy care and has started to get nervous any time we go to an office.  I knew, though, that she would love this visit.  As you can see from this photo, she couldn't even sit still.  Once she was off the leash she was a mad woman running bully circles around the place.  This was after her walk in the water treadmill.  That was an interesting experience for the both of us, but she handled it like a champ.  

As you can see, she was pretty stoked to give me lots of face kisses post visit.  Sometimes it just happens and I have to let it.

I didn't have much time when I got home.  I made a pit stop to drop Marli off before heading to the city.  As you can see below, Kodi doesn't let me have much alone time.  This is a common, very routine scene in the house.  Also, I don't really mind.

After taking care of the kids - food, box cleanings, medications - I headed to San Francisco.  I was exhausted but I really wanted to make this commitment, mostly because I said I would be there and I really value experiencing photographers in all realms of the community.

I couldn't help but snap a cliche photo of the Bay Bridge.  It was amazing how the weather changed so dramatically leaving Oakland and heading to the city.

I was late for the critique group, but they were chatting it up and hadn't even started, so I didn't miss anything.  It was amazing seeing the work of art of this group.  Much more seasoned photographers than I've been around with a true focus on the "art" of photography.  I'm so so glad I didn't miss out on this meet up.

Finally at 9:34PM I was able to head home and finally end my day.  I was exhausted by all the activities today.

Oh wait, just kidding.  I still had one more stop before I got to go home.  I used to have a pet sitting business with my mom, WAY back in the day, and still occasionally take up a client or two.  I got to hang out with this kid for the last two weeks, and this was my final visit with the little cutie pie.  I gave him some brushing, cleaned his box, watered the plants, swept the floor, fed him and took out the garbage.  THEN I got to go home and start unwinding for the day.

When I got home, chores still needed to get done.  So I rolled up my sleeves, sucked it up, and did the dishes.  So. Many. Dishes.

And at 11:14PM I finally opened my mail.  I had decided a couple of weeks ago that I was going to put together a travel album for 2016 and it was going to go in a 9x12 album.  Which of course only Studio Calico makes.....I'm not a big Studio Calico fan, but I wanted the albums so that's how that goes.....

At 11:39PM I finally was able to put on my PJs and crawl into bed.  In case you've read this far and already forgotten, I was up at 6:15AM this morning.....Yea.

Between the crazy busy I've been at work, Marli's surgery and Kodi's illness, things have been very stressful.  Emotionally, physically and financially.  Reflecting on this day, it shows me how much of a mix of things I go through on a daily basis.  Overall my life is really stable, free of unnecessary drama, and calm.  I love knowing what I've achieved and the awesome people I have in my life, having moved to a stronger place and being more selective with those I give my time to.  On the other hand, life happens.  There will always be people/fuzzies that you care about that will go through things that will hit your heart strings.  But there are so many good times that those are what I need to remember.

So I've been trying to focus on those goods.  Through the Lens, home ownership, the material things I can continue to have because of the job I work so hard on.  The dreams I've achieved because of my dedication and motivation to pull through the rough times, knowing that working through them gets me to where I want to be in a most healthy way.

I'm in love, and I'm loved.  Romantically, platonically, by family, friends, and four legged kids.  Life is good.  Hard, yet fulfilling.  Full of signs that keep me going to the next day, the next venture, and the next dream.

Week in the Life: I Really am Trying.....

Tuesday//May10//2016

I don't know what it is about this week, the murkey weather?  The man being out of town?  Marli feeling especially pouty?  I don't even know.  But getting up hasn't been the easiest of things.  Let's walk through Tuesday before it's a year from now and I'm finally catching up on Project Life and have forgotten everything about the few photos I took....

Basically I love to sleep on the couch.  One day I'll invest in a new bed but right now, this couch is the most comfortable sleeping place in the house AND both the kids get to snuggle with me on it.  Marli has a very strict no bed rule but since she's got three beds and a couch to chose from, I'd like to think she's not too deprived....

We took full advantage of laying around for a while and getting in many sweet snuggles and huggles.

Music is one of the most important, most influential things in my life.  It effects my mood and puts a pretty big dent in my wallet.  Listening to twenty one pilots on the way to work on this gloomy, gross day.

I ran some errands while walking with my camera today.  This lady took fucking forever and there was just something comical (to me) about the way she was standing.  What you can't see here is the 10+ people in line next door at Popeye's Chicken.  #oakland

I was walking around in a shirt that says "super loved" with a recycled guitar strap repurposed to camera strap and though, fuck yea, I'm a hipster.

I opted for Burrito Express today- Taco Salad.  On my desk a picture of two of my favorite people, my favorite Kate Spade tumbler, Dre Beats earbuds and my computer - also some flowers that I was giving for Admin Appreciation Day.  I pretty much love my executive team.

After work I headed to Walnut Creek to meet up with my group.  Another great night of healing.  Love those ladies.

I was pretty much starving when I got home and knew I had turkey meat waiting to be cooked so Turkey Bacon and Cheese sandwich ended up in my belly.....

Finally ending my night with some Project Life-ing.  The week I met the man. Always some crazy shenanigans when I go out with this woman.....

This week was pretty uneventful and boring, but I will plow through and blog the rest, just so I know I did it.

Week in the Life: Oh Hello

Monday//May9//2016

Alrighty, here I go again attempting to do yet another week in the life.  So Starting May 9th, I did a lame job in capturing my day, which ended up being quite out of the routine.

I woke up late for work.  I just didn't even want to function as a human today.  I am tired.  It's overcast.  I am not sure in which direction I want to take my life next.

So I laid on the couch.  With the dog.  With the cat.  They didn't want me to adult today.

I felt like I did a pretty decent job with my make-up this morning.  You know, just one of those days where everything went on the way it should and despite my concert tee (Rob Thomas, I love you boo) and jeans attire, it's nice to know that at least my make-up was working with me today.

I managed to make my way into work, regardless of the inner struggle I had to do so.  I have to say, this is the first time in life that I've ever owned a brand new car (yep, it had 3 miles on it) and I'm pretty damn happy with it.  It's just such a smooth drive and everything in it is mine, to be treated like I want it to be treated.  Unlike my last car.  We won't go into it.

The day itself was pretty uneventful.  We have two major events happening in the next two months at work that I'm coordinating and on top of that I'm collecting feedback from the photographers of Through the Lens to see how it's doing and how I can make the next show better and more successful.  Sometimes it's hard for this thin skinned girl to take criticism but I know that it's all to help me grow both in the performance of the show but as a business owner and an individual.  I was happy when I received a text from my brother saying he was in town.  I hardly ever get one on one time with him and to spend a few hours over burgers & beers just chatting about anything and nothing is really cherished time for me.

I tried a new cider called Marionberry....not even sure what that is, but it was tasty and I had two!  Terrible, I know.  But it was great to share one of my favorite things to do (Scolaris and Lucky 13) with Daniel.  For me, sharing the things you love with the people you love is like my favorite.  ha.

I can never resist the ariel shot of these scene.....  I also fed my need for something sweet.  Addicted to these things thanks to my bestie Marie....

By the end of the night I didn't get anything else accomplished.  Was happy I had some time between work and Daniel's drop in to get a few chores done like dishes and litter duty but the day was done and I was ready to call it.

Boring shit, no doubt.

Week in the Life: Hiccup Saturday

Now that I'm working again, weekends have more value.  And being a week before the show, I wanted just a little time to enjoy waking up without an alarm clock.  The mornings are when I get some quality time with my fuzzy kid.  Today I enjoyed some lazy time in bed snuggling with my Kodi Bears.

But eventually I got up and cooked breakfast.  Cooking when you're single isn't as fun but sometimes I like to treat myself.  And, now that I'm not cooking for my ex the only feedback I get is my own.  And I think I'm pretty damn good at whipping up a meal.

There are a few ladies that I've met this year that totally and completely understand me.  I was having a hard time digesting some negative energy from earlier this week and received this message.  And even though the things that I do are motivated by the things that I want to accomplish for me, I take some satisfaction in knowing that all those terrible, negative people in my past are being proven wrong.  The reality of it is that they didn't keep me down and tell me I was bad because they thought I was, it's because they needed to feel better about themselves.  If we could all just learn to pick each other up instead of tearing each other down we would have such a cohesive society.  But in the mean time I've learned to surround people with the same beliefs as me.

So after all that morning goodness I headed to SF to meet with the Flickr Howdy Stranger photowalk group.  That was a mouthful.  One of my favorite views is when you emerge from the Treasure Island tunnel and see the Bay Bridge in front of you.

And then you know you need the camera-from-where-I-stand photo.  Anyway I can't resist taking pictures of my Nikon Df.

And any time I'm shooting with Brian, I end up in a bar with a drink.

And then in a restaurant with another drink and maybe some food.  Brian had set up his camera in the restaurant and later was confronted by the manager who thought it was a video camera.  Brian was asked to take the camera down as the restaurant said they didn't allow photos in the restaurant.  We were curious if he was going to collect everyone's phone so they could stop taking pictures of their food.  Of course he didn't.  But ya know....

I feel bad when I'm working full time as Marli has to spend the day home alone.  Luckily my commute is way short and her time alone is minimal.  However when I go out on the weekends I also feel like a neglectful mom so I've decided we are going to start taking neighborhood walks on a regular basis.  It's been a good way to meet neighbors and to get some low key exercise.  I really love where I live and I want to be more engrained in it.  Plus Marli loves walkies.

However once we got home I was like "oh good, we walked, she'll be good".  But no.  I got the "I want something but can't talk to tell you what it is" glare from the back door.  It makes me so frustrated because she's being SO clear that she wants something, but I know she's got everything so I have no idea what that something is.  My spoiled Moos.  Anyway, this is a typical view at any point of time in the house.  Scrap stuff in the living room. Rawhides and bones.  New Ali Edwards kit on the couch and Marli wanting me to come play with her at the back door.

So later that evening I had stuff I had to do.  Collect my art from the Pancakes & Booze show.  But before that I started hearing pops and bangs so naturally I stepped outside.  And saw this....never a dull moment in East Oakland.

So then I prepped my stuff and Marli to go get my art from the show and as soon as I closed the door I knew I had done it....locked the keys in the house.  And of course, I don't have a spare hidden because, I live in East Oakland, lol.  I ended up having to take Uber to Walnut Creek where my spare key was and Uber back to open my door.  All with enough time then to get in my car with Moos and head to Pancakes and Booze at 111 Minna.

But we made it.  And while I tried to get a selfie with Marli on our way, as soon as I pulled out the camera phone she ducked behind the drivers seat.  This right here is a real smile, me laughing at her being so uncooperative.  LOL.

So there were a few hiccups in the day but all in all it was a great day full of friends, photo geeks like me, art, drives, fireworks, awkward confrontations, supportive words, down time...oh wait, like life happened.