Cafe Kt's Corner

2009-05-29T17:22:00.002-05:00

: i'm moving :

...kind-of. I'm putting cafe kt's corner blog on hold. I'm still blogging, though!! Check it out: www.katiejamesphoto.com. Don't go away...I'm not!! :-)

2009-04-16T11:18:00.001-05:00

: there are really no words to describe :

Okay...first of all, I'm sorry about all the video links lately...but you REALLY, REALLY need to watch THIS!!!

You may want to have a kleenex handy!!

2009-04-08T23:25:00.001-05:00

: um...WOW :

I don't even know what to say after that except that I REALLY want to see them live!!!!

2009-02-07T17:19:00.002-06:00

: i love jesus but i drink a little :

This made me laugh...a lot...

2009-02-05T15:49:00.002-06:00

:nana and papa:

...are on their way to my house!! Yay!! They don't get to stay very long this time around, but they are staying for one night on their way to Florida for a month. I'll take what I can get. They've been having some health issues, so I'm extremely thankful that they can make it today.

2009-01-29T18:25:00.002-06:00

: research :

That's what I've been doing today. And last night. I feel like I'm in college again!! :-) We moved to Nashville about 6 months ago. I am now trying to figure out how to start over in a new place with katiejames photography. It's a fun puzzle to figure out, but it's definitely a big puzzle for me. I learned in Chicago that word of mouth is priceless when it comes to photography. So, in that vein, if you know anyone that lives in the state of Tennessee, let them know that I'm here and that I'd love to take their pictures!! :-)

2009-01-28T17:29:00.002-06:00

: the shack :

Just finished it. It's amazing. If you haven't read it, you MUST, I repeat, you MUST get your hands on it. Beautiful. Touching. Inspired. Unique. Insightful. Thought-invoking. Get it. NOW. ;-)

2009-01-25T16:16:00.004-06:00

: who'd a thunk it :

Who would've thought that I would EVER be excited to attend a golf match?? But I am!!! Paul and I get to attend the Accenture Match Play Championship the last weekend in February. It's in Tucson, AZ. I've never been to Arizona, and I've never been to a golf tournament. I'm totally looking forward to it. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be Tiger's first match back!! ;-)

(p.s. Happy Birthday Dad!!! You are the bestest. I sure do love and miss you.)

2009-01-23T15:25:00.002-06:00

: finally :

I've got photos of our house for you. I needed to wait until the walls were painted...;-) Here you go!! When are you coming to visit??

living room:

dining room:

kitchen 1:

kitchen 2:

great room 1:

great room 2:

master bedroom:

guest room:

2009-01-13T17:10:00.003-06:00

: time :

"Time is a lot of the things people say that God is. There's the always preexisting, and having no end. There's the notion of being all powerful - because nothing can stand against time, can it? Not mountains, not armies.

And time is, of course, all-healing. Give anything enough time, and everything is taken care of: all pain encompassed, all hardship erased, all loss subsumed.

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust. Remember, man, that thou art dust; and unto dust thou shalt return.

And if Time is anything akin to God, I suppose that Memory must be the Devil."

-Prologue from Diana Gabaldon's A Breath of Snow and Ashes

2009-01-10T17:35:00.002-06:00

: christmas update :

Paul and I had a pretty busy Christmas. It was fun, good, and full of awesome time with family, but it was definitely crazy!!!!

Paul was in the Philippines for the first part of December. He got home...about 12 hours before his family started arriving at our house for the Sutherland family Christmas celebration. We had a blast...everyone was here! Joe and Sue came, Laurie and her daughter, Lindsay, as well as Tim and his boys, Andrew and Clayton. I made lots of cookies, a Pear Asiago Pork tenderloin and even attempted Sue's famous rolls. Not sure I can live up to her reputation, but I gave it a shot!!

On Christmas Eve, we left before any of our company to catch an early morning flight to Colorado to do the Roseen family Christmas. We attended South Park Christian Chapel's Christmas Eve service...it was the Rosy, Francie and Guy show!! We went cross country skiing, checked out the Cottonwood Hot Springs and enjoyed some steak at Quincys...one of my favorite restaurants. We went to Breckenridge, practiced shooting Dad's guns, and spent a lot of time sitting around talking. A very enjoyable holiday.

We left Colorado on December 30, and arrived home at about 11 p.m. that night. By 10:30 the next morning we were on the road to Chicago to celebrate New Year's with the Prosapio's and Timo. I had two weddings to shoot...one on January 2 and one on the 3rd. When we finally got home on the 4th, Paul and I both collapsed in a heap...I'm not sure we've been able to get up yet...;-)

Will try to post some pics soon!! Have been posting a few on the kjp blog if you want to check it out...

2008-12-13T14:44:00.002-06:00

: christmas cards :

I love them!!!!

Actually, simplified to its most elementary form, I think it's just that I love mail. It all started when I first attended college. Lincoln Christian College, to be exact. My favorite time of day was after chapel when the mail was delivered and we could check our mail boxes. As a general rule, I didn't receive much mail, but I still anticipated that time each and every day.

I still look forward to that time every day when I can check my mail box for any letters I might receive. In this day and age with e-mail and other forms of internet communication, I receive even less mail than I did back in my college days. But, the month of December ups the ante quite a bit. So, here's to Christmastime and Christmas mail!!!

2008-12-12T01:09:00.005-06:00

: love actually :

is one of my favorite holiday movies. In fact, it may be one of my favorite all-time movies. I'm not positive that it can be defined as strictly a holiday movie, but I LOVE it!! I recently bought myself a copy and have been reminded just how much I really like it.

First of all, the cast is great: Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightly...how can you go wrong?!?!?! Secondly, the soundtrack is amazing!! Dido, Maroon 5, Norah Jones, Eva Cassidy, Joni Mitchell, The Beach Boys...ahhhh...what more is there to say??

It is a story of relationships. Husband-wife, father-son, friendships, married with kids, widowed, new love, old love, finding love, giving up love, hopeful love, hopeless love...some of the stories end happily. Some of the stories end sadly. Very much like real life. And, they are so inexorably intertwined...a great work of modern cinema.

If you have seen it, re-watch it. If you haven't, rent it, buy it, but definitely watch it!

2008-12-10T23:54:00.004-06:00

: is ty pennington for real :

I've become addicted to DVR. Other people have TIVO, I've got DVR. I've started recording Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, and I just watched the Behind the Scenes episode. He seems like such a cool guy!! I'm sure that he's human and he's not perfect, but man!! He's got a pretty cool job and seems to love doing what he does...he spends his life serving other people. Not just serving other people, but serving from a manual labor perspective. According the BTS episode, he's on the road 300 days/year. Now, I'm sure that he's making a bundle doing what he's doing, but I think he's really doing some good stuff, and he really loves helping people the way he does. Can he really be as cool and as genuine as he seems???? And how the heck do they make me cry like a baby on EVERY episode?!?!?!

I've been looking at some stuff on him...he's an advocate for ADHD. He was diagnosed as a kid. Also...guess how old he is...43!!!!! I never woulda guesed that one!!

Below is a link to his favorite episode to date.

Gilyeat Family, Kansas City, MO

2008-12-07T12:45:00.002-06:00

: to lose yourself :

in a book is a very satisfying experience.

I’ve had so many pictures due on timelines that I haven’t had time to think about much else. While editing, I take short breaks to refresh my mind and, in doing so, I allow myself to read one chapter. After that chapter, I return to my editing. Recently, I started re-reading the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. (Yes, re-reading. I can re-read just about anything…the same way that I can watch the same movies over and over again!! :-))

Yesterday, I mailed the c.d. of my latest wedding that was due. Paul is in the Philippines right now, and I found myself at a bit of a loss wondering what to do next. I have more photos I need to edit—not at the frenzied pace I’ve been going at—but I decided I’d earned myself a small break. I’ve spent quite a few hours in the last couple of days reading. I love it!! I often forget just how much. It’s so easy to lose myself in a book…even if I know what’s going to happen…I find myself wanting to read more just to get to a part I remember that I want to relive.
Try to take the time this holiday season to sit back and lose yourself in something you enjoy. It’ll be worth it!!

p.s. If you’re looking for a good book/series, I highly recommend the Outlander series…be warned, though…once you get into it, it’s hard to put it down!!!!

2008-12-06T19:02:00.000-06:00

: she’s baaa-aaack :

Yep!! Here I is…and once again, I’m back with the line, “I don’t know if anyone reads this thing, but I’m going to update you anyways…all 3 of you!!” :-)

It’s been more than a month since I’ve written…AGAIN. Argh!!!! Since I last wrote, I shot another wedding, finished editing two more, had my folks here for a week, went to Chicago for a weekend to shoot some families, Brian Simkins, his sister, and nephew all stopped in for a couple of nights, had the Prosapio’s down for Thanksgiving, painted quite a bit of our house, and celebrated my birthday. Whoo!!!!! That’s insane when it’s all written down like that.

I’ll be updating my photography blog with some of the latest shots…and I’ll be updating here too…Give you some details on the last month!! ;-)

2008-10-20T09:16:00.002-05:00

: update :

I know that all of my faithful blog readers (there are SO many of you!! :-) ) have been anxiously awaiting an update on Spain and some pics of the trip.

First, I'll update on the trip...it was great!!! Exhausting, but great. We saw SO many cities in not very many days it seems. We really packed it in. The cuisine and the wine were superb (except for the one night we decided to try a Mexican restaurant...sidenote: do NOT, under ANY circumstances eat Mexican food in Spain...). I liked the food even better this time I was in Spain, and I definitely enjoyed the wine more. Last time I was there I had to force myself not to grimace anytime I tasted anything alcohol. :-)

Secondly, photos. Sadly, there will be no photos from this 2 1/2 week trip to Spain. While in Sevilla, I got robbed. They took my camera, and my wallet. The saddest part was the camera and Paul's Maui Jim sunglasses, the most frustrating part was the passport and house keys that were IN the wallet.

So, that put an interesting twist on the trip. We had to cut out one city in our itinerary and head to Madrid a day earlier than planned so I could go to the American Embassy to get a new passport. I was over-all impressed with most of the experience...we went to the Cop-Shop in Sevilla, and I was in and out of there with a Police Report in about 35 minutes. That NEVER would've happened that fast in the States I don't think. I also was in and out of the Embassy in 2 hours with a new passport...despite the fact I had NOTHING to actually tell them I was who I said I was. Thank goodness for the Internet!! ;-)

So, now, we are trying to figure out how to make a claim on our home insurance for everything that was in my camera bag. I had to spend the better part of the first 2 days home figuring out what kind of camera to get and just WHAT I needed to replace before I leave on Wednesday for a wedding in Keokuk. Craziness!!

All is good, though. We really did have a good time. We made it home safe and sound, though lacking a few items. ;-)

2008-10-04T05:21:00.003-05:00

: back in spain :

It's been 10 years!! That's very hard for me to believe, but it's true. 10 years since I've been back. I was hoping to be able to blog a bit every day and post some photos from our trip as we go. Unfortunately, I'm a dork...and I forgot my cord so that I can download photos!! So frustrating. I will try to write a little bit every couple of days (depending on internet services) and post a few pics of what we're seeing from what I can find online.

Paul and I arrived in Madrid on Sunday morning. We rented a car, and headed to my old stompin' grounds, Salamanca. We had a ball...NOTHING has changed in 10 years...at least, very little. ;-)

Salamanca's Plaza Mayor:

While there, we looked up one of my old roommates, Thassos. When I lived with him and his business partner, Costas, they were starting up a little Greek restaurant. Now, Thassos has turned it into a dining experience (this was the one thing that had changed!). I know you probable can't read it, but check out his website: Restaurante Thassos. His restaurant is gorgeous, and the food was amazing!! A pic of him is below:

From Salamanca, we went to Madrid to pick up the in-laws on Wednesday. We headed from the airport to Toledo, where we spent the night. We actually spent the night in a little hotel just to the right of this picture. It was kind-of built into the old city walls. Joe and Sue were GREAT!!! They hung in there with the best of them. I don't think I could've walked the hills that we walked with the jetlag that they had to have had...not to mention Joe's one lung!! ;-) They've been great.

From Toledo, we headed to our timeshare (Thanks Laurie!) in the Costa del Sol. It's a very nice place inbetween Malaga and Marbella. It's very "touristy" in this part of Spain, but we are taking day trips out from here to see other historic Spanish cities. Yesterday, we headed to Ronda:

So far, we're having a great time!! None of these photos are my own, but I'm sure that eventually I'll post more than you're intersted in seeing. ;-)

2008-09-23T08:34:00.002-05:00

: here i is :

Yeah, yeah, it's been awhile. No real good excuses. I've just been spending almost every waking moment editing photos. Mainly wedding photos....but I just wanted to say hi! I'm still here and I'm still alive. ;-) Let's see what's happened since my last post...

He's home...

Isn't he just so cute?? Paul made it back from the Philippines. I think he had a pretty good trip. He was a doll this weekend. He painted almost all the downstairs for me this past weekend. I had photos that I had to edit, and he painted for about 12 hours on Saturday!! Major points for Paul! ;-)

Here are the 2 weddings I'm working on right now (you can see more of the stuff I've been working on the last couple of months on the kjp blog)..

Jeff & Tanya...

Laurel & Kurt

Paul and I have a big trip coming up...on Saturday we are leaving for Spain for about 2 weeks. We will be accompanying Paul's parents...or may be they will be accompanying us?? Whichever way it is, I'm sure it'll be a fun trip! I haven't been back to Spain for about 10 years...and I'm looking forward to it!!! I'll try to blog from Spain w/ pics if we have an Internet connection!!

2008-08-28T17:38:00.002-05:00

:one reason i love nashville :

One of my most favoritest foods in the world is pimento cheese. My Nana makes it for me almost every time I go to her house. It’s amazing. And, I’ve discovered, that they sell it EVERYWHERE down here!! Kroger, Wal-Mart…I’ll check out Aldi tomorrow to see if they carry it as well. Granted, it’s not as good as Nana’s, but it’s pretty darn good…and I can eat it whenever I want!!

2008-08-24T11:59:00.002-05:00

: finding my way around :

In addition to editing photos and trying to unpack boxes, when I leave the house, I've been trying to find my way around. I've officially found the nearest Kroger, Wal-Mart and Target and post office. All VERY important finds. I'm still trying to find a local independent coffeeshop. I've seen a sign for one...just haven't looked to hard for it yet. I found the back (and quicker!) way to the highway--even found it in the dark!! ;-) So far, so good. I'll try to upload some pics soon...either here and/or on the kjp blog. I'm having trouble uploading photos right now. Anyone else having that trouble??? Any ideas on what's wrong??

2008-08-17T14:52:00.002-05:00

: my favoritest new commercials :

As I've been editing lots of photos, I've been watching lots of t.v. And I've discovered my new favorite ads. It's for Chevy's fuel economy vehicles and the premise is that "gas pumps hate us." I couldn't find any online videos to link you to the actual commercials...but have you seen them?? The night I first saw them I saw 4 or 5...and cracked up everytime!! Great concept. If you haven't seen the, keep your eyes open. They are great for a good giggle!!! ;-)

2008-08-13T23:00:00.002-05:00

: boxes, laundry, editing, olympics :

That is my life right now. I will show some new pics of the house when I get a chance. I got the kitchen painted and the fridge and washer/dryer came today. Very fun!! I'm doing some laundry even as I lay here typing. ;-)

I will try to update some more as I go, but I'm afraid life is going to be pretty boring for me right now. ;-)

p.s. Katrina Pelters...I think I only have your old email addy and not a new one. I can't email you without it!!! ;-)

2008-07-28T10:51:00.002-05:00

: photos :

Below are photos of the house...see?!?!!? Plenty of room for you to come visit!! Come soon!! ;-)

from the front:

Living room:

Dining room:

Rec Room:

Backyard:

2008-07-27T12:24:00.003-05:00

: why has life been so crazy, you may ask? :

Great question...and for those of you who are finding out about this on my blog, I will apologize ahead of time.

Srumroll please...Paul and I are moving!!!!! It's been a whirlwind...but it's pretty much official now. We got an offer on our house about a month ago...Paul was in the Philippines, so had to deal with all that solo (luckily, he's online a lot, so it wasn't TOTALLY solo). We accepted the offer, but they wanted the closing date on July 21. Luckily we got them to push it back a week...so tomorrow is our closing here in Chicago. We weren't advertising the fact early b/c the prospective buyers didn't have their financing pre-approved. But then, when their financing was approved, I realized that it was just 11 days until the closing!!!!!!

Where are we moving? Another great question. Another drumroll? Yep!! I think it's appropriate...Nashville, TN. Yes, you read that right. Paul Sutherland is moving south ya'll!!

Why Nashville?
1. It's WAY cheaper than Chicago.
2. The winter weather is WAY more moderate than Chicago.
3. Guy is there.

Yes, we bought a house. It's pretty cool. Will show a pic in a bit. I can't get my hands on it right now.

How am I feeling?? You just keep nailing the good questions today, my friend!!! Feeling a crazy-mixture of emotions...excited, sad, nervous, happy...it's been a mix of emotions from the get-go. Am excited about the concept...but sad about leaving friends. We will miss Brian and Jamie, Jeff and Debi, Jeff and Tanya...a whole lot!! Looking forward to making new ones...but it still doesn't help on the part of missing the friends we've made and developed here in Chicago. One thing I'm excited about though, is that they are life-long friends. Hopefully, if all goes as planned, they will all be moving to Nashville in the next 8-14 months (don't tell them that, though...I'm in stealth mode trying to figure out how to convince them of that fact, too). :-)

2008-07-12T10:56:00.002-05:00

: how long has it been since i posted?!?! :

Ok...it's been for-freakin' ever since I posted and I apologize for that. Run down is that life has been crazy. June was full of weddings and just figuring parts of life out. I will post an update very shortly...just in case anyone still checks out this blog...but I just HAD to post this about a friend of mine...check it out and GO MIAH!!!!!!!!

More than a Player

Check it out...root him on...pray for him...whatever is cool when it's a poker tournament!! lol

If you're still checking this out, thanks for sticking with me. Watch for more posts coming shortly!!!!

2008-05-27T21:25:00.002-05:00

: sad :

Just got an email today from my friend, Sarah Lowery. Her brother, Steve Szoke, passed away today. He was 32. I lived on the same floor as his wife, Candy, my freshman year at LCC. They have a 7 year old daughter, Jada, also. My heart is so sad for the Szokes, but I'd like to share an e-mail that Steve wrote and Sarah shared with me about 2 weeks ago:

Quality vs. Quantity

Unfortunately, this is the question I have been asking myself as of late. I'm 32 years old, my birthday is coming up very shortly and this question of quality vs quantity of life looms over head.

Last Saturday, I took part in an amazing and powerful thing. One of the ministers int eh area organized a "laying on of hands" by elders of the Christian church from all over Chicagoland. I walked into Camp LRCA (where it was held) and was blown away as to how many men where there. Men I had never met or knew, gave up their Saturday morning to come and pray over my wife and I. Many of the other ministers from the area were there as well, but by-and-large, this was an elder driven thing. I will never be able to truly express how much this meant to me. I am still completely humbled and grateful for being a part of this.Quality vs Quantity: The elders laying on of hands, their prayers and petitions, asking God to grant me more quantity of life.

The next step we were planning was to be involved with a Clinical Trial up at University of Chicago. Again, problems arose. My body is in overdrive with this cancer right now. For their studies, they were not able to administer this new drug to me until I have been off chemo for 28 days. That puts my start date at May 20th. Problem is, things have rapidly progressed downward in my body and we can no longer wait until May 20th. We are stepping away from the Clinical Trial because we need something now!!! My Dr has now found cancer in my lungs. My body is getting weaker and weaker. My Dr will be administering different doses of chemo in different forms trying to get every lat bit of quantity for Ol' Steve that he can.

It would be great if I could share some good news in these mailings, so I'm going to do so now.

-My church (Impact Christian Church) is everything I have ever longed and dreamed of in a church. I love the people that go there and they truly love me. Impact has been such a huge support for me to lean on during this fight with cancer. Impact brought together so many people that are family today, but never knew each other before. Impact brought together one of my best friend's, Dan and his future wife Jen. I cannot, nor will ever, say enough how much this church has meant to me.

-My family continues to lift me up. All those crazy trips back and forth to Univ. of Chic. with dad driving, making sure I'm comfortable, waiting, waiting, waiting. I could go on and on about the deeds of my mom and dad during this time, but they truly serve as Godly parents of a sick child. Candy's work has been amazing with letting her take off whenever she needs to (it has been such a help to have a nurse for a wife throughout this whole process). Jada continues to do good in school, but is starting to go through a rough patch. She sees what is going on and is trying her best to adjust to it all. Sometimes I just sit and cry because as much as this is a huge burden and weight upon me, it is and will be even more for Jada to bear.

So, Quality vs Quantity: Anyone that's ever known me has known that I live life to the hilt. When I decide to do something, I go barreling forward and figure out the details later. I looked at my wife the other day and said, "I don't think it would be fair if I only get 12 years with you, but what an amazing 12 years they have been." Have I done bad things I regret? Sure. Absolutely. But the good things I have done with my life, my family, my church, my friends, in service to my God really start to stack up those "Quality chips." This is not a letter of me giving up, in fact, I plan on fighting for tomorrow everyday of my life. This is just me letting you know, God has filled this 32 year old punk to the brim with an amazing life.

Keep up the prayers.

Love Steve

Please pray for the Szoke family. Thanks,
kt :-)

2008-05-22T09:24:00.004-05:00

: long overdue :

Gheesh!! I'm such a slacker lately when it comes to blogs. If it makes anyone feel better out there in the internet world, I haven't had time to look at them either!! ;-)

What have I been up to lately you may ask?? GREAT question! I've got 3 weddings I'm in the middle of editing...there are a couple of pics from 2 below...a trip to Galveston with Paul, Brian and Jamie, as well as Jeff and Debbie Prosappio. A couple of pics from that trip are below also.

Last week and weekend were great. Went to Guy's in Nashville w/ Mom...then to Nana and Papa's house in Mexico, MO to hang out and celebrate Nana's 80th bday. I've got some pics of the great-great grandkids that I'll post as soon as I have time to get them off my camera. ;-) No promises on a time frame, though.

Enjoy the photos...

2008-04-24T09:08:00.000-05:00

: anne's prayer :

"Why must people kneel down to pray? If I really wanted to pray I'll tell you what I'd do. I'd go out into a great big field all alone or into the deep, deep woods, and I'd look up into the sky - up -up -up -into that lovely blue sky that looks as if there was no end to its blueness. And then I'd just feel a prayer."

-Anne, in Anne of Green Gables

2008-04-21T17:43:00.002-05:00

: fun but frazzling weekend :

This weekend was a bit crazy for me!!! Very fun, but very crazy. We started out with a birthday party for Jamie on Friday night. Below is a photo of she and I. As soon as I can get the photos downloaded off of our small camera, I'll put more up!! We got her a VERY fun surprise gift and her reaction was great!! ;-)

Next, came Tanya's shower on Saturday. Tanya's getting married!!! The shower was SO perfect for Tanya, and I'm so excited for her. Her mother-in-law put it all together, and it was beautiful. Here's a pic of us ladies:

This was also the weekend of my April weddings. I had one on Saturday, and one on Sunday. They were both beautiful...and though I'm still exhausted, I had a great time. Check out the first 2 pics from the weddings (and the second wedding hasn't even finished downloading from my camera yet!!).

Megan & Ethan:

Rachel & Josh...well, it's actually just Rachel's dress :-):

2008-04-13T16:08:00.002-05:00

: if you wait long enough, all questions will be answered :

That was the name of the email I received from my mother. Below are two of the photos that were included in the e-mail. If you're willing to see a bit "more", be sure to check out Paul's blog and the photo of Queen Elizabeth. :-) Enjoy the blustery weather, all you Scots!

2008-04-04T12:18:00.002-05:00

: sutherland family washing dilemmas :

Paul, my husband, is great at doing household duties. It is one of the things that I have appreciated about him ever since we first got married. He has never tried to pull of any gender-based role conversations or anything like that. So, there is my preface to this post...I'm not complaining here, just making an observation. ;-)

Paul is a brilliant man. Smart, quick-learning, all of those things. Somehow, those wonderful traits become non-existent when it comes to laundry. He only does laundry one way: Cold, Regular; dryer set on warm. I've tried (very gently and kindly, mind you!) to show him how easy it is to look at the tag on his work slacks...or his work shirts...and determine what is the best way to wash them. But no, he claims that our washing machine only has one option.

I'm thankful that, despite these conversations, he continues to help out and do laundry...I'm just trying to understand where my brilliant husband goes when it comes to doing laundry...any ideas?!?!?!

2008-04-01T15:56:00.001-05:00

: carter's chord :

I think I really like this band!!! I love the fact that it is 3 sisters!!! Check out the video. It's kind of long...if you don't want to watch that much, just check out their myspace and listen to 'em!! Carter's Chord:

2008-03-31T13:46:00.003-05:00

: ok...soon i will stop blogging about work :

I wanted to share a website I just discovered...we'll call it...interesting. Be careful how you treat and tip your waitstaff!!! www.bitterwaitress.com

[language advisory...some of the posts have some questionable language, so be careful if you are easily offended]

p.s. I think I want this t-shirt!!

2008-03-21T11:24:00.004-05:00

: some of the people i work with :

I'm still totally enjoying waiting tables at Morgans. I picked up a shift on St. Patty's Day this week and took my camera. Here are a few of the people I work with (if you want to see all of the pics, check out Morgan's myspace):

Di, Kathy, Paris, Sandra:

Bartenders, Raj & Jamie:

Barback Brandon:

Bartenders and Managers, Raj & Di

Brandon, Kathy, Sandra, Diana:

Bartender Patsy:

Manager, Dan (in green):

2008-03-20T10:20:00.002-05:00

: sunshine, but... :

We finally have sunshine today in Chicago...it caused me to venture a look at our 10 day forecast. I almost wish I hadn't. 10 days with no temps over 50. The sunshine makes me happy, but the forecast doesn't. I'm ready for some warmer weather!!!!!

2008-03-13T11:37:00.002-05:00

: i can't believe it's been 10 days :

I thought while Paul was gone, I'd be much better at blog posting...apparently not!!!! What have I been doing??? Well....let's just say I've read my share of fiction since March 3...yes, they are almost all "chick-lit," but I'm not ashamed of my need to read some no-thinking-necessary fiction every once in awhile!!

I've taken most of my books to my brother-in-laws to store for awhile. I'm going to have to go back and switch some out because I've read almost all the ones I kept at home!!! Paul gets home tomorrow night (Woo-hooo!!!), so I'll probably be doing a little less reading...I'll actually have someone to talk to again! ;-)

2008-03-03T18:04:00.002-06:00

: paul's having fun in manila :

Check this out...any words I could preface these w/ would be overkill...

2008-02-26T10:59:00.004-06:00

: beginnings are scary, endings are usually sad, but it's the middle that counts :

I watched the last half of Hope Floats this morning while editing pics. Anyone that knows me knows that I'm a total sucker for chick flicks...and Hope Floats is a great one!! I turned it on at my favorite part...the dance scene (I couldn't find any pics of that scene). I love that last line of the movie too that quoted above...

Potentially the most heartwrenching scene of ANY movie...I think that Mae Whitman (Bernice) should've receive an Oscar nomination for the scene that begins with the photo below. Her daddy leaves her and it makes me cry every time I watch it!!

Sandra and Harry Connick, Jr...great pair!! ;-)

2008-02-25T19:16:00.003-06:00

: he made it :

Paul is on another extended business trip. Back to the Philippines!! It took him about 24 hours to get from our house to his hotel in Manila. The above is a photo from the hotel he's staying in (I think!). It looks like a pretty sweet hotel...maybe next time I can go with him!! ;-) I got to talk to him for a little bit today and he sounded good, but tired.

I've been editing photos all day, doing laundry, reading...lots of fun stuff!! ;-) I'll keep you updated on his trip...and on all of my fun adventures while he's away.

2008-02-12T23:07:00.005-06:00

: thanksgiving 2007 :

Um, yes, you read that right. Somewhat embarrassing for me, as you might guess. But here are some candid shots from Thanksgiving 2007. It's only taken me...somewhere between 80 and 90 days to get them posted!!! Ah well...the kids are still REALLY cute!! ;-)

2008-02-05T18:03:00.000-06:00

: guy :

Many of you continue to ask about Guy...my bro who's in Nashville trying to get his foot into the music biz, for those of you who don't know who Guy is. He's doing great...here's some pics we shot at Christmas. If you want to hear some of his new stuff, check out his myspace!! And check it again and again and again and again...:-)

2008-02-01T12:45:00.000-06:00

: katiejames photography :

I've been back at updating the katiejames blog. Check it out!!!! :-)

2008-01-29T20:16:00.000-06:00

: fun video :

My friend Michael of Third Place Consulting shared this with me! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. :-)

2008-01-28T16:22:00.000-06:00

: refiner of silver :

My mom sent me this story, so I thought I'd share it with you...it's a good one!

Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver."

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study, and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy, when I see my image in it."

2008-01-25T13:30:00.000-06:00

: dad's bday and job update :

Today is my father's birthday...Happy Birthday Dad!!! I have been so blessed by him throughout my whole life...I can't imagine growing up with anyone but him as my father, and I'm so thankful for so many things about him!!! His unconditional love, his friendship, his wisdom, his humor, his common sense, his affection, his work ethic, his devotion and loyalty, his patience (most of the time!! ;-) ), and his understanding. Sure do love and miss you!

Just a quick job update for anyone out there who's interested. So far, so good. I think I mentioned in a previous post that I thought I was going to like it and that I thought their training program was pretty poor. I'm still thinking those two things...so far I really do like it!! I'm not sure that I love the hours...at least the ones I have to work at night, but I think that'll even be okay once I get used them. I am making pretty good tips so far...I'm averaging about 23% on my sales right now. I keep expecting a bad night, and I'm sure it'll happen, but I haven't messed up too bad yet!! ;-) Maybe it's just beginner's luck?? I'll guess we'll see!!! ;-) (And that picture is of TIPS in case you were wondering...pretty creative, eh!?!?!)

2008-01-17T12:45:00.000-06:00

: silent alarm :

In my 7 years as the manager of the Ground Level Cafe, I've picked up a good share of "business books." About half-way through those 7 years I realized...or decided to admit to myself...that I really don't enjoy non-fiction reads. Lucky for me, I think quite a few other people are in the same boat. Quite a few "business books" are now out that are written in a fictitous format. I love it.

One that's been sitting on my shelf for quite awhile waiting to be read is Silent Alarm. The book is by John Blumberg, who is actually one of our CCC attenders.

It's a really fast read, and I'd highly recommend it for anyone - not just someone in a business-type job. It goes beyond that genre and delievers a message that everyone needs to hear.

I'll give you a taste of it, but I'll warn you, you'll have to read the book for it to all make sense to you:

God is in control. Always.

Start living upside down. Life is mostly a paradox. Learn to live below the surface.

There's no front porch. Unless, of course, you build one.

Life can be more difficult...when you have too much to lose.

Know and value...your values.

Redefine your dream. Not of what you wil do...but of who you will become.

You get what you measure. Make a plan.

Changing is easy. Sustaining change is hard.

Genuine relationships are God's greatest gift. Love is what matters.

Freedom isn't freedom...without responsibility.

True joy is found in the most unusual places. It's wrapped in stewardship.

Are you willing to start? Alone.

2008-01-16T12:11:00.000-06:00

: cletus take the reel :

um...yes...i thought this was pretty funny!! enjoy!

2008-01-15T11:43:00.000-06:00

: new job :

I got a new job!! I started yesterday. I've begun my new life as a Server. :-) It was an interesting day...to be honest, I'm not super impressed with their "training program" so far, but I think I'm really going to like it. The atmosphere is laid back, the other employees are fun, and I also really like the managers.

I talked to my brother for a long time this a.m. and he gave me all his pointers since he's been a server for quite a few years now. He says I'll be good at it. :-) ...and he should know!!!

I go back tomorrow night, 7 p.m., for my second day of training. Not sure yet when or how much I'll be working, but I'll keep you filled in!! ;-)

2008-01-08T22:27:00.000-06:00

: NYE v.2 :

Here are some more pics of NYE...we really did have a good time. And I finally have some pics of Paul and I from 2007 so I can finally send a Christmas card...er...maybe it will be a Valentine's Day card?? One will come!! Be patient. :-)

a "straight up" shot of Bri and Jamie - they are SO cute!!

my favorite pics of Paul and I (thanks, J!!):

Sassy, HOT Jamie...that may actually be my favorite shot of the evening!!! :-)

2008-01-07T23:23:00.000-06:00

: belated n.y.e. v.1 :

I'll post more...but here is just a taste of the "Fancy-Schmancy New Year's Eve Dinner Party" at the Casa de Sutherland. We did some prom poses...it was awesome!! Great laughs, great times, great night. I hope we all get to do it again sometime soon!

2008-01-02T21:47:00.000-06:00

: ummm... :

Does anyone else see anything wrong with this????

I really don't think that these two West Virginia players should sit in that order on the bench...??

2007-12-08T22:28:00.000-06:00

: check out this video :

Click HERE. Seriously. I'd never heard that girl sing before tonight, but I loved the song, loved her voice. Emmy Rossum is her name. I haven't done any research on her yet, but just found out from Bill's blog who she is. Every once in awhile I hear something that just touches a chord...and that song is one of those. Enjoy!!

2007-12-07T11:03:00.000-06:00

: no more glasses :

In 2 hours I will be having Lasik surgery. No more glasses!! No more contacts. I'm excited about it...but already dreading the fact that I can't wear eye makeup for a week. I know it will be worth it...but no eye makeup!!!!!! That's the worst. Ah welll!! Wish me luck...

2007-12-05T21:59:00.000-06:00

: random :

I know I haven't blogged in awhile...and I've been trying to figure out what to blog about. I'm hoping to catch up on picture editing next week (I get to go with Paul to his work place in Mexicali, and I'm going to do NOTHING but edit photos), so once that is accomplished, hopefully I'll be able to catch you up on Thanksgiving and my awesome birthday present - words can't describe it well, I really need to show you a picture!! (Paul tells a little bit about the day on his blog)...also my fun Christmas decorations!! I always figure that the pictures can say oh-so-much more than me. So, thanks for being patient, and I'm still around...will be back with more soon!!

2007-11-19T08:39:00.000-06:00

: como, colorado :

I got to go home to Mom and Dad's a couple of weeks ago. It's always SO great to get to go home...Mom and Dad have brilliantly managed to make the conversion from primarily being my parents to being my friends...and I know that Guy would agree with me on that. It's so easy to be at their home. It's always fun and relaxing!!

We have frequently tried to describe Como, Colorado to people who have never been there. I think we have all decided that it's totally impossible to do, so I took some photos of the old mining town. I think Dad said that 37 people live in Como now. :-) No kidding. Mom and Dad actually live about 20 minutes to the east of Como, and not in city limits of the thriving metropolis.

Enjoy and let me know what you think!! :-)

the whole town of Como, with their mountain, "Little Baldy" towering over it:

the Como Civic Center:

I'm not sure what this building is...

Mom likes this house with the crooked window:

Looking east over the town:

The Como Mercantile:

The Como Depot, a B&B as well as the restaurant where Mom waits tables in the summers:

Main Street:

2007-11-16T13:58:00.000-06:00

: pictures are sometimes worth a thousand words :

Diving in!!

2007-11-11T21:15:00.000-06:00

: 3rd honeymoon :

One week ago today was Paul and my 2nd Anniversary. Paul royally spoiled me. We were going to spend the weekend in San Diego, but decided with the fires that we'd postpone a San Diego trip.

Instead, we booked a room at The W Hotel in the loop. It was SWEET. Very, very cool hotel. I've never stayed at a hotel that fancy-schmancy!! Thick white robes and everything.

For dinner, we went to Fogo de Chao. It was awesome...but OH SO MUCH food!!! They've got the most incredible salad bar I've ever seen - and I know my salad bars!! They aren't even famous for their salad bar, though, they are famous for their meats. Amazing.

The next morning, we met Brian and Jamie at The Fireside for brunch. Great times and laughs with some great people.

The weekend didn't actually stop there, but I'm semi-embarrassed to continue the story on the restaurants that we visited...let's suffice it to say, that I think I'm still full from last weekend, and am still scared to step on the scale and see how much weight I gained!!

It's been 2 years, and I still love being married. I love my husband and I'm so glad that he asked me to marry him!! He decided to renew my contract for another year - I'm so lucky!! :-)

2007-11-09T09:26:00.000-06:00

: 2 new blogs to check out :

1. Michael Trent, Third Place Consulting

Michael Trent is a guy I had the opportunity to meet this fall. I LOVE what he's doing. He owned and ran a coffeeshop for years in a church in L.A. when he decided to start a business teaching people how to create an effective 3rd place. I totally dig it. Check out his blog as well as his website.

2. katiejames photography

A very belated introduction to our blog. Check it for recent updates on photos, events, and what's going on with kjp!!

2007-11-08T13:38:00.000-06:00

: change :

Life is full of changes, isn't it? Some of them small...a new kind of coffee creamer, a different brand of deoderant, a new and improved stain remover...and some of them are bigger. I'm on the cusp of one of those bigger changes.

In 2001, Dave and Jon Ferguson, as well as Troy McMahon gave me the opportunity of a lifetime and I came to open the Ground Level Cafe at Community Christian Church - a third place that those 3 boys had dreamed about and trusted me to bring about, despite the fact that I didn't have a clue what I was doing.

I worked really hard...lots of hours...some days and weeks too many hours...and in the process I found something and someplace I enjoyed and quickly came to love.

There comes a time in everyone's life where they have to ask some of the hard questions: Where have I been? Where am I at? Where do I want to go? I find myself at that point in my life. I have loved managing the GLC, but I'm ready for a change.

This wasn't an easy decision for me to make - many of you who know me know that the GLC has been my "baby" for the last 7 years. I'm not sure exactly what I want to do next, but I'm confident that God has led me to this decision, and that has been reinforced for me in many ways. It's time for a change and I'm excited about it - whatever that may mean!!

Almost 7 years ago, Dave, Jon and Troy gave me a wonderful opportunity - the opportunity to realize my dream job. I've gotten to know and work with some awesome people that I will never forget and never lose touch with (or at least, that's what I hope!!). I learned a lot that I didn't even know that I didn't know. I grew up quite a bit, I met my husband, and learned a ton about life. I'm looking forward to the next step...whatever it may be!!

I just wanted to let you know about it, here, from me. Stay tuned for the stories of the goodbyes and the hellos!

2007-10-19T19:34:00.000-05:00

: been m.i.a. - AGAIN :

Hey!! Yes, I've been MIA and remiss in updating my blog. My humblest apologies!! Paul's been gone, and my time has consisted of 1. work and 2. editing photos. Nothing else. I guess sleeping and driving could be added to that list. I did do one fun thing this week...colored my hair tonight!! :-) Let's see if Paul notices before he reads this...I tried to match my normal haircolor...whatever the heck color that is!! :-)

Also, you must check out my Mom's blog. I've told many of you about her advice to singles, "Treat 'em rough and tell 'em nothin'." She's finally blogged about it!! :-) She can explain it way better than me...so, if I've explained it to you and botched it, head on over to her site, or if the quote intrigued you, you should head on over there too!!

2007-10-04T08:47:00.000-05:00

: i was reading this morning :

This bit caught my eye. By Lewis Smedes:

"I bought a brand-new date book yesterday, the kind I use every year -- spiral-bound, black imitation leather covers wrapped around pages and pages of blank boxes. Every square has a number to tell me which day of the month I'm in at the moment. Every square is a frame for one episode of my life. Before I'm through with the book, I will fill the squares with classes I teach, people with whom I ate lunch, everlasting committee meetings I sit through, and these are only the things I cannot afford to forget. I fill the squares too with things I do not write down to remember: thousands of cups of coffee, some lovemaking, some praying, and, I hope, gestures of help to my neighbors. Whatever I do, it has to fit inside one of those squares on my date book. I live one square at a time. The four lines that make up the box are the walls of time that organize my life. Each box has an invisible door that leads to the next square. As if by a silent stroke, the door opens and I am pulled through, as if by a magnet, sucked into the next square in line. There I will again fill the time frame that seals me -- fill it with my busy-ness just as I did the square before. As I get older, the squares seem to get smaller. One day I will walk into a square that has no door. There will be no mysterious opening and no walking into an adjoining square. One of those squares will be terminal. I do not know which square it will be."

2007-10-01T14:51:00.000-05:00

: what have i been doing lately :

Among many other things, I've been playing...er...I mean working...in photoshop elements. Jamie, of katiejames photography, took the awesome pics that were the base for these posters. I've got a couple of other ones that I'll also try to post!!

frozen hot chocolate:

italian lemonades:

2007-09-18T22:04:00.000-05:00

: tim bakker's $50k shot :

Several other people have blogged about Tim Bakker's awesome putt to win $50,000!!! I got to, unexpectedly and very last minute, take some pictures of IFC's golf outing...which meant that I got to take Tim's pictures as he sunk the shot.

It was so cool!!! Seriously. Very cool. My husband claims I'll probably never see something like that again, and I'm sure that he's probably right. I honestly think that it couldn't have happened to nicer guy. Seriously. He's one of the nicest people at CCC I think...which is nice since he's also my boss. :-) So enjoy the photos below. I've got a few other pics, so if enuf of you holler about it, I'll put some more up!! ;-)

(and for anyone who's wondering, my ankle is much better...and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my mom today!!! You are the bestest mom EVER. Surely do love you!)

: lining up the shot :

: he drained the shot!! :

: is this where he pulled the muscle in his leg? :

: high fives to everyone!! :

: Tim and his "coach" Scott :

2007-09-13T00:53:00.000-05:00

: such a klutz :

I am such a klutz!! I always thought it was something I'd grow out of, but I long ago decided that it's a phase thing...there will always be phases of my life that I will be a klutz.

Saturday we went over to Brian and Jamie's for a LOVELY meal!! (5 or 6 courses each paired with a drink, printed out menus, even a palatte cleanser. It was amazing!!) After dinner we decided to head over to a local hangout. We were walking through the back alley, when, WHAP!!! I was down. There were speed humps and I evidently didn't see them in the dark. Wearing some stupid chunky flip flops (which I have since thrown away!!), I totally rolled my left foot--just a minor sprain in my not-so-experienced opinion.

Since Paul is traveling this week and no one is here to commiserate with my loverly blossoming bruises, I took some pics for you - WARNING: Do not look at the following photos if you have issues with bare feet!!

I do have to say that the photos don't really do the bruises justice...but you can still see them. You can also see where I scraped my big toe on my right foot...I should've thought to take pics of the bruises on my knee. I'm telling you I fell HARD!!!! :-)

: jj :

2007-09-12T00:52:00.001-05:00

I previously posted something that JJ wrote. She has been featured in CCC's Soul Cravings campaign. I would love for you to check out JJ's testimony!!

2007-08-27T21:05:00.000-05:00

: cool site :

It's called DeLocator. Check this out!! It's a very cool site if you are interested in discovering independent coffeehouses, bookstores, and theaters!! Very fun. Love the concept. Add your favorites...support your local indies!!! :-)

2007-08-24T13:26:00.000-05:00

: Check it out :

We are live, up and running!!!!

Tell your friends, family, enemies, loved ones!!

www.katiejamesphoto.com

Yay!!

2007-08-09T19:02:00.001-05:00

: leadership summit - day one :

It's that time of year again. Willow Creek puts on the Leadership Summit every year, and every year, CCC is an off-site location. We've got 350 people in our building for 2 1/2 days!! It's a fun, exciting, exhausting time.

Here are a few pics for you to see what we've done to the building to prepare!!

You can kind of see our paint job in this pic. As soon as I get my new menu boards up, I'll take more pics so you can see the end product!!

Look how beautiful Erin is early in the a.m.!!!

Check out the new GLC space!!!!! If you've been here before, you can tell it's a lot different. I wish I would've take a picture yesterday so you could see the difference a day makes. The flooring is temporary, some of the wall color may change, and we stole all the furniture from the Cyber Cafe, but I LOVE how it's looking so far.

One of our Annual features at the GLC during the Summit. We always feature different speakers and pair them up with a drink!

My new marketing that I just got from Intelligentsia Coffee. It caught people's eye today!!! If you want to learn more, go to this informational site.

2007-08-06T22:01:00.000-05:00

: embarrassed to admit :

I watched the last two episodes of NBC's Age of Love. I typically dislike these types of reality t.v. Actually, I usually dislke any type of reality t.v., but I actually found myself looking for it tonight!!!

I was reminded of why I typically don't like these shows...

Jen (48) v. Amanda (25)

1. He picked the wrong girl. They almost always pick the wrong girl!! I actually liked both of them...but last week when they showed Amanda making comments on the age difference and how a 48 year-old wasn't going to beat out a 25 year old, it made me mad. Granted, she was proven correct, but somehow it just demonstrated a pettiness that wasn't very attractive.

2. The person choosing always gets to the point where they have to pick between two people. They always cry in an interview and say that they never wanted to hurt anyone when they started the show. Well, DUH. Have they not been watching reality t.v. for the last 10 years? It always comes down to a decision between two people. And someone always gets hurt...or so they make it seem.

So, there you go...I got sucked into another one!!! I'm now salvaging my self-worth with The Cutting Edge. :-) The best line: "Just remember who said it first." If you've seen it, you know what I'm talking about!!!!

2007-08-03T12:00:00.000-05:00

: jeff & tanya :

Just a quick little post...I had a few really cute pics of Tanya and Jeff from our camping trip. So adorable and I just had to share then with you. ;-)

2007-08-02T13:35:00.000-05:00

: glc face lift :

It was a pretty crazy weekend!! On Thursday the "powers that be" decided we could shut down and paint the cafe on Sunday and Monday. It made for an exhausting couple of days for me, but it's done, and I love it!!! I had some great help doing it...thanks Paul, Katrina, Nicole, Marchelle, Stacey, Matt, Ali, Kelsey, and JJ!! I hope I didn't forget anyone. As soon as I get some stuff back on the walls, I'll send the after-the-over-haul photo!!!

2007-07-27T16:27:00.000-05:00

: not sure i should be doing this... :

PJ and Bobbi...these are a very short preview to your pics. It's still going to take me awhile to get the rest of them done, but I wanted to let everyone see how beautiful you guys are!! Congrats again!!

2007-07-27T00:13:00.000-05:00

: congrats shawn and louie!! :

These photos just in from CCC's Student Ministry Director, Teaching Pastor, my friend and proud father Shawn Williams!!! So cute...I can't wait to meet little Levi!!

2007-07-24T22:06:00.000-05:00

: jennie joy barrows :

Known so quickly around here as JJ. She is my newest employee at the Ground Level Café. JJ has been described to me (her boss) by several who frequent the GLC as “incredible,” “superb,” “you need to clone her,” “amazing,” and “I love JJ!! I’m so glad she works at the GLC.” She is also one of our newest baptized Christ-folowers at CCC. She was baptized on July 21 at the Yellow Box. Check out her testimony on Dave’s blog!!

I came in this morning to work after her, and found this little “bit” sitting on top of the microwave. I loved it...and I’d like to share it with you.

"Every Good and Perfect Gift Comes From Above…

Mine came in a big yellow box. The packaging was pretty, but it’s what I found inside that was so beautiful. I found a smiling face and a friendly laugh. I found my favorite cup of coffee and some peanut M&M’s. I received a welcoming hand shake and a big ol’ bear hug. I heard beautiful music and my heart felt alive. I was allowed to sing, I was allowed to dance, I was allowed to be me. I kept digging through the big yellow box to see what else I could find. I found love. I found acceptance. I found myself. As I kept looking, I found a card, an invitation of some sort. I was invited to stay at the big yellow box and call it home. I was invited to share it with other people, so that they could find whatever they were looking for. Everyone finds something different. I was looking for a second chance at life, and that’s exactly what I was given…in a big yellow box."

-JJ Barrows 7/23/07

2007-07-23T20:53:00.000-05:00

: help! :

I need help. In case you haven't heard, I run a coffee shop--The Ground Level Cafe. We are located in the Yellow Box location of Community Christian Church in Naperville. Soon...and oh so very soon...we will be celebrating our Grand Reopening. It's going to be exciting, and hopefully a big deal, but I need help on coming up with some fun, cost-effective (i.e. CHEAP) ideas on events to do. Any brilliant ones you'd like to share?? Remember, we're brainstorming here, so no ideas are bad ones!!!

2007-07-18T16:36:00.001-05:00

: the lost girl :

Yes, I have been lost the last several weeks...though I am frequently lost to the blogging world. I want to be a better blogger. I want to blog about many things...my job, my life, my photos. I want to be able to write posts that touch people in some way. I have managed to figure out why I don't do that too often. In order to write posts that touch people, I have to be honest. I have trouble being so brutally honest in an open forum kind of place like this. But I want to be. I want be honest, and I want to be a more frequent blogger. I really do. So, here is today's post.

p.s. For those of you who know about the wedding I shot and the cousins I got to see this past weekend, I will try to get some pictures posted soon. No promises, though. I'm trying to learn my way through a new digital editing program, so it might take me a little bit longer than normal to get those pics up. Hopefully not, though!!

2007-06-20T20:07:00.000-05:00

: movies i want to see :

I watched AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies tonight. I made my own list of movies that I want to see from their list. I'm semi-embarrassed that I haven't yet seen some of these movies!! A couple of them I might have seen ages ago, but really don't remember them at all...

Swing Time
Sophie’s Choice
Platoon?
Bringing Up Baby
Singin’ In The Rain
An American In Paris
Funny Girl
Guys And Dolls
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Casablanca
Singin In The Rain
All The President’s Men
Cool Hand Luke
On Golden Pond
Unforgiven
The African Queen
Tootsie
Nashville
West Side Story
Bridge On The River Kwai
Annie Hall
The Best Years Of Our Lives
Mr. Smith Goes To Washington
To Kill A Mockingbird
China Town

(I did just get back from a loverly relaxing 2 week vacation with my wonderful, handsome husband. I will post pics when I get a chance!!)

2007-05-30T22:37:00.000-05:00

: beautiful, beautiful bride :

2007-05-30T22:33:00.000-05:00

: da flowers :

2007-05-27T19:20:00.001-05:00

: weekend of wedding flowers :

Man From Snowy River, Sweet Home Alabama, For Love of the Game, and Runaway Bride. Those were the movies that made the line-up for doing my friend and past roomie, Tiffany's, wedding flowers. They turned out gorgeous, my house is a mess, and it's time to crash. :-) Thank goodness for Memorial Day!!!

2007-05-24T10:04:00.000-05:00

: sfta recital :

I got to take pics at CCC's School For The Arts 2007 Dance Recital. Those little girls in their little costumes are just adorable!!! I'm hoping the mom's like the pics...they aren't necessarily your typical dance recital pictures...but then again, I'm not necessarily your typical dance recital photographer!!! ;-)

2007-05-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

: a few more dance pics :

2007-05-24T09:51:00.000-05:00

: and more pics yet :
I just couldn't help myself!!! Sorry about the amount of pics!!! :-)

2007-05-22T20:55:00.000-05:00

: phase 2 :

Paul is on to phase 2 of his round-the-world trip. He should be in a plane right now leaving New Delhi, India, and heading first to Hong Kong for a connection to Manila, Phillipines. His new BFF, Nitin, his sidekick Indian sidekick, is going with him, so he shouldn't be lonely. ;-) He seems to be doing really well--sounds like his time in India was well spent. I don't think he likes the country much more, but he enjoyed the people at the office, and I think he's coming home with some good stories!!! He's looking forward to arriving in Manila. I think he really likes that city and the people are really nice. Only 9 more sleeps and he'll be home...we're in the single digits, my friends!! ;-) Yay...

2007-05-20T18:31:00.000-05:00

: newest best deal :

I'm SO excited!! I saw these shoes back when my mom was in town...and LOVED them!! (Who wouldn't?!?!) Since then, I received $30 in coupons from DSW. I went to see if they were still in stock...not ONLY were they still in stock, but they were 40% off...that means, with the coupons, I bought these FUN red shoes for a whopping $6.50. I'm thrilled!!! ...now I just need a red shirt....hmmmm....

2007-05-19T16:58:00.000-05:00

: the holiday :

I have always been a sucker for chick flicks. No apologies. Just the way it is. I must own The Holiday. That's all I have to say about that.

2007-05-16T08:39:00.000-05:00

: paul's in india :

Paul left Monday evening for New Delhi, India. He's gonna be there for about a week or so and then he'll move on to Manila, Phillipines.

Click on the info below whenever you want to check out what it's like over there!!! One word: HOT. Ugh. I think it was 114 degrees when he landed yesterday...and it was almost 10 p.m.!!

Current time: Wednesday, May 16, 2007 at 7:12:31 PM
Current conditions (New Delhi Palam Airport)
Description: Extremely hot.
Temperature: 106°F
Comfort level: 107°F

Here's a link to the hotel he's staying at as well. I think if you're heading to New Delhi, you should check this one out!!!!

2007-05-14T19:40:00.000-05:00

: long lost me :

Hey everybody!! ...er...I should say anyone who is still checking my blog after months of me not updating it!! Once again, please forgive me for my lack of attention. I've decided that instead of boring with you loads of verbage to catch you up on my life in the past couple of months to bore you with my life in pics. So enjoy the following :

2007-05-14T19:39:00.000-05:00

: maui in may 07 :

Our dear friends, Jamie and Brian Simkins hosted the Fifth Annual Maui In May this last weekend. The party was a blast like always!!! We had a great time, everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and we can't wait for the next one!! :-) Below are just a few pics from the night.

2007-05-14T19:33:00.000-05:00

: mcmahon going away party :

My boss and his family are moving away from Naperville and CCC. It is a bittersweet situation as they are taking the Next Step and moving on to Kansas City, MO to plant a New Thing church. Craziness!! But, I'm so proud of them, and they are going to shake things up a bit in KC. Love you McMahon's!!

2007-05-14T19:29:00.000-05:00

: more mcmahon party pics :

2007-05-14T19:28:00.000-05:00

: even more mcmahon party pics :

2007-05-14T19:25:00.000-05:00

: mom came to town :

First check out the dude we saw in Greektown. The other two pics are of Mom and Paul at 9 Muses one of my favorite places...they have Greek Frappes, which is one of the most amazing cold coffee beverages I've ever had in my life!!!!

2007-05-14T19:18:00.000-05:00

: ccc authors :

I also did head shots for CCC's famous authors of The Big Idea!!

2007-05-14T19:03:00.000-05:00

: ccc staff :

I took head shots of CCC's Staff this February. Below you can see a few of my favorites. :-)

2007-05-14T18:56:00.000-05:00

: michelle and atticus :

Below are a series of pics taken of Michelle and Atticus Luzadder...the epitome of a mother's love. I love it, and I love you Michelle and Atticus!!!

2007-05-14T18:32:00.000-05:00

: rachel and ryan's wedding :

In February I photographed Rachel and Ryan Jackson's wedding. She was a BEAUTIFUL bride, and she and Ryan were very in love. The calmest bride I think I've ever worked with!! "Cool as a cucumber" would describe Rachel to a "T." I had a great time hanging out with Rachel, as well as Michelle and Melissa, her sisters and two of my best friends from my LCC days.

2007-05-14T18:03:00.000-05:00

: my visual dna :

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

2007-04-04T11:16:00.000-05:00

: paul's birthday :

Click HERE to see what I got Paul for his birthday!!! His birthday isn't until Friday, but he got it a little early!!! :-)