Halloween

Halloween has become such a slutty looking holiday. Tell me why I rather dress up as something completely ugly and gross or insanely hilarious than try to look sexy and cute. I swear its just a "get out of jail free" card for all girls who want to look like whores. You can look like trash and no one will call you a slut because its Halloween. I thought Halloween was supposed to a "scary" holiday, not a "slutty" holiday. In honor of fun and goofy costumes, here is a picture of my parents and their homemade costumes. Gotta love them. Happy Halloween everyone!

So Much to Talk About

This weekend was the best weekend I've had in such a long time. I feel like for once, I did everything I wanted to do, I saw the people I wanted to see, and accomplished almost everything on my To-Do List. And for that, I am happy and thankful for my wonderful weekend.

Friday, I worked on my Russia Album. Does anyone find it quite challenging to scrap a vacation album? I don't know about you, but I tend to take hundreds and hundreds of pictures when I travel. So, how do you chose the right ones? I'll post my work tonight. Didn't get around to scanning anything.

Saturday, I took a Nikon class. Loved it! Totally recommend it to all my fellow Nikon users. Very informative. AND, the instructor sat next to me at lunch and gave me some really good tips. We even talked Snowboarding and that made me super duper happy! Later did some babysitting for Diane's kids. Had a little photo shoot with the girls. They are getting to be so grown up. This is Katie, the youngest of the girlies.

Sunday, went to good old Potomac Mills. Didn't buy anything. But, I did have lunch with my mommy and daddy. Great conversations, great food, great fun. And just like Stacey said this morning, "Its so nice when you start looking at your parents as real people, and not just as your parents" Very true statement. Wish I would have realized this earlier in life. Also, my mom asked me to take pictures of my Grandma. I call her Julie, even though her name is Julia (how's that for a random fact). She's 90 and one strong old lady. Love her to pieces. Isn't she adorable?

And, I got to see my wonderful friend Stephanie and her beautiful baby boy. I am so truly happy for her. Its so wierd to think that I have friends that are not only married, but have kids too. But, once you're around them, it doesn't seem wierd anymore. She seems so happy and that is truly all that matters.

Ok, Blogger is giving me a hard time and not letting me upload anymore pics. ARGH. I'll try tomorrow...

GMAT

This book and the GMAT are killing me softly. I've been studying (on and off) for what feels like forever. You see, I'm good about studying for a week or two at a time. But then my ADD kicks in and I find any reason to NOT study. First, it was snowboarding last winter. Then, it was because it was summer. Then, it was because I went to Russia. Then, I had a crazy-hectic-busy month with work. Currently, its because I'm in Shimelle's class and I'm having so much fun making my book. And most recently, I'm totally consumed with my new DSLR. Oh, did I also mention that I'm trying to make my parents a scrapbook of our Russian vacation before our December 14 vacation? Yes, I know, I'm crazy.

So, what should I do? I used to be so good with time management. The logical thing to do would be to give up scrappin. Or at least keep it to a minimum. But, when I get that itch to be creative, am I supposed to read up on algebra rules? I know I have to get over this hurdle of the GMAT. I need to get the ball rolling on the B-School Application process. I just need remind myself that not everything in life is fun as photography and scrapbooking. I need to suck it up and get this damn test over and done with. That way I don't feel guilty about taking time away to do the things I love.

He's Finally Home!

My Matty is finally home!! Oh how I've missed him. Usually, its me that is away. I'm the one who travels for work. I'm the one who went to Russia for two weeks. I'm the one who will be going to Bolivia for two weeks in December. But, this time it was him that was gone. And it was weird. I'm not going to lie...I loved my 'Natalie Time' the first few days. But, after day 3 I was so ready for him to be home. Plus, I want to be there for him. He really needs me right now. So, I'm going to do everything in my power to cheer him up.

I'm leaving work at 4:00 on the dot and rushing home to see him. He's going to be so excited about my DSLR. I haven't told him yet. I can't wait to have a photo shoot with him. Maybe I'll use my new pics to create a banner, because mine is so plain and boring that it is starting to annoy me. Ok, be on the lookout for my new pics...YAY!!

Weekend Highlights

Finally got around to posting my work from last week. What do you think?

Highlights from the weekend:

• Seeing Brandon Robins at Blue Iguana - He is my ray of sunshine!
• Hanging out with Stacey, two weekends in a row! I love that girl.
• Talking and drinking wine with my favorite Bolivian, Ruben.
• Staying up until 4am talking with my parents on Friday night.
• Buying plane tickets to Denver! I'm going for my birthday! YAY! What better way to spend my birthday then snowboarding out West.
• Buying my very first DSLR. How freaking exciting is that?!?!?!?!

Here is the camera I got. Originally, I wanted a Canon. Just because I've always bought Canon and I am very loyal to them. But, my dad is a Nikon guy and he found me the SICKEST deal so I listened to his advice and bought the Nikon D80!!!!!!!! I am so so so so excited. I'm just waiting for Matty to get home so we can have a photo shoot.

Wanted: Lunch Friends

So today, I had no one to eat lunch with. Usually, I have my crew and we eat together everyday. But, today, things were different. People had errands to run, others ordered in and sat at their desk, and Matty, who I can always count on to accompany me, is of course in AK. So, I ate lunch at my cube. I hate doing that. I like to use my lunch hour to talk, to laugh, to do anything to keep my mind off my horribly boring job.

Ok, let's talk TV! I really liked last night's episode of LOST. Wasn't Locke's dream just bizzaro, yet awesome?!?!? Did anyone else see Henry as the Security Guard at the Airport...hmm, does this mean something? Did the Other's cause the accident...probably not, but its worth mentioning. And how cute is Boone? Seriousy, why did he have to die? He was some good eye candy. But, so was the cop hitch-hiker guy that Locke picked up. Ok, and Desmond...is he psychic now? Many possibilities there. Just love this show! And speaking of shows, I am so excited for Grey's tonight. So, she picked McDreamy, but what will he do? Kinda sad how I live for these shows, but honestly, how can one not get addicted to such wonderful TV. Some eye candy for everyone out there in honor of it being Thursday...
Ok, can't wait to leave work to continue working on my "You Think You Know Me" book. Last night I worked on my "happy" page, tonight I'm doing my "sad" page. Except it might tricky to find a sad picture of myself. And considering that I don't have a camera right now, I might have to hold off on that page. Hopefully, I'll have them posted by Saturday. Bye bye for now...

Some News

Just got news that my BF's dad had a stroke! And in the worse of circumstances too. He was returning from his trip to China and it happened on the airplane. They had to make an emergency landing in Anchorage, Alaska and so that is where he is. The doctor who called Matty said that his dad is in critical condition. So sad. Matty had to fly out to AK this morning. He seems to be handling it pretty well. He's making jokes (his usual self) and hoping and praying for the best. This morning, he called me from the airport and was joking around that it's a "cruel twist of irony" that he is going to Alaska, but won't be going to Snowboard. He's always wanted to go out there and ride, and unfortunately, his first time to AK will be for other reasons.

In other news, I finished the cover to my "You Think You Know Me" book. I'm quite happy with the results. Its girly, its colorful, its scraptastic and I really like it. Unfortunately, Matt and I are currently sharing his camera (mine broke and I'm waiting to get my DSLR for x-mas) and he took the camera with him to AK. So, in other words, I'm screwed cause I can't post my cover.

In more news, the guy that annoys me at work is leaving. Moving back to Chicago..yay! Now, if only the girl that annoys me would leave too! That would be glorious! And maybe then, I could start enjoying my job. Nah, prob not, but it was a nice thought. Ok, more later. Adios for now!

You Think You Know!

I am soooo excited because I signed up for Shimmelle's "You Think You Know Me" Class. Ok, so I really signed up over a week ago, but the reality of it all is just hitting me now. Probably because I've received like seven emails about it just this morning and I'm pumped to get started! I get to make a fabulous mini book all about ME! Yes, a little Narcissistic to some, but I definitely don't see it that way. I hardly ever scrap about just me. So this will be my time to step out of my comfort zone and create new things. I'll post my results as I go.

Ok, in other news, I had such a fabulous day yesterday. I got the wonderful opportunity to have lunch with one of my very best friends in the entire world, Stacey! I hadn't seen her in like 3+ months and let's just say that I am not letting that much time pass before hanging out with her again. I la la love this girl. No one makes me laugh like Stacey and I seriously can't wait till we hangout again!!!!

Is it bad that I'm already day dreaming about my weekend and its only Monday morning? Sigh... Here's to a quick week, that I keep up with my workouts, and turn in my project at work on time. Happy Monday!

Bad Erika!

I stayed up until 1 AM last night just to finish this layout. And I'm so happy I sacrificed my sleep because I absolutely love it. AND...I used mostly old supplies, which makes me even happier. Ok, so this is a picture of my sister, Erika. She's the baby of the family. And as we all know the youngest ones tend to be the most rebelious. This picture was taken on our last night out in Bolivia (back in Jan 05), where she drank rum and cokes with the best of them. I'm not saying I condone under age drinking, but in Bolivia, where rules hardly exist, you can get into any bar or club without an ID as long as you're a cute girl. Man, we had fun back then. I can't wait for my lil sis to turn 21 so we can party it up in DC.

Work

Lately, I've been having such a hard time grasping the fact that I'm supposed to work for the rest of my life. Seriously...Am I supposed to sit in an office, crunch numbers, analyze, and make spreadsheets for the next 40 years of my life. Man, that sounds like such a waste of a life! I'm sorry but there has to be something better than all this. Its not that I'm lazy or that I don't like to work. It's just that I'm convinced that there has to be a job out there that I can enjoy. A job I can feel passionate about. A job where I feel like I have a purpose. A job that doesn't feel like a job! Currently, I just feel like I'm just one of many idiot monkey's just slaving myself to my worthless company. The problem is that I lack the motivation to be here. I no longer care if I'm productive. It's just sad how I've stopped caring about my job. But, I know I'm not alone.

I used to have no problem waking up at 5:30 to make the hour commute into work. And now that I live 7 minutes away, I can't even wake up at 8:00. Pathetic! Yet, I can somehow wake up on a Saturday morning at 4:30 AM to go snowboarding. Or even wake up at 6:00 AM like I did this past weekend to attend a Driver's Improvement Class. I mean, seriously, I can do that, but I can't wake up for work. Its because I totally dislike it here. I sit here and think about the many other things I could be doing. I surf blogs and I dream of having other people's jobs. The fun jobs. The ones where I could use my creative brain. So, instead of being a complainer, I'm going to do something about it. Here's to finding my dream job!!!!!

Ok, on a lighter, happier note...I am finally posting the "Twins" page I made last weekend. YAY! Hope you like it as much as I do. More to come soon. Going to start making my Russia book this weekend. Thats going to be quite a challenge. Too many pictures, not enough time! Ahh!

Michelle Goes to San Fran!

Here is a little preview of my trip to San Francisco a few weeks ago. And guess who was lucky enough to accompany me on my business trip this time? My cousin Michelle!! I had so much fun showing her around one of my favorite cities. I think she had a lot of fun too because we seriously spent most of the trip acting silly and laughing our heads off. The rest of my photos can be found on my Webshots Account.

My Art

Ok, so I LOVE to scrapbook. Yes, I know what you're thinking. Scrapbooking doesn't sound 'cool' but I swear it is. I've been doing it since highschool, and as the years have gone by, it has become so much more than just a hobby. It is now my OBSESSION!!

Scrapbooking is an art. A way to express myself on paper. A way to document my life. I want to look back in ten years and remember who I was, how I was, what I did, how I felt, my goals, my frusterations, my dreams, absolutely EVERYTHING that makes me, ME! Isn't that corny? Yes, I know it is, but whatever. Because of scrapbooking, I see art in so many different forms. I appreciate things that I never would have before. I get my inspiration from magazines, a street signs, a menu at a restuarant, even through conversations with friends. I have an itch to create, and its when I'm creating that I am at my happiest.

Ok, go ahead, call me a Scrap Nerd! Its ok - because I'm proud to be one!

Matchbox

I'm having dinner tonight at a restaurant in Chinatown called Matchbox. I've never been so I'm so super excited. But, I'm more excited that I'll be eating with two very important friends, Maureen and Molly. I've known these girls forever, especially Molls, who I met when I was just 10 years old. The three of us, with our other friend Katie, were inseparable in highschool. And even though I see these girls about once a month at random gatherings, I still feel like I've lost touch with them. And I absolutely HATE that. Because I really do miss them. I miss the closeness we used to have. And all that mushy stuff. So, with that being said...I hope this dinner is the first of many. I'm really really really looking forward to it so here's to a fun evening with my Lady Friends!

Just Say Sorry

Don't you just hate it when people are blatantly wrong but won't admit it. I mean, seriously, why is it so hard for some people to say they're sorry. People can be really stubborn, which in some cases, can completely ruin a friendship or relationship. Why is it that these certain people can't see past themselves to acknowledge their wrong doings, apologize, and move on. There would be a lot fewer fights and friendships lost if people could just learn to say sorry.

And it begins...

So, I finally did it! After debating it for so long, I finally started a BLOG! I can't believe it. My very own space to reflect on my everyday life. A way to write down whatever I want, with no restrictions, and just get it all out there. How freaking exciting!?!?!? So here goes nothing....