The Kristi Files

Hello 2012

2012-01-01T18:24:00.000-08:00

I start the new year with a cold, which Jarid & I are sharing. We're both munching on bad for us food, sneezing, blowing our noses and watching The Walking Dead. We managed to stay up to wish each other Happy New Year, but didn't make it to the Alameda Antiques Fair with MJ this morning or to any of the open houses we hoped to attend. Tomorrow we're seeing a place in Oakland that looks almost exactly like what we're looking for so we'll tough it out, sick or not, and make it to our viewing.

I'm excited for 2012. It's going to be a year of change. The first being in February when the best boss I've ever had leaves for an assignment with the company in another country. Jarid and I would SO go if we had the opportunity, so I can't blame him for taking it. I'm nervous about who is going to take his place, but if it's anyone that I think or have heard is applying for his job I think I'll be happy. Either way, 2012 is the year that Genentech takes me back to school to FINALLY finish my degree. Which means either by year end or early 2013 I'll officially be a college graduate and HOPEFULLY on a change in career path. I'm excited to see where I go from there.

In addition to that change, Jarid & I are hoping to move to Oakland this year. We've got a goal to save a down payment for a house but in the mean time want to move to the city to make sure that's where we're going to settle down. I use the term settle down lightly, because I've learned that life is never "settled" no matter how rooted you think you are. I never thought I'd be in the position to own a house; it's an accomplishment that I'm very proud of, and so happy that I have my life long partner to be to share the experience with. Through thick, thin, stress & anxiety he's so by my side, an for that I love him (along with the 20 million other reasons).

As like most of the people reading this, or not, I have some things I'd like to accomplish for 2012...in no particular order...

1. Move to Oakland
2. Go back to School
3. Get back up to speed in the scrapping world, getting involved with a retailer or online design team.
4. Make more time for friends. I feel like work has monopolized my time; and this year I'd like to make it take over less of my life.
5. Be more efficient. (In particular, with work - I need to stop brining it home!)
6. Go to New Orleans!
7. Take more pictures to document my day to day. I miss that!
8. Be healthier. Even if I spend a week, day, hour thinking about what I'm consuming it's gotta be better. I didn't get surgery just to plump up again. Even if I pay attention a little more this goal will be accomplished.

There are more things I'd like to do, but even setting 8 loose goals is more than I should. But hey, I'm ambitious.

But now it's time to eat dinner (thank you boo, for the soup & grilled cheese) and let the medicine do it's job. Until next time.

In Limbo

2011-09-30T15:55:00.001-07:00

Do you ever feel like that? Like everything gets into such a routine, no changes, same thing every day....Don't get me wrong, life is still amazing for me. My boo is still amazing, one of the best people to ever walk into my life, work is still great, still have great friends, and in general things are good. But, I feel like I'm in limbo...like, there's something that needs to change or something. I'm not sure what it is though. End thought.

It's been a minute since I blogged, so I thought, let's blog. I was able to work a half day today, and not because I had anything planned, just because I needed a day away from work, away from any plans. First thing I did when I got home? Yep, nap. Oh do I love to nap. Kodi & Tedi love me to nap too, cause they lay with me the whole time. It's lovely. So after watching an episode of Clean House (apparently I'm obsessed with hoarding shows - Hoarders, Clean House, American Pickers) on Netflix I decided I needed to spend time in the creative room. So here I am. But then oh wait, I needed pics of my layouts that I've done over the last couple of crops so thank you distraction. As I go to do that I run into Bobby, our neighborhood cat. Isn't he cute?

This cat actually plays with the neighborhood kids, it's cute. They play chase, and yes, he chases them too.

Without further adeu (sp?) here are the last few layouts I've worked on:

Last weekend I went to Ashley's house up north for an over night crop with her and Marie. I was excited, not only to hang out and scrap all night (okay only until 12), but because I got to use my new tote! I have been wanting a new tote FOR EV ER! But all the ones I found were either too small or ugly. Suzy (Mrs. West) mentioned that some people use ones from the hardware store (told you, I'm obsessed with scrap stuff at the hardware store!) so I decided to check it out. After going to THREE (yes Boo, I shopped around) I found one. I'll have to take a pic of it sometime, but it's perfect! What a tease right, going to say I found the perfect tote then not even post it? Well how else will I keep you coming back.

Okay, with my half day offI'm determined to do something crafty!

Time to Scrap

2011-09-05T20:28:00.000-07:00

It may be 8:30PM on the last day of my three-day weekend, but damnit I've got to scrap something! Actually, I shouldn't be so hard on myself. I did drive all the way out to Brentwood with Suzy to crop with Marie at Art Inspired Studios. I even managed to finish a layout, ha! I'm actually really glad I got out there Friday night. May not have gotten a lot of "work" done but I got to know both Marie and Suzy a little bit more, and they are both amazing women. I, of course, bought more product, that I don't need, but it's all just so purty. And Art Inspired is a great little store, just the perfect size. Oh geeze, I can't even believe I almost forgot that Daniela was there! It was a happy surprise to have her there too. :)

Well it's been busy since the last time I posted. I've been to Vegas, gone to a Kid Robot toy release, the Alameda Antique's fair, a baseball game AND a photo walk. AND, because I'm lazy, I'm not posting a bunch of pics of it all. You can always check out my Flickr (itssokristi) if you're interested. I haven't even caught up on posting all my photos there....someday, I keep telling myself, I'll get caught up. In the mean time, I try not to stress too much over it.

Here are a few layouts I've worked on in the last few weeks.

So now it's 9:30PM, and I have 30-minutes until laundry is ready to be folded and put away....do I scrap? Or, sit in my desk chair and watch Under the Tuscan Sun for the who-knows-how-many-times again? Hmmmm.....

I. Am. A. Hater.

2011-08-17T14:58:00.001-07:00

Seriously, in hater mode right now. Mabye it's because one week after my car was broken into, Jarid's car was broken into. After filing my claim, and now having to file another, I have to hope that they will renew my renter's policy when the time comes. Like really? So if you actually have to use your insurance they're going to cancel you? And what, no one else will insure you? Makes no sense.

And also, I'm looking around online at the scrap world. And thinking. Why is it always the same people on EVERY manufacturer's design team? And hey, girls like Melissa Mann have amazing talent and have always stayed so true to their style so her, I WANT to see how she uses those products. But then you have other people who I won't name who have zero talent and are on every DT out there. People who steal other people's work, claim it as their own, then get mad when someone else teaches a class on the technique. Are you the kettle? Pot? I wish I could see more variety out there, more originality, more fresh meat!

And, can I just vent about work? Talk about stealing ideas and claiming them as your own, then getting pissed and pointing the finger when something goes wrong. Why am I the only one that speaks up about this? I think THAT's what pisses me off. 30 years of following someone else's expectations of me and I'm SO over that role. I believe in Karma though, so what goes around will come around, even if it's not until you're dead and sweating in a heated environment....

So anywho...on to some non-hater updates, lol.

This weekend I was a lucky girl and got to hang with these fabulous ladies:

And yes, are little photo shoot. We took a shit ton of photos, but I like these ones. Technically yes, I should have had a flash bouncing off the top of the enclosure, but don't we just glow together? LOL. Glowing about 14 hours of allowed scrap time, ya herd?! What's better than getting your craft on, gossipping, and eating goodies all day? (Wait, we didn't gossip, we don't gossip, that's just not cool, lol!)

Also had some fun last week with work:
The Communications Team at work. Had to take a group photo for the website and, being the lead of this team and all, had to make quite the impression.

Earlier this week I got to attend my first game of the season with these folks. My first game of the season was a snoozer. Giant's lost big time to the Padres. BUT, I did get to try a new restaurant. Epic Roasthouse. The location is pretty nice, but I didn't think the food was as amazing as the prices....just saying.

I've been scrapping too! I need to get some photos of my layouts to post. But tonight it's all about Haight and meeting new people. Can't wait to take photos!

I Swear I'm Gonna Do It

2011-08-08T00:16:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking over the last few days that I really need to do another week in the life. I wanted to start over the weekend, but that didn't happen, so I swear I'm going to start tomorrow. Something about putting it out there where anyone (or no one) can read it that makes me feel more obligated to do it, lol. I just keep thinking about how much my life routines keep changing especially over the past couple of years that I would like to document it. So my "week in the life" starts tomorrow. And woah am I going to be tired. It's 12:20AM right now and I have to be up in five hours if I take the bus in to work. I have the feeling I'll be driving. But, I can take the bus, avoid the commute, and be home early. I have the tendancy to work longer if I drive. I think I'll suck it up and just get up early.

Anyway....enough night time jibber jabber. Here's a re-cap of my weekend.

On Friday a bunch of us headed to Off the Grid for some yummie fusion food trucks and took advantage of some photo ops....apparently some of my favorite peeps were feeling pretty photogenic.

After enjoying the nummers that Off the Grid had to offer we headed over to Haight's Milk Bar and caught some Burlesque performances to the tune of Los Shimmy Shakers. Got home pretty late for us and I crashed on the ride home.

The weekend has seem to come and gone. Saturday we took some stuff off to storage. It was pretty exciting to see Jarid's screen printing equipment here, and it makes me excited for the next chapter in our lives. A creative chapter for sure! After that we grabbed some lunch at a local diner (nom nom) and then just chilled the rest of the day. Today was filled with a lot of laziness for me and creating for Jarid. I'm looking forward to starting the week.

So, more pictures to come this week, and hopefully more creating going on too. Hope everyone has a great week!

Layouts, As Promised....

2011-07-31T23:37:00.000-07:00

Now I thought I had posted some of these already, but they're not in my fickr so I took photos (they're crappy, apologies in advance) and here they are. I created these layouts at crops over the last four to five months. I really need to be better about posting!

I did make a bit more progress on the purging today...actually going through my stash of Hambly (I know right, she's giving up Hambly????) and through my paper stash again. Something I plan on doing yet again before the "swap & crop" at Territory in August. Looks like I'm only getting 5.5 hours of sleep tonight, but hopefully with added naps on the bus ride to/from work I'll have the energy to come home and start creating. Yes, I said I wanted to create today but after going to see Cowboys & Aliens with my boo then running some errands I ended up eating a sandwich and falling asleep on the couch while we watched (well, Boo watched & I slept) Source Code....yum, Jake Gyllenhal...whoops, don't read that boo!

Anywho, time to get shut eye. Hope everyone has a loverly week!

Half Started, Maybe Someday Finished?

2011-07-31T02:11:00.000-07:00

I do this almost every time I go to a crop...I halfway finish a few layouts (usually 2-3) and then decide I don't have the right product, decide I NEED to clean my scrap area....bring all my stuff home from the crop....then a month later I'm bringing my unpacked "crap" back to the next crop and repeating the cycle....a cycle which of course includes buying MORE stuff....because it's new and cute and I must have it! So today (well, technically yesterday and we'll get to that in a min....because it is 2:13AM and why is Kristi still up???) I went to a crop at Our Paper Place, small but mighty and scrapped with a few of my croppin' buddies, Marie, Michelle, Suzy, Trisha, Ashley, and more. We had an hour to wrap up and I found myself starting to organize (yes, I said it, organize) my scrapbook supplies. I found myself just itching to get home, so I could start to tackle my "craft closet" and my craft space. Fact is, it's been such chaos that I haven't even wanted to be in here. I mean, I'm so lucky to have a crafty boyfriend and an entire room dedicated to creativity yet I can't even pull it together to get it to a place where I can enjoy it! What's wrong with me!? (Don't answer that, please.) So here it is, 2:18AM and although I've got a long way to go I'm feeling a major sense of accomplishment. What I wish I had done was take a picture before I started at this mess, but alas, I did not. Instead here's a picture of it right now. (Hold on while I go get my camera, switch the lens to my fisheye, and upload the pics....don't go anywhere....because I'll know!)

Okay, you still here? LOL. Here's my creative space as it stands now...

So tomorrow I hope to take some photos of layouts and projects I've been working (or had done) on for quite some time and just never posted. After Jarid & my day date I hope to spend the day in my step in the direction of order and cleanliness craft room continuing to organize and maybe, just maybe, finish some layouts! So until tomorrow, thanks for stoppin by!

Sick in Summer

2011-07-11T16:41:00.001-07:00

Good grief, it's the middle of July, and here I am, home sick. So much head pressure, breathing through my mouth, and eating endless amounts of ice. A day switching back and forth from watching Medium reruns and playing Zuma to a level I'll never get past. All the while thinking about all the work that I need to do, but must wait until tomorrow.

I so hate taking time off when I can't do other things. You know when you're sick enough to be home, but well enough to WANT to do other things? Important things, like scrapbook, lol. I have an album sitting here staring at me, a little something I'm making for someone else. And I'm excited about it. I want to finish it. But...always a but....lol.

So instead here I am, having to update a work calendar and on the computer. Watching the end of an episode of Medium, and writing a blog. Feeling, as usual, like I need to update this more often. Get thoughts out of my head, into my blog, and stop carrying them all around. Lately I've been thinking about so much. Friends, family (bad & good family), finances, creativity, dreams, tasks, fuzzy kids, etc. The curse of having a vagina is that the brain never stops moving. LOL. I guess I'll get back to doing more nothing. Eating more ice. Looking forward to next weekend (oh shit, and the weekend after when we're in San Diego for ComicCon, or even further out in August when we're in Vegas). Oh so much to look forward to!!!

Hello Disneyworld!

2011-06-26T22:21:00.000-07:00

Been back for a week and a half, and still trying to adjust. It had been a long time since I took a full vacation, and this was definitely the way to jump back into it. I could definitely get used to it!

A year ago my Dad's wife, Mama Glenda, invited Jarid & I to join them on their vacation in Disneyworld. As if I would say no! We were definitely on board. I was eager for the opportunity to get to know the Lewis side of my family, spend time with my Dad, getting to know them better. I wasn't disappointed.

This is my dad and I at Epcot. I wanted to make sure I had a picture of the two of us to take away from this trip. :)

This is Dan, Glenda and Joey same day at Epcot. We walked around the park, taking a break from the humidity by walking through the stores and jumping on a couple of rides.

Looking back, I think we spent a majority of our time at Hollywood Studios. We rode the rockin' rollercoaster, tower of terror (x2), Saw the Lights, Cars, Action! and Indiana Jones Stunt Show. The last night we caught Fantasmic light show.

Jarid & I did our fair share of spending at Downtown Disney, specifically at D-Street getting customized Mickey ears and more vinyl toys for our collection.

We went a couple of times to Animal Kingdom. Joey & Jarid were winner winner chicken dinner.

We also spent time with the Hubbard family, a day at Universal Studios/Island of Adventure...at the Harry Potter park!

Of course I can't go without posting pictures of the princess castle...

I had an amazing time. The resorts we stayed at were amazing. I loved the opportunity to spend time with family. And loved just being in a new state! Now we need another state magnet for the fridge. We did, however, get magnets from the park to add to our travel collection. If you're interested in seeing more photos visit my Flickr.com/itssokristi.

Next trip is Comic-Con, I'm SO super excited! In the mean time it'll be trying to get re-focused at work. Three day weekend next weekend will be so welcomed. Funny how you take time off, but then want more...

I'm really wanting to blog more frequently, but find it so hard to sit and focus on it after working so much. Maybe sometimes I'll find a balance...

I Need More Time!!!

2011-05-21T07:26:00.001-07:00

So I wake up this morning next to, yes, to the man of my dreams. The fuzzy one in my arms...the people one I snuggle up against every night. How did I get so lucky? I'm having a "I love my life" moment these last two days. I look back at what I thought my life would be like when I grew up and never did I imagine it this way. Going with my man on Friday the 13th to get a new tattoo then head over to a burlesque show. Finding myself at a bank, refinancing my new car (no cosigner, a great credit score, all by myself). Talking to the loan officer about what I need to do to buy a house. I NEVER thought I'd be able to do these things. And yet here I am, and things are happening. GREAT things. I'm sitting here in my craft room, the sun is out. Fuzzies are on the balcony, Boo is snoozing in bed, and I'm typing up a blog before I get to see two of my favorite clients (a yellow lab and a bug/chiuaua mix with a face only a mother (and his petsitter) could love). Yes, I couldn't really have dreamed up a better plan.

So what have I been up to lately besides joining america in a life of debt?! LOL. I've been working, a lot. I absolutely love my job, but damn it runs me to the ground some days. I could be there 24/7 and still have work to do. It's nuts. And, at my job, when you're good at what you do, people take notice and ask you to do more. I'm ready for vacation!

Speaking of vacation. I'm going to Walt Disney World....with my DAD! I NEVER thought the day would come where I was spending a week with my Pops. I'm so excited. Of course I'm excited for the obvious, a week in Disney World, visiting the Harry Potter Park (seeing a whore!), but I'm also excited to spend time with a family that I don't really know, but love. Definitely stoked about that.

I also talked to my Gramma this week. Sometimes it's a hard call to make, since I've removed myself from that side of the family all in an effort to keep my life pure and drama free (well, as drama free as a normal life is). But it sucks when I can't talk to her. I do love her, I just can't deal with the company she keeps. Anyway, it was nice to talk to her. Had to find out about some family medical history (don't worry, I'll be here for years to come!). It was interesting to learn more about the women on the maternal side.

Speaking of women...I went to my first PBWC (Professional Business Women Conference) a couple of weeks ago at the Moscone Center. I listened to Jackie Speier, Lee Woodruff, the CEO of Myspace and a couple of other speak. They were SO inspiriting. I'm thankful that I have a job that sends me to these things! I was so inspired that I've decided it's finally time to go back to school and finish up my bachelor's degree. And lucky for me, I have a job that will pay for it! What's up!

Last thing I feel like I need to do is follow up with the Doc to see about a final surgery since my gastric bypass - skin removal. I don't know why I procrastinate so much. But now, it's time. I would love to see this extra skin gone...probably squeeze me down a size or so. But even so I'm so happy to be the size I am vs. the size that I was.

Today I hope to get some scrappy goodness done. Maybe post a few pics of layouts. Watch some girly movies while my boo is out playing with the boys. We'll see if I end up cleaning house instead. LOL. I hope everyone out there is doing well. Its hard for me to get on here and update my blog, but I think about it all the time. Oh please, can we get more time in a day?

Some Scrappy Goodness & Wishlist Update

2011-03-14T17:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, as per the usual I haven't posted in a while. Just always seems like so much is going on and so when it's not I veg. With the shift in life and switch in priorities the blog is definitely at the bottom of the list. But, I like knowing it's here and knowing I can come back to it at any time and it's still waiting for me.

Anyway, I was thinking the other day about a blog I posted way back...in 2009. It was a wishlist of things that I wanted. Lately I've been thinking about how fortunate I've been. Yes, things were bad, really bad....but out of it so much good. I wanted things, material things, and out of the list of 10 things I have 8 of them. Things that I've worked hard for. Things that I'm proud of. Speaking of these things....one of them was a new camera! Fulfilled a several years dream of getting a new Nikon digital SLR and lens. I also got her some accessories (filters, remote). So, I have the feeling you'll be seeing me post more with more photos. Proof of a good life. :)

So on to the scrappy goodness. Marie and I scrapped together at Our Paper Place this weekend where I started/finished these guys:

Here are some other things I've worked on this year (apparently I'm on an 8.5 x 11 kick):

A couple of weekends ago I went to the Anaheim Scrapbook Expo with my friend Liz. We went to a crop and spent lots of money. Thing about being out of the loop was that the "old" stuff was pretty "new" to us. I'm definitely stocked up on bling and alpha stickers.

That was our crop table. You can see more pics on my flickr.
The day after the expo Jarid and I did some exploring, going to Venice Beach, Melrose (Kid Robot, what up!)

Anywho....off to some crafting. If anyone is following some really great blogs these days leave me a link to them. Being out of the loop I don't know who is "in" and who isn't these days!

I Did It

2011-02-01T23:12:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it myself, but I've finished a layout AND I even like it. Of course, not a chance I'm going to post it tonight. A great way to end the day though. Had kind of a tough one. Was hard to get focused at work, had errands to run after work, finally got home and crashed for an hour. Guess it was just what I needed. Feels good to create something, especially now that I have a dedicated scrap space that can stay creatively messy all the time!

I didn't start the photo 365 project this year, and I don't know that I'm unhappy about that. It's my birthday month so I think I will try and take a photo a day at least for February. The problem is that I hate my camera. I've been complaining about it forever and a day, and should just buy a new one, but it's a good chunk of change to upgrade! Awe, someday.

Otherwise things have been moving right along. Hard to believe I've been at my job a year in May (as an official employee). Time is flying, I wish it would slow down. Gonna be 33....like when did I leave my 20s?! I like where I am for time to be speeding up...I wanna enjoy it. Well, I do enjoy it....but ya know what I mean? Anywho I'm looking forward to celebrating my birthday this weekend with an eclectic group of friends. Trying something a little different which I'll post about later. (You know, pathetic stalkers and all, don't want their obsessive can't get over me asses crashing a party they're not invited to...EVER.) So yea....lol!

So maybe stay tuned, if you so have the patience, and I'll post all the layouts I've done since my last posted layouts....it's been a while. Kay, night.

Focus

2011-01-04T10:14:00.000-08:00

Okay so this year....I have so much I want to do. I want to be better, to do better, to accomplish, to achieve, to expand (just not in lbs) and to generally work on me. So, how do I get those done? FOCUS. Is it not appropriate to make my one little word FOCUS? Well, I think it is, lol. After debating for oh, half a day, I decided to join Ali once again this year in picking a word for 2011. I need to focus. I've got an amazing man in my life, a great job, and things are just generally good so now it's time to focus on that good, and make things even better. Ideas are in the works...goals that I won't post here (psycho stalkers!) and just general fun stuff that I need to get back to, like photography and scrapbooking and spending time with friends. (That means you Swizz!) I think weekend trips to So Cal are definitely in order...along with PJs all day long while locking myself in the craft room. Some days spent exploring new and old places with my camera....not to mention getting a new camera....definitely on the to-do for Q1 this year.

Side note: as I'm writing this I get distracted and start diddling on Facebook. Work a little. Then say "oh yea, I need to finish my post". See why my word is focus????

So anyway. I look forward to blogging more, scrapping more, getting ahead and just generally getting my shit together. I miss you blogging world!

December Daily: Day Eleven

2010-12-12T09:27:00.000-08:00

Went to the Bazaar Bizarre Holiday Show. Was definitely worth the time it took to find parking, lol. Super cute stuff. There's a lot of talent out there. Insipiring.

December Daily: Day Ten

2010-12-12T09:16:00.000-08:00

Leaves. A lot of them. There's no tip toe-ing into our neighborhood. The leaves are so pretty I adore them. Sometimes they sound like rain when they fall. It's romantical. Blurry from the lack of light, but you get the idea.

December Daily: Day Nine

2010-12-12T09:11:00.000-08:00

Counting down the days. A lot of work these days. Can't wait until work breaks for the holiday. Trying to track folks down. Same ol same ol.

December Daily: Day Eight

2010-12-09T20:45:00.000-08:00

Not a lot going on these days other than working and trying to craft. Photos getting a little boring but the weekend looks promising. Fuzzy kid no. 1 here. Must get a pic of my fuzzy kid no. 2 this month as well. Hard to photograph an all black cat. I've done it before though. Really want a new camera. Might cave. Guess we'll see. Night night.

Until Tomorrow.

December Daily:Day Seven

2010-12-08T20:59:00.001-08:00

King Kong ain't got nothing on me! Sleepies. Need to not stay up late when working the next morning, even in the name of crafting. But making progress. Love our empty frames and birdcage duvet cover. We so cool.

Yea, I'm tired today too, lol. Night night.

December Daily: Day Six

2010-12-07T11:57:00.000-08:00

Finally got my craft on. Started my first ever banner which will hang at work. Hopefully I'll finish it Day Seven. Kodi can't go too long without attention. I can't go too long without a computer. And Jarid? He's content with WOW and Discovery Channel. Shopping for Slacks, dinner at Red Robin....it was a great end to the day.

Until Tomorrow.

December Daily: Day Five

2010-12-06T08:40:00.000-08:00

Today was a chill day. Decorated the tree. Purged Christmas decorations. Two and a half bins ready to leave forever. Crafted. Blocks were so easy to make and so very cute in my oh so humble opinion. Frank Koz!k now in our lives forever. Thanks for the new obsession Boo.

For inquiring minds. The wood blocks were ridiculously simple. Bought the blocks from Michael's ($1.29ea). Used Pebbles, Inc. foam stamps and white acrylic paint. Stamped each block with a letter and wah lah. Can't take full cred for the idea though. I was inspired by the craft bazaar we attended at Urban Bazaar in SF. (Give cred where cred is due!).

Until tomorrow.

December Daily: Day Four

2010-12-05T22:54:00.000-08:00

Today was a great day. Spent in the city. Craft Bazaar. Kid Robot. Squat & Gobble. Fiserman's Warf. Pier 39. Ending the night at home. A real home. All wonderful.

Until Tomorrow.

December Daily: Day Three

2010-12-04T22:27:00.001-08:00

Boring. Work. More work. Frustration. Overtime. Gave up. New ATM card. Drive home. Unwind. Take out our first ornament. One of the two wood robots from Pacifica's year round Christmas Store. Home. Love. Weekend of decorating ahead.

Day four to be posted tomorrow. Definitely more interesting, lol. Night all!

December Daily: Day Two

2010-12-03T12:43:00.000-08:00

Day Two was a stressful day. Until Jarid picked me up. And we went to KidRobot and bought toys. Met the artist. Dinner at our fave taqueria. Easy drive home. Ended the day with putting up the tree. Kiss quota acheived. Love.

Until tomorrow.

December Daily: Day One

2010-12-02T16:19:00.001-08:00

Yep. I'm going to try it. I've missed my camera. A lot. Been so inundated with things to do both professionally and personally. So I've committed myself. December daily. Here we come.

I would say the photo pretty much says it all. Until tomorrow.

At Least It Hasn't Been an Entire Month

2010-07-11T23:18:00.001-07:00

Right? I mean, something has to be said for that....lol.

It's odd, now, having a job that takes so much time. I haven't felt so motivated to do a good job in pretty much any other office I've worked in. It feels great wanting to strive to be the best that I can. Although working with different personalities is a challenge, I've been enjoying working as a team. I finally work in an environment where my voice makes a difference. Where making my own decisions is actually encouraged...and where I don't have to worry about making a mistake (which isn't frequent, for the record, lol).

This weekend we didn't really have any set plans. I headed to Scrapbook Depot on Friday night and cropped with Suzy & Michelle. I've been going every Friday for the last three weeks and I love it. I get to spend some times with the girls, and I get dedicated scrap time...actually getting ish done. Right now I'm working on a mini album....which will be entitled something like...Gagariffic...because it's a book of me and Jarid. I finally get to use all the lovey dovey embellishments that I've been accumulating over the years.

Saturday I took a long drive out to Brentwood to check out Art Inspired, a new scrap store. Allison from Hambly was there and I did a couple of her make and takes. Love Hambly. The store was great. A perfect size with newer product. I liked the way the store was set up, and the cool little bar they had going on in the make and take area. I just wish it could be closer...the hour and a half drive was a bit far. I enjoyed it though.

Sunday was out of routine for us. We went to the first showing of Despictable Me (which was awesome, anyone know where to find toys???) After we did some walking around...at Talbot's! Talbot's is a fun little toy store in San Mateo. Jarid picked up a dinosaur to excavate (pictures to come) and I picked up Bullseye for my desk at work. We've got our eye on this cool robot that they sell there...in time...lol. We enjoyed lunch at North Beach Pizza (Jarid's first time). I'm so happy to be eating red meat again...it's delish!!!!

Got home today and Farmvilled, Frontiervilled, watched Harry Potters...while boo played with his new toy. I'm seriously not happy that the weekend is over...it's going to be another busy week of work work work. But, all that hard work and overtime will be worth it when I'm driving a shiny new car, right?

Well it is 1130PM....and I do have to be up early...so I guess that means I have to give in to going to bed. Good night sweet world.

Layouts!

2010-06-28T15:54:00.000-07:00

Yes yes, here are some layouts that I've created over well, probably two months....

I have a couple more to post, but I need to take better photos of them. Anyway, not a wordy post. Hope you all are having a productive Monday. :)

This is my Goal

2010-06-23T15:31:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have them...but geezus where is the time to work on them....

Here is my goal....

Get on another design team so I get motivated (and challenged!) to scrap on a regular basis.

To start blogging more frequently! I miss you guys!

To edit my photos more quickly, so I can print them and scrap them and post them!

Do we see a theme here, I miss the scrap world! It's not that I don't have the time, but I don't have the time! It's crazy being "married"....and having a job that actually requires a majority of my time. Oh yea, did I tell you guys? I'm employed! I am a regular full time employee now, and I couldn't be happier! So yea, as I was saying before my quality life has definitely increased. And now, it's time to fill up the little pieces of the puzzle de life, hahaha. I'm a dork....but yea, if you've been following my blog I guess you already know that.

Here's what I was up to this weekend....

Jarid's sister, brother in law and uncle came up on Thursday and of course I had to introduce them to Finn's! We went to Karaoke night. A little bit of drama while we were there but nothing that couldn't be shrugged off. And, I even sang! Woot woot!

Me and Jarid

Crystal & Jason

Dallas & Uncle Mel (sweet Uncle Mel!)

Rick & Ed

Friday night we had dinner at Celia's (delish!) and chilled. I have a new found appreciation for spending a night at home with nothing on the agenda!

Saturday we spent in prison...okay okay, it's a closed prison, but a must-see tourist attraction, Alcatraz!

Here's a photo, of a photo, lol!

(remember that goal....I'll have more photos updated on my Flickr (itssokristi) account soon.

Sunday Dallas and Rick flew back to Chicago. A quick direct flight home for them....Ah Chicago, one day we'll meet again...

Monday was back to work day....and there was definitely work to be done. I can't believe how ridiculously busy it is here. BUT, I'm not complaining. I like having a job where they actually need me here, where they value my opinion and where they are open to change and to listening to my ideas. Very happy camper. And on that note I'll wrap up my last 15 minutes of the day here and head home to my boo for some quality time....well, quality time while I scrapbook I hope, hahaha! Hope you're not reading boo!

Today is Mother's Day

2010-05-09T16:47:00.000-07:00

Normally, we would spend mother's day at my Grandma's house. We would have whatever it was that my Gramma would want....while my mom would complain about how it was her day too and it sucked that we had to eat/do what my Gramma wanted to do. Now that the "family" is in shambles, there is no more tradition for me. Since neither of them want a relationship with me, I have no invititations to be anywhere particular today. Instead, I got to spend it with my boo, doing whatever it is we want. We chose to see Iron Man 2 (which was pretty awesome, thanks Sunday Matinee!) After meeting up with MJ (yum, starbucks soy hot chocolate) we drove around Hillborough a bit so I could show Jarid some of the homes there and then we came home. Some wii was on the agenda (like I didn't play enough last night, lol), along with some left over game night food and soon on the list, some scrapping. Absolutely love my Sunday's. Hmmm....I think I just got side tracked...and in the best of ways. So to all those that have a good relationship with your kids....or your parents, please cherish them. Don't take them for granted. Not everyone has a mom they can call up. Last time I saw my mom she was walking out of a motel....and never will I have a conversation with her again.....so call your mom's and wish her a happy mom's day....

Before I Go Home...

2010-04-29T16:25:00.000-07:00

Yep, still at work...thought I'd take the last few minutes to post....really quick! I have some GREAT news to share, but will have to wait until next week...and it's NOT scrap related, lol. Just another fantastic step in life...teehee.

So, here's a few photos from my Week in the Life....(and yes, I actually missed two days, super slacker!)

Thursday, 4/22

Just another typical day at work...

But then Jason asked us if we wanted to bowl....and since we were in Pacifica it was only fitting that we met up with Michelle, Dan and Jenna at Taco Bell...which we started with an impromptu photoshoot....good times...

Then we met up with Crystal and Jason at SeaBowl...yay for cheap nights that are super fun! Hammerhead Shark!!!!

Friday, 4/23: LAME, didn't take any pictures...how could I not take pictures on a Friday night?! AND, why can't I remember what I did?! Oh, maybe because I didn't take pictures, lol!

Saturday, 4/24....was an awesome day! We met up with Michelle and Dan and headed to Pier 39/Fisherman's Warf...destination Musee Mecanique for the photo booths! Black and white film yo....life is good....

Dan was a pooper head so no Dan....lol!

Sunday, 4/25...we decided to conquer a long-waiting task in the bedroom....then headed to the flea market...where the mannequins are strange looking with HUGE asses...it was hot and called for not one but TWO icees!

And Monday, 4/29....the last day I took photos....We got tix from Crystal for the Giant's game, woot!!!

Mmmmmm HOT DOGS!!!!!!!!

Okay so if you want to see more photos visit MY FLICKR....I still have a ton to post from our mini-shoot at the beach last Tuesday....I have a ton of photos to post just in general from this year it's reeeeedunkadunk. Let's not talk about how much I haven't scrapped this year.....lol.

Anyway glad to see you guys are still visiting me, teehee! Be back soon!!!!!

Where Have I Been?!

2010-04-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

I've been the worst blogger...in fact, I've been the worst at getting back in to a routine since I started prepping for my move back to the Peninsula. I feel like time is whipping by. Sometimes I wish I could stop time, just to sit back and breath for a minute, lol.

Life has been really good to me. I'm still working a great job...even as a temp (contractor for a year if I don't get something sooner....which is in the works!) I'm making a great salary and am finally able to do the things that I want to do. I don't have a commute anymore which has given me at least two hours back in the day. I have an amazing boyfriend. I never thought I'd find someone that makes me as happy as he does. We have a very healthy, loving relationship and feed each others needs equally. So in love! As I'm getting more settled in my new apartment with my boo I'm starting to make more time for friends (thank goodness they're so patient!) and more cuddle time with my fuzzy kids. What I need to make more time for is scrapbooking and photography....My scrap closet is a mess!!!!

So anywho....with MJ's suggestion I have started Ali's week in the life. I'm finding it hard to use my camera so much again....but I started weakly yesterday. Well actually just before bed on Tuesday, lol.

So here goes....

Tuesday, 4/20...

For the first time in our relationship Jarid crashed out before me. I stayed up till around 11:15PM on Tuesday editing pictures and watching girlie movies while he fell asleep around 9:00PM watching Heroes (yes, I have him hooked!) When I turned off the lights in the living room and headed to the bedroom I saw that the room was red....Heroes had ended and the screen had gone to Netflix's home screen...RED...

Wednesday, 4/21...

Every morning I wake up with him....it was cute as I was getting ready to leave seeing two of my favorite boys resting it up. Kisses and see you after work!

I made a quick use-what-we've-got dinner. Egg noodles, classico alfredo sauce and peas. Garlic bread with yogart butter, minced garlic and parm broiled in my handy dandy toaster oven. Glad to have it....now that we're living without a microwave. (Crazy right, who doesn't have a microwave?!) We're just cool like that, lol.

Chillin on the couch, watching 13 going on 30 and editing photos on my flickr.

A new concept for me....our heater faces the front door/entry way but doesn't heat the rest of the house. When Jarid first suggested the fan to "rotate the hot air" I thought he was off....a little, lol. When I think of a fan I think of hot summer days and using the fan to cool off....but he was right! It usually heats the bedroom more than the living room but at least it uses the heat wisely....and the shoes....not sure about the shoes. Jarid is OCD when it comes to putting his shoes away. He really was tired! LOL.

Okay guess that's it for now....I'll have more to share later. :)

Moved & Sick

2010-03-10T21:04:00.000-08:00

Ugh, so many things that I want to do....like scrapbook and taking photos and getting my place settled....and here I am leaving work early to sleep...because I'm sick. Damnit getting sick. I would tell people NOT to go to work sick, but now that I'm working as a consultant I don't get paid sick time, so I'm going to work sick....ugh, lol. Anyway just wanna say I'm still here, and when I get better and this place gets put together I'll be sharing photos of my retro kitchen/bathroom....hopefully sometime before the end of the month I'll have photos of a new couch....maybe some photos of some fun friend time...and some new photos of my boo and I...because we need to start having some fun! Moving is sooooo butt and takes so much time and effort I feel like I've lost the last couple of weeks. I miss my friends!!!! UGH! Okay so anyway end pity party and I'll see y'all soon!

Punk Bitch

2010-02-18T15:46:00.000-08:00

I got a copy of this CD about three years ago when I was working in Brisbane for MySpace....oh the days of perks like hearing music before the rest of the world does....*sigh*. 3OH!3 is bomb to listen too no matter what mood I'm in....so enjoy my favorite of theirs....Punk Bitch....

Some People Just Don't Know How To Move Forward

2010-02-16T16:22:00.000-08:00

And some people do. I do find it interesting that you can run into someone after a long period of time, and you would think they'd have grown, learned something from life, but then after talking to them you realize they haven't. Some people go through something traumatic, whatever it may be, and they pull through it. They learn from their experience and become stronger, find their courage, find their voice. Others turn to means of numbing themselves from their experience, instead of learning from it they become weak, and feel the need to bring down everyone they can. They feel the need to lie, to hurt, to steal, to cheat, to blind themselves of the truth. They get so involved in their lies and their paranoia that they lose sight of the truth, of real life. I pity them. It's too bad they need to live in such a negative atmosphere that they miss out on all the good. It's too bad they could have had a second chance, but instead they throw insults, they think putting others down makes them feel better. You know what makes me feel better? Giving someone a compliment, giving them a hug, telling them that you love them, giving them the shirt of your back because you know they need it more than you. What else makes me feel good? STANDING UP FOR MYSELF. Saying what needs to be said. Nothing that comes out of my mouth will I regret because I know that I'm true to me, and true to the people I love. It makes me sad to see people lost, but makes me happy to see that I was not sucked in. And because I wasn't I'm so fortunate to have found myself again and found so much LOVE and ACCEPTANCE. I truly believe that because I've gotten out of that negativity that I've found love, true love, a love like I've never had before; friendships that have blossomed into a closeness I never thought I could have....a self confidence that I have been able to accomplish so much on my own. And I'm sure that it makes some people uncomfortable, makes them react in negative ways. But no matter what they say about me or try to do to me it won't work. I will prevail and good always wins over evil. Maybe someday you'll see the light, and if you don't fuck up too miserably, you'll even have a chance to redeem yourself. I see it unlikely at this point, but I wish you the best of luck.

Wizard of Oz

2010-01-28T10:23:00.001-08:00

Just a quick layout to share, with more pictures of layouts to post....I swear I'm always behind with something! I used the current sketch over at Sketch This, found here: Sketch This #96. I started a December Daily way before Christmas even came around, but haven't really added a ton since then. I figure it's just something I'll work with as I'm inspired and won't worry too much about needing it to be finished. I"m SO behind with 2009 photos it's ridiculous! Anyway, thanks for looking!

Already a Busy Year

2010-01-26T16:38:00.000-08:00

It's crazy how fast this year is flying by. I mean rent is due next week, like February, already, really? Slow it down yo! Next week I'll be 29, plus 3, lol. It's hard to believe it's been a whole year since I turned 31.....And, my brother turns 18 tomorrow, I want to know when THAT happened. I'm bummed that I've missed almost a year of a relationship with him, but hopefully we'll reconnect in the future. I love him lots and wish him the bestest of days tomorrow.

So....had a jam packed weekend this weekend, it was awesome! I've been DYING to go to Disneyland for months, and, well, I finally went! Yippee!! Jarid and I went to California Adventure and Disneyland on Saturday...it was SOOOOO much fun. It was my first time to CA Adventure, and even though a lot of the park was closed I still had a blast. Tower of Terror was my absolute favorite, with the main coaster as my close runner up. Soarin' was pretty neat too, and we even caught the bugs life show...see our nifty glasses, lol.

(I can't believe I'm listening to Paula Abdul's "Straight Up" while I'm writing this....uh, and I can't believe I'm telling the world, lol!!!)

Disney was a lot of fun too, even though a ton of stuff was closed...like Splash Mountain, Big Thunder, Small World....but that didn't stop us from having a blast. We went on Indiana Jones, Pirates of the Carribean, and, um, why can't I remember the rest?! Seriously good times. It's amazing to share a place like that with someone you care about. Makes all the difference in the world. :)

Speaking of someone you care about.....I spent Sunday at CHA with my Swizz!

I got to see the ScrapGals and spend time with Kelly checking out all the new products. I took snapshots of a ton of the layouts posted in hopes of being inspired when I finally get to sit down and scrap; you can check them out on my CHA Flickr Set. Feel free to leave me a comment, lol.

I was excited to meet a lot of Jarid's family, and to hang out with some familiar faces that I haven't seen in quite some time. I love my friends, seriously. Anyway, it's just about 5 and I've already been dilly dallying on the computer 20 minutes past my take off time so I'll leave you with that. I have some layouts to post from the Everything Scrappn crop the weekend before last so stay tuned for that. :)

Come Join Us!

2010-01-16T14:43:00.000-08:00

We're over here: everythingscrappn.ning.com chatting, scrapping, lifting....woot woot!

Everything Scrappn's First Online Crop!

2010-01-14T19:07:00.000-08:00

That's right, their first online crop starts tomorrow! There will be prizes, lifts, ideas, new techniques and girlie chatting and scrappin going on! So come join us.

This is where to go: everythingscrappn.ning.com. Feel free to to go take an early look and get yourself registered.

Here is a sneak peek of some of the projects I'll be hosting...but, just a peek!!!

I'll have another post for you tomorrow!

Yay for 2010

2010-01-02T10:57:00.000-08:00

Alright, trying to start the year on top of things....so....here's my first layout for 2010...

Tedi

I also started my 365 days of 2010 (AKA Photo a Day).

I spent my Tuesday cleaning house, because it's a ritual for me to want to start the new year with a clean home. The only area I didn't tackle was my scrap space...so that's what I worked on yesterday. Moving VERY slowly I got my desk space cleared created the layout above. Anyway, here's a photo of my space...

Today I decided to start the morning with soy hot chocolate and a couple of mint chocolate cookies. I used the glasses that I got from Mama Bev for the first time, and LOVE them.

Tonight I'm looking forward to enjoying some time with a lot of close friends. I'm excited for my boo to get home in a few days; it's ridiculous how much I miss him. Soon, soon...I hope everyone is enjoying their new year so far!

Last Post of 2009

2009-12-31T14:22:00.000-08:00

Post #16 of this blog, and it's the last for the year 2009. This year has been wicked crazy....but because it was, it only means that things can continue to get better! I'm at work, so this will be a short entry in the files called Kristi....

Just want to wish everyone a very happy & safe new year's eve....and a wonderfully filled new year, with lots of LOVE, happiness, companionship, friends and family. :)

2010 Word

2009-12-28T14:18:00.000-08:00

So every year for the last two years I've started out with a word for the year, from the inspiration from Ali Edwards. This year was FUN, I was going to do my best to have FUN this year despite all of the setbacks with losing family, having my car stolen, losing my job, being broke, etc. And for the most part, I succeeded. See....?

I went to CHA in Anaheim with ScrapGal.

I did a lot more "for fun" shooting this year. Being behind the camera is one place I truly feel at home. (Photo taken at SFMOMA)

Celebrated my birthday at a Taqueria with fabulous friends.

I got us free drinks by telling everyone it was Sandy's 21st birthday.

I saw a life sized Transformer.

Went to Elmer's Bottle Cacti with two of my bestest friends.

Dragged them to the first ever Del Taco in Barstow.

Reconnected with old friends.

Made new friends.

Went to three Giant's games.

Went to two Niner's games.

Saw Rob Thomas in concert, who surprised us with a closing including Santana. Not to mention all the other concerts I went to this year. (David Cook, Buckcherry, Nickelback...to name a few anyway)

Went to Six Flags TWICE this year, or, was it three times?

Spent my first holiday ever with the Lewis'.

Went to Arata's Hay Maze with great friends.

Fell in love.

Just to name a few...lol. So I mozied on over to Ali Edwards blog, and she's posted her word for 2010. Immediately when I saw her post I knew what I wanted my word to be for 2010. LOVE. I've experienced new sorts of LOVE this year, and hope to surround myself with LOVE, and to give back as much LOVE as I can. I came to realize that it's not really an easy word for me to use, and I have a hard time believing when other people use it. I've decided to let go, and let the LOVE in, and to give LOVE out, unconditionally. I LOVE the people in my life and I want them to know it. 2010, can you feel the LOVE?

Such a Bad Blogger

2009-12-21T10:07:00.001-08:00

Seriously, I try to keep up....but but but....okay so where was I...Hmmm, looking at my last written post I was going to a Niner's game...getting my hair did....working a temp job...wow, how things can change in a month...

Life has really picked up in the most positive way. My rent was lowered for the second time this year...I've been working a new job for the last three weeks. A year-long contract supporting HR at a great company. Good pay, and I don't have to pay for parking! This job is going to give me options that may get me out of the admin role, which I'm actually excited about. Not having to worry about finances like I have been is an amazing change of pace for me, and I'm hoping that I remember all my mistakes and learn from them. I've already taken the first step on improving my credit! Can I get a what what?!

So anyway....here are some things that I've been up to over the past month or so...

I did a layout...lol. Yes, just one, I'm lame! Hopefully with a week off from work and no distraction from my BF I'll get caught up on some layouts, lol!

Spent my first holiday ever with my Pops, Glenda and Joey and Glenda's fam bam. I felt really welcome, and it was great to experience a new holiday tradition. The food was scruptious!

Got to spend time with this lovely pup...okay, she's not REALLY a pup....but she has the energy of one. I really love spending time with Lucy, and her neighborhood is gorgeous.

I took some time out to go visit Sandy. Originally planned on a trip to Six Flags, but decided to go to Sutter's Mill and Placerville instead. It was a chill time just taking photos and chit chatting. I still have a bunch of photos to edit, but here are a couple.

Jarid and I went to see The Wizard of Oz on the big screen at Stanford Theater after a tasty meal from Gordon Biersch. Too bad we were SO exhausted and didn't make it through the whole move, we're old.

Well that's all the photos I have loaded right now. Still more to sort through, lots to do before Christmas comes around....which means I'll never get it all done...but, oh well! Oh yea, I went ice skating last week, for the 2nd time in my life. It was super fun though I played it safe hanging by the rail or holding on to Jarid. Maybe I'll get out there and do it more, I super enjoyed it. Anyway, perhaps I should get back to work.... :)

Yay for Layouts

2009-11-23T12:43:00.000-08:00

It's been too long, don't you think? Here are a few layouts I've been meaning to post....today is super scraptastic...and since I have a week between jobs and am renting a camera there will be more pics and layouts to share. :)

Did these two layouts at a crop with Marie and Crystal at Scrapbook Dreams in Stockton. My local scrap store closed a couple of months ago, and I like scrapping with other people because I get at least something done without the distractions of being home. So, when Marie started telling me about crops there I was muy excited! Anyway here are the layouts I did at the last crop...

So I HAD to have the American Crafts Halloween stuff....and was excited that I actually did stuff this Halloween. It's been a couple years since I've celebrated....This pic was my favorite out of the ones I took with Ethan. We went to a party in a college area, was interested to see all the young folks dressed up....and a reminder that I'm not in my 20s anymore, lol!

So maybe I'm a bit of an American Crafts addict....because I had to have this line too! The picture of MJ is from several month ago, been waiting to be scrapped for some time....whoops....The pic was taken with a fisheye lens, first time I've ever used one. I love how Dan is staring at her in the background....creepy guy, lol!!!

So a week before going to crop at Scrapbook Dreams, MJ and I went to crop at Scrapbook Depot. I was able to finish one layout and start another, but the second layout I did I just haven't felt like finishing. Maybe this week....here's the one I did finish...a layout with photos taken at MJ's friend Lisa's house...a wig party, it was fun fo sho.

Other than that I've been trying to catch up with Everything Scrappin's photo a day challenge for November. I've uploaded some of my files on my flickr account in my November 2009 set. Go check it out if you're interested. I've also, with inspiration from MJ and Ali Edwards, have started a december daily album. It's in an American Crafts 8x8 D-ring album, I'm super excited.

This year's holiday season is jam packed with new traditions, great friends, family and just new beginnings. I'm excited to get it all documented, to finally see everything picking up again. I'm extremely hopefully and have much faith again in life. I can't wait to share.... :) I'm so.....happy.

They're Only What They Think Of You

2009-11-06T14:39:00.001-08:00

Ah the week is coming to a close. It's been the first week in a few months were I've actually been working. A temp job, but still having to get up in the morning (like ew) and get ready and be somewhere. Clock in, clock out, clock in, clock out. I'll admit that though the job is so not demanding, especially compared to my last place of employment it is good to be out of the house and on some sort of schedule. My system is asking me what the fuck is going on, but I'll get used to it.

October was a fantastic month. I did a lot of fun activities with people who are special to me, and I've even been able to talk to my sisterwife more often, I miss that whore. I got to celebrate Halloween for the first time in a couple of years....and although I was in a funk at first, everyone's company was so fantastic that I actually felt rejuvinated.

I've been introduced to the idea that although you are born into a family, you chose who you get to be around, and you can chose your family....your family of the heart. I've come to realize that my friends have become my family, my family of the heart. (Cheesy at it sounds Swizz, you are my family too, sweet mama kelly) So being the month of Thanksgiving, the month where you reflect things you are gratful for....I'd like to thank all of my very supportive friends, who have been there for me over the past year (at least, right?). I've been crazy, so apart at the seems and all of you have been there for me. Big giant virtual hugs.....!!!

So uh yea, where did that come from?! I'm excited for the weekend. Kicking it off tonight with some scrapping goodness from my bestest, MJ at The Depot....Tomorrow it's a haircut and a comedy show and then...woot woot....the Niner's game! Yep, things are lookin good. :)

Love to Love Ya Baby

2009-10-31T13:39:00.000-07:00

Just sharing a couple of layouts. Still working on my 2007 Disney photos.....at least it's two more layouts done! It actually makes me want to go again, as if Halloween and Christmas isn't making me want to go enough.....Oh vacation....one day we'll meet again....one day when I've found a job and I have income other than unemployment .....Woah, where was I?! Oh yea...a couple of layouts...Happy Halloween Y'all!

I Got One Hand In My Pocket, And The Other One is Giving A Peace Sign

2009-10-27T15:29:00.000-07:00

Only for us the peace sign is equivalent to two thumbs up. Bwahaha.

I'm having a good day today, drinking hot chocolate, lounging in my yoga pants and a tee, watching movies like The Neverending Story and Frequency, and soon to start scrapbooking. I feel grateful today, hopeful. I feel like I have opportunity in front of me, and can't wait for all the pieces to come together. So this is a short entry into the Kristi Files, but I can't leave you without my latest layout. I went to Stockton the weekend before last to scrap with Marie at Scrapbook Dreams. Was great meeting new people, and bonus for me for getting a layout done!

I'll be back later to share my last couple of weekends with y'all. Because I just KNOW you're dying to know what I've been up to, lol! Happy Tuesday!!

If I Could Play God for a Day

2009-10-19T16:22:00.000-07:00

I would make people see truth. Not their truth, and not my truth, but truth as it is. They always say there are three sides to the story, your side, their side, and what actually happened. I'm tired of seeing and hearing sides, I want TRUTH. I feel extremely violated today. I want it all to end. Some people just don't know how to fucking fuck off. If I could play God for a day, she'd see that she's wrong, and has been wrong, and she would realize that staying away from the things I love would be the best for EVERYONE involved. She's about to ruin another relationship, again, and I'm pissed. Pissed is an understatement. If I could play God for a day I'd figure out a way to let these feelings of anger, bitterness, resentment, hostility, and every negetive fiber in my emotional baggage (fuck how do you spell that) just go away and never return. Every time I feel like moving forward something drops in my lap and sends me right back to those negetive energies. I could shove my fist through a wall right now I'm so angry. It's probably a good thing I don't have a job right now, and don't have to interract face to face with anyone, as sometimes I don't know how to direct my hostility. Whatever. Fucking bitch, I hate you. I'm going to clean house now.

A Few Layouts

2009-10-14T14:50:00.000-07:00

Here are the last few layouts I've done. I'm actually really happy with these three.....enjoy!

Did this one while scrapping with MJ a few weeks ago. I bought the Little Yellow Bicycle travel stuff ages ago but just hadn't put them to use.

This one was inspired by ScrapMojo's Latest Challenge. I thought the challenge was a perfect opportunity to scrap one of my fuzzy kids.

One of the great things about not being on a design team is all the time you have to just scrap what you want, lol. I've been hoarding my Looman paper forever, so finally I decided to use it....fun times...

I'm working on a couple of other layouts but I'm struggling with them. May have to set them aside and come back to them later...we'll see! Anyway, thanks for looking!

I'm a Bad Blogger

2009-10-05T15:21:00.000-07:00

Yea, how many blogs have I visited with the same blog title? LOL. I have been kind of a bad blogger. Finding a moment to sit down and just jot out some thoughts seems to be more challenging than it used to be. I can't quite figure out where all my time is going, but it seems to be successfully escaping me. I feel like since I went to bartending school in August, everything has been up and scattered. A bunch of puzzle pieces flung into the air, landing randomly on the ground, waiting to be put back together. Those puzzle pieces would be my life. I just don't have the box cover to refer to, to see what the big picture is...

I'm still looking for a job, although I'm not sure what I want it to be. Last week I finally started going from restaurant to restaurant in hopes that SOMEONE is looking for bartenders. I went to five restaurants last week, and another one today. I'll be visiting more this week. I do know that I really want the opportunity to work behind the bar, because I have a gut instinct that it's going to be the kind of work I really enjoy. However, it's no life-time career.

I had two interviews with Electronic Arts over the past two weeks, which ended up not being the fit for me. I was incredibly disappointed, but am trying to see it as a sign of things not meant to be. I've been pretty firm about not wanting to go back to an office job, and maybe this is just a nudge reinforcing that. I just don't know right now.

It feels to me that if I can find a job, that other things will start to fall into place as well. Waking up in the morning without a schedule or routine really is making me so lost, and having a place to be on specific days seems like it will make me sane. I guess I'll know when it happens. It's just hard for me right now, trying to figure it all out.

On top of that I'm still missing my brother, but knowing that the authorities are checking on the house he's living makes me more at ease that he's getting the care that he needs. Hopefully he knows I'm there for him, and will let me know if he needs me. Even though we haven't talked in some time, I think about him all the time, and he is truly the most important person in my life. Love that kid.

In the mean time I'm hanging out with friends, the friends that are accessable anyway. I've felt new friendships bloom, while other friendships seem to be falling through the cracks. I feel like the more I'm social, the more I miss my quiet days at home, spent cuddling with my fuzzy kids and watching reruns and DVR'd favorites. But there's no denying I've been having fun. I've been to a niner's game (make that two after Sunday!), three Giant's games, seen a ton of movies, tried new restaurants, spent fun times at Karaoke nights, tried new foods (bacon is good! hot dogs are good!), hung out with new people, and just finding out new things about myself.

So yes, I'm still here, still kickin it, still finding myself, finding my "balance", looking for a job.....looking for my purpose. Tomorrow is going to be a chores/scrapping day for me, with the exception of a dr's appt and an open interview in the evening. Wednesday will be a night of developing black and white prints...Thursday will be more job searching. Hopefully soon I'll have some crafty stuff to post....

Finally, Motivation has Arrived!

2009-09-14T18:46:00.000-07:00

I got so much accomplished today, it felt great! I knew I wanted to wake up this morning and immediately exercise, but I didn't expect that I'd actually do it! Now, I only worked out for 25 min, but it gave me the motivation to get in the shower and start tackling my to-do list all before 11am. Normally, I'm barely rolling out of bed by that time! I was able to work on my resume, did some job searching, worked on flyers, cleaned house, listened to music, cooked dinner....and now it's almost 7pm and I feel okay relaxing. I think time is finally moving forward, and I'm ready! I hope that I can keep the motivation going.....

So here are some things I've been up to lately....we'll go most recent first...

Sunday I watched the Giant's beat the Dodgers....

Friday I watched the Giant's lose miserably to the Dodgers....

Last Tuesday I saw David Cook perform at the Fillmore....

Two weeks ago I saw Nickelback, Papa Roach, Hinder and Saving Abel perform at the Sleep Train in Wheatland....

Okay that's it for now. I've been working on a mini album for about ever now and I hope to get that finished this week. When I do, it'll be posted!!! I have so many pictures to order too....so much to scrap....and I really want to get back to my journal like scrapbooking.....Good night y'all and happy Monday!

Another Day

2009-08-31T13:52:00.001-07:00

This last week I've been missing my brother a lot. I'm not used to going so long without communication, and I finally broke down and sobbed today. I miss him so much. It's so frustrating not being able to explain to him the garbage he's being fed (in addition to regular dinners of spam and hot pockets). I sent him an email today, to let him know that I'm here for him, that I love him, that I miss him. He's so angry....very angry. I don't blame him. If I listened to the bullshit that my mom fed me I'd be angry at everyone else but those responsible too. Not much I can do at this point, and it's such a powerless feeling. I want to shake him, tell him that she's wrong, that his father is wrong, that their druggie roommate is wrong, that being an alcoholic, a drug addict, is not COOL. I just hope that I can continue to remind him that I love him as if he came from my own womb, and hope that he finds his path. David Cook sings a song, Come Back To Me, and every time I hear it I think of my little bro. I just hope he finds his path before it's too late.

One Step Down, Lots More to Go

2009-08-26T16:12:00.000-07:00

Alright well it's official. I have graduated from bartending school. Now, it's time to find a job as a bartender. I'm really excited as I think it's a job that I will really enjoy. I'll get to be around people that are out to have a good time, get to listen to music, get to be out of the house....and now I know tons of drinks! It's super cool knowing what's in all the drinks and knowing how to make them. It's funny the different way you see things when you know the behind the scenes, lol. I really am excited now about moving forward with a new way of life. I really DON'T want to work in an office again, so we'll see how it goes.

On top of that this is the time I'll take to focus my energy into building up my petsitting business. Having my car stolen put a screeching halt to my plans, made me very bitter and stressed, and I just haven't been myself for almost two months. Well after some fun karaoke on Sunday I feel rejuvinated and ready to get back on track. Kristi's PetSitting, here it comes!

Other than that I've gone back to school. Once again taking photography, this time both color and black & white. I'm hoping this will also start to be a huge part of my "new me". Tonight is my first night back in the darkroom and I'm hoping I will remember all of the steps of developing prints, since my BFF won't be with me tonight! Hopefully this weekend I'll get some creative mojo and go take some photos. We'll see.

If my life can be filled with people, good music, photography and animals then I'll be one happy human. I really can't imagine anything better, as they are all my passions, the things that make me who I am. Anyway, I guess I'll get to work on Vee's Delight workshop project so I have something to photograph for y'all later!

Where Has The Time Gone?

2009-08-23T10:18:00.001-07:00

Seriously, I seem to have lost an entire week and a half, where has it gone?! I started going to school this week which I'm excited AND nervous about. Exploring a new venue that's really outside the last 10 years of my working life. Headed back to my black and white film photography class too, which I'm also nervous and excited about. It has been several years since I've done any film work and I'm worried I'll forget the process. I know my homie MJ will help me out though. Hoping that it's like riding a bike, once you know it, you know it.

Other than that, I've been hanging out with friends. The days, when not structured with routine, seem to kind of flow by aimlessly. A lot of the time I won't even know what day of the week it is. I've been reading a lot when I can. Currently on the fourth installment of the Twilight saga. I'm eager to finish it up and move on to new stories. I forget how much I enjoy reading. If only I could be more patient! Time Traveler's wife is up next....and not sure what I'll read after.....I should be done with one set of classes on Thursday which will open up more time for reading so we'll see how it goes.

So here are some photo stories of what I've been up to....

Had a "Before the Summer's Over" BBQ, biggest turnout I've ever had over here, lol.

Checked out the Fremont Festival. Super cool hand crafted items. This one booth had jewelery made out of old typewriter keys, which was really neat. This is one of the largest street fairs I've been to, and it was awesome to be able to walk to it!

Visited the Hambly warehouse.

Cropped with MJ

Finally played games with cool peeps at Dave & Busters.

Got my new computer.

Went to a new club, Mr. Smith's.

Saw Greenday for the THIRD time. They are always amazing. (Yes, that's toilet paper)

Went to Kareyoke (spelling?) night.

And last night it was all about the Niner's kickin some Raider's ass!!

So that's it for now. I'm hoping to get some cleaning done today, and some scrap time in. Have some massive studying to do as well....gotta love prepping for a week to come. :)

It Was a Debate

2009-08-10T20:34:00.000-07:00

Over the last seven months I've been back and forth with the idea of starting a new blog. My original blog "itssokristi" has been my online space for several years, since the peak of blogging in scrapbooking. I posted about anything from future plans, goals to scrapbooking, to nothingnesses. I'm not very good at keeping a written journal, but found an outlet on my blog. It was a little virtual space for me to go to vent about randomness, about my feelings, about my scrap pages, about whatever really. Then last year I found out my mom was cheating on my dad. And since then, things with her and her minions have spiraled out of control.

I went back and forth with the idea of posting it on my blog, did I really need the Internet world to know this much information about me, about my life, about the things I was going through? Then, people, family, demanded I take my blog down. That I alter my life, for her. For someone who had betrayed me so. Who had irreparably hurt me. Who has made me a completely different person than I was. I was bitter, I was angry, and I was rebellious. The more they demanded I take it down, the more information I wanted to share with the world. The more I wanted to tell the whole world everything that I was going through. I felt, alone. It was unfair that I had to alter so much of myself for a person so evil. And for a minute, I did.

For several months my blog has been stalked by ex girlfriends, ex friends, and most importantly ex family. I've been forced not to post anything really worth reading. Some layouts, some photos, but nothing too in depth, nothing that personal. It's almost become more of a chore than a fun outlet for me. Maybe fun isn't the right word, maybe outlet is sufficient. So today I decided, to start a new blog. I need a place for me. And this is it.

Welcome to "The Kristi Files".