Slacker?

I have been just awful at posting on this blog lately, but life has been truly crazy! Between spending as much time with Johnathan as possible now that he is home, outings with my Little Sister, my new job - which has me much busier during the day - all of the daily sturm and drang of life and my new business venture, I rarely even have time to think about this blog, much less write a post proof-read it 5 times, post it, proof read it a couple more times, edit it because I'm just not satisfied, repost it and then sit and think about it it for another half hour...yes that is usually my process when I blog.

But what I want to talk about today is the new business venture mentioned above. Whatever loyal readers I have may remember my post back in December about doing a photo shoot for a coworker. Well, things have really been progressing since then and I am now officially Constance Elyse Photography! You can also check out my Facebook Fan Page here. I have not yet decided if I want to start including personal blogs over there or keep things separate and try to be more active over here.

For now, here is a picture of Alivia in the bluebonnets. They are moving back to Texas in July and I absolutely cannot wait to have them close again!

The Past Month In Photos

I was leaving for New York the next day, so on the 13th Johnathan sent me an edible arrangement instead of flowers that would wither and die in my absence. It was delicious and thoughtful and enjoyed by me and my coworkers.

For Valentines Day, I had a date with my three favorite ladies (Mom, Erin and Alivia) to see Sesame Street Live: Elmo Makes Music.

Alivia was very excited when she saw her favorite giant furry friends on the stage!

Just had to throw in this adorable shot in her Valentine's outfit. She'd torn open a box of candy conversation hearts and was sitting on the floor trying to scoop them up before they got taken away.

Then we headed to Massachusetts. We found a really good restaurant near our hotel for sushi. Yum!

Alivia enjoyed the edamame.

How cute is she in her snow suit and boots?

We went tubing the first day. Don't worry, mom did not take out any small children in the process.

Erin and I skied, while Mom and Alivia spent the days shopping.

Love the slopes!

Unfortunately, while we were in Massachusetts, mom's beloved dog, Karma, got out and was hit by a car. It was a devastating ending to a fun trip and we'll all continue to miss her terribly.

Isn't my sister beautiful?

The day after I got back to Texas Johnathan came home for good! We've just been spending as much time as possible together.

Also, I turned 24. Laura brought this delicious red velvet Keller cake.

All-in-all, it has been an awesome month!

Slow Moving Vehicle

I have got a TON of catching up to do with all that has been going on in the past few weeks, but that is not going to happen tonight, so I'm posting a random picture I took this weekend. Enjoy!

You Can Flick Your Friends

I joined Flickr! My photostream is small at the moment, but I'll keep adding. I highly encourage you to check it out regularly and comment on my pictures. I LOVE feedback!

No Explanation Necessary

BFF Party at Birds

Free mini cupcakes
+
Open bar
+
Karaoke with Rebecca Havemeyer
+
Half-priced haircut
=
Good Time Had by All!

I have always been amazed by the sky. I cannot see a sunrise, sunset or interesting cloud formation without taking a moment or two to stare in awe of the beauty in our world.

I was at Johnathan's parents' house this afternoon and when I turned out of their driveway I was confronted with a glorious site. Fortunately, I did remember my camera today and I may have stopped the car in the middle of the road and hopped out to snap a picture.

It's things like this that make me realize how tiny I am and remember that my creator's vision for my life and the world is infinitely better than mine.

Victory

Today I was out of the house by 7 AM. From that point, I did the following:

• Got my oil changed
• Cleaned out the back of the car
• Dropped Keller off at the groomer's
• Donated blood
• Went to Half-Priced Books
  
• Got my car washed and the inside cleaned
• Met Ari for lunch, followed by window shopping and ogling rescue dogs up for adoption
• Had a latte and read my new used book at Starbucks
• Fell in love with a lens I can't afford at Precision
• Stopped by a new store and picked up an awesome Valentine's card for Johnathan and a couple of anytime cards for two other people
• Picked Keller up from the groomer
• Took Keller to the park, where she proceeded to roll around on an old possum skeleton (eeeeeew!) while I read
  
• Met with 'my dealer' to get some makeup

Today was a very successful day in my world! I haven't felt this accomplished in a quite a long time. I had to record it all in writing or I'd never believe it tomorrow.

My only regret is that it was a perfect day for taking pictures - overcast all day - and I neglected to grab my camera when I left the house. I could kick myself!

Since I took the pictures of my coworker's family back in December, I've been blessed to have other generous people in my life volunteer to play "model" for me. A few weeks ago, I shot another coworker and her little family. It's always a different experience working with kids of varying ages. This little guy is three and was much more interested in running around than having his picture made, but who can blame him? All of this is a learning experience for me and I'm just grateful for the opportunity. Here are a few of my favorite shots from the day:

I adore his big, green eyes.

So much time and so little to do....

Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it.*

I feel like there is so much I need to do before Johnathan moves back and my time to do it is really short. In nine and a half days I will be getting on an early morning flight to New York to spend several days with my mom, Erin and Alivia and to go skiing. I get back to Austin on Thursday night and then Johnathan will be home at 9:00 the next morning.

Johnathan hasn't ever seen my new apartment, my "new" car. He hasn't seen Keller in two years. I feel like everything needs to be up to a certain level of 'perfect' upon his return. So here is the current list of things I need to accomplish in less than 10 days:

• Clean my whole apartment from top to bottom
• Get an oil change
• Get my car washed
• Get Keller groomed
• Lose 30 lbs
• Dye my hair
• Get my hair cut
• Finish decorating my apartment
• Buy a whole new, cuter wardrobe
• Learn to play the guitar

Hmmm...I'm sure there are even more things I would like to have done, but I get the feeling I'm being slightly unrealistic.

*Bonus if you can name that movie.

Best Day Ever!

Yesterday was an awesome day! The best part being that we found out Johnathan is coming home! We have been enduring a long distance relationship for the past two years. Well, things have finally lined up the right way for him to move back home! I could not be happier. And he'll even be home pretty soon. Just two weeks and two days.

We've been praying for this for so long and it really doesn't seem real. The past two years have put a huge strain on our relationship and we have, at times, been within an inch of the breaking point. But God never let us forsake each other or His plan for us and it has made us such a happier, healthier couple for struggling through it. We'll appreciate every day - every moment - we get to spend together all the more, because there was a time when we just didn't have the option. We both know that there will be plenty of hard times ahead, as every relationship and every life involves struggle. But, He got us through this together and we both know that He'll do it every time.

I also got to meet my new 'Little Sister' yesterday. I can't talk too much about that (to protect her privacy), but she is a sweet, adorable little girl and I had an awesome time playing with her at a playground near her house. Next week we're going to go to the public library, where she has never been before, and hopefully get her her own library card.

Today I truly feel like I have all that I could wish!

Family Resemblance

I fully admit to pilfering this from my mom, but it's just too funny.

Recent photos of my adorable niece:

Recent photos of my adorable sister:

I cannot imagine where Alivia got it from!