A Year of 40

My birthday isn't until July. But I consider my list to be valid for the entire year that I'm 40. Haha! The list is continuously revised as my "think bigger" dreams evolve.

I haven't been good about keeping up this blog but I plan to do better as the special milestone year kicks off. Why celebrate a birthday for one day when you can celebrate the entire year of being that age.

My latest check off of this list is starting my own artsy business. Last November I signed up to be an Independent Demonstrator with Stampin' Up!. I hosted my first workshop in February and am planning another in April.

I would have had one in March but I caught the flu bug and am still recovering from it so unfortunately that workshop was cancelled. Being and ID with SU is bound to be an interesting experience. It's life consuming even when you don't want it to be. I realize I need to be much, much more organized to make room for conducting business. So, I'm taking my time getting it rolling and doing it one workshop at a time for now.

40 is bound to be interesting. In discussion is a trip to Italy with my BFF Kim. Hopefully finances and timing will work out. Our goal is to hit the mediterranean country within our big year. Can't wait!

What shall I check off next? I have a lot of work ahead of still to do.

Less Than a Year

Since my last post a year ago, I've gotten busy with getting my craft on! 

In November 2010 I bought myself a dSLR camera.  After the photography class I couldn't wait to pick up a "fancy" camera and start shooting.  So, when the sales started up for the holiday season I jumped in and got myself a camera kit.  A new obsession began. 

In January I started a new project called "365 Project" where you take a photo of your life each day for a year.  You can see it on my 365 project site.  It's been a transformational project, bringing more peace and creativity into my life.  It's tough thinking of topics day in and day out (which is why I have tons of photos of Lucy on there) but often times the result is worth the time.

Through the year I've started getting more involved in a scrapping/crafting group.  We'll be planning our first retreat in November with a beach house in northern California where we will craft all weekend.  Very excited!

The year has taken me on a trip to Banff/Jasper area in Alberta, Canada.  The views were stunning.

And now, it's September.  It seems as I get older the days pass by faster.  It amazes me that we can see Halloween on the horizon with the holidays just beyond. 

So, it makes me wonder why does 40 have to seem so "final"?  I need to set goals beyond 40 because when I reach July next year, I want to celebrate it with joy and excitement.  I don't want the "over the hill", black balloons, tombstone reminders.  Middle age is right in front of me and I don't think I'm ready.  I need to travel through a couple more rites of passage before I get "old".

Wait, 40 is the new 30, right?

Time after time...

Hilarious! 

I can't believe it's been months since I've blogged here.  While things have changed, nothing has changed as well.  The niece and nephews are growing and maturing.  Work, home are constant and not changing.  I've done a lot of stuff and I've done a lot of nothing.  My 20th High School reunion just passed by.  Where has the time gone?

I've reignited or maybe it's more like I've begun to focus more on my creative self.  Recently, I took a photography class and have been getting more and more into card making.  Fancy papers, adhesive, punchers, stamps... it's my meditation.  You can find me at Studio Julz.

Off I go to get my craft on!

New York City

New York City! It's a wonderful town. I finally made it there and spent several glorious days eating, watching Broadway shows, seeing Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig in "A Steady Rain", shopping, touring this fantastic city. I heart NYC!

Oh Baby

On August 27, my newest nephew was born into this world. I was there from the time my sister-in-law was at 4cm until he emerged. This little guy was clear that he wasn't going to make it easy to make his grand entrance but after mommy's perseverance, he emerged just before midnight with a loud, strong cry. He is one of the most beautiful people in my life. Seeing him just moments after he was born is an experience I will never forget. I finally held him the next day, after all the tiring excitement of the previous night. Holding him in my arms, I found myself softly speaking to him in Chinese which is odd since English is my first language. But the rhythm of the language was lulling and familiar.

An unexpected moment for me was when they put him on my sis-in-law's chest for the first time. I happened to be standing right next to her and hearing her sigh and the look on her face, I felt the world stop and a moment of pure satisfaction envelope around us. I pray that someday I will have a similar experience.

Welcome little one! I'm so glad you're here.

NYC, Here I Come

I'm going. Yippee, I'm going. With little on my touristy agenda, I plan to pretend to be a New Yorker for a few days. I am so excited!