when to draw the line

Moving into another week and a another season.  Feeling a bit overwhelmed with work since we have been back from Tybee.  We've been trying to narrow down my position here at the station and simplify a few things so the job isn't so chaotic.  Let's see how it goes.  For the time being - I have to duck out of a few projects and let some things go to get a bit more time to breath.  I guess that is what vacations are good for - reminding you to take those moments since they are so precious and fleeting.  ​

This weekend was filled with some good, casual family fun.  We spent some really amazing, quality time with Rick's folks on Saturday and busted a move at Linwood Playground (aka Lunken) on Sunday.  Here's to a week filled with answers (I hope!).​

when do you say , enough is enough! ?  where do you draw the line?​

happy weekend!

And we're back!  Oh, I miss Tybee!!! ...and I'm not the only one.  

Yesterday morning Soren pulled out his shovels and grabbed his truck and beep, beeped his way across the apartment ready for the beach.  Big sad face!  In leu of the ocean, he started the faucet in the tub and jumped in!  Diaper and all!  Love that little man.​

But still, it is SO good to see the pup - missed her so much!  And it's good to be back to our kitchen - with our food.  The weekend will make for a good re-set before a very busy season.  Here's a wrap up of Tybee.  This is a great vacation spot for families, couples and singles.  I highly recommend it.  Not to mention Savannah is only 20 minutes away!​

​Enjoy!

​did you discover any great family retreats over the summer?  any recommendations?

Tybee Island: Day One

Well, i guess - technically day two.  But this footage is from day one.  And yes, Soren just went for it.  By it - I mean the ocean.  See for yourself!​​

more to come...   ​Until then, Soren leaves you with this:

'During the first period of a man's life the greatest danger is not to take the risk.' - Soren Kierkegaard

​what are some of your most memorable  family vacations?  look forward to taking off soon?

Working Motherhood

Now, I know - all mother's are working, whether or not they are employed - but that's not quite what I mean by 'working motherhood'.  I am talking about being an employed mother.  Being a parent is work - it's hard work, but I am sure most would join me in saying that it's very rewarding work.  Not that the work I do at the station is not, but it is a very different kind of work that I have been struggling with since the birth of our son.

​It's different?  how so?  Well, let me explain.  Rick and I are both audio engineers, which means that both of us can not only work at home, but almost have to.  Between unsuccesful child care research and staying on top of the industry, we are ALWAYS working - which for a momma, can prove to be very frustrating.  Not that it isn't for Rick, but he has this wild ability to be absolutely in LOVE with the projects he is working on while still making time for us, his family.  Although, I have to admit - he does get to work consistant hours at work and his side jobs are almost always scheduled around the same time.  Me, however - not so much.  I have the weirdest schedule.  Sometimes I will work 3 weeks in a row without a day off, but those days will be 12 hours, 4 hours or 6 hour days... my psyche gets SO confused.  

​Worst part about it all - I just want to be home with Soren.  Typical momma guilt?  Not really - I would say, more so... momma needs.  

Seriously?!  How do you not want to hang out with this guy and color ALL day??​

​Obviously - this is something I have been struggling with for awhile.  But things are changing.  Since the blog, the podcast, the SLR and playing in photoshop - all the research, the work and finished projects, I am starting to remember what encouraged me to be an engineer in the first place.  I am getting excited about work again - whether they are side projects, the blog or photography, best of all - I am finding ways to bring my son into it.  Not just as the story, but my inspiration to do the work.

My family got me through it.  I realize, looking back - my guys, Rick and Soren inspired me to push forward and I can't thank them enough.  Rick sends me research and articles about working in photoshop, new blogging resources and even ideas for the podcast.  Soren, well - it's simple.  You are just a joy to be around and your never ending curiosity and confidence convince me I am capable of anything. ​

​Thanks gents. 

​prepping for another adventure!!

Photography

Our family just took a plunge!  After creating photos on our iPhones and 'point&shoots', finally purchased an SLR.  After very long, tedious consideration (ask Rick - he and Soren suffered through all of it), we snagged ourselves a Nikon D3100 and couldn't be more pleased.  ​

​We started filling the SD card instantly with a visit to Lunken Playground.  Oh my goodness! is this camera a joy to use.  But because I am now toying with such an AMAZING tool (and I really shouldn't say toying - this thing is unbelievable!  I now see the cross-comparison of photography to audio engineering) I wanted a program that would really allow me to edit and manipulate our images.  

So I started with the obvious - a photoshop cs6 trial, which had quite the learning curve, but after a few tutorials online and forum questions, I started getting the hang of it - then came the sticker shock!  That surely wasn't going to happen.  If I was going to spend 700 bucks on software, it was going to be ProTools.  Anyway, I then tripped on photoshop elements and this is what I got:​

Pretty nice, right?  So for 64 bucks I opted for elements and am really psyched to dive into it.  I feel like, for the novice, it has just enough flexibility and photoshop tools to allow me to let my photo freak flag fly, but with the added benefit of having, say - a mentor standing behind you telling you exactly ​how to tweak that sharpness.  This has to be the most fun I have had in ages with photography and oddly enough reminds me why I enjoy audio so much.  Next - ProTools...for now, continued photo-shooting and blogging!

​Cheers!